a bushel and a peck

a friend told me about a little apple orchard not far down the road, and we happily discovered it just in time for picking. a perfect way to spend a gloriously bright and warm october afternoon. trees so full of apples the branches touched the grass below, making it easy for my little ones to get in on the fun. notice the half-eaten apple in the little green bucket. now I've got a bushel or two (how many in a bushel anyway?) ready for applesauce-ing and pie filling. 

montana homestead

another great article in the August Sunset magazine featured the Smetanka family and their life that they describe as "straddling two centuries." Caretakers of an historic farm outside of Missoula, they do things the pioneer way every single day. And so do their kids. I hope for a visit in the near future, as it is open to the public and offers some annual festivals. The article isn't available online, but Joanna maintains a blog at mrhomestead.com, and more info is available here. And I ask myself: could I do life this way?

Jenny Lake

it's a favorite spot of ours in Grand Teton, and a yearly jaunt. We took the wee ones on a little hike. I'm only pretending that Nanuk doesn't feel like a gazillion pounds on my back. A morning hike at the lake, an afternoon in Jackson, ice cream cones and sunshine made for a perfect start to our holiday weekend.

I love that on a road trip through these parts one is bound to encounter livestock, like thisgroup of mama cows and their calves, herded by a little family on horseback..

robin's egg blues

Mr. J discovered this little treasure perched atop a patch of creeping thyme by our front steps. All alone, unprotected. How did it get there? An accident? A predator? A deliberate abandonment? All sorts of fascinating theories came to mind as we considered what should be done with the little blue wonder. Some red-breasted robins had been cavorting amorously among our eaves of late, so I was torn between the rational side of things: leave it as it lies and let nature take its course, and the emotional side of things that clings to thin hope: surely there is a nest nearby wherein we could replace this lone little egg

A little research confirmed the rational so we left it alone. It seems cold and heartless, but it is the proper course of action. This same research also indicated that likely the other eggs in the same nest had already hatched and the mother bird sensed this one egg wouldn't survive so she gently removed it from the nest. Also, it's illegal to incubate a robin egg or any other wild bird egg, in case you were wondering. I wonder if it will still be there in the morning. Uncanny that however it came, it came to rest on the softest spot in the yard and just inches from the front step in plain sight and unscathed.

positive thinking

I've been trying, and failing, not to whine about our elusive spring here along the beautiful Snake River. Lady Springtime shows her pretty face and bats her eyelashes for two or three days, then whisks herself away behind the grouchy clouds of Mother Nature's skirts. And really, I've had enough of weather's teasing and taunting, and plenty of wintery suffering to last me a very long time. School is out in 2 more weeks, and it just doesn't feel possible.

So I'm making wishful lists of warm weather to-dos and to-sees and to-eats and to-remembers for the approaching warm weeks. I dare not waste a single moment of golden warm happiness, should it ever arrive.

the beach, any beach, with sand and lapping waves, seashells and little hermit crabs. bonfire a bonus.
baseball in the back yard
small-town baseball games
jackson hole
The Gift of the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
little hikes in Grand Teton
homemade berry jam
a camp-out, with tin-foil dinner and banana boats, even if it has to be in our yard
a road trip
boating on the Puget Sound
Hawaii by James Michener
the park. often.
little feet in the grass, little fingers catching lady bugs, little mouths sticky with watermelon
evening breezes through the open windows
veggies from my garden
homemade ice cream
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
a sunflower bouquet
swimming pools
bike rides
burgers & corn on the cob out back with friends
letting Piglet stay up past bedtime because it's lovely outside
lemonade on the front porch

blustery day

The wind is howling, and I think it might be raining, too, but the wind is blowing the raindrops away. The sun keeps trying to peek out from behind the gloomy clouds but is thwarted in each attempt. I fully expect to see my neighbor's patio furniture go twirling past my windows, Wizard of Oz style, with my just-bloomed tulips right behind. Not what I was hoping for at the end of April, when my toes tingle for sandals and little boys ache to be out of doors for the sake of being out of doors. Alas, Mother Nature, like most of the rest of the world, doesn't really care about my opinion on the matter.

I'm trying not to be blue about it, so today I will lounge in my sweats on the couch with an arm around each babe, one on my lap and one snuggled into my side. We will watch Winnie the Pooh and read picture books and make a cave and go on a bear hunt. Maybe bake something. We will sprawl  on the big bed together and giggle and roll and bounce and tickle. I will kiss plump rosy cheeks until little voices squeal with laughter. I'd like to say that all three of us will take a nap, but that will probably turn out to be a lie. Today I will let wiggly little boys toss the clean laundry out of the basket over and over. I will fantasize that my home actually is as clean and tidy as I try to make it. We will build little log cabins and I will fix something retro and cozy for dinner, like sloppy joes, but better. (We like to call them sloppy josés).

It will be a good kind of blustery day.

earthy art

happy earth day

owen's artwork makes me happy

for the birds

a brief day of sunshine and toasty 50 degree temps inspired a little activity for the piglet and me. and for the birdies that we hope will soon return from their southern sabbatical. pine cones. peanut butter and shortening, bird seed, twine/jute/ribbon and ta da! bon appetit, feathered friends.

gone fishin'

Piglet was spoiled with birthday treasures and surprises by grandmas and grandpas and cousins and friends. Trains and cars and pajamas and coloring books and diggers and miniature buzz lightyear and pirate legos. All thrilling to his little three year old self, almost as thrilling as the birthday cake. From mommy and daddy: a genuine fishing pole and accompanying lightning mcqueen tackle box, filled with bobbers and hooks. He was elated. Elation that was elevated with the procurement, from the depths of daddy's closet, a most hideous jungle-print floppy fishing hat. 5 sizes too big for the birthday boy and probably two decades old, but I think that's what sent his joyous giggles right over the edge into euphoria.

So, a little post-dinner/pre-bedtime fishing excursion was in order. Daddy and piglet out on the dock, a narrow dock surrounded by water. A dock on which an eager little guy ran with his carton of worms, and bounced and wiggled while his mother nervously watched from the beach and periodically screamed "Be still! Hold Daddy's hand! Don't run!" It was useless, but disasters were avoided. And he had a grand time. With many more fishing excursions to come.

carrot lovers

sometimes they bloom

When my maternal grandmother passed away a few years ago, my mother sent me some bulbs from Grandma's yard. She loved pretty things, and despite her tiny home and yard, always showcased a brilliant row of irises under her front window. 

I planted those bulbs, but they didn't blossom until 3 summers ago, and then only one. Purple.

When we moved to Idaho, I brought the bulbs with me and planted them again. Last year: nothing. This year: a bright sunny yellow iris. Three blooms on one stem.

So, now I know that I have one purple bulb and one yellow bulb. Why they don't get their act together is a mystery to me, but I love having the bulbs nonetheless. A sweet remembrance of my sweet grandma.

how does your garden grow part II

The little seeds sprouted and grew and have thus far survived the dramatic mood swings of springtime in this neck of the woods. With the exception of one tomato plant that was carried off in a wind storm. Seems everything else is doing fine; peppers, sugar snap peas, carrots, basil.  I've even sampled some early strawberries. Tasty indeed. Aren't they pretty?

hope

Snow play

He's apparently impervious to the cold. Loves walking, climbing, tumbling and sledding in the snow, along with tasting, throwing and shoveling. Built his first snowman, "Charlie Bob" over the weekend.  Returning indoors for dinner might as well be the utter end of the world in his eyes, at least his "time to go inside" tantrum would lead us to believe so. But, a bowl full of mommy's homemade chicken soup with dumplings usually suffices as an antidote. 

So worth it

$5.88 well spent

 I've never seen alstromeria (typically lackluster grocery store bunches) so vibrant.

 A pretty welcome to 2009, and a smile on my face every time I pass through the kitchen.
And I've already started one of my 2009 goals

For Mommy

After a particularly long and tiring day, B took little M on a much anticipated outing to the park. I stayed home and made dinner without interruption. Upon their return, B carried a beaming, rosy-cheeked M into the house. M stretched his hands out to me and stated with pride, "Fwowers, Mommy!" 

He gave me these:

I think I'll keep them forever.

According to B, all damaged "flowers" were tossed aside as M perused and inspected the fallen pine cones beneath a large tree at the park. With each toss he announced "It's bwoken." He chose only the most perfect 2 for taking to Mommy. They are now nestled among the pumpkins displayed in my living room. Later I'll attach ribbon and hang them on my Christmas tree. 

Mesa Falls

the revered Snake River

Another reason to like living where I live. We ventured out to Mesa Falls last week--about an hour and a half from town. One word: Wow. 

A stunning bright autumn day, a brisk edge to the air, first sight of changing leaves, and the falls themselves. Plus a happy little rainbow. I'm told it's been the site of a marriage proposal or two, understandably so.  M was awestruck with the "big wadderfall!" 

We topped off our outing with lunch at Big Juds. You'd never guess that in the rear of a gas station/mini mart/video rental would be non-descript little joint serving some of the best burgers ever.  I'd have posted a photo of the goods (mine: mushrooms and swiss, no mayo, and a side of fresh cut fries) but my hands were too busy, and messy, to bother with the camera. Next time I'll know better. 

Discover

Despite my hormone-induced case of ever so slight anxiety over the giant salamanders (rather creepy) and also the crocodile, I was thoroughly impressed with the Fresh Water segment of Planet Earth, as produced by the BBC and broadcast via Discovery Channel. Beautiful scenery, fascinating cinematography, concise yet eloquent narration by Sigourney Weaver (at least for this segment).  Did you know there is such a thing as a fresh-water dolphin? Would love to have the entire series on DVD. Very very cool. 

Meet the neighbors...

(that little black speck is actually a big black bear) 

Ok, so it's not like they live right next door, but the bison (different from buffalo, by the way), moose, bears and elk, dear, coyote, eagles and more are just up the road a ways. Among my favorite things about Yellowstone? The smell of the air--fresh, clean, and evergreen. An elixir. 

Also check out Miss Marta's shots of the local charm here and here and here. 

day trip

Oh how I love to say: "Just went over to Grand Teton for the day!" Or "just went over to Jackson Hole for a late breakfast!"  Or both.  Omelets, hashbrowns, pumpkin muffins, a happy toddler, and a superb little hike around Jenny Lake and up to Hidden Falls. The Tetons amaze me every time I see them, especially up close. The drive from here to there  one of the prettiest I've ever taken: rustic little towns, sparkling rivers and creeks, idyllic farmland, lush mountain canyons, green forested hillsides sprinkled with wildflowers. A few shots of our little jaunt:

a charming little sign...

my handsome boys in blue

hidden falls...practically in arms reach... 

this struck me as a little funny...

Teton-side views of Jenny Lake and the valley. 

B was a trooper for toting 30-pound M on his back for a few miles. M was a trooper for appily enduring it. Favorite quote of the day from M during the hike: "Moo-oose! W-Are OO?"

as in moose, where are you?  He apparently thought he might see one today...