 We took a trip to SAM'S in Augusta. Haven't been in that store since we've left Dallas many years ago. The SAM'S card which usually costs $50 was $25. What a deal that was for visiting the store this particular day. Stopped by for Spencer's treats and found a whole lot more of exactly what is purchased from our grocery store - only a WHOLE LOT CHEAPER. Three pounds of bacon for $11!!! The same blue cheese and crab meat that I buy all the time at Shaw's...only bigger. Couldn't leave without buying Garrett's popcorn to eat on the way home. Didn't think of purchasing Cherrios, paper towels, toilet paper and Kleenex while we were there. I wonder if the paper goods are the same price at Walmart? Anyway, Spencer was happy to see those treats as I opened the bag and gave him one. Total bill $58.66. It comes to almost $80 at the local grocery store. Next time I'm making a list and purchasing the right foods for the month at a great cost!
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 As we back out of our garage we witness another 3" of snowfall! It's absolutely beautiful with the sun blaring shadows all over the place. Although it's going to be in the 40's and 50's this week, Friday once again brings us 3-4 hours of new snow and 20 degrees. I know there are many of you who love living in the south during the cold, snowy season, but I treasure the winter and the beauty it brings. It will soon be over. There are puddles covering the roads and windows dripping screaming water all over the place. Leon's at the car wash as our wipers from the roads spitting from trucks and cars in front of us were blasting away. I love the seasons and all it has to offer.
 We finally found a place where Spencer could have fun with other dogs right in Rockport located on Camden Street. I don't know why we haven't discovered this park before now. Every day we go we meet some more new dog friends. Leon and I have made new friends, too. It's fun watching the four-legged buddies run around. The place for dogs to play has a "park-like ambience with selected trees and other natural features." I tried to get single shots of those beautiful dogs resting in the snow! They all have become Spencer's friends. Spencer loves to explore the grounds. It's such a huge area to investigate! Each owner is expected to clean up after their dogs.  Forty-five minutes are up and it's time to head for home. One dog will certainly miss Spencer as he stands by the fence watching him jump in the car.  It's one great place to take your best dog friend!
 Boy did we ever get it yesterday! The wind was howling away the entire day and with it comes snow drifts. Leon was taking the garbage to the dump but we had no driveway visible to do that. So, Leon grabbed a shovel and cleaned off the walkway and porch while waiting for the snow cleaning company to arrive. I am going to head out and work on the back patio as it is up to Spencer's rear end. It's beautiful with sun shining on it, but not so much fun driving in it. Saturday snowfall read 4.8 inches. Yesterday it was 5 inches. With the temperature in the 20's and low 30's and a wind in the 40-50 range, that snow drifted all over the place. It certainly reads WINTER and the kids are having a ball!
 It became a wonderful day visiting Camden with Michelle. I had to pick something up for my Lucca, Italy friend as Bill and JoAnn are headed there next week. We browsed around Once a Tree looking over their plentiful supply of just everything.  After lingering throughout the store a couple of times we came up with just the right gift. A conversation at the register took place with the gal at the register about having our pictures taken as my camera always comes out when browsing around. Michelle is my dearest friend who is willing to pose when I feel like snapping.  Stopped for lunch at Mixed Greens and studied the selection of a variety of salads. All looked good!  My choice! Could not even eat it all.  As we were leaving we noticed a very attractive light setting. Isn't that spectacular?  Upon arriving home I find Leon in the kitchen making up a batch of cookies with Spencer smelling the measuring spoon that was heading to the dishwasher!!  Then posing for the camera which he sees every day.
Our travels were spectacular even though there were only two stores open in Camden. It is winter break and people were off on winter vacation or on the ski slopes! But Michelle and I enjoyed the 40 degree day. You never know where you'll end up when exploring.  Here are the art books that I have pages yet to fill. They are half empty because another one was purchased and I was finished with the subject matter in each - a larger one, a spiral one, a small one, etc. EMPTY PAGES!  New year - New paint book. I LOVE this read. It talks directly to me as I have experienced all the things that are discussed. It will certainly be a reference throughout my many adventures in the world of creativity!  I started painting in 2004 and have painted over 300 pieces. That is not counting all those art books that I have partially filled and the many classes I have taken. I really should be a better painter but still lack the ability! I keep switching from acrylics to watercolors and now attempting to use gouache paints.  Colleen and I got together and began our 2026 creative adventures. We talk more than put paint brush to canvas!  I kept up with my work when Colleen said "good-bye". This was today's attempt. I see so much more that I should do! Guess that's tomorrow's task.
 This Valentine's Day was like no other! Leon received an empty envelope because I don't know where I put the card. It's somewhere in the house or did I throw it away? The trash made a trip to the dump yesterday.  And his anniversary present didn't get here as the mailbox lies empty. I search through a bag of potato chips and found the closest way I could say, "I love you. Your present will soon be here".  Of course, I got him his favorite box of chocolates as I do every year. At least he received something to celebrate our holidays. Leon didn't get messed up with my presents. I can't wait to to experience these gouache paints while traveling or watching TV as it will be a whole new adventure.  I did remember the bag that his anniversary present is going into when it arrives. This is going to be one celebration we will never forget!
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY TO YOU ALL.  We woke yesterday to sunshine but along with it was a yard full of what looked like overflowing ice cream. Fresh snow landed on the snowfall that had been there for weeks since the temps have not gotten out of the 20's and 30's. It seemed to speak of nature's beauty.  Indoor jobs could now get done until the town snow plower arrived. Leon's task was to fix the oven that would not go over 175 degrees. We waited for the parts to arrive that would get it working. But guess what...that control has been discontinued and is no longer available. What do we do? Leon buys a new range! Thank goodness we had the extended warranty papers.  Spencer watched everything Leon was doing. Just stood there and stared!  "Come one Spencer! Time for a walk" as he leaped and stood by the door. Upon opening the door I noticed tracks - large tracks and baby tracks - had landed in the snow. Perhaps a deer and her family were wandering. How did they get through deep that snowbank?  Well, look at this! It looks like a person wanted a book awfully bad because two to three books were missing and new ones added.  After shoveling a path to make it much easier for someone to find their way to pick up good reads without having to deal a mound of winter.  As we headed back to the house I could see where Spencer left his mark. He loves the snow and would jump into piles of it if I didn't have him on a leash. We must find a dog park so he can run fast, jump high and play with other dogs. This is a day in the life of the Bausch family. Never a dull moment!
 YEAH! The Olympics are on and the crowd is just growing with the flag waving over them. How exciting!  The spectacular opening ceremony was breathtaking. I loved the unbelievable beginning with magical color throughout.  Yagiyama did one fabulous job skating on the ice, coming in first. I could have watched him over and over again. Then there were the Americans skating their hearts out. Such a fabulous couple born with skates on...I'm totally sure! Doing an unbelievable performance.  WHAT! How does one even do that? I swear it takes skiing from babyhood to observe the tree line from above. I told Leon we need to take ballroom lessons, not to win in competition but to rhythmically glide away on that dance floor as if we were in Olympics! It's going to be a wonderful two weeks watching these masters compete.
 It's Tuesday night and I told Leon we need to go out for dinner even if the temperatures are below zero! The month of January we stayed home and caught up on rest. Susan and Jim were available so we headed for Rockland and ate a fabulous meal at Ada's Kitchen. RAVIOLI, my favorite!  Prosecco made the meal a whole bunch better.  Leon had a drink with his gloves on because it happened to be quite cold in that restaurant! Minus the temperature, it was a spectacular evening.  The next day, in Patti's kitchen, sun shines leaving distinct shadows and one beautiful scene. It's like visiting the North Pole! Untouched snow all over the place.  Sitting at a festive table...  Patti's soup was served! Oh, my, every bite held a flavorful taste. Just scrumptious!  The day sped by so quickly as we talked and talked and talked some more. Doesn't this box of chocolates look fabulous for the dessert we had...emptying the candy holder? Thanks, Patti. It's always so great when Patti is in the kitchen!
So, February began with fun times and happy eating unlike January! |
