2011 Vacation

Wow! I finally did it! What is IT you ask. I finally retired!
While I was at it, I fulfilled a 25 year dream (goal) of taking a cruise to Alaska.
Thanks to Vickie and much planning on her part, nine of us traveled by car to Vancouver, B.C. and embarked on what was for me a once in a lifetime dream.
The dream team consisted of Lenny, Vickie, Heidi, Rachel, Lee, Jill, Linda (Vickie's mom) Jasmine and myself.

We had some rough sea and rainy weather but it sure didn't damper our spirits or mar the beautiful scenery. There were day trips to Juneau, Skagway and Ketchican. Mendenhall glacier is magnificent. We visited a Salmon hatchery, rode a train through the White Pass & Yukon Route. Learning of the early pioneers to that vast country was truly mind boggling. We learning the history of the totem pole and their historical significance. I wanted to bring one home, but it wouldn't fit in my luggage. (I truly think I will need to design one and have it made for my newly landscaped front yard.) We visited with some huskies in training for dog sledding. The girls really wanted to smuggle some of them home. Some of the group did some kiaking (sp), I was not brave enough. UGH!

I sincerely felt like I was ready to come home after being gone for 9 days. However after being home for 2 days, I was ready to return and experience more of that glorious adventure. We sailed on a Holland America Cruise line the ms Volendam. I cannot say enough about the royal hospitality that was extended to us. The only way to travel! Ah, yes! Lenny treated me to a massage and facial. I was so pampered!

I would like to thank not only Vickie for all of her hard work in the planning and arranging but to my two cabin mates, Jazzie and Rachel. I would not have survived without Miss Jaz. I do hope she knows how much I love and appreciate her! I only have 2 regrets: 1) that the entire family (all 41 of us) were not enjoying it together and 2) that it took 25 years to do IT.

Until next time....L & H's

vacation

Wow! And to think, last week at this time I was in Heber City, Utah and looking forward to going to the Cowboy Poet Gathering. What a marvelous experience. There is nothing better than good country music sprinkled with laughter and enjoyed with family. Of course the most fantastic part of it all was visiting with Lonnie, Lori and family. Luke and Missy have some absolutely adorable children….I am not a bit prejudice! Leslie and Casie are still young adorable kids in love….hope they stay that way forever and ever! It was a real thrill to watch BYU basketball on Thursday night. I am an incurable sports fan at best but it sure doesn’t hurt when the best looking young man on the team shares your last name and gene pool. I repeat….I am not prejudice!

This week has been really exhausting and stressful at work and I really wanted to be back just enjoying life. Someday!

I look around and find much to be grateful for. A family that supports and loves me….in spite of myself. The Osprey nest still stands at the top of the utility pole, the herd of Angus has a new brindle member and I have had occasion to view the young bucks (as in deer) on occasion.

So, thanks to all for a marvelous vacation. Until next time….

Love and Hugs

Catching up …

I have learned that the large nest on top of the power pole was for an Osprey couple. However, I never did see any young. Locals tell me that they will probably be back next spring. It is of special interest that the power company put up another pole and changed the line connections so as not to disturb the nest. I will be curious to see if the nest can weather the winter and be inhabited next year.

My little red angus calf has acquired some buddies. There are four young ones now but three of them are black. I have noticed that the heard has been joined by a black bull that must have returned from a summer vacation.

One of my beautiful granddaughters (that is the only kind I have) is very talented with photography. I have been trying to persuade her to come take me some pictures so I can share them with you. Perhaps soon!

Fall is rapidly joining us. The leaves are starting to turn, the nights are cooler, the days are shorter, the hop fields have all been harvested and the farmers are starting to spread hay for the cattle. The fresh fruit stands are starting to close and the stores are starting to put out Thanksgiving and Christmas merchandise. Good Heavens, Halloween isn’t even here yet! Time marches on and so must I. Until next time…..

Enjoy life and be happy!

Country Living

Not long ago, as I was driving to work dreading what the day may bring, I glanced to the pasture of red Angus cattle living the great country life and to my delight I witnessed a baby calf all wet from birth struggling to get to its feet with mama licking, nuzzling and helping. I smiled and was immediately lifted to a happier place. Each day as I drive by this pasture I look to see that little ray of sunshine. He is easy to spot as he is the only young one in a pasture full of adults. Each time I see him I smile and count my blessings for great country living!

I was not far from home on my way to work this morning when I saw what at first appeared to be a large dog cross the road. He did not seem to be in a hurry but did jump as he reached the shoulder of the road and crossed a small ditch. Right behind him came another, and I realized that it was not a dog but two fawns. They didn’t stop and let me get acquainted; so I don’t know if they are siblings, cousins or friends but country living once again lifted my spirits. I will now watch closely as I drive that stretch of road and hope to see them again. And once again, I am grateful to be living in the country.

Tonight on my way home some straw came bounding from the sky in front of my car. I looked up to see a large bird flying from the utility pole where another was perched and the entire top of the pole and out along the cross pole was straw. This is August, a little late for building a nest thought I, but when you live in the country anything is possible. I am anxious to see what the days ahead might bring. Once again I am awed and grateful for the joy of Country Living!

Country

Everyone of my generation is familiar with the phrase “a little bit country, a little bit rock and roll”. I must admit, I really enjoy soft rock but I really like country. Country living, country cooking, country music, the country…..lets just face it I am a country girl. I would love to live out in the middle of at least a 100 acres. Not another house in site for as far as you could see. If someone decided to visit you could see them coming up the road for at least 20 minutes before they got there. Time to change your clothes, comb your hair and be prepared for a good country welcome!

I live in the city but directly behind my home is an open field and on occasion in the early morning or late evening I can see deer feeding. It always bothers me when I don’t see them for a day or so thinking that something has happened to them. In all reality, they have probably tried the city life and decided to go back to the country. I hope so!

This reminiscing has reminded me of a visit I had with my Uncle a few years back. He was living on a ranch in a little country community named Echo, Oregon that was truly out in the country. The country sunrises and country sunsets; they couldn’t be beat. The clear country air where you can breath deep and enjoy the freshness of it.

As my grandmother would have said, “everybody to his own notion said the old lady as she kissed the cow.” But as for me, I’ll take the country!

western

Western

This is the day when you can really let your fingers do the walking. You can find anything and everything on the internet. For instance, I started looking for some western items. After sifting thru pages and pages and getting very confused. You know the shopping routine. Oh, that looks nice, but maybe so and so has it for a better price. So, I decided to get more general.

I started searching for just ‘western’, and found a landmine. I found: western décor for the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen, western jeans for men, woman and children, western shirts, western hats, western boots, western work clothing, western music, western books (got sidetracked discovering an outlet for Louis L’Amour books), western tack for horse and rider, and of course since this is fair season there was all kinds of western show tack. That’s just for a start folks.

Hours later, I’m still excited by my ‘western’ search. Wow! I just discovered that copy and paste will work. Now I can mix and match and see what will go with what. What to wear on that western hunting or fishing trip. Do I get out the sleeping bag and tent, pack the camper, or check where there’s a rodeo and what’s available in a western motel?

Gotta go! Catch ya’ later!