Another Fall weekend day!

Today is a lovely overcast 60ish degree day. We started a fire in the hot tub this morning ~ It is currently 100-degrees and will be ready for a soak later today after we are done working in the yard. Steven and I relish the times we soak together and have commented on many an occasion that the hot tub was the best purchase we ever made! We especially enjoy it after a long work day during the week ~

Fall 2007

Well, it's that time of year again! With Fall, come leaves dropping everywhere. I raked the back part of the property yesterday. It feels good to accomplish that! We dropped a large pine tree a month ago. We needed to split the wood! We also had another bunch of wood from last Fall that had aged through the year. We split the rental cost of a wood splitter with our neighbor a few weekends ago; Steven split the majority of the wood and I received a lesson on how to work the splitter! Steven split while I wheelbarrowed the cut wood to our wood pile across the driveway. Steven's stamina is amazing! He just works and works! I actually stepped in and told him to take a break ~ He looked exhausted that day... We enjoy the process of preparing for winter ~ ...and the cozy warm fires are the greatest reward of all!

Lake Engelbreit weekend in September, 2007

We spent a rainy weekend at the houseboat with a fire roaring most of Saturday. The rain was pouring off and on Saturday so we stayed on the houseboat and relaxed. We were able to catch up on some much-needed rest that day...
Steven was able to surf on Friday evening and again on Sunday morning. I prefer single skiing and was able to play a little on Sunday. The water was clear and glassy -- So much fun.

Lake 11 ~ Summer 2007

Steven and I were able to escape to one of our favorite spots in the world this summer! We took a whole week and split it between Lake 11 and Ashland Oregon. We rested and relaxed at our camping spot for part of Saturday then took a day hike to the other lakes with the dogs! They swam and enjoyed every minute of it!!

Summer 2007 -- more photos of Lake 11

Steven and I absolutely love this place. It is near Soda Springs and Lake Sterling in Northern California (near Truckee). It is majestic country where the air is pristine and the water crystal clear. On this particular day, we took a day hike and then I napped and read my book. The day lazily crept by from sun up to sun down. The relaxation from that day sank deep ~

puppy fun in the garden in late March 2007

The puppy phase was so much fun! Once they were vaccinated, we were able to bring them outdoors and that was an adventure...as you can see! Sadie (and Woofer) were really instrumental in keeping all 9 in tow. It was such a cute sight!! Happy memories... and such a fun chapter in our life here!

Summer boating 2007

We spent a couple of weekends boating this summer. The girls enjoyed wakeboarding! Johnny came up for a visit and came boating with us twice during his visit. Janice wasn't able to make it up yet as she had job obligations prohibiting her from coming up to visit for more than 2 days. It's a long way to come for such a short visit. She is anxious to spend some time with us on the boat (we are anxious to see her and spend some time together too!!). We look forward to a visit very soon...

family pict

We went to have our picture taken when Johnny and Janice were up at Christmas time. We actually made the appointment for Christmas Eve day. It was good to document our happiness to be together during the holiday season. We had a wonderful Christmas together ~

puppies!!

Well, as you can see, we have some exciting news!! Sadie delivered 9 healthy pups on Monday, February 12!! We have 7 males and 2 females. They are healthy and thriving -- it has been a fantastic learning experience for all of us. We just love to hear the noises and squeaks they make!! Sadie has been quite a trooper through it all. She is a doting mother and quite attentive to them all. We are very pleased with her performance thus far.