Close To Home

We travel for two days and found a touch of home had followed us.  Two Leaves And A Bud Tea comes from Aspen, CO,  about 100 miles from our house.  We found it at the wonderful La Provence Bakery where we visit every visit to OR.  I know of no better place to find authentic, delicious French pastries.  I haven't tried all of them yet, but I'm working on it--one at a time of course.

This Sums It Up

Although we got through three outdoor soccer games without getting too wet this weekend, it did sprinkle on us a bit.  I thought this photo pretty well summed up the current season and locale--beautiful, brightly colored leaves and a mud puddle.  There are both oak and maple which provides contrast to the color.  And, best of all--I don't have to rake any leaves while we are in OR.

Oh my, , ,

When I first saw the yellow trees amongst the dark green pines in the Blue Mountains south of Pendleton OR my first thought was that it was typical autumn foliage transforming for winter.  After several miles I realized that wasn't the case at all as they were pine trees (also known as "evergreens") which shouldn't make any change.  I'm sure it's some sort of insect kill which, although a natural part of the system, is still sad to see.  There's a lot of them but there's also some sturdy new trees that so far aren't affected so hopefully the forest will be green again before too long.  And perhaps in some areas the trees can be thinned out and used as they are in CO for building and pellets.  I trust Mother Nature knows what she is doing, though I can't help but wonder if the actions and practices of the homo sapiens has had an impact.  It's a reminder to get out and enjoy the natural wonders that are so prevalent in our country.

The Red Paint Spilled

Somewhere south of Baker City OR was this patch of red bushes which contrasted so extremely with the surroundings.  Since this was "drive by shooting" it isn't the best photo in the world but you'll have to trust me when I report that it was brilliant, beautiful color.  And nowhere else in the area was there a patch of bushes that even approached the red color.  It was a visual gift.

Extremes

Most of our travel on the interstate highway system is posted for 75 miles an hour as the speed limit and that feels comfortable and "normal."  Something new in the northern UT area was a posted limit of 80!  We were quite surprised.  I wasn't driving through that section but my husband thought it felt a bit uncomfortable, though he seemed to adjust quite nicely.

Before too long we were back at the posted 75.  And then we hit OR and a posting of 65!  That seems like we are crawling at a snail's pace.  But it's the law and we slow down.  And we try to think about something besides how much longer it will take us to go the last 300 or so miles.  And we get here--safe and sound and none the worse for taking it easy.

Old buildings have a lot of character and they have a story to tell, though we might not know what the story is.  This shed was in the middle of nowhere but obviously used for something ranching purposes.  That's cattle in the background.  It seems to be holding up pretty well and quite useable still.  Mostly I liked the rusty patches on the tin roof but the weathered wood also adds a nice touch.

Wintery

We found snow in UT, first on Soldier's Summit where there was more to the south side than to the north.  Then later we witnessed snow in northern UT.  Roads were clear and it was bright and sunny much of the day so it didn't really feel or look too much like winter.  I always appreciate it when there's no snow on the road.  And when there's not heavy rain.  And when there
s not a strong wind.  And when the traffic is light and moving along nicely.  That's not asking too much, is it?!