Beautiful Bovines

"Cows are amongst the gentlest of breathing creatures; none show more passionate tenderness to their young when deprived of them; and, in short, I am not ashamed to profess a deep love for these quiet creatures." 
~Thomas de Quincey

Dig Deep

Today is the day my husband, who is a teacher, goes back to work. We had a wonderful summer with all sorts of fun trips but all good things must come to an end.
What this means for me, unfortunately, is less time to paint. I moved my daughter's art table into my studio so she will hopefully create some art with me. She also proudly exclaimed this morning, while tapping on her chest, that she can watch herself! How funny is that for a kid who is still only 3?
Thankfully the temperature has decided it should be fall and it's a lovely 70 degrees out, perfect weather for a long walk and a hunt for "woodland creatures", Zoe's favorite hiking activity.



Just finished - whimsical folk art black cat and horse Halloween painting!



Over the weekend we went to my cousin's birthday party. Here is her sweet pony, Star and a neighbor's gorgeous Highland cow.

BEWARE: Capybara May Bite

Yesterday we took a trip to a very cool place called Lake Tobias Wild Life Park. My husband had taken his special ed class there in the spring and thought that we should go before it closed for the season at the end of October. It is located in the foothills of the mountains north of Harrisburg, PA. It was a perfect, crisp autumn day and the leaves were prettier than they are here in Lancaster. I would have to recommend this place to any animal lover in the area, it was quite an experience for only $9 a person! In fact, I can't wait to go back in the spring. I took so many photos it was hard to choose which ones I would include in this blog. Here are a few including a humorous sign (to me at least) that greeted us as we entered. The best part is the safari ride in a roofless school bus. We got to see, pet and feed numerous animals including bison, elk, rhea, llamas, sika deer, yak, fallow deer, Watusi cows, highland cows, zonkeys and long horns. They were all as gentle as could be!

~Jen (I scratched the capaybaras on the back and they loved it, not one bite:)

Click on photos for a larger image.