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Within the confines of this blog, you will find bits and pieces of the life and times of myself, my family and friend dear and near., far and wide, few and far between. You will find bits and pieces of my world, tho small to some, but huge to me. You will find everything from 'soup to nuts',; recipes, hobbies,crafts, gardenings,loves of my life, GrandLoves-a-Plenty, and even my pets... Sooo, if you can handle family life, enjoy the tour of my 'Stuffings'.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

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

15 comments:

Jane and Lance Hattatt said...

Hello:
What wonderful scenery and what a great time you had with family and friends. So good to meet up in person, telephone calls are just not the same we always feel.

And, the bonus of a horse show. Some very impressive thoroughbreds all beautifully turned out. The grey was our favourite, such very attractive colouring. Your photographs have captured it all so well and will serve to jog many happy memories for some time to come.

Suz said...

THAT'S A WHOLE LOT OF DOING
I'll bet it was grand
and I did see the mouse and hare!

TexWisGirl said...

so jealous that you got sis time! and daughter and friend time too. wonderful! the horse show is fantastic! nothing showier or prettier than arabs.

Darcie said...

We had a great time. :) But, uhhhh you need to blog about the pillow incident. LMBO! Oh, the website for the show pics is actually highlandphotos.net . ;) You were close Mom. LOL.

Love ya.

Darc

Paula said...

Glad you had a nice time with family and all that you got to do. The girls dressed in their attire reminds me of when my youngest granddaughter was a Hunter Jumper. She learned that sport when she lived in England.

jack69 said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
jack69 said...

Oh My, Dar, what an entry. Sisters and daughters are somethng special in this world. I have learned tht from my wife. Horses are special animals. There is such a bond between horse and owner. The shot of the girl and her horse IS special. You have such fond memories and have a great way of expressing them. GOOD ON YOU!
Love the entry, and good to see DArcie and Cher also.
Love from down here!
Sherry & Jack
(That Black is beautiful, I loved Black Beauty and the Black Stallion)
(recommented because of my ignorant fingers and their typing!)

Clint said...

What a great and relaxing---yet busy---trip! Now---get some rest!

Lucy said...

Absolutely the best , pictures, commentary and even at 81 I still love horses. Loved to ride when I was young.

imac said...

Looks like a wonderful time was had by all.

Fred Alton said...

Dar, thanks for this great way to visit the horse show. Your pictures all turned out good. I especially like the silhouette one. The whole picture suggests self confidence and beauty.

Jill said...

Your pictures are wonderful and the horses are gorgeous! I am so glad you had a good time! :)

Cher' Shots said...

Dar, We sure enjoyed your visit. Believe it or not, we got the lawn mowed and it looks beautiful again. LOL We finally had a wonderful rain that started last night and just quite a few minutes ago, around 4 in the afternoon.
'love & hugs from afar'

Anonymous said...

Looks like a grand vacation! That garden! Those horses! And lucky you, to score good thrift finds.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

What a wonderful time you must have had, Dar....Getting time with your daughter and seeing your sister had to have been TERRIFIC... I'm so happy for you.

Great set of pictures.
Hugs,
Betsy