Farm to Table

I spent last night on my Dad's farm, which is covered in soybeans ready for harvest.  By mid-morning, I was off to visit Aunt Guyneth and on to Owensboro, for a late lunch with Mom and Sonny.  My cousin Dickie met me at 2 and we walked on the Greenbelt over 2 hours. We talked nonstop and caught up on family and travel.  Mom, Sonny, and I met
my brother's family at Moonlight Barbecue for a buffet dinner.  

In Kentucky

I flew to Kentucky on Saturday, to spend a few days with my parents.  I flew from Tucson 

to Phoenix to St. Louis, then took a 9 passenger plane on Cape Air to Owensboro.  The Cape Air puddle jumper was an interesting experience, through fog and clouds.  

Mom and Sonny picked me up and we went to Old Hickory Bar-b-q for supper. 

Photo Framed

A few weeks ago, I wrote here about a photo from our Branding that I had blown up.  

I had the giant photo framed, and Papa and I picked it up today.  

We hung it in the dining room of our Tucson house.  We love it! 

Walking Stick

Over the past few weeks, we have had several walking stick bugs on our south facing patio.  They eat leaves and we have a terrific crop of grass this year.  This one was walking up the side of our picnic table. 

Moving a Drinker

Papa was hard at work this morning as I hiked down the hill.  He was digging up the water pipes to a drinker that he will move to another location. He stopped to catch his breath after I got to the drinker and we heard a vehicle coming down the road.  It was Carly and the kids, on their way to check water across the ranch.  Colter Lee and Traven wanted to help Dale.  They were good helpers!

Planning a Family Trip

I love planning trips!  I have spent some time over the past couple of weeks, searching for a chateau in France to accommodate all our children and grandchildren, next April.  There will be 18 of us!  After much searching and several inquiries, I reserved Chateau Sommesnil today.  Papa and I are quite excited about the possibility of spending a week with our family in France.

Grasshoppers

With the moisture and grass growth this summer, grasshoppers are prolific!  They are everywhere!

Tucson Flamenco Festival

Papa and I went to Casa Vicente for dinner last night, feasting on tapas and sangria.  After dinner, we enjoyed the first night of the 5th Tucson Flamenco Festival.  Several guitarists played in a flamenco guitar competition.  We have seen the winner, Misael Barraza, perform before.  He is amazing!  There was also flamenco dancing.  We had an enjoyable evening with the vibes of a Spanish fiesta!

Yesterday's Sunset

There is a lot of moisture in the air, which provided ingredients for this spectacular sunset. 

Big Cloud

I hiked alone yesterday, with this big cloud ahead of me.  Just beautiful.

Garcia Spurs

A couple of months ago, Colter came by the house, wearing a new pair of Garcia spurs.  Papa noticed and told me all about them.  Garcia spurs have been handmade since the late 1800's.  It seems they were a gift from Colter's in laws, who own Dynamite Horseman Supply.  Karlys and Corky came for the Branding in July, so I asked about getting a pair of Garcia spurs for Papa.  Corky ordered them and Karlys delivered the new spurs last week.  They were a big surprise for Papa and he loves them!

Hike from Pole Cat

Papa and I hiked from the Pole Cat well yesterday, to check on the new fence being built up the canyon toward the mountain.  The weather was perfect, crisp and clear.  The ranch grasses were waving in the breeze.  We had a good 4-5 hour hike and felt quite exercised and hungry!

Butt Height Grass

Papa and I hiked yesterday afternoon.  The grasses along the way were butt height or over 36" high!  We have to watch every step we take.  Papa came within a hair of stepping on a black rattle snake.  Good that I screamed!

My New Dale Bag

Finished today!  Papa did a great job and I love it!

September Flowers

Blooming on the ranch this week...

Yellow Butterflies

Papa and I were in Tucson for a couple of days this week.  Over an inch of rain fell while we were away.  When we returned to the ranch, yellow butterflies were gathered in wet spots along the road. 

Tropical Storm

We have been blessed with rain over the past couple of months.  Over the weekend, a tropical storm moving north from Mexico, dumped more rain on southern Arizona.  We haven't seen rain like this since we lived in Florida.  It was beautiful!

Savannah's Bridal Shower

I have helped Carly over the past few weeks, to get organized for Savannah's Bridal Shower.  Carly did most of the work and I pitched in with whatever she asked.  It came together on Friday afternoon and we put on the finishing touches Saturday morning.  Carly and I had a good time and Savannah clearly enjoyed the results.  Everyone seemed to enjoy being in the moment, looking at photos 

of Savannah and Will growing up, along with engagement photos, playing games and having a delicious lunch.  Savannah opened lots of gifts.  It was a good day!