Upstaging Baxter?

Not likely. I expect the picture of him in the life jacket will be hard to beat. This is just another pretty flower from the master gardener's yard:
Before I forget, I neglected to tell you that I cleaned out both of my closets as well as my drawers last week. Years ago my sister Nancy organized everything, but as time has passed I began mixing it all up. She'd taken everything out, and started over. Because I've not changed sizes ever I tend to keep things a while, but it was clearly time to repeat the sorting. Everything now is hanging by not only color, but by sleeve length. I use Bill and Dave's old closet for my dresses as well as purses. Dare I use that term anymore? That closet looks much better.

Anyway I gave away a ton of things, one of which was a bit hard to do. I'm thinking I bought these black capris pants at least five years ago on a shopping trip with Matt. I remember they were very expensive, however you know me well enough by now to know I got them at a serious discount at Off Fifth, Sak's outlet. I loved those things; I realized after all this time they were pretty faded even if they'd only been dry cleaned. I made myself do it. I took a mountain of things to that new little thrift shop I mentioned a while ago.

On Wednesday Regina and Angela came over to help me with another long put off project. When I re-did the dining room last year I never liked the fabric on the seat cushions. Although I'd gotten fabric to cover them that matched the new chair in the living room, I never really liked it. When I went to Altamonte Springs last week to get the vacuum cleaner bags (8 bags for $40!!) I stopped at the nearby Calico Corners finding a lovely neutral fabric that is what I'd call somewhat elegant. Angela kinda got forced into it. Watching how slow we were she grabbed the staple gun and started shooting! Nothing like being young--no fear and lots of energy.

Yesterday I drove to Orange City for a meeting of the Florida chapter of this organization: National Museum. During the DeLand show some lovely women invited me to the meeting. When they first approached me I thought it was at night which didn't strike me as too fun being that far away. Furthermore, I had no knowledge of what they were talking about. Turns out there were around thirty women artists at the meeting, a few I knew, most not. One of the ladies who invited me purchased my peacock canvas at the show. She brought it to the meeting, putting it on an easel up front, and revealing it as she introduced me. Needless to say I was a bit embarrassed, but such is this new crazy life I lead. A delicious lunch was served, along with news about upcoming exhibitions, as well as the construction in DeLand of a space funded by a combination of both the national and local organization. One extremely cool things was a beautiful invitation passed around for a gala next weekend in Washington at the museum hosted by none other than the Obamas. The cost to attend--$500. I figured that every opportunity that comes my way always leads to something else so I might as well go. I'm happy I did.

They are predicting (who is they?) lovely weather this weekend. Excellent.
----------------
Listening to: al green - Jesus is Waiting
via FoxyTunes
----------------
Listening to: al green - Funny How Time Slips Away
via FoxyTunes
----------------
Listening to: Adele - Crazy For You
via FoxyTunes

Summer Casualty

Remember how I've been harping on the big storms this summer? Apparently one of the many lightening strikes was close to home. My dear neighbor Regina's remaining giant oak tree was hit a week ago Sunday. Not only did she lose the forty year old tree but multiple appliances and computer problems resulted from the strike. She was out to dinner and the only sign of a problem was her dead phone when she returned. A few days later the leaves on the tree began to brown. Although she had a surge protector it wasn't enough. The sad thing is that she lost two massive oaks in the hurricanes a few years ago, and now this one. The street obviously doesn't look the same without the canopy it provided.

Last night at this time I was mowing the lawn thinking it might be cooler. Good thing it wasn't tonight as the temperature at 7:45 is still 91 degrees. For six weeks the rain was incessant--now it hasn't rained in almost a week. The plants and grass are drying up quickly in the blazing heat. After finishing last night I jumped in the pool to cool off.

The flower picture I'm posting today is from a yard I drive by with some frequency. This is my first time seeing this beautiful flower, the lovely shade of red is captivating. After knocking on the door, I told the owner I loved to photograph flowers, he consented after a moments hesitation. He called it a silk flower which he'd grown from seed; if I'm not mistaken he was kinda proud someone had noticed.

Bruce has been in town all week but that doesn't mean we've had dinner together. Tonight he's at Capital Grille with his colleagues from around the country after two days of meetings at the corporate offices. At least he hasn't had to fly or drive too far this week. Tomorrow he will be driving to "The Villages" in Lake County. It is a huge development, and I mean huge, for retirees. The "town" has been the subject of a recent book detailing life in a planned community that from what I've read is not all that flattering. Debauchery all around.

I'm struggling right now with what to donate for the children's cancer camp benefit at the end of the month. The event is one night in a downtown gallery. My photograph will be in the company of other, more established artists, giving me big doubts about what to contribute. It needs to be something arty, and at the same time, something that someone might want.

Speaking of weather, apparently Jonathan and Alissa went through some wild weather this week in Chicago. From what I heard the lightening, rain, and wind were unprecedented.

My neighbors just returned from nearly two weeks in England. When Matt and I chatted last week he mentioned the heat (no air conditioning) and how he was tired of it already. They echoed his sentiments! However, it passed after a few days and milder weather returned. Mostly when she was over here this afternoon she talked about how expensive it is. I believe I've mentioned that Matt is probably the only person you'll hear about who's saving money whilst living in London. He's unbelievable, but you knew that already didn't you?

----------------
Listening to: Spiritualized - Sway
via FoxyTunes