Time Out

Hello all, I've missed a couple posts lately, but it's for a good reason: my brother got married! This was a joyous event that allowed us to take a mini-vacation to Ohio and Kentucky to go cleanse our pores in the humidity and take in the changing fall colors. Here are some of the highlights of our trip.

The wedding was gorgeous, and we all had a great time. I am so happy to have another sister-in-law!!! One day all of us ladies will gang up on my four brothers and take them down. I used to be able to do this when we all still lived in Mom and Dad's house, but those days are long gone. Now I just have to cry when they come and jump on my back without warning.

I love going to weddings. Desert Boy was the ring bearer, which made the wedding a little more interesting. He missed his morning nap so was a bit cantankerous by the time the ceremony started. When I gave him the pillow with the rings to carry, he promptly threw it on the ground. Everyone in the back of the church laughed. He didn't get too far down the aisle before he decided it was too big a job, and then I got to carry him the rest of the way.

Desert Boy had the chance to dress up and reunite with his Uncle Andrew. This time around Uncle Andrew didn't go on any crazy hikes, and in fact he found out that keeping up with Desert Boy may be as difficult as hiking down into (and back up!) the Grand Canyon.

Nevertheless, all the attention made Desert Boy tired at times, wanting to hold onto Mama even when she was busy videotaping the riproaring dancing on the dance floor or the hilarious rendition of the Lumberjack song.

The long weekend provided a wonderful opportunity to see lots of family, including meeting the newest cousin. Desert Boy was quite enthralled and didn't even pull her hair or put his hands into her mouth (too many times).

Of course Desert Boy had to sample some of the Kentucky soil. Perhaps one day he will join Future Farmers of America and be an expert soil judge. He seemed to like the texture and taste of this soil quite a bit, for he kept eating it.

We showed him poison ivy, my nemesis. Just looking at it makes me itch. It usually takes me a week after contact for the rash to show up, so even though I'm feeling good now, there's still time...

We got to see cool creatures that we don't have here in the desert, like this big snail.

Desert Boy also had fun walking in the woods and looking at all the pretty leaves. 

It was a great trip but went by way too fast. Now we're getting reacquainted with our dry desert home, far from busy roads and traffic lights (and shopping!). 

Desert Boy Goes to the City

We've taken a trip to the city, and Desert Boy has had to do a little adapting. His normally outgoing attitude made for a fun scene in a department store.

Thanks, I think I'll have a seat next to you.

It's so nice to meet you. My, your hand is a bit stiff and chilly.

I think we can be friends. You don't mind if I hang around a bit, do you?

Autumn Vegetation

The crisp autumn air makes for some great photographic opportunities. Here are some recent sights through my camera lens.

Showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) seed pod

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) flower with frost

Curly dock (Rumex crispus) in a field of grass

More Cows

There's just something about seeing cows grazing out on the meadows that is so bucolic. When I see them I just feel good. Maybe it's because they live such relaxed lives, centered around eating. 

Maybe part of the appeal of cows is their expressions. Yes, cows can make faces. Often they don't bother because they are so busy chewing their cud or trying to figure out why you're looking at them.

Every once in awhile you can get a really fun cow look. I think I'd call this one the coy cow. She's making sure I photograph her better side. Ah, yes, cows have more personality than we give them credit for. Not to worry, I'm on the lookout for more cow looks and will be sharing them with you in the near future. 

An Early Morning Walk

The other morning I wanted to go out for a walk just as the sun was rising. Henry was happy to join me as we walked across the pasture to the fenceline. 

We crunched on the frosty grass and admired the snow up high. The snow on the mountains always makes them seem so much taller.

We disrupted a raven who had been hanging out on the fencepost. We heard many Canada geese flying off in the distance, along with some sandhill cranes and ducks. 

And then, off in the distance, I saw a small form. Henry stopped and sniffed the air. A coyote watched us, and then another one off in the distance started howling. It was so cool!

The coyote we were watching didn't seem to be bothered at all by us and eventually sauntered out of view. 

Meanwhile, Henry had fun running all over the meadow, letting his puppy energy loose. I think he likes going out on early morning walks as much as me!