Nothing finer than the seashore in the fall!!

I've been busy all summer with art projects.

My friend Janet Davis and I co-hosted a fundraiser for the Fund for Women - a Delaware fund set up to assist women and girls. Read more about it at http://www.delcf.org/ffw.htm I donated a silent-auction painting, 100% of the proceeds of which went to FFW. It's entitled "Girls Just Wanna Have Funds" (above). It honors the special bond girlfriends share. If you'd like a limited edition giclee copy of the painting (only 50!) check in with me at ldickey@4sightgroup.com $40, $10 of which goes to the FFW.



I also donated a painting of our Lightship Overfalls http://www.overfalls.org/ to the Overfalls Foundation.    The painting was awarded to the wonderful woman who started the restoration project on the ship, Merrell Kaegi.  The first 10 Giclee prints of the painting were also donated to the Foundation -- and are almost gone.

Another summer long project was a painting of the Lewes area -- what do you think.   It depicts some of my favorite places and things to do.   Don't miss the Lewes/Cape May ferry about to take out the Breakwater Lighthouse!!

Here's another fun painting I did for our new "nephew" (actually my daughter in law Meg's sister Jolene's new son, Evan - say that 10 times fast).   I thought it would cheer his new nursery in their new home.

We're enjoying a breezy cool day here in Lewes, DE. The visitors have left for the season - and our little village goes from a bustling busy place to the lazy, quaint town we all fell in love with.


Well, since I've found my blog once again, I'll try and update it more.

What's prettier than Brenham in the Spring?

We are enjoying an amazingly beautiful bluebonnet season. We are also blessed with some of the most delightful weather imaginable! Although we still need rain - the drought has been lessened with some recent showers. As you can see from the picture, our little farm is sitting in a sea of purple.


Our thoughts are turning to the warm lazy days of our home in Lewes, DE. Husband John commented today that he needs to decide on a color to paint his little racing sailboat! That's a sure sign summer is on her way. I am so ready to see my good friends.

We are looking forward to having friends from Houston visit over the weekend. Then, the following weekend we head to Chicago for a family wedding. Actually, the brother of our son's finace Ellen is getting married, and this will be our first chance to meet Ellen's family (other than Mom and Dad). We just can't wait - especially since soon after our return from Chicago we load the car to drive back to Lewes.

Let's see: I've been painting like a crazy woman. Here are some recent paintings:



"The Girls of Summer" "Lazy Afternoon"

"Strawberry Patch"

I have a number of paintings framed and ready for sale in Delaware this summer. It's been so much fun preparing them and it brings me much joy to know they bring color and fun to others' homes.

Til next time --

And if it's Friday, it's Turkey & Dressing at the Sante Fe Cafe

So, how do you describe one of Brenham's true treasures, the Sante Fe Cafe? Monday: meat loaf; Wednesday: fried chicken; Friday: turkey and dressing. Yum

Try a little of the ambiance of the Whistle Stop Cafe in the book/movie Fried Green Tomatoes. Throw in some of the camaraderie of the bar in Cheers, and the good home cooking of Paula Deen. That's the Sante Fe.

They are famous for breakfast: served early, with lots of fresh coffee and if you're lucky, home made biscuits. Waitresses Joyce and Linda will notify you right away about the biscuits (and to see if you want cream gravy on them). And to make the meal even more complete, sometimes you have the excitement of the Santa Fe railroad passing by that requires you to hold on to your plate and/or glass, but always brings a smile.

Did I mention our cute town has a railroad track separating it in two? That railroad also brings some old fashioned sounds at 2 a.m. when if heads north.

Today is another warm bright day at our farm. The Bluebonnets continue to get brighter - and we are having the watch our Pekingese Bella closely because she's decided they taste better than they look! Adding a trip to the Texas Hill Country too witness these amazing wildflowers is something everyone should do.

Yellow Roses of Texas

First, meet Bella Dickey. She is our third Pekingese. Her sweet sisters Valentine and Ivy lived good long lives and Bella continues a tradition of being the best friend a family could have. She is a "parti" in color - that means, white, tan and black. You'll see more pix of Bella who is 9 months old right now and still growing.

Then, here are some beautiful yellow roses my sister Sherry sent me for my birthday. And that warm Texas sunshine coming in the windows only makes them prettier! I have three great sisters (I'm the oldest of 4 girls and 1 boy): Sherry who lives in San Francisco, CA; Jean who is a Rincon, GA gal (near Savannah); Mary who lives near our farm in Brenham. And I have a great brother, Elliott, who lives in Houston.

If it's Thursday, it's art

Today is a wonderful springtime day in Brenham, Texas. Brenham is often referred to as "half way between Houston and Austin", but we think Houston and Austin are each an hour from Brenham! There's so much to do, and not do, in our beautiful town. This is a photo of my pretty French inspired study from which I blog.

The Texas bluebonnets are starting to put on their show. Some folks have said "no bluebonnets cause of the drought" but that is not the case here. A few Indian Paintbrush are rearing their heads as well. We are looking forward to friends joining us in our guest cottage soon. Bluebonnets are meant to be shared.

Thursday is my painting day with friends at the Brenham Fine Arts Guild. We gather in a historic building in town and share techniques, but mostly friendship. I am very lucky to live in two artist communities - Brenham, Texas and Lewes, DE. It's nice to share ideas with friends from both places. When I tire of painting ocean scenes in the summer/fall, I come to Texas and enjoy expansive landscapes and skies.

Life is indeed good!