It was the arts fest week. I often find it to be one of the best yearly events in State College. Great artists from all over the country were here showcasing their art for us to enjoy and buy. Of course, the best art pieces are unbelievably expensive. One of my favorite pieces was about $3000!

Wednesday was the Children’s day. Children 8 years and above get to sell artwork made by themselves. It is a great opportunity, and a nice way for kids to get involved in arts early, as well as have an experience of running their own business. I am hoping Tanya will participate next year. As of now, we went as customers. The kids shopped for their essential needs (!) and then enjoyed playing with bubbles, and eating yummy snow cones!

In the evening, Tanya and I went for the kids parade. It is pretty amazing. We could pick any character and carry it in the parade. Each piece is an exquisite work of art, since it is made with paper mache. Here’s a picture.

 

On thursday I started my italian street painting. In this festival we get to use pastels to paint 4′ x 6′ chalk art on a street. This was my 10th year at the street painting. I did a landscape originally done by Thomas Chambers (1808 – 1869). Started on Thursday, and then went on to spend 1/2 day friday and an hour on Saturday. Was a lot of fun. Tanya did a small one too, and helped me on Sat with my work.

 

Tanya had her own street painting work to do. She made Rosie trying to escape by opening the kitchen door. Here’s a picture of her in action.

She also posed with 3d balloon art.

We also had our first bumper crop of Zucchini. I must admit I felt my chest tighten with anxiety when I found a big, fat one hidden. But I am proud to say that we have almost finished the three Zucchinis we harvested. I made two Zucchini bread loaves, and some zucchini fritters. Today we had guests for dinner, and I made a pretty delicious sauteed Zucchini.

I had a brainwave yesterday. Instead of making and freezing Zucchini bread, I plan to store grated zucchini in the freezer to save my freezer space. And so, a message to my vegetable garden, bring it on, I am ready for the zucchini onslaught!

I also got a new Janome 2212 sewing machine a week ago. Did my first project of sewing up some torn cushion covers. It was so good, very nostalgic from my mom doing all that sewing when I was a kid. Looking forward to many new projects.

In the meantime, Johan has been busy with the cabin at our property. He enlisted our student neighbors to help clean out the cabin, and they got far! They also had fun messing about in the creek.

And finally, Johan took the kids to the Coleville junkyard, and guess what they found, the magic school bus! Well, not quite but pretty close.

Single File Please!

More next week.