My Irish in-laws in their youth.

Watercolour and gouache on Arches paper.

The clan has grown since they've been gone. In two weeks I'll be there doing the rounds in Wicklow, Wexford and Dublin.

  
Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

Travel

 I realized yesterday that in three weeks I will be leaving for Los Angeles.The trip that was a long time away is now around the corner.  It's going to be fabulous.
One of my oldest friends Joy (we go back decades, to San Diego) will be meeting me for a weekend of reunion and gaddabouting around. Then another of my oldest friends from Toronto, Julie, will be taking me to her place in Santa Barbara for a few days, during which I'll be dropping in on my friends and colleagues at Stampington & Company. Three reunions in all!

This year is my year of travel.
In very early May, I will be in Oklahoma City for a teaching weekend at The Paper Crown. My Oklahoma peeps (as I think of them) graced one of my classes at Silver Bella and were among the kindest and most talented people I've met. I so looking forward to seeing them again and renewing friendships. The bonus will be a few days with my sister who lives one hour's flight away across the border in Texas.

The third trip, still in planning stages will be to Ireland; I try to visit the clan every few years, and it's been too long.

John and Dinah Copeland, gone but not forgotten.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown

"The affable Irishman"

 My husband and his brothers were all rugby players. Now one of the sons, Robin Copeland, is making his presence felt on the rugby field. Some of the clan travelled to England to watch him play. We're all very proud of him. Robin is the one holding the ball.....

Secret weapon Copeland is sure to attract Premiership interest - Rugby Union - Yorkshire Post

Yorkshire Post, Dec. 8, 2011 -- Of more short-term concern, Copeland's scores on 23 and 26 minutes were enough to secure victory for Rotherham. The affable Irishman is content with that for now, while coach Andre Bester – a seasoned unearther of rough diamonds – thinks there is more ‘balancing out’ of Copeland’s game to be done.

There was still much work to do, but Copeland, who seems destined for the top, does not need opportunities gift-wrapped.

His intervention was decisive. It gave Rotherham a 17-0 lead at half-time that they managed to hold onto in the second half, with Garry Law scoring two penalties and a drop goal.

Simplicity is the removal of the useless and the unnecessary--source unknown