Welcome Fall... and Where Did Summer Go?

Saturday, September 29, 2018

The loveliest of seasons, the one we anticipate all winter long has come and gone... amazing how fast the days fly by! This summer was a busy one and filled with days full of adventure and lots of fun memories made. We were too busy enjoying summer for me to share each one with you at the time, so I will just take you on a quick peek now of some of the fun moments we had this summer.

A highlight of summer here is always going camping...

While we set up camp and unpack, I get my Cowboy Soup in the Dutch oven and put it on the fire to heat while the rest of camp preparations are underway. 


We live in an area where there are plenty of places to camp on state land, and so we always have fun finding a campsite.  We were particularly excited to find this campsite right next to a noisy rushing creek. 
Lots of fun exploring around our campsite.



Huckleberries were in season, and we filled our buckets... and tummies with them! 

We rode back up into the mountains and enjoyed the beautiful vistas! Wildflowers were in abundance!

Daises bowing graciously in the sunshine... 

Butterflies in abundance...

Butterflies and daisies!

Riley enjoying the beautiful summer day exploring amidst the profusion of daisies. 

Back home, in my garden... my strawberries produced a record crop this year. 
Lots of logging trails to explore on the 4-wheeler...


A favorite treat in July are the thimbleberries which grow in abundance here.  They taste a bit like a raspberry with a woody undertone... fun to munch on as a quick treat in the woods!

My neighbor's pie cherry tree was loaded with bright red deliciousness... 

I picked the cherries, canned them, and shared half with her.  She does not care to can, so it is a win-win for both of us :) 

Tart plump juicy cherries...

Lots of work go into these little cherries, but they are worth it!

This is the end result of one pie cherry tree! 

On each Thursday this summer, an adventurous soul who is 83 years young led group hikes to different trails in our area.  This particular hike took us to several waterfalls and to a sanctuary where you could see an actual eagle's nest up close.  We were amazed at how large the nest was!

A little piece of heaven down by this gorgeous waterfall we hiked in to see. 

African Daisies blooming happily in my garden. 

Huckleberry ice cream cone enjoyed by my husband and I.  

The beautiful face of a sunflower in my garden. 

Another day is done.

Full moon reflection in the still night waters.

Happy succulents in my garden.

A bouquet of flowers gathered from my garden. 
4-wheelin' in the mountains with my husband.

I went on a hike with my friend LD and her children one hot summer day in early August.
 The trail was 6 miles in, and 6 miles back out, a 12-mile round trip! We packed a lunch and enjoyed the views.



A beautiful package received in the mail from my dear friend, Marilyn from Pink Paper Cottage.  She created these cards for me with decorated seed packets... just the cutest packaging and design! She knows me well :) 

It was really the dog days of summer, and sweet Miss Riley's pose sums up just how it feels in
the midst of those hot summer days! 

We had some of my husband's family visit this summer.  I made homemade playdough
for the kids to enjoy playing with. 

We had a bout of smoky skies this August, and it really put a damper on outside activities.  However, when my husband's family visited, we did go kayaking together one day. 

This was a sampling of what our skies looked like for much of August.  How thankful we were when September came, and the skies cleared! 

My husband bought me a little indoor rose bush, and it has the most beautiful blooms! 
Marigolds blooming profusely in the late summer. 


My sunflowers bloomed a second time! 

And just like that... fall arrived!  Late August our purple ash tree began showing
signs of fall with a purple tinge to its leaves... 

 I'm still amazed at how quickly the seasons seem to pass!




Yes this month was my birthday month! We celebrated at Olive Garden together. YUM :) 


Flowers from my husband, gorgeous!   

Some of the happy mail that arrived for my birthday :) 

Enjoying a cup of tea with the Whoops macaroons sent to me by my friend RH and Vanilla Bean Macaron tea sent to me by a friend Lynn, who I met through Stephanie's tea exchange.  Delightful! 
Another friend gave me a gift of tea! Have you heard of Blooming Tea?  The teapot is made of clear glass so that you can see the beautiful tea flower unfold in the hot water.  The green tea leaves unfold to disclose a beautiful blooming tea flower.  


Isn't it beautiful!  It makes the prettiest cup of tea! You can find Blooming Tea online at https://teabloom.com  Such a delightful treat! 

And here we are... in the stunning season of fall!  I added this door to my garden this summer, and
it's already a favorite of mine for decorating.  

Summer was indeed full of all the delights we look forward to all year long, along with some not so fun moments ... a terrible scourge of wasps that were a pestilence to our entire northern Idaho area, then we had gray smoky skies for most of August, and then the deer discovered my garden, and decided a fence meant nothing to them, and completely mowed my garden down to where I really didn't get a harvest of veggies.  However, despite all of those things, it still was a beautiful summer, and like every gardener I've ever talked to... there is always next year :)

We realize my garden needs a taller fence, and my husband has promised to enlarge the garden area with a tall deer-proof fence, and we will also plant fruit trees in the garden as well, so all is not lost... good will come out of it all!  And if the cycle of life has its way... there may be meat in my freezer for this winter.... meat that was fed out of my garden ;)

I hope to catch up with all of you, my precious blogging friends and readers as time permits and to see what adventures you have been on in the last month or so... blessings and hugs to all of you :)

52 comments

  1. Wow! There is so much to comment on here, but suffice it to say I enjoyed each and every photo and word. We live in a magical area, full of amazing sights that God has provided for us. Thank you for the reminder.
    Blessings,
    Betsy

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    1. Thank you Betsy! I hope you had a wonderful summer as well! I know it was hard on you with all the smoke! Many hugs and blessings!

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  2. What a lovely stroll through your Summer journey. So much to enjoy!

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    1. Thank you Elizabeth! I appreciate your visit, and trust all is well with you! Hugs and blessings!

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  3. Camping by the running water must have been wonderful, Marilyn. It looks like it was a lovely season but for the wasps and the deer. There’s always something though. Next year will be better!

    Happy autumn.

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    1. Yes, there is always next year :) Always appreciate your visits Marie!

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  4. I enjoyed your lovely post about your summer. Too bad the deer ate your vegetables but as you mention, you just might end up with one of those garden fed deer in your freezer!
    I also enjoyed reading about the flower tea... being a tea drinker myself! And I can order it through Amazon.ca which makes it simple.
    God bless you as we move into October!

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    1. Thanks for your visit sweet friend, always appreciated! I hope you do try the tea, it really is a delight :) Blessings and hugs to you too!

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  5. I truly enjoyed my visit to your blog and admired the beautiful photos of your amazing summer despite its mishaps with the bees and deer. Belated birthday wishes.

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    1. Thank you for the birthday wishes, hard to believe September was here and now gone! But I do love October with all the gorgeous fall colors! Always appreciate your visit :)

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  6. Marilyn, a very Happy Birthday! What gorgeous cards, flowers, and gifts you received! I am sorry to hear about your garden and I admire your good attitude concerning the deer. Wonderful camping photographs and Riley has grown! I would love your Cowboy Soup recipe someday. Sounds like something we'd love!

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    1. I will be glad to share my Cowboy soup recipe with you Gina! I will email it to you tomorrow. Indeed Riley has grown, way too fast! Hugs to you sweet friend :)

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  7. That was a most fascinating post.I loved your photos, taking me through your summer, one picture at a time.Have a wonderful week ahead.

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    1. Thanks Ruth for your visit, always a joy! Blessings to you too, sweet friend!

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  8. "I put a door in my garden." I never would have considered doing that but look how cute that is! I love it! And the pictures of your camping trip are gorgeous!

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    1. I love whimsical and all things vintage, and they have a way of ending up in my garden, lol! So thankful to have your visit here today, blessings and hugs to you :)

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  9. What a fantastic post! Thanks for sharing bits and pieces of your life and the beautiful photos of your countryside.

    Belated Happy Birthday ~ FlowerLady

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    1. Thank you for your sweet visit and birthday wishes, so appreciated! Blessings and hugs to you sweet friend :)

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  10. Happy Belated Birthday, Marilyn! Your photos, as always, are awesome. I, like you, am asking, "Where did summer go?" Can't believe October is already here.
    Blessings!

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    1. Summer flies by doesn't it! And fall does too... winter is the one that lingers, lol! Enjoy your October sweet friend, blessings and hugs!

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  11. Oh, sweet friend, I am so sorry about your garden and the deer problem. It was so nice to catch up with you today and to know that you are doing well! So thankful you had a wonderful summer season! Yes, the seasons surely do seem to come and go much more quickly the older we get. I hope you have a lovely fall season! Sending much love and many hugs to you today!

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    1. Appreciate your visit so much and it is amazing to me how fast the summer months pass so quickly. We must enjoy each moment! So thankful for the Lord's protection over you and your family, and will continue to be praying for healing for your MIL and Barb. Blessings and hugs!

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  12. Beautiful pictures dear lady. Happy birthday. What a wonderful package to get. Ooh, soup sounds so good but I am a soup fan all year round. Have a great day dear lady. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. We love soup year round here too! And our nights always cool off here, so soup when we are camping is a must-have :) I will try to remember to post the recipe for the soup, it is so easy to make, anytime! Have a blessed October! Blessings and hugs :)

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  13. Goodness me, so many lovely photographs … what a summer you've had.
    Belated birthday wishes, and so nice to see your happy mail.

    Our summer in the UK was hotter than usual, but now we are into October the days are cooler, and we've had some pleasant Autumn days.

    Happy October Wishes to you

    All the best Jan

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    1. It has been a busy summer, and thank you for the birthday wishes! I am hoping you get to enjoy some lovely fall days before the leaves fall! I always hate to see the wind in the fall, as it blows leaves away. Our fall here has been lovely so far. Blessings and hugs to you!

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  14. Raspberries and cherries and huckleberries, oh my!

    Early fall never looked so delicious, friend ...

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    1. We are loving fall weather here, and the berries are frozen to be enjoyed throughout the winter, always a treat! Happy fall to you!

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  15. Hello,
    Oh those cherries. I just loved the photos of them in your canning jars. As always love that you share your neck of the woods with us. It is beautiful.
    Best to you my friend,
    Carla

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    1. I love those cherries too Carla, such a blessing to enjoy throughout the winter months! Fall is such a beautiful time of year, hoping you are having a lovely fall there too. Blessings and hugs :)

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  16. What a wonderful summer you have enjoyed, though those wasps and the deer would not have been any fun. Love the sight of all those fabulous strawberries....YUM! Now you will enjoy the glorious hues that Fall will bring. It is a delight to once again visit your beautiful place.

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    1. Oh yes, those strawberries were amazing! We enjoyed them very much! Sadly, the deer finished off my strawberries, and I didn't get a fall crop, which I usually enjoy. Looking forward to next year though with a new fence! I can't wait to see your pictures of spring, I know you must be so excited to see its arrival! Blessings and hugs to you sweet friend!

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  17. Wow this was really fun summer for you as camping is such a lovely idea to get out of routine
    your soup looks so inviting
    lots of beautiful sights
    specially loved the serene water and adorable pet :)

    you neighbor's berries made my mouth water

    hope your new fence will protect you beautiful garden more well my friend!
    more blessings to you

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    Replies
    1. Always appreciate your wonderful visit Baili, we enjoy beauty in so many of the same things! It was a busy wonderful summer, and now fall is here, and we are enjoying it too. Definitely looking forward to a new fence next year! Blessings and hugs to you sweet friend :)

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  18. Wow, what a full summer you have had! I love to camp too and food never tastes as good as it does when it's cooked over the fire! You certainly shared some fabulous scenes and the beauty that surrounds you. And Happy Birthday as well...you received some wonderful gifts! As for me, I am looking forward to fall, as usual. Enjoy the rest of your week!

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    1. I agree that food tastes so much better cooked and eaten outside! We love to camp here, and it is always so enjoyable by the rushing water. Thank you for the birthday wishes, it was lovely :) Yes, we love fall here, it is here in all its fabulous beauty, just hoping the wind we are getting doesn't blow all the leaves away! Blessings and hugs to you :)

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  19. What a beautiful presentation of your summer months...I feel like I was there with you, your pictures are so good and inviting. This was better than sitting down and reading a magazine of pictures...it had your own narration and first hand explanations...and I thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it. Thank you for allowing us to come along with you. Can't wait to see your fall "magazine". Blessings to you and yours!!!

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    1. Aww, you're so sweet Pamela! I'm glad that it is such a blessing to you, I felt sad about not being able to blog much this summer, but since the season passes so quickly, I felt it was better to enjoy it by being outside, I'll have plenty of inside time coming up soon, lol! Fall is here, and winter is pressing in behind. Such is the cycle of life! Always appreciate and love your visits, blessings and hugs to you :)

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  20. What beautiful photos of some beautiful places...since losing Mr. Sweet last summer, I haven't been camping or fishing or anything like that.We loved doing those things...'So glad you had a good summer.

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  21. Oh Marilyn, your post makes me yearn for summer again. Can we go back for just a bit? If only to taste those cherries!!

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  22. Happy birthday dear Marilyn!!

    The news about your garden is so sad. We lost our beautiful crop of tomatoes last year just before we were ready to harvest them, I can't imagine losing my whole garden.

    Hopefully there will be some deer roast on the table this Winter!

    May this new year ofyour life be filled with the joy and peace of the Lord.

    Hugs from Shirley

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  23. Hello Marilyn, What a beautiful blog you have here! Happy Birthday!

    The flowers from your husband are lovely, I think carnations are wonderful and look so pretty next to roses. They last a long time and the fragrance is so nice. Carnations were my Italian grandpa's favorite flower.

    I really like the door in your garden, I just love things like that. : ) Your dog is soooo cute. I have a huge appreciation for God's creatures. They are a Blessing, we have five dogs and five cats and they keep me quite busy and entertained!

    Your blog is a delight!

    Blessings and hugs
    !

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  24. HI Marilyn, somehow I missed this post as it went into my spam folder! I hate when it does that! This is so wonderful, seeing all that you've been up to this summer. The food made me hungry, even though I just had dinner! Those pie cherries are awesome.. and the huckleberries... yum! Sorry for the wasp swarms, the smokey skies and the deer eating your garden. I've had that happen before too.. next year we had the higher deer fence, but they still were able to somehow get in and eat all the fruit from the trees! I love your fall decor out by your driveway, the old bed and the door and all the pumpkins are awesome. For some reason, I love orange and gold and rust during the fall, and that's about the only time of year.. but it just makes everything glow when the trees have those golden and yellow leaves fluttering from them. You definitely have had a very fun and busy summer... making many more wonderful memories. Also.. belated Happy Birthday! Your camping trip looked in the ideal spot. We just sold our little camper.. and now hubby got an older 5th wheel that he promises he IS going to fix up... but I guess I'll see that when it happens. Our camper was almost useable.. but he decided it was too small. Sigh. At least the 5th wheel is a small one but it does have a bathroom in it! Our smaller truck can pull it as it's only about 13 ft long.. a very short one, but the layout inside is really nice. All I can say is "we'll see" if we ever get to use it! Have a nice Fall.. it'll go too fast too! Hugs.. Marilyn

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  25. Happy Birthday sweet friend, and thank you for visiting my blog. You my friend have a beautiful life of nature and friends. A very blessed lady and I am so thankful to get to know you. Enjoy your beautiful state. Are you all getting the cold weather that is pushing in? We are still warm and I am so thankful that we are. Hugs...Teresa

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  26. What a wonderful summer you had, Marilyn! Oh my goodness, I'm in awe of the huckleberries, strawberries and cherries!! You live in such a beautiful area with so much to enjoy and love. Your door in your garden is a pretty addition and perfect for seasonal decor. Happy Belated Birthday wishes to you!

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  27. The deer came back last night and ate most of the rosebuds again and the beautiful coleus...so glad I have my pictures. I have no idea what to do as it is a front garden done for curb appeal. Oh well, I will figure it out.

    Your photos are wonderful. The mountain views spectacular. I can tell that you very much enjoyed your summer with family and friends in spite of hungry deer and wasp hordes. Wasp hordes?! Yikes.

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  28. Marilyn, it looks like you had a nice Summer. The huckleberries made me smile, as one of my favorite songs, Moon River, has huckleberry in it. Can you believe I've never tasted these wonderful berries? The field of daisies is lovely. So many Yummy things growing in your garden. You had an abundance of strawberries, and they look ripe and good. The waterfall looks so peaceful. And you made homemade play dough, that's great! My grandbabies would love that once they get a little older. Your tea and macaron looks delicious, and a happy belated birthday to you. What a lovely picture that is.

    Wishing you happy October days, Marilyn.

    ~Sheri

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  29. Sweet and nice photos. So wonderful te see.

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  30. Seems like you really love flowers :) I love blooming tea as well! It is indeed one of the most beautiful and exciting tea to drink.

    In case if you're wondering where to get quality blooming tea, I have compiled a list here. Let me know what you think!
    https://mybloomingtea.com/where-to-buy-blooming-tea

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  31. Seems like you really love flowers :) I love blooming tea as well! It is indeed one of the most beautiful and exciting tea to drink.

    In case if you're wondering where to get quality blooming tea, I have compiled a list here. Let me know what you think!

    ReplyDelete

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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