It's saturday. I am overwhelmed. I am behind on my blog posts; and hope to fill in the gaps here as I am able to get a reliable connection. Dad is doing a little bit better today... although he is not horribly happy about being in the hospital again... but that is the way it goes. Mom has been visiting him as much as she is able; and so are my daughter and I. We are trying to "hold the fort" ... and help with tasks around the house. I also have to sort thru alot of misc paperwork/ bills/ taxes etc and try to get them organized and caught up for my mother. Needless to say; I have a list.. that I may or may not be able to do everything on before I have to head back to Albuquerque. I had planned on leaving Coudersport on the 12th... and going to my niece's house in Lancaster for a day. Then.... I had hoped to take my daughter on a road-trip to New York City as a treat before we head back to NM. We'll see how it pans out... but for now; that is the plan.
Currently, I am sitting in Olga's Cafe and Gallery here in Coudersport, right on main street. It is a fabulous place... and I can log on to the internet while I am here. I have mentioned Olga's on my blog before. Olga is from the Ukraine, having moved to PA after getting married years ago. Once she came to Coudersport, she opened a shop, and has been a major source for the arts here. In December, she and her husband opened up a Cafe/Bar and Gallery in one of the restored buildings on main street. It is simply gorgeous inside. Olga's artwork covers a wide variety of techniques and materials.... original paintings, prints, handmade jewelry, knitted garments and accessories, glass painting on dishware and stemware, Pysanky egg art, felted toys and lovies... and so much more. It's hard to fathom it all.
The cafe features good home cooking... goat cheese pizza, panini bread sandwiches, home-made soups, and endless desserts. And the bar area features domestic and imported beer, wine and mixed drinks.
Upstairs is the gallery... featuring more of Olga's artwork, as well as providing space for classes and such. Plus... free internet... all in a warm and inviting space. You really couldn't ask for more.
Here are some photos from Olga's.....
(all photos by Elaine A. Russell)