Skiing In Park City

Many of you may already know that I am a Florida native and love the warm sunshine in my home state.  What you may not know is that I also enjoy snow skiing.

My husband and I lived in Utah for a few years prior to moving to Ocala,Fl. (That is another story for another time) While there we skied most of the western slopes.  So, it was great to join my sons and their families last week during the school Spring Break for a week of skiing at Park City, Utah.

We rented a house in Park City big enough for all of us with ski in-ski out ability.  That means we didn't have to lug our gear to the slopes and back.  We could just walk out the door, put our skis on and go. 

Spring skiing is always a gamble because temperatures are rising  and the snow is beginning to melt.  We got lucky and had snow fall the first two days, creating good skiing conditions. The two older grandchildren (14 and 9) had not skied much but got their "ski legs" by early afternoon the first day and were off to the top of the mountain.  The youngest, 3 years old,  did great also and enjoyed skiing with his dad and grandpa.

We took a day off and went "tubing".  What is that?  you ask.  You get hauled up a slope, jump onto huge inner tubes, slide over the crest and down you go, full speed ahead.  Of course, we all had to go together, making it even more fun.  If you want a good laugh go to my FB page to see a video of us fools sliding down the mountain.

I am happy to report that none of us were injured.  We all returned home with lots of great memories and stories to last a long time....AND we are still talking to one another after living together for a whole week!www.floridalandscapaes.com

Backus Museum Fund Raiser

                                  
 The A. E. Backus Museum invited me along with a few other artists to participate in a unique fund raiser.  Each artist selected an object and painted what ever they wanted to on it.  I chose a lovely solid wood tray.  After sanding, the wood took on a beautiful patina that yelled SANDHILL CRANES to me.

The images are painted in oil, which worked well with the wood grain, giving the "feathers" a more real look.

After the paint was completely dry I applied a wood varnish that is used on salad bowls.  As a result, food can be served safely right on the tray.

The Museum Director Kathleen Frederick called to tell me how the auction went.  I am thrilled my tray was sold for $475.00 with all the proceeds going to the Museum.