Ahhh

62 degrees and a fire going.

Perfect!

Put em up

Today I toured the Land of Oz

And we re enacted the movie.

Did I get the cool character?

No, I was the cowardly lion

Complete with singing my part!

I found the courage, belted out my song!

My kids told me to keep my day job!

Sweet smile

My newest little niece

Shy at first

But aunt Kelly charmed her!

Nashville

The city by carriage

Live music every where

I kind of like exploring the honkey tonks

With kids

The only craziness was a stop at the candy store.

Cousins!

i love watching cousins play.  

Sometimes they seem a little big for it.

But everyone loves to play.

I especially love watching my sons be gentle with the little kids.

A preview of the grey fathers they will turn out to be.

Smoked Salmon

What do you do with 48 lbs of Salmon?  Let's try smoking some.

Brined overnight, sitting in the fridge drying out.

Even took the time to take the pin bones out.

The Big Green Egg waiting.

This attempt will be hot smoking the fish.

Next up, cold smoking the fish.

There's plenty to experiment with.

Slow down

I was having some trouble with writing direction today.

Natalie Goldberg of Writing Down The Bones reminds us to slow down.

Let your brain relax

The creativity will come to you.

A short hike later

I not only feel peace but excitement as a new direction takes hold.

Thanks Natalie for the piece and the peace!

Why run up a hill, why?

Here's why:

Hanging with friends

The feeling when you finish

Oh, and the views!

See that tiny dot at the bottom of the mountain?  We started below there!

Salmon Lemon Dill Bur Blanc Sauce

Enough said .

I miss my boys

Having a great trip until I see this

Makes me miss them

I can't wait to see them

Soon my minions.....soon

Connections

Ever had one of those trips where everyone just connects?

Where hanging out is easy?

Where you don't need to impress anyone?

Or take care of anyone?

That was this trip!  What great companions.

Excited to get home and see my boys!0

Rental horror

Traveling with friends

We rent from an unknown rental company.

The car we get us so classy

Barbed wire license plate

Chrome tires

86,000 miles

Oh, and the air freshener 

Birthday fun

Love it when we Oma and Opa just to ourselves!

Great dinner at Paul's!