Back to my studio

We left on Christmas Eve and visited 3 children in 3 cities, 2 provinces, spending 4 nights and 5 days away. It's the longest I've been away in a few years. I did very well. Since we stayed at a hotel for 3 of the 4 nights, I was able to do my yoga and have a swim each day. Christmas Day included a walk, yoga and a swim.

My brother made Christmas dinner for 3 siblings along with spouses and several nephews. He goes all out, starting the giblet gravy the day before and basting the turkey with the broth. Sausage stuffing. Seafood chowder with mussels in the shells. Mushroom stuffed escargot. Chocolate covered cheesecake made by my sister in law and pudding made by my brother's wife. It was a wonderful food delight and I even managed not to overeat!
The best part was the company, the talk and the reminiscing.

We got home last night and this morning I did some wash and cleaned house. The morning sunshine greeted me in the kitchen.

 I always take the time to get a few pics of the birds.

Newcomers this morning-- the common redpoles.

 After lunch, I headed to my studio. I always love the changing view.

I really missed being able to work on my latest fiber art piece while I was away. I wanted to start painting the background today--didn't get to that, but at least finished the layout of the rocky hillside.

I am so anxious to get the background painted and appliqued with the trees. I must be patient!

And, I must look after domestic things like bringing in the sheets and starting supper. My son's roasted vegetables while we were there inspired me to do some to-night. I'm going to add a large chicken breast.

 I've had my tea, now I must get the chores done.

Back home but still in vacation mode

We had a lovely long weekend on Prince Edward Island at the family cottage. It was sunny and warm  the whole time. We:

Swam in the ocean everyday
Had family barbecues everyday
Played golf
Had visits with my daughter and her boyfriend, lots of nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters and mom and step dad.

I didn't even take the camera out of it's bag until we hit the nature park on this side of the Confederation Bridge.
This is a photo looking west from the beach that I took last year. When the water is warm, as it was this weekend, the swimming is wonderful!
 

My husband kindly stopped every hour or so for me to get out and stretch my legs.My hip joint has become very painful. I am waiting for xray results which because of summer vacations could take a few weeks.
There were lots of wildflowers along the pathways that caught my interest. These reminded me of a sprinkling of pink stars.

I can't identify it from my wildflower book. The only thing close is something called 'salt marsh pink' although the petals are different.
Here's another more common one I think.

Could this last one be meadow sweet?
These are the minutiae that occupy my mind! Why did I not take family photos, I don't know. I was too relaxed to bother with cameras. One afternoon at the beach after a nice swim while I sat by myself, I looked up and down the beach and imagined how I would paint it. The sketchbook and paint kit were in my bag but I laid there in a lovely stupor. That's what holidays are about I guess.
Today, my husband is off to a golf tournament-- yippee I don't have to make supper-- and I am going to the waterfront shop for 3 hours, so no studio time.
I'm sharing my lunch salad since it's the only thing I've created lately.

Quinoa Apple Cheddar Salad

quinoa
celery
apple
cheese
walnuts
cucumber
red pepper

Dressing:
apple cider vinegar
olive oil
mustard
maple syrup or honey

I usually ad lib it but you can find lots of similar recipes on line for exact proportions.
We have another week of vacation and we're expecting a visit from my son and his wife so again, I won't be blogging much.
In whatever part of the world you are I hope you're enjoying your vacations.