Last week, a bald eagle flew so low and close I could see its eye … I just watched it bank over me and head up to the trees instead of reaching for my phone/camera. Yesterday I saw a bald eagle near the same spot, this time high up on the mountain. Got a photo of a tiny black blob with a smaller white blob on top, so while not a great photo in and of itself, it is a reminder of that previous amazing close encounter. 🦅 #birdstr

New record for Mom & Me: 550 piece jigsaw puzzle in 2 days! 🧩🎉 #jigsawpuzzle #familytime

Practicing on my own with scenes and objects in addition to the exercises in the watercolor course. Here are the past few days followed by my reference photo. I like the 3rd one best. Mom likes the 2nd one best. #artstr #watercolor

Mom likes murder mysteries, so we’ve been watching through several shows in the past few weeks…. The Puzzle Lady - based on books, contemporary, didn’t like the characters Bookish - original Mark Gatiss creation, 1946, renewed for a second season, liked the characters a lot and has great dialog Patience - English remake of the French Astrid, contemporary, liked the characters, there’s a second season out to buy now and coming to her streaming service at the end of May 🇨🇦 Dr. Blake Mysteries - Australian production, late 1950s, 6 seasons. Seasons 1 and 6 were subscription-locked for us, so we started on season 2. Liked the characters, gets a bit soap opera in season 5. #tvstr #murdermystery

Practicing water reflection brush strokes #artstr #watercolor

Played with the travel watercolor brushes. I thought I’d prefer the black based ones, but the gold base feel much lighter when I grip close to the ferrule for detailed, controlled strokes. The gold brushes also hold their tip much better. Even though the bristles stained blue, there really isn’t any loose pigment in there. #artstr #artsupplies #watercolor

Over halfway through the month and now consistently hitting my new goal of 7,000 steps/day. Walked to town today so earned a little extra. 👟👟 #proofofwalk #fitnessover50

Let the sorting begin!!! #jigsawpuzzle #someonehastodoit

And the 1000 piece Brambly Hedge: Autumn Story jigsaw puzzle is now complete! 🧩🎉 #jigsawpuzzle #familytime

GM - view from the morning mountain walk. ⛰️ 🥾 #proofofwalk #fitnessover50

Today’s treat: lemon blueberry scone Tea: Murchie’s Balmoral (blend of Ceylon and Assam black teas) #teastr #foodstr

FYI: There’s a free multi-teacher online watercolor event happening from April 21 and April 26, 2026 called Win with Watercolor:

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All classes are free during the event, or you can buy a $37 USD pass before April 21 to keep access past the event. You can also buy the long-term access during the event, but the price goes up. Name and email required to sign up. David Drazil of Sketch Like an Architect is the host, with 20+ watercolor teachers, including Anastasiia, whose Travel Sketching course I’m currently working through. #art #watercolor #onlineclass

10C, feels like 4C because of the wind. Good day for broccoli cheese soup with chicken and shredded cheese topping with cracked pepper. #foodstr

Eight watercolor painting techniques from the online class I’m working through. #artstr #watercolor

Instead of Sunday Rummikub, it’s now Scrabble Sunday. 3 games, the last of which included the pain of having a 7 letter word near the end of the game and nowhere to put it. 🫤 #gamestr #familytime

The magnolia trees up here are amazing! 🤩 #treestr #blooming

When it’s time leave the cafe but you stay, mentally singing all the lyrics to the song that just started playing …. #tunestr

The bakeries and cafes have the best treats up here. This is a blueberry oat bar. 😋 #foodstr