Just Plein Fun

Here at the Reinke homestead we've been busier than a one-armed paper hanger. Here's the last two weeks in review.
Plein Air Rockies took place in Estes Park August 14 -  27. 

As a participating artist, Dennis spent most of the two weeks painting in RMNP and the Allenspark and Estes Park areas. On August 22 at daybreak we scoured the Rim Lake Trailhead for painting subjects.


The early morning light gave the clouds and landscape an ethereal glow.

 A field of cheerful wildflowers greeted us...

As did a young bunny.

I couldn't resist photographing this handsome artist...

Later in the morning we drove to a spot overlooking Horseshoe Park in RMNP where Dennis painted and I worked on my novel...

On one of my leg-stretching breaks I shot some photographs. This one taken over Dennis' shoulder is a favorite...

I saw this little guy peeking at me while eating his breakfast. Before he scurried away I managed to get this shot...

 Rockies Plein Air culminated with a Quick Draw and Auction on August 28.

Twenty-three artists gathered on the Riverwalk to paint everything from portraits

 and still lifes

 to landscapes. 

The artists were given 90 minutes to complete and frame their work, then it was judged and entered into the auction. Dennis won second place with his watercolor, which went on to sell at auction to a lovely couple. 

We had a great time with our artist friends and look forward to next year's event.

That same weekend my two grandchildren came to stay with us. On Sunday before we drove to Loveland to meet their parents, Emma and Oliver expended energy at the Riverwalk playground.

The Boulder County Arts Alliance is hosting a plein air this Saturday. Dennis has been out painting farms in Boulder County. I tagged along last Thursday and got this photo of an abandoned mine in the hillside.

While he's not painting, Dennis and I continue to look at real estate. This past Saturday we drove to Grand Lake 

and on to Georgetown to look around. On the drive back home I snapped this photo of Sleeping Indian Mountain. Can you see the profile of the Indian's face?

And that's the condensed version of the last two weeks. Still having fun.

Easy Does It

This has been an exciting week for our family. Two grandchildren enjoyed milestone events.

Six year-old Oliver lost his first baby tooth. Despite the fact that Dennis and I were miles away when this monumental happening took place, we did witness it (albeit second hand) through the wonder of modern technology. Keri, Ollie's mom, caught it on her iPhone.  A video triumph.

I love the last comment Ollie makes before the movie ends, "It was easy." 

Oh to be six again, when losing teeth is no big deal. Why worry if you temporarily resemble an NHL player? In a few months larger chompers will fill the gaps. Besides, there's that whole monetary reward system that kicks in when your deciduous teeth fall out.  The tooth fairy makes multiple nocturnal visits, exchanges your absent ivories for various sums, and your piggy bank is all the richer. It doesn't get any better than that.

Oh sure, I could tell Oliver that dental hygiene won't always be a walk in the park. I could tell him that one day he'll be shelling out mega moola to some dentist to keep his adult teeth from falling out. But I'm not going to. He'll find out soon enough the cold, hard facts. For now let him bask in the knowledge that "it was easy."

Oliver's sister Emma celebrated her ninth birthday on Saturday.

We were there for pizza on the grill, birthday cake and presents. A bittersweet time. Our little girl is growing up. Wasn't it just yesterday that she was in awe of the Wiggles?

Happy birthday, again, Sweet Pea. Don't grow up too fast, ok?

Love to both of my grandchildren from their Nana.