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