Sunday, December 20, 2009

Winter Wonderland



Well we are almost ready for Christmas! Decorating is done as is the shopping. I took this picture this morning of our backyard. I really liked the dark blue snow clouds coming in from the North over the lake. According to the weather forcaster, I had better fix this firmly in my mind as it might be raining here by Friday. I never considered the possibility of not having a white Christmas as we have been slipping and sliding here for weeks.

While taking this picture the squirrel games began. We have four birdfeeders in the yard and the squirrels are busy chining themselves on the hangers robbing each feeder. While I don't mind their antics, they did cross the line today. Storing birdfeed has become a problem at our house. If we keep the seed in the garage, it attracts mice. Uck! Well, we decided the only thing to do was to buy a rolling trash can to keep outside and place the seed inside. To discourage the squirrels from investigating, we placed it right under the living room window. Much to my surprise, today I was met with two beedy eyes staring at me through the window. Mr. squirrel was busy destroying the hinge on the trash can. By the time I got the camera, he was gone. His buddies were still around though. Anyone with ideas for storing seed, please let me know!
I have been spending quite a bit of time in my studio this week. I started a new tradition this year and have painted bird pendants for some special people in my life. I will show them after Christmas. Besides pendants, I finished a painting of the Grand Hotel entrance on a hazy day. I am currently working on a portrait-my first of a Cherokee Indian that lives on the island. I had intended to show my WIP, but cannot as my dog ate the power cord to my scanner, and the new one has not arrived yet. No kidding-this was a $45.00 snack. You see, Jasmine, our 10 year old Golden, believes she should NEVER be left along. She gets quite angry and tends to snack on the first thing she can find. I am surprised she has not been electrocuted by now. Its animal house around here.
This will probably be my last post till after Christmas. I wish everyone a Very Merry and Blessed Christmas and a healthy and profitable New Year!
till next time,
Gail










4 comments:

Mona Diane Conner said...

Gail, that's a very funny story about your dog! Can't wait to see your bird pendants, Grand Hotel, and Cherokee Indian portrait! Merry Christmas!

Gail Hayton said...

Thanks Mona,
Seems like everyone else has such cute stories about animals and mine chew trash cans and power cords. Oh well,
Gail ps Have a Merry Christmas!

Barbara A. Freeman said...

Hi Gail, What a hoot! I was laughing out loud with the beedy eyes and doggie stories. Happy Holidays to you and good luck with the new work. Sounds exciting!

Gail Hayton said...

Barbara,
I am glad you enjoyed the story. I should have also mentioned that a couple of days ago I popped over to the neighbor across the street to deliver a present and when I got home both my goldens were in the kitchen surrounded by coffee grounds and wet paper towel. I should never leave the house!