Summer Camping trip

We look so forward to our week long summer camping trip in the wilderness. What a stress free vacation, really the only problem if you want to call it that is making sure you can get to the shade in time, before the afternoon sun does you in. Now that is what I call good stress!

 It's always important to have the "luxuries" close by. Glenn was the best ever and put a nice bathroom together for us, the bathroom was tucked away down a hill  into the wilderness I have to say it's one "room" we really appreciated. Thanks Glenn ! Yes if you look closely that is the current copy of Mary Jane Farms:)

Having proper food available is good here is a good example cold beer in a glass and red vines! Then there is the camping bed room. Somebody slept all night long each night we were there do you blame her?

Juniper Berry was always standing guard she is one faith full camping dog. Except when she wants to be tucked in at night then you are on your own.

PS. I made her dog bed out of Glenn's old work shirts I used the panels with the front pocket on them so she can have treats waiting for her. She is always surprised to find a bone or a cookie in one of the pockets.

Camping isn't all roughing it, people pay good money to have their bare feet warmed on a hot bed of rocks in the cool night. Here we had it every night free of charge.

Wild flowers are one of my favorites, we had the opportunity to watch wild garlic in bud form when we 1st arrive to blooming after a short summer rain storm. WOW! Take a look for yourself:)

Another great past time is traveling around mountain roads to see what you can find. Like pretty things (see photos above) or a structure left from a sheep herder or maybe elk camp. Fun stuff to do that's for sure.

Sometimes we have accidents but they are taken care of quickly, I broke my finger. But I have to admit I actually did this before we left packing my camping pack.

Laying out and watching the starry nights is amazing another Wow that for sure!

The sunsets!

Thanks to my Husband I still can be fashionable, I just love this coat even though it's not snowing. I am sure some of you can understand:)

And then there is the "Best Friend Times" I am so glad we could be caught in a rain storm together. Great shot with the rainbow, Glenn. Thanks!

This bouquet of wild flowers and grass were with us all week. I miss this week allot and can't wait till our next trip. That's right we have a back packing trip soon, I can't wait:)

Have a wonderful day and I hope you enjoyed the camping photos as much as we enjoyed the camping trip!

Sincerely, Betty Jo and of course Juniper Berry

Monica's Graduation Bar-B-Que

Monica graduated from High School, 1 year early that calls for a family celebration:) So with the weather not really wanting to cooperate and the growing season getting off to a slow start, this made for quite a challenge to get the backyard in order.

But all worked out and Monica was able to even enjoy her Grandpa coming for the day from Salem, Oregon.

You couldn't ask for a better day, the weather was perfect. The lemon/mint ice water was a hit that is for sure.

Grand Daughter Lucy enjoyed playing with all her older relatives, she loved the attention the family gave her.

Some were not on the guest list and showed up anyways, but that's OK until this visitor ate this beautiful flower I have been protecting from all the deer the last week. That night after the event I didn't take the time to cover most of the flowers from the deer, so it took advantage of situation and enjoyed this beautiful flower for it's nights feast, why can't they go to someone elses house that is all I ask!

Pretty while it lasted!

Monica's Uncles and Father made it a point to coach and guide her into her next phase of life this day. But I am very proud to say she held her own that is for sure and this is one touch crowd, good job Monica!

The food was wonderful didn't get many photos though but I can always seem to enjoy snapping a shot of the sushi plate.

So here I am with my dear friend who always seems to fly into Redmond no matter where she is at in the United States to help me out at the last minute. The celebration is over and we took just a short time to sit in the sun and enjoy the moment!

Again Congratulations to Monica for a job well done all through High School.

Summer Time at the Ashfords 2010/ book review

Summer time blogging is going to be short and sweet, it seems like I am busier then ever just like everyone else this time of year.

Back from vacation and I was pleasantly surprise to be welcomed back with produce from my  garden :)

While I was on vacation I had the wonderful opportunity to read. The book I finished was 'Loving Frank' by Nancy Horan. This book was the story of Mamah Brothwick Cheney who was the "lover" of Frank Lloyd Wright. I always knew that this very talented and way before his time Man was eccentric but oh my gosh he was one different fellow. Mamah was one driven Lady, she knows what she wants and most the time had to take the high road to get there. This story was one of the best love stories, I would suggest this book to anyone and everyone. The Seattle Post summed up this book the best by saying "A beautifully orchestrated rendering of the affair and inner lives of its two love-torn principals.  Understated yet dramatic, painstaking and convincing, this is fiction with the heft of truth".