On Thursdays I can usually be found in the countryside, plein air painting with my partners in crime.  Ah… but not last Thursday.  Here in the Upper Valley we were dealing with the remnants of a nasty nor’easter.  Wind and rain… and lots of it.

I really don’t like to be cold and wet and I was longing for a taste of the tropics.  No money for an airline ticket, I turned to our local low-cost option… Dartmouth College’s Life Sciences Greenhouse.

The Brout Orchid collection is exquisite!

There are so many orchids and other exotic species in bloom that my eyes crossed as I tried to gauge the best models to paint.

I’ll be returning time and time again as the light fades and winter sets in.  Maybe I’ll see you there.

Dartmouth College Life Sciences Greenhouse is open M-F, 8:30 – 4:00.  There is no admission charge although donations are appreciated. Directions and closure days are detailed on the website.