It's great when you can turn your passion into your livelihood. Jeff Pelayo figured out how to do this. If you care about Delmarva's rich history of waterfowling, you should be grateful. A waterfowl hunter since childhood, he became fascinated with the art and lore of decoy carving. Off to college then to become a waterfowl research biologist. At the same time, he was also becoming a serious collector and authority on decoys, particularly those of the Chesapeake and mid-Atlantic. It wasn't too long before he abandoned his research on live waterfowl to concentrate on learning even more about the 'imitations.'

His newly opened Canvasback Gallery in Easton displays hundreds of decoys of shore birds, geese, and every species of duck imaginable. They float; they preen; they sleep; they eat; they roost. Some are working decoys; others were carved purely as decorative art.

All of the familiar names are here: the Ward Brothers, R. Madison Mitchell, Charlie Joiner, the Jobes. But Jeff also has decoys from carvers with unfamiliar names, whose work is equally impressive. Many of the birds are from his own collection, but he also has many fine carvings on consignment and for resale.

The gallery serves as a museum as well as a shop. Jeff wants to share his love for and knowledge of waterfowling with the public. He has market gunning equipment and photos on display and many stories about the people and practices of waterfowling then and now. He'll happily sit you down in the big easy chair in a corner of the gallery and keep you entertained for hours. The only requirement is that you agree to scratch the ears and rub the belly of Jessie, his Black Lab and resident greeter.

Canvasback Gallery is at 26 W. Dover St. in Easton. It's open daily. 410-770-4470. http://www.canvasbackdecoygallery.com/

Some places and some people just make you smile. Danny Doughty is one of those. A self-taught folk artist, his work reflects a simpler, more carefree time. Clean lines, minimal detail, joyous colors -- it's impossible to look at his paintings of rural life and feel surrounded by joy. Your only frown will come from realizing your house isn't big enough for all of the paintings you want to take home with you!

You can enjoy his work on two places. His original gallery is in Painter, VA at 35044 Lankford Hwy. (west side) Look for the large sign that reads "Folk House Art Gallery" over a large painting of a sun-hatted woman in a white blouse and bright red skirt. Inside the café-style gallery, you'll find dozens of Danny's paintings hanging from the bright yellow walls. The gallery radiates happiness. It's the perfect place to banish bad moods and winter glumness. (Mon-Sat 11-4; Sun 12-4; 757-709-2095. www.thefolkhouse.com)

His second gallery is inside Joie de Vivre at 410 Race Street in Cambridge. Joy Standiforth dedicated the large space in the back of her already wonderful craft and artwork gallery to Danny's work. As part of his work with Joy, he is collaborating with some of her craft artists. They are using his paintings as inspiration for their own works -- turning them into woven rugs or ceramics, for instance. Joie de Vivre is open Mon-Sat 10:30-5, 410-228-7000. www.joiedevivregallery.com

As cold as it's been, many of us have curled up in front of the fireplace with a good book, glass of wine, chocolate, soft jazz in the background. Hey, ice, snow, and sub-freezing temperatures aren't so bad after all.

But it's time to come out of hibernation long enough to get together for some conversation and sharing your favorite titles. This month's Third Thursday Women and Wine Night at Bordeleau Winery in Eden (near Salisbury) is a Book Exchange. Bring a book (or two or three) and look for some you'd like to read.

The cost is $10 and includes a wine tasting, light hors d'oeuvres, and a tour of the winery by owner Tom Shelton. Wine can also be purchased by the glass or the bottle. After a few glasses, you might decide that every book is just wonderful!

Looking ahead, the February Third Thursday is Ladies' Trivia Night. Start forming your team now!

Call for reservations: 443-523-5619. www.bordeleauwines.com