Back Home Again

We are back from a wonderfully relaxing vacation to Siesta Key, Florida. We had such a good time. We spent our mornings at the beach, enjoying the warm, clear water, hanging out at the condo in the heat of the afternoon, and then going out for dinner at one of the fun restaurants on the island. I decided not to take my camera and just took a very few cell phone photos.

Some people have asked why we go to Florida in the summer. The answer is simple. We go to be on the beach and play in the water and in the summer we are assured it will be warm! When the kids were small we would go down in January to stay with my in-laws at the condo they rented. It was always hit or miss as to the weather. It's also much more expensive in the winter. Except for the lack of birds (we love to go birding) summer is best for us. And as it turned out, it was cooler and less humid there than it was in Indiana. Go figure!

Before we left we worked hard on the gardens and yard so we would not come back to a jungle. Not!!! It rained at least 3 times while we were gone and everything went wild! And now it's too hot to weed. I tried but I can't be out in this heat for very long, especially working. So I wander around taking pictures and trying not to feel bad about all I want to do. Here are a few:

These lilies are over 6 feet tall!

And now I have to share a couple of grandbaby pics, because well, these kids are so darn cute!

Tad has become a little fish this year!

Jasper

Klaus

Son Eric with Klaus

Trixie is almost 4 months old!

Sorry, I sometimes forgot to wipe the lens - it's so humid! I hope everyone has a wonderful week!

What's Been Happening

I can't believe it's been so long since I've last posted! It's not like I'm super busy. Life just keeps rolling along and we're in the middle of October already. We've had some wonderful fall weather; great for gardening, evening walks, and festivals.

In September we bought a van, and broke it in by taking a trip to Utah to visit my husband's sister and her family. We've been out west many times, usually flying, but when we drove it was always going south or north, never straight through the Rockies. So this time we took I-70 to Denver and it was awesome! We drove through the mountains on a beautiful, sunny day singing along with John to Rocky Mountain High.

I had to wade in the Colorado River!

Our first stop in Utah was Zion National Park. We had been here a couple of times and it's one of my favorite places. Did you here about the seven hikers who were killed here in a flash flood? Well, we were there that day. At first it was cloudy, but then the sun came out. We had a wonderful time, going on several hikes and eating lunch at the lodge. 

The clouds were rolling in as we were leaving. We wanted to go out the east exit, through the tunnels, but when we got on the first switchback, the storm let loose. The wind, rain, hail, rocks and tree branches swept down the narrow canyon where we had to pull over. The van was rocking so hard we thought we were going to get pushed over the edge and down the canyon. I had never been so scared before! After about 10 minutes (it seemed like an hour) there was a lull and we turned around and went back down. We didn't want to get stuck again on that narrow windy road! 

It wasn't until the next day that we learned about the hikers, and the women and children south of Zion that were killed in the flood. Our thoughts are with those people and their families.We feel very lucky after that experience.

We then made our way to Provo and family. We had such a wonderful time! Rick's sister, her husband, their kids and grandchildren were so welcoming and showed us such a good time. There was so much to see. When we were there before (when our kids were young) we saw SLC and Temple Square. This time we went up in the mountains several times, hiked, rode a ski gondola, and even saw a bear!

It was a wonderful and unforgettable trip! I don't think we will be driving across the country again. But I'm glad we did it one more time. 

In my next post I'll be showing some quilting and fall crafting I've been doing. My Halloween supplies are getting quite a bit of love these days!

Spring Getaway

After reading about Eureka Springs, AR in the March issue of Victoria magazine, we decided that a road trip was in order. I made reservations at one of about a million B&Bs there and then realized it was the one featured in the magazine! It was so romantic and cozy. I didn't get a good photo of it, but you can get a little idea of the outside here:

 the breakfast room:

and our room:

There was a fireplace, jacuzzi, and fresh flowers and chocolates every day. We felt so pampered!

It was our first time in Eureka Springs. The town was settled in the late 1800's for the mineral springs and so there are beautiful old Victorian homes and hotels. The downtown is in a valley and the homes climb up the hillsides. Some are perched on rocky walls. There was a huge rainstorm while we were there and we were afraid we would wash away! (As it turned out, the Main Street did flood and had to be closed off. Glad we didn't go out that night:)

There were many things to do and the weather was warm and sunny. We went to a Big Cat rescue facility:

A funky house built of rocks from the area, Quigley's Castle:

The woman who built this house had an obsession with rocks and nature. All the garden ornaments and buildings were covered in rocks, minerals, fossils and shells. Very interesting!

We also visited Thorncrown Chapel:

hiked in the woods:

and of course, explored the shops, restaurants, the springs, and old houses.

This goes down to one of the springs. Rick said it looks like the stairway to hell!

  

We were so glad went took the time to explore another part of the country. It was a beautiful area and we met some interesting and friendly people. 

It's a Jungle Out Here!

 That's what we said when we returned home from our vacation and saw the yard. We couldn't believe how much things had grown in only 8 days. But with all the rain and warm weather, everything (especially the weeds:) had rocketed up. I have spent the last week getting caught up and still haven't finished all the gardens. It has turned very hot and humid and I just can't handle working in it too long at a time.

So this was where we spent our little holiday - Siesta Key, Florida. Really the most beautiful beach we have ever been to. Add to that the perfect weather, condo, and food and we were in heaven!

The water was so clear and warm.

One of our favorite things about Florida (or anywhere, really) is the wildlife. We went to a state park and also to another island to see alligators, birds and sea creatures.

We waded into a tidal mudflat to see horseshoe crabs and other cool things.

I had to bring along a little something to work on while relaxing in the evenings. Can't have idle hands, you know! So I prepared a stitchery project. I'm not sure what I will do with it. Maybe a pillow? We'll see.

Saying goodby to our beach :(

We will add the memories of this trip to the all the others taken over the years. I wonder where we will go next. Mmmm....