Home Again

I'm back!  My husband had his vacation early this year.  We saved our pennies and worked very hard (especially my husband...working extra hours to save up) and went away to Montana for just shy of two weeks.  It is a state we had always wanted to go to.  Of course, driving out there and back took four days total--it was long but worth every mile.  We went to upper Wyoming first going to Cody and splurging on a rodeo (the kids loved it!) and driving through Yellowstone National Park where we saw Old Faithful, the Beehive, and of course many sulfer-smelling, steaming pools.

We drove through the Bighorn National Forest.  Wonderful! 

Yes, it was a little chilly, but the mountains were gorgeous and the wildflowers were a delight.
We then went on up to Montana where we gold panned (didn't find anything) and searched for sapphires (did find many...but I'm saving that for another post!).  We stayed in camping cabins (thankfully there were heaters in most--froze one night in a cabin that didn't have a heater!) and had many picnics.  I was able to do a little bit of shopping (a different post on one of those places).  My husband enjoyed a little fishing on Father's Day after church...because it was Father's Day it was a no-license day! 

I enjoyed the mountain roses everywhere.

We went up the northwest side of the state and spent time at Glacier National Park before coming home.  We saw plenty of exciting wildlife.

Due to rain and the snowmelt, the rivers, falls, and streams were swollen and rushing...but beautiful. 

The Indian Paintbrushes were everywhere.

The "Going-to-the-Sun" road (the one that goes over the mountains in the park) was opened the second day we were there.

 It was quite a ride, to say the least, but we enjoyed it!

We had a super family time and totally enjoyed God's awesome creation. 

Taking a Break

I'll be taking a little break over the next few weeks--from my shop, from blogging, from Pinterest--well, you get the idea.  I've bought myself a new pair of pretty little scissors and a snappy pile of wool felt, and I'm going to play.  Certainly dabbling into some sort of creative outlet isn't work especially when it is all experimental.  Hopefully this will be a time of refreshment and relaxation for mind and body.  Until two weeks from now....*hugs*

Strawberries and a Gold Picture Frame

Seems that since we got done with school we have been "running" nonstop!  Yesterday we went to some of the yard sales that were in town for this weekend's "city wide" yard sale event.  Do you remember when most yard sales were just on Saturdays?  Then there were those who started up on Fridays.  You really had to go to those on Friday, because by Saturday those good ones would be well picked over.  Now...Thursday is the day to go.  I honestly can't imagine having a yard sale for three whole days.  I couldn't believe how many there were yesterday.  Anyway...at the last yard sale we went to I was able to snag this gorgeous wood picture frame.  I love the gold on it, and the heart design around the edge is beautiful.  It is roughly 22" x 26".  It was only $1.  Hooray! 

Then...when it was the hottest time of the day it seemed...we went off to the strawberry farm to pick strawberries.  It sure was hot!  But with the help of the kids we did it in good time then came home for a big dish of yummy berries--our reward for all our hard work. 

I've made two batches of strawberry jam and a two-crust pie so far.  The pie turned out well.  Would you like the recipe?  Here it is:

 2-9" unbaked pie crusts

3/4 cups white sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 TBSP corn starch
4+ cups sliced fresh strawberries

Cook in 425 degree oven for about 35-40 minutes. 

Matchbox Swap--From my Partner

It was a delight to receive my decorated matchbox from my partner, Oliva (check out her blog), in the Vintage Dragonfly "Partner's Choice" swap on Flicker.  Talk about sugar sweetness!  What a beautiful box filled with such pretty things! 

She did a wonderful job decorating it in colors I love and filling it with beautiful creative bits including some gorgeous beads, a vintage earring, a pretty shimmery doily, and a little crystal drawer pull (I think my favorite thing!)--just to name a few. 

She also included some lovely earrings.  Every thing was wrapped so nicely. 

Don't you just like all the pink?  Thank you SO much, Oliva! 

Roses, Flea Markets, School, and an Air Show

Well, Mom and I went the the Princeton flea market a week ago Saturday.  It was on one of the holiday weekends of the season and, therefore, supposed to be one of the best weekends to go.  Unfortunately it was stormy and windy, and we came home with very little.  While we still had fun, all of my favorite vendors except for one were not there!  Boo hoo!  So, this past Saturday we went to the little flea market here in town.  They have one the first Saturday of every month in the summer.  There wasn't a whole lot.  I did find some little mini tins to make push pins with, so that was worth it for sure. 

The kids worked hard--really hard--all last week to finish school, and they did it!  It was Friday evening before one of the kids finished...but we are done!  Hooray!  I will organize the books and records and store everything this week so that all of it can be well put away for the summer.  Of course, I will buy new curriculum at the end of the month, but at least nothing will be worked on until fall.  I'm very pleased with their hard work and efforts.  Now for a fun summer!

Speaking of summer...here are a few pictures of my rose bushes.  There are other varieties of roses on our property, but these are just what I got pictures of.  Can you almost smell them?  They are such a delight, and I so enjoy roses. 

Also on Saturday we went to an air show at a National Guard base not too far from here.  Our son loves airplanes, it was free, and any food we bought went to charity...so why not? 

 There were shiny airplanes, roaring engines, and amazing stunts in the sky.  It was a beautiful day, and we had a grand time.  Besides, the patriotic feeling was thrilling.