Favorite Autumn Things

Just as I hate Spring, and love what it brings (Summer), I love Autumn, and hate what it brings (Winter). So I guess turn about is fair play. Here are some of the things I love about Autumn.

1. The weather ..... cool, crisp nights, warm sunny days

2. Harvesting my Garden

3. Fall Colors ... and going on the four-wheeler to see them.

This was just a few miles from home. I don't know what this tree is, but it has the most beautiful fall leaves I have ever seen.

4. Corn on the Cob ....and other yummy, fresh things to eat.

5. New Potatoes! Love this picture of Gary and Stacia.

Life is a Peach

I usually leave my newly bottled fruit or vegetables on the counter for a day or so just so I can look at it. It's so pretty and gives a real sense of accomplishment. I learned how to can mostly from my mother-in-law. I would take my fruit to her house, and she would help me get it done. We lived less than a mile down the road from her in Monteview the first 12 years we were married. As I look back, I know I am a better homaker because of her example. She probably didn't realize how much I absorbed from her. I learned how to clean my house and be a better cook from just being around and watching her day to day. Avery and Megan and I did peaches together last year, and I had a little "dejavu" thinking about me and my mother-in-law. I hope my daughters-in-law can glean a good tidbit or two as they associate with me over the years. Who knew the tables could be turned so fast!

One Extreme to Another

Okay....so the Saturday of Labor Day weekend was warm and sunny....just right for canoeing around Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park. The water was so blue and the mountains were "grand." On a side note....I never go to Jenny Lake without thinking of my mom and dad. Mom told us that her favorite date with dad before they were married was when he took her to Jenny Lake for the day. (That was when the Jackson Pass was nothing but a graveled road with no guardrails.) They rented a rowboat and had a "glorious day" and "were so in love." I'd like to think that they get to go back there on occasion.

Anyway, back to our weekend.....we took a break after paddling for awhile to let the kids play in the rocks and regroup. A few of us (those pictured above) decided to head back to safer waters (the wind was picking up) and the others forged ahead to go all the way around and meet us at the Hidden Falls trailhead.

The falls were so beautiful that some of us wanted to get a closer look. It made the grandmas a little nervous.

Two days later the weather took a serious turn. Our plan was to go for a four-wheeler ride up to the old Haun's townsite near Gilmore summit. We'd been looking forward to it a long time, so we were determined. And yes, that is snow!

There were nine four-wheelers with 2-3 people on each one. John took the lead, while Roy brought up the rear. It was hard to believe that we didn't get caught in an awful storm. The clouds looked like they were going to let loose any minute!

Val and Megan pose for a photo. The views up there were breathtaking. It felt like we were on top of the world! I think we were.

Its a good thing we watched the weather forcast before we left home. We packed for sunny weather, cold rainy weather, and church. That was a lot of stuff for one weekend. Oh well...now we have to stay home for awhile. : (

Huckleberryin'

We've discovered a fun new activity since we moved to Bancroft. In August, the mountains around here are full of huckleberries. The only other time I picked huckleberries was years and years ago when Karen and I took our kids to Green Canyon for swimming lessons. Our friend, Beryl, took us out one afternoon to pick. We picked and picked and picked, and ended up with only a little bit in the bottom of the bucket. We took it back to the campground and made a small cobbler in the dutch oven. There was only enough for each of us to have a small bite. I remember thinking, "Wow, all that work for this?"

We love it now ....funny how your tune can change.

River was staying with us for a few days. He loved huckleberryin'.

Mmmm......