A very dear friend has passed

There has been a picture of my friend Colleen 'Hester' Gilbert on my blog for several months encouraging visitors to vote for her.

This past Wednesday, instead of leaving for Ft. Ticonderoga, NY for yet another jaunt into the 18th century, she left on a much longer trip to a far more fantastic realm.

Everybody loved Colleen. There have been posts on forums and dedicated pages throughout the web. This is my small contribution.

I'm including some of my favorite pictures that I've taken and one of Dicey, Me & Hester at Mansker's Station a couple of years ago. I was honored that she used one of my pictures as the front of one of her always anticipated Christmas cards! I also have to note that if it wasn't for Colleen, I may not have hooked up with the man of my dreams... Dan Russell.

Colleen, if you are reading this over my shoulder...

I am sooooooooooooo mad at you for leaving us without saying goodbye! I cannot believe you won't be there the next time we set canvas with a hug and a smile, a laugh and even a good, hearty belch. I miss you so much already.