Last Saturday we took a drive to the north shore of Corpus Christi to see the USS Lexington. An aircraft carrier from World War II, it is maybe a third of the size of the carrier our youngest son served on. But still so much to see that we missed some of it.
Bill loved his own time in the Navy, serving on a subtender, and enjoyed the self-guided tours. The Lexington was used as a training ship when we lived in San Diego so it was like seeing an old friend.
Later, we spent some time in a harbor in Rockport where we were staying. While looking out towards this pier, I saw a fin in the water. The others teased me about sharks . . . until Misty saw it. There were two wild dolphins swimming back and forth under the pier!
We ate supper at The Boiling Pot --- Quen liked it when they spread paper out on the table and handed out crayons to draw with. But what a shocked expression on his face when our food was brought out in a large bucket and dumped right on the table! The shrimp, sausage, and veggies were wonderful . . . and Quen enjoyed his peanut butter & jelly sandwich!
Beautiful travel sketches, Vicky! Love how you did the pier and water, port and seagulls. Very nice. Looks you had a great time!
ReplyDeleteWe had a lovely time, thanks! Already planning a return trip someday with all our kids.
DeleteI am so glad that I have finally subscribed to your blog, instead of the hit and miss of facebook. These are beautiful illustrations of your time away. I especially like the drawing of "Bill in his element" Do you sketch on the spot as well as from photos ?
ReplyDeleteGreat double dolphins too ! the real ones and the sculpture. Wonderful pages
Hello, Alissa! I have yet to figure out how Facebook decides what we "want" to see.
DeleteI actually prefer sketching on the spot, but my family (aside from Bill) would prefer not having to wait on me. On this trip I planned on sketching later from my photos since we were with non-sketchers all the time. But I also brought home lots of bits of shells, etc. --- those I will draw from life this week.
We just made reservations for our wedding anniversary to return to the area, just the two of us. Much easier to sketch on the spot with an encouraging, supportive husband!
I love the military machinery sketches! Reading of Bill's visit with his son on ship reminds me of my dad's visit to my cousin when he worked at the military contractor that built the F-16 down there in Texas. My cousin worked on clearances for weeks to get him on the production floor and my dad was in heaven. He had served in Army artillery. He didn't follow the stripes on the floor and accidentally walked up to a fighter to talk with the workers, against the rules. My cousin would later say that is strictly forbidden and that they were easy on the old man.
ReplyDeleteDrawing those pipes was like drawing a Celtic knot as confusing as they looked. I like sketching the small details more than the whole ship; there was so much more I would have liked to sketch. Bill and I plan a return trip for our anniversary in May; maybe I can do a bit more sketching then.
ReplyDeleteI love the story of your dad's adventure! When Bill went on the Tiger Cruise on our son's ship, all visitors were encouraged to go see their sons and daughters in their work places; unfortunately, Jeff worked with the nuclear engines and that was strickly off limits. Bill had had top security clearance to work on submarines but he still wasn't allowed in the engine room.