Sights of a Stormy Spring

Submarines, battleships, an aircraft carrier, hydrofoils, sailboats, fishing boats, tugs pulling barges loaded with all sorts of cargo, including layers of smashed cars -- we do see a lot of water traffic, but never before a section of floating bridge. The oldest parts of the Hood Canal floating bridge are being replaced, so they do have to go somewhere else. I wonder where this section will end up.

Today's storm messed with our long distance phone service, right when I needed to call dozens of opera-associated people about the cast party. Thanks to my dear brother they all got a call. It rained so hard our lane was like a creek. During a lull, I did get a bit of gardening in. Oh, a bald eagle just swooped down against a backdrop of a big rainbow. Just a few minutes ago, the sun broke through the clouds and I shot this after missing the cautious flicker that briefly visited the deck.



So far today, I've only had two tiny pieces of the most excruciatingly delicious cake I've ever made. It's not at all photogenic so no photo, but believe me, it is beautiful in the mouth. Very dense and moist and a taste that you just want more and more of. Totally pre-orgasmic. Link to the recipe is up there to the right.

Winter is Upon Us Now

Today I have been working on a small painting and watching birds flock to the snow covered deck for the bran flake crumbs and quinoa I put out for them to supplement the suet that hangs from the eaves. They seem very hungry. Right now one of the flickers is on the suet, a hummingbird just buzzed its feeder, and the chickadees, towhees, juncos and sparrows are flitting back and forth. They get aggressive with each other each time I put out a new little stash of something tasty for them. Eventually, they begin to share.
White-capped waves are rolling toward us today, but nothing like two days ago when the wind was howling out of the south, making the biggest waves we've seen so far. That day the lights flickered a couple of times and David went outside and made preparations for hooking up to the neighbors' generator, if we should lose power. Fortunately, we didn't. It's so cold we're actually running the electric heat plus the wood stove, as the fire isn't quite enough to cut through the chill that settled in over night. Besides that, we're running very low on seasoned wood and trying to burn the fresh cut as much as possible.
Looks like we got almost an inch of snow last night but it came late enough not to interfere with our opening and anniversary celebration at the gallery. David opted to stay home. Even the enticement of a string trio couldn't pry him out of his chair. He was tired from a long bicycle ride he'd gone on with the local club, those few members who weren't put off by the frigid weather. The gathering at the gallery was festive and fun. People are in good spirits in spite of the news that several members are dropping out. I'm excited about getting the notice posted in Artist Trust and hoping to get a good response.