Hanging Out With The Duchess: 2011

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS WITH MEMBERS OF "Brooklyn for Peace" ON DEC 16th

CHRISTMAS UP AT THE FAMILY HOMESTEAD [Dec 23 to 26]

Sunday, December 18, 2011

ABIT OF NEWS TO ROCK YOUR WORLD

Bail-Out Bombshell: Fed “Emergency” Bank Rescue Totaled $29 Trillion Over Three Years
Andres Felkerson, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153462/bail-out_bombshell%3A_fed_%22emergency%22_bank_rescue_totaled_%2429_trillion_over_three_years?akid=8002.9992.BHecgm&rd=1&t=2

Ehrenreich: The Truth Exposed by Occupy Shows that the Real Elites are the Thieves of the 1%, not the Liberals of Conservative Myth
Barbara & John Ehrenreich, The Nation
http://www.alternet.org/story/153452/ehrenreich%3A_the_truth_exposed_by_occupy_shows_that_the_real_elites_are_the_thieves_of_the_1%2C_not_the_liberals_of_conservative_myth?akid=8002.9992.BHecgm&rd=1&t=5

NO, The U.S. is NOT Leaving Iraq
Justin Elliott, World News Daily ICH
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/article30020.htm

The Best, Worst and Most Overlooked Food Stories of 2011
Ari LeVaux, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153473/the_best%2C_worst_and_most_overlooked_food_stories_of_2011?akid=8014.9992.ukud9C&rd=1&t=2

Obama Reverses Himself: Administration Won’t Veto ‘Global Battlefield’ Indefinite Detentions Measure
Steven Rosenfeld, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153450/obama_reverses_himself%3A_administration_won%27t_veto_%27global_battlefield%27_indefinite_detentions_measure?akid=8003.9992.F0X-Pw&rd=1&t=5

The Fracking Industry Has Bought Off Congress – Here are the Worst Offenders
Scott Thill, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153467/the_fracking_industry_has_bought_off_congress%3A_here_are_the_worst_offenders?akid=8014.9992.ukud9C&rd=1&t=8

6 Stories That You May Have Missed From the Occupy Movement
Lauren Kelley, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153472/6_stories_that_you_may_have_missed_from_the_occupy_movement_?akid=8014.9992.ukud9C&rd=1&t=5

Obama: A Disaster for Civil Liberties
Los Angeles Times Op-Ed
http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-turley-civil-liberties-20110929,0,7542436.story

Friday, December 16, 2011

"NYC FRIENDS OF TOLKIEN" Gather on Dec 10th to Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the London Premiere of "Fellowship of the Ring" at a members home in Manhattan

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

LATEST IN THE NEWS

6 Shocking Revelations About Wall Street’s “Secret Government”
Les Leopold, AlterNet
Top officials willfully concealed the true extent of the 2008/2009 bailouts from Congress and the public.
http://www.alternet.org/story/153274/6_shocking_revelations_about_wall_street%27s_secret_government?akid=7928.9992.tbdq9Z&rd=1&t=2

Thanks to Nurses Union and Occupy Wall Street, Pressure for Wall Street Speculation Tax Grows
Sarah Jaffe, AtlerNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153276/thanks_to_nurses_union_and_occupy_wall_street%2C_pressure_for_wall_street_speculation_tax_grows?akid=7928.9992.tbdq9Z&rd=1&t=15

Our Right to Privacy has Been Systematically Shrunk. What’s Left?
Patricia J. Williams, The Nation
http://www.alternet.org/story/153233/our_right_to_privacy_has_been_systematically_shrunk._what%27s_left?akid=7933.9992.eTUuFw&rd=1&t=8

What if They Sent in Social Services to Help Occupations Instead of Riot Cops to Bust Heads?
Joshua Holland, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153257/what_if_they_sent_in_social_services_to_help_occupations_instead_of_riot_cops_to_bust_heads?akid=7933.9992.eTUuFw&rd=1&t=15

GOP Eager to Squelch Student Voters
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/742938/gop_eager_to_squelch_student_voters/#paragraph3

Zuccotti Park’s Owners Owe New York City $139,000 in Back Taxes
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/743421/zuccotti_park%27s_owners_owe_new_york_city_%24139%2C000_in_back_taxes/#paragraph4

20 Ways the Obama Administration Has Intruded on Your Rights
Bill Quigley, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/153283/20_ways_the_obama_administration_has_intruded_on_your_rights?akid=7939.82266.jXaZ8n&rd=1&t=15

Monday, December 05, 2011

PERSONAL NEWS #202

Thursday, Nov 3rd, I had an appt with my foot doctor, and afterwards headed into Brooklyn for the monthly BFP board meeting.

Saturday, Nov 5th, I hosted a HP/LOTR/GofT gathering at Casa Charlene which started shortly after 3pm and ended around 9:30pm. Really good gathering and enjoyed it so much with Linda, Debbie, Margaret, Jenna, Carole, Beth and Sam. We partook of wine, delicious food, had a fun raffle and the diverse conversations were great. Some of them got abit passionate; especially regarding the “relationship” between Aunt Petunia and Harry.

Afterwards Sam stuck around to help me clean up the apt, and over tea we discussed photography and other interesting topics. Hum, if I’d been feeling 100% better, well, he’d never have left that night. [wink wink]

Sunday, Nov 6th, I watched part of the NYC marathon, which goes through my neighborhood as it heads towards Queens. Another sunny day though abit on the cool side. Early in the afternoon I headed over to WORD to talk with Jenn [event coordinator] about an event that BFP A&C committee will be hosting end of January 2012 at the bookstore.

Monday evening, Nov 7th, I did abit of volunteering at the WCW national office helping out with a large mailing.

Tuesday evening, Nov 8th, I hosted the 4th meeting of the BFP A&C committee at Casa Charlene, and it was quite productive.

Wednesday, Nov 9th, I took a personal day from work so that I could go to doctor appts in my neighborhood. The furballs were hurling fast and furious in the AM, but by the PM less so with new meds I am on. Was suppose to attend the BFP PF committee meeting in the evening at 7pm, but due to the side effects of the cough syrup with Codeine, well, I had to participate via conf call.

Thursday evening, Nov 10th, I did abit of volunteering at the WCW national office helping out with a large mailing.

Weekend of Nov 12/13 ... wasn’t particularly exciting for me, as I had to cancel plans due to continued illness and stay home. This meant I missed out on seeing the Quidditch World Cup #V at Randall’s Island, but the NYC HP team did really well. I did purchase the final HP film [DH2] on Saturday and watched it several times over the weekend, plus get a much needed pedicure and take care of BFP responsibilities.

Monday, Nov 14th, I took a vacation day from work so that I could go to doctor appts in my neighborhood. Had many tests done and the chest/lung X-ray came back not looking too bad, though Richheimer said Abbot would be able to make a better diagnosis during my upcoming Friday appt. We are still awaiting the test results for stomach sonogram, blood work and urine sample. I am now on Maalox and Omeprazole for this friggin “acid reflux”, which is wreaking havoc on my stomach. Need to suppress it or cure it, so that I can eat bland food and keep it down. How exciting ... not!

Friday, Nov 18th, I had a follow up appt with my lung specialist [Abbot] and learned the previous lung infection is gone, but has been replaced with a mild case of pneumonia, plus I am still experiencing acid reflux. So have new antibiotics to zap the pneumonia and stay indoors all weekend. Just as well, cause dang; it was a windy and cold evening. [Plus, stayed in over the weekend for some much needed R&R, plus had to cancel commitments due to health.] Around 9:30pm that same evening, I participated in the BFP A&C committee conference call regarding our upcoming event at BC on Dec 6th. It’s shaping up quite nicely.

Tuesday, Nov 22nd, I had a follow up appt with my lung doctor, and he said I was improving, but still needed to take it easy over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Friday – Sunday, Nov 25 / 27, I spent the remainder of the Thanksgiving weekend up at my parents homestead in upstate NY. Mom and I watched the “Indiana Jones” movie trilogy marathon on the 26th, plus a mini marathon of “The Big Bang Theory” episodes.

I got my hair done at salon, plus a wee bit of Xmas shopping at local, small businesses, plus, on the 25th, we visited my brother and sister-in-law in Schenectady. Other than that, the rest of the time there was very laid back and low key.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Interesting excerpt from H.G.Wells book “The Outline of History – Pt2” … Under the chapter called “The Renascence of Western Civilization” ... Which reminded me of how things are going, or not going, in today's world and the OWS movement.

It was in the preaching of John Ball [from 1360 to 1381] that England first listened to a declaration of natural equality and the rights of man. ‘Good people,’ cried the preacher, ‘things will never go well in England so long as goods be not in common, and so long as there be villeins and gentlemen. By what right are they whom we call lords greater folk then we? On what grounds have they deserved it? Why do they hold us in serfage?

If we all came of the same father and mother, of Adam and Eve, how can they say or prove that they are better than we, if it be not that they make us gain for them by our toil what they spend in their pride? They are clothed in velvet and warm in their furs and their ermines, while we are covered with rags. They have wine and spices and fair bread; and we oat-cake and straw, and water to drink. They have leisure and fine houses; we have pain and labour, the rain and the wind in the fields.

And yet it is of us and of our toil that these men hold their state.’ A spirit fatal to the whole system of the Middle Ages breathed in the popular rhyme which condensed the leveling doctrine of John Ball: ‘When Adam delved and Eve span, who was then the gentleman?’”

Monday, October 31, 2011

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

PERSONAL NEWS #201
Monday evening, October 10th, after work I headed down to Liberty Plaza for 2 hours to be part of the “Occupy Wall Street” protesters, plus take pix. The movement is gaining momentum, not only here but around the country, and the energy felt was intense.

Tuesday, October 11th, I attended the second meeting for the BFP A&C committee in Brooklyn. Three new people [ie: Joel, Sandra & Emily] came onboard and the majority of the meeting was to flesh out the committee’s “mission statement”. Veronica is chair of the committee and I am co-chair.

Friday, October 14th, I had an appt with my lung specialist regarding this friggin lung infection that has been ongoing for 2 weeks. I've been put on strong antibiotics to combat it, and one of the pills has steriods in it.

Sunday, October 16th, I headed up to Goshen, CT to visit with my good friend Katherine and see the new house/barn she and Maurice purchased some time ago. Took the 2+ hour ride on MetroNorth up to Wassaic, NY were Katherine met me at the station. Weather was cool, windy and occasional sunshine. We had a nice, tasty lunch at a Chinese buffet near her Goshen home, plus a tour of house/barn, and then a hike along the “Fox Brook Preserve”, which is next door to their home. I really enjoyed the hike and terrain, plus took lots of pix.

Back at the house we enjoyed hot tea and toast in front of the fireplace, which Maurice stoked up for us. Then the ride back to Wassaic for the long train ride back to NYC.

Tuesday, October 18th, I participated in the monthly Peace Alliance conference call.

Wednesday, October 19th, I attended the monthly BFP PF committee meeting in Cobble Hill [Brooklyn]. Very productive meeting and we got alot accomplished. At each of our BFP PF committee meetings we get to enjoy Mukti's wonderful vegetarian and vegan Indian cuisine.

Thursday evening, October 20th, I attended the monthly “Friends of Tolkien” meetup in Manhattan. Always enjoyable and we talked on assorted topics from Tolkien to Game of Thrones.

Saturday, October 22nd, I hosted a soiree at my humble abode called “Putting the Zen back into Citizen”. Been planning this soiree for about two months. Those who attended my soiree were Dawn, Bill, Kai, Charlotte, Kim, Robert, Howard, Eileen, Ed G, Stephanie, Rebecca, Kirby and Veronica.

Main buffet food was catered by Mukti Banerjee and it was delicious. Also, during the soiree, I hosted a raffle of several goodies, and little Kai picked the names out of a hat. Everyone had a terrific time, lots of diverse conversations, networking, and the party ended around 9:30pm. [Pix of Dawn with her son Kai.]

Monday, October 24th, I hosted the BFP A&C committee [i.e.: VN, SI, JC, ES & FM] meeting at my humble abode in the evening. For refreshment, I provided the leftover goodies from my soiree on Saturday. Productive meeting with the finalization of the "mission statement" and planning for the upcoming Brooklyn College event set for December 6th.

Tuesday, October 25th, I had a follow up appt with my lung specialist regarding this ongoing lung infection from end of September. He says my infection is almost gone and put me on a different set of antibiotics.

Thursday evening, October 27th, I attended the “Occupy Brooklyn General Assembly” meeting, which was being held not far from Pratt Institute.

On Saturday, October 29th, a Nor'easter blew through the NYC area leaving 3 inches of wet snow that eventually turned to slush.

Saturday, October 29, 2011

OCCUPY by Congressman Kucinich [D-Ohio]
An Iraq War veteran who survived two tours of duty gets his skull fractured in ... Oakland! 53 activists arrested in Atlanta. SWAT teams deployed to boot out peaceful protesters.

Recent actions against Occupy protesters are irresponsible and tragic. They're an assault on our democracy. These protesters are bravely exercising their right to freedom of expression, to bring attention to a political and economic system that's rigged against most Americans. I stand with them; and, all Americans -- left and right -- should join me in protecting their freedom to non-violently create change.

This isn't a Democratic or Republican movement. It's not about one party or one policy. It's about standing up to a financial system that's completely backwards. Wall Street banks get billions in bailouts and emerge with massive profits. Most Americans see a program of austerity in a painful economic climate -- benefit cuts, high unemployment, declining wages, and crumbling infrastructure. Congress moved swiftly to "save" banks (something I strongly opposed), and now Congress is paralyzed, unable to create jobs and to save our middle class.

It's no surprise Americans are standing up. Our country's economic policies have consolidated and accelerated wealth to the top. One percent of Americans now control 42% of our wealth. It's not radical to think this is out of balance or to demand a government that is of the people and for the people. I've been to these protests, and I can tell you they're filled with honest, hard working Americans who are concerned with the direction of our country and our economic future.

I am deeply concerned. I'm concerned about an economic system which tethers job creation to China and big banks. We shouldn't have to borrow money from China -- or Japan or South Korea -- to get out of this ditch. We should stop the Fed from giving billions to the big banks. We have to take back the power to manage our own economy, to regain control over our monetary system, consistent with the U.S. Constitution. That's why, one month ago, I introduced the National Emergency Employment Defense (NEED) Act. The legislation would put the Federal Reserve under the Department of the Treasury, and it would help us recapture control of our financial system. As part of the NEED Act, Congress would use its constitutional power to invest in America, creating millions of jobs by putting billions of dollars directly into circulation. And since this money is adding real, tangible value to our national wealth, it will not generate inflation.

We need a financial system that is of the people and for the people. We need to take it back from the big banks. We need economic and social justice. I will continue to support the Occupy movement. I will continue to fight for legislation, including the NEED Act, that sets America on a path of jobs for all, health care for all, education for all, retirement security for all, and peace.

Let's keep this movement alive. Let's keep fighting for economic and social justice. Keep occupying Wall Street. And, with your help, I'll keep occupying Congress.

Friday, October 28, 2011

MY LATEST ENTRIES FOR THE "365 PROJECT"

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

FOX BROOK PRESERVE - Went on a delightful hike with my good friend Katherine while visiting her in the northwest part of CT on Sunday, October 16th.

NEWS, NEWS AND MORE NEWS

#Occupy Together – The Best Among Us
Chris Hedges, TruthDig.com
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/09/30-0

Naomi Klein: Occupy Wall Street: The Most Important Thing in the World Now
http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/10/07-0

Nobel Peace Prize Honors African, Arab Women
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2011/10/07-0

Voices from Occupy Wall Street: 'We're Fighting for Society Where Everybody is Important'
http://www.commondreams.org/video/2011/10/07-0

Unions Unify Occupy Wall Street
http://www.commondreams.org/video/2011/10/07

Millionaire’s March – Protesters Hit the Streets in NY and Visit the 1 Percent at their Homes
Lynn Parramore, AlterNet
http://www.alternet.org/story/152698/millionaire%27s_march%3A_protesters_hit_the_streets_in_ny_and_visit_the_1_percent_at_their_homes?akid=7693.9992.-5MXMu&rd=1&t=2

Wall Street Executives Whine about Getting Average Compensation of “Only” $1 Million this Year
http://www.alternet.org/newsandviews/article/679382/wall_street_executives_whine_about_getting_average_compensation_of_%22only%22_%241_million_this_year/#paragraph5

[Duchess Note – More to follow regarding OWS and other events happening around the US and the globe. Stay tuned………………]

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

OCCUPY WALL STREET - Sitting in solidarity with the movement on Sept 26th and Oct 10th down at Zuccotti Park, also dubbed Liberty Plaza.

Vacation in Cape May, NJ

PERSONAL NEWS #200
[NOTE: A mini milestone has been reached here at “Hanging out with the Duchess”. As you can see, I’ve reached the 200th posting in regards to “personal news”. Another milestone was reached in August, which marked the Duchess blog 9th anniversary. My sincere thanks to all my regulars; whether you are new or been reading my blog for some time. I greatly appreciate your patronage!]

Thursday, Sept 1st, I attended the monthly TGTSNBN meetup, which was held at Belvedere Castle in Central Park.

Sept 2nd to 5th, I visited the family in upstate NY for a nice, relaxing Labor Day holiday weekend. Felt good to get away from the NYC for a few days.

Tuesday, Sept 6th, I really enjoyed the monthly Peace Alliance conference call this evening, especially the guest speaker [Stephen Dinan from The Shift Network]. He talked about the unifying vision for a planetary "Summer of Peace" in 2012. A summer of education, reconciliation and celebration focused on transitioning to a culture of peace. This is exciting news and I am totally jazzed by it.

Thursday, Sept 8th, I attended the monthly BFP board members meeting held at The Commons.

Saturday, Sept 10th, I did some cleaning and organizing of my apt. Really felt good to clear out several items that I haven’t utilized in years, and was just taking up space.

Sunday afternoon, Sept 11th, I volunteered with other members from WCW to participate in a virtual memorial of works of art in memoriam to the victims of the US war on terror and a gathering at City Hall Park. Our grief is not a cry for war!

Afterwards, several of us headed up to Revolution Books for “The Juggernaut of Empire and the Need for a Whole New World”. The event started off with a brief talk by Jacob George, who served 3 tours of duty in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2004. His story was about "A Ride Till the End" (ARTTE) a collective of veterans, artists, and activists who have been riding bicycles around the U.S. as a protest of the occupation of Iraq and Afghanistan since May 1, 2010.
Then we were presented with a talk and slide presentation of outstanding art created in response to 9-11 from "Redact This! Artists against Torture" by David Schwittek. And then lastly, a talk by Andy Zee, spokesperson for Revolution Books NYC, regarding George W. Bush said that America was attacked because "they hate our freedom," and then he unleashed a decade of war, torture and repression that continues unabated. Why did 9/11 happen, what has changed, and what is to be done.

Wednesday, Sept 14th, I attended and participated in the productive monthly BFP PF committee meeting.

Thursday, Sept 15th, after work I hoofed it down to the Union Square B&N to purchase the new “Pearl Jam Twenty” book, which marks their 20th anniversary on the music scene.

Saturday, Sept 17th, I spent the afternoon in Manhattan with my friend Judith. We had a delicious lunch at Nanoosh, went to see “Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows 2”, shopping and then dessert at Europan. After Judith headed back home on her bus, I did more shopping down on 6th Avenue and then wrapped it all up with a nice manicure.

On Sunday afternoon, Sept 18th, I volunteered with other BFP members at the annual Flatbush Frolic that takes place on Cortelyou Road. BFP had a booth along the “frolic” route. We engaged folk in the “penny poll”, asked them to fill out postcards to NY senators Gillabrand and Schumer about ending the war, plus selling t-shirts and buttons. It was a terrific afternoon, plus I did a wee bit of shopping at the Flatbush Food Coop.

On Wednesday evening, Sept 21st, I participated in the first meeting of the newly formed BFP A&C committee. Veronica is the chair of the committee and I am co-chair. We met at Wild Ginger in Cobble Hill for our meeting, and ate some really good vegan food while fleshing out “mission statement” and other particulars. It was a very productive meeting.

Thursday evening, Sept 22nd, I participated with other members of BFP at the “Peace Party and Mixer”, which was held at the Brooklyn College student center.

Saturday, Sept 24th, started out with Dana cleaning my apartment, and telling me all about her vacation in Poland. Then I headed into Manhattan, and while switching trains at Times Square got to ride on a vintage subway.

These vintage subway trains were built in 1917 and retired in 1969. It was a blast riding it from Times Square to West 96th Street, and I took several photos. TGTSNBN was playing quidditch in Riverside Park near 108th Street and I was score keeper. Afterwards a group of us had a late lunch at Mel’s Diner, and then I strolled through a street fair with Irvin. Then down to Union Square to volunteer with others for City Harvest at the farmers market.

Sunday, Sept 25th, I was supposed to meet up with Pat C at the Broadway Flea Market, but somehow we never connected. Mostly my fault as I was late to our rendezvous due to transit issues and trying to find meeting spot. I checked out the Broadway Flea Market, as well as continue to look for Pat C for another hour. It was another warm, humid day and it wasn’t agreeing with me at all. Jumped on the cool, a/c subway and went down to Canal Street to pick up art supplies for upcoming workshop. Then back on subway down to Brooklyn Heights for lunch at Vegetarian Ginger on Montague Street. Afterwards strolled around promenade, took pix of some lovely architecture, and did some shopping along Montague Street. Spent rest of the day in my air conditioned apartment relaxing.

Monday, Sept 26th, I headed into the city around 1pm and checked out a few protests. The one over by the UN wasn’t that intriguing, so after a quick stop to check out winter coats at Dress Barn, I took the subway down to lower Manhattan. Got off at City Hall and walked down to Liberty Park were “Occupy Wall Street” protest had been going on for about 10 days. I hung out with “Granny Peace Brigade” and Julie from WCW. [Stay tuned for pix of OWS.]

Wed – Mon, Sept 28th – Oct 3rd … Despite being abit unwell [lung & stomach issues], I decided to go ahead with my Cape May [NJ] portion of vacation and attend the watercolor workshop. The bus ride down to Cape May from NYC was pretty much uneventful and arrived at my beloved seaside resort around 1pm. Took taxi service to Macomber hotel and lodged myself in my fav room with a view of the beach. Some nice changes have occurred at the Macomber since last year with a digital upgrade to the A/C, new flat screen TVs and small refrigerators in every room. Sweet! Put that last item to full advantage with a visit to the Acme grocery store. After a productive “photo shoot” walk around part of Cape May, plus picking up dinner at Cape Orient, I ran into Regina from Twin Gables B&B and we chatted for abit.

She was out walking her two dogs [ie: Brandy and Rascal] when we met up. Regarding the cable TV in hotel room; I enjoyed catching up on some TV shows and movies. Films I watched during the evenings, while visiting Cape May were … Disney’s Aladdin, Ghostbusters1, Mad Max Thunderdome and Pirates of the Carribean1.

On Thursday morning I walked to the CVS to speak with the pharmacist on duty about some meds for my health. Heading to and from CVS I was able to check out some of the shops and boutiques. Visited Regina at Twin Gables that afternoon for an hour and we caught up on news. I also started work on a needlepoint project I had purchased day before at Washington Street Mall. Took a nap and then freshened up before heading out at 6pm with Franklin [workshop acquaintance] to check out the sunset at the cove, then off to a delicious dinner at the Blue Pig.

On Friday I rented a bike for the day, as the weather turned out nice and sunny. Amen! Up until then it was overcast and humid. Ugh! Pedaled off to the Laundromat on Texas Avenue to do some laundry, write checks and write in my journal. I dropped off my clean, dry clothes at hotel room. Then some tea and toast at Zoe’s before pedaling over to Emlen Physick estate for a tour of the latest exhibit and gift shop. Love checking out this place every year. Stopped by the post office to mail my checks and then on to Congress Hall “bike rentals” for a lengthy visit with my buddy Joe. We caught up on news, laughs and now “friends” on FB. He had some good news for me … Joe and his fiancée are getting hitched in November. Hurray! Later that afternoon I learned from Franklin that the workshop “intro” at Chalfonte was cancelled that evening, due to Barbara Cox having a car accident. Nothing serious, but meant she wouldn’t be at the Chalfonte that evening, and will still be teaching the workshop over the weekend. Whew! Change of plans and Franklin invited me to Stone Harbor for dinner at Erik and Susan’s home on a charming cove.

Erik is another workshop acquaintance and avid painter. I had quite an enjoyable evening at Erik’s home, tour of house, 40ft boat, delicious dinner and then back to Macomber for quiet night.

Saturday & Sunday [watercolor workshop] … Lung issues are not improving, but I amble on like a trouper, as I did not want to miss this workshop. Upon arriving at the Chalfonte and the workshop room, I saw that Leslie is back and said it was all due to my email of early August. Its great seeing her again, though bummed to hear she’s been out of work since April. But on a positive note, she’s been dating a really nice chap since January, whom she met while hiking and he joined her during this weekend. There were a total of seven workshop participants … Leslie, Mary, Tonia, Joyce, Erik, Franklin and myself. Overall it was a terrific two-day watercolor workshop. Barbara Cox, our instructor who replaced Marge, was brimming with lots of tips, plus gave us many instructive demos. Part of Saturday, while the weather was still nice, we took the workshop outdoors to sketch The Abbey. I’ve tried to paint this “subject” in the past with no luck, but this time around I came away with a decent sketch. After several informative demos by Barbara, we worked on painting our sketches for 2.5 hours. Then the Chalfonte set up a table of wine, crackers, fruit, cheese and olives for the belated “intro” segment and “happy hour”. I finally met Michael, who is Leslie’s beau, and much socializing with everyone. Sunday dawned with overcast skies and much cool temps.

Layering up on clothes was the order of the day. At the workshop room we decided to “stay in” and the Chalfonte turned on the heat for us. Amen! Barbara spent a good portion of the day providing us with demos and discussion. One of the demos, Aspen Birches, was our painting subject for the afternoon. Also, that afternoon, Barbara did a critique of everyone’s work and a raffle of some of her work. Plus she handed out free goodies from “Cheap Joe’s” art supplies. Afterwards Erik, Franklin, Leslie, Michael and I met at the King Edward lounge for a “happy hour”, though I stuck with lemon water. Then we parted company and I had quick dinner with Leslie and Michael before they drove back to PA. Next day it was back on the bus to NYC.

2011 Watercolour Workshop at the Chalfonte hotel in Cape May - Oct 1st & 2nd