Tuesday, July 21, 2009

July 21, 1984...and more current events


At times, even to myself, I sound like a broken record. But, I just can't say it enough I guess. And I'm saying it again...time goes so stinkin' fast! It is frankly, quite unbelievable to me, and is a little unnerving how one day just slips into another and another and another. That old saying that we've all heard about making the most of each day rings true. We should fill our days with enjoyment and praise and thankfulness because time stops for no one, and is meant to be savored. Rejoice in the day that the Lord hath made. Life is good...is it not?
So, 25 years ago today I was exactly 24 and a half years old. I was young, vibrant, filled with hope and expectations...and exceedingly happy. It was my wedding day. The day that most young girls dream about and anticipate. We were married in a tiny little church in my hometown and all my family and a few good friends were there to witness the union and share in our happiness. We had the reception at my parent's home where we danced and ate and celebrated until we were exhausted. It was a good day. We honeymooned at the beach, and yes, my groom did carry me over the threshold of our hotel room. It was wonderful and looking back, I wouldn't want to change a single thing about that day. I even have pictures of my dad in a tuxedo, and to this day it brings tears to my eyes. My mom looked beautiful in her silvery blue dress and in our pictures she is brimming with happiness. Good memories that I will cherish always.
We've definitely had our ups and downs, but we're still together and we still love each other. Marriage is an ever evolving condition of growth. We all change as we mature, but the key to a good marriage is to accept the fact that it won't always be easy and to remember your vows of committment to each other. There are tribulations in life, as well as joyous times. Mutual respect, friendship and love will keep you together. If we're blessed, we'll have many more years together. I'm ready to take it one day at a time.
Happy Anniversary honey!!!! You're still the one!!!!
And now for the current events. Early Saturday morning we watched the field next to our house being mowed. We were fortunate to see a momma eagle and her two youngsters hunting in the newly mowed hay. My hubby took a couple of shots of them. The momma eagle even snatched one of our swallows in midair. That was a little shocking, but if you're going to hassle an eagle, I guess you're at risk of running into some trouble.


I wish we could have gotten some better pictures of them, but they are quick and a little difficult to photograph. Very cool though.


Mid morning we decided to head out on our weekend roadtrip. We travelled south to a little town called Sweet Home where we stopped at a farmer's market and got a few goodies for the ride. We drove past Green Peter Reservoir and Foster Lake, and then up into the mountains on a road that followed the McKenzie River. It's a beautiful river and we decided to stop for a while and let Annie go for a swim.

The water was cool and inviting, but I was satisfied to take a few pictures and watch Annie enjoying herself.



She was a little timid about jumping off the rocks at first, but it didn't take long and she was diving in and fetching the stick that my hubby was throwing in the water for her.


Refreshed and a whole lot cooler, we headed back to resume our journey through the mountains.

It was a warm summer day and the possibilities were endless.

The smell of warm fir trees was heavy in the air and the forest stretched out in all its' glory. A perfect day for a leisurely drive.


We stopped again and took a hike through the woods into an old growth forest. Some of the trees were enormous, but the pictures really don't do them justice. They are truly majestic!

A little further east we headed south again a few miles shy of the Hoodoo Ski area towards the old scenic byway that goes over the McKenzie Pass. This stretch of road climbs to an elevation of about 7500 ft. and is a narrow and winding two lane road that is always closed throughout the fall and winter months due to snow and treacherous driving conditions. Below is a picture of an ancient lava flow. They are very difficult to see in the picture, but in the distance is the Three Sisters, named Faith, Hope and Love.


Another shot of the lava flow. The entire area is a volcanic caldron. Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Washington, The Three Sisters and 3-Fingered Jack are all ancient and now inactive volcanoes. The evidence of their past erruptions are everywhere in this mountainous area. Hot springs are a fairly common occurrence as well.


You definitely wouldn't want to try walking on these rocks barefoot. They are extremely jagged and treacherous.

Below is a picture of a summer seasonal lake. One of the many Clear Lakes in the area. It is formed by a stream that overwhelms the valley in the winter and creates a mountainous lake, but in the dry summer months it dries out and only the creek remains.
Back in the car again, we continue our trek southeast to yet another lake. I forget the name of this one, but it has a resort and rental cabins complete with a restaurant and row boats that you can rent. There were a lot of people here on this hot day.

The color of this lake is absolutely gorgeous. The pictures don't really do it justice, but the color varies from a deep, intense blue to varying shades of teals and green, depending upon the depth I presume. It is so clear that in places you can actually see the lakes' bottom.


No motorized boats are allowed, only rowboats.



This is a picture of a group picnic area. I thought the log architecture was beautiful. Wouldn't it be cool to have a cabin built like this up in the mountains beside a lake or a stream? That is a dream of mine. I'm hoping someday to have one, with just enough land to keep a couple of horses and spend whole summers there. Sounds wonderful doesn't it?




Here is a shot of the scuba divers that were there. There were several vehicles with scuba diving ads painted on them, so I'm thinking this must be a hotspot for lessons or something. Judging from the clarity of the water, this would be an exceptional spot for underwater viewing. That would be fun too!

Well, that's all the photos I've chosen for today's post. I have many, many more and will continue with our little roadtrip on another day. We've not even reached the halfway point yet, so there's plenty more of this adventure to come...stay tuned.

In the meantime, enjoy God's blessings of summer, long days, warm nights and endless choices of bounty.

Cingspots

21 comments:

Lisa said...

Happy Anniversary!!! I think it's wonderful you know he is still the one. Time does fly by - I often think I just can't be 46. There has to be a mistake!! ;)

I love your photos, they are all lovely and how lucky to see the eagles!

I teared up seeing Annie, seeing her swimming reminded me so much of my yellow lab Gus who passed away. Annie looks so happy!

Take good care & wishing you a wonderful anniversary.
Lisa

Sherry Sikstrom said...

Happy Aniversary ! You two are still a beautiful couple. Nice to know that after the new is gone there is a lasting love to carry you through . Beautiful photos, thanks for taking us along on the tour

Grey Horse Matters said...

Happy Anniversary and may you have many more years of wedded bliss.
Beautiful photos and commentary, thanks for taking us along.

Maria said...

Happy Anniversary !!

Paint Girl said...

Happy Anniversary!!
Your trip looks beautiful! Such gorgeous scenery! Love that lake. Beautiful color.

Lea and her Mustangs said...

Wow - Happy anniversary. My hubby is still the one after 52 plus years. We are taking a time this year for our 53rd. Your pictures are awesome. Love them.

Anonymous said...

happy anniversary my friend.. we just celebrated ours on the 19th as well!

looks like some beautiful country - G-d's country fer sure... Think of me tomorrow riding with patrick (trainer and friend) with arabian gazi (peeling away another onion layer of fear!) and horse show with alle on saturday.. oh and the MIL is coming for it :)

happy trails
blessings to you my friend
gp

gtyyup said...

Happy Anniversary!!! Congratulations~~

Are you heading our way??? ;~) Let's see...would that be Suttle Lake?

C-ingspots said...

Miss Karen - nope, not Suttle Lake - that one was on the route back home. You're in the right vicinity though.
One of these days, I might just show up in your neck of the woods...we might have to chat a while, or take a little ride.

Anonymous said...

Happy Anniversary! I'm coming up on 28 myself - and no it's not always easy but it's been worth it. That's some beautiful country you have there!

Gail said...

Happy Anniversary and here's to a hundred more!

Tracey said...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO YOU BOTH!
25 years is something to be very proud of!
What gorgeous country you live in...looks very different from where I live(Florida)! I love the pictures of Annie swimming and the color of that lake is awesome!
Tracey

Mary Olson said...

Happy anniversary! The photos are beautiful! Looks like a great trip.

Carolynn Anctil said...

Wow, 25 years! That's quite an accomplishment. My wedding was fabulous, even my groom (who had been married once before) said it was the best wedding he'd ever been to. The marriage was a little less memorable...

Labs & water. They were made for each other, weren't they? That stream looks so cool and refreshing, I would have jumped in with her!

Those photos of the lakes take me back to summer vacations as a kid. Good times!

Melanie said...

Happy Anniversary!!!! 25 years is a long time, isn't it???
Hey...I know where Sweet Home OR is, and our posts do kind of look similar, don't they? The PNW is truly a beautiful place, and we are so lucky to be able to enjoy it. Those lava rocks look really neat.....

LuLo Designs/Blue Eyed Tango said...

Hope you have many more years together! We just had our 26th! You took some really neat photos on your journey and what beautiful scenery! Luanne

Chelsi said...

Congrats on your Anniversary! Nice story and pics... we have some crow's nests around our property and I keep on seeing groups of crows driving off eagles and hawks...it is really neat to watch!

hayseed said...

Happy anniversary! I enjoyed your gorgeous photos-that lake looked so inviting!

Michelle said...

Loving your pictures of your getaway....how beutiful. I haven't been to Three Sisters in quite awhile! Oh dear...you might be able to teach me a thing or two about tolerance in relationships. :( Lol! Whereabouts are you? I always get a kick out of knowing one of my fellow bloggers lives so close to me! Hope you're tolerating the heat as well...you need to teach all your ponies to run under that mister! :)

I think the heat wave will cool down for a bit but am wondering what August will bring us!

Lots of hugs!

Michelle :)

P.S. I envy your life!

Fantastyk Voyager said...

Congratulations on a special anniversary to a super couple! It's so cool when two people find each other and commit for life. I had 25 wonderful years with my husband.
I love, love, love your part of the world. It's beautiful! The color of that lake water is just gorgeous.

allhorsestuff said...

Sweet Lorie!!
WOW 26....HAAPPY ANNIVERSARRYYY!!!What a fab trip too!!! I LLOOOVVVE that area...always think if I moved in oregon it would be Southern Oregon or Bend Area. Next yeart...camping at Quinn Meadows!

I do not get to have the 4-5 days to such this year..new job for Bruce. But next week, on our 20thg, we shall go overnight to Lincoln City.
Soory I have been away...do not know why..just a weirdo- me!
XO
KK