West Oak Forest ~

We'd driven by the sign that leads to the West Oak Forest parking area many times.  Butch took the day off & I wanted to get out & go for a hike!  There's something about the last days of one year & the beginning of the next...  I get antsy for open space & fresh air.

Butch & Nika~

The weather man gave us one more day of sunshine, with temperatures in the 40's. It's been dry, but rain is coming in tonight & supposed to last through the day tomorrow.

The first climb~

With the highest point over 1,100 feet above sea level, we knew we'd be doing some hill climbing to reach the crest of the hills & the views.

Indian Currant Coralberry~

I've seen the above berries in several of the parks.  Thank you to Jerad G. who provided the ID!  I want to buy some to plant along our back bank!

Butch & Nika, top of the first bluff~

Lucky for us, it's been dry.  There were many places where the trail was very slippery. The ground frozen, with a thin layer of melted soil on top. Hiking here - once we get moisture or in wet weather is just short of impossible. The mud clings to the bottom of your shoes. If you wear hiking boots, they soon become heavy with stuck on mud.

Old root cellar~

As we dropped to the bottom area, between two hills, we came upon this old cave. It was brick lined, with pieces falling from the ceiling. Probably five feet deep, I sure didn't want to go in! Neither did Nika!

The water below is from the March floods. Some of the fields have finally drained.  The smell of rotting plant material is horrible.  Pretty in pictures, but not if you live nearby.

Looking NW - toward Omaha~

The plant below is my nemesis! It's almost impossible to see when you're walking through any kind of grassy ground. I was first introduced to it when I walked Pierce Creek with the rangers, laying out a new trail. Another time - Farah's legs were covered & I had to scrape them off with my hands! Here at home I've found them too - pulling them & putting the entire plant in the trash.

Virginia Stickseed

Tomorrow is the winter open house at Pony Creek Conservation Center - we may stop by. I hope to ask Dessa - the Naturalist there - to help me identify the reddish berry.

Heading back~

With about 3-miles of trails, we ended up doing a loop at the top. We also took a spur trail, but it ended at a private home. Horses are allowed here when the ground is dry. (It would have been tough to get even my horse trailer in the parking area.)

Southwest~

Coming back, the sun was lower in the sky & clouds were starting to move in.  We hadn't eaten since a morning piece of pie...  I was thinking about an early dinner for over an hour of our two-hour hike!   My months on the elliptical have paid off.  I do wish I'd brought my trekking poles for the downhills.

The truck waits~

We spent a few minutes scraping mud off our shoes, on the edge of a rough concrete pad, before getting back to the truck. Dinner in Council Bluffs hit the spot!

Christmas~

I'm sure we broke the record for warmth on this day.  The thermometer topped out at 60 degrees about 2 p.m. this afternoon.  It was such a quiet morning, no planes, trains, or even the little bit of traffic we usually hear.  The birds were singing as though it were spring!

A perfect morning to sit out with our Latte's~

We didn't need to sit in the Cabin to keep warm!  It was beautiful!  I even had a little present outside!  Yesterday, Butch installed an automatic starter on the Explorer for me!  I couldn't unwrap it, but I'll sure enjoy pushing that button on the frosty mornings we're still sure to get!

Nika was Very bad!  Butch let her out last night & she refused to come in.  Without her bark collar, she decided to bark off & on all night long.  I tried each time she woke me, to get her to come in.  No luck - at least not until about 5 a.m. when Butch rattled the dog food container!

In the proverbial "dog house" :-)

I had to take time to admire the view from the front porch, west.  Now, I can see all the way through the timber, almost to the far end of our property.  I can't wait to see what grows this spring!

View west from the front porch~

Daughter Jentry called us through face time.  They've been spending Christmas at Mt. Hood.  Skyla was riding her new hover board like a pro & Josie had already been thrown from her new riding horse, Snowflake!  Time for more training :-)  Ben injured a knee on the slopes - but was walking!

We spent the day with our friends Kay & Linus.  Butch probably broke a record for two Farkle wins!  Kay took the 3rd.  We all ate way too much & enjoyed a day of fun, fellowship, good times & good stories.

Merry Christmas !

Ode to December~

December - an unexpected gift & departure from our usual winter weather.  I've walked out the door, admired the scene & grabbed the camera.

12-11 Sunrise~

Spectacular sunrise on a frosty morning~ (I've had this windsock since living in Redmond, WA - mid-80's.)

12-23 Stunning day~

Perfect days, light breezes, warmth & sunshine. Impossible not to be outside~

12-19 Warbler - which variety?

Quite a variety of birds visiting our feeder!

12-23 Cabin & Timber~

The Cabin, against the Timber~

Merry Christmas to all & to all a Good Night!

December at the Cabin~

December has surprised me again - it's been beautiful!  After last year's weather, it was easy to forget the year before also boasted a mild twelfth month.  I've spent my free afternoons working outside, enjoying the sun.  The very first & largest pile of honeysuckle slash is gone!

The 6th~

 Most of our days, though still getting shorter, have been full of the most amazing light.  A rich, reddish glow from late afternoon - to sunset.  The Serviceberry we planted to the north of the Cabin all did great this year.  After trying evergreen shrubs, boxwood & grasses, I've given up on keeping live plants in pots outside during the winter months.

A new Christmas sign~ Piles of Honeysuckle in the background.

 I found the new little sign - perfect for the Cabin - on a shopping trip with friends to Omaha.  Prairie in Bloom will be a must stop - stop during my excursions to Omaha!

View south from the Porch~

This view is now twice as wide as it once was with the honeysuckle down.  

Toward the creek~

 Looking back at photos I took earlier in the season; it's almost like a different place.  Now, the sun can shine through the trees, without honeysuckle blocking the light.  

Little tree up!

 The little tree spent so many Decembers' brightening up the Cottage, now does the same in the Cabin!  

Door & widows trimmed out & painted~

With all the insulation & paneling done - it's amazing the difference it's made in the warmth of the Cabin. Butch did the trim around both doors & all the windows. 

Night Lights~

The Cabin is looking very festive this season & we're enjoying it!  Santa could pull up in his sleigh at any time!

Greenfield ~

It seems every year now, when the holiday's come round - we make the drive over to Greenfield.  It's the seasonal shop local weekend.  Since we do what shopping we can locally in Glenwood, it seems only fair to give Greenfield business owners a small boost too.

Inside Kelly's Flowers~

Butch had an activity to drive on Sat. & worked Friday morning.  He called just as I was leaving for the Y, to say he'd be home in time for us to make the day-trip. It was a gray, drizzly day, but not as cold as it looked. We took Hwy 34 to Creston .

On our way through town, I wanted to stop at Kelly's Flowers.  Always so beautifully decorated for the holidays & with a wonderful assortment of poinsettias, wreaths & gift.  What I'd forgotten, was that they also serve food!  We stayed for lunch & I found a cute light-up cardinal canvas print for the cabin!

Vicker Welsh Pony Farm~

Going north on Hwy 25 toward Greenfield, I had to stop for a photo of the miniature team!  Sadly, the herd was dispersed in 2006 due to the owners failing health.

Beautiful old signage~

Just a short drive & we were in Greenfield. Our first stop is always Ed & Eva's.  Featuring art-work from Iowa artists, it's a great place to find unique gifts.

Butch at the door~

I always remind Butch of a reason I need to buy more garden art!  The metal & stone animals always draw my attention, as do the metal flowers.  Metal in Iowa works through the harsh extremes of hot summers & cold winters!

Looking out the display window at the Adair County Courthouse & Butch's Truck

The little owl, came home with us.  I've collected a few owls & he won't blow away either!  Another bonus to outdoor garden art of metal & rock.

Nutcracker Collection~

We made our way around the square, finding a few unusual gifts.  There's always a fresh selection every time we visit.  A variety of gift & antique shops that make small town shopping fun.   Just as we were walking back to the truck, a thunderstorm hit!  We stood under an awning, looking at the truck just across the street.

At Sherbondy's

The truck came with a remote starting system & Butch used it.  I told him - I have to wonder if by the time we are really old - he'll just be able to drive the truck to us by remote control!  We finally made a run for it - getting us & our packages in without getting totally drenched.  We ran out of the rain just a few miles out of town!

I did end up buying our yearly Poinsettia at Sherbondy's - they grow the most beautiful plants~

A Clear View~

Almost two-months since I've written a post!  Returning from Washington early October, the  following day, I started a part-time job, two days a week. Something new to learn & occupy a few of our upcoming cold winter days.  Five minutes from home & working at the local Optometrist office.  I'm taking after my Grandmother, who worked for  Dr. Purtzer in Greenfield, many years.  

Saw Whet Owl~

 After a few days of bitter cold (No bugs now!) & two light snows - mid-October - we've been experiencing a perfect Indian Summer!  Temperatures climbing into the mid-60's blue skies & light breezes.  I've spent these last weeks in the timber.  My Ryobi  Reciprocating saw in hand, fresh batteries, leather gloves & most days, Nika keeps me company.

Looking west, drying piles~

With the area between the backyard & creek done, it was the perfect time of year to take on the eradication of the bush honeysuckle.   Researching the plant, I did find the ones here, do Not have hollow stems or branches, but are solid all the way through.  I carried a bottle of Tordon with me & sprayed every cut thoroughly.  I expect it will take constant, vigilance for years, to kill any  sprout from either the stumps, or bird dispersed seed.

Our two additional lot's were totally invaded.  My goal was to clear the second (largest) to the west of the backyard & third (Cabin site).  The Naturalist at Pony Creek Conservation Center  encouraged me to; "just cut them down"!   My problem -  what to do with all the debris?  These bushes are more the size of small trees, many with bases over 6" in diameter & over fifteen feet tall. They produce literally hundreds of berries from just one plant.  I didn't bother to cut off the many branches, unless they were too big to carry.  I began making piles - until the piles were so high I'd have to start another.

The Clear View~

With 360 ft. of creek frontage alone, it's been a massive task. Sunday, I cut down the last!  I'd expected it would take a couple years, but the Sawzall made all the difference.  I went through at least a blade a week.  Two-weeks ago, I started burning the oldest pile from last year.  Butch taught me to light the propane torch.  It didn't take long to make a small pile of ash from all those branches.

Our Quail, from Rusty Birds~

At the Seattle Flower & Garden Show last year, I discovered Rusty Birds!  The perfect garden art for an area not fenced - yet - but mostly inaccessible. It's also freeze proof!  I have a wish list of little birds that I'll find places for here.

Southeast from the west end, brush piles along the trail.  Creek far right~

Behind our house the backyard drops away to another flat section, before dropping again to the area above the creek.  I'm still finding rusted barbed wire, broken glass, auto parts, even rusted tools.  Two trees have grown around sets of old bed springs & another roll of wire.  We've made three more trips to haul away the trash.  (Reminiscent of our early days on the Homestead.)

From the back deck~

 From street level, there's enough elevation change - most of the area isn't visible. I felt like the trees breathed a huge sigh of relief. I think the few that died have been the result of honeysuckle stealing the nutrients from the rich soil. It's as close to indestructible as any plant I've ever seen.

Southwest~

The weather held off long enough for me to get done with all but the burning. That will take a while! A friend gave me tree starts & I have plenty of places to plant things now!

Riding at Bracken~

Sunday, was a busy day all-round, but the sun was shining & Mary & I were both determined to get in another ride.  Leaving on Tue., I knew Monday would be too busy to make another trip to the farm.  Today would be the day.  Besides, it was important for Farah to show Mary her favorite lunch spots! :-) 

Connie & Farah on the trail~

I asked Mary to take us on the trails the way she usually rides. It was the beautiful sections through the ever growing Cedars. The day was so spectacular. October was always one of my favorite months to ride. In Washington & in Iowa too (At least until the Asian Beetles hatch.).  It's hard not to appreciate the thin, golden light & rich smell of leaves.

Mary & Ollie~

Always appreciative of the sword ferns, I could tell they'd had a very good year. Probably in part to the record rain in July. The trailer parking had been completely full when we arrived, a little later than we'd planned. Mary had to park her rig off to the side, but we didn't see a single rider until our way back.

When we'd finished riding Mary's trails, Farah & I took over as we led the way to Tin Bridge.  With the Whitehorse trail closed between Arlington & here, I was glad that the bridge remained open.  Farah didn't hesitate a stride!

On our bridge~

Hearing the thud, thud of her shoes on the wooden planks was a music to my ears. We didn't seen any Salmon in the North Fork of the Stillaquamish flowing beneath us.

Shadow Riders~

 On the far side, Green Valley opened ahead of us.  As beautiful & as green as ever, with the hay all cut.

Stimson Ridge above the valley~

Our favorite riding spot loomed over us on the far side of the emerald valley.  I wish I'd had the time to take Mary up there, hopefully on another visit.  The picnic table was still there!  Mary was pretty impressed that our lunch spot actually had a table :-)

Enjoying the water of the Stilly~

After lunch, it took more than one pass to find the tiny trail through the trees to the river.  The start was hard to find, with the weeds five feet tall.  Farah remembered - the second time by - we took the turn.

My favorite view~

 Being between the ears again was sheer bliss...  We rode back to the bridge & across before taking the other trail going under the bridge.

Back to Tin Bridge~

That trail was easy to find & we came out on the much heavier rock. A fisherman had just caught a large salmon & his dog was trying to help him land it.

Fishing!

Mary took some great photos of him & they exchanged information.

Kisses :-)

 In the meantime, I was enjoying every minute with my mare.  Each minute I knew would have to last me through the months until I can visit again.  Butch teased me - saying I would just come home to re-pack for the next trip!

Along the Stillaquamish~

We did try to ride a section of the Whitehorse, I was hoping to show Mary the slide, but the blackberry had taken over the trail. It was just high enough & tangled enough it would catch the horses legs. Farah was still game to go on, but I wasn't.

On our route back, we had our running hill & yes, we did Run! I warned Mary, to beware at the top, telling her the story of the day Dena I blasted up the hill - spooking a flock of turkey buzzards! Both mares had jumped ten-feet sideways.  We both narrowly managed to keep our seat!

It was dusk again by the time we were back at the trailer. We decided on dinner in Arlington before the drive back to the farm. It had been so much fun to be back in Farah's saddle, riding our old trails. The horses were happy to be home & stuck their noses in fresh hay. I stood in Farah's stall - in the darkened barn - feeding her carrots as fast as she could eat them. She knows now, that when the carrots come out & I get sad, I'll not be back for a while.

Even sad, my spirit is much lighter, knowing Farah seems happy & relaxed in her new abode. She's back on a hillside with mountain views, has a new friend in Mary's young black filly & is back to her old self. She & Mary seem to get on well.  Mary & I did some brainstorming about Farah's future both with Mary & with me too! :-)  I'm looking forward to future visits with my gold girl.