Montenegro Sounded Familiar

Above, a recent photo of Asya in Denmark.

Asya told me the other day that she has to leave Denmark for three months as they had some issues with her tourist visa which is forcing her to leave. She had been there since February. She had to leave today.

After three months she will be able to return to Denmark. It appears that none of the European countries has transportation to Russia due to the Ukraine war.

She said she will be staying the duration of the three months in Montenegro.

Montenegro sounded familiar. I did some searching as I knew nothing about it. 

According to Google:

Montenegro is a Balkan country with rugged mountains, medieval villages and a narrow strip of beaches along its Adriatic coastline. The Bay of Kotor, resembling a fjord, is dotted with coastal churches and fortified towns such as Kotor and Herceg Novi. Durmitor National Park, home to bears and wolves, encompasses limestone peaks, glacial lakes and 1,300m-deep Tara River Canyon. ― Google

And, according to Wikipedia:

What country does Montenegro belong to?

After the dissolution of the SFRY in 1992, Montenegro remained part of a smaller Federal Republic of Yugoslavia along with Serbia. In the referendum on remaining in Yugoslavia in 1992, the turnout was 66%, with 96% of the votes cast in favour of the federation with Serbia.

After reading about Montenegro as per above, it dawned on me the reason it was familiar: it was the setting for the high-stakes poker game in Casino Royale (2006) that pitted James Bond (Daniel Craig) against Le Chiffre (Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen). Although set in Montenegro, no filming took place there. It was filmed instead in the Czech Republic.

The location of Casino Royale in the Ian Fleming novel was set in the fictional French seaside resort of Royale-les-Eaux. 

Japan’s Attempt to Ease Strict Entry Bans for Foreign Residents Too Little, Too Late

Above, Asya and I having lunch in Santa Monica a week before I moved to New Mexico. Now she's been stranded in Denmark.

Gaijinpot.com has posted an interesting article on expats who have been left stranded in other countries during the coronavirus outbreak when Japan and some other countries imposed entry bans.

One such country is Denmark (which caught my attention). My Russian artist friend, Asya, has been stranded in Denmark since the imposition of travel restrictions. She hasn't been able to get back to her home in St. Petersburg, Russia.

According to the article:

Many expatriates living in Japan consider themselves to have two homes. For some, though, the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic left them choosing between their home country and the country where they have built their lives. An associate professor at Tohoku University told us, under the condition of anonymity, they have been stranded in Denmark since early March—just before the coronavirus reached pandemic level. 

Japan began closing its borders to certain countries in early April. More nations were added to the ban on April 29, bringing the total to over 100 countries, including all of Europe, most of Asia, and North America. The ban included foreign residents of Japan, regardless of whether they had a working, student, or spousal visa.  

Far away from home 

In the Tohoku University professor’s case, they left Japan to attend a work conference in Sweden and then continued onto Denmark for further business meetings. 

“There were only a few cases in Denmark at that time,” they told us over the phone. “I arrived on a Monday, by Wednesday the Prime Minister was holding a press conference, and by Thursday, people had stopped going to work. We shut down pretty quickly.” 

In stark contrast to Japan, however, Denmark has allowed residents and work permit holders to re-enter. Japan is reportedly the only country on the G7 Summit to impose such harsh restrictions. 

“Even though Denmark shut down quickly, they allowed residents back in and not only residents but anyone with an important reason, for example, to attend a funeral,” the professor said. “I assumed that because I have a work permit and legally reside [in Japan], I would be able to return.” 

That assumption would prove to be wrong. 

In response to criticism, on June 12, the Immigration Services Agency released updated guidelines for foreign residents to be allowed to re-enter Japan under “exceptional circumstances.” Exceptions include those who left Japan to attend a funeral or who received court summons overseas. Residents with children enrolled in Japanese schools will be allowed re-entry as well. 

But the damage has already been done. Many foreigners in those circumstances have been affected for months. Moreover, those who were traveling for work have received no such consideration. 

“There are a lot of [foreigners] where it was a question of being torn if they needed to return home in the case of an emergency, but I was out for work, and I’m stuck,” the professor said. “There was no choice to make.”

 To read more, go here.

Russian Christmas Card

The mail service between the Russian Federation and the U.S. is on the slow side.

I received today a Christmas card from Asya in St. Petersburg, Russia. She mailed it in December, but only now arrived. I knew it was coming as she sent a photo of it in December.

Like the one she sent in 2018, I was impressed by the graphics and print quality. Their graphics and printing are more impressive to me than what is made here.

Below is a scan of it, which doesn't really do it justice.

THREE MILLION PAGE VIEWS!

This little ol' hobby blog has reached another milestone today.

This morning, Armand's Rancho Del Cielo (named after President Ronald Reagan's ranch in California) reached 3 million page views.

This blog was started in 2008 and has steadily attracted more page views each year since.

The header (above) will be used until Asya returns to St. Petersburg, Russia. She is currently traveling in Crimea.

Thanks to all for stopping by!

Explaining Barking Spider Road

Above, Barking Spider Road and Acre. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The other day, I sent a photo like the one above to my artist friend in St. Petersburg, Russia to show her how the Barking Spider Acre looks after Nandoh and Bo mowed it last week.

The photo included the "Barking Spider Road" sign.

She got a kick out of it, but didn't know what it meant.

Here's how I explained it to her:

I got the inspiration for it from a "Barking Spider Road" in Acton, California. It is an actual road. Apparently, when the community was developed, property owners (mainly small ranches) were able to name their roads. It is in the pass along California Highway 14 between the San Fernando Valley and Palmdale.

Maitreya Art Store

Artist Asia Lipovetckaia (a.k.a. Asya Lipovetckaia), who painted my portrait back in 2016 and, recently, my "Three Mesas" landscape painting, has opened a new website for artworks.

It is called Maitreya Art Store where art lovers can contact her for commissions, prints, paintings, graphics and prints.

Above, "Three Mesas" oil painting by Asia.

I have a link to her website on this blog on the right hand column.

One of my neighbors recently commissioned a painting of the same mesas as I did, but it is as a winter scene. It can be seen on Asia's gallery page. My commissions are also displayed on her website.

Above, at the portrait unveiling in 2016. Photo by Lori Thornhill.

To access Maitreya Art Store, go here.

News From St. Petersburg, Russia

Above, digital portrait with Japanese motifs.

This morning, I had a long chatting session with Asya on a wide range of subjects (art, websites, graphics, beauty contests, etc.).

She is currently working on a commission by one of my neighbors for a painting of the "Three Mesas" across the valley. It is at a slightly different "vantage point" from the one she did for me last year.

Above, new commission of the "Three Mesas" not as yet completed.

She is also working on a digital work (male portrait) with Japanese motifs.

Above, a photo from a session for the beauty contest in Dubai.

The beauty contest will be taking place later this year and she'll be representing Russia in Miss
Nation-2019 in Dubai. She said it was "unexpected" but should be fun.

Asya is working on a new website, but she can be contacted for commissions through her current site (emphasizing graphic works) by going here.

Russian Christmas Card

To describe the postal service from the Russian Federation to the U.S. as "snail mail" would be a vast understatement.

I knew beforehand that it would be slow, but not this slow.

Yesterday, I received the above Christmas card from Asya in St. Petersburg, Russia. I let her know in an email that I received it and thanked her.

Her response:

Hi Armand!
Finally! Im happy to hear that! Took 5 weeks? Huh, not that fast!
Was the envelope torn? Inspected? or arrived unbroken?

I let her know that it arrived in fine shape. Apparently, it did not interest the KGB (or whatever they have these days) not the CIA or FBI.

I was impressed with the print quality of the card (the above scan doesn't do it any justice).

Made Someone's Day

Above, a photo Asya sent today.

For Christmas, I sent Asya a Navajo kachina doll, called "Morning Singer".

She is currently in her hometown of St. Petersburg, Russia.

The package arrived in several days ago, but their post office has been closed for the Orthodox Christmas holiday in Russia.

She was able to get the package today and is very pleased. She texted:

Hey Armand, wow wow wow, got it! 

It is so cool to receive this parcel. Like some magic!

Looks like I made her day! 

Work Started On Mustang?

Above, the Mustang the day before I took it to the body shop. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yesterday, I had to go into Gallup to the post office to ship Asya's Christmas present.

I found that the local post office at the Flying J does not handle international shipments (they don't have the computer equipment for it. The package had to be shipped to St. Petersburg, Russia. They told me that I would have to mail it from the main Gallup post office.

While I was in Gallup, as the post office was within a block or so from the body shop where my Mustang is at (to get the door replaced), I cruised by to see if work started yet. About a week or so ago, I drove by and saw that it was still in their parking lot untouched. I called two weeks prior to that and they told me that they have a backlog of vehicles to work on and they haven't gotten to mine yet. It's been there since late October (but it seems longer).

Well, the Mustang was not in the lot. So I am guessing (or, rather, hoping) that they got started on it.

Fingers are crossed!

Wall Photos

This morning, I woke up to a couple of voice mails from Asya in St. Petersburg, Russia. She was pleased about the photo I sent her yesterday of the wall decor items I hung next to her painting of "Three Mesas". I bought them yesterday at the Bluewater Outpost in Bluewater Village, New Mexico (31 miles away).

She is working on a new web page and asked if she could use it. I said it was okay and took some more photos and sent them to her. The photo I sent yesterday was from my phone, but I shot some more with my camera.

Here's some:

Sunday Drive and a "Hanging"

Above, after the "hanging". Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This morning, since it was a nice day out and I had no other plans, I headed out 31 miles to the other side of Prewitt, New Mexico to the Bluewater Outpost in Bluewater Village (off Interstate 40).

I wanted to see what they may have to fill in some wall spaces near the "Three Mesas" painting by Asya.

Sure enough, I found a small porcelain decorative steer skull and a Navajo arrow. The total price of my purchase was just $48.00.

On the way back to Jamestown, since I had a sweet craving and I had to stop at the Flying J anyway, I went to Denny's there and had a hot fudge sundae. That hit the spot!

After I got home, I hung both items. I am pleased with the result.

Odyssey Party 2 Years Ago

Above, Asya and yours truly at the unveiling. Photo by Lori Thornhill.

A reminder came from Facebook a little while ago that it was two years ago on October 2 that the party for the unveiling of my portrait was held at the Odyssey Restaurant in Granada Hills, California took place.

I commissioned the portrait by Asya Lipovetskaya as I was curious about how an artist would "interpret" me. While I could have just hung the portrait at home with no fanfare, I decided to throw a little party for friends and help promote Asya's art career.

The room that we had the party had a commanding view of the San Fernando Valley and everyone had a good time.

Above, Asya with the "Three Mesas".

Since then, I commissioned another painting by Asya. It is a landscape of the "Three Mesas" that are across the valley from my Jamestown, New Mexico home. It is now proudly displayed in my living room as is the portrait. It has received many compliments.

Above, Asya and I in Santa Monica on January 23.

Asya is currently working on art projects in her hometown of St. Petersburg, Russia and we occasionally chat. She's doing quite well, I am happy to report. We last met up just before I moved to New Mexico in Santa Monica on January 23.

Trump Orders Declassification of Russia Probe Documents and Text Messages

Above, President Trump by Asya Lipovetskaya.

It is my strong guess that anuses in all Democrat quarters are puckering up after President Trump ordered declassification of documents and text messages relating to the FISA warrant of the Russia probe.

Fox News reported:

President Trump on Monday ordered the declassification of several key documents related to the FBI investigation of Russian actions during the 2016 presidential election, including 21 pages of an application for a renewed surveillance warrant against former campaign aide Carter Page, and text messages from disgraced FBI figures Peter Strzok and Lisa Page. 

White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said Trump had ordered the documents released by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) and the Justice Department "[a]t the request of a number of committees of Congress, and for reasons of transparency." 

The documents to be declassified also include all FBI reports on interviews with Justice Department official Bruce Ohr and all FBI reports of interviews prepared in connection with all other applications to surveil Carter Page. 

Trump also ordered the Justice Department to release text messages from a number of the key players in the Russia investigation "without redaction" -- including Ohr, Strzok, Lisa Page, former FBI Director James Comey and former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe.

To read more, go here.

Two Years Ago: Gladstone's 4 Fish

Two years sure does seem to go by fast!

Facebook notified me that two years ago Asya and I were at Gladstone's in Pacific Palisades after working on a couple of projects (a photo shoot of ties) and the portrait.

We headed down to the restaurant at the beach after we were done. While there, she uploaded the tie photos to her laptop.

Above, Asya and I at Gladstone's 4 Fish.

I do miss the beach and seafood!

Photo Tinkering

A good portion of the afternoon was spent trying to shoot an ultra-sharp photo of the "Three Mesas" painting for Asya's online portfolio. I decided earlier this week to set aside time to do this.

The real problem is trying to get the lighting right and the image centered and straight. I had to close the blinds in the room (east and west sides) to elimate any shadows. Then after taking several photos under the RAW camera settings with my Canon Rebel T5i, I did some tinkering with it with the software I have to convert it and brighten it up.

The sharpest is in the Tagged Image File Format (or TIFF). The problem with that is that my AOL program only allows for images with less than 25 MB. It was over 100MB. So, I had to convert it to .jpeg in order to send it to her.

Although this bordered on being tedious, I am at least learning the features of my camera and the software and it gave me something to keep occupied.

Praise For "Three Mesas"

Above, I have the painting a little high so that Sierra doesn't get any ideas about clawing it. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last month, when I retrieved the "Three Mesas" painting from the post office at the Flying J, the clerk (an older Navajo lady) asked me (jokingly) if I had ordered a door because of the packaging.

This morning, I stopped by to check my mail and I remembered to show her a photo of the painting.

She was very impressed, declaring that it "looked real" and "beautiful". She immediately recognized the mesas.

I passed on her words of praise to Asya, which should make her day!

Grocery Adjusting To New Reality

Above, the "Three Mesas" by Asya. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today was uneventful (I've had enough eventful days to last me a while) as I spent the day relaxing and reading. All this while listening to a Navajo country music station (they just played Elvis's "Crying In The Chapel" and then Walter Brennan's "The Touch of the Master's Hand").

I did make a trek to Gallup to pick up some groceries. Instead of white bread, I got multigrain bread (it tastes surprisingly good). Instead of ice cream, I got strawberries and non-cholesterol angel food cake (the only deviation is some Redi-Whip). Instead of salty and sugary snacks, I bought bananas (great source of potassium for the heart). Oatmeal (a cholesterol fighter). Low fat milk. Russet potatoes.

I was going to grill some salmon tonight, but the filet wasn't completely thawed. So I went to Denny's and had some chicken. I haven't had beef since my aborted lunch (a French dip sandwich) at Bella's in Wells, Nevada nine days ago. I'll have the salmon tomorrow.

I bought a few other things. The cost of living here in Gallup is apparently lower as the total grocery bill was just under $26. A great place for retirees!

"Three Mesas" Framed and At Home

Above, the "Three Mesas" on the wall. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This morning I headed into Gallup to pick up the "Three Mesas" painting at Frame 'N Art.

Above, the painting at Frame 'N Art. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

They did an excellent job with the frame (they actually did a better job than the frame shop did on my portrait). I am glad Asya and I chose the thicker frame for it.

Above, to make room for the "Three Mesas" over the sofa, I moved the portrait. Photo by Amand Vaquer.

I had decided to move the portrait painting to make room for the "Three Mesas" above the sofa. I like the portrait's new location. I also like how the "Three Mesas" painting looks over the sofa. I may lower it a little. I have it a bit higher so Sierra doesn't get any bright ideas about clawing it.

Above, the details. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Frame Selected

Above, the selected frame style. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Today, a frame style had been selected for the "Three Mesas" painting. The process in selecting a frame didn't take quite as long as when a frame was picked for the portrait painting two years ago. It took us two and a half hours to do.

Above, the frame sample on another corner. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

We narrowed it down to my original first choice, a "scoop" style frame in pecan, and a pecan frame that is wider.

Along with Asya and I, the store owner and Asya's dad also thought the wider pecan frame looked better. (Yes, we almost got everybody involved!) In some views, it added more weight, or gravitas, to the painting.

Above, another view with the frame sample. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Asya and I had a live video chat set up through WhatsApp, which was easy to do. She was able to talk and see the different frame styles in real time from St. Petersburg, Russia. I was at the frame shop in Gallup, New Mexico.

All in all, the selection process took about 35 or so minutes.