Thursday, June 25, 2009

Summertime Follies

Don't you just love summer? I do! And, I'm very pleased with summer so far. Not that I've done anything exciting, because that's not the case...we've been positively boring lately, but in a good way. We've been busy...keeping up with the yard work, weeding the berry patch and the tomatoes (which are growing leaps and bounds), watering all the outside flowers and making sure the horses all have constant water and fly masks on...you get the picture. Unfortunately, summertime no longer means a 3 month long vacation - going to work still has to take place (crap), but at least we have beautiful weather and longer daylight hours in which to enjoy the great outdoors. And, the horses are out on pasture 24/7 which means less work for us. I absolutely adore that!! We've been riding Ladde and Harley fairly regularly and they're coming along quite nicely. We will probably go camping over the 4th of July weekend at least 1, and maybe 2 nights and take the horses for trailriding. That's always fun.

Around here, besides numerous little fireworks celebrations, the big poobah is of course, the annual St. Paul Rodeo which takes place over the 4th of July weekend. It's an awesome rodeo and is about the only reason St. Paul, Oregon is even on the map. The tiny little town positively bursts at its' seams this time of year!! I think we might go, but probably either Wednesday or Thursday. If we do, I'll make sure and take some pictures to highlight the event.

It's been a while since I've posted to my blog, and I thought it might be kind of nice to let you all know that I'm okay...still kicking and all that. The boss and his family have left for the remainder of this week (Tuesday June 30th) and will return July 6th. They are attending our riding club's big annual Cowboy Campmeeting 2009 which, this year is being held in the mountains at Tamarack Springs, near Ellensburg, Washington. We were unable to attend due to several circumstances; lack of funds, lack of available vacation time, and the extended driving time to the location this year. I wish we could have gone because it's a blast. But, maybe next year it will work out.

Look what I made the other night. I know, it kind of looks like a disaster, but it sure tasted good. Yum!! It's likely I won't be making this luscious layered cake again anytime soon because it's incredibly labor-intensive. And...I generally cook, or bake only items that are easily created. So, it was very good while it lasted. It's white cake, layered with fresh strawberry puree, a creamy concoction consisting of cream cheese and real whipped cream and vanilla extract, and then decorated on top with whole, fresh strawberries. To die for!! And, I wonder why I'm not a thin woman. aack!!

Some of my wild roses which create a hedge along the fence in the front yard. They smell incredibly delightful!!




A beautiful sunset from the other night - gorgeous!!

One of the neighborhood "ladies". Isn't she beautiful?


One of our neighbors has an organic farm where they sell whole milk, free-range organic chickens, fresh eggs, goat's milk and goat's cheese. These ladies are the ones who do all the work. Such a pity...I'm thinking of helping them develop a labor union.


She says..."don't hate me because I'm beautiful". Such a flirt!


Whater you lookin' at? You talkin to me!?
This one's a might fussy...blame it on the hormones. That's what I do.



I've said it before, but it remains true...you just cannot improve upon God's artwork. Such incredible beauty, but the camera just does not do it justice.
In case I don't get the opportunity - have a safe and happy Independence Day everyone!! We do live in a fantastic country. We're not perfect, by anyone's standards, but personally I wouldn't want to live anywhere else on earth. God Bless the U.S.A!!!
Happy 4th of July!!!!
Cingspots over and out...

11 comments:

Sherry Sikstrom said...

Great photos ! glad to hear you are doing well. That cake looks yummy! I am living on Ice cream and watermelon at present (in makes my throat feel better that's why!)

Tracey said...

I'm with you........positively boring is good!!
That cake looks yummy!!
Have a Happy 4th of July!
Tracey

Paint Girl said...

What beautiful sunset pictures!
That cake looks very tasty, my mouth is watering, gotta love strawberries!
Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend!

Grey Horse Matters said...

Love the photos, but especially that cow. How adorable is she. Keep enjoying the summer fun!

Jessica said...

I have to say I cherish my "boring" days. After years of going to school full time while working full time, planning a wedding, building a house, I'm FINALLY really getting to enjoy the fruits of our labor. Still doing plenty of work, like you, but it's all fun stuff around the house. I love it. Your roses look delightful...there's not much that smells better...probably only "horse smell" could trump it! Those cows are adorable. So, so pretty! Don't know if I've ever seen such pretty cows! Beautiful sunset, yummy looking cake...yep, gotta LOVE summer! Enjoy! :)

LuLo Designs/Blue Eyed Tango said...

I really like the sunset! Cows look wonderful too! Happy 4th of July, we'll home just hanging out nothing exciting. We can usually see the fireworks from a nearby lake!

Melanie said...

Gorgeous pics! At least you have had some time to do what you want, right? But three months sure is nice.....

Have a great 4th of July!!! :)

Anonymous said...

anything, anything with strawberries we love.. we used to have strawberry sundaes when we went upstate NY for holiday.. yummmers

here where this week has definitely had its share of"what doesnt kill you makes you stronger" : ) Tho my faith in our L-rd has gotten much stronger in these days

blessings to you my friend
gp
Isaiah 41:10

Tracey said...

Thanks so much for the Happy Birthday wishes! I had a very nice day.
They say I was quite a talker as a child too....not so much now, I am rather quiet. My mom says I said everything I needed to say back then!
Sounds like you had a wonderful time in 1966....times were simpler then for sure!
Happy 4th of July!!
Tracey

allhorsestuff said...

Oh! Love the cows..and with halters on..that seems odd to me..don't thewy come oin when they need milked and to eat?!!!
Love your sunset and roses as well.
Oh, the lazy days of summer sound so good there ...yesss please..I wanna meet up with you to horse camp! My little new friend that invited me is gonna make another booking there at Riley for Oct..want to try to come too?
Let me know i will let you know the time...has not been made yet.
Kac w/Wa mare~

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