Mini-Mural

Finished and delivered a small mural painted on Masonite today that is
installed behind the stove and under the microwave. Came out pretty
nice.

The '49ers

On the road today for business and decided to spend the night enroute
since it's raining and I won't be through with my appointment until
after 8pm. Staying in a Gold Rush era hotel (1851) in a little town
off the main road. Very quaint with a sign down the street that says
"parking for Harley-Davidson's only. Back to Lake Tahoe tomorrow. This
town really feels old. Makes me feel young. No shopping centers or
Statbucks. Bathroom is across the hall from the room. Will find out
about ghosts tonight.

Fantasy Fireplace

Finished another fireplace in Ell Dorado Hills yesterday. Came out pretty nice. The tile on the hearth is real, everything else is "faux-ny". They will be hanging a picture back up in the niche.

Designer Eggs

So my girl friend says this morning, "John, would you pick up some eggs?". Sure, no problem. Except she usually buys expensive organic brown eggs, but I usually get the cheaper white eggs. So to appeaser her, I bought the white eggs and some Easter egg dye and made some brown eggs (and blue, etc.). Don't think I saved any money, but had fun. Got a great reaction from her when she found the eggs in the refrigerator. Now she does not want to break them. Yes, they are raw eggs.

Winter Camping

Spent the weekend at Topaz Lake, NV. Getting ready for the Route 66
trip in mid- April. Could have done without the snow. Still had fun,
except for the casino. Made a long list of stuff to gather before the
long trip. "Roadee", the Airstream, is a pleasure to tow compared to
the "white boxes".

I'm Back

Did this mural, as well as a faux finish on a fireplace, last week.
Thought the wall treatment around the stove was pretty unique. While
painting it, there was a sheet of hardboard and a drop cloth on the
stove. My paint sat on the drop. Thought a similar arrangement in the
studio would be nice (without the stove). Paint down front, canvas or
board on the wall, and shelves to the side for other stuff. Might even
be able to sit on a stool. Going to give it some thought.

Memorial Service

Attended a memorial service this evening for "Big" Bob Tara, the Ski
Patrol Supervisor at Heavenly Ski Resort in South Lake Tahoe. Bob had
a heart attack last week after sitting down in a chair lift going up
the mountain. He was 58, a former linebacker with the Canadian
Football Leaque, and a huge man, both in stature and admiration. Ski
patrolers from many resorts were at the service, which started outside
with a flare ski by patrollers, then moved inside. Very emotional.