I am working on that Coast Guard in Haiti painting and learning all sorts of new things. Shelly came over last night cause I was struggling with the background (my detail orientation gets me in trouble sometimes). Well, it is a hazy green and yellow blotchy thing now. Don't know how to describe it, but it is supposed to be out-of-focus greenery. I am learning how to paint black people too. I just sort of thought their skin was different shades of brown. NOT!!!

I got talked into going out on a patrol yesterday. We were on the water literally between storms. One had passed over and another was moving in. Well, the sky was incredibly beautiful with mountains of cumulus clouds, bright white on top and blue-gray beneath against a vivid blue sky. At sundown a perfect band of violet separated the clouds from the water's edge. Darn, I didn't have my camera with me! I think this was the first time in years that I did not have my camera with me and it was one of the most beautiful skies I've ever seen. We circled a few island with boaters rafted up enjoying the perfect day. No camera! Boy, did I miss some great shots!

By the way- it was hot as h*** unless the boat was moving. It was about 98 degrees and the sun reflects off the water as well as beats down from above. Hot...