Trippin'

Late, I know, but tired is as tired was, after a weekend road trip.

My dear daughter went way out of her way to pick me up and take me with her to Michigan where she had a horse show to photograph.

We took the scenic route past rivers,

a sand bar party,

a huge mouse chasing a rabbit across the mountains in the sky,

until we finally were driving down the hill of Crystal Falls, MI, to visit her Godmom and my little sister Cheryl Ann.

Since Cher lives not far from Darcie's destination, she was sweet enough to drop me at Cher's for a short but very busy visit.

It's always restful at Cher and Thom's as they greeted us with open arms and a meal fit for royalty. The next day they toted me all over the place to a Farmer's Market, garage and thrift sales, out to lunch, and to see the sites. I will show you more of that next entry.

Onto a stroll through her peaceful garden.

She has vision, as she displays bits of light wherever you go and

Food!

Her Red Rhubarb looks like pie coming straight out of the ground.

Their raised beds are doing great in spite of the dry spell they have been having.

( A note here: it stormed hard enough Sat. night to blow the roof off of the Iron Mt. Airport, and they have been predicted to get the same rains we are getting as I type. Hope to air this before my power fails... )

Now, check out these veggie beds!

You cannot tell me, these two are going to go hungry this winter. The carrots, lettuce, onions, beets, tomatoes and beans looked great! They water daily with rainwater that they collect in barrels off the end of the rain gutters.

Smart!

Here's a lil' peek at one of the Thrift shops we stopped at. I did not leave empty-handed. Nor did Cher!

Cher and Thom were kind enough to drive me to Norway, MI, where Darcie was photographer for the Great Lakes Arabian Horse Show. We were properly welcomed by the city.

Look at this cool barn at the Fair Grounds...

Darcie, the photograper, Peggy, the judge from Idaho, and Christie, the assistant for the day, were waiting and watching as the horses came center ring for judging and more photos.

Braids seem to be a real big thing at these events, from horse braids, of which I'm loving. I used to do this same braid on my bay, Penny and my paint, Poncho, many moons ago....to

Darcie's French Braid. I watched her as she did this within seconds without any help. How on earth did she do that? She makes me want long hair again. Her braid goes to her waist, and to think she just had it cut so she wasn't sitting on it~~~

The heat and humidity was unbearable. Fortunately, the girls had a covered arena to work in. My heart went out to the horses and riders as they waited their turn to show.

Of all the horses, all of which were gorgeous in their own way, this fella was my favorite. At first glance, I thought he was oiled, but truth was that he was perspiring with all the heat and excitement. This was his first show, and did he ever perform.

Halter class of these youngsters, is something to see.

My amateur candids of the horses is nothing. Go to Darcies site at highlandphotography.net to see the pro shots. I'm so proud of the business she has created for herself. She's got to be dedicated to stand in that heat every summer weekend. Most of the shows are outside, without cover, nor even a gazebo for them to cool off in. I give those girls my applause.

This young lady with her horse is my favorite shot of my day. I took it while sitting under a big oak tree, to cool off, myself. She brought back memories for me, of Darcie doing the same with her horses during shows and myself, at 4-H events. Sweet!

One more shot of a few girls waiting for judgement results...

and a beautiful sillouette with gorgeous Norway, Michigan scenery behind~~~

and the Octogon Norway Fairgrounds Barn, where all the action was. What a beautiful structure.

I needed a get-away. My long-time friend, Nina, came and visited for a while. She moved away to just a few miles from Norway, years ago and we have always kept in touch one way or another. It was so great to catch up in person again. Time spent with my daughter and sister were priceless and just taking in the endless beauty of the country we live in, was a great way to spend my weekend. I hope yours was as wonderful.

Thank you for coming along. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did.

Have an equally fine week.

Stay safe and

BlessYourHeart