In the Country

I'm back now, in my studio, in Quebec, and both feel like quite a contrast to the rural, agricultural landscape and small towns of New York State's Chenango and Madison counties, right in the center of the state. I love it there, where I grew up, for many reasons, not least of which is the peacefulness of being surrounded by nature and quiet. There are other aspects of life in the U.S., particularly rural areas like this one, which are not happy or peaceful at all, and which are painfully obvious to me whenever I go back. But my family was doing well; my father at 87 is still vigorous and enjoying life and golf and good health; the lake itself was clear and seemed in better ecological balance than it has been for some time. It was a good visit, with beautiful high summer weather all the time we were there. I'll post some more photos tomorrow; these are all from the small lake where I spent my childhood and where my dad still lives.

Part of our shoreline, looking northeast. Froggy habitat in those reeds beyond the ferns!

Crown vetch.

Honeysuckle berries.

And who was eating them. (A pair of cedar waxwings: they were very unafraid, and I watched them mating on the branch just before I took this photo.)

And a portrait of an important member of the family, exactly the same age as I am. Restorative and cosmetic surgery is an ongoing project!