Chengdu Update and Cars at Risk

One of my favorite pastimes is to view all kinds of artwork. My interests are rather diverse and I've evolved over the years as to the type of art that I presently appreciate. I guess that my initial interest was most likely triggered by my uncle, who was a painter. He introduced me to the world of art. I was too young to truly appreciate his talent, or the landscapes that he painted while living in Casey, Illinois, but I was aware that he had a special ability that was certainly not all that common. So, that scenario is in effect my preamble to the posting I have made today of a picture that Tom sent me, from Chengdu, China. It shows the painting that Wendy created and presented to Tom as a gift. It is truly beautiful. I had to do a little cropping to size it correctly for the blog, so the frame which compliments this work so perfectly is not shown. Instead, I improvised by adding a border that is similar to the color of the frame. Nevertheless, you should be able to see the artistic ability that Wendy portrays in this painting. Actually it is more than a painting, according to Tom, as the picture has a three dimensional effect when viewed in person. This effect was created by the materials that Wendy chose for the picture and, of course, from her own artistry. I know that Tom will treasure this gift and I am looking forward to seeing Wendy's picture in person, when Tom returns to Sacramento. Thanks for sharing, Tom and Wendy. Oh, I've also posted another picture from the last batch of photos that Tom sent me. Check the bottom of the web page to see the latest postings from Chengdu.

On another note. I talked to my friend Paul Carter yesterday and he made mention of a rather aggravating circumstance that just recently happen to him - regarding his car. Unfortunately, it was stolen - right from his driveway. However, the police did find it and he got it back the next day. Fortunately, it was undamaged. However, the thieves did get away with an expensive camcorder and some computer equipment that was in the trunk. Paul will apparently have to eat the equipment loss, which amounts to over two thousand dollars. I guess it's a reminder to each of us that we should probably check our insurance deductible for just such an incidence. In hindsight, which is always twenty twenty, Paul may have had his deductible set too high. The police got his car back, but the digital camcorder and computer equipment is not likely to be recovered. According to the Galt police, it (car theft) happens all the time in virtually every neighborhood in and around Sacramento. Food for thought!