The Bravest Woman I ever knew......

The bravest woman I ever knew……

Denise DeBerry-Davis
1964-2008

Denise was my cousin and what an amazing woman. She was born with spina bifida and began her life as a fighter. The doctors said she probably would not live past 12 years old. Her parents Laura and Don DeBerry and brothers, Donnie and David gave her inspiration for her determination to live her life to the fullest each and every day. As a small child she would drag her little body around and play with her brothers and I mean really play! Denise went through many operations and only had one kidney. I remember once as a child she wanted to spend the night with me and mother was so worried about how to empty her kidney bag – well Denise said what do you mean – I do it by myself and she did! She even rode my horse once too! As Denise grew into a teenager she decided she did not want to live in a wheelchair so she got braces and hand crutches and sold her wheelchair! Of course, then it was I’m going to drive a car! Now she was very tiny but she got a car with hand controls and off she went like the wind. She worked and bought her own home. When Kenny and I first moved to Nevada we stayed in Fallon with my Aunt Laura and Uncle Don. We got to spend a lot of time with Denise which I am so grateful for. She was funny, smart and feisty! Kenny would try to help her in the big cargo van and she have none of that – she just climbed right up. And I think the funniest story was Denise and I were going to a club one night and it was pouring down rain. There was a handicap parking space right at the club door. I said Denise there’s a parking space – she said leave for someone who needs it and I laughed and said “Your old cousin needs it because my hair will frizz”. Of course, I ending up soaking wet because she would never park in a handicap space. And she had a lot of fun in the casino’s because security would always think she was a 10 year girl playing the slot machines! She loved to whip out her driver’s license to prove she was “21”. I treasure the times I got to spend with Denise. She met and married her husband Ty who I regret I’ve never got to meet. Ty is also in a wheelchair but that never stopped them. They took trips and lived in their own home in Reno. This last trip she and Ty drove to Tucson, Az to visit Laura and Don at their winter home there. On the way back Denise got sick in Las Vegas and Ty’s parents came down to get them. Denise was put in the hospital and all the family arrived. She had double pneumonia and a bladder infection. The doctor’s did not give much hope but on Friday she woke up – knew everyone and was even getting feisty! She told her mother to go home and get some rest. Sadly to say this weekend Denise left this world. Throughout her life I never heard her complain about her condition or her challenges. She was a bright ray of sunshine for everyone who came across her path. We will remember Denise with laughter and tears but mostly for her spirit. God was kind enough to let us all be touched by this angel for 44 years. We will miss you Denise and I will always think of you as “The bravest Woman I’ve ever known”…….

Spring has Sprung

"Lemon Zest Petunia"
I think it's really no more cold weather. You know why - my hair is frizzy! It's very nice and yesterday I planted a few flowers. Kenny and I went to Home Depot and got me some purple petunias and yellow ones. The Yellow one is new and called "Lemon Zest" - really pretty. I will get some red and white ones later. And I'm hoping for a red geraium for maybe Mother's Day! My allergeries are still really bad. I woke up and 6 am and felt like I had strep throat! It hurt so bad so I made a cup of tea and had an ibruprofen. I finally got back to sleep around 10. I fell better tonight and hope I can sleep. I did cut the grass today because it's suposed to rain tomorrow plus we have to get ready to go to Columbus. I tried to paint but the creative brain said Nope - I'm not working today - oh well, some days it works and some days not. Got lots to do tomorrow and now I have to play "Squeaky Toy" with Tatiana - she is sitting in the bed barking at me.



Best of My Day - enjoying the nice weather and cutting the grass!

Sunday Art Clinic

"Follow me Downtown"
Well, I was "Tired but Inspired" at the Art Clinic today. I actually went to my dressing room at 2:30 am and slept on the floor until 6 am when Kenny got everything packed up. I came home and went right to bed then Matilda woke me up at 10:30! So I got up, had my tea, read the news, showered, and got there by 1pm and painting for 5 hours. I felt good and got a lot accomplished today but I'm fading fast now. I finished "Follow Me Downtown" - this is photo I took of Greenville, SC a few years ago (the girl is made up). I love the spattered sunlight on the sidewalk and buildings so I'm pleased with this one. I almost finished my still life but will have to work on it a little more. It's going to be one of my favorite and I want to do more still lifes. I'm back home and Kenny went to Kroger for me and I made a nice fruit salad with cheese and crackers. Now I'm putty in my chair and Desperate House Wives is about to come on so I'm down for the count. We had a great weekend at Beluga and I love my new Rod Stewart song! Now, I'll probably be useless tomorrow but I'm going to sleep hard and dream about painting.......

The Bunnies are Gone!!!

I guess Mommy Bunny got fed up with the kids too - I had to yell at them {kids}yesterday and when Kenny got home he had to run a bunch out of the yard too. I put a string of dental floss over the hole to see if Mommy was coming back to feed them and before we went to work I was going to check and I saw the Mommy Bunny hopping off. So I knew she was coming back. Then this afternoon Noisy Neighbor knocked on the door and said they were gone. We think the Mommy moved them or "someone" took them - I hope it's the Mommy. I wanted to get a another picture with their little eyes open but I was too busy running off the kids. Damn. So, the Bunny Saga is over and they were really cute. We're headed back to work - great night last night - and tomorrow Shane is doing another 5 hour art clinic so I've got the clock set for noon and I'm going to drag myself to Marietta and paint! I'll be "Tired but Inspired" - Hey, I like that! Happy Weekend to Everyone....

A Beautiful Spring Day

Now if it would only stay this nice! No Hotter! It was 70 degrees and sunny all day - just beautiful. I changed all the knobs on the kitchen cabinets - I got a great deal on line - Glass antique Blue Knobs - Regular $9.99 each and I got them for $.49 each! Now that's a deal. When we first moved I hated the blue cabinet tops but some where along the way I'm so glad we didn't get the granite and now I like the blue. So the Glass knobs really set it off! I also made a "Crockpot Apple Pie" and used Splenda - it's wonderful. Think I'll have some more for the midnight snack! AND the Bunnies have their eyes open. I'm trying to think of a way to move them to the back yard so the kids and "neighbor" will leave them the hell alone! She was in my yard last night and wanted a flashlight! GO HOME and take your kids with you! My good kid neighbor's came over (they don't try to hold them) and we looked into the hole and their little eyes are all open and they are so cute. Of course, you want to hold them but I want them to survive too. And I read all about them and they want to be wild. Of course, don't we all want to be wild! It's going to be friday already tomorrow so it's back to work at the club. A very good and talented musician we know died this week at 28. He OD'ed and that is very sad and such a tragic waste of talent. May he rest in peace.

Best of My Day: looking into the sweet bunny eyes!

Baby Bunny's

Well, they survived the weekend while we were gone but I'm surprised they did. I'm so mad at my neighbor I could spit nails (that's being nice) - I was worried about her bratty children bothering them but it was her that could not leave them alone. She took them out of their den (oh, she said the mommy bunny came by - duh) and took them into her house! With three kids! Then the put up a little "Tent" in my front yard because it was going to get cold. I said LEAVE THEM ALONE...the poor things don't even have their eyes open yet and the Mommy is taking care of them herself. I went on line and read about how she comes to feed them twice a day and that cottontail bunnies do not want to be held or kept as pets. They love the wild and will hurt themselves to escape from your hands if you try and hold them. It's suposed to get warm again this week and I sure hope they are grown enough to survive. She had them in a blanket so I said let me take a picture before you kill them! OK, I didn't really say that but I was thinking it! Then I kept saying just leave them alone. I think I'll sit in my yard with a big straw hat and a pitchfork and dare them to come in my yard! Please, Emma, I'm not really mean but don't like stupid people. Trust me, they are not allowed in "Nana's World" or not allowed to touch Tatiana and Matilda! I just had to get that off my chest and I will keep posting about the Bunny's - I sure hope they grow up quick and hop hop hop away really fast. It was a cold rainy day and I loved it! I'm tired from the weekend but going to get some painting done this week. And Kenny just mailed the taxes -yeah - maybe I can have my husband back! It's the first tiime in a while we haven't filed an extension so I'm really glad he got that over with. I don't know how he does it - I'm one of those who would have to have an accountant (I really don't like math!) And we're back to a two car family (we sold the sable) and getting the house painted with the money. I'd rather have a 20th anniversary cruise but the house really needs painting!!!! On with the week....

Best of My Day: Driving in the Rain!

Just when I thought it couldn't be better

Matilda in the flowers
My bass player LeBron came out on the other deck and brought me sausage, bacon, toast and a boiled egg! I had a breakfast (at 2 pm) on the deck with the fire! Just like camping out. Of course, Matilda got most of the bacon!!! Then I took some more pictures - had to share this one!

Cool morning with a fire on the Deck

Sunday fireplace on the Deck with Matilda

I'm enjoying a very cool morning in Columbus on our deck with a roaring fire! It really feels more like fall than spring and I love it. Because in just a few weeks it will be so hot here and sticky! I think Matilda is loving it too (Tatiana and her Daddy are still in the bed!) We had a nice weekend at the club and yesterday we were reheasing and a photographer I know here came to do a Model portfolio - she loves Audrey Hepburn!!! So I took a few shots and maybe will paint something from them. I delivered a commission this weekend and sold a cigar box too - yeah....It's going to get cold again (30's) for a couple of days and then warm again. I'm ready to go home and settle in tonight for "Desperate Housewives" - a new one - yeah...Hey, I think I'll have the fireplace on at home too - one last time!

First Cut of the Grass

"Bath Day" - only got one of Matilda!

First Grass Cut of the Year!

We finally got the mower started so I could do one of my favorite things - cut the grass!! I'll be sneezing like crazy tomorrow but it felt so good. BUT, I had found an ant hill so I put some poison on it then my neighbor came over and I was going to put some on what I thought was another ant hill. There was some fur in the ground and it starting moving!!!! She lifted it up - we thought it was a bird and you won't believe - it was FOUR baby bunnies! There was a nest and I had actually run over it with the mower but they were buried in the ground. They did not have their eyes open yet but they looked really good and they wiggled. We put the fur back over it and I googled it and found out the Mommy Bunny feeds about twice a day - dawn and dusk. They don't mind the human touch but said to just leave them alone - that the mommy should come back. Oh, I hope so. This is a Columbus weekend and I hope they will be here when we get back. It also said not to try and tame a cottontail because they would rather be in the wild. I just hope those Pesky Kids will leave them alone this weekend too. I hope to get a photo but I do not want to disturb them any more - can you imagine the trauma of a tractor running over your bed!!!! I think their names will be Winky, Binky, Dinky and Nod!!! It was also "Bath" day for the girls so they look all pretty in their pink bows. It was a beautiful day today in the 70's but tomorrow it's going to be real stormy and by Sunday cold again! At least the rain will wash some of the pollen away - it's awful here right now and everything is "Yellow". I'm going to mix a drink at Belloo's this weekend and call it "Georgia Pollen" - after two of them you won't care if you sneeze! And it will be "Yellow" - sounds like Scotch to me!! Have a great weekend everyone.....


Best of My Day: Cutting the grass and then realizing I didn't kill the Baby Bunnies!!!

Garden

Ok, I did it today! I planted my leaf lettuce seed. The first thing I get to pick in my garden is lettuce because it will be ready in May. When it gets hot, the lettuce gets bitter but there is nothing like that first "Granny Salad". This was a salad my Daddy's Grandmother always made. It's just the tender leaf lettuce and spring onions with the dressing (that's the kicker!). I usually add tomatoes but they will have to be grocery store ones in May. The dressing (there is no reciepe) you just have to stick your finger in it and taste! It's Cider Vinegar, sugar (I use Splenda now) and Duke's Mayo! Just mix it up until it's a little sweet and a little sour - Yum!
I also picked 3 tullips out of my yard today and they are on the kithchen counter. Yep, spring is almost here although we may be back in the 30's next week. I'm still not complaining - that dreadful heat is coming I know. My knee feels better today too for which I'm very grateful. I also built one more bird feeder - that's 5 we have now and I think that will do it. I just love the little birds so very much. I was hoping for a mommy in my watering can at the back door again but it may still be too early. The nest is still in there so we will see what happens. I was going to cut the grass but can't get the mower to start. Kenny went and got a battery but Nope - that's not it. May be the starter and I so wanted to cut the grass. You know that is one of my favorite things in the world to do! NOT weed eat - or use the push mower - just my little tractor!!! Tomorrow is suposed to be beautiful so we'll see what I come up with then!

Best of My Day: Getting my hands in the dirt and planting my first seeds of the season....
PS> Sissy, a great Father's Day gift for Grampy would be a nail gun for his air compressor!!! He may already have one....

Silly Picture

It's Saturday afternoon - lying in bed because we have to work tonight. I was giving Tatiana a rub down and kisses and she was so sweet. So I took silly pictures of her!!!!!!

Little Pantings and Cigar Boxes

"Woodworm"

Oil on Canvas 5 x 7

"Greenville"

Working on this one!!!!

"Country Lane"

Oil on Cigar Box

"Poppies on the Ledge"

Oil on Cigar Box

Boy, was I tired after yesterday. But I got up and made a "picnic lunch" - fried chicken legs, deviled eggs, corn on the cob and chips with dip! It was really good and Kenny loved it. And it felt like picnic weather too - mid 70's today! But get this - it's going to drop 20 degrees tonight and the High tomorrow is on 50! I did another closet today (stage closet) but only got one bag for the thrift store. I was bored with that so my paintings were just calling my name. I'm still doing small paintings and boxes to "learn" more. One is very special - I had a old picture of my Daddy in his Woodshop on my desk downstairs. Probably taken a couple years ago - so I painted it with not much detail - just an "impression" and I'm going to give it to him. I actually love it and oh, the memories that go along with this one! My Daddy's shop is where we can go and not say a word to each other but just connect. There is nothing like that feeling. Then, I finished a couple of cigar boxes. The pictures are not very good but I'll post them anyway. I did 2 more boxes today and started two more and one more 5 x 7! It was a good painting day. Now, when I got up to come upstairs I could not put any pressure on my knee - ouch - that hurt like hell. I had done 10 minutes on my bike today then sat at my art table for about 4 hours. I MAY have overdone it a little yesterday going up and down the stairs. I came up and put ice on it and I think I'll take it easy tomorrow! I still feel good about everything I'm doing though and look forward to another great weekend at Beluga!

Best of My Day: Painting my Daddy in his shop and "remembering".......

spring cleaning

I'm not sure what has happened but I'm on a mission! I started cleaning out my "bag" closet - the one above the bathtub that I love! I now have a van full of "donations" - I had stuff in there from years ago and I got rid of it all! It does feel good to do this. I then started on my closet in the master bedroom (I have closets in every room!) I did move a lot of winter stuff downstairs - that was my exercise for the month! My knee did good but sore today. I'm going to tackle the "Stage Closet" downstairs today - no going up and down all day! Now, of course, it's only supposed to about 50 degrees tomorrow so I have a keep a few warm things around for a while longer. I told Kenny I felt better than I have in a long time - getting my knee fixed has done wonders for me - I'm on the way back - yeah.....

Best of My Day: Finishing one spring cleaning room.....

More about Monday

On another note I went to the Doc yesterday and got my stitches out - he says my knee looks good (even if I did perorm in heels) as he rolled his eyes! Dr A says I have a lot more "Arthur" in my knee than he thought at first so he may want to try the "lubrication" shots after 8 weeks. We'll see but for now it's get on the bike and don't hurt myself! My whole outlook has been lifted after this surgery. I was in pain for so long and that can be very depressing but I found myself this week just "feeling lighter" (not weight-wise ha ha) but mentally. Now, today is great - got all my errands done yesterday, house keeper cleaned the house, and I cooked so I can actually decide what I WANT to do today. It's going to be a rainy week so I'm thinking about starting on the dreaded "closet clean-out"! Maybe - I'll decide that later - it may just be a lazy day too

The Weekend

I did it I did it I did it and I did it in High Heels!!!! I did use my cane but performed both nights at Beluga - oh, I did enjoy the huge men lifting me up on my box to sit on the piano! We had a good weekend though and I didn't hurt myself at all. Then I did the craziest thing - Shane was conducting a 5 hour art workshop on Sunday and I HAD to go. So I actually set my clock, got up, showered and drove to Marietta to paint for 5 hours! It was glorius and I always learn something. I did tell everyone I thought they were fools to be up that early - we had got to bed around 6 am! I'm working on a painting that I took years ago of Downtown Greeenville, SC and it will be nice when I can finish it. Also, I took the two paintings that Shane is going to show at the Calhoun Art Center this month. Maybe, just maybe, they will sell! I was really exhausted by Sunday night but Kenny and I went to Kroger and I made our favorite soup - we call it "Myrtle Beach Soup" because when we were on vacation last year we had this at a great Italian place and they actually gave me the receipe. I'll share it with everyone. It doesn't sound that good but it is heavenly (don't tell the kids it has collard greeens in it) - I NEVER eat greens but they are good in this.
Minestra Beans
“Beans and Greens”
Emberto’s Myrtle Beach SC


Ingredients:

Ham Stock ( I use beef or chicken broth)
2 cans Great Northern White Beans
1 Can Collard Greeens
1 Can Crushed Tomatoes
½ Cup Onion
1-2 Cloves Chopped Garlic

Heat Stock, watet, onions and garlic until onion is tender
Reduce heat, add beans, collards, tomatoes.

Bake in oven 350 degrees for 45-60 Minutes

Serve with Parmesan Cheese

Claiborne’s Note: I cook sweet Italian sausage and the onions and garlic – I add that to the soup for a “Meat Meal” - I really think the “Baking” is the secret!!!!! Enjoy

On another note I went to the Doc yesterday and got my stitches out - he says my knee looks good (even if I did perorm in heels) as he rolled his eyes! Dr A says I have a lot more "Arthur" in my knee than he thought at first so he may want to try the "lubrication" shots after 8 weeks. We'll see but for now it's get on the bike and don't hurt myself! My whole outlook has been lifted after this surgery. I was in pain for so long and that can be very depressing but I found myself this week just "feeling lighter" (not weight-wise ha ha) but mentally. Now, today is great - got all my errands done yesterday, house keeper cleaned the house, and I cooked so I can actually decide what I WANT to do today. It's going to be a rainy week so I'm thinking about starting on the dreaded "closet clean-out"! Maybe - I'll decide that later - it may just be a lazy day too!

Best of my Day: Not "having" to do anything!

Getting ready for the weekend

"Little Birdie"

Oil on Cigar Box

Poppy Field Village

Oil on Cigar Box

I really had plans for today but I think I "over did it" a little yesterday! It felt so good to get out of the house, then I came home, made dinner, then went to my studio and painted until after 1 am. So today I didn't feel great and I was going to paint but just couldn't get into it. So I did some stuff upstairs, printing and planning. My friend Sandy came over after work and we met Kenny at BiBa's for a lovely dinner. She visited for a while then drove home. I think I'm ready for tomorrow night - it's going to be hard not to "Dance"! I did find out today I sold 3 paintings at the Enable Gala so looking forward to that check! And Shane now wants two paintings for the show he is doing. He is having an open art class on Sunday afternoon and it may kill me but I AM going. I probably won't be there at one in the afternoon - DUH - but I'll get in a little painting time. So it's going to be a very long weekend but I'm looking forward to it! Oh, yesterday it was so nice and I had the doors open and of course a little bird flew in - I chased it around for a while with a broom - well, hobbled around - and it kept flying all over the place with Tatiana and Matilda chasing it too. Poor Birdie. He finally flew into the laundry room and I closed the door really fast. There was a blanket on the washer so I threw it over the little bird, took him out on the deck and let him go. It was a great feeling! I'm sure it was for the little birdie too! I did finish a couple more cigar boxes - I love doing these but I've got to get back to some big canvas painting!


Best of My Day: Holding the little birdie in the blanket and freeing him back to the skies....

Already Tuesday

"Martini Cigar Bar"

Oil Painting on Cigar Box
I know I missed a few days but it's already almost the middle of the week. And welcome to Georgia in the springtime - we had snow flurries yesterday and it will be 70 tomorrow and 75 by friday. And who knows - maybe snow next week! This is why we don't change over our closets until April or even May! I'm doing better and can even walk a little on my knee. It still hurts but I can already tell a difference. Today, I finally cleaned out my "jewelry" chest. Lots of junk and some pieces I just could not let go of (Old or sentimental) but Emma has a gallon baggie full of treasure! I've got to figure out what shoes to wear to Beluga this weekend.......Silver High Top Tenny Shoes??????mmmmmmm And I need to paint a little tomorrow (got to get down the steps) and the girls really need a bath - wait - I'm supposed to take it easy this week. Lettuce needs to be planted, another bird feeder built, prepare dirt for garden, oh the list's I have in my head! And that's probably where they will stay for now. I did finish a cigar box for Belloo's last week - we ARE a Martini Cigar Bar - and I think I need a Martini right now! That's it for now - I think I'll think about all my lists and go to sleep!!!

Best of My Day: Touching jewelry that Grandmother wore.....

Shane's Show

http://shanemcdonaldstudios.com/events/

Check this out - me and Shane working..................click on web site above

Shane's Art Show with Students

"Oriental Figurines" 24 x 30 Oil on Canvas
Shane McDonald, my art instructor is hosting a show in Calhoun, Ga in April and I have been asked to put in a painting. Shane always loved "Oriental Figurines" and I have never put it in a show so this is going to be the one. This is very nice and I'm excited.

Not so good today

Sunday has been rough - very sick this morning and woke up at 4 am in a lot of pain. Mother had to go home but I did keep some breakfast down and took a shower. I've napped off and on today and now Kenny is home so that is wonderful. I'm surprised I feel this bad but maybe the third day is the worst - I hope so. I hate to throw up! It's going to be cold again tomorrow so I think I'll just snuggle in for another day. I have enjoyed talking to my friends but today didn't feel like talking at all but I appreciate all the messages......

Best of My Day: Daddy's Home!!!!

Day after Surgery

The Old "Frozen Peas" for knee!!!!!

Granny taking care of the "Girls"

Yesterday I had no pain but a lot of pain pills! Today I got up and felt fine but waited too long to eat breakfast and take my pill! Ouch! But I iced my knee and rested so it's still pretty easy. Mother and I decided we would go out for an early dinner. We went right up the street to Norman's Landing and had a wonderful shrimp dinner. It was a treat for both of us. It has been a fun weekend - I don't when my mother and I have had this kind of time together. It's been great and of course she has taken very good care of me. I've had lots and lots of calls from friends and that is always nice too. Kenny will home tomorrow and and I can also take a shower tomorrow too - yeah. Next week will be a little tough especially when my "Mommy" goes home but I'm still so glad to have had this done.





Best of my Day: A Mommy and Me Weekend

Surgery in the Morning

OK, ONE more time - the left knee this time and I'll be glad to get it over with. Surgery is at noon and my Dear Mother is here to take care of me. Kenny and the Boys have to go to Columbus so I'm taking the weekend off and being "babied" by my mother!!! Last time I had the right knee down and did an art show and worked 2 nights 2 days after surgery - Not going there again! But I will be back at Beluga next friday and saturday - maybe not in my 4" heels but then again - who knows???? I really hope this is the last surgery I need for a while - I've had enough in the last 2 years! I'll try and post sometime this weekend but I plan to sleep alot and chill on Vicadon! But I promise no photo's of the knee>.........

Best of My Day: My Mommy coming to take care of me....

Wild Weather!!!

No we didn't get hit by the several tornado's in Atlanta but they came close enough! And the club was packed this weekend too so we are glad we got to work. I did a "double" on saturday - performed for the Enable Charity here in Atlanta then Beluga - I could hardly walk on Sunday or Talk! Pat and Kenny cut down the huge cedar tree by the garage - it needed to come down because it was laying on the roof. I hated to loose it but it doesn't look too bad at all. And we are going to get the house painted so it saved us a lot of money by them doing it. I sat in the driveway and "supervised"!! Then I did make them a fillet steak dinner but I was so tired I could hardly stand up. AND, today I went to see Dr A and he said my cartilage is really bad, then he grinned and said how about this friday!!! So, I'm having surgery at noon on friday - yeah, whoopie and I'll be better by gardening season. Having spent last summer with the shoulder operation I could not stand to think of going weeks (or months) before getting it done, then doing the re-hab. He's great to get me worked in - but of course this is his third surgery on me. And my Mother and Daddy are coming to "take care" of me. Kenny and the guys have to go to Columbus so it will be very nice having "Mommy" to nurse me! At least I won't have to get up and fix myself beanie weanie's!!! I'll have about a week to lie around then get the stitches out then work on my re-hab. I already have the bike from the last knee so I'll get back on that and hopefully be better very soon. We are very grateful that we did not have any damage here at our house. The pictures are pretty bad in Atlanta and one news channel tonight had a photo of the actual tornado - it looked very scary! And the best story I heard was a fireman went in and rescued a 3 month old puppy from the Cotton Mill Lofts - it had been trapped in there for 2 days and it's doing fine! I've got a lot to do now in 2 days to get ready for the surgery so I'd better get some sleep! Thanks for all the concern and prayers about the weather.....

Doctors and Artists!

"Cat on a Bench"

Oil on Canvas
After TWO Doctor appointments this week I'm ready for the weekend and actually got a couple of painting days in. I only finished one painting that I start over a year ago. But I've got several in the "works" right now plus some cigar boxes. Monday I had my MRI on my knee then my regular checkup on Wednesday. Now I finally go back to Dr. A on Monday and hopefully he will work me in on his surgery schedule. I want to get this over with and be without pain for a while. It was a beautiful day today 75 degrees and Matilda and Tatiana wanted just to run in the yard. Also, I spray painted my bird feeder that I built a few weeks ago and hung it in my garden. We'll got feed the birdies in the morning - didn't want them to high from the spray paint!!! We are suposed to have storms tomorrow and saturday and while we still needs lots and lots of rain I'll be holding Tatiana when it thunders because she gets so scared. We have a very busy weekend - along with performing at Beluga we are doing an hour long show at 6 on Saturday for a great charity "Enable" and I have donated an art piece plus have 4 more up for silent auction. So I could make a little money this weekend on the art - hope so. This week has just flown by so let the fun begin.



Best o My Day: Painting.......

Brock's Birthday

Wow - we had a great birthday party on Saturday in Columbus with Brock. He was 5 years olds and we had lots and lots of "Trucks"! He is very precious and we are feeling like "grandparents" again! And I'm not sure who had more fun with the Trucks -- Brock or LeBron and Will trying to get them out of the box and the batteries put in! Brock is Autistic and just a gift from God and we all love him very much......