Good Progress

I did get an opportunity yesterday to do a little work on the Moorish Mosaic Afghan. 

I have all the shapes laid out on the bed in the spare bedroom and have taken a little time, here and there, to work on "sewing" all the pieces together. 

Lately, I've been using the slip stitch method for joining my motifs.  This way seems to go more quickly for me vs. the whip stitch method.  I have one side seamed and a portion of another side started. 

Joy in a little progress! 

HDP

The Home Front

It's all about the home front today. 

It's been a busy day so far.  My dear son woke up a bit early this morning, so my routine is a little out of shape.  But, I'm rounding it out now, as the morning draws to a close.

The house always needs a good straightening after the weekend.  The laundry seems to pile up pretty high over those few days as well. 

Days like these are the times I like to put my crock pot and bread machine to use.  I'll be putting a beef stew in the crock pot around lunch time.  I like to use the McCormick Slow Cooker seasoning packet.  You just put all your ingredients in the crock pot, mix the packet with water, pour the mixture over everything, and give it a good stir.  I cook mine on low for 4 hours, but my crock pot tends to run hot.  The stew has wonderful flavor and produces a nice rich gravy as it cooks.  Around the same time, I'll put ingredients in the bread machine for a crusty loaf of bread to go along with the stew. 

Joy in a productive morning and looking forward to a delicious, but easy-to-make dinner. 

HDP

It was a Crochet Day...

...well, afternoon anyway.

Yesterday was another beautiful day in my neighborhood.  We had a light breeze blowing, sunny skies and low humidity.  My son and I took advantage of it and spent the afternoon outdoors.

For the majority of the time, I was able to relax and crochet while my son played.  He loves to dig holes in the ground with his child-size trowel and show me his hard work.  I don't mind, and just steer him away from my perennials.

I was able to complete seven triangles for my Moorish Mosaic.  I'm very excited about that, and hope to have the rest of them complete by the end of the weekend.  I was also able to play around a little with an idea I have for an afghan design.  It's still in it's infancy stages.  I have the idea in my head, it's getting it transferred to yarn and then respectively onto paper that is the harder part.  But, I'm working on it and having fun!

We usually head into the house in the afternoon around 3ish so I can fix dinner.  But, I had purchased a London Broil on sale at Krogers that morning, so we grilled out that and I fixed a salad.  With that in mind, we were able to stay out longer and enjoy more time outside.

Joy is a peaceful, easygoing afternoon!

HDP

Marching to My Own Beat

Marching to my own beat, I decided to put the scarecrows out today.

I put one out back and the other is in front of the house by our light post.  I need to get a little hay bale for the one out back to sit on.  His post broke a few years ago, so he doesn't stand up.

Included on my fall list; hay bale, corn stalks, Indian corn, mums, and pumpkins.  I did see the first mums out at Lowe's last weekend.  They were really small though and the flowers weren't open yet.  In due time.

No turning back now!

Joy in changing seasons; even if it's on my timetable.  :-)

HDP

My Little One

As I was putting my son to bed last night, he asked me, "Mommy, how does the water, when you turn on the faucet, get in our house?" 

Such is the mind of my son.  He wants to know everything about everything. 

I know there will be a day, when I won't be able to answer his questions (without Google anyway).  He is growing up so fast.  Next month, we'll be celebrating birthday number 5; he's no longer a baby. 

I hope, through the years, he will always know I'll be there for him. 

I found this neat poem I'm going to tuck away and give him at a later date and time........

To My Son

© Amy R. Campbell

Oh how the years go by,
Oh how time can certainly fly.
From once just a thought in far away dreams,
now into my arms and in my eyes gleam
the presence of you.
Your laughter and smiles
which go on for miles,
warms my heart and soul.
You're growing up so fast,
as I wish each moment with you to last forever.
My little boy will someday be a man
and right by your side I will forever stand.
I will pick up the pieces when you fall,
I will hold your hand and help you stand tall.
And when the day comes when you are on your own,
never feel that you are alone.
No matter how near or far apart
I am always right there in your heart.
Always remember whatever you go through
that no matter what, I will always love you.

Source: To My Son, Son Poems http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/family/poetry.asp?poem=2172#ixzz0xfbGDUWt

HDP

Outdoor Deck Kind of Afternoon

Yesterday afternoon, after my son and I had lunch, we headed out to enjoy the weather.

It was a beautiful day temperature-wise with a light breeze blowing.  My son played in his sandbox while I sat at our wrought iron table and crocheted.

I've picked up where I left off on my Moorish Mosaic #2.  I have six squares left to complete, then on to the triangles that fill in the gaps on the outer edge of the blanket.  The colors in the blanket are very woodsy and earthy.  They remind me of a lot of my colorful Croton that I have outdoors on the deck. 

I love being outside on these types of days and being able to crochet at the same time is doubly good.

Joy in being able to get outside and enjoy some beautiful weather!

HDP

Puffy Pink Baby Blanket Complete!

I finished up the Puffy Pink Cotton Candy Tiramisu baby blanket last night, but had to wait until daylight to get a couple of photos.   

At the last minute, I decided not to do the border as written in the pattern and made one up as I went along.  My border reminds me of check or gingham. 

For anyone who is interested, I did write up the border I created for the blanket and it is listed below.

Puffy Pink Baby Blanket Border

• Round 1 - attach white in any corner, ch 1, sc evenly around work placing (3 sc) in each corner st, sl st to beg sc, ch 1.
• Round 2 - sc in each sc around work placing (3 sc) in each corner st, sl st to beg sc, fasten off.
• Round 3 - attach pink in any corner, ch 1, *[sc in first sc, ch 1, sk 1 sc, sc in next sc] across to next corner, (ch 1, sc, ch 1) in corner sc, rep from * 3 more times, sl st to beg sc, fasten off.  
• Round 4 - attach white in any corner, ch 1, *[sc in first sc, long hdc over ch-1 into sc one row below current row, sc in next sc] across to next corner, long hdc over ch-1 sp into corner sc one row below current row, sc in corner sc, long hdc over ch-1 sp into corner sc one row below current row, repeat from * 3 more times, sl st in beg sc, ch 1.
• Round 5 - sc in each st around work placing (3 sc) in each corner st, sl st in beg sc, ch 1.
• Round 6 - rev sc evenly around work, fasten off.  
• Weave in ends.  

Joy is a completed project!

HDP

Second Chances

We opened our windows last night and turned off the A/C.  It's beautifully cool this morning.  I can hear spontaneous chirping of the birds and the crickets are singing their song.  The cicadas are pleasantly silent, hopefully that is a sign that they are dying off.  We've had a lot of cicada damage to our trees this year.  Although we didn't see many, you could hear their hypnotic humming for a good part of the summer.

My devotional today focused on John 21:1-25.  It is where Jesus revels himself to his disciples after His resurrection.  The later part of the passage, is Jesus giving Peter a second chance.

How many times in life do we wish we had a "do over button"?  Turn back time and choose a different path than the one we chose to lead.  I know I've made many mistakes in my life that I wish I could erase, change, or be given a chance to "do over".

Jesus gave Peter a second chance.  Peter denied Jesus three times, turned his back on his friend in His time of need.  Jesus extends that same mercy to each of us and all we have to do is ask.

I'm thankful for the relationship I have in Christ.  I'm thankful for my salvation through Jesus' life, death, and resurrection.  God sent His son to die a horrific death for ME and for all, so that we might have eternal life with Him one day.  My life isn't perfect because of this, but it makes me want to be a better person and make better decisions.

God gives each of us a second chance and it's through His son Jesus Christ.

HDP

Hard work

This afternoon, following a quick lunch after church, our little family headed out back to do some yard work.  We started clearing out the back yard area under the trees.  We worked for about three hours and barely put a dent in the ivy; it is everywhere.  I like the look of ivy, but it's out of control.  At any rate, we got a good start.  We probably have 3 or 4 more Saturdays or Sunday afternoons to really get things looking nice. 

One thing I'm very happy about is the move of my azalea bush.  She was in the front yard and just not doing very well.  So we moved her out back, to what I hope will be a better location for her.  Time and the passing seasons will tell.  If she does settle into her new home, we will be enjoying a nice show of color this spring. 

Joy in a little hard work and looking forward to more!

HDP

Puffy Pink Progress

Have I mentioned how much I love this pattern?

My Puffy Pink Cotton Candy Tiramisu baby blanket is coming along quite well.  I'm two thirds complete on the body of the blanket and should get into the "icing" of the "cake" by Sunday.  I call the border on baby blankets icing as they really add the finishing touches to a project.  Just like cake, by itself, it's well, cake.  But with a glaze or icing, it's dessert in all it's decadent glory.

What makes this blanket so special, I believe, is the breathable texture that is created as you crochet your stitch pattern.  With each row you are creating soft little cushions in which to swaddle a new little one.  Ahhhh, I can almost smell the sweet light scent of baby powder right now. 

I'll post a final photo once I complete the project and before I get it ready to mail out to it's recipient. 

Joy in crochet bliss!

HDP

Morning Walk

This past week, our humidity has been down and my son and I have resumed our morning walk/bike ride.  It's a time to clear my thoughts of chores and household responsibilities.  A time to breathe in fresh clean air and get a little exercise.  Sometimes I take my camera with me and sometimes I don't, today I did, and so did my son...

There is a little bit of summer color left, but the dry humid season has depleted the life out of most flowering plants, shrubs and trees.  My petunias have a few blooms left.......

and, on our walk, I found a few flowers on a Rose of Sharon shrub..........

lastly, around the post of a mailbox, I found a couple Morning Glories.

The landscape in my neighborhood is clearly calling for cooler temperatures and rain.

I found my scarecrow in the garage, but I think I might be pushing the season if I get him out right now.

After our walk, I decided my inpatients had lived their lifetime expectancy and pulled them out of the ground.  In a few weeks, I'll put a pretty potted mum by Rachael along with a pumpkin or two.  I also decided that some of my iris bulbs were growing too close together, so I separated a few and planted them in another location.  They probably won't bloom next spring, but you never know...

Joy for today is in a beautiful morning walk and a little gardening to boot.

HDP

Puffy Pink Cotton Candy Tiramisu

I know, I know, it sounds like another recipe, but it is not!

I started working on a soft puffy pink Tiramisu blanket today.  I needed a little break from my MM#2 afghan project and I thought this would be a nice diversion from my crochet octagons, squares, and triangles.  

 I made one earlier in the year for a lady in my MOPS group (Mothers of Preschoolers) in white and bright apple green.  I named it Cherry Blossom Tiramisu as it reminded me of the weeping cherry tree in our yard that blooms in the spring. I didn't do the frilly border on this particular blanket as she had a boy and I thought that made it a bit too "girly". 

The body of this one will be the puffy pink and I think I'll edge it in white or a coordinating shade of darker pink.  I had the yarn on hand (I often purchase yarn when it goes on sale and set it aside for times like this).  The free pattern, which you can find here, moves fairly quickly.  It's a very soothing and repetitive pattern.  I'll post a picture once I've made some good progress.

So, I'm off to put on some nice relaxing music, get a cup of hot decaf tea, put my feet up, and enjoy a relaxing bit of time in the nook.


Joy in Joy.


HDP

Savory Zucchini Bake and Pie for Dessert

THIS........is Savory Zucchini Bake and let me tell you, it is YUMMY (in all caps)!


A nice Australian woman, who I met on Ravelry, sent me the below recipe.  It sounded really good, so I thought I'd give it a try.  My husband isn't too fond of me trying new recipes, but he was glad I tried this one!  I did cut the recipe in half from it's original and converted the ingredients from metrics to US measurements (she had done some of them already).  This conversion chart came in super handy. 

I served the dish with homemade rolls and sliced peaches. I will definitely be adding this to our family's favorites!

Savory Zucchini Bake
3 eggs
1/2 C All Purpose Flour
1 1/4 C Zucchini (grated)
1/2 onion (finely chopped)
1/2 C bacon (I used precooked real bacon bits)
1/2 C cheddar cheese (shredded)
1/2 carrot grated
2 T vegetable oil (I used Canola Oil)

+  Spray pie plate with cooking spray
+  Beat eggs in a large bowl
+  Add the flour and beat until smooth
+  Add zucchini, onion, carrot, bacon, cheese and oil; stir to combine.
+  Pour into prepared pan and bake in 350 degree oven for approx. 35 - 45 minutes or until cooked through.

Then for dessert, my son helped me make.....

Easy-Peasy Banana Pudding Pie
1 pre-packaged graham cracker crust
1 pkg Banana pudding (I used sugar free-fat free)
1 3/4 C Milk (I used skim milk)
8 oz container Cool Whip (I used lite)

Mix milk and pudding together as directed on box.  Pour into crust and refrigerate until set.  Put the Cool Whip on top before serving.  (I usually slice a banana and put it on the crust before I pour in the pudding, but I didn't have one on hand today.)


Joy for the day........my husband liked it!

HDP

I'm Forming a Plan

Ever since I created my little sun room nook, I've been spending a lot more time gazing out the window into the backyard.  

We have quite a few trees behind our home and therefore don't get much sun.  While it is very nice for privacy, not a lot will grow back there.  Well, that is, with the exception of ivy, which tends to grow everywhere including up the trunks of the trees.

 So, I told my dear husband over the past weekend, that once the weather gets cool enough, I'd like to clear out the weeds and prepare the area for some fall or spring time planting.  

With all this in mind, I got out a few of the books I have on hand and casually glanced through them getting some ideas. 

I'm thinking a rhododendron would work back there, maybe an hydrangea,

definitely an hosta plant........or two.......or three.  And, if I can find something that will grow in the shade, that repels mosquito's, I'm going to be all over that as well.  


Joy for the day is in late summer day dreaming.  

If my plan comes to fruition, I'll let you know.  

HDP

Peaceful Contentment

It was cool this morning and the outdoor thermometer read 69 degrees as I came downstairs to start the day.  I threw in my first load of laundry, fixed a cup of coffee and sat down to read my devotions.  I feel peaceful contentment as I get into my Monday routine.

I'm thankful for the weekly rotation.  When Friday rolls around, I look forward to spending time together with my little family.  But, on Sunday evenings, I'm ready for the fresh beginning my Mondays afford. 

I may never have riches or fame, but I have something money can never buy and I'm so thankful for God's peace and His blessings in my life.

HDP

WOW!

This is amazing!  If you haven't seen this already.  The girl singing is 10!  Not sure how to embed the video, so you'll have to click the link. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKhmFSV-XB0&feature=player_embedded

Enjoying The Nook

I've really been enjoying my nook this week, as have other members of the family. 

Pebbles has made herself right at home in one of the wicker chairs, casually relaxing there when the mood strikes her.

In between my household responsibilities, I've been enjoying crochet time with my feet propped up on the wicker chest, gazing out at the trees and wishing it would rain; thankfully, it did!

Today, my son colored in the nook and then worked on his Elmo sticker book for a while.  He also took the opportunity, while chatting with my husband on the phone, to get comfortable in one of the chairs, turning himself sideways with his feet propped up on the arm.  (At that time, I had a vision of my son as a teenager talking on the phone with friends....)

It's been a convenient place to sit and relax while I wait for dinner to simmer, cook, or bake; whatever the case may be.  Most afternoons, that's where my husband finds me as he comes home from work.  

It's a peaceful little place, no TV, no computer.  Just me, my thoughts and whomever decides to join me at any given time.

Joy for the day is in my little happy nook. 

Mom's Italian Meatballs

I think spaghetti and meatballs gets a bad rap anymore as a low budget meal.  While it is inexpensive to make, it can be a very tasty and wholesome meal.  Growing up, it was one of my favorites.

My mom always used to make her own meatballs.  They are simple to make and if you use a ground sirloin or a lean ground beef, they aren't too bad in the fat department either.  I do add Parmesan cheese to mine, I like the enhanced flavor.

I made my meatballs yesterday morning with my other baking since I had the oven on.  I'll either heat them on the stove top, or in the slow cooker with one of our favorite sauces later this afternoon. 

Mom's Meatballs
1 lb lean ground beef
1 egg (slightly beaten)
1/4 cup seasoned dry breadcrumbs
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded or grated, it doesn't matter)
Dash of Milk to moisten

Mix all ingredients together.  Form small balls rolling the mixture between your hands.  Cook in a slow oven at 300 degrees for approximately 30 minutes.  I usually have about 26 small meatballs from 1 lb of meat.  (I cook mine on a broiler pan so the excess fat is cooked out of the meatballs.)

That's it!  Super simple and they are delicious.  No need for the oven today.  I have an Italian Herb Bread going in the bread machine (from this cookbook) that I'll serve with our spaghetti and meatballs and there will be plenty left over for my husband to carry to work the following day.

Joy in cooking!

HDP

Jumbled thoughts

I have many thoughts and ideas going through my head today, but I can't seem to get them jotted down in a coherent fashion. 

More to come...

More Summertime Favorites

Last time I looked at the outdoor thermometer, it was 95 degrees outside (35C).  That's hot.  With that being said, my son and I spent the majority of the day inside.

So, I cooked.  I made Zucchini Bread with the leftover shredded zucchini that I had in the freezer.  My son and I had a little sampling of it and it is yummy!  It is lower in fat as compared to the chocolate version I made in July and uses applesauce for a portion of the oil.  It also calls for crushed pineapple, which adds a nice tropical flavor.  It did make two loaves, but I'm not sure how long this bread will last in my household.

To go with the bread, I made Southwest-Style Stuffed Peppers.  I can't share the recipe with you, but I can tell you where to find it if you are interested; Better Homes and Gardens New Dieter's Cookbook.  Don't let the diet in the title fool you, it is really good as are most of the recipes I've made from this book.

So even though it was hot outside, we stayed nice and cool inside.

My joy for today is in cooking and partaking of the fruits of my labor!  :-)

HDP

Summertime Favorite

Macaroni Salad....

This is my Mom's recipe for Macaroni Salad; I believe it was passed to her from my Grandmother.  It's a simple recipe, but a great and easy summertime side dish or meal.  We are having it tonight with chicken. 

Macaroni Salad
1 lb box macaroni noodles (boiled al dente, drained and rinsed in cold water)
3 hard boiled eggs chopped
1 (5.75 oz) jar sliced green olives with pimentos (drained)
3 stalks celery cleaned and sliced
1/2 a small onion minced
1 Cup light mayonnaise (I use Hellman's Light)
salt and pepper to taste

In large bowl combine all ingredients and stir until everything is moistened.  Sprinkle with paprika before serving.

Note:  To make a complete meal, you can add boiled, chilled and chopped chicken breast.  Or, if you prefer, you can add a large can of solid white albacore tuna.  My Mom would serve it this way with blueberry muffins for dinner. 

I'll often make a large bowl on a Friday or Saturday and we'll enjoy it with grilled burgers, grilled chicken breasts, or grilled Italian sweet sausages.  The above recipe lasts my family approximately three meals with enough for my husband to take to lunch a couple of days.

Enjoy!

HDP

Today

This morning is cool and I've opened the windows.  The gentle movement of the air smells fresh and sweet.  I'm enjoying this brief time before the windows will have to be shut once more and the air conditioner turned back on.

I have two devotionals that I've been reading.  One is a walk through the bible and it is not dated, the other is Our Daily Bread that is dated.  Is it a coincidence that both readings today were on humility? 

In my walk through the bible devotional, today's reading focused on John 13:1-17 where Jesus washed his disciples feet.  The writer summed it up by saying, "No matter what we feel we deserve from others, we can't bend too low in caring for them.  Service doesn't demean one's dignity, rather, as Jesus shows, it defines it."  And in Our Daily Bread, they quote:

"True greatness does not come to those

Who strive for worldly fame,

It lies instead with those who choose

To serve in Jesus' name."

-D. De Haan

I often get stuck in a rut with my stubbornness and pride.  I feel like I always need to be right.  Is that human nature?  Or, perhaps just one of my character flaws?

There is a perfect Someone
Whose example I strive to follow
I hope and pray
I can be more like Him
With each passing moment
With each passing day
Amen

HDP

Reference:  Meet The Bible; A Panorama of God's Word in 366 Daily Readings and Reflections (by Philip Yancey and Brenda Quinn); Reference quote on page 510

Crochet Time in My New Nook

I was able to enjoy a little crochet time today in my new nook.  I prepared a nice iced coffee; one tablespoon of sugar, and two tablespoons of half-n-half (I like a little coffee with my cream).  I gathered together my project, tools of the trade, and sat down to enjoy a little crochet "me" time.  Heavy sigh........now this, is the good life!

Pebbles, our 11 year old fat cat, decided to join me in the quiet of "the nook" and kept me company as my son played nicely with his floor puzzles. 

I've made some good progress on my MM#2, as I affectionately call her.  I have 19 octagons complete to date and should be able to start on number 20 later today.  I am hoping to complete all 30 octagons by the end of August.  And, if my days allow, perhaps a good portion of the squares and triangles the pattern calls for as well.

 Joy for the day is in my crochet!

HDP

I Needed a Change of Scenery

And what that really means, is that I'm going to be moving furniture around.

I don't know what possessed me this morning, but I decided I wanted a bit of a change.  With me, that usually entails moving furniture.  The above photo shows what my breakfast bay looked like before the change.  We typically eat all our meals here and I usually have my morning coffee at the table as well.  The problem is, the table against the far wall ends up being a catch all for everything from library books to mail. 

So I moved everything out of the kitchen, rolled up the rug, took the curtains down to wash, and started cleaning.  Windows got a good Windex, the floor got a good scrubbing, and I even wiped down the walls.  The house smells nice and Febrezey fresh.

I've always wanted a sunroom.  But, with the economy the way it is, this isn't the time to be putting on an addition.  So, I'm making lemonade.  The only thing I purchased for my change of scenery was the bookshelf; which my husband put together for me this evening.  

Going forward, we'll just eat our meals in the formal dining room and I now have my little sunroom.  Down the road, if we miss the casual atmosphere of the breakfast bay, I'll just move things back around.

Joy in unexpected motivation and a little change of scenery.

HDP

The Earth Sighed

It only lasted a few brief minutes

But, I saw, the earth sigh

As the rain poured down

Quenching her thirst

With sweet fresh water

Soothing water

Relief

Remnants of the storm remain

Thunder in the distance

Soon fading

As the dark clouds move away

Lightening the sky

HDP

Morning Time

Mornings are my favorite part of the day.  The quiet stillness when you can easily hear the birds chirping and the early morning sound of the cicadas.   In the house, the coffee maker brews my morning cup, the sound of the washing machine's gentle whirring, and the dryer humming as it works.  

What do my devotions have in store for me today?  What words of wisdom can I store in my heart?  I pray.  

Looking outside, the day is fresh.  The morning brings hope.  What will the day have in store?  An unknown author wrote, "Each day is a gift."  And, indeed it is.  What will I do with my gift today?

HDP

Morning glory is the best name,
it always refreshes me to see it.
-   Henry David Thoreau

Everything Has A Time

Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good!

For His mercy endures forever.

^{1 Chronicles 16:34 (NKJV)}

 

I was reading in my daily devotions this morning and the subject was on peacefully waiting on the Lord.  As I was meditating on the scripture, and what the writer had to say, I looked out the window.  What I saw amazed me.  

 

My husband and I have lived in our home for a little more than five years.  A lot of the plantings around the house, were here when we moved in.  The particular hostas above has never bloomed in that time.  As I gazed out the bay window, the strong straight shoot of the bloom caught my attention, and it struck me with how it tied into today's reading.

 

You would think this type of hostas would bloom each summer, but it has not.  It's taken five years to spring forth the beauty it's held inside all along. Often times, we think God works on our timetable; nothing could be further from the truth.  God works in His time, in His way, and it is always perfect.

 

I've done a lot of waiting through the years for different things.  One thing I know, God is faithful and His mercy endures forever.  

 

HDP

 

Everything Has Its Time

To everything there is a season, 

A time for every purpose under heaven:

A time to be born, 

And a time to die;

A time to plant,

And a time to pluck what is planted;

A time to kill,

And a time to heal;

A time to break down,

And a time to build up;

A time to weep,

And a time to laugh;

A time to mourn,

And a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones,

And a time to gather stones;

A time to embrace,

And a time to refrain from embracing;

A time to gain,

And a time to lose;

A time to keep,

And a time to throw away;

A time to tear,

And a time to sew;

A time to keep silence,

And a time to speak;

A time to love,

And a time to hate;

A time of war,

And a time of peace.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

 

Summer Afternoon Hike

This afternoon, my little family, headed to a local wooded park for a nature hike.  The weather is hot, but the humidity is down a bit and many of the paths are shaded.  With this in mind, it seemed like a great way to spend the afternoon. 

We haven't had a lot of rain lately, so the water levels in the creek were quite low.  It was still nice to get out and stretch my legs and enjoy the pretty summer day.  In spite of the low water levels, or perhaps because of them, my husband was able to catch a baby crayfish.  My son was a little fearful of the tiny creature, but fascinated just the same. 

I was able to enjoy some of the prettier sights, such as this lovely orange and gold flower.  Many of the wildflowers have died off for the season, so I felt quite lucky to find this beauty. 

All in all, a successful hiking journey.

Joy for today is in spending quality time with my family and enjoying the beauty in nature all around me. 

HDP

Introspective Morning

We woke up to a cool morning today and I'm so thankful.  The heat we've been experiencing lately, has really been taking a toll on me.  It is supposed to get up to 89 later today, but this mornings' cool temperatures are a welcome surprise.

I'm not one to wish away time, but I am really looking forward to fall with it's crisp air, the colorful leaves on the trees, and the bright yellow school buses driving down our street.  It's a time for hot soups and chilis, homemade bread baking, and casseroles in the oven that send their soothing aromas wafting through the house.  Fall is a time for color, bright orange pumpkins, earthy plaid-clothed scarecrows, and yellow gold corn stalks.  Fall is a feast for the senses. 

I can see the light at the end of the proverbial tunnel. 

Joy for the day is in knowing, while the summer temperatures will continue for the next month or so, cooler weather and my favorite time of year, are just around the corner. 

HDP