HIKE IN BLACK FOREST

WE WENT ON A HIKE IN BLACK FOREST TODAY.  IT IS JUST A ROAD THAT GOES AROUND THE PERIMETER OF SOME LAND IN EL PASO COUNTY.  THE TRAIL DOES HAVE HILLS AND IS ABOUT 4 MILES IN LENGTH.  THE PINES SMELLED GREAT.  IT WOULD BE A GOOD TRAIL FOR MOUNTAIN BIKES.  I THINK ONE COULD TAKE A STROLLER ON THE TRAIL AS WELL.  HERE ARE SOME PICTURES OF THE HIKE.

SHARING SOME OF GODS BEAUTIFUL CREATION

Just wanted to share a few pictures of some of the flowers we saw on our recent hikes.  There is just so much beauty all around us.  I have really missed the hikes that we used to take on a weekly basis.  We lived so much closer to the hiking trails then.  Now we have to drive at least 30 minutes before getting to the trails.  We had some great hikes with Holly, Aaron, Maddy, Tam, Matt, and Brittany.  Thanks guys for coming with us.  I am hoping there are a few more hikes before the summer and fall season ends.  A couple more pictures--  This one was of last year about this time.  Bring back any memories for any of you?

DRAWING TO AN END

Yes, the fun of being with all the family is fast coming to a close.  We had a great time at the reunion and the weeks before and following with all the ones who came before and stayed after the reunion.  Tam is leaving tomorrow and that will be the end for a while.  We are hoping to see the Hall's for a short time before taking Tam to the airport.  Then we will have to start back to the normal routine of every day life.  How dull is that?  The next event to look forward to is Labor Day weekend.  Hoping to get to go to TX and meet up with the Fletcher's, Tam, and all those in Lubbock and Farwell.  Until then........ thanks to all for the memories.

THANKFUL FOR THE LITTLE THINGS

It's Friday and one of my days off.   This is one of the days I really enjoy even though it may be my cleaning, laundry, errand, etc. day.  I have found I love being at home and just doing things around the house.

Today I have been thinking about being thankful.  I just read Brad's blog, and it was so really awesome to read how really thankful he always seems to be.  He enjoys life and all that is around him.  So it made me think of how many things I have to be thankful for.  There are so many things we take for granted.  So I decided to just share a few of the things I find wonderful in my life.

First there is my relationship with God.  No one can take that away from me. 
I grew up in a wonderful loving family.
I have been blessed with a great husband that loves me unconditionally.  He continually praises me and helps me.
I have 4 great children, 2 of the best sons-in- law ever, a beautiful daughter-in-law, and 2 sweet precious granddaughters. 
I have a job.  I may not always like it or want to go to work, but many would trade with me in an instant.
I have a house, plenty of food, clothing, my health--though I am getting kind of old and feeling some of my physical abilities declining.  I love running.  That may be a thing of  the past with my knee and foot, but I  have enjoyed some good years pounding the pavement.
I live in a beautiful place.  The mountains are just awesome.   I get to look at the Peak every morning on my way to work.  I have seen it with snow caps, blazing fall colors, clouds, in varying colors depending on the angle of the sun.
How can a person be more blessed?  I am humbled to think of all that I have enjoyed in my life time. 

 

CONFUSING WORLD OF POSTING ON BLOGS

Can someone tell me why I can post on some of your blogs, and I cannot on others? This is driving me nuts!!! I used to be able to post comments on all of them. Have I been blackballed? If so it is by 2 of my daughters. YIKES! HELP if you computer gurus are out there.

BRIAN'S BIRTHDAY

Although Brian has not officially had his birthday (which will be tomorrow) he has had a pretty good start on the celebration. Brad, Cindy, and Bethany came Friday and spent the afternoon and evening. We had a nice visit, got to play with Bethany, and partake of a beautiful meal. Brian has also gotten some nice cards and gifts of money. Tomorrow I plan on giving him my gift. Then we will go over to the B. Ecks for a Super Bowl party. Should be fun.

Other news is that we are still cold. We actually got maybe in inch of snow today. It took a while, but winter finally hit and hit with a vengeance. Sure wish we had a nice cozy fireplace/wood stove to at least make winter seem more fun.

I leave you with a photo of Chef Hall's (and his assistant's) creation.

THE END PRODUCT

Here are the last few outside pictures of the new shed. Shelves need to be built inside, but the outer part is about as complete as it is going to be.