A bit of a break

     My painting teacher holds a paint out every September on Chautauqua Lake at the Chautauqua Institution. I went for a couple of days. Demo in the morning, paint the rest of the day, critique at 4:00. My husband went with me and just walked and walked and read on the little porch of The Maple Inn. Normally, the Institution is very pricey, but the season ends in August. The quaint houses are outrageously expensive and all closed up now. The season is from June-August. It has all kinds of music, arts, theater, lectures, etc. during that time. This year, all cancelled. I have mixed feelings about the place. Only the very rich have access unless you are one of the presenters/entertainment (who have to rent elsewhere). These gorgeous houses sit empty most of the year, many zippered up in huge canvas protectors. It is gated and you have to have a pass (bar coded) to enter and exit. I won't get any more political than that and bite my tongue. 

    My daugher-in-law's cousin was the head landscaper until her tragic death due to hospital error about 5 years ago. The Institute finished the garden she designed and it has grown up to be a lovely place.