things are springing up all over...

As an avid gardener, I find it difficult to concentrate on other things in the spring, but I have been working on some new little guys all this week , in preparation for the Philadelphia Doll and Teddy Bear Show that's just around the corner. I'm getting excited about seeing some old colleagues again, the most important one being Jody Battaglia. It will be like a big party , with so many talented doll and teddy bear artists coming in from all over the country. If you havent put it on your calendar yet, check it out, and by all means, mark it down... May 12-14th. There will be lots to do during those 3 days, but if you can only make it to the show, it's Saturday May 14th...

Bring mayflowers...

In less than 12 hours, my favorite spring tree has really burst with enthusiasm (see April Showers blog below).... and as you can see, there really ARE pussy willows on it! The blossoms are daffodil size, and last for along time. It's the perfect tree...

April showers...

Ann Arbor, Michigan (48105) Conditions & Forecast : Weather Underground: Today 70 °F T-storms
80% chance of precipitationTonight
56 °F T-storms
40% chance of precipitationTomorrow
65 °F T-storms
90% chance of precipitationThursday
52 38° F Chance of Rain
50% chance of precipitationFriday
58 38° F Partly CloudySaturday
67 47° F Partly Cloudy Sunday

This is our forecast for the last week of April... I'm glad that I have just ordered myself a new pair of rainboots... shiny red ones. The doves neednt be worrying about a bath today...Mother Nature is taking care of that all this week. At least it's not snow...

Spring..... we welcome you back.

more Roma....

Did you know that Italyis the largest producer of wine in the world. We didnt either...fresh fish and spices in all the local mrkt

gellato on every block.. we sampled everyday...oh so yum..

Jen .. yummy leather cord..

Can you imagine .. the variety of dried tomotoes....

I am posting a few more of our Roman experiences, and for another an amazing photo journey see Kindra's photos while visiting Jen and family in Rome. Kindra is a graphic designer, and has such an amazing eye, sometimes for the obscure things that many of us miss in our daily trek thru life. Check out her jaunts thru Rome..you wont want to miss this journey on Flicker

come on....

Here's what we woke up to yesterday... oh, Mother Nature, can ya give us something else?

I'm sure that it's sunny and springlike somewhere.. right??????

so Roman... more on our trip ...

a sweet spot that needs to be visited again...

the magical pines of Rome...

view from our terrace...

the typical streets of Rome..

and another view that we woke up to every morning...oh so lovely....

ah Rome.....

How amazing our trip was to one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Words cannot describe the beauty that was everywhere... so why the photos of feet you ask.... well, I found them so fascinatingly lovely, AND was wishing for feet that could be as resilient as the Roman sculptures from centuries ago. The streets which were paved thousands of years ago still remain, and are charming but oh so wonky... we are still recovering... we walked for 7-8 hours everyday trying to see as much of this great place and all it's charm... it was such an opportunity..seeing family( thank you Jen, Jay and Claude) while touring some some of the oldest ruins and architecture in the world.....more later..

Look who came to visit us

Ok, so I cannot tell you how exciting this was.... and right in our very yard... not one but a pair of these rather prehistoric looking guys. They are huge!!! They are bigger than a crow, and in my book, that's Big. This is the real deal... the woody woodpecker guy, also known as pileated woodpecker... it was a great day!

Our gracious host Debbee Thibault

Oh how I love all of her pieces, be it Christmas, Halloween, Easter, or just sweet little cuties like the white bear, and sheep.

fairy lights by Debbee

Debbee has an amazing antique Christmas collection.

Leslie admiring Paul's new crown.....a thoughtful gift from Janis.

Jody and Debbee, enjoying Nancy's lemon drops.

While in California for "A Gathering of Friends" ( March 30th blog), we were invited to share a special evening with our good friend and fellow artist, Debbee Thibault. It's unusual for us to have the time to luxuriate in the company of such a special person, and the time seemed to fly by. Her work is as impressive as are her collections, and even though a few weeks have gone by, I can still feel the magic of a very special kinship, from a very kind and generous host. We all thank you Debbee..