Utah

Yes, I have been negligent about writing again. George and I traveled to Utah last month to Canyonlands, Momument Valley and Arches National Parks. Camped for 5 nights. B&B'ed it for one. Hiked every day. Really enjoyed ourselves. This is a view from our tent in Momument Valley during sunrise. We hiked around the "mitten" --as this monument is called--the night before.

MIni tales

I've been so involved with my new life in SE Iowa, that I've completely forgotten about blogging. I have been on some mini weekend vacations though. Discovered Oakland Mills County Park and Geode State Park. Oakland Mills is right on the Skunk River, has hiking trails and a cool new swinging bridge. Plus camping, fishing from the dam or shore and a remodeled nature center.

Went kayaking last weekend at a small fishing lake (Gladstone Lake) in Illinois. Have visited the Villages of Van Buren County, watched a barge and tug go through Lock No. 18 on the Mississippi, discovered new restaurants and generally had fun. Here's a photo taken in my backyard.

Jack Frost

Just got back from a short walk. Very refreshing! 5 degrees with lots of snow drifts. Loved it. Of course, wore my Yak Traks which prevented me from slipping. This photo is from Jack Frost's visit last weekend.

Flight of Passage

I finished reading "Flight of Passage" a memoir by Rinker Buck a couple of weeks ago. A great read if you're looking for humor and adventure. It's about two young men who fly across the United States during the summer of 1966 in a Piper Cub.

Love and hate

I am having a love/hate relationship with my new life.

Some days go like this:
1. Sleep in until 6:30-7:00 (ha, ha, to all those people who work in the real world)
2. Check email to see what job possibilities have come to me overnight
3. Head to DMACC for classes
4. Class
5. Work out
6. Class
7. Head home for a short break
8. Back to night class
9. Follow up with homework the next day

Yes, I'm back in school as well as still job hunting. Love the classes!

Work at 181 Gallery online exhibit

Check out this link: an online exhibit that includes one of my art pieces:
http://www.design.iastate.edu/30/alumnishow.php#id=alumni09&num=121

Also, check out the rest of the art there. 30 pieces were chosen for the 181 Gallery studio show which is open now in the College of Design at Iowa State University.

One of my facebook friends, Chris Martin was accepted into the "real" show. His piece is here:
http://www.design.iastate.edu/30/alumnishow.php#id=alumni09&num=114

If these links don't work properly, just go to the Index and scroll to find the artists' names.

Also note that Chris and Tammi Martin's Peace Corps link is listed on this page as one of the blogs that I'm following. They have just completed their first year in Ghana. http://chrismartinfurniture.blogspot.com/

Be sure and read their post about seeing President Obama in Africa. Very cool.

Work for sale

Some of my artwork is for sale at Vintage Home and Garden in New Virginia, Iowa. Check it out.

I love this shop. It is open the 2nd Saturday of the month.