Home after sunset. . . . . .

~  Spectacular sunset in Washington State ~ 

I'm home again now. North Carolina welcomed us early this morning 
after the 'red eye' flight from Seattle to Dallas connecting to the 
Raleigh flight. A missed night of real sleep, just those little naps again.
So, turning in early tonight and hopefully my inner clock will get 
straightened out again soon!

With Autumn now officially here I certainly have a lot to catch up with.
A lot of garden work required. . . . . . and I need to start hunting for pumpkins.

Arriving in Utah. . . . . . . . .

Arrival in the peaceful Utah valley on a hot August afternoon.

The drive from the city through mountainous scenery was slightly hampered by smoke

from wildfires burning on the ridges. The fires continued during our stay, somewhat 

obliterating the beautiful mountains in the distance, however by our last day the air

was better - you will get to see the clearer landscape in posts to come.

The carriage house, our fabulous home away from home.

Welcomed by our friends with warm hugs and chilled champagne here in the

 sitting room, we immediately fell head over heels in love with this stunningly 

beautiful farm. Yes, this exquisite home is a farm. . . . . . . and, for me, a

 piece of paradise.

As the sun lowered over the distant mountains, the beautiful colors of the

 Italian architect Andrea Palladio (1508-1580) style house, and out buildings,

 positively glowed in the light.

Other residents of this beautiful farm also came to welcome us. . . . . . 

. . . . . . and in fact often showed up at an entryway looking for treats I think!

Looking across to the pond where this year's enormous gaggle of Canada geese

 visit daily. Can you blame them?

This magnificent sunset welcomed us to our first evening in Utah and, most

 importantly, to the fabulous home of a very special lady - and her most

 charming farmer, Mr. G - sweet Gina of the blog Art & Alfalfa.

I know some of you follow Gina and how all of you, like me, have been blown

 away over the years by the photos and stories she has shared from her home

 in the alfalfa field.  

Going to meet Gina and Mr. G has been a trip we've tried to do for a few

 years - this year it came true. It was certainly worth waiting for.

I have a lot to share with you, and thank Gina for giving me permission to share

 some photos I took of her home. I know you will enjoy seeing this piece of paradise

 in a quiet Utah valley.

  

Clyde and Lola - the resident white geese - basking in the warm

light of sunset at the pond.

I have so much to share with you from the days on the farm.

The warm welcome and ongoing caring attention of Gina and Mr. G were

 just unbelievable. From the moment of arrival I knew it was going to 

be very hard to leave. . . . . . . it was, and every day was fun and full of

amazing happenings!

Gina's flowers from the garden - we all know about her 'green thumb' and love to

see the colorful floral bouquets she gathers here on her blog Art & Alfalfa.

Mr. G. gave me a great tip - add a spray of dill to the vase, it will keep the 

water fresh.

Come back later to read more about our very special visit.

Back to the Blue Ridge. . . . . . .

We've just enjoyed a short but sweet visit to western North Carolina.

We met up with some old friends and made some new ones, always fun.

The Blue Ridge Mountains shimmered in the 95F summer heat -

and the sunsets were beautiful. 

These were views from our hotel window. 

Driving home yesterday, the sun was bright , temperatures soaring into

 the nineties yet again. Leaving the higher mountains, the rolling hills were

 many shades of green, and the 'Carolina Blue' sky filled with puffy clouds,  

making the drive so enjoyable. We stopped for ice cream at the half way mark.

Arriving back in Raleigh the heat index was 108F! I quickly ran from the car 

into the cottage which felt wonderfully cool.

As I always say, there's no place like home!