My Way Home~

I'd had a busy few weeks.  The best part of the trip was being around for Grandson Mason during most of his cancer treatments.  The successful outcome was a blessing beyond measure!  He has a period of recovery ahead of him, but with his positive attitude & the support of his family & friends, I'm sure he'll break records getting back to school!

We drove south to Sea Tac at oh dark thirty...  Leaving the house at 4, there was no traffic until we were closer to the airport.  Courtney dropped me off & I made my way to TSA.  By the time I was at my gate, she was already home!

Mt. Rainier~

The plane was again half empty.  Whether the change in the Alaska scheduled daily flight to Omaha, or that it was a Tue., I don't know.  We all stretched out, I had a perfect view out my window in the 7th row.  Looking across the isle, I could see Mt. Rainier out the windows on the far side of the plane.

Over the Cascades - dawn~

With that entire row empty, I moved over to get the photo.  Something to remember next time I reserve a seat.  It felt like a luxury flight, with many of the passengers sleeping.

Room for tea~

Again, I had to bring a little plant!  At the Seattle Flower & Garden Festival on Sunday, there was a booth near the end, full of geraniums. I was amazed to find a small plant who's leaves looked all too familiar!

Appleblossom Rosebud

None of the small starts left were in bloom.  I asked the salesman what the blooms looked like & he brought up the photo above on his phone.  He also confirmed that there is a red variety!   I couldn't believe that after all these years I've finally identified my geranium.  I'm looking forward to my first pink blooms!

The flight went fast -  the entire country covered in a blanket of blazing white snow!  I was so looking forward to getting home!  Since September of last year, I've spent more time away than I ever have.  I was getting used to living with a busy family with two teenagers & enjoying every minute!  :-)  But, as they say; there's no place like home & I couldn't wait to see Butch's smiling face!

Over the Missouri!

We were dropping very low & ice crystals were at the edge of my window. It looked positively frigid down there!

Ice flows in the Missouri~

It's some strange looking ice, not what I would have expected & totally different from the blocks of ice that I witnessed in February of 2017 in the Elkhorn River.

Elkhorn River 2-10-2017

Of course the Missouri, is the longest river in the US.  By discharge rate, it is the tenth largest.

At Eppley, the parking area was closed.  Butch sent me a text & told me to call him once I was outside.  I called - he pulled up quickly - but just before I turned into a frozen statue!  The blast of cold wind felt especially brutal since I'd become accustomed to the more moderate, if wetter cold of the NW.

2-27-2019 The swing~

 Butch & I stopped for lunch in Council Bluffs before he dropped me at home & left for the bus barn.  I emptied my suitcase, watered the plants & sat back with a hot tea!  Our normal highs in March are usually in the 40's.  This week we're to break records for both below average day-time cold highs & nighttime lows!

When Blessings Abound!

Our Grandson Mason has shown us what true strength is.  Yesterday he completed his fourth Chemo treatment & was released from his final hospital stay!  He has two more out-patient treatments & visits for various tests.

Relaxing~

As we arrived to pick the boys up, seeing the smile on Mason's face, was one of the highlights of my life.  Life here on earth is one filled with challenges, but when we see such strength of character & resolve in children faced with life-threatening issues - it is a true blessing.

Lots of suckers!

 The nurses arrived with paperwork & Courtney had brought a tray of chocolate cupcakes with chocolate frosting for the staff.  Courtney & Cassidy visited daily for their hugs & kisses & to supply the guys with extra snacks!  Mario Party was a fun diversion for the entire family - but mommy always lost.  Mason is the pro!  Mason's family & so many of his friends were so supportive during his stay & contributed to his wonderful attitude throughout many tough days!

Mason & Dad packed to Go!

David is the best of Dads!  Staying at the hospital with Mason - day & night - giving him the security so important for his well-being.  Sleeping on a pull-out couch had to be less than comfortable.  The nurses coming & going during the stay helped to break up the day.  Of course, that same schedule at night was less than optimal :-)

Mason & his Very Happy Mother~

Once outside, we were waiting for the hospital valet to bring the car.  This is a free service that's much appreciated by everyone!

Mason gets a hug from the other David P.!

The gentleman above greeting us each visit with his huge smile is such a bright spot for every single family!  I'm sure he makes every family feel like they are his personal friends!  

Making out Escape!

 From here, it was Mason's Day!  We went out for a great lunch at his favorite Chinese Restaurant!  Next on the agenda - a stop in Redmond - for Molly Moon's ice cream!  I do have to say it was the creamiest, tastiest ice cream Ever!

Visit with Farah - Last Day's Ride~

The view out the window of the studio apt. was beautiful!  The light of a almost full moon over the tall evergreens.  The next morning the expected sun did not appear, but at least it wasn't raining!  Renee made us smoothies, before we went out to saddle.  Colder than yesterday, but great riding weather.

After we'd mounted, Renee wanted to close the driveway gate.  I decided to see if Farah would remember her one & only gate class?  She did!  We closed one side, closed the other & latched the lock!  Time for a cookie!  :-)

On our way~

I asked Renee if we could visit the lake again, it was almost on our way.  We were going on a tour of the reserve!  Farah again walked right into the water & would have gone deeper.

Rocquell & Farah

Farah has made friends with Rocquell, even going so far as to let her eat her hay, when the storm took down the fence between them. Since she was born on the farm, and Racquell is dark, as Farah's dam was, it may be that she feels friendlier?

Yawning!

I loved to see her yawning again. One of her favorite things was always standing in Pilchuck creek & yawning. Tule Lake is large, at 60 acres. About in the middle of a huge area that had belonged to Weyerhaeuser & probably inaccessible to the public - it's pristine.

Lake Tule~

This is a view that will be imprinted in my mind for a long while.  My once ornery, opinionated mare, seems more subdued now.  Of course I am too...

Us~

At one point we were doing a nice little trot & I lost a stirrup.  Farah instantly gave me that moment to regain it.  She could feel the difference in my seat, but now on day two - I was adjusting.

Into the woods~

We would go from the roads, to the trails & back as we wove our way around.  At one point, out on the road, Farah stopped & I could tell she heard something.  I warned Renee & in another minute a truck came around the corner pulling an empty, banging, utility trailer.  Racquell handled the noise without batting an eye.

The truck & trailer continue on~

It wasn't long after until we made a turn & started up a decent climb.  We could hear the sound of a chain saw & soon saw the man operating it.  We were on the trail & he was cutting a tree that had fallen across.  Though I yelled, he couldn't hear us, so again we took to the road.

View from the climb~

The clouds were just low enough to obscure our view of the Cascades.  Mt. Rainier was not going to appear for us on this day.

Renee & Racquell

Farah loved the climb & wanted to take off, but I told her no.  I didn't feel comfortable enough to let her fly.  Besides, with the terrible winter weather, she hasn't had any conditioning.  Renee & I exchanged stories.  When I mentioned Farah's prowess at endurance, she replied;  "Your glory days."  

Mahonia

The Mahonia has always been one of my favorite NW natives.  The color looked absolutely brilliant on the overcast day.

Our route & Mt. Rainier

Eventually, it was time to turn back.  I was dreading that...  At the farm, we again unsaddled.  Renee led Racquell away - Farah didn't move.  We were both happy to have some alone time.  I worked to do All of her favorite things.  I'd mailed her Epona face cloth to Renee, but it was lost in the mail.  I'll have to order another.  She loved having her faced rubbed with that cloth.  (In the Iowa heat it was especially appreciated.)  She reminded me of all the things she loved me to do & I loved doing them all for her again...  I went over every inch of her, more than once.

Into the distance~

Finally, we both just stood there. I told her how much we love her & she can be certain we'll always watch out for her. I tucked my head into our favorite spot, she moved into me & we both knew the visit was over. I walked over to the car & got the bag of carrots. She ate all that were left, except for a couple we saved for Racquell. I turned her out & she walked over to her water.

I said my goodbye's & thank you' s to Renee, before going back out to the Pathfinder.  Farah looked up from her hay & continued to watch as I drove out the gate.

Novelty Hill~

Needless to say - it seemed like a very, very long drive back north. It was after three when I left, but with new directions, I made good time up to Hwy 167. The only traffic hold-up of the trip, was on Novelty Hill in Redmond, where I sat for ten minutes. I arrived back at Courtney's just as the sun set. Courtney was waiting on the front porch & boy did her hug feel good! It was my longest road-trip since my vision was impaired, well over 400-miles. It felt good to have accomplished it!

Visit with Farah! - First Day~

The wait had been a long one, for us both...

Together again~

I left the hotel, filled the gas tank & stopped at the store for a bag of carrots!  The drive to Renee's was about two-hours & 100-miles north.  I again - had printed directions & additional information from Renee.  I thought I was close, when the road came to an end at a cabled forest gate.  I had just enough cell signal to call out & reached Mike.  He gave more directions & in short order I arrived at the gate below!

I've arrived?

There was a key pad for the gate, but I didn't have the combination.  With no cell service, I decided to park the Pathfinder & hike in.  I hadn't gone too far when I heard the gate open behind me.  I flagged down the car.  As luck would have it, the driver was Renee & Mike's son Brett!  He gave me a lift back to the Pathfinder & I followed him to the farm!

Almost before I introduced myself to Mike, I was heading towards Farah.  I could see Farah with her rear toward the house, having her afternoon snooze.  I called her name!  Her head turned & in an instant she pivoted & came to me!  It was a joyous reunion! 

Renee appeared - introductions were made!  I unloaded my bags into the cute upstairs apartment, where I would be staying.  We had a quick lunch - eating & talking as fast as we could.  Both of us were anxious to take advantage of the break in the weather & saddle up!

In the saddle!

Saddling took a while.  Those who've ridden with me know that I'm usually speedy, but that's with my tack.  Renee was using her western saddle, since it would be Rocquell's first time being ridden out on trails.  I would be riding in a dressage saddle.  The girth was a little too long for Farah.  I wasn't used to the leathers & buckles, but  Farah was very accommodating.  (I'd mailed out her headstall, reins & my helmet to Courtney's in advance of the trip.)  Riding with irons was something I hadn't done for years.

Beautiful creeks~

The forest reserve where Renee lives, is part of a planned community that consists of over 4,000 acres.  Within that area are six communities governed by a Community Council of homeowner representatives.  Yearly assessed dues include maintenance of roads, gates & best of all, a trail system.

Farah & me~

It felt so good, so very good to be mounted on my girl!  Renee mentioned Farah was the most relaxed she had seen her.  We were in our happy place again!  

Renee & Rocquell

Being out on trails, riding through a beautiful, forested area was grand!  Rocquell did very well!  No spooking, with ears forward.  Her walk matched Farah's perfectly - Renee & I were having a very enjoyable ride!  

Blown over Vine Maple~

Somewhat in the rain shadow of Mt. Rainier - there had been a lot of snow & wind.  The roads were graveled, but soft from all the moisture.  Renee asked if I'd like to ride down to the lake & of course I said;  "yes"!

In the lake~

I'd viewed the area on google earth, but had no idea just how beautiful it was.  Farah walked right in, Rocquell wasn't quite ready to try it, but did check it out with her nose.  

Off in the distance~

Every minute was so bittersweet.  Emotions were close to the surface.  We continued on - making what I realized - when I downloaded my Garmin - a nice loop.  This area reminded me so much of the wetland & forested area west of the Homestead where we'd enjoyed our own private trails for so many years...

Our route~

Once back, we unsaddled the mares.  Both had a light sheen of sweat, Rocquell let it be known she was tired :-) It had been a long ride for her!  We brushed them down & put the blankets back on.  I gave both more carrots & cookies.

As Renee made a wonderful dinner, Mike & Bret started a roaring fire in the backyard!  What a surprise & nice way to warm up after the ride!  I am so thankful for the hospitality - since they do - indeed live somewhat out-there!  

Visiting our Oregon Grand-kids - Day Two~

We watched the clouds & drove out to Ft. Stevens.  All our trips to the OR beaches & we'd never visited the wreck of the Peter Iredale.  A dark gray cloud arrived about the time we did, dropping rain.  We waited a few minutes in the car before venturing out.

Skyla & Grammy~

There was a stiff wind blowing & it was Cold!  Regardless, the tide was going out & we could walk around the rusted steel hulk.

Ben braves the cold!

No matter what the weather, I love the beach!  Seeing it on a gray day is as colorful in it's own way - as any other.  The rusted steel had such a foreboding appearance, yet was so beautiful.

Inside~

Even on the steel, mosses have a foothold.

Skyla & Ben - inside the hulk~

The ships mass & size is still impressive, even after over 110 years.

Patterns in the sand~

I couldn't help but notice the patterns in the sand.  Natures art.

Skyla in the rain~

A drop of rain was on my camera lens - but Skyla's frozen smile lit the day!

Ben & Grammy~

Skyla took the above photo!  I was huddling next to Ben for warmth!  :-)  Soon though - the sun broke through the clouds & the day became spectacular!

Sunbreak!

The sun turned the incoming breakers every shade of silver!  

Skyla & Josie flying in the wind~

Next, Ben & Skyla had a race to the top of the dunes!  I'm not going to say who won!  The day had warmed slightly - but was still far from warm enough to be comfortable.

Unhappy Skyla & Ben :-)

Josie took an easier way up - both girls now at the top.  I had a feeling they would be coming down fast!

Skyla & Josie at the top of the dunes~

Competitive as they come, these two made a race of it!  Sand flying!

On their way down!

Of course, their were boots FULL of sand!  :-)

Aftermath :-)

It was all SO worth it!  We all missed having Papa with us - but had a grand time nonetheless!

Hooligan's!

We picked up dinner on the way home for Joe, Ben & the girls. Ben had worked the night before & was due to work again this night. Instead of sleeping - he'd decided to spend the day with us & I love him for it!  When I told the girls goodbye I had tears in my eyes & Skyla asked me why...  I told her it was because I missed them so very much!  Ben picked me up off the ground!  He's been doing this since he was big enough & I almost cried again!

I drove back to the hotel, arriving just before dark.  Jentry came over later & we had a quiet dinner together.  It was so very hard to say goodbye.  This family holds a piece of our hearts with them.