From that cruise that was a day longer than I had entered on my calendar, to meeting Randy (solitaire), the week before last was pretty exciting. Then I got sick starting with flu-like symptoms on Sunday, and by Thursday and Friday I was in the hospital recovering from an asthma attack that knocked me unconscious. I never before had anything except very mild symptoms; nothing serious enough to require treatment so I did not have an inhaler. Now I use two different ones as well as all kinds of other medication, but I feel great again. It is exceptionally dry here and the oak trees are pollinating like crazy. My house and car- everything is covered in a layer of pollen which is likely what triggered the asthma attack after I caught that cold or flu thing. It was pretty scary to be here by myself and know that I was unconscious! I had a coughing spasm and just couldn't catch my breath again.

I am now at least a week behind in my publication schedule for my next USCGAUX news magazine. I will be working in over-drive for a while and will not have time to paint- or stop by here much over the next six weeks. Knowing this, I started this painting right after my cruise. After I finished it the first time (Tueasday?)it looked a bit flat and lack-luster, so yesterday I repainted the entire foreground using some sloppy knife work. This I like better. At least it does not look as flat as it did.

I will miss painting over the next few weeks. I will miss all of you, but will stop by and leave comments when I can. I only have to work in over-drive for about six weeks, then I am done for a few months again...

Take care y'all!