Hraddy!

Well, I didn’t go into Portland. Apparently many surgeons want to consult with you before they tighten the skin on your face so it looks like a taut piece of old, raw, weather-worn leather.

So I did the obelisk. But it was more time (and work) than I really expected. After three hours of building a 4’ high pedestal, it was beginning to remind me way too much of shoveling snow. And, at best, I’m not sure Richard is really going to appreciate my pièce de résistance. If I spend too much time, its popularity will drop even further.

So I went back to my original plan. The ice sculpture. But not just any ice sculpture. I had to tell the story of Hradchinsk, the Ukrainian cat born just outside of Chernobyl. Hraddy was snow white, but his body was sadly deformed. (Everytime I tell this story I get all misty eyed!) One day, while sunning himself on a pedestal, his head fell off. (I am sorry the picture is of such poor quality that you can't make our the intricate carving technique and the amazing details.)

Here’s to you, Hradchinsk!