don't stop

This is Bryan. He's been a friend of mine for many years. This is just a silly photo he agreed to pose for a couple of weeks ago on a 4-couple getaway we planned for late in September. It was a dare really. He was in the middle of a national park and the road sign was lying on the ground, innocently. Until I got this hair brained idea to do this post, and needed a photo to go along with it. We had just completed a grueling hike and we were on our way back out of Zions Canyon.... which brings me to the subject I want to address today. Aging. Let me start by saying that this particular group of friends I went on the trip with have all reached mid-life a.k.a. 50. Okay, I'm  still 5 months away, but essentially we are all there, and some are well into our 50's. 
When I was a young girl, I thought 50 was nearly dead. No really. I had a teacher that I thought was ancient, only to find out some 20 years later she was only 52. Let me translate that for you.... this means at the time she was only 32! Wow, our perception is truly different when we are young.
Anyway, as I and most of my friends are now reaching the golden years, I am finding myself unwilling to get old. I mean sure, my body is aging, but believe me I am fighting it every step of the way. I still have a lot I want to do, and hopefully I still have plenty of time on this earth to do it. I've decided I'm not ready to stop. To slow down. I want to keep moving and be active. So, as long as my health will allow it, I plan to do just that. I still want to try new things and experience new places. Age is a mindset, right?? And so, I say to my dear friends who inspire me every day, here's to our friendship, our good health and many more adventures!
I'm gonna go knock on some wood now..... 

while i was away

I just returned from a week of fun-filled adventure in the southern part of the state. The weather there was borderline hot and there was plenty of sunshine. Saturday night, I returned to cooler temperatures, an over-grown garden, color-changing leaves on my trees and annual flowers that are ready to be removed. Yep, Autumn is here alright. This week will most likely be filled with yard work, yard work and more yard work. My pumpkins are ripening nicely and should be ready to set out on the porch next week. As much as I dread the initial work, I really do love it when the yard is all cleaned up and everything is stored away until Spring. I'm starting to notice all kinds of good soup recipes on Pinterest and I'm getting the bug to do some serious baking and some quilting. It's funny how the change of seasons does that to me. I'm also looking forward to the warm colors that Autumn brings to the sky and the landscape. This is one of my favorite times of year to get out and take loads of pictures. The photo above was taken a few days ago at sunrise. I think it's the perfect image to welcome the new season.

away and back again

I've been away, and now returned after an unscheduled, spontaneous trip to the Hawaiian Islands. Not being one to just drop everything and run away for a couple of weeks, this was certainly 'out of the box' for me. I didn't have much time to prepare before I left, but I took my laptop along with the intention of blogging while I was away. That plan didn't come to fruition. Once my skin hit that warm, tropical air, it was over. Productivity took a back seat to relaxation. I did however, manage to post a few pics on Instagram, along the way. I'm telling you what, as far as worldly possessions are concerned, there is not much more I need in life than a good book, my camera, a pair of flip flops, a cold bottle of water and some sunscreen. My trip consisted primarily of walking, eating, sleeping, reading and relaxing while listening to the ocean. Believe me, 10+ straight days of tropical bliss does wonders for the soul. And, now that I've been back a few days, I'm finding it a little hard to get back in the saddle of my everyday life. But I'm feeling rejuvenated and ready to take it one step at a time. Happy to be back to my home sweet home:)

   

single shot saturday

single shot saturday

single shot saturday

52 photos project {hearts}

This week, over at 52 photos project, we are looking for hearts. I found this rock on the beach in Grand Turk a couple of weeks ago. I decided to bring it home for a souvenir of the trip. It's perfect for this weeks prompt. Wishing you a wonderful weekend:)

single shot saturday

back on board

I'm back. Home from a lovely little getaway with some of my dearest friends. As mentioned in my winter list, I wanted to take a warm weather trip this winter. Check that one off the list. I just spent a sunny, relaxing week in the Caribbean. There's nothing like being in the warm sun when you know it's only 1 degree back at home. Getting off the plane and back into the cold weather was shocking, to say the least. But it's good to be back with my family. There's truly no place like home. And, even though I'm staring at an empty refrigerator, a giant stack of unread mail and 4 loads of dirty laundry from the trip, there's no place I would rather be right now. 

heading south

I've flown the coop, and I'm heading out on a little adventure. I'll be sharing more details in the days to come. Enjoy your weekend!

single shot saturday

single shot saturday

single shot saturday

single shot saturday

so long, summer

Well, it's official. Summer has ended. Autumn has arrived and I'm spending the first day   enjoying the last day of a wonderful summer vacation. So relaxing and very much needed. I'm not really feeling sad about Summer's end. As stated in an earlier post, I love the change of seasons. I'm just going to close my eyes and soak up what's left of the warm sun while dreaming of a cool, crisp fall day...some soup...and a cute scarf...and maybe a carameled apple or two. Bring it on...

spectacular sunrise

I woke up early this morning to a spectacular sunrise. Another beautiful day ahead at gorgeous Lake Powell. Trying to enjoy as much of the warm weather as possible, knowing that when we get home, cooler weather will be here.

day at the lake

We are spending what little bit of summer there is left at Lake Powell with some of our dear friends. The weather is perfect and the company is even better. We took a ski run today and the water was great. Bob took advantage of some of that smooth LP water and showed us all up. Good times. 

fun in the sun

I'm a little short on words today as we are out enjoying a little fun in the sun. More tomorrow.

single shot saturday

a little gift

Hope you enjoy this as much as I did!