We just returned from a wonderful camping trip at Crotch Lake in Frontenac County.  As we paddled to our campsite we spotted a bald eagle perched high on a tree beside it's nest. We saw the eagle soaring over the lake several times while we were camping. When we got to our campsite we were greated by a friendly song sparrow who sang to us as we set up our tent.  As we explored the area we came across several of my favorite wildflowers: milkweeds, blue flag wild irises, and tiger lilies to name a few! In the evening I played a little harp while Dennis did some fishing. We were thrilled to see about a million dragonflies come out to feast on the mosquitos as we sat around our campfire. Next day we had a little rain in the morning. The skies cleared mid day and we were able to fish, swim and play some more harp:)  Early this morning, around 4:30, we woke to the sound of a whip-poor-will who had landed on a nearby tree. I haven't heard a whip-poor-will for years! It was so awesome! In the background you can hear some loons, and sea gulls. Hope you enjoy these pics and videos from our little getaway:)

Here are a few pictures and videos from our beautiful weekend at North River Lake in Algonquin Park. It was raining as we drove there; and the rain continued as we headed out into the winding creek that leads to the lake. Luckily for us, it cleared up just as we approached the lake!  The rest of the weekend was sunny, not too hot, not too cold, and there was a light breeze. It was just enough to keep the mosquitos and black flies away.....well....most of the time! We enjoyed canoing in our little Swift Prospector 15. My husband found it easy to move around, and it was so comfortable to sit in!  We had plenty of room for all our gear. We did a short portage to another lake where we were pleasantly surprised to find a waterfalls hidden in the trees! Back at our campsite we enjoyed a wonderful, private, sandy beach.  There were loons, dragonflies and butterflies galore! It felt so good to be outside camping again! We can't wait for our next adventure! 

As 2021 winds down I would like to take a moment and tell you how grateful I am to my galleries, art collectors and the many folks along my path that offer support and encouragement with my artistic journey. I create these paintings in my studio, alone with my thoughts. I have no idea where they will end up. I just know that I need to paint them; and I trust that they will find their way to the right people at the right time. Thank you for coming along with me on my artistic journey and best wishes to you in 2022!   "Lang May Yer Lum Reek!" 
#whatevercangorightwillgoright

These are black swallowtail caterpillars. I got them from a friend (thank you Carole!) who found them on her carrots in her garden.  Thought I would share with you, as you don't see them very often!  One has made a chrysalis and the other is still feeding on some Queen Anne's Lace. I plan to 'overwinter' them in my garage where they will experience the natural temperatures of this area. Hopefully, I will be able to release two beautiful butterflies in the coming spring! You may also notice one last monarch butterfly chrysalis in there! It should emerge very soon! 

I've been enjoying seeing all the beautiful wildflowers this past July! And I've never seen so many monarchs, in this area, as I have this year! So nice! These are my photos taken along the river near my home. I hope you enjoy:)

Sit back and enjoy these videos I took while out on the water...