Saturday, May 14, 2011

Today was one that had my senses in high gear….might even say sensory overload! First of all, I drove to the vineyard with a car full of good smelling food. If that wasn’t enough, there was a big bundle of fresh basil in the seat beside me! I don’t know what fresh basil does for you, but I absolutely love it! Every now and then I would pluck a leaf off and bruise it with my fingertips and the car would be immediately filled with its delicious fragrance! I am 1/8th Italian according to my genealogy.....100% according to my heart!


Moving along with my day….the bachelorette party I was serving went very well; absolutely darling bride. As I left the vineyard, I crossed over my favorite creek in Miami County, "the mighty Wea". I normally go slow so that I can take in the creek from both directions, today was no different. The sun wasn’t dancing along the happy water because today is 50 degrees and cloudy! But I enjoyed the view anyway. Just as I was ready to proceed forward, a very regal looking buck with a multi-pointed rack and 2 gorgeous does came up from having a drink of Wea and slowly crossed the road right in front of me. Each turned their head and glanced my way, then slowly sauntered off towards a field on the far side. Of course I didn’t have my camera with me! No matter how often I see deer, I never fail to have that awe-struck feeling. They are such a beautiful graceful animal….even the big boy with all of his muscles and size. I must say, I think the does really liked him also.

I moved on to leave them to their dinner. Before I even reached highway 68, I was overwhelmed by a huge flock of wild turkeys that flew very low in front of me and landed in a field of Black Angus. The cattle rancher has a beautiful place; rolling hills, ponds….the vista is gorgeous. The turkeys just strolled among the herd of cattle, having a snack of grain here and there.

Hawks on fence posts are always present, a very common sight, waiting to spy their next meal, but what I saw in a tree top was no hawk….There on the west side of the road, right along a big pond/small lake I had the biggest thrill yet…It was a Bald Eagle! Even on a cloudy day, his white feathered head sparkled. Majestic and then some! See what I mean about sensory overload!

Aren’t I lucky? All of this within 2 miles of the vineyard! Is it any wonder that I love the place? Drive to Somerset Ridge Vineyard soon. You never know who or what you are going to see!

Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy

Ponte Vecchio, Florence, Italy
oil painting by Kay Tucker

Somerset Autumn on Wea Creek

Somerset Autumn on Wea Creek
Oil Painting by Kay Tucker, Private Collection

Floral

Floral
oil painting by Kay Tucker

Kansas Storm

Kansas Storm
oil painting by Kay Tucker, Private Collection

Watercolor Collage

Watercolor Collage

Tempo al Tempo....All in Good Time

Tempo al Tempo....All in Good Time
48"x36" sculptural painting by Kay Tucker