California, Day 1

My brother Josiah got engaged to Cindy in July and that was when I first knew we'd be going farther across the country than I'd ever been: California. The time flew and finally the day cam when we had to leave. It was Lydia's first flight!

She had fun. :)

 We flew so high in the sky that beautiful crystals formed on the plane windows.

 Because there was a "small" problem (the brakes and steering not working) on the first plane, we missed our connecting flight and had several hours to spend in MN. Airport floors aren't very comfortable to sleep on, but it is fun to watch the people hurry by as I tried to rest. :)

 Our next plane was the biggest I'd ever been on: two aisles with eight seats across.

Apparently they have earthquakes in Seattle. :p I'm glad there weren't any while we were there or while in CA....

 We traveled about 19 hours total that day. I was exhausted, but happy to finally be there!

An Autumn Morning Walk

Saturday morning I got up and cleaned my face and drank my water and looked out the side door window as I do almost every morning but this time the outdoors looked so inviting. So I stepped outside expecting it to be chilly like most mornings in this season. But it was't. It was gorgeous! And the sun streaming through the fog onto the soaking wet trees and ground was way too inviting. So I got my camera and my journal and my Bible to have time with God in His creation. I walked through the mist down to the creek to sit in the one dry pipe and read and write. It was so peaceful. So relaxing before a hectic day. I love fall. I love when the leaves are changing colors and when they fall to the ground, littering the road. I love driving behind a car on a country road and seeing the dry, brilliantly painted leaves being whisked into the air, tumbling over each other, and hitting my windshield in gaiety. I love the days when its not too chilly but is cold enough that I have to dress a little warmer in fun fall colors. But then I love winter, too. And spring. And summer. Every time one season ends I'm ready and happy for the next to arrive. 

Autumn

Today, though a little chilly at times, was absolutely gorgeous!! Yesterday I noticed that the creek was cover with colorful leaves and I thought it would make a pretty picture if the sun had been shining on it. But it was too late in the day to do that so today I went down there when the sun was at the right angle. On the way I couldn't resist capturing other beautiful autumn scenes.

A Promise in the Sky

On the way home from work today the sun shone behind me as the rain fell in front. And then appeared the most gorgeous rainbow I think I have ever seen. So, so, vivid with a huge base. But pictures do it no justice. Though they try.

Furs

 This little guy fell out of his nest. He was soooo cute and tried to be brave and scary, but only added to his adorableness with every pounce. :)

 This is a blurry picture but I thought it was still really cool. See his little teeth? I bet they'd hurt if he bit someone!

The furs Lydia is wearing are some that my mom had growing up.

Old Salem

To day we made an impromptu visit to Old Salem. A gorgeous day to be out!

 The Salem College campus is so beautiful!

 The shed-like house in the picture below is actually a spring and was visited by our first President, George Washington. At least, so the inscription says.

Pizza, Anyone?

We have been making home-made pizza almost every Saturday that we can for as long as I can remember. A delicious tradition that I hope will not soon end. Every time we make it, our pizza comes out a little different. Sometimes we make Papa John's pizza crust and sometimes we make a basic bread dough. Most of the time it is whole wheat, but sometimes we get away with white. Sometimes we make the crust thick, and sometimes we make it thin and crispy. Our toppings vary every time from peppers, onions, tomatoes, or spinach, to pepperoni, cheese, beef, sausage, or bacon. But every time it comes out amazing! Well, almost every time.... My favorite pizza right now is as follows: the Pioneer Woman's Basic Pizza Dough, using white flour and cooked until crispy; stringy mozzarella cheese; and lots of pepperoni. Sounds delectable, huh? Well this is what I made this afternoon, except I didn't make it with only mozzarella cheese. And, yes! It was amazing!

Carolina Clay

My sister decided that she needed a mud bath....