A Day with Carlo and Armanda

Our good friends, Carlo and Armanda, from Holland are here in Utah visiting family and friends. Dennis and I were able to go down and spend a day with them. We have so many similar interests and have so much fun when we are together. When we visit the Netherlands, we stay with them and when they come to the states, we  have been able to get together for a day or two each time.

This time we went and picked them up in Pleasant Grove and then headed up American Fork Canyon. It was really beautiful. The leaves are starting to change change colors and there is snow on the mountain tops so the contrast is really spectacular.

We went up to Cascade Springs and took a walk.

We dropped the guys off at Vivian Park so that they could ride the bike trial down to Utah Lake.

Armanda and I did a little shopping and then picked up the guys. We ended the evening with a nice dinner at Olive Garden.

What a blessing good friends are!

Till next time.

Fall - Love it or Hate it?

I've been meaning to write this post for several weeks now. I have been wrestling with my attitude about the changing of the season. I am mourning that summer is gone and the cold dark winter is just around the corner. I have enjoyed the cooler temperatures and nice weather that comes with Autumn but....

I Love Summer!

I so enjoy being able to walk at 6 in the morning without reflective vests and flashlights - not to mention all the jackets, gloves, and hats.

I love the ability to visit people at 8:00 PM and not think I should be in bed (which happens quite often for me when it gets dark at 5:00). Along with that is the joy of visiting and playing that takes place in the backyards of our neighborhood.

I love sitting out on the patio; swinging on my swing with a nice tall glass of ice water, looking at the yard and admiring all the work that I've gotten done or planning all the work that needs done, reading a good book,  chillin' with my family and friends.

 

I love flowers and watching new flowers bloom, and picnics, and drives up the canyon, and the sound of the kids playing in the neighborhood.

A new little vine I tried this year. Unfortunately I don't know the name of it but the flowers have been  beautiful.

And, Alyna's favorite, getting into a really warm car.
These things I will miss.


But, in Autumn's corner - there is the beauty of the changing leaves, football games and the garden work finally winding up. There is the joy of being able to pull out favorite sweaters and jackets. There is the opportunity to finally start looking at all the "indoor" projects that need to be done but have been put on hold while we enjoy all the outdoor fun.

We went up the canyon Sunday looking for fall colors.

This autumn has been perfect weather wise thus far; nice warm, sunny days and cool nights. That looks like it is coming to an end in a hurry. This morning it was dark and rainy and the high temperature for the week is suppose to drop 30 degrees from yesterday's high of 77.

I almost missed this beautiful rainbow.

So, do I love or hate fall? the answer is definitely "yes."