sunday afternoon drive

A week ago we took a drive down paths we haven't traveled for a spell.

It was a tad on the warm side, so we sat in air conditioning and gazed at water.

Maybe we even tested it with our fingers and toes, but never jumped in.

A stop at Saguaro Lake to check out boat ramps and parking availability.

A beautiful spot!

The blurred out sign says something about no picnics allowed.

However, it had a table with the pictures so figured it was legal to eat my sandwich in the truck.

I have never tubed the Salt River, nor do I have any plans to do so but we went to take a look.

I didn't get any pictures of that one.

Fast moving and cold was my opinion.

And ... from when Jari was romping out there years ago ... a whole different place.

Next stop was the Verde River.

Now this is my river.

I have personal experience with this deceptively calm piece of nature.

I could kayak here for days.

String a hammock from one side to the other and just chill.

The sunsets during monsoon season are divine.

Dust in the air mixed with clouds ... dreamy.

I still haven't seen more than a few drips of rain this year.

Hope springs eternal!

Sunsets are proof that endings can be beautiful too.

week of simple joys

simple joy might just be using up scraps at the sewing machine

it might be the satisfaction of seeing paint leave a dresser as the temperature rises and the sweat pours

i find it in the blooming of cotton plants

joy is the falling of rain on fields that are so very dry

the joy of His promise to end a day and a week

where do you find simple joy?

family fishing

Two weeks ago today we were at this lovely fishing hole with the kids.

Two weeks?!! 

No wonder those birthdays creep up so fast and often ... if two weeks flies by so fast!

Who would think that almost in the middle of a town there lies this beautiful spot.

Could you just stroll out here and clear your mind?

This is me.

These are mine.

This would be my joy.

Anna & Tia were not able to do any fishing ... 

Hint: don't attempt to get a fishing license the same day you get your ND drivers license .. they won't let you.

Second Hint: if you purchase a non resident 3 day fishing license, check your expiration date. Our 3 day licenses expire in March of 2020. You just never know when you might win!

Should you have any hints on how to score a free airline ticket with Allegiant ... let me know!

I"ll go fishing.

We don't deep fry food at our house, but I might have to start.
Anna & Wylon have some marvelous deep fryer that I might need to look at someday.
Friday night fishing.
Saturday night dining.

I can still taste that walleye!

Now I'm hungry.

the littlest ones

So the other week we spent 6 days in North Dakota. I can't post all the pictures here. I have all too many for that. I'll give you snippets here and there.

These two little people are our littlest grandluvs.

I think it is a Nana's job to sit and rock these little people. Soak up snuggles, smiles, drools and whatever else comes my way. I wish they both lived closer but they don't. I am incredibly thankful that we are able to travel to see them as often as we do.

Meet Princess Sage.

Another piece of living far away is that we often miss celebrations such as baptisms. This time we were able to be there! God's blessings to you dear Elliott.

The love just keeps multiplying!

an early Sunday

Having a yen for the lake but not tolerating the temperatures during the afternoon this summer season. 

The alternative is getting up with the chickens.

If you don't have those critters ... that means early. 

Real early.

We live about an hour away from our favorite water hole. 

There must be a cool spot in that section of road 'cuz that 76 degrees didn't last more than a minute.

Little people joined us with their parents. 

Another reason to be out there early. 

Don't want this little guy overheating.

These guys like the water. A lot. Sebastian was my swimming partner today.
And ... they tolerate sitting on the back seat of the boat!!
Serious progress there!

I have stayed out on the water in the summertime and been croaking hot all nite long so am a wee bit nervous about doing it again.

This morning I was a bit bummed that we didn't stay out there last night.

The air this morning was delicious and the water absolutely perfect.

Kind of like my happy place.

the end of a weekend ...

The sun was shining and drying out all the miniature lakes. Jari was hatless and without sunscreen so we tried to find shade at every opportunity. Beautiful day!

A tour around the grounds with Grandpa and Grandma. What a beautiful way for the older folks to see how large everything was when the walking would have been impossible.

Two years from now I have high hopes of being camped on these grounds in an air conditioned camper. Going to keep the fingers crossed that it works out. If it does ... come over to my porch for coffee!

Homeward we went on Saturday evening. Although it was a bummer to end our time there sooner than the festivities ended, we had a very busy work week coming up. It was rather nice to spend some time at home on Sunday taking a nap before it all started. This getting older business is sometimes challenging for a crazy schedule.

Traveling again tomorrow ... almost before the sun rises. Going to find some little people snuggles this time.

Yes, we are very blessed to be able to do this.

Friday at services

Friday morning we went to Litchfield and Cokato.

Sometimes weekends can be a little hard on the heart strings.

Then to feed our hearts and souls. I have gone back and looked at pictures of my own and online about a million times or more. My heart just wants to be back there.

What a beautiful day. In between some rain drops. We did find an umbrella in Mummu's stuff that we went through so we were set!