A September Visit with my Dad

My Dad came for a wonderful visit around the first of September. He was here for three weeks, and we spent so many wonderful days together. It seemed the days just flew past, and that we never got to do all the things we hoped, but we sure did do a lot! 

We took lots of little day trips around our area to see the sights and scenery. 

My garden received several frost hits shortly after Dad arrived.
He helped me put out the sheets to cover my veggies. This helped, and prolonged their life! My first frost in the garden was on August 23! 

Picking the garden harvest! Banana peppers, green beans, and a few strawberries. 

A friend took us out on her boat. What a beautiful day it was! 

Something about old barns that just brings my heart joy!

We found lots of little mountain lakes to explore. 

We traveled our fair share of logging roads, such beautiful sights to see! 

Dad enjoyed snuggles with the kitties... how precious they are when they are sleeping!
How mischevious they are when they are awake  ~smiles~ 

More harvest from the garden!

Blanching and freezing the green beans.

Shredded zucchini for wintertime zucchini bread, or to use in soups and stews. 

Canning time! In this picture, there are canned cherries, candied jalapenos, and pickled banana peppers. 

We took Dad to a local car show... he found some beauties that he loved and knew well :) 

Dad and I enjoyed breakfast together at a local cafe. 

And yes! We celebrated my birthday... Dad bought a large chocolate cake, a cherry pie, and another chocolate/cherry cake.... I enjoyed beautiful cards and gifts from friends and families. It was a wonderfully special day :) 

We met the kids for lunch to celebrate my birthday.

All the special men in my life! 

Beautiful scenery abounded! 

Dad enjoyed the views. 

Zak's family wanted to meet Dad, and they combined it with a birthday party for me. 

Dad, Danielle and I 

Zak made a cheesecake especially for me... so sweet of him!

It was a good, good day :) 

One afternoon Dad and I went up to Priest Lake. 

We enjoyed lunch at Elkins Resort. The resort overlooks the lake,
and the beautiful red chairs line the shoreline. 

The fish-n-chips was amazing! 

Such beautiful scenery to enjoy. 

Love those red chairs! 

Back at home... the mornings are getting cooler,
and frost/fog fills the skies with 
its crisp air. 

Enjoying the last days in my garden before a final frost takes it all. 

The garden at sunset the evening before the frost took it all.  I'd had about 8 frost hits when this picture was taken. That night though... sealed the deal. 

It is hard to go to bed at night, knowing in the morning, when you return
all that you have worked so hard for over the past months... 

... now lies dead on the ground. But I am thankful for the great harvest season I had! 

Soon it was time for Dad to leave... oh it was a sad day! 

We had such a good time together, and we got to see so many
beautiful parts of the area we live in. 

I'm thankful Dad was able to come. We made many special memories together. My Mom had traveled to see her Mom in Canada earlier this summer, and was awaiting knee surgery and unable to travel. 

Mom had her knee surgery done right after Dad returned,
and I am thankful to report that she is doing really well. 
We look forward to having them both visit us hopefully in the spring next year. 

Very thankful for my Dad's visit and all the special memories we made together. 

And I look forward to springtime, when we start... all over again!

But for now, it is time to put the garden to bed. I am busy now pulling up all the dead plants that gave such a bountiful harvest. I am canning tomatoes as they ripen (they are mostly green in my greenhouse, ripening a bit each day).  This was a challenging year of gardening, but I am thankful for the benefits we have reaped from it.  

Soon, October will be here, and Fall colors are abounding. I have taken some beautiful Fall pictures, and hope to share them soon.  I also have an exciting post to share with a giveaway too, so stay tuned for that post! I do hope that my posts will be a little more regular now that the garden work will be easing up for me :) 

With blessings and hugs to all my dear faithful readers, I appreciate each and everyone of you!