Greetings from Door County

Yes, we dared a get-away. For me it's a double get-away because I forgot my phone! And yet I am surviving.

We decided we would only come if we could stay in our usual cottage in Ephraim because we totally trust the owner to clean. And she didn't disappoint. It is spotless! She also keeps it empty for at least 24 hours between guests.

I did use Keith's phone to take a picture of my first drawing. This iconic old truck is permanently parked in Ellison Bay. I'm trying to learn to sketch more loosely and quickly, but I'm not sure I like this new style. 

People up here are wearing masks and socially distancing, just as they are in Madison.We either make our own meals or do take-out -- just like at home. (Kathy, Julie's is open! I had cherry crepes today. She has indoor seating, but we did carry-out.)

It is really nice to have a change of scene! And the mosquitos aren't out yet, so we are practically living outdoors. If you have a safe place to go, consider a trip!

The Eclipse and Other Sights

Did you see it? We aren't in an area to get the maximum effect, but Keith was able to capture the partial eclipse today without hurting his eyes.

This photo was taken at 1:15 this afternoon in Fish Creek (Crick to the locals) in Wisconsin's Door County. If you've been reading this blog for long, you know that Keith and I LOVE Door County.

This time, we stopped in Oshkosh to see an art exhibit by Native Americans. That exhibit was good, but we were even more enchanted by an exhibit called Wonderland. I had seen this mentioned on the Internet and had no interest at all. But it turned out to be fascinating.

This is a photo, not a painting!

This is one of 75 images carefully crafted and shot by British photographer Kirsty Mitchell. The exhibit includes films that show how she put these photos together -- and they are just amazing. She created a sort of fairy tale to deal with her grief after her mother died, and ended up with the most successful crowd-sourced photography project ever.

You can see more about Wonderland at her Web site here.  There was a beautiful book for sale at the Paine Art Museum in Oshkosh, but it costs $150. Maybe my public library will buy a copy!

The Paine Art Center in Oshkosh

I am looking forward to enjoying this last week before I have to report to school. We are happily settled into Tuckaway Cottage just north of Ephraim, and the weather forecast is excellent. I hope you are having a lovely week, too.

Think Summer Give-Away

I wouldn't want any of my blog friends to fall into the post-holiday blues, so I've decided to do a giveaway with summer in mind.

To me, summer means Door County, which is known for its cherries. When I saw this pink and green yarn, I knew what kind of give-away I wanted to do.

I've assembled some Door County treats and soap -- and who knows how many other little goodies may find their way into this package?

To be in the drawing, just leave a comment on this post. I'll hold it open until 8 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 2, 2017 (!), and then pick a winner.

Fiber on Washington Island

On our last full day in Door County, Keith and I took the ferry to Washington Island, where we had a delightful day biking and exploring the island. I did not expect a fibery day, but I got one!

We stopped at the Washington Island Farm Museum, where I found this beautiful Scandinavian spinning wheel:

 

I almost missed this, but Keith pointed out there was swifter right next to it:

We also biked to the Sievers School of Fiber Arts, which turns out to be a beautiful setting with a great store. I couldn't resist picking up this book by designer Jane Richmond:

I didn't really know much about the school, but I checked out their schedule, and they offer amazing classes in knitting, weaving, book-making, jewelry-making and more. I'm going to have to take a serious look at their 2016 class schedule, when  it comes on February 1, 2016.

There is an adorable coffee shop on the island, The Red Cup, which also sells local art and hand-dyed yarn. Can you blame me for picking up this? The label doesn't say very much, other than that it is dyed right there. I think it will make a great hat.

As we drove back home Friday morning, we stopped at our favorite art gallery, Edgewood Orchard Galleries, and I found a few sheep there. A small flock inhabits this painting:

And a handful of ceramic sheep graced the gardens outside the gallery

 

All in all, it was good trip!