Two more days until Equinox, and all will be well. Somewhere. No confirmed cases of you-know-what in our county. We had a successful outing Monday, shopping for pet food (3-week supply) and groceries (2-week supply). Both stores were well stocked, and though busier than usual, we were in and out rather quickly. Today the US/Canada land border was closed to all but essential travel, such as shipping. Also, about 8,000 of our nurses work in Detroit area hospitals, so they must cross every day. But no more going over for gas or booze, which are about the only establishments still open anyway.
Today was Mogollon's trip to the vet. All is well with our little guy, except for some arthritis meds he will now take 2x daily (on top of his eye drops 2x daily in both eyes).
Last night was my third clear night so far this astronomy session. Friday, Sunday, and Tuesday nights were all clear, though last night I had to shut down at 11 pm due to increasing sky haze. My Winter constellation of Orion is still up high and bright this time of year, at least until around 10 pm. But the Spring ones are crowding out the Winter ones, and later at night I am knee deep in galaxies. Next chance of a clear night will be Saturday. Ironically, on the second full day of Spring, it will seem like Winter yet again, with another cold front coming through. Sunday night was freezing, and I had to shut down due to an ill wind blowing no good. Still, it has been amazingly clear and I am happy and very thankful. More notes to work on today.
Deb's movie choice last time was called Art School Confidential. I'm not sure how this film ever got made, but it is a very funny poke at art art schools in particular, something one rarely (never?) sees on film. Based on an off-beat comic, the film is both hilarious and touching. We watch a young, talented young man enter art school and learn how to become a famous artist. Hint: being accused of being a mass murder will really help your career. Well worth wathcing, I am now in search of the comic. John Malkovich is perfect as the art instructor. Deb could identify with much of what she saw on the screen.
Now showing on Criterion Channel.
And speaking of art, there is time for one more winter scene from (closed down) DIA.
Winter Landscape, between 1600-1650, Gysbrecht Leytens, Flemish 1586-1656.
Oil on oak panel. Unframed 18" x 31".
Collection Detroit Institute of Arts
Detail of left side of one of my most favourite 17 C. Flemish paintings.
Detail of the detail.
I can't help thinking that Tolkien would have liked this painting, too.
Detail of right side, showing the frozen water mill.
The water mill in winter, detail of above.
This is likely my last post for the Winter of 2019-2020, the 9th mildest in our records for this area. Friday will be an all day party here (indoors, as ours usually are), with lots of gaming and good eats, an doubt some great music of offer, as we celebrate the arrival of Spring, and prepare to hunker down in our homes for at least two months, if not longer. So long Winter; hello Spring!
Mapman Mike
No comments:
Post a Comment