New Hay Barn

 I saw a high, bright red thing out on the ranch, so we went to investigate. It was the new hay barn! The old hay barn fell down last winter with huge amount of snow on the roof. This one will be sturdier. It was fascinating to watch the process.

 It was a big crew. And they were a long way up!

 Now on to the other side!

I really liked the moon over the hay shed!

Sewing Day

A few Saturdays ago we went to the community center for sewing day. Several ladies were working on a variety of projects. I dug out my box of crochet projects I did once upon a time. We also brought some thread and needles and rags so Desert Boy and his friend Ernesto could practice their sewing skills. Carol graciously spent some of her time helping them.

They went to work making little bags that could carry their cars around. They both did pretty well and neither even punctured a finger.

Then Carol showed them how to do a neat candy cane activity. That was fun stuff!

The little boys did great at sewing day. I hope they continue to like sewing. They'll be sure to snag ladies in the future if they have a valuable skill like sewing. 

A Dead-End Adventure

These photos are from back in September. Sometimes it takes me a little while to get organized! But I didn't want to forget them, and when you get to the last photos, hopefully you'll feel a little warmer (especially if you're dealing with below-freezing temperatures and blowing snow like we are now).

So the story starts with a rumor I had heard about petrified wood at a little-known destination out in the desert. I found someone to substantiate the rumor. Only problem was that I didn't know exactly where it was. I had a general idea, so I looked at the maps and tried to figure out the best way there. Well, there was a shorter way and there was a longer there. And the longer way would take us up a canyon I had wanted to visit, so I figured, why not, let's take the longer way and kill two birds with one stone. (Not that I'm into killing birds. Unless they are European starlings. I have been very tempted to get a BB-gun so I can shoot them. For the record, so far I have resisted.)

The scenery was beautiful, so I figured that even if the road on the map wasn't truly a real road anymore, we would still have a good time. We had snacks packed, so it would be a good trip as far as the kids were concerned.

We cruised up the very good gravel road, then turned off on a good gravel road, then onto the okay gravel road, then onto the rather poor gravel road that continued to deteriorate. Things weren't looking too hopeful. Still, we persevered, enjoying the beautiful rock formations.

Finally we got to a point where the road seemed a little too narrow for our wide truck. Plus it was slightly washed out.

We didn't want to stop, so we got out and proceeded on foot.

As you can see by Desert Boy's short sleeves, it was a nice day. And with his irrigating boots, he was ready for the next gully washer. I'd like to say he's prepared like that, but more likely he chose the boots because he couldn't find any of his other shoes.

He was thrilled when he found a horseshoe. That was a real treasure.

It was apparent no one had been on the road for awhile. The pinyon and juniper trees have encroached upon the human disturbance. My main focus was on the spectacular rocks that jutted from the trees towards the clouds.

Wouldn't this one be a fun one to climb?

Photo op! (Once again I can't get both kids to look at the camera at the same time!)

We decided it was time to retreat. I'd love to go back and hike more of the old road. I think the trip helped my husband decide to buy the very-used Jeep that is now his hobby. He'd love to go back and drive more of the old road. Perhaps the Jeep will be tough enough.

On the way back, we were treated to some very nice afternoon light. I love how the shadows make all the gullies seem deeper and more mysterious.

On the drive home, Desert Girl started crying and was inconsolable until we stopped.

She had had enough with all the bumpy driving and just wanted to play a little. The gravel on the side of the road was perfect for her bare little feet.

Then she was ready to pose with her chocolate-stained cheeks (and dress) in the terrific light.

Oh yes, we want to see her round belly!

How's that for a mischievous grin? Desert Girl's personality is getting stronger and stronger, and she has a very stubborn streak and a good sense of humor.

Oh yeah!

Okay, almost done.

Have to finish with both kids actually looking at the camera!

Seeing the bare feet and exposed skin makes me wish for some warmer days! 

To think we just went sledding yesterday. Yikes! Ah well, we have to appreciate each season, and before we know it we'll be back to the heat.

Grandparent Fun

 We were lucky to have a set of grandparents stay with us over Thanksgiving weekend. The kids soaked up the extra attention and a good time was had by all. I didn't manage to get many photos except for a walk to the playground. Desert Boy was learning how to walk the dog and thought he was pretty big stuff when he had the leash!

 Desert Girl is walking more, and it was extra fun walking with Grandpa.

 Such great smiles at the swingset!

 It was a chilly day, as you can see by the coats, but it wasn't windy, so it was quite comfortable to be outside.

 Desert Boy was eager to be photographer (one of his many career ambitions), so we let him take a photo. He did pretty well. I like to give him the camera from time to time because his perspective is a bit different (shorter) than mine.

 Then it was time to get the grandparents and grandchildren together. The lack of both my kids looking towards the camera with smiles at the same time is a common theme. Our Christmas photo documents that. Oh well!

 We had lots of fun climbing all over the playground.

 Then it was time to go home and Desert Girl was motivated to walk when she got to hold the leash.

Desert Boy had to show off a little and climb a tree--or at least the bottom of the tree!

It was a fun, relaxing weekend with great company and great food. I'm definitely liking laid-back holidays.

Month of Literary Abandon

Today is the last day of NaNoWriMo. I am happy to report that I've written more than the requisite 50,000 words! My novel is in no way publishable in its current form (some characters had name changes and character traits shift due to memory lapses and the plot has some major holes). But it sure feels great to have another story, no matter how draft, down on paper.

What's next? I'll most likely try to edit and revise to have it ready to go for the Pacific Northwest Writer's Association literary contest in February. You have to pay to enter but get two good critiques on the beginning of your story. And maybe I'll try the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest. That one's free, but you don't get as much feedback. Nevertheless, I've found it's always good to have a next step or you end up with manuscripts lying around. Yes, that is spoken from experience. And yes, someday I will get back to past writing projects and see what I can do with them!

And of course, in the meantime, I'll keep blogging so I can make sure I'm writing (almost) every day!

Good luck to you in whatever your goals are!