Orlando 4th of July

We just arrived from LGA in NY to Orlando and ran through the rain to get our mini-van.  I'm sitting in car with Elsa and Tommy. They are sound asleep.

Tommy is belted in.

Elsa had a busy, squirmmy plane ride.

Matt, Christina and Jacob are getting groceries.

At the airport. Playing hangman an old fashioned game.

At last in the swimming pool!!!!

We are all happy to be on vacation!

ART in ARKANSAS- Crystal Bridges!

Sketching along the Art Trail

The Crystal Bridges Buildings are Wonderful.  They are by Moshe Safdie,.

The American Art Collection  winds around the  Buildings.

All the work is well chosen and presented.  I love this Mark Rothko.

Another painting I liked.

The most delicious lunch of Shrimp and Grits!

I quickly walked through the Sam Walton Museum so I could get the 99 cent ice cream cone.

Butter Pecan was also Sam Walton's favorite.

I loved this campground in Springfield, Mo.  I went swimming in the rain and got wet!

I'm having a great time.

Windy Texas to Oklahoma

I take the shuttle from Amarillo KOA campground to Steak House.

My new BFF at steak house.  She and husband who looks just like this guy are going to Louisiana to see Duck  Dynasty. 

72 oz. steak in 60 minutes is free but I have delicious prime rib and back to campground in shuttle.

Cadillac Ranch just outside Amarillo, Texas.

I had been here 10 years ago but it looked different .
The graffiti was thicker and more colorful also spray cans of paint were scattered around the muddy cars.
Comments from tourists were in awe or disgust.  Just the response you want for art work. 

The 2nd Amendment Man, I think that means the right to bear arms.
This is Texas!

Leaving Texas onto Tulsa, Oklahoma.

ABF truck depot around the corner from KOA campground

Car show and Fireworks at casino right next to KOA campground.

Camping in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  Summer June 21st Fireworks!

Don't Fence Me In

Highway 40 heading East

Arizona at last!
There is plenty of time for thinking on the road.  I am thinking I love it!  It feels free, fun and  filled with adventure.
What is it about the open road that lifts my spirit?  The wide open spaces.  Time is endless.  The road goes on and on.

Trucks are my friends.  That's my mantra.  Most trucks are reliable good drivers.  Some are scary!
Trucks and trains across the highway with goods.  I have seen 9 ABF trucks so far.   ABF is a load it yourself truck that
brought my goods across country.

I land at Circle Pines KOA campground in Williams, Arixona.  I hop right into the pool and then the shower.
After which I fire up my WiFi. I'm a happy camper going with luxuries this trip.

 I head for La Posado Hotel for breakfast.  I enjoy the Corn Maiden Delight!

Back on the road to Alburqueque, New Mexico.

I arrive at the KOA in Albuquerque  and jump into the pool.

My friend the KOA.  Swimming pool, clean restrooms and WiFi.

Heading for Texas.

Through Jamzilla to Ojai, CA

Maureen's beautiful Valentine's Day Flowers from her husband.  We should paint these.
We pack and head up the 5 to Ojai on Sunday Morning.

The 405 Freeway is closed this weekend.  They call it Jamzilla.  Does a cute, clever name make it better?  As you can see we are amazed that there is hardly any traffic on the 5.  We enjoy our trip on the 126 through Santa Paula to the 150 into Ojai.  Santa Paula is where Maureen's husband Ray grew up and they first met.

Linda is busy getting ready for our workshop at her Spotted Dog Print Studio.

We are off to check into our room at Casa Ojai.

Our room has a $5. bill on the bed and it looks like someone has been sleeping there???

They give us they deluxe room downstairs near the salt water pool and spa.

We enjoy it.

Getting Ready for Workshop!

Linda teaches us her method of making 4 color plate monotypes.

Red, yellow, blue and black plates run through the press to create a monotype print.

We learn a sure fire method for gum arabic transfers from xerox copies.

We make complicated stencils to use in our prints.

Linda's monoprint on the press.  This print has it all: chine collie, gum transfer,

and stencils.  What a demonstration!

Born to Paint!

And she is good!

 Libby the inspiration for The Spotted Dog Studio joins me for lunch.

The chickens are also interested in Lunch time.

                                   Carol's    Monoprint from my visit to Desert Hot Springs.

                          Carol's  Monotype Print from my visit to The Back Bay, Newport Beach.

                                                            Monotype from Back Bay.

Carol's

Vanna at night in Desert Hot Springs.

I tried to get pictures of Maureen's excellent work using the subject of Pears, but no luck.

I'll try in my next post.