Utah Sunset

Last week I  returned from a great trip to Utah for the Western Federation of Watercolor Societies Exhibition. My friend, and fellow past WSO President, Jayne and I had a great time viewing the terrific art and meeting old an new friends among the delegates and artists in attendance. The Utah Watercolor Society did a great job of hosting the exhibition, and really made all of us feel welcome and honored.  The above photo was taken from the deck of a beautiful home overlooking Salt Lake City where we had a wonderful welcoming dinner.

As you can see, the view was great!

Some highlights of the trip…..

The Delegates & Alternates from all Eleven Groups

Dave & Debbie Cook, New Mexico Hosts next year

Jayne & I at the exhibition reception

Salt Lake City Hall

Jamie Wyeth Exhibit - Seven Deadly Sins

Touring Temple Square

The Texas Contingent: Gale Webb, Jim-Bob Swinney, Jonesy McConnell and Bonnie's daughter Dawn

Jim-Bob and his daughter Dawn were there for the presentation of the Bonnie Swinney Memorial Award. Bonnie was the delegate from Lubbock for years, and this is the first time I’ve attended a meeting without her smiling face. She was terribly missed, but I know she was looking down on the whole thing with pride & joy.

I stayed a couple of extra days in Salt Lake with my cousin Lucy & her husband Drew. They were the perfect hosts… and it was fun to see their construction project… a new addition for kitchen and master suite! Lucy & I shared gardening ideas and I got to see first-hand the dedication that goes into her fabulous racing success. Read more about the Intermountain cup and all their biking adventures on their blog.

While in Salt Lake City, I took the opportunity to do some genaology research at the Family History Library. What a fabulous place! Unfortunately, I found answers to some questions… but they only raised other questions. I ruled out some clues that I had found, but didn’t really locate any information on my great-grandparents, who emigrated from Germany. The search continues!

Of course, the best part of any trip is coming home. While I was away, my sweet husband put together my new Greenhouse! The weekend and yesterday we spent time laying weed-block and installing raised beds. The next phase will be building the deer fence, then I can finally plant my garden!

Nice & Dry inside!

Soil for 4 raised beds = BACKACHE!

Curly, Larry & Moe Welcomed me Home

I’m ALMOST glad it’s raining today so I can spend some time getting caught up with paperwork and get into my studio! I hope you can see how rich and wonderful our soil is for the raised beds. It came from the composted manure pile near the barn…. thanks to the first owners of this home who had horses! I hope everyone has a special Memorial Day weekend planned. I will be spending it in the garden 🙂