I was reading my friend KB's blog about the beauty of summers here in paradise - particularly this incredibly flowerful, lush, amazing summer - and I couldn't agree more: what a stunning place this is! And I laugh because with each season that arrives - be it fall, winter, spring, or summer - I think to myself: "oh my goodness! THIS is my favorite time of year!" I guess that must mean I really love where I live :D
I hope that soon we'll be able to really relax and truly enjoy all that is around us. For now, we are still in the throes of upgrading and remodeling our property to accomodate the Flowery Mustangs but I feel that the hardest work is almost behind us and I'm excited! I know that all of these projects we are doing on the ranch will pay off tremendously and I always try to keep that in mind. But, I'd be lying if I didn't say that there are days when I long for just taking care of our critters, going on relaxing hikes, and enjoying an iced coffee on the deck.
In the meantime we eek out a few hours here and there to reinvigorate ourselves between the hard physical labor. Mr. smrp and I worked all weekend long moving at least 20 tons of dirt, road base, and rocks from the sides of the driveway to build up the new paddock behind the barn. Thank goodness for Ernie the tractor! And in the past week I've moved about 50 of our big heavy livestock panels at least a few times as I decide what's the best, safest, and most efficient fencing strategy.
We are so close to finishing...it is very exciting :)
Yesterday morning we took the Guppie Tiki Tavis up to the top of Monkey Hill, exploring a new route. It was so peaceful and the views were so wonderful...it feeds your soul to climb up above the trees and look out over the Continental Divide accompanied by your sweetie and some cute fuzzy monsters.
This was the view yesterday morning...
We downloaded a new app to our iPhone and were able to track our route...this is what our hike looked like on Google Earth. Can you see us at the very top? We're waving! Hehe...
And here are some cute and funny pictures of the monsters.
RTT blinking in disbelief that I take sooo many pictures..."not another one mom!"
Sweet Bear posing patiently...
The baby guppie looking oh.so.tortured:
Sigh..this may be one of the sweetest, softest, happiest pictures of Bear Mortimer Guppie, Sr. (Esquire-at-large). It is SO good seeing him look so calm and relaxed and happy-we just passed the one year anniversary of his battle with epilepsy-I'm grateful we are here and I appreciate every day with my adorable boy.
And...a picture with me and The Guppie Tiki Tavis! I rarely post pictures of me (because this blog is about my critters) but this one made me smile. What a great morning adventure we had...I just wish mr. smrp was in the picture, too. I guess we'll have to head up there again soon to catch that :)
Looks like you had a wonderful time. I love the photo of you with the dogs.
Posted by: KB | July 15, 2009 at 07:07 AM
Love the view!
Posted by: wooofwhinnywhisper | July 14, 2009 at 11:07 AM
What a great hike! The dogs look so beautiful and happy! As always! That is so cool that you could track your hike from the iphone! Love it!
Posted by: Paint Girl | July 14, 2009 at 12:44 AM
Wow! So beautiful! Truly good for the soul.
Posted by: Mary Olson | July 13, 2009 at 07:27 PM