Winter Solstice

Happy Winter Solstice!

Without much snow in the mountains for snowboarding, we headed southwest towards the desert for some late season hiking.

Together, on this the shortest day of the year, we hiked as a family amongst the ancient cliff dwellings and pondered how important this day must have been to the long gone inhabitants.

 

We took time out of the preciously short lit day to rebuild a cairn.

 

Jim and Stown overlook a deep box canyon, wondering how much has changed since the last civilization decided to take up residence here.

 

 We found mountain lion tracks.

 

We found rodent tracks.

 

 Doug and Aspen compared their feet to the footprint of a mountain lion.

Sizable difference, they concluded.

 

Stown explored the nooks and crannies of the canyon walls.

 

We stopped for a late lunch, perched up in the pockets of a cliff.

 

Shortly after lunch, the weather started to change.  A wind picked up and cloud cover masked the sky.  We picked up our pace heading back towards the car.  We got to the car and drove home, arriving just before dark and the first signs of snow.  To conclude the day, we indulged in big plates of roast and roots that had been simmering in the crock pot all day.  We exchanged gifts and called it an early night.  Stown headed home and Jim and I headed to bed.  Slumber comes early on these long cold winter nights, perhaps because we are so rushed to make the most of the short days.  Maybe because we burn so much more energy while working outside to stay warm in the cold.  Either way, I am cherishing this time of year to recharge my physical batteries.

 

Now, the days are getting longer - if only by a minute or two.  Soon it will be spring, then summer, then... well you know how fast the seasons and the years pass.  So, I hope you take the time needed to recharge and have the energy needed to live in love, peace and understanding. 

 

LOVE TO ALL!

 



No Shave November?! Oops!

So, last month I went to the dentist and he had some chin scruff.  I asked if it was a "Hunting Season Beard".  He replied while uncomfortably scratching his jaw,"No, it's No Shave November.  My girlfriend's making me do it".  ??  Turns out it's a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

 

Apparently, Jim and I are out of the mainstream loop because Jim choose to SHAVE in November.  After 2 years of facial hair neglect, Jim decided it was time to pull the clippers out of storage and see what his bare face looked like again.  Of course, something this monumental requires documentation:

 

 One last look at the bearded beast!

 

I don't help, just watch through the camera lens.

 

It peels off like a bad Halloween accessory.

 

 WOW!

A handful of beard and a creepy 70's style mustache...

I'm not really sure how sexy this is for me.

Hey honey, do you have any candy or drive a van?

 

 I briefly contemplate a career in the circus.

 

Now that's hot!

I haven't seen that jawline in years!

(so much more kissable...wink, wink!)

 

We realized that when Jim shaved the beard and he shaved off years of aging.  We hadn't really noticed how much grey had snuck up on his chin and how much older it made him look.  Now I feel like a cradle robber with my "new" younger looking husband!

Anniversary Gift

If you read the blog occasionally you would know I am a bit of a sentimental sap.  I sucker for tradition: mine or some else's.  Well, here's this year's anniversary gift.

A hand knit hat for Jim...

Complete with a ponytail hole!

 

After a little research I found out that the traditional gift for 7 years is wool and copper.  Having just learned to knit earlier this year, I thought I would try my hand at making Jim a hat.  Besides, he's always complaining that his beanies "ride up" because his ponytail gets in the way.  He wonders out loud if they make beanies with holes like baseball cap to stick his hair through.  Now I am creative but not the best at deciphering patterns.  I tend to "just figure it out."  So after a few phone calls to my Granno, the family knitter, I was on my way knitting up a storm of knots and rows that hopefully would emerge as a wearable hat for my hubby.

 

I used wool from a friend's sheep.  I attached 2 "copper" pennies (everyone knows they're not really copper anymore) - one 2007 and one 2014 (year of our wedding and year of our anniversary).  I knit 7 stripes to represent our 7 years together.  I tried it on, too big - perfect (hopefully) because Jim's head is bigger than mine.  I compared it to another beanie that he wears that seems to be the best fitting in our house.  It all seemed good.  Then I wrapped it in a brown bag labeled "Open on 3 Oct." and stuffed it in the bottom of his suitcase.  See, Jim was at his cousin's wedding in the Outer Banks for our anniversary, but I wanted him to have it on that day anyway. 

 

He loves it and it fits well!

I wonder what the traditional gifts for 8 years will bring?

 

And the Adventure continues...

 Load 'Em Up & Move 'Em Out!!

Or hold onto one of them on a leash so they don't go running down the road - AGAIN.

 

We outfitted three of the goats with packs before we shouldered our own packs.  The idea is to have the goats carry stuff but being the Maiden Voyage none of us really wanted to risk our stuff going over the side of the mountain or in a creek due to an unruly critter.  So, they carried insignificant things like cans of beer - along with their own supplies (leashes, food, etc.)

 Jim the Goat Wrangler

 

Once we got walking the goats fell right in line and followed us up the trail.  We took turns eatin' dust at the back of the line, making sure no one got too distracted and kept moving.

 



Hummmm - goats and water?

Well, a few walked, a few jumped / splashed and one had to be drug by the horns.

All in all it was a successful crossing.

 



The line-up:

John, Carter & Little the dog, Pam, Ol' Tom, Jim, Tractor, Dolly, Midnight, Daisy

(not pictured - Me and Peanut Butter)

 



Jim was trying to convince Rider to carry his pack.

Rider and his family (not pictured) met up with us on the trail during their day excursion.

 

 

My John what a BIG PACK!!

Isn't that why we brought the goats?  To help carry stuff?

 

Jim and his new "lap dog" Daisy.

 

As not to have a repeat of the first night, a few of the goats were tied.  Being true herd animals, they stayed together in camp.  Again, it rained most of the night.  Huddled in our tent and the goats huddled under the trees, Ol' Tom bleated his protest into the night.  Luckily he's old and didn't vocally complain for too long before succumbing to his dark damp bed with the others.

Pam forgot to tell me that Ol' Tom loves peanut butter almost as much as beer.  Probably why he was so interested in our peanut butter & agave syrup pancake tacos.

 



Carter decorated our camp while the rest of us finished packing up.

A few pictures to greet the next campers.

 



Ol' Tom is not so sure about this packing thing.

Don't worry Buddy, it's all downhill from here!

 



 

I guess Tractor hates the water so much he would rather "tightrope" walk across the fallen log.

 



Back at the trucks, we were greeted by this beautiful moth.
(corrected by Jim - it's a butterfly)

 

I hung a skull I found a few days earlier (when searching for goats).

I hope that it's left there to welcome others to the area.  Unfortunately, I realize that many people will consider it a treasure and take it home to display in their own yards.

 

John and Tractor

Farewell guys and thanks for the adventure!!

 

We had a great time and there were uncountable funny goat things, like hanging out with a bunch of 3 year olds on energy drinks!  I don't know that I will rush out and get goats of my own but I would go camping again.  For the most part they are pretty well behaved and follow well on the trail.  Eyes up when you stop though, they tend to scatter (like 3 yr olds) in search of snacks to eat or rocks to climb. 

 

Happy Goat Packing!!

 

 

Goat Packing?!

August brought unexpected extra time off for me.  I could have sat around and worried about the lack of $$ on my paychecks or I could embrace my new found free time.  I chose to embrace it!!

 

Jim and I did more stuff together and I tried to learn to relax A.K.A. sit on my butt and read a book all day.  We received an invite to go Goat Packing with our friends during that time.  Sure, why not, sounds interesting, entertaining, adventurous ... pick your adjective but you get it.  Two nights of car camping and one night of backpacking was the plan, how could we resist?  Did I mention this would be the Maiden Voyage for the goats?  Yes, they had done a few short hikes but not weighed down and not overnight.

 

So off to the mountains we headed -

4 Adults, 1 Teenager, 1 Dog and 6 (yes 6!) Goats.

 

Sit back and enjoy the antics that would ensue over the next couple days and nights.

Unleash the hoofed beasts!

After a slow drive (You can't haul as* around corners when towing livestock - OK I guess you can but I don't think they would appreciate it.) up to Silverton we stopped for pizza before heading to camp for the night.  The camp we wanted had a livestock pen but it was occupied when we arrived.  So we opted for another site for the night.

 Daisy offered Jim some help with setting up the tent.

Perhaps she was chagrined at his denying her because later that night she tried to climb on top of our tent.

 

Ol' Tom likes beer. 

Yep, he's right by your side when he hears that can crack open and fizz.  So I was wondering if he would like a sip o' wine.  Well, after a literal snootful (right up the nostril!) it dribbled down his lips and he was in heaven.  A few sneezes and a lot of lip lickin' and Ol' Tom became my new best friend.

 

After a fire and a few snootfuls for the adults we turned in for the night.  John was hoping the goats would just hang out in camp.  Kinda bed down for the night and call it good.  No such luck.  They went MIA sometime after midnight.  John quietly drove the road a couple times, more or less making sure they weren't chewing on someone else's camper or tent.  They were no where to be seen in the dark of night.

 

The next morning, the sky barely glowing and the humans without coffee, we went in search of the goats on the lamb.  All six sets of hooves were found, no harm no foul.  Coffee was made, then breakfast, then Jim, Pam and I set off on a hike up the trail we were planning to take the goats up the next day. 

 Jim & Pam

Behind them in the valley below was where we left John and Carter (their daughter) with the goats and dog for the day.  We needed to do a little scouting before the entire herd tackled this trail laden with packs.  Besides, John was hoping to lay claim to the campsite with the livestock pen as soon as it was vacated. 

 

 Jim at the first of three lakes at Highland Mary Lakes.

 

I am always amazed at the display of colors in the high back country. (12,000+ ft)



Forget your tent stakes,John?

Well, he got the new campsite by time had returned.

Another family had joined us for Night 2.  They brought a couple more dogs and two small children.



The ever industrious Rider, spent the better part of the afternoon rerouting the river with small channels.

 

I went about my camp cook duties as usual.  Only this time Chama made sure I didn't wander off, by securely holding my foot in place.  Jim & I aren't real versed in car camping and all the comforts you can bring along.  However, I scored this amazing 3 burner table top stove (thankfully John brought a table) just two days before the trip. 

Pre-yard sale shopping!

 

 Pam was right at home with their stove - complete with a large griddle that covers both burners for optimal cooking surface.

 

Jim entertained the kids by the fire until dinner was ready.

 

We all filled our bellies with warm food against the cooling air.  We circled the fire, roasted marshmallows and assembled s'mores as night fell around us.  We no sooner toasted the last 'mallow and ate the last bite of chocolate and the rain came. 

 

The rain lulled us to sleep with the pitter-patter on the rain fly of the tent.  The goats however, had no shelter.  As the rain continued into the night John donned his coat and shuffled the goats through the darkness and into the shelter of their trailer.  Smaller yet drier they slept without a sound.

 

Next comes actual backpacking with goats...

check back soon!

The Graduate!

Well , he did it.

Stown Graduated!

Class of 2014

 

He spent his Senior year in Long Beach California and when the big day came Jim and I traveled out to attend the ceremony and throw a big party.

So proud of ya, Buddy!

 



Yay!

High fives for a job well done.

 



High school's finally over.

 



 Let me see that diploma.

 

 The King of the Party

 

Assorted family & friends

 

Much thanks to my Aunt Carol & Uncle Steve who allowed us to crash there house and have a big pool party / BBQ.  It was great to see so much of the family in one place.

 

Now, Stown is back in Colorado trying to make a go of it in the real world.  Juggling two jobs, a girlfriend and looking for a place of his own to live.  I guess the bird wants to leave the nest. 

 

Good Luck Stown!

I love you ~ Mom

Fence Update

Well, I should start by saying the fence work is done... for the year anyways.

Jim got sick and now the weather has changed, so he finished up the side fences and the long section across the back will have to hold until next spring.  For now the yard is secure and stronger than before so bring on the snow!

 

unstained -stained

This is a sample of the staining I was doing.  I am using an all natural stain which is great to work with because it has no toxic fumes and washes off with soap and water (no lacquer thinner required.)  It soaks into the wood, instead of just coating the surface, bringing out the natural beauty.

 

In the foreground you can see the tired old weathered fence.  Peeking up from behind you can see the stair step of the new fence.  With the new fence being slightly taller that means more privacy from our ultra close neighbors. (I'm sure they will appreciate that as well.)

 

Raise your hand if you like destroying things!!

Jim was taking out any pent up anger while smashing down the old fence with a small sledge hammer.  Don't all boys (and men) like smashing things?  The new fence extended this side of the yard by 7 1/2 ft X 14 ft., quite a bit more space.  Added to the extension on the opposite side , we have almost doubled the size of our backyard.

 

 

Wow!!  Look at that fancy new gate! 

And the handsome fellow who built it - too bad you can only see his baby blues!