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...