Monday, August 7, 2017

An Extraordinary Day . . .


Our water heater was leaking and needed to be replaced.  So last Wednesday, my husband and I (trust me, he did most of the work...) unhooked it, hauled it up the back stairs and took it to have it recycled...whew!  Then that evening, my nephew came and installed a new water heater...bless his heart!!

So, after lots of cleaning up and busyness on Thursday morning, my husband asked me if I wanted to go for a little day trip . . . well, more like an afternoon trip, of course I was all in!  I could feel my blood pressure dropping by the minute as we headed for the hills.

It was a beautiful cloudless day, but, because of all the wildfires in our area, it looked very overcast and you could hardly see the mountains.   But it was good to relax and just escape the craziness of the city or should I say, the country.  It's grain cutting season here, so not only is the air thick with smoke, it is also thick with grain dust . . . not good.



As we were driving, we noticed that the Service berries were almost ripe.  I plan on going back for a few buckets of these yummy berries today.  They are usually all eaten by the birds, but this year, because of all the snow we had last winter, they are just thick on the bushes.   I think I might make some jam and maybe freeze some for cobblers and muffins or pancakes.


This creek was so pretty, and because it's nestled into the mountains, it wasn't as smoky.


I was surprised to find so many wild flowers in bloom.  It's so dry this summer, I thought they would be wilted and gone by this time.  They are fading fast, but they are still beautiful.



This is a flower that I have never seen in the hills before.  I wasn't sure what it was, so I did a little research and found that it is a, Wild Hollyhock, it was just beautiful!


I thought this Thistle flower was so pretty . . . I'm glad it's not in my yard though!


As we were driving along, I noticed two, Sandhill Cranes just walking along without a care in the world.  These birds are usually spooked pretty easily, so I took advantage and got a picture of them. They are so pretty!


We stopped at the, Blackfoot Reservoir, and I spotted this little juvenile, Golden Eagle sitting by the road.  They really are quick and don't like people, so I took a quick photo of him before he flew off.




It was fun spending the afternoon enjoying nature.  I know there won't be too many more of these days left with Autumn right around the corner!

Have a great Monday!

Hugs and Love,
Barb

10 comments:

Welcome to the Garden of Egan said...

So beautiful. Every time I see a thistle I see ugly and ouch. Thank you for the upclose photo. It is pretty.
All of the animals you captured were beautiful.

I picked service berries once thinking they were huckleberries. I threw them out when I realized they weren't. I had no idea you could make jam with them.

Thanks for sharing.

Billie Jo said...

Good Monday Afternoon Barb!
I can think of few better things to calm one's heart than a drive like this.
Beautiful photos...
Thanks for always sharing...and inspiring!

Vee said...

I very much enjoyed going along for your afternoon getaway. Loved the flowers and birds. Now how wonderful to have a new water heater!

Saimi said...

Oh my goodness, I think I need to get to your get away. We haven't seen the sky for sometime now due to all the fires we are having as well. It's been so smokey around here just like your pictures. What a scenic hike and those flowers are so lovely! Congratulations on your new water heater, must be a good feeling!!
Thanks for sharing your day trip!!!
Saimi

Cindy said...

I recognize that mountain! I'm just an hour or so north of you. I absolutely love it when my husband suggests a day trip! Glad you two got to spend some time in the great outdoors!

Anonymous said...

Barb, I've never heard of service berries. Do they taste like blueberries"? Please do post a recipe when you have a chance!

Barb said...

They do taste somewhat like a blueberry, just a milder flavor. I will absolutely post a recipe! I tried your zucchini boat recipe the other night . . . it was soooo delicious!! I've passed it on to my DIL!!

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I loved your little getaway...the scenery is beautiful! And I have learned something new...I have never heard of service berries. One reason I love blogs so much is that I always learn new things or see beautiful photos like yours of places that I've never been. Thanks for sharing all this with us!

LeAnn said...

I always love your adventures, so this afternoon trip looked like a sweet one. I would love to just take off and go one too. I think we will do that when we are released from our mission. You do get some lovely photos and I would love to see the wild flowers and that creek running by. the bird photos are awesome.
I think we are almost due for a new water heater. Happy you got it installed easily. I don't know about your hubby getting it up and out; those are heavy. What a man! Blessings and hugs for you two~

Anonymous said...

Barb, I am so glad you enjoyed them! I will look to see if service berries grow here. xo

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