Paul

We made it home in time for the awards ceremony for the Missouri Watercolor Invitational. My latest experimental painting, "Suspense" won First Place! It's nice to occasionally win one in my local crowd. This one was especially sweet with all of the other deserving competition. Presenting the award is my good friend, George Tutt, founder…

As we rolled through St Louis I could feel the transmission start to slip. By the time we hit Columbia it had hardly any grip left at all. I rolled into the driveway and let her die peacefully. She'll need a new transmission, starter, shocks, brakes and 4 new tires. Maybe I should just consider…

Twenty minutes ago I was stalled in Paducah, now I'm moving west toward home again! On the 99th attempt, the starter breathed one last gasp and turned over engine! I had just turned my sights toward spending a couple of nights in Paducah! We'll have to include that in the plans for a later date!…

This adventure keeps getting more interesting! We found a garage to fix the vibration first thing this morning! We made it to Paducah Ky before we broke down again! Argh! This time the starter decided to quit at the gas pump! Now we get to explore Paducah for the rest of the weekend! Oh well,…

Blew a shock in the mountains and rattled violently into Johnson City TN on a Friday evening. My horse can go no further without some attention. So far it seems like a lucky place to break down. Starbucks and a mechanic open on Saturday within walking distance of our hotel. Also this great eatery, Cootie…

Boone NC is home to the world famous Cheap Joe's Art Stuff. Since I was in the neighborhood I thought I'd stop in and stock up! Like a big candy store for artists!

Bat Cave's charm flows down the mountain to form the Broad River. We played in the river this morning. Nice rocks! This is one of earth's magical places.

I doubt the road ices up much around here. The kudzu growth makes me think it is a lot more tropical. I don't remember Bat Cave NC to be swallowed by kudzu, but it has been 15 years since my last visit. Today it seems to be losing the battle with the kudzu, but still…

I love the fall! The colors are warm and vivid. The air turns cooler and there is a certain electricty to everything. Stumbling upon this pumpkin farm got me excited about seeing fall colors! Bring it on! The leaves in the North Carolina mountains have yet to give up the green.

This chicken house has almost disappeared as the valley it occupies has been blanketed by kudzu. I wonder what it will look like in 20 years if left undeveloped.