That IS cool.

Well..up in the northern hemisphere at 10PM it really isn't dark dark. Allot of waterfowl are flying at twilight.

Could this be your painter - Tunis Ponsen? "Dutch born painter, Tunis Ponsen, was highly prolific during his professional years, 1930 to 1967. His methods included oil paintings on canvas, watercolors, and an extremely limited number of single-color lithographs and linoleum block prints. Ponsen painted images that captured his heart and now evoke for some viewers, emotions of nostalgia. From landscapes depicting the verdant rolling fields of western Michigan and eastern seaboard water scenes, to still lifes and florals, compelling (showing 500 of 7510 characters)." He also lived and was active in Illinois. Here is a link that might be useful: tunis Ponsen

Very much enjoyed your travel story, Annpan. I like the way you put yourself into your dog's perspective. I am convinced she must be a happy dog to be so well understood. Donna, it does not take much to upset my perception of left and right. A mirror will do it. Backing up the car can be nightmarish if I am tired or stressed. I avoid it when possible. For a moment I can grasp the concept of Stage Left and Stage Right but then it glides away. I believe this to be a mild and very common learning disorder. I have met a number of people who report the same, along with others who can't imagine why we don't just get it. Also responding to Donna, my DH loves the ocean while I love mountains. A perfect place for us would be a mountainside near the sea. However it unlikely that we will move from our present location (Silicon Valley) any time soon, if ever. In any case both are within reasonable reach for us here. Harborrose, I just loved your dream-come-true story. I hope your new home continues to bring you joy as long as you live there. There is some magic in life, and it comes only to those who are open to it. Woodnymph, I have often marveled at how different a landscape looks to me when it is brand new and still a bit bewildering; and how it looks to me when I have become familiar with it. Neither is better or worse but they are barely recognizable as being the same place. I remember a 'eureka' moment that happened when we first moved here 25 years ago. I was driving around looking at the gold and olive hills, suddenly saying with astonishment "Why, this looks exactly like a painting by Cezanne!" So it did indeed, and so I remind myself when I think of it. Then just for a moment I get an echo of the wonder of that day. Rosefolly