The world around us...

In the last few months our lives, and our recreation, have taken a bit of a turn. Once dog show enthusiasts (me, never Cliff) and fledgling breeders, we spent our free time at dog shows, or preparing to attend them. We have made some changes that, for us, are more fulfilling, and far more enjoyable. Not just enjoyable for us, but for our dogs, too.  Instead of spending their weekends in crates, inside dog show buildings, our dogs are exploring the world with us, taking in the sights with their eyes, *and* their noses.  They seem to really love it!

A couple years ago I discovered photography, and with that discovery, an enjoyment in life I had not previously known. Photography gets me out into nature, taking in sights I'd only thought about, but never experienced first hand. Life all of a sudden seems deeper, and more meaningful.

It was just a few weeks ago we made a drive to Johnston Ridge, which overlooks the Mt. St. Helens' debris field.  It's where geologist David Johnston was perched when Mt. St. Helens erupted.  His last message over the two way radio, as the mountain began to erupt, was "Vancouver, this is it!  This is it!"  He lost his life that day.

Traveling to Johnston Ridge was something we had always wanted to do, but never made the time for.  For once, we made the time, and it was truly a magnificent experience.

In these travels, I find myself almost fearful of the grand scale of nature's power. I was never part of an outdoorsy family, and I never really spent a lot of time pursuing outdoor adventures as I grew into adulthood. As such, I would say I'm not entirely comfortable with my relative size in the grander scheme of our world, and all it encompasses.  That just sounds so weird, even to my own ears, but it's true. Our trip to the Mt. St. Helens' debris field really brought that home.

This past weekend we traveled through the Ochoco National Forest, climbing over 4900' at pass level, down into the fossil beds area, through the Sheep Rock Unit, and Picture Gorge, into Dayville.  On our way, we spied an old barn off the highway.

Old barns always start me wondering about times gone by - the people who built them, and when they were built. This one was no different. I often wish old buildings could talk. Imagine the stories they could tell.

We spent the night at a very small campground in Dayville, run by an inebriated but jolly proprietor. The grounds were beautiful, even if the overall experience was a little different. It was safe and quiet...that's all we were really looking for - mission accomplished. A good night's sleep was had by all, especially Jet, who didn't move from his spot on the bed, all night long.

The next morning we made our way to the Painted Hills Unit.  So beautiful, so quiet, so peaceful.  We only saw a few people as we made our way around the hills.  A truly magical place.

The hills rise from the landscape like the land time forgot.  I was so captivated.  It was so special, so mystical in many ways. I often look at the results of nature's paint brush and think to myself, "there is no greater artist."  Truly magnificent.

Thanksgiving

We made a spontaneous trip to Las Vegas, to visit my sister, for the Thanksgiving holiday.  It was a long visit, as Cliff had a lot of time off (must use up that vacation!), and we didn't have a lot planned.  As it turned out, it was a trip more about relaxation than activity, and it was nice.

We swam a lot.  Well, Kindle and I did.  Clearly, my childhood love of swimming is still alive and well.  I swam every day, and as a result, I slept restfully, and my back didn't bother me.  If anything would motivate me to move to a warmer climate, where I can swim every day, those two things have the power to do it!

The swimming was excellent for Kindle, as well.  Ever since her back injury, I have been walking a thin line, trying to manage her activity so she does not suffer further deterioration, but stays physically fit, and in good condition.  Swimming may be the absolute perfect exercise for her, and she *loves* it.

Jumping into the pool was the hurdle I wanted her to overcome from our prior trip, and she surely did.  I was so proud of her.

Such a sweet girl.  I love her so...

We found some time to go see the fountains at the Bellagio while there, and it was so beautiful.  One of my favorite things to do there, so far.  I will have to do it again next time we go.

The hotel, itself, is very pretty, set back off the boulevard, which is nice.  Reminds me of how things were many years ago.

They played one of my most favorite songs for one of the performances, "Time to Say Goodbye" by Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman.  It is very moving, especially in light of our recent loss of Ty.  It was the perfect song.  It brought me to tears, twice.

The show takes place in the 9 acre lake, on the Bellagio property that runs along Las Vegas Blvd., and it's free.  A must, really.  The show takes place every 30 minutes from 3pm - 7pm, and every 15 minutes after 7pm.

We also did not pass up a chance to drop in on our favorite burger place - Bachi!

Of course, turkey was on the menu, and we made a beautiful one, stuffed with a citrus and herb blend, and basted with a cranberry and balsamic glaze that not only added a robust flavor, but was beautiful on the turkey, as well.

On the BBQ, before we started basting with the glaze.

And after the glaze.

 

A couple of pies later, and some of our favorite sides, Thanksgiving dinner was complete.

While visiting, Cliff helped Jamie with some painting, hanging of a fixture, and did some trim work for her in the kitchen, which we had been unable to complete on the prior trip, so her kitchen is now complete.

Jamie and I also did a chalkboard project.  That will be on the blog, in a separate entry.  Stay tuned for that one.

All in all, such a fun time.  Miss Jamie already...until next time, Sissy.  See you soon.

A good trip...

Last week was really special.  Not only did we spend a week with my sister, but we were able to see her new house, and help her with some projects, in particular, a kitchen counter top restoration.  A lot of broken and loose tiles needed to be replaced, as well as the very boring backsplash.  When it was all said and done, it looked terrific, though there were times when she wasn't sure we knew what we were doing.  =)

 

All set, ready for some grout...

 

A little repair.  A broken corner was replaced, just awaiting some grout...

 

I took some shots of the kitchen, as well as some of her 'pretty things', and made a video for her.

While visiting, we taught Kindle to swim in my sister's pool.  This was such a fun thing for me.  Shelties are not known for their love of water, much less their swimming prowess.  Kindle, bless her, was a good sport, and once she figured out the dynamics of swimming, was a real champ, really enjoying herself, even hopping in from the steps to retrieve balls we threw hither and yon.  It certainly helped that she has a real love of retrieving, and loves water, though actual swimming was new for her.

 

And when you have swam so much, your legs are out of juice, just hitch a ride on 'dad'.

 

There was no swimming for Jet.  He just hung out, doing his 'cool' thing.  At 13, we are just happy he's here.  He has nothing to prove.  Looking good, buddy...

 

A good belly rub in the morning, from a much loved auntie, never hurt, either.

 

We were able to squeeze in a few fun things, as well.  A highlight for me, and it will sound strange, because it's a hamburger, was our two trips to Bachi Burger.  Bachi Burger is a burger joint with an Asian twist.  Unique and mouth-watering flavor combinations.

I had the spicy miso burger, which was fantastic.  Not a list of ingredients I would ever dream up, but it was really something special.  If you like burgers, and you have an adventurous culinary side, add it to your list for your next visit to Las Vegas.

 

I had the spicy miso burger.  It was wonderful...

 

We also visited Hoover Dam and the Tillman Memorial Bridge.  All I can say is "wow".  It's just one of the most impressive things I have ever seen.  Right up there with the Panama Canal, in terms of its ability to inspire.  To really appreciate it, one must consider the technology available when it was built in the early 1930s.  Truly amazing.  Another "must do" for any Vegas visitor.

 

In addition to Bachi and the dam, we were able to squeeze in Cirque du Soleil's "KA".  I posted on Facebook that I would talk more about it when I could come up with a word other than 'wow', and I am still stuck at 'wow'.  KA is more about technology than acrobatics, at least as far as Cirque shows go, but there is no question it is most impressive.  I caught myself, several times, as I watched the show, with my mouth open.  I'm not easily impressed.  This impressed the hell out of me.

We also took the auto collections tour at the Imperial Palace.  I wasn't sure what to think when we first walked in, but as we moved from room to room, I was really overwhelmed with the beauty of most of the restorations.  Like anything, there were a few that weren't on par with the most exceptional restorations we saw, but most were beautifully done, with extreme attention to detail.  If money were no object, I would have purchased the Chrysler 300 for Cliff, and the VW bus for myself...probably the Beetle, too.

The bus...

 

The 300...

 

And the Beetle...

 

Overall, it was a great visit.  I look forward to another, soon, when we aren't tearing up a kitchen, but rather cooking, taking in the sights, and just relaxing.

Before I sign off this post, I have to show off my 'fun with color' photos.

 

One, in particular, has special meaning. On the way down, with nothing to do but watch the desert pass by, and with a pretty strong cell signal, I got creative.  Our beloved Ty was a voracious licker.  There was not another like him and he could lick 'all the live long day'.  In remembrance of him, and to have something to celebrate his life with my sister, who deeply loved him, I had some bracelets made - ordered with my phone, traveling along a lonely road at 70 miles/hour.  My sister is wearing one here.  Can you see what it says?

 

Needless to say, I never take mine off...neither does Cliff, nor my sister.