Monday, July 13, 2020

4th of July Campout

Usually, by this time of year our extended family has had two camp-outs, but not in a COVID-19 year. We finally make it out for our July 4 traditional camp-out. Bathrooms were open this time but labeled "Use At Own Risk". We use the one in our trailer. Most of our regulars were here but, as we are all growing older, fewer are still active campers. I had the chance to get jamming in with Ed to entertain the clan by fireside. This is a high point for me! It's the perfect setting.

On the second night Ed was busy with other family obligations.  We had a fire at our camper and some others came over but left early. I had some time by our fireside to do some solo playing. However, it was into the Quiet Hours (10 p.m.-6 a.m.), and a park ranger came over to shut me down after a half hour. A regular occurrence for me. I'm always amazed that playing and singing is considered illegal behavior. It's acoustic! The sound doesn't travel that far and I may not be professional but I can hold a tune, but we are still breaking the law.

Trivia - it's never too hot for a fire! We sweat through the day but we love the fire at night. And my wife and I had Smores one night. Timeless!

Saturday, July 11, 2020

A New Routine

I think this place will be seeing a lot of me in the following months. It is the Cancer Center. Today is just a bone scan to assess any possible spread of the cancer. The radioactive injection is three hours before the actual scan, and I'm on my own for that time. So - SKETCH! I set up my lawn chair out in the parking lot and bought a high-end coffee from the Roasterie kiosk and immersed myself in the process. It's been too long since I've sketched. It's like meeting an old friend to spend time.


Trivia - this building does not have a blue roof on the middle section. I felt that the grey on brick color scheme needed to be spruced up. Seeing the finished sketch I don't think blue was the correct accent color, but it's still better than grey on brick. I'm always amazed at how hard cars are to sketch. I have long realized I just need to go out and sketch them more often, like my need to sketch people. Just don't seem to get it done, though.