Simple pleasures

We enjoyed a nice, quiet weekend around home with family.  It was nice to have them visit because since they moved to Nez Perce, Idaho, we don't see them nearly as often as we used to.  The grand kids are growing up so fast, it's just amazing to me.  Jack is 13, David is 11 and Kaylee is 6.  That makes me old.  Oh well, growing older is for the most part, pretty ok.  Of course there are some aspects that I'd prefer were  a bit different, but overall it's good.  It's the natural order of things...right?  It just happens so dadgummed fast!!!  I understand that statement my grandma used to say, about waking up one morning and this old woman was staring back at her!  I'm starting to get the picture.  

It was so nice having all of us together around the kitchen table for coffee, hot chocolate and good conversation.  That's what I miss the most...

David on the left, Ruby (of course) in the center, and Jack (all awash in sunlight) on the right.

This is where David spends all his time...you have to threaten him with severe beatings to get him out of that pasture.  :)  I do believe that if he could, he would stay out with the horses all the time.  Seriously, the kid just loves hanging out with them.  And truth be told, they enjoy being with him too.

Harley loves David.  Of course, Harley pretty much is a big, lovable pushover.

Kaylee is almost as bad as David.  She's also a tree monkey...they both want to come and spend some time with us next summer.  I think we can probably arrange that.

It's a 2-day work week for me.  Yay!!!  I'm going to the beach for a couple of days, just me and the dogs.  We're going to the quiet little beach town of Nestucca.  I'm sooo looking forward to it.  Nice walks on the beach, a fireplace and a view of the ocean.  It's supposed to be nice weather, but they're predicting some rain this coming weekend.  So my beach trip is perfectly timed.  I just wanted a few days off to enjoy this spectacular fall weather we're enjoying.  It's just too nice to work!!

Hope your fall is beautiful, and you're all enjoying this season.

Glorious Fall and the art of list making

Well hello there.  I'm feeling quite blessed and ever so thankful today.  We've been experiencing simply glorious fall weather these last couple of weeks.  Our temps have cooled to the 70's by day and lower 40's by night.  Perfection in my book - absolute perfection!!  We're still sleeping with our bedroom window open at night, but it's just the one, not both windows.  We still haven't had a frost, but they're predicting one possibly tonight.  If so, technically we'll be having our first true "Indian Summer" in quite a number of years.  Oh, my favorite time of year!!  It just doesn't get any better than this!!  It's days like these that I'm reminded that we really do live in the perfect place.  

Anyhoo, as you may or may not know...I'm a famous list-maker.  Just ask my husband.  He'll vouch for me.   He may add a few curses here or there, but vouch, he will.  

Ever since my husband's lay-off from work over 2 months ago, my list-making skills have been getting plenty of honing.  Let's just say he hasn't gotten the chance to get bored yet.  So, you take this magnificent fall weather, my habit of list-making, a husband at home during the day while I'm at work, and my "squirreling" tendencies this time of year...he's been one busy feller!  Whew!!! (wipes brow)

So friends, without further adieu...the following pictures represent some of our my hubby's accomplishments so far this season.  He's making a habit out of telling his friends (and anybody else who'll listen) that despite his working harder around home than he ever did at his job, that amazingly enough, his "to do" list just keeps growing...ahem.  

Seriously, the man's imagination is out of control!!

 See those racks on our truck?  My hubby made those out of lumber scraps we had lying around.  All the better to hold more wood dearie.  This is almost a cord of seasoned, cut and split black walnut which we'll be adding to our ever-growing collection of firewood for the winter.  Thank you Craigslist!!  All we had to do was go pick it up and it's ready to burn!!

 This pile already stacked in our woodshed, is maple.  Again, found the ad on Craigslist.  The trees were down in piles and we had to cut to length and split.  Splitting seasoned maple is tough.  But it's all done now. On the opposite wall there is a nicely stacked cord of white oak all ready to burn.  Hmmmm, winter warmth!!  I love it!  We still need to get some fir.  All these other types of wood are hard woods, but you need some good old fir to burn hot and keep the others going.

 That pile of bricks there represents another of my Craigslist finds...vintage bricks awaiting our off the deck patio we're going to build.  I'm still hoping to complete that project before winter, but who knows...

 The newly cleaned and stained deck...we did this last weekend.  I helped, but the credit needs to go to my hardworking husband, who did most of the work.

We've had the natural, aged cedar for so many years, that it was a bit of a shock seeing all this red...it's called "brick red".  I'm not in love with this color, but with time, I think it'll grow on me.  More importantly, it's an oil-based semi-transparent stain that should protect from water and UV rays from the sun.  We get so much enjoyment and use out of this deck, we're hoping it will last for many more years to come.

The natural, aged cedar railings that await staining...so many projects, so little time.  *sigh*  They never do end, do they?

And, finally - my new kitchen counter tops!!!!  I take no credit for this project whatsoever...other than picking the stone from a total of (2) choices, my hubby did all the work.  I stayed out of his way.  I tried to stay out of his way.  Last winter we repainted the kitchen walls, ceiling and cabinets, added new hardware and new curtains...only the flooring remains.  Remember what I said about those projects never ending???

Sooooo much better.  I really do love it!!!  Oh, and my kitchen sink and faucets are new last winter too.  The kitchen sink is actually new to us.  It was a take-out from a kitchen job from a client.  Even the stone was left over from a client's job.

A closer view of my pretty granite counter...Blanco Antiquo.  It has tiny pieces of garnet and shiny, gold veins and some translucent agate type rock that looks like pools.  It's so pretty, and I'm so happy with it!!

The wall above the back splash we (my husband) replaced as well.  This is a porcelain tile from Italy that I found on sale.  I'd actually put this all over the kitchen floor if it was affordable, but I only needed 15 squares...too expensive for the entire space that needs to be re-done.  

One week ago today, Shad had a colic episode.  Thankfully.  So thankfully, he is doing well and seems no worse for the wear.  It was a scary day.  We're so thankful for all the prayers, kind words and warm thoughts.  

Ladde and his beloved "Uncle" Shad sharing supper.  Ladde was so concerned for Shad when he wasn't feeling good, he tried to stand very, very close and would periodically lick Shad's lips.  And some people don't believe that horses can love each other.  I heartily disagree.  I for one, believe they do.

This would have been a beautiful sunset picture minus the power line.  Oh well...it's still beautiful I guess.  We've had so many beautiful evenings lately, perfect for backyard bonfires and friends sitting under the starlit sky...maybe this weekend.  My husband's youngest son Justin and his family will be staying with us for a couple of days.  I'm picturing the campfire, roasting hot dogs, marshmallows and grandkids.

Sounds good.  Oh, and no working on projects this weekend...we're taking a couple of days off to relax and enjoy.

Blessings everyone,
Lorie @ Cingspots

Prayer request please

Hi friends,  I have to ask for help in the prayer department.  I've been praying like crazy since very early this morning, but I have the most awful feeling in the pit of my stomach.

My husband's beloved horse, Shad is in the throes of a colic right now.  It's not looking very good, and I'm scared that the outcome might not be a good one.  I've not given up hope, but my gut tells me to be prepared.

My husband found him cast very early this morning and came running for my help in getting him up.  We managed to get him flipped over and onto his feet, but he immediately began looking at his sides, as if in pain.  We gave him a dose of Banamine for the pain, and I called for my boss/vet to come attend to him.  The bad feeling was there from the beginning.

Shad is 24 years old and had a colic surgery when he was a 3-year old.  Neither he, nor our budget can afford another at this time in our lives...

He's a gentle soul and has never, ever been anything but kind to everyone, whether human or another animal in his entire life.  He sure doesn't deserve this.  We're doing what we can to control his pain and make him comfortable, but ultimately we're placing our boy in God's hands.

Please join me in prayer on Shad's behalf.  Also my husband's behalf, for he's been in love with this horse since the moment he first laid eyes on him over 21 years ago.  If today is Shad's day to go, it's going to be really hard on my poor husband's heart.  And there will be a huge hole in our lives.  He's the leader of our herd, and has been who they look up to forever.

Thanks so much,

Lorie

Glimpses of Autumn

Well, I guess it's official.  Summer's over, and we've a new season in Fall to appreciate.  A season of beginnings, it always feels like to me.  A time to savor the remaining days of sunshine, the cooler and more temperate days in which to accomplish those tasks that need completion before the short, unaccommodating days of winter.  Here in northwest Oregon, fall always seems like the shortest of seasons to me.  All too often, our days quickly turn into rainy days, forcing us inside all too early for my preference.  

But while those Autumn days are here, in all their glory and perfection...they just beg to be relished!

There is no more perfect time for a leisurely walk with the dogs.

 The is the second feather that I've found lately.  The other day while hiking up to our twin oaks in the neighboring field at home, I came across a Red Tail Hawk feather.  Of course, I took it home with me.  This one I left, and have only this image to remember it by.

Come on mom!!!

Sorry for the blur...Annie was waaaay up ahead on the trail, and patiently waited for me when I called out to her.

Remember my nasturtiums that I planted in late spring?  Well, they practically took over the front porch, covering easily half of the doorway and overtaking virtually every other flower that I had planted in this bed.

Our first taste of rainfall.  For a change, it felt refreshing and blissfully cool, cleaning the air and dampening the dust.  Our deck is much in need of a good cleaning and a coat of stain or sealant.  This is the before picture.  Day before yesterday my husband spent all day long cleaning and scrubbing the wood in preparation for the new stain we've got.  I have had the natural cedar tone for all of the 14-15 years that we've enjoyed this deck.  I just love the natural greying process that occurs with cedar.  But alas, everything must eventually change...I've purchased a semi-transparent stain in the tone of "brick red".  Hopefully it will look good with the aged brick patio we're still in hopes of getting done before winter pushes us indoors.

 Ladde and Kadie enjoying breakfast.  They seemed to find the rainfall refreshing too.

 What ya got mom???

Eagle, Harley and Merlin in the background...hopeful for some pears to top off their breakfast.  Even the abundance of pears we've enjoyed this summer are now dwindling.  Much to the chagrin of the horses, I might add.  :)

The tomatoes are ripening in abundance now.  I've got quite a few in the freezer for our winters' enjoyment.  This is one of the things that I always miss the most - the dying out of my summer garden...for everything there is a season.

These are a few of my flowers awaiting planting.  My plan is to rip out the nasturtiums in the front flower bed and plant these chrysanthemums so we can enjoy them before the frost will send them into dormancy for another year.  I'll miss my flowers too...

A sure sign of fall...the changing of the colors, and the loss of the leaves on all but the evergreen trees.  I forget what type of tree this is, but I just love it.  I planted this tree about 7-8 years ago, and it is big enough now that it provides some much-appreciated shade in the front part of our house.  One of the last to leaf out in late spring and one of the first to lose its' leaves in early fall.

The old, Black Walnut changing colors ans shedding his leaves.

Our twin oaks looking a bit forlorn this morning in the marine layer blanketing our valley.

Ruby loves her daddy...

And one final look at the wild and crazy nasturtiums trying to take over this little part of our world.  Last evening I began the arduous task of ripping them out by their roots.  There's these little tiny, black bugs all over the under sides of the leaves...totally creepy.  I have no idea what kind of insect they are; but they gotta go!  My chrysanthemums await...

Oh, our kitchen countertop project is finished!!!  It turned out beautifully, and I just love it!!  Many, many thanks to my super talented and patient (with me) husband for his many hours of hard work.  Thank you honey!!

Blessings, Lorie @ Cingspots

p.s. if any or all of you are of the praying kind - please include my friends Betty and Michelle, and their families...they are experiencing troublesome times and prayers would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you!

Where there's smoke...

This is a picture I took from about a quarter mile away, across the farm fields of my husband taking Ladde for an early morning ride last weekend.  This horse is so beautiful to me...I think he's majestic.   This is a picture of two of the most important guys in my life.  

Notice how hazy it is?  There are several forest fires in our Pacific Northwest, none really close, but near enough to affect our air quality.

My guys are headed back home, unaware I'm watching them through my lens...

Looks like they're taking a moment to gaze over at the neighbor's horses.  Such beauty...
I might be a little, tiny bit prejudiced.

A view heading over the Willamette Pass last weekend...trees as far as the eye can see.  

This is the viewpoint at O'Dell Lake that the dogs and I hiked to.  It's a really big lake and was a beautiful day.  You can't really tell from this picture, but we were probably about 150-200 feet above the water at this point.

I only saw one boat with a couple of fisherman on the lake that day.  Sure would have been a perfect day for a little boating or fishing.

 Almost made it to the top...Annie's feeling the burn right about now.  I'm not sure, but I think this trail may go around the whole lake.  Now, that would be an enjoyable hike to do someday.  This was very near the point of my "little episode" when I was making my trek back down this trail...sshh.  Note to self:  next time, bring a walking stick and do not stop!!

These pictures are in no particular order, but they're of the Pole Creek Trail forest fire in Central Oregon.  It's still not contained, and these pics were taken last Saturday.  This one is just coming into Sisters from Bend.  The smoke and haze was very dense, and the air quality was hazardous.

 Just outside Sisters...

The quality of the pictures are not great because they were taken from the car while we were driving down the highway.  The sun was amazing though; much more blood red than these photos represent.

Looking eastward from the other side of Sisters just above Blue Lake on the Santiam Pass.

Same location, looking eastward towards Sisters, but zoomed in...

Pretty trippy huh?  Living on the wetter side of the Cascade Mountains, I'd never really thought much about living with the possibility of this happening in my back yard before, but it does happen.  Everywhere is so extremely dry right now, it's amazing there aren't more fires than there are.  This is another good reason to have the sage brush cleared from rural property, and smaller trees thinned.

This is my beautiful Kadie and Jules.  She's the young gal that's been coming over occasionally for lessons on horsemanship and she's just beginning to ride.  Kadie at 28 years old, is the kindest, most gentle horse I've ever had the pleasure of spending time with.  The perfect horse to learn from...

Jules is in love.

Since Kadie has arthritis in both hocks, she can't be ridden...so, that's where Harley comes in.  He may be blind and unsuitable for mountain riding, but he does perfectly fine in a safe, enclosed environment.  This was Jules' first riding lesson on Harley.  He was a little rusty, but came around in no time.  I think he really enjoyed having a job and being pampered by a little girl again.  Being brushed, loved and fed treats...what's not to enjoy?

Since this post has gotten a little photo heavy, I'll save the pictures of my dream home in LaPine for another time.  We're still experiencing warmer than average end-of-summer weather.  We hit 91 the other day, but it's cooler and a bit overcast today.  My tomato plants are producing like gangbusters, zuchini, yellow crooknecks, green beans and cucumbers are dwindling.  Marions are drying up on the vines, but the pears and apples are in their prime.  Summer's nearing its' end, but it's going out with a bang this year.  I'm always a little melancholy about the passing of another summer, but I'm looking forward to fall and all that lovely season has to offer.

Blessings all,
until next time...Lorie @ Cingspots