Day in the mountains, homestead style.

We decided to take a daytrip today.  We packed the car, took the dog and went up north to the mountains, lakes and rivers...okay and cool air.  It was almost ninety degrees today. 

So , we dug out our vintage water jug from my mom.  It was on many trips to the mountains when I was a kid.  Extra water, apples, pretzels, sunflower seeds and cheese were added. 

We made a brain power salad from the garden.

Spinach

Blueberries

Walnuts

Brown rice

Lemon juice

We packed everything in one of the bags I made from our feed bags. These are strong and sturdy.

Then put in lamb (that we had raised) into the crockpot .  Ranch dressing mix, a can of chicken soup, and a cup of chicken broth (yep, we made and froze in the past). Add all to the crockpot over the lamb shanks. 

Then headed to the mountains.  Dude has been working with Norman, the dog. I was worried he (the dog, not Dude - wink)would pitch a fit the whole way.  He is really doing much better. He used to bark and howl riding in the car.  Today, he road in the back part of the car. He was quiet the whole two and half hours up to the mountains. (thank goodness)

He stayed calm on our walks too. 

We stopped to see Dude's brother. He has a fun A-frame cabin near a lake...wow!  We went from 89* on the eastern plains to 67* up in the mountains.

You can see there is still some snow visible in the higher ranges. 

Dinner was ready and waiting for us when we got home. (sorry so blurry) It was great over mashed cauliflower. 

I did get some crocheting done and Dude walked and trained Norman when we got home.  All our skills paid off today.

Happy Sunday.

peace 

Northern Colorado landscape and what I am reading

We headed north this morning to get hay.  It was in the same area where Dude grew up and where he and his family farmed.  It is much greener than where we live now.  Here is the homestead we went to today.  

The sheep they raise are all nestled cozy in the little gulley.

They have a steer. 

And some fuzzy pigs... I don't know they name of them. 

Twenty bales loaded and we are on our way. 

Fields are getting ready or have just been planted. 

The mountains have been getting snow while we are a bit dry. 

You can see Long's Peak in the background with snow in the mountains. 

We came home, unloaded the truck and worked an hour in the gardens before heading to a family birthday party.  As always, it was great fun and we were glad to be with family. 

Time to settle in with a book. Here is what I am ready. 

This one is a nurse's diary during WWI.  It is so interesting how people deal with stressful times, survival and even help others along the way. 

Always looking to improve. Plus, I had a sister who died of a brain disease... you never stop looking for answers. 

I love this book. It has a lot of information and beautiful pictures.

peace