Heatwave

We are in our 6th day in a row of temps above 90 F, or 32C, not factoring in the humidity.  There are at least three more to go.  It is also bone dry in these parts, as well as much of Ontario.  The only rain we get, about once every three weeks, is from a violent storm.  I have two sources of water for the birds and squirrels outside.  One is a tub of water on the ground, with a rock inside so mice don't drown.  The other is a raised traditional bird bath, whose water needs changing about every hour.  It is usually filled with several birds bathing or waiting their turn.  The Detroit River is across the street, but small birds do not drink from rivers.  Did I mention that it is hot and dry?  Currently 93 F.  And very sunny.  And humid.

Last Saturday was full moon celebration night.  We actually baked a cake after sunset, and saw the moon rise.  It's been clear virtually every night and every morning, with some scattered clouds during the day.  The newest astronomy session begins next weekend, likely when the clouds will finally return.

I have completed 4 weeks of indoor fitness training.  Our treadmill is capable of raising itself at an angle to allow for hill climbing, and I am now starting in on that aspect.  It would be great to do some hiking again, though our heat is expected to continue most of July. 

Our evening listening program, when the entire family gathers round the stereo (me, Deb, two cats--the tortoise is usually asleep by then), now consists of alternating the remaining Brahms CDs, the Haydn String Quartets (currently Op. 1), Corelli's Op 5 concerto grosso set, and Wagner's first opera, "The Fairies."   My own piano pieces are now memorized, and soon will need to be played for someone.

Work on Valeria proceeds regularly.  Two or three chapters remain to be written.  Deb continues to win accolades and awards for her films, and is just finishing up work on the last episode of her latest Yorick series.  One of the recent winners was Mysterious Barricades.  Next on her to-do list comes a Shakespeare-themed movie, with yours truly likely to be called upon once again for narration duty.

In movie news, Deb chose another early film starring (and directed by--his first time) Jackie Chan.  From 1979, it is called The Fearless Hyena, and features some weirdly funny martial arts humour, jokes that you wouldn't necessarily get unless you had studied a bit.  And it also consists of non-stop, high energy, very fast moves.  He must have had to learn about 30-40 katas for the movie, sometimes interacting with three opponents, who were using long blades.  A whirlwind of action, with Jackie's Bruce Lee-like upper body on full display.  At one point, a-la Bugs Bunny, he dresses like a girl to get at his enemy.  I'd be interested in seeing out takes from this film, to see how many injuries were sustained during the making of it.

 The Fearless Hyena, now showing on Criterion.  

And now it's time for the art moment.  The Detroit Institute of Arts also owns a noteworthy collection of British art, with an entire wing dedicated to it.  This includes two landscape paintings by George Wilson.  I'll try to cover them both, along with one of his prints.

Caernarvon Castle, 1744-45.  Richard Wilson, Welsh (ca. 1713-1782).  Oil on canvas, unframed 32.5" x 45".  Collection Detroit Institute of Arts. 

Ignoring the odd perspective of the nearest water, we see a castle in ruins, much like the one painted by Cuyp in my previous post.  But the light is vastly different here, and we even see the artist at work on his painting.  Oddly enough, the castle was in perfect condition when the painting was done, so we seem to be seeing a theme of future possibilities, related to the transience of works by humans.  Ruins are still very popular with artists, tourists, and photographers, some of whom likely believe that their own world will remain intact forever, despite the evidence before their own eyes.

 Detail of the central canvas.

 Detail of the right side.

 

Detail showing the artist and the castle reflection. 

Tomorrow, Deb is off to A'burg to get her first haircut since mid-February.  She is just winding up the last episode of the most recent Yorick and the rats series.  Tonight is movie night, my choice.  Another early Fassbinder film is up next.

Mapman Mike