De plane, De plane!

The engine removed

New prop

New engine w/o all of it's parts and pieces

New engine where it's supposed to be

After a month or so of waiting for a new engine and prop for the plane, it's it finally in/on the plane. It will still take another couple of weeks for all of the hoses and wires to be attached, then test flying and then hopefully it will be fly worthy by mid June.  

Made in Japan

Spent a few hours sketching and painting as today is pretty rainy and cold for June 2 (52 F). It's only going to get in the low 60's if that today. Crazy weather all around the world. Can we say Global Warming?

This little figure belonged to my grandmother. It was sent to her by my father when he was stationed in Japan (1946) just after WWII. You may be familiar with the term Made in Occupied Japan (1945-1952) It was a marking put on 50% of the pieces exported from Japan. This piece doesn't have the term 'Occupied Japan' on it, but I have other pieces that he sent that have (Made in OJ). It is hideously painted but I have always loved it for whatever reason. It's been lost and found many, many times. He reminds me of some of the Beatrix Potter's characters and I named him Winston.

Thank You Veterans-especially mine!

Memorial Day in Michigan brings rain and very cool temperatures. My special hubby didn't like me taking a picture of him so this is all I got...He's a quite man! I want to thank him for his many years of service to our country and the benefits that he has shared with me. I loved the military life and miss it but retirement is wonderful.  I am very fortunate to have him in my life. 

He drove his Corvette in the local parade with a WWII Vet as a passenger...2 vets in a vet.
I hope everyone had a wonderful day and made a special effort to thank and remember those who have served our country and bless those and their families who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

My garden is finally beginning to flourish. It's been a long wait to see blooms and regrowth. The iris are the first in my garden this year. My purple and other colors will open probably tomorrow if we get some sun. 

Lovely Trip to Colon, MI

Back in the water

Humming Bird on her deck

Rose bush that I purchased.
Smells divine

Beautiful sunset sky

Mama and her 5 babies

Just returned from a wonderful week with my friend who lives in Colon, MI, the Magic Capitol of the World. She lives on Long Lake and has the most incredible views of wild life and sunsets. These pictures will definitely go in to my 'stuff to paint' folder. We went into Battle Creek to a nursery to purchase annuals for planting in her flower boxes which we spent two days planting.  They looked very nice.Now I have to work on my own annuals.

Spring Has Finally Sprung!!!!

Spring has finally come to my corner of Michigan.  It's been a very looooong wait but I have to say it was worth it. Our winters are usually lots of fun with snow and cold weather, but as in most regions of the world this has been one weird weather year.

Tulip Time 2013 begins in our town on Saturday with lots of tulips, food, fireworks and 3 parades. It's a crazy time for us residents but loads of tour buses and visitors come.

I have been kind of in a funk and grumpy for about 2 months now and am gratefully coming out of it.  Life is good again and I'm excited to get to those spring/summer activities.

Also Laure Ferlita is starting a new class today and I am very excited to get back to sketching.  Her classes are just the best and the people that I've met are wonderful.

I hope to keep this blog more up to date and post some of my work.

Get out and enjoy your day, wherever it takes you.