A Collage Of May

Friday, May 26, 2017

May has been such a busy month around here, we have had lots of doing, and not much time for the computer and sharing/blogging.  It is a good thing to have mostly sunshine, mixed with clouds, rain and wind at times, but overall, we are thankful to have seen more of the sun recently, and this has given us more of a chance to get outside and enjoy springtime.

I want to forewarn you though... this post is about several different events, four of them I've turned into a collage to shorten the post, and hopefully make it a bit easier to see why this May has been full of activity for us :)  Really, each of the collages could have served as a post of their own, but my time challenges won't permit me this luxury, so I will share them with you like this.


~~~ UNEARTHING A TIME CAPSULE ~~~~

Our local grange (community center) closed its doors several years ago due to lack of membership, and the board has decided recently to put it up for sale.  One of the ladies who was heavily involved in the grange is a neighbor of ours, an active and beautiful 91 year old.  She remembered that there was a time capsule buried near the front entrance of the grange and that it needed to be opened before selling the grange.  The grange used to be a schoolhouse, and back in 1929, the schoolteacher there created a time capsule with her students and buried it. 


There was an approximate area it was buried, and so a backhoe began to slowly dig out the area. Lots of bottles, nails, and even an old stovetop was found, but no bottle!  My husband was down by the backhoe helping to look for anything that could be the time capsule.  Suddenly, he spotted something, reached down, and there it was!  My husband was the first one to touch this time capsule since 1929, quite an exciting thing for him!  He handed it immediately to Mrs. L and then the excitement arose on how best to open it.  It was filled with liquid, most likely water, because the cork had gone bad.  Soon enough, the bottle was opened and gentle hands pulled the paper from the bottle.  It was a recording by the teacher of all the student names there in beautiful handwriting.  Here is a closeup of it.


Some of the names were familiar to many of the community and neighbors who had gathered there, and some were not.  It was just an amazing experience to see that this piece of paper written back in 1929, put in a bottle whose cork had dried out, that was still able to be legible and readable! The paper will be preserved as part of the grange's history in this area.  It was a really neat experience for all of us. Some of the lilac bushes were dug up in the search for the bottle, and I took a couple of the bushes home to plant in my yard... a little piece of the history of that day will always  be with us :)

~~~~ EVENING MOODY SKIES ~~~


A storm had rolled in, and was in the clearing stages when my husband and I took a little drive down river.  Oh, it was magnificent!  The colors in the sky, try as I might, really didn't show up well on my camera.  Yet, you get to see just a bit of the beauty of that night as we enjoyed the glorious skies after the storm.


~~~ CELEBRATING MOTHER'S DAY ~~~~


My family treated me in special ways for Mother's Day with flowers, chocolate, very sweet cards and gift cards, and a gorgeous blue birdbath for the front yard. We ate out at our favorite Mexican restaurant and enjoyed the day together, ending it out by the pit with a fire later that evening.  So blessed and thankful for my precious family!

~~~~ LOST IN THE 50'S ~~~~


A city nearby has a big celebration every year, "Lost in the 50s".  One of the big thrills of the weekend is the parade that kicks the event off.  I don't think I've EVER been in a parade that long!  It just kept coming and coming and coming!  The classic cars came 2 by 2, and even still, the parade took close to an hour!  Oh it was great to see all the old beauties all shined up, but I think my favorite picture out of the whole night was this one ...


The expressions on their faces just made my heart smile too :)

~~~~ CAMPING ON THE RIVER ~~~~



As we traveled down the road towards our camping spot, we spotted movement in the hills, and before long, this lone moose made her way across the road, and back down the hill.  She was not too concerned about our presence, and seemed quite content once she reached the other side of the embankment.  It was very exciting seeing the moose just a mile or so from where we were camping.  We kept our eyes and ears out while we camped, but saw no other large wildlife while we were there.


As we reached our destination, I couldn't help but just stand and look at the views around me.  You can't tell from this picture, but the river at this junction flows east and west, with snow-capped mountains backdropping both the east and west.  It was an impressive sight to see... wherever you saw the river, the mountains were in the background, still covered in snow.


From the east side of the river, in this picture you can't see the mountains, but they were there! The shadows hid them from this vantage point.


Setting up camp is always lots of fun, deciding where to situate things and getting the fire going.


As we worked to set up camp, the wind began to blow, and I looked up and saw this incredible rainbow forming overhead!  It was magnificent!


A light drizzle of rain began but it was more like a mist than rain.  The rainbow continued to form, growing brighter and brighter as the storm hovered around us.


And then two of them formed!  Can you see the second one?


Absolutely incredible to see both these rainbows hovering over the mountain in perfect formation.


I caught this splash of brilliant color as its glorious colors filled the sky.


 Meanwhile, Riley had found something quite interesting to chew on, so she stayed with me while I snapped pictures of the rainbow, completely unaware of it all, enjoying her own joys of camping...


Soon there was a roaring fire built and it was time to get supper.  Whenever we camp, I like to bring a meal already cooked that can just be heated, as setting up camp sometimes can take longer than you realize.  Today, I made a Cowboy Soup and brought homemade cornbread with it.  It was the PERFECT meal after the busyness of setting up camp, and watching the rainbow!


Isn't that the cutest beggar you've ever seen? Yes, she has the science of begging down to a fine art!


After dinner was cleaned up, we walked downstream and in this picture you can see our campsite off in the distance.


We found quite a few Morel mushrooms as we walked, and that was very exciting!


As the sun began to set, we made our way back to camp, enjoying the gorgeous sunset colors in the sky.


The weather was perfect for sleeping, in the low 50s.  Soon a beautiful morning dawned upon us.


In the still morning light, the river was calm while the sleepy sunlight lazily bounced around us.


A picture that speaks of the serenity and beauty of this little camping spot.  After we ate breakfast, we read through several chapters of Proverbs, and shared what many of the Proverbs we read meant to us, and lessons we could learn from them, and then we had prayer together. It was a very special time with us and the Lord, outside in the most beautiful, peaceful setting.


After all the excitement of morning coffee and breakfast of bacon, eggs and fried potatoes, the cutest little beggar needed a nap...


My husband and I took our lawn chairs down by the riverbanks and stretched out to enjoy the sun and the view.  I think we both napped too... :) The soothing rush and constant roar of the river was music to our souls, the kind we like best.


I know I took far too many pictures of this little piece of heaven we were camping in... as quite soon the snow will be gone off the mountain peaks, but for today, we enjoyed the luxury of feeling warm in the cool breeze off the snow-covered peaks.


Many trails beckoned us onward to explore...


While walking on one of the trails, my husband spotted this snake, that I was just about to step on! My husband, being the native Texan that he is, is a pro at spotting such things.  I was just happily walking along enjoying the moment, oblivious to the slithering going on by my feet!


Luckily this was just a harmless little snake that soon was scooped up and taken back to the banks of the river where his home no doubt is.  North Idaho has no poisonous snakes, and of course my husband assured me that he had no triangular shape to his head, so we were fine.  Whew!


After our little excursion, and snake adventure, we all needed a nap, Riley included.  She managed to find the softest bed around!  The rest of us napped in lawn chairs, while our friend got out her cot and napped on it, with Riley all snuggled close.  She likes her creature comforts!


We woke up to hear the shrill call of the hawk overhead, circling for his dinner.  He moved quickly, and I was lucky to get this picture of him.  He kept his distance from us.


One last view of the mountains before it was time to pack up and head home.  Our hearts were full of contentment and simple serenity and joy of being able to camp and enjoy the beauty of the Lord's creation with our good friends.  Plans are already being made for another such camping trip. We won't be going camping this weekend, as more work needs to continue - trees, garden, house maintenance, and the like... but as soon as time and weather permits, we hope to get out and camp along the river again.

So you can see that the month of May has been a busy one ~ from the time capsule ~ to evening rides ~ to Mother's Day celebrations ~ and taking in a Lost in the 50s parade, along with working on clearing out our dead trees (always an ongoing job), that we are busting at the seams with joy for the delights of springtime in all its glory here.

As we remember the heroes of our country this weekend, who have put their lives on the line for our freedoms and while we enjoy good food, friends and fellowship, may we all remain very thankful for the freedoms that we are afforded in this country and a heartfelt gratefulness and thankfulness for the bountiful blessings of the Lord that we enjoy each and every day.  Let us never take it for granted! Happy Memorial Day to all :)

44 comments

  1. A beautifully written post, Marilyn and I thoroughly enjoyed your photos. My late mom was born in 1929, so the time capsule was of great interest to me. What a lovely Mother's Day you enjoyed. Your bird bath will be a lovely reminder of your special day. Your sky pictures and camping pictures are so gorgeous. The double rainbow pictures are grand! How fun to see the moose; our subdivision is Moosewood but should be BEARwood! lol Three very large bears have been lounging in a neighbor's yard! Yikes! I've only been camping once when I was 12. My best friend and her family took me along to Gatlinburg TN. It was great fun and a memorable experience. Wishing you a blessed weekend.

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  2. Ohhhhhh how I would not leave that camping spot...smiles. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. smiles

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  3. As always your photos are spectacular.

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  4. Such a bustle of activity this month! Love the variety in this post. The parade, the time capsule, especially the time camping. You live in a beautiful place!

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  5. Yours was truly a great Month of May, filled with much work, fun and accomplishments !!!
    Kiss your little fur-princess for me :)

    Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend,
    sending blesings to you,
    cherished Marilyn

    XOXO Dany

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  6. You have an Aussie?!?!?!? THE BEST DOGS EVER!!!!!!!
    That rainbow... those pictures are amazing! You never tire of seeing rainbows.
    I think time capsules are just the coolest things!!!

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  7. Wow, what a great post, Marilyn! That time capsule is so cool, I'm glad it was found! And yes, that Riley is most definitely the cutest little beggar. Your camping trip sounds like pure heaven, I love camping but haven't done it in ages.

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  8. Seriously.... how beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love it. What a cozy time you all had.

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  9. How exciting to unearth a treasure like the note in a bottle. I'm sure Mrs. L was relived and so pleased to hold it.

    I don't camp but if I did, your trip would be exactly what I would enjoy! Peace, creatures, sleeping and relaxing in such beautiful surroundings, with loved ones. Oh, and of course the Cutest Little Beggar!

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  10. Hi Marilyn, Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. It's always nice to see new people come by. Your photos are so lovely. When we traveled more we drove through your area and it certainly is gorgeous.
    Have a wonderful long weekend. Here in Canada we had ours last weekend. AND it was sunny all through the three days!!

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  11. MY GOODNESS!! I think you packed more into May than I pack into the entire summer! How wonderful it all looks -- That time capsule -- how exciting! I LOVE things like that from the past and you all put so much effort into finding it. All of the wildlife (that MOOSE!) and the beautiful scenery and your lovely mother's day -- how blessed you are! Thank you for sharing it all with us and have a wonderful, relaxing holiday weekend!

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  12. A month packed with lots of good time and beautiful things to see!

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  13. Wow! I feel like I was there with you! Lovely photos and it looked like a blast! Except the snake YIKES! I know what you mean about not much time for the computer and other things. so busy this time of year! have a wonderful weekend!
    Always, Roxy

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  14. Beautiful collages! The double rainbow images are fantastic, while the snake shots made me recoil.

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  15. I always think of rainbows as the most colourful smiles from God. You certainly captured the beauty of God's awe-inspiring, open-air cathedral, Marilyn. Such a beautiful place to camp and enjoy all of God's beauty. How exciting, a time capsule from 1929 and how marvellous to witness such an extraordinary moment. Lilac trees that have gone to live at your place...how nice. Cute little red car in the parade and such sweet smiling faces peering out. Your month of May seems to have been a busy but beautiful one!

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  16. That rainbow! SO beautiful!! They always seem to show up when I most need assurance of God's promises!! Thank you for sharing that!!!! The camp site looks so serene and perfect...it would truly be hard to leave that spot! The glory of God is everywhere we look, isn't it? We can truly find Him in every inch of sky, every tree, every babbling brook, every baby's smile. So thankful you were able to do the things you enjoy the most, my friend. God bless you and your family! :)

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  17. Hi Marilyn. I enjoyed all your photos and the wonderful retelling of your camping trip. The rainbow photos are so beautiful and you had a lovely spot for camping along the river with great views! Have a wonderful holiday weekend. Blessings, Pam

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  18. Oh, wow, Marilyn, you have been busy!!! Your photos are spectacular, as always, and I loved your recap of the month of May in your neck of the woods. There's nothing better than getting out and enjoying God's magnificent creation, too.
    And yes, let us remember with thankfulness all those who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend our freedoms.
    Blessings!

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  19. My goodness, what absolutely gorgeous photos of your fun filled May. All the busyness ended with such a relaxing time camping and enjoying God's magnificent nature. Blessings!

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  20. What a wonderful post! I love the time capsule bottle and your birdbath is gorgeous! I felt like I was there surrounded by all that beauty with you on your camping trip. Now I feel rested too!

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  21. Lovely photos!!
    I miss camping in the mountains of Utah where I lived for so long.

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  22. All of it is just beautiful!!
    It definitely sounds like a busy month indeed. That time capsule is so neat!

    We are up camping this weekend. Its been so relaxing. Stream fishing, hiking, four wheeling, taking pictures. Soaking it all in!

    I hope you have a safe, fun Memorial weekend my friend!

    Hugs, Amy

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  23. Beautiful photos! I do not like anything about camping, but this post almost made me wish that I did. 🌈🏕🏔

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  24. I've been camping too....this is such a busy time of year that I simply cannot do everything that needs doing.....but I do love the changes spring brings. Many continued blessings to you.....

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  25. May looks to have been a great month! I liked everything but those rainbows over the lake! Wow!
    Amalia
    xo

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  26. Looks like you had very good reason to be away from the computer. With views like that, who would ever want to stare at a screen. Amazing...and you captured it all perfectly!!

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  27. Amazing post Marilyn and full of such beautiful days you have had in May! I thoroughly enjoyed the collages and hearing about all of your adventures. May I ask which river that is that you're camping on? I've been to Northern Idaho a few times and there are so many beautiful rivers and lakes, that's for sure. Your area is Heaven on earth. I went back and read your very first post in 2013 as was curious why you started blogging... and see you came from Texas! Wow what a difference from living there to where you live now! You must be at a very high elevation too which is wonderful and yet has its downfalls in the winter. The time capsule finding was awesome to hear about and how precious for the lady who remember it being buried. What a moment that was! And the double rainbow.... stunning. I've seen a few in my lifetime and they are unforgettable. You spent alot of your precious time on this post and it's truly appreciated by me.. and many others! Blessings to you.... Marilyn

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  28. Marilyn, you certainly had a wonderful May. Finding that time capsule is just the coolest thing...what a fabulous way to say goodbye to the old grange! and my goodness...that is a most glorious place to set up camp. Beautiful, beautiful, collages and photos! Blessings on your week ahead!

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  29. Wow Marilyn...what a wonderful May you just experienced! What beautiful photos you have shared...thank you :0) mari

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  30. What a treasured moment for your hubby to be the first to touch the time capsule, Marilyn. Your Mother's Day sounded like you were spoiled. I loved all your camping pictures, especially the rainbow shots...oh my goodness! You sure had a busy May in you beautiful area.
    P. S. My late Beloved was always good at spotting things, too!

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  31. Wow Marilyn! Thanks for sharing ALL this with us! I had to take a nap after seeing it all! :) What a array-ment of FUN! compliments of our Loving Lord and Savior!
    Interesting with the 'bottle time capsule'! The thought came to mind about the water getting in because the cork had gone bad, how we are sealed with the holy Spirit, that is eternal and never goes bad! We live in a world that 'has gone bad' and one day the Lord will fix that when he comes again: Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. 2 Pet 3:13
    The names written on the paper faded and some torn. But in God's Book of Life our names are secure in Him, who is the author of our faith and by His Faithfulness we have Eternal Life ~ God's Time Capsule will be open in His Gooding Timing.
    What a lovely time for all. And even Ms Riley ... I can tell by the pics of her that she 'knows she is loved' and rests 'sure' in that truth! May we each be as confident in the Lord! trusting: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Rom 8:28
    Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. James 1:17 How lovely is that! Hugs to you.
    ☺️

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  32. I always enjoy catching up with you.
    I love that you were able to take some of the lilacs home with you. A memory for a memorable day.
    Your rainbow photos!!!! AMAZING!!!!
    I would love to go camping with you. :-) FUN, FUN!
    Carla

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  33. My first time to visit your lovely blog. Such a sweet post of your happenings in May...but the camping trip looked amazing with gorgeous scenery including the double rainbow and the snow-capped mountains! It looked like a peaceful and serene place to spend time with the Lord. It is so nice to meet you and thanks for visiting my little blog! Blessings~

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  34. You had am amazing camping spot and perfect view to capture the rainbow. Such a sad thing when a community centre closes but at least finding the time capsule was an exciting end to its existence.

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  35. Hi Marilyn! Oh, I LOVE the toadstool, the moose, and that rainbow! June tomorrow! Sometimes June is quieter than May!

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  36. It sure looks beautiful there...love that rainbow! And my husband has ALWAYS wanted a truck camper. We've come SO close to getting one from time to time. It looks like a great way to travel. Thanks for sharing these photos. Makes me long for a camping trip!

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  37. What a lovely post, so much to see, so much to read. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
    The rainbow photographs, and that double one was very special.

    Enjoy this new month of June.
    My good wishes

    All the best Jan

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  38. I feel like I've been on vacation reading your last two posts, Marilyn. What a wondrous place you live in and most importantly that you love it so much.

    Thank you for taking us with you :)

    xo,
    rue

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  39. What a full and wonderful May! The time capsule was awesome!
    I think you spent your month better than I did. wink
    Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

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  40. Beautiful nature!! The rainbow looks so beautiful over the trees and it looks like it ended right by where you were camping. Oh, whau, a moose!!!! I have never gone camping. Sounds so interesting to be so close to nature. I probably wouldn't like to wake up with a garther snake around me. We have way too many of them here in ND. The time capsule was awesome!

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  41. What beautiful scenery!!! I love our state of Idaho!!!

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  42. Absolutely incredible! I'm so glad that you had such a wonderful time in God's creation! Also thank you for sharing the wonderful time capsule...that is very special!

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  43. Fantastic Post. Wow so many gorgeous photos here to enjoy. Your collages were wonderful.

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Your comments are blessings to me, and I appreciate each and every one, they are precious to me! I appreciate you taking the time to comment on my blog... this is what makes blogging worthwhile! Have a blessed day!

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