I'm Going to Control Myself to Not Overdo the Holidays

My teacher Carol had a minor suggestion for my deer picture. My contour drawing of a horse needs more work, but she was impressed.  I told her it looked a little off to me. She said when I felt that way, check my measurements. That was fascinating.  They were such small changes that made a big difference. Then we worked on drawing horse tails and manes. I watched how she did it and I was awed at how well it came together. 

I've been getting rid of strong lines

Ugh!  Still not right and I feel her eyes look like a puppet!
And, her body is still off!

I'm going to try another picture I have, like a portrait and
I swear, the horse looks like she is flirting!  So cute!

My friend Janet and I joined my neighbor Celeste for dinner at the Renegade Room at Bakersfield College. This is a junior college that has a program in Culinary Arts.  You can earn an AA degree and transfer to get a BA degree. They also offer a certification for their program. Celeste's son who is looking at a second career is in this program.  He hopes to do catering which he had done before this program.  Celeste had shared the menu for this last term.  They do two nights and one lunch for the weeks school is going. This was the last week and they will start late February.  When I asked why so late when school starts in January and I was told, "Well they have to learn some things before cooking."  My friends had shrimp scampi and I had chicken. Janet and I would like our dishes with more flavor. Janet felt there was not enough garlic.  I thought I was getting chicken piccata. But, no, it had a coating, but too bland for my taste. I had clam chowder which was wonderful. The salad was unique with puff pastry and a very interesting dressing. Dessert was Tiramisu or Butternut Squash with Maple Syrup and Vanilla Ice Cream. I had the Butternut Squash. It was tasty. So, even if you are thinking it is a vegetable, it was sweet and met the need for my sweet tooth.  Dinner was less than $20 each. They don't serve alcohol, so Janet and I had a glass of wine before going. Tips are shared with all the students working and you must make reservations early. 

  

Shelley and I went to the Red Hat dinner at the Mark. At this dinner we have an exchange of a Christmas ornament or something for the holidays.  I got Shelley a pink hat since she has 3 years to go before wearing the red hat. Though, I don't think any in our group would mind if she wore a red hat. So now she has a red and a pink hat. 

Marti and Jo

Claudia, Me and Shelley

Evelyn, our leader and Pamela

Shelley and Me

We had a gift exchange

Barbara brought me homemade vegan chocolate fudge with walnuts, homemade bread and three avocados from her tree. I have no restraint. I ate the fudge as soon as she left. The following day, I had the bread with butter.  Delish! 

So that is it for the week.  I did schedule to see my primary doctor next Friday about my hip.  It is still bothering me.  My granddaughter Crystal said "Why do you wait so long Gramma?"  I told her I didn't want to keep complaining, though I think I already do that a lot.

So I have something going almost every day this next week, most okay.   Oh, I said I was going to control myself to not overdo the holidays!  Oh well, I did some this week.  I hope your week went well and I will see you next Sunday.               Rachel