Too old to be staying up till 3 AM

Last week my husband's band had a gig playing from 10pm to 1 am at a local club. As I really enjoy the music of said band, I always try to go when they play local. After the job was finished, the business transaction completed (getting paid), and all the gear torn down and packed in various vehicles, goodbyes said, we headed home. With the usual drive home, locking the gate, parking the car, and getting in the house, the clock had edged just past 2 am. After a short unwind period for the musician, getting all the furbabies settled in for the night, it was 3 am and we were just heading for bed.

Now, the cats have their own schedule. And they don't care when I get to bed. When you have 4 CATS, they win. So about 6:30 am, they were voicing their angst about the late breakfast feeding (loudly). Grumbling loudly myself, I struggled out of bed, fed the dog, the inside cats, and the outside cats, then collapsed back in bed. Finally drug my tired body out of bed about 9:15 (still morning) since it is really difficult to sleep with a cat sitting on my chest just looking at my face.

Took me 2 days to get caught up with enough beauty sleep to feel human again. So glad I did not have any shows planned for that week-end.

I did get to do a little photography last Sunday. I get to go to a small town with a Mission church (that is still having services weekly) on rare occasions and I did on Sunday. Got a few decent shots and may post a few here.

Art Show results and other ramblings

My sales at the local art show were a little disappointing, but not unexpected. Even though the show had less venders than in the past, quality and talent stayed the same, very high. One of my photographs from China was submitted for the judged event, but paintings were selected for best of show. I will try again next year.

Sadly, the main farmer's market where I have been selling my canned goods has all but ended. The promoters of the market has decided to have the event only one Sunday each month. So, now I am looking for other venues for sales.

Even though the beginning of this post are downers, Life has been throwing good things too. I am really enjoying my new ride. The Escape is easy to load and perfect for show 'cartage'. I am learning that I really like the air conditioning as well.......almost a must in El Paso.......and a black car.

The music scene is in full swing for my husband as well. A happier husband makes for a happier wife. Course, it makes for a busier day too. He works with three different groups and has band jobs with each of the three in the next 3 weeks. I find it amazing that he can play at least 3 different kinds of music and keep straight how he is to play with each group. My husband and both kids got all the musical talents in our family. That's ok, too. I was gifted with 'hands on' talents and the ability to find beauty almost everywhere and being able to share it with all.

Hope each of you Mother's had a wonderful day. Mine was quiet and restful, heard from one of my kids and that is ok. Highlight was getting a card from my Husband that said 'to my Beautiful Wife'. Poor man needs new glasses, but sure made me feel good.

Art show this week-end

Since last Sunday turned out to be such a good show for me, I decided to apply for a small local show that only allows art pieces. Friday evening will be the reception, with a full day of showing and selling on Saturday. I do have a few new matted photos and will also be showing for the juried part a couple of framed images from China.

Looks like this week is going to be another busy one. I finally replaced my van (who carried me around for 11 years) last week. As with almost all second-hand vehicles, this new one has had a few 'fix-me' issues. Today was a dead battery, repaired by buying a new battery, then she was off to have an oil change and bath (aka car wash). Now she is purring and pretty.

The Band my husband is part of are working this Friday evening. For someone in his mid 60's, his Drum playing is simply amazing! Just shows how good Music, and the Love Of, is for a person.

Till later. Go out and enjoy some local Art, support your local Artists too.

Time has so gotten away

I can't believe that it has been so long since I posted here. Life has been very busy for me this year. I have been photographing, knitting, crocheting, canning and generally being 'Mom' to now 4 feline furbabies and our canine 'son'.

We were blessed (?) with a new addition last September who has required a lot of supervision and care as well as learning the house rules. We found a two week old kitten who had strayed from a neighbor's yard and could not figure out how to get home. This meant 4 to 5 weeks of bottle feeding several times a day, taking him out of his cage for exercise and 'potty' breaks. He even went to the farmer's markets with me on Sunday mornings. For being a feral cat/kitten, he quickly learned the ropes and now controls the rest of us. He has a lot of Maine Coon cat, with long white hair and a tail that is at least 11 inches and he is only 7-8 months old.

Winter was a little chilly here in the Texas Desert. Something like a week of 0 degrees. Made us wonder if we had been transported back to Pennsylvania, but we made it with only the loss of some trees. Course we got to replace 3 outside faucets when the water thawed out.

I have been really enjoying photographing lately, the birds are back and our cactus garden is in full bloom so I have lots to shoot.

The farmer's market I sell my 'gourmet fixin's' at has started up again this month. I decided to add some new seasonings and a few sugar free jams since not everyone loves pickled jalapenos.

Happy Memorial Week-end

Just in for a minute to wish everyone a Happy Memorial Day. Hope you have lots of time to share with loved ones. Most of all remember to honor those loved ones who have given the supreme sacrifice so we may be free.

We are going on a moonlight tour around a beautiful lake tomorrow night. A good friend is going with us, and he knows all about gemstones and rock hunting so our drive will be educational as well.

My good friend, Mr. (Ms. ?) Nikon will also be attending, with a new memory card and fully juiced battery.

Great day Today.

We took off this morning early to have a Photo Day trip. Heading out just before 7 am, the Cruiser was in the wind to White Sands Nat. Monument, NM. Arrived there about 8:30 with beautiful scenics and great light.

About 3 hours later and 150+ new images, we left the park area. But we had a great time. And a full moon hike is offered out on the dunes each month, so we will try to get back there for sunset and the full moon rising this upcoming Saturday night.

Here is my 'Driver" in his chauffeur attire. What looks like snow is the white sand dunes.

Take care and be careful out there.

Life Continues

Good morning and happy week-end. I am continuing to edit all my folders of images. Lots of images, but sadly, not as many good ones as I had hoped. This new camera and using a lens on manual focus has been a real learning experience. But I am getting there and the images that I specialize in (birds and flower) usually do good.

It has been a full week. Since I am seriously trying to improve my body weight and thus my lifestyle; I work outside about an hour each day. We are blessed with 1/2 acre of yard so for the last three days, I've become the family gardener/yard person. A few veggies have been planted, and an area of wildflower seeds for the hummers and butterflies went in. But the real work was the removal of 3 3-foot century plant cactus. Talk about fighting back, That was a serious work-out. But I'm enjoying being outside and love my home so any improving projects are worth a little effort.

In addition, I was invited to write a short weekly article on recycling for the local freecycle group. My first article went up this week and the list owner asked for one article each week. Guess that went well.

I am planning a photo day trip to White Sands, NM. We were there before many years ago. But I want to go very early to catch the sun coming up over the Desert, so I have to 'talk real nice' (aka bribe) the other half so we can travel in his shiny new PT Cruiser (which has air conditioning).

I'm still anxiously waiting for a response regarding my first submission. I might call Monday and make sure I sent it correctly.

Have fun out there. Tell the One you love that you Love them.