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Saturday, October 29, 2011

Road Trip: Back in Az.

 We made it home from our trip last weekend. I have been trying to get back in the swing of things, catching up on work, emails, bills etc... 
I wanted to say thank you so much to everyone who left a comment while we were on our trip. It was so nice to keep you all close while I was away from home. I won't be responding to those comments personally  this time. I just didn't have the time then (or now) but I do want you to know how wonderful it was to receive them all.


Frank Sinatra sings a song where the lyrics go something like..."It's so nice to go traveling, but it's oh so much nicer to go home" I feel exactly the same. The trip was wonderful and I am so grateful we were able to do it. But, coming home to my house was a wonderful thing!!!

The car problems we had a long the way (God watched out for us and made sure we were always close to a repair shop) took us a little off schedule, so we didn't have a lot of time for sight seeing once we left Tennessee.  I already showed you picks from Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico, but I thought I would end the "trip" with a few picks of Arizona coming across toward Flagstaff.

 I try to see the beauty in my state, but having grown up here I'm sure I don't appreciate as much as I should. I find it hard to marvel at the scenery when I compare it to the gorgeous places I've been. (I'm just partial to lots of green. Trees and water make my heart swell.) Don't get me wrong...There are some wonderful and unique places here in Az. On a clear day you can see forever. (Unfortunately this day was not as clear as I would have liked.)  :)
I was so happy to get this shot!! It's the perfect representation of the West!

And this is perfect representation of how we were all feeling by the end of the trip!
It's so wonderful to be home!

I'll have a fabulous store to share with you next time!
Have a wonderful weekend my friends

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Road Trip...Smokey Mountain Nation Park

 This was our second trip to Smokey Mountain Mountain National Park and it continues to be one of my favorite places to visit.

 The Little Pigeon River runs through the park and is a big part of what makes this area so beautiful.

Of course the trees aren't so bad either.  :)




Here is a little video to help you get a feel for the serenity of the river.

 The woods here are so beautiful and full of the sounds of birds and squirrels.
Rocky was especially interested in the squirrels! :)

Unfortunately, this was the only trail dogs were are allowed on, so Rocky and Jasmine had to stay in the car when we went for walks in the woods.

 The Smokies did not disappoint when it came to gorgeous Fall color either. In fact, one of the things I noticed was the addition of a lot more reds once we entered Tennessee.


I must have looked like a kid a Christmastime as as I soaked it all in!!


I'll leave you with  a little sample of what the drive through the park was like...






Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Road Trip...Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia

 After an unexpected extra few days at our in-laws due to car issues (everything's all fixed now)
we finally made it to Virginia and Skyline Drive. First let me say, Virginia was beautiful. Not just on the scenic drive but everywhere else too! I wish the photos could properly convey how awesome the views were. There was a lot of moisture in the air so the vistas were a little hazy.

The colors here range from brilliant yellow...

to warm russet...



and occasionally a brilliant red.

It was one of the loveliest scenic drives I have ever been on. The weather was a wonderful 70 degrees or so on the mountain and I was a happy happy girl!!!

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Road Trip...West Virginia

 Our road trip continues through West Virginia where we visited Blackwater Falls State Park.
The scenery was absolutely beautiful but the falls took my breath away! The photos I took did not do it justice at all...  

I have a thing for waterfalls. Maybe it's because of growing up in the desert, or maybe it's just a primeval attraction to the sound of water. These falls made quite a loud sound as you can tell from the video, but I still found it to be most peaceful.
 I shot lots of photos of the Fall color from the van. West Virginia was by far the prettiest so far. Each area hits it's peak at different times, and I think we caught WV just right!!




It doesn't show up as well in this photo, but the country side looked like it was covered in multi-colored pompoms.

We are currently staying with hubbies parents and will head out for Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee over the weekend. I suspect the scenery down Skyline Drive and Blue Ridge parkway will be breathtaking!

Monday, October 10, 2011

Pumpkin Tutorial

I'm taking a short break from vacation posts to share with you a link to my pumpkin tutorial again this year. I've definitely been put put in a Fall mood with all the beautiful color I've been seeing on my trip. I can't wait to get home and decorate!!!  If you would like to make some easy fabric pumpkins for your home (they make great gifts too) check out my Fabric Pumpkin Tutorial from 2009.

Enjoy!!

Friday, October 7, 2011

Road Trip...Arkansas, Illinois and Kentucky

 Have you ever been in a cavern underground? I have been through several and they always amaze and fascinate me! The mineral deposits form such beautiful sculptures underground.
 These are shots from Mystic Caverns in Western Arkansas.

We learned that during prohibition days there was a still that operated from within the cave and there used to be giant drunken parties down there!! Wow, the things they did for fun!!!

 Our road trip continued on to Illinois where we visited Garden of the Gods.
It's located in the Shawnee National Forest,  and has some of the best rock formations I've ever seen!!

 There are paths to walk all around the park. The area that is open to the public isn't very large and only takes about 30 minutes or so to explore, but it is very cool!
 (My cute hubby)

 The leaves in this part of the country were just beginning to change.



I took a moment and posed for a portrait with my babies.

 As we drove through the small towns in Kentucky, we saw several roadside stands with mums and pumpkins. I was blown away by the size of the mums and the price was CRAZY!!! (Well, for what I'm used to anyway.) The mums were HUGE and only $6.00 each. They would be $25.00 where I live in Phoenix.


The pumpkins were fabulous. I saw several varieties that I have always loved and wished we could get locally. I love the grey/green ones, the super pale peach colored ones and of course... white!!!

On our way to Cumberland Falls Kentucky, located in the Danial Boone Nation Forest we saw a turn off for Natural Arch Recreation Area. We decided to visit it and it turned out to be one of the prettiest places yet.

 We made the hike down to see the arch close up.

The arch was amazing to see from this angle.

 But my favorite part was enjoying the forest on our way there.

 
 Growing up in a hot and dry climate has caused me to develop a love for all things green and mossy.

I just can't keep my hands off of it!!!

 The Fall leaves here in Kentucky are coming along nicely!



 Cumberland Falls was just a short car ride away. This was taken at the top of the falls.


 There was a beautiful path that took us around to several lookout points.


 This was taken at the bottom the falls.


Look  at the size of that rock!!! So far on this trip,  Kentucky had been my favorite State to visit. The greener a state is the more I like it!!!  Tomorrow we head through West Virginia will continue on to Pennsylvania. I'm not sure when I will have internet connection again as hubby's parents don't have one so have a wonderful weekend and I hope to be back soon!

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