CORRECTION!!! FIVE!!! A Pre-Labor Day Labor Event - 5 Kittens Born to Boots

CORRECTION!!! FIVE!!! A Pre-Labor Day Labor Event - 5 Kittens Born to Boots
Originally uploaded by linfrye

CORRECTION!!!! i JUST FOUND A FIFTH KITTEN!!!!!

As I went outdoors this morning to feed Boots, I noticed that the 'bulk' she carried last evening was slackened -- so I followed her after she ate -- and I'm a Nonna again -- FOUR --- OOOPS -- FIVE!!!! baby kittens --- From what I can see -- one is entirely black, one greyish and white, and the others with Boots' black and white markings.

A Pre-Labor Day Labor Event - 4 Kittens Born to Boots

A Pre-Labor Day Labor Event - 4 Kittens Born to Boots
Originally uploaded by linfrye

As I went outdoors this morning to feed Boots, I noticed that the 'bulk' she carried last evening was slackened -- so I followed her after she ate -- and I'm a Nonna again -- FOUR baby kittens --- From what I can see -- one is entirely black, one greyish and white, and the others with Boots' black and white markings.

A Pre-Labor Day Labor Event - 4 Kittens Born to Boots

A Pre-Labor Day Labor Event - 4 Kittens Born to Boots
Originally uploaded by linfrye

Congratulations, Boots! You've made me a Nonna again!

She's had them under our front steps ...

Hope

Hope
Originally uploaded by linfrye

To K, MK, and J ....

May your spirits and hopes rise as the morning sun and the darkness of these days be brightened by love's light ....

And for all my beloved friends who are going through difficult, troubling times ....

Stream and Flowers

Stream and Flowers
Originally uploaded by linfrye

Our summer heat and humidity has returned, and with it the kind of late August, 'wet-blanket' kind of oppressive air that makes it hard to breath ....

I added to all that heat yesterday spending the day in the kitchen preserving a basket of figs and one of pears. We'll enjoy these fruits this winter -- but mercy, our air conditioner was doing double-time to keep the house (and me -- me, who is always cold), somewhat cooler than the out of doors.

Our pear trees are so heavy with fruit that their branches have snapped ... so it'll be several days (weeks?) preserving the bounty with more of my time at the stove. I haven't preserved this much fruit in several years, and my jam cabinet is fuller than it has been in quite a while. I have heard that the Farmers Almanac predicts a colder than normal winter, and if one believes in reading Nature's signs, all this abundance would echo that prediction. We'll see.

This sketch was done from a photo reference -- guess I was dreaming of rest and cooler climes! LOL

Charles' Pears

Charles' Pears
Originally uploaded by linfrye

The support and encouragement from Flickr friends just humbles me to my toes -- and I cannot thank each of you enough for your kindness and most encouraging comments.

Such support keeps me picking up that brush when I'm too tired to think, or have put in a long, difficult day -- so to you -- I owe a tremendous amount of gratitude. Each of you bless my life ...and I am ever, ever grateful.

These pears, a surprise from my husband, have a touching story I'd like to share because, like your words, they encourage me to work harder to improve my painting.

Charles is a sweet, thoughtful man, and kindly does the grocery shopping for our family -- a task, I really dislike. Somehow, no matter how many sweaters I wear, the grocery store is always so FRIGID, that after 15 minutes of strolling the aisles, I am trembling with the cold. Anyway, he went to the store to pick up a few things for dinner, and came home about as excited as a child Christmas morning. The moment he walked through the door, he handed me a plastic bag with the look on his face each of us holds when we're giving a loved one something precious and valuable, the joy showing in his wide grin.

In the bag, these three pears ... "For YOU -- he said, giggling and grinning -- "Sketch Material"! I was laughing, but he was serious --- "Look at the color! Look at the shape! Aren't they exquisite?!!"

And they were -- and so was he.

And so, the pears ... a most loving, encouraging, supportive gift ... like your words ... keep me painting.

I am beyond humbled by such grace. Thank you.

Double Decker Tea Cup

Double Decker TeaCup
Originally uploaded by linfrye

Daily Practice

I probably have uncovered a week's worth of sketch material after my cleaning frenzy....and this double decker tea cup (it SO reminds me of English buses!!) was another 'found' object. I brought it to work so I could paint it while away from home.

Fay's rains have really given us a good soaking ... and we've 'found' a few 'leaks' in the office windows ...but the plants are REJOYCING in the ample water they've inbibed!

Last day of the workweek for me -- yahoo ....! But I wouldn't be surprised if the pile of paper I DID manage to get off my desk finds its way back there by Monday ...!

Uploaded by linfrye

Goldenrod and River

Goldenroad and River
Originally uploaded by linfrye

Daily Practice

Daylight is fading sooner and sooner these days -- readying us for the winter solstice in December. Leaving my office after 7 pm, the brightness of sunny summer days has begun to weaken...and by 8:15 pm or so, dusk has fallen and the glow of indoor lights peeks out from windows yet uncurtained. More and more I must rely on photos for my evening's practice ... such is the case here.

I chose this photo for the goldenrod and grasses -- already turning our roadsides yellow, sepia, umber and russet .... and high in the trees, the first sprinkling of yellow has flecked the tulip poplars and sycamore. While summer's heat and humidity will linger into October, signs of the fall can be seen in the nooks and crannies ... and the frenzy of harvesting vegetables and fruits for the coming cold continues.

Fay's rains will be with us for several days, and we're all hoping that our rain deficit for the last two years will be lessened significantly.

Yates Mill, Apex, NC

Yates Mill, Apex, NC
Originally uploaded by linfrye

Okey dokey, K -- I finally got my mill painted this weekend ... There are some boo-boos to be sure -- but each painting experience teaches me yet again how to 'see' better!

This painting is from a photo I took several weeks ago at the plein air event I attended. I felt the scene was far too complex for me to try plein air, so I snapped some photos to use at home where I could take more time at my art table.

We'll still working on the house, but the frenzy of the clean-up is lessened and though there are still some major repairs we've got to make, we're now working on framing paintings and adding final touches. It's an astonishing experience to see my own work on my walls ... mercy ...!

Grasses - The Forgotten Harvest

Grasses - The Forgotten Harvest
Originally uploaded by linfrye

Walking along the roadsides lately, I am amazed at the abundance of seedheads produced by wildflowers and various grasses. During our evening walks, I'll often stop to pluck a few for a small bouquet ...reveling in their seemingly forgotten beauty.

We spent yesterday hunting for various house-fixing needs -- no luck finding the fabric color or pattern I was looking for - and came home ready to put our feet up and relax. I did manage to find homes for most of my former school books -- and that's a relief!

Still more to do today and next week, but C's got his group coming to jam, so I'm hoping to get some quiet painting time in before the workweek swallows me tomorrow.

Cone Flowers and Trelllis

Cone Flowers and Trelllis
Originally uploaded by linfrye

I can tell the seasons are beginning to turn as, unlike these cone flowers, my own are beginning to droop and turn into dark brown seedheads. I"ve begun the process of seed-spreading for next years flowers -- a certain sign that summer is winding down.

We also got a welcome hint of fall yesterday with temperatures in the low 80s, a clear Carolina blue sky and mild winds .. so welcome after days of intense heat.

We're off today to continue the clean-up and reorganization house project. But coming home to a newly painted house this week, with most of the clutter gone, was like entering a brand NEW home -- fresh, clean and welcoming. Now if only my muscles would enjoy the freshness instead of remembering all the work!

Live Oaks, Magnolia Gardens

Life Oaks, Magnolia Gardens
Originally uploaded by linfrye

I have always been enthralled with the magesty of the live oak and studied these giants from all aspects -- their biology, distribution, use, mythology, folklore, and symbolism. While in Charleston this year, I captured several photos of this species and thought I would try to paint them in all the glory that belongs to this incredible bit of nature.

Though I'm not totally satisfied with this painting and will probably do it again, it does represent the live oak in its habitat - its home along the salt marsh, its association with Spanish moss, the maritime forest at its back. And the lawn - well, that's one of those symbols of South Carolina plantations -- the human manipulation of the natural world into something a bit less wild, a bit more under human 'control.'

For me, the enormous canapy produced by these trees, the quiet of flowing water and sounds of birds and marsh winds, seems a perfect place to lie on a blanket, enveloped by soft shade -- and immerse myself in a really deep dose of tranquility ....

One can always dream ...

Yellow Roses

Yellow Roses
Originally uploaded by linfrye

As much as I love paper -- especially watercolor paper! LOL, it astonishes me how much paperwork is involved to complete everyday work obligations -- sigh.... the thought that we may one day be a 'paperless' society is so far from reality -- it makes me chuckle. And so I plow, hour after hour, through growing stacks of the stuff ... wishing I could use my paints on it instead of my pen ...

These roses are from a photograph ... I seem to be drawn to vases and flowers of all sorts, and I've had the reference photo for months. It's overcast this morning, though we have yet to have any rain from Tropical Depression Fay, and I find the blossoms cheerful on a dreary morning....

My prayers are with the folks in Florida and the flooding caused by Fay ... be safe, all ...

Rebecca's Ichibon Eggplants

Rebecca's Ichibon Eggplants
Originally uploaded by linfrye

Daily Practice

Nope, not snakes, not apostrophes, not beached whales --- merely three Ichibon eggplants Rebecca had lying on her kitchen counter last night ... and my feeble attempts to capture their deep, lustrious colors after a 12 hour workday ...

Things are slowing down somewhat -- at least in intensity, so perhaps tonight I'll be able to do better justice to my sketch topic! LOL Meanwhile, I"m thinking Eggplant Parmesan would be a fitting end to these poor things ...

Sunflower Still Life

Sunflower Still Life
Originally uploaded by linfrye

Back at work, the first week of classes, and it's just as insane as the preparations for this week!! Sigh! It should even out, though, by Friday when everyone's settled, meetings are over, and we really have a meeting-free day to get all those 'must-have's' done! LOL

I worked on this still life over the weekend and finished it before I left for work yesterday. What drew me to this scene was the 'rediscovered tea pot' -- again 'forgotten' in the recesses of cupboards ....and I wanted to paint something to hang in our newly painted, pale yellow kitchen -- and include the colors we're accenting -- earth tones, yellow, green, a bit of russet, umber, teal, blue, gold, orange. The light shading on the 'wall' of this still life is not evident in this scan ... which looked much more intense on my computer screen at home. Anyway, it's a quarter sheet of watercolor paper, and the sunflowers are from the silk arrangement on my table and I grew the 'olive' tomatoes -- which, even in 90F heat, are producing the most incredibly sweet fruits!

I hope folks in Florida remain safe with the storm coming ashore .. I called my mom who lives there this morning and she said it was raining, and dark ... so be safe everyone!

The Walled Landscape

The Walled Landscape
Originally uploaded by linfrye

I've been working on this for a while, but had a lot of difficulty with the lighting and my tendency to be 'heavy-handed' ...

We've gotten the house liveable again -- thank goodness! There's still a lot to do, valences to sew, furniture to think about, pictures to frame and hang --many of my own (!!!), etc. But for now, the majority of the work is behind us ...

I'm taking a few hours this morning to rest a bit more. Funny thing about all that activity -- not only does one uncover forgotten pottery and such, but mercy, I've found muscles I never knew were mine -- and oh, are they protesting about their neglect!! LOL

Pottery Birdhouse

Pottery Birdhouse
Originally uploaded by linfrye

Daily Practice

Funny thing about massive cleanings -- it's amazing what you 're-discover' in all the sorting and organizing -- like this pottery birdhouse. Apparently it's been sitting atop one of our 7' bookcases, unseen by my eyes (short as I am) for a while. Not very practical I must admit, but if I remember right, one of the college's pottery students sold it during one of our plant sales and I just 'had' to have it ...

We're finally seeing the light - thank heavens -- and most of the disorder is at least put to rights and we can walk through the rooms .... so last night, C insisted we get out of the house and away from the smell of paint and 409 and Windex (helpful dates that they were! LOL) and have a real 'sit-down' meal.

We drove to one of the closest malls (still 60 miles away!) where new stores and an 'outdoor' area was built of eateries, ponds, and beautiful landscaping, and yet in our 'home focus' we hadn't visited in over a year. We found a small restaurant, not insanely busy -- "Home-Baked Bistro' and went in. To our surprise, we sat overlooking the pond while a guitarist and singer helped set the mood and encouraged our relaxing. We were swiftly served -- but it seemed our dinners were taking a bit longer than anticipated. When the food did arrive (along with the manager) --- he explained about a kitchen/chef issue -- and told us for the bit of delay we had, that HE was picking up the check! And we were free to add dessert to our meal! The food was outstanding -- truly -- and worth the wait -- what a generous, and kind suprise. We were planning to return simply for the good food and atmosphere -- and with this good will effort -- he made us instant customers!

We then visited a few stores and replaced our everyday dinnerware, got some new fixtures for the bathrooms .. and finally wended our way home with a full moon over our shoulder ...

What a blessing of grace.....

Sky and Land

Sky and Land
Originally uploaded by linfrye

Daily Practice

A VERY quickly done sketch to continue my daily practice despite all the scrubbing, bending, twisting, mopping, dusting, tossing, deciding after the painters finally left yesterday afternoon.

The largest room is about finished, including its 3 closets, and dozen cabinets -- now to move onto the other 3 rooms -- far less to do other than mopping, more tossing, and a bit of scrubbing. Good thing, too, I'm mighty sore! LOL But the squeeky-cleanness, less cluttered look sure is uplifting and keeps me pressing on!

We've had a bit of rain -- and I'm hoping that today too will continue with more of it -- keeps me focused and despite the chores, a bit restive with its quiet moodiness...

Have a great day!

My Weekend Date!

My Weekend Date!
Originally uploaded by linfrye

I guess it had to happen sometime .. I needed a bit of strength, grit and determination by my side ... and I suppose Mr. 409 is going to be my 'mate' for the weekend ... but I think C will understand -- I think he's taken up with Ms. Windex ....

Back home and the painters are almost done. But four rooms are in quite a disarray -- well, big mess, actually, and before I dare put back the first appliance, our 'dates' are going to get a thorough work-out. Us too, I'm afraid.

So we'll be a tad busy 'double-dating' this weekend ... Hope the children understand ... !!! lol

Rainy Day Mushroom

Rainy Day Mushroom
Originally uploaded by linfrye

Daily Practice

It rained all day yesterday, and temps were in the 70s!! Felt like fall!!!! Today, the mist shrouds everything -- but in a few hours, it will disappear and our summer humidity and high temperatures will return.

Yesterday was meetings -- but the INTENSITY of the earlier part of the week was gone and again, I am so grateful. A few more obligations -- a visit by 30-40 teachers in about 40 minutes-- another meeting -- and then home for obligations there. But the worst is over, thank heavens!

Didn't have much of a chance to hunt around for something to sketch, so I found a photograph of this mushroom that came close to looking like those I've been spotting through the last bout of rain showers.

Have a great day!

Misty Morning

Misty Morning
Originally uploaded by linfrye

I certainly missed this one -- instead of a nice misty morning, today it is RAINING in buckets!!! But we are all grateful ....!!!

And I too am rejoicing that yesterday was far calmer and quieter ---! Thank the good Lord!

More meetings this week so I'm dashing ....

Rebecca's Zinnias

Rebecca's Zinnias
Originally uploaded by linfrye

Daily Practice

Despite the long, tiring hours, constant student registrations, two meetings, lack of 'down' or meal time, I wanted to do one quick sketch before I collapsed. There sure has been a stream of these days lately, my apologies for moaning!!!!

I sat at the B&B, ate a late dinner, and sketched Rebecca's pink zinnias -- those right in front of me. I used ink and wash, more ink than I normally do, more doodling than painting or sketching ... the day taking it's toll.

I have three more days like yesterday ... so sketching, doodling, or splashing paint is about all I can hope to muster. The light at the end of this tunnel, though, is Friday ....

Roses in Shadow

Roses in Shadow
Originally uploaded by linfrye

I worked from a not-too distinct photo to do these roses, and tried to vary the shadows for more depth -- but quite honestly, I'm not sure the shadows are correct -- so I'd love any input, please. There are times I think they're 'right' -- other times -- no ... so I'm posting with questions! LOL Thanks, truly ...!

We spent a good amount of time this weekend deconstructing the downstairs -- frankly it looks like we're moving -- boxes everywhere, stuff piled in the middle of the floor, lots of books to sell and give away -- all for the painters who come in this week. I don't look forward to the work involved restoring it all to order -- but it will be so good to refresh the house!! LOL

Off to a busy week with registration, meetings and all the preparations for students' return.

I"m tired already!! LOL

Yates Mill, Cary, NC

Yates Mill, Cary, NC
Originally uploaded by linfrye

Our plein air group met at Yates Mill outside Cary yesterday ... a beautiful old mill and lake, woodland trails, and a large, well-designed recreation facility. One often doesn't know just who'll attend a particular plein air event, and this day seemed to draw folks I hadn't seen since the first plein air outing I ever attended. And to my surprise -- I finally did meet a friend I had chatted with on line who lives only an hour from me --!! We hope to get together for our own 'sketch crawl' before too long.

Though the weather was milder than it has been -- mid to high 80s -- and the humidity was rather low, I still wasn't feeling my spunky self - There's some kind of bug going around and it seems to be nibbling at my head ...

I sat by the lake, leaving the architectural challenge of the mill to another time, and sketched a view I tend to favor --- flowers and trees! I fussed too much with this and it certainly isn't one of my better paintings -- but I loved being out with this incredible group of talented artists and simply having the time to relax with a bit of the natural world that I love and always find peaceful ...

Sun through the Fog

Sun through the Fog
Originally uploaded by linfrye

I was going through some of my sketchbooks and ran across this one that I never posted .... so I thought, with the fog outside my window this morning, I'd post it, even though I painted it months ago.

Still busy -- but did manage to practice a sketch or two yesterday. Today's a paint-out and though I'm truly tired, we're heading out and hoping that some new scenery, friends and a day out of doors will give us some energy!

It's supposed to be in the 80sF today -- now THAT would be a welcome change! Have a good one!

Xeric Garden

Xeric Garden
Originally uploaded by linfrye

Daily Practice

Though my garden isn't especially designed for xeric (dry) conditons, I thought I'd use my daily practice to sketch one -- especially since we're still hoping for more rain. Though there were spotty showers yesterday, I think I counted 16 drops on my window -- sigh.

I'm still enmeshed in writing as my work-related projects are taking longer than estimated ...so I'll be scarce again.

This weekend we ready the house for painting next week, so there'll be lots of disruption in terms of finding a place to cook in the kitchen or finding a place to sit in the living room ... I'm just looking forward to having it all 'refeshed" oh yes -- and DONE!

Window Box with White Petunia

Window Box with White Petunia
Originally uploaded by linfrye

Several weeks ago, my friend Shirley offered me some of her Italy travel photos to paint --- and I've finally painted another one! (Life does have a way of interferring, doesn't it! LOL)

This one is from Venice I believe, and I fell in love with the limited palette and brick and grillwork. Thank YOU again, Shirley!

I've got to hunker down for several time and mind consuming writing projects today ... and I'm hoping for rain to help keep me in my computer chair to 'get them done!'

Have a good one!

Fig Tarts

Fig Tarts
Originally uploaded by linfrye

I absolutely ran out of time yesterday -- between reports and meetings all day and part of the evening and a dinner 'catch-up' and 'chill-out' with a beloved friend, and the continued chatting at the B&B, sketching was all I could do for daily practice.

I did manage to remember the fig tarts I made on the weekend, and I had several left from those I brought in for co-workers. I brought these to the B&B for Rebecca and my friend to enjoy ... and mercy, they were good, if I say so myself.

I included the recipe here in case there are ripe figs available for anyone else to enjoy. The tarts aren't overly sweet -- and the figs mixed with the tartness of the lemonade, remind me more of plums ... really really yummy!

The plan today is to continue with the writing, reports, budgets, grant frenzy and to head home late tonight to work tomorrow in a more quiet environment on a presentation due next week, 2 modules of an on-line class I"m taking in preparation of another grant writing session, writing our major disaster plans, etc. etc.

Goldenrod Landscape

Goldenrod Landscape
Originally uploaded by linfrye

Sunday afternoon after all the preserving and drying and canning and packing up for the week, my husband and I went for a walk around our neighborhood. It struck me how beautiful the goldenrod seemed to glow despite the intense hot temperatures, and I snapped a few photographs to use for my daily practice while away from home.

This view looks through the trees into a field of my neighbors and ususally houses a small herd of cows. On this hot, sweltering evening, though, the cows apparently found a shadier place to graze or rest.

Work remains insanely busy with meetings, reports and too much computer work. My eyes are getting so tired at night lately .. still, I was glad to have a peaceful evening last night and enough energy to be able to continue my daily practice. Temps are supposed to reach over 100F today ...

Still Life with Tom and Irene's Gifts

Still Life with Tom and Irene's Gifts
Originally uploaded by linfrye

With another bounty of summer gifts from our friends -- figs, corn, tomatoes -- I spent the weekend making preserves and drying tomatoes, and only a bit of time painting their lush forms and colors. But oh, how I LOVE the colors of summer!

We finished our last fig preserve making and tomato drying yesterday, and last night enjoyed fresh corn with our dinner -- YUM!

We've been so blessed to have met Irene and Tom and simply overwhelmed by their generosity. We visited with them a bit yesterday exchanging stories and helping them through some of their computer issues -- it felt good to return something to this incredible couple!

Off to a week filled with obligations, meetings and computer work, and the online class I'm taking starts this week as well. I will really be pressed to do some QUICK sketches this week!!

Have a good one!

Ridgeway Cantaloupes

Ridgeway Cantaloupes
Originally uploaded by linfrye

A super-super busy day yesterday, and this morning, I'm sore and so tired my early cup of java can't seem to get my eyes open wide enough...!

We spent the day running errands--Farmer's Market, home improvement shops for our huge paint project, running 30 miles in the opposite direction to pick up C's repaired car. Then home to put up preserves, make tarts, dry tomatoes, etc. etc. Sketch time was nominal and late.

I sketched this cantaloupe, the last of the ones we bought at the festival, still as sweet as those we've been eating for the last week or so. The preserves I rendered from those have been sealed and labled and ready for holiday gift giving.

Once my coffee kicks in this morning, I'm anxious to get back into the relaxed meditation painting and sketching brings, especially after such a chore-filled yesterday.

Oranges

Oranges
Originally uploaded by linfrye

Summer is an incredible time of abundance it seems. The Farmer's Market is filled with vendors and the displays, fruits, vegetables, jams, and wares are like candy with their colors and fragrances tempting you at ever turn.

We don't grow oranges in NC, at least not these navals that came from California, but when it's been as hot as it has, a cool glass of orange juice can be mighty refreshing. C turned these into a chicken and chestnut dish that was absolutely outstanding!

Terra Cotta Still Life with Tomatoes

Terra Cotta Still Life with Tomatoes
Originally uploaded by linfrye

What an incredible art and friendship filled day yesterday!

My friend Nancy and I got together at her amazing studio for art and chat time! There is nothing better than being able to share what you love doing with a friend you love to be with! I don't think we stopped talking all day!!

This was my first time painting in a studio where the lighting was natural and perfect and clearly illuminated all the nuances of color and shadow in the still life we set up to paint. My gracious, the difference LIGHT makes!! But of course, we all KNOW that -- but to really SEE that and experience that -- wow!

The day was such a joy!

I came home to a further extension of grace. My neighbors (the honey and zinnia growers) called to say their figs were ready for picking ... so off we went to spend some time beneath the boughs of their huge fig tree, chatting, picking and eating the sweetness of these plump, delectible fruits while the sun wound its way westward.

Home again to begin the weekend's jam and preserve making activity and to send prayers of gratitude for friends, food, art and days that are an extraordinary blessing.

Morning Glory Landscape

Morning Glory Landscape
Originally uploaded by linfrye

The blue/purple morning glories have erruped throughout our property. When I spotted this photo, I knew I had to paint it . These open in the morning-only flowers thrill me with their morning greetings -- bright, open as if they were joyously welcoming the dawn .

Morning glories were my wedding flower -- blue for the sky, the peace and calm their color represents, and for the words of songs about morning "Morning Has Broken" and the the song John Denver "In the Grand Way She Loves Me"

In the grand way she loves me,
The way she holds me close to rest with me.
And to know she is my life to me,
empty days are done, my running days are run.
For the first time I love the morning.
Burning sundowns, colored autumn trees,
Mountain rivers, country livers put my mind at ease.
And to realize such perfect harmony
I'm standing in the dawn of a new day coming on.
And I'm looking for no tomorrow.
I can still hear the lonely sound,
The engines of the midnight freight train, as it's northward bound. And to feel my life, my life slowly losing ground.
I never quite understood, though I see it for the good.
And it seems like I've just been dreaming.
The way she holds me close to comfort me
My empty days are done, my running days are run.
for the first time I love the morning,
For the first time I love the morning,
For the first time,
The first time.

Ah yes -- the Glory of the Morning!

(But don't forget the coffee!!!!)