My Modern Country

Clean Up Day...Country Style

2013-05-08T10:14:00.000-07:00

We have been itchin' to get outside and do some spring cleaning. But the weather has not been cooperating. It's just been too dang cold for me to ~~work outside~~ take pictures of my husband working outside. heh!

Unfortunately, part of the
clean up involves cutting down trees. In our part of the world, cutting down a tree is serious business...we usually have a funeral when a tree dies.

We love and treasure each and every tree on the ranch. And before any one of our trees is cut down it has to be dead. Not just dead, but double dead. Sometimes we even wait a year or more, just hoping it might magically come back to life. That line of thinking is mine. Not my husband's. He wanted me to make that clear to you, because he doesn't really go for the magic and fairy dust stuff, like me. He's such a stick-in-the-mud.

Ok, back to the tree business...sorry, you all know how easily I get distracted.

Do to the severe drought our area has suffered over the last few years, more and more trees are lost.

This particular tree was smack dab in the middle of our back yard. It was an old elm, and we hated to see it go....but it's time had come.

My husband is a one-man-show, so he tackled this on his own.

He started off on the ladder, cutting off some of the lower branches.

My job was to stand back with my hand on my cell phone....you know, in case I needed to call 911. Also, I needed take pictures, and stuff.

So, here we go!

Look out belowwwww!

Hmmmm. I think he may be wishing he hadn't started this little project.

I assured him he was doing a good job and we would have this job done in no time at all.

TIMMMBBBEERRR!!

Now it's time for the clean-up crew.

I was helping with this part. Really, trust me...ahem.

How about a before and after?

Before...

After....

THE END.

The Last Few Weeks.....

2013-05-05T05:37:00.001-07:00

The last few weeks have been strange in our little corner of the world.

I'm mostly referring to the weather.

Keep in mind, Colorado does not play by the rules pertaining to Spring.

One Saturday, we were playing golf...in our shorts.

The following Saturday, we were stranded at home by a dang blizzard.

Then, there was this.

As this dirt storm moved through our area, the whole community was reminded of the

"dust bowl" stories we have all heard from our parents and and grandparents. This dirt storm was really not even comparable to the ones known to roll through here in the 30's, however, it definitely made most of us stop and think about that horrible time in our local history.

Have any of you seen the Dust Bowl on PBS? Our area is mentioned on the program numerous times, but it is a little more centered around the Boise City, Oklahoma area, which is forty seven miles from here.

Also, for a good read, you should check out The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan.

Don't Tell My Family I Said That

2013-04-03T13:32:00.000-07:00

So, once again, my REAL job has been interfering with blogging. I hate it when that happens...but don't tell my family I said that. You know, since it's a family business and stuff.

Well, I said "job", but it's really "jobs".

Our Napa store is crazy busy, for which I am always grateful. Our farmers and ranchers are preparing for spring, which means our business steps it up a notch. Everyone is ready to rock and roll...now, all we need is some precious moisture.

AND, my tuxedo business is in high gear with prom season. Remember, if you need parts for your truck, you can also rent a tux at Napa. hehe That's how we roll in a small town!

On a side note, my beautiful daughter came home for a visit....and, she brought her sweet boyfriend.

We all had a great time! The weather was gorgeous, so we played some golf. We didn't keep score, but I'm pretty sure I won....but don't tell my family I said that.

On another side note, right after that wonderful sunny weekend, my in-laws came from Oklahoma. And we had a blizzard. I mean a total white-out blizzard with zero visibility. We were officially stuck in the house, but that's never a problem with them...we had several very "hot" games of poker. I'm pretty sure I won....but don't tell my family I said that.

So now, I consider myself a pro-golfer, AND a pro-poker player. Oh, and you know the drill...don't tell my family I said that.

A Little Pickle Secret

2013-03-19T08:09:00.001-07:00

Do you remember when my husband and I canned forty-seven thousand pounds of dill pickles? (okay, that might be a little on the dramatic side) You can read about that adventure here.

I love our homemade pickles. They are delicious. And pretty.
And they give me a sense of accomplishment...even though my husband is required to help me.

However....I have a little secret. Sometimes I....uhhhh.....well, I buy pickles....at the store. GASP!

Have you ever tried Wickles Pickles? Oh my gosh, they are so good! Just the right amount of sweet and spicey. And perfectly crunchy.

They have other products, too. You can see them here...Wickles Pickles Products. My mom loves their Wicked Pepper Rings, so I'll be trying those soon.

This is NOT a paid review or sponsered post. In fact, the folks over at Wickles Pickles don't even know I exist. When I find something I like, I just feel it's my duty to share it with everyone I know!

Mini Cheesecakes!

2013-03-11T08:58:00.000-07:00

When I saw this recipe in Family Circle Magazine, I knew I had to try it. They turned out so cute and yummy, I just had to share them with you.

I started out topping them all with fruit...to keep them on the healthy side.

Then, I just couldn't help myself...I had to do one with chocolate. And caramel.

These were so easy, and fun to make! Let's face it...the possibilities are endless with toppings. Just get creative and add whatever you love.

The recipe is actually from Philadelphia Cream Cheese, here is my version.

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
3/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. sugar, divided
3 Tbsp. butter or margarine, melted
3 pkg. (8 oz. each) Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
1 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs
1 cup whipping cream
Toppings: fruit, chocolate, caramel...etc.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Mix graham crumbs, 2 Tbsp. sugar and butter until blended; press onto bottoms of 18 paper-lined muffin pan cups.

Beat cream cheese, remaining sugar and vanilla with mixer until blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each one just until blended. Pour or spoon over crusts.

Bake 25 to 30 minutes, or until centers are almost set. Cool completely. Refrigerate 2 hours.

Beat whipping cream with mixer on high speed until stiff peaks form; spread onto cheesecakes. Top with blueberries or your favorite fruit. Or...chocolate and caramel!

Makes 18 servings

Spring Forward....Into The Snow!

2013-03-10T08:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Spring Forward Day!

As I shuffled my way into the kitchen, it was still dark outside. Wasn't sure if it was 4:30 or 5:30...it always takes me a little bit to adjust to a time change. Either way....it was EARLY.

Here are a few shots of what it looks like around here this morning.

Took this first picture while it was still dark outside....see... I told you it was EARLY.

After the sun came up I ventured out on the porch.

Now, my hiney is parked in front a blazing fire...

Have a great day!

Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches...Country Style

2013-03-04T05:00:00.000-08:00

I know it doesn't take a rocket scientist to make a good Philly Steak Sandwich, but my crew LOVES these. And, it's so easy, I wanted to share.

Before we start, let's get one thing straight...I'm NOT a food blogger. I leave that to the professionals.
So, just hang in there with me, and know you will love the end result. Oh, and if you don't cook...you, too, can do this. Yes, it's that easy.

First, get a chuck roast. In my opinion, it MUST be a chuck. A chuck cooks perfectly every single time, and is fall-apart delicious.

I use a frozen chuck roast, because I can put it in the oven on my lunch hour.

Pre-heat oven to 250 degrees.

Place frozen roast in roaster pan or dutch oven.
Add 1/2 cup of water.
Season with whatever turns your crank. (sorry, shop talk...it's hard to leave it at work)
I like garlic salt, pepper, and onion powder.

Cover and place in pre-heated 250 degree oven. I realize you don't need this picture of my oven, but what the heck!

The roast should be perfectly fall-apart done in about 5 hours. Remove from oven. With two forks, roughly shredd.

Slice one meduim onion and one large green pepper. Saute in olive oil until tender.

For those of you who like mushrooms, by all means, please slice some up and saute in butter. I do this in a separate pan, because my husband doesn't want them touching any of the other stuff which will eventually make it to his plate. He calls it "mushroom contamination".

I don't have a picture of my lovely mushrooms. See, this is exactly why I am NOT a food blogger. Really, I have no business sharing this post. I might just keep it as a draft. You know... to remind myself, why I am NOT a food blogger.

However, if you are reading this, then you know in a moment of insanity...I hit the "publish" button. I apologize in advance for that.

Pre-heat the broiler.
While the veggies are cooking, spread some butter on both halves of a subway roll.

Place on a cookie sheet and broil. Watch these babies like a hawk, because when you broil, things can run amuck very, very quickly. This is not the time to check your e-mail, send a tweet, or call your mom. I know this from experience. Another reason I am NOT a food blogger.

Broil until lightly toasted.

Remove the top half of bun from pan, and set aside.

Assemble sandwich with an even layer of meat, then an even layer of veggies.

I am sorry for the photos you are about to see. They are the most unappealing, unappetizing photos you will ever be forced to look at. That reminds me...I need one of those fancy schmancy cameras that food bloggers use. Well, actually most bloggers use them...unless you're me.

One slice of swiss cheese, cut in half.

Put back under broiler for a a few minutes. Once again, watch it like a hawk. I mean it, people.

Taaddaa!!

Put the top half of roll on and serve while hot.

My guys love for me to add their favorite classy side... of...ahem...tator tots.

Love,

Me (Not a food blogger)

Blast From The Past....Telephone Booth

2013-02-28T16:59:00.001-08:00

Hello....hello?...helloooo?

Can you hear me now?

This little jewel is located in a community a few miles north of us. Actually, all of us country folks in this small corner of the world consider ourselves "one" community.

And speaking of "little", this might possibly be the world's smallest United States Post Office.

This post office may be small, but it gets the job done for this community!

So tell me, are phone booths extinct in your area? Inquiring minds want to know.

FFA Week Finale

2013-02-25T16:36:00.000-08:00

The final activity for our FFA Chapter, is a dinner and a "hired hand sale".

It's not just any dinner.

It's a dinner most of our community waits for...all year long.

It's a Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry. Otherwise known as a big shindig, in these parts.

If you don't know what Rocky Mountain Oysters are....well...you probably don't want to know.

The kids do all the prep work, cooking, frying, baking, serving, and then the clean up. All the parents have to do is...show up hungry!

This is the outdoor fry shack.

Inside, the boys are busy fryin' up the goods.

They take this responsibilty very serious...no adults allowed!

When it was all said and done, 130 pounds of ~~calf fries~~ Rocky Mountain Oysters, were served. And devoured. In addition, 115 pounds of slow cooked beef, was also served.

Hey, I know these people.

My brother, my mom, and my precious great-nephew.

Actually, I know everyone here. It's a small community, and everyone knows everyone....and their business.

Hey, I know this handsome man, too.

Yes, it's my beloved. See the quilt hanging in the background? That's the "brand quilt".

Local ranchers can buy a square on the quilt for their individual "brand".

Then, several very talented women lovingly donate many hours putting the quilt together. Each year it turns out absolutely beautiful! At the end of the evening there is a drawing, and the quilt is given away to one of the brand owners. The money raised from the quilt is used for FFA scholarships, to be given to our qualifying seniors.

Once the quilt is given away, the auctioneer takes his place, front and center. Then 33 of the FFA members are auctioned off in exchange for 8 hours of labor.

Currently with the auction plus donations, the chapter has raised over $16,000.00!

What a wonderful, supportive community we live in.

On the flip side, everyone here witnesses first hand, these FFA members involved in numerous community projects, all year long. If someone needs something done, who do they call? Yep, the FFA!

Drive A Tractor To School?

2013-02-24T15:33:00.002-08:00

Last week was National FFA Week. If you are not familiar with FFA, you really should check out your local chapter. You won't be disappointed. I promise.

In the United States there are over five hundred thousand members. That's a lot of kids.

Our small high school has a total of ninety-five students. Of those students, seventy-two are members of my husband's FFA program.

They kicked off the week with Tractor Day. On this day, it is perfectly acceptable to drive a tractor, a semi-truck, a combine, (or whatever piece of ag equipment floats your boat), to school.

The kids love this! Even if it takes some of them an hour to make the drive from their farms.
And the best part....blocking the Principal's parking space before he gets to school. It's a tradition, and he's a good sport.

Then on Tuesday, my husband and his loyal FFA members, have a petting zoo. The elementary teachers bring all of their classes, as well as, the pre-school and daycare children. It's another tradition my husband has established, and everyone (big or small) looks forward to it.

Roping lessons!

Oh and there's more FFA Week.... to be continued!

Snowy Colorado Sunset

2013-02-23T06:16:00.001-08:00

Hope you all had a great week. We had another busy one. It was National FFA Week, so my husband and his kids had numerous activities going on. I will share some of the highlights with you asap.

In the meantime, here's Thursday evening's view from my porch.

Have a groovy weekend, and stay warm!

Linking up with Skywatch Friday

The Cows Came To Visit

2013-02-03T16:40:00.000-08:00

I actually had Saturday off. I was home alone, and enjoying my coffee, when my phone rang.

I didn't recognize the number, but I did recognize the voice on the other end. He said, hey, Darcie, can I bring my cows over for a little while this morning?

Now, that may seem like a strange request to some. But when you live in the country, AND, you have empty corrals, it's a perfectly normal request.

They were going to "drive" the cattle with four wheelers to our place, and push them into our corrals. Then, load them into a stock trailer to transport them to another location.

Here they come!

These cows went right in through the gate, just like they were supposed to. Thank goodness, because I was trying to help, but...ahem...I was really busy taking these pictures.

Oh, and there was this one girl that I developed a special bond with.

She stood out like a sore thumb, from every single other cow in the herd.

Love,
Blondie

Friday Funnies

2013-01-25T04:29:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday, my dear friends!

Don't know about you all, but I have been busy. Very, very busy. There's work, and Pinterest, and chores here at The Casa, and Pinterest.

Did I mention Pinterest?

Anyway, here's a couple of things that made me smile this week. And laugh. And crack-up.

Source: someecards.com via Darcie (My Modern Country) on Pinterest

Source: littlewhitelion.com via Darcie (My Modern Country) on Pinterest

Source: grandmajuice.net via Darcie (My Modern Country) on Pinterest

Have a fabulous Friday, and a groovy weekend!

Love,

Blondie

My World Turned Upside Down...Literally

2013-01-23T18:06:00.001-08:00

This is a little story about our Christmas. Yes, I know it's late, but...stay with me.

On December 22, I was busy cleaning, organizing, slicing, dicing, and chopping. Oh, and wrapping gifts. We were hosting both Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. So, we wanted the house and all the food for our seventeen guests to be perfect. I had a little cold, but no big deal, as I was on the tail end of it.

Or so I thought.

Throughout the day, I noticed a few little dizzy moments, but didn't think too much of it. There was just too much to do. Who had time to worry about a little dizziness? Christmas Eve was going to be fabulous with prime rib, finger foods, and fresh seafood flown in from Alaska with my nephew. Ahhh, my mouth is watering just thinking about it.

When I finally decided to go to bed, IT happened.

The minute I layed down, my whole world started spinning. Out. Of. Control.

After fighting this for hours, I moved to the couch, and realized it was better if I stayed propped up and still. Very, very still. I mean, even if I moved my eyeballs, the world started spinning again.

All I could think about was an experience that my Aunt Myrna had, as well as, my blog friend, Dianna over at These Days Of Mine, had blogged about. Vertigo.

Thanks to these ladies, and Google, my husband and I decided I was a victim of the evil, horrible, Vertigo.

Thankfully, I have a terrific sister-in-law, who jumped in and hosted all of the Christmas festivities at her house. She only thought she was "off the hook" this year...hehehe. Seriously, she was such a good sport, and I was so grateful that everyone was still able to enjoy all the wonderful food and cheer.

On another note, we have had a very busy start to the year, as well as, some life changing news. Not to worry, we are all healthy and happy, and looking forward to the rest of 2013....hopefully, Vertigo- free!

White Chicken Chili

2013-01-06T14:14:00.000-08:00

Howdy friends! I'm still here. I know you all probably thought I had finally sold out and bought a one way ticket to the Virgin Islands. Hey, when I do that, you will be the first to know. Pinky swear.

They have internet in the Caribbean, don't they?

Since I'm here, and it's freezing cold, thought I would share this awesome White Chicken Chili recipe.

It's delicious AND easy!

And it will warm your bones.

My sister-in-law first shared it with me last year, and it became an instant favorite.

White Chicken Chili

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can (4oz) chopped green chilies
3 tablespoons flour
2 teaspoons cumin
2 cans (16oz) Navy or Great Northern Beans
1 can chicken broth (14.5oz)
*1 1/2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast

Optional garnishments:
Shredded cheese
Sour Cream
Salsa

In a dutch oven, cook onion in oil for 5 minutes or until transparent. Add chilies. (I use "hot" chilies, 'cause we like to keep things spicey around here) heehee.
Add flour and cumin; cook and stir for 2 minutes. Add beans and chicken broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 10 minutes or until thickened. Add chicken; cook until hot. Garnish with whatever makes your boat float.

*Note: I take a couple of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, drizzle with olive oil, then season with chili powder, garlic powder and salt. Then bake them for 20 minutes, or until cooked through. I love the flavor of the chicken so much, that, I usually bake a few extra to use during the week.

Here is a picture of some of the ingredients, for friends in other countries :)

Rustic Christmas Mantel

2012-12-09T14:27:00.000-08:00

Well, I finally dug myself out of the mess from the last post, and thought I would show you our mantel.

It's probably one of my favorite parts of decorating for the holidays.

I usually keep it rustic, since we live in the country, and...well...I like to stick with overall theme. Hey, if I go with the rustic look, nothing has to be perfect. Which is just the way I like it.

This year I decided to go with stars. I didn't have to buy one thing....my husband was so proud of me.

A couple of years ago, I bought these metal reindeer and snowflake stocking holders at an after-Christmas sale. They were a steal and I still love 'em. Peeking out from the greenery, is that "Believe" sign I somehow managed to make.

I found the old window frame out in the barn. And the stars, were in my storage closet.

Ta-da! My mantel...rustic...not perfect...and all from items I had on hand.

Linking up with

The Fall vs. Christmas Explosion

2012-12-02T13:32:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, we arrived home from our Oklahoma Thanksgiving trip. Rumor had it, that we were going to decorate for Christmas on Sunday.

Keep in mind, when we left for our trip, my house was left in it's Fall glory.

Now, I'm just as excited decorate for Christmas as anybody...however...on Sunday morning I just wanted to hang out with my coffee. And my heated throw blanket. I just needed to get adjusted...you know, with the altitude change, and stuff. (the word altitude looks weird-but, have no fear... I spell checked it)

But, my crew was just too excited.

Before I could get myself together, and pack up all the Fall stuff, they started carrying in Christmas totes. And the tree.

They were in such a hurry, they brought the wrong tree.

Dude, you have to wait for me to supervise this stuff.

So, then they had to remove the wrong tree.

That bought me a little time...to stay on the couch.

In my robe.

Under my heated blankie.

Here is the result when certain people get in a hurry changing the decor.

Good Lord, give me strength. Can't a girl even finish dusting?? Oh, and that yellow gun on the table? It shoots little disc thingys, and we had just had a heck of a shoot out in the middle of the decorating festivities. Ahhh. The holidays at their finest.

So, along with the pumpkins and various gourds, there were angels, stars, snowmen, ornaments, tissue paper, AND 438 disc bullets.

I swear...at this point there were still pumpkins on the mantel.

Sometimes, you just gotta go with the flow.

Which is exactly what I did! There is just something so magical...so special...about decorating for Christmas.

I promise, things have straightened up around here, and I will show you the final result soon.

I might even show you a picture of me shooting our pumpkins.

Yes, it's tradition. We take the pumpkins out and shoot them.

We call it target practice.

Hey, when you live in the middle of nowhere, you have to make your own fun.

Have a great week, my friends!

A Pecan Story.

2012-11-28T13:46:00.002-08:00

We all love pecans, right? We put pecans in everything we bake...well, almost everything,

Pecan pie, cookies, cakes, brownies, cinnamon rolls, Better Than Sex Dessert, ya....pretty much everything.

If you have purchased pecans recently, you know they are pricey.

They are Higher than a cat's back. (our standard phrase for pricey)

There are many, many perks to being married to an Okie. One perk, I wasn't expecting, is....I haven't bought pecans in eleven years. Since the day we were married, my sweet mother-in-law, and grandmother-in-law, have graciously provided me with bags, and bags of pecans.

They spend hours on their hands and knees picking up the little jewels. Then they spend hours and hours cracking and cleaning out the shells.

On our Thanksgiving trip, I was thrilled to get to participate in the "picking up" part.

For those of you who may be new around here, my little helper is my great-nephew. He has been my "right-hand man" since the day he was born :)

It was a fun assignment, and we ended up with several bags full of loot. I'm tellin' ya, there's gold inside these shells.

~~Fortunately~~, there was not time for me to help with shelling and cleaning ;) Actually, we will be going back over New Year's, so I'm sure they will save some for me to do.

I'll let you know how that goes....

Thanksgiving Plans AND Black Friday At Target

2012-11-19T04:38:00.002-08:00

You all know I live in the middle of nowhere, right? And, the fact that I usually host Thanksgiving Dinner at our house (in the middle of nowhere), means no Black Friday shopping for me.

However...this year is a little different.

We are heading to Oklahoma to spend the holiday with my husband's family. And, I'll be honest with you...I CAN'T WAIT!

I dearly love his family, and we always have such a wonderful time with them. It will be absolutely amazing to indulge myself in their super yummy holiday feast.

Oh, and another little perk...I get to participate in Black Friday shopping! Yay!!

One place I want to go is one of my all time favs.....Target. The nearest Target to our house is three hours... you read that right...THREE HOURS, away.

And one of the first things I want to check out is one of these little beauties:

photo source

Isn't she pretty? I don't have one of these. In fact, I'm still using my little hand mixer which I received in 1986. It's harvest gold. What I'm trying to say is...I need a new mixer.
It just so happens, that Target is calling my name with this deal:
Black Friday Sale - Buy KitchenAid Artisan 5-qt. Stand Mixer, Get a $30 Target Card - 11/22-11/24 Only

And then....there's this little jewel of a deal:
Black Friday Sale - Buy an Apple iPod Touch, Get a $40 Target Card - 11/22-11/24 Only

I just love it when I can buy something I really want AND receive a gift card.

I'm thinking one could use the gift cards for Christmas presents. Ta Da! Pretty clever, eh?
See, I'm not totally selfish.

So, tell me...what are your Thanksgiving plans? Are you hosting or are you a guest? Are you going join in on the big Black Friday shopping day, or stay home and hang Christmas lights? Inquiring minds want to know.

Whatever your plans, I wish all of you a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!!

Love,
Blondie

I am enrolled in Target's affiliate program, however, I wouldn't be telling you about these Black Friday deals, if I didn't love 'em already. Thanks for supporting my blog.

Snow Dog, Naked Chicken, And....

2012-11-16T14:29:00.000-08:00

Remember last week, (or maybe it was the week before that), when I fell off the face of the blog world? I had the opportunity to go through some photos, and I found a few I wanted to share...

I apologize in advance for the naked chicken.

Baxter, The Snow Dog.

Baxter, The Flying Snow Dog.

The Husband On The Tractor. I thought my car could make it through a little snow drift.

Turns out....I thought wrong.

Beer Butt Chicken.

Sorry....I just had to throw this one in to see if you were paying attention.

HAVE A GROOVY WEEKEND!

Current Location: The Real World

2012-11-14T09:04:00.000-08:00

Howdy! I'm sure you all have been wondering, where in the world is that one girl, from that one blog? (yes, I'm fifty years old, and still refer to myself as a girl)

Since you all have been worried sick, and checking my blog everyday, and sending out hundreds of thousands of emails...I thought I better check in.

I fell off the face of the blog world, but, I didn't fall off the face of the real world.

Today, I will leave you with a piece of advice from my current location...The Real World.

If you are like me, and use a crockpot, there are two very critical steps. Especially if you are like me...and live in the country...you can't just run home during the day and take care of the gosh dang things you may or may not have forgotten. So, before you leave the house, make sure you have done the following:
a) plug in the crockpot
b) turn on the crockpot

In closing, the following picture has nothing to do with anything in this post. I just wanted you to see that I know how to shoot a gun.

The End.

That One Time A Mosquito Landed On My....

2012-10-23T15:50:00.000-07:00

I'm not quite ready to give up summer. Although, I love Fall, I'm still hanging on to summer...just a little bit.

Last night, I spent some time going through the pictures on my camera card. I found lots of stuff to show you guys...sorry, but in the near future, you may be subjected to photos of hummingbirds, campfire food, and lakes nestled in the mountains.

But not today.

Today my friends, I have to show you this strange and confusing picture. I took this while we were camping.

This photo confuses me.
This mosquito confuses me, but hey, to each his own. Right?

Have a great week my friends,

Love,

Confused In Colorado

Saturday Showcase Linky Party!

2012-10-20T07:37:00.000-07:00

Update...I know it's Sunday, but for some reason this didn't post yesterday.

Hi everyone! The Saturday Showcase Linky Party is back, and it begins NOW!

The last party was so much fun, I can't wait to see all the totally cool things you have for us this week.
(In case you missed all the fab Fall Decor submissions from the last party, you can see them here.)

I want to showcase your posts with Fall crafts, Halloween "anything", including recipes, and any Fall posts, in general! So, I know you ALL have something to submit.

Add your link below, and give some bloggy love to a few of the others :)

I also have a button for you, not required, but super appreciated!

Let's get this party started!!

I love this...so cute and hilarious. And, yummy.

Source: cnbc25.net via Tina on Pinterest

Now, it's your turn to strut your stuff!

Eye Candy

2012-10-18T15:49:00.001-07:00

It's getting cold.

And snow is just around the corner. As I sit here and type this, I am sitting in front of a roaring fireplace.

You all know that Colorado is a beautiful place to live, and I am blessed to live here.

BUT...you also know I am a beach bum at heart.

This is what I consider Eye Candy.

The Maldives.

Source: boatshowsrilanka.com via Joe on Pinterest

Trunk Bay, St. John Virgin Islands.

I have actually been here. Snorkeled here. Layed on the beach here. I can't believe I left.

Source: skinnywriter.blogspot.com via Susan M. on Pinterest

This hammock has my name written all over it. Can you see it? I can....

Source: come-to-africa.com via Lisa on Pinterest

And this, my friends, is where I will be blogging and tweeting from very soon.

Source: google.com via Maya on Pinterest

Just as soon as I win the lotto.

I'm a believer and a dreamer....

Colorado Autumn

2012-10-16T08:51:00.001-07:00

I realize Autumn is in full swing, however, I am going to step back a few weeks.

On our last camping trip, we were lucky enough to see the trees just beginning to strut their Autumn colors.

Can you see that green roof top peeking through the trees? Well, I want to live there.

And....it's for sale.

I really wanted to drive up the narrow road and have a little peek around.

But, the husband didn't want to.

I begged.

And I pleaded.

But he wouldn't change his mind.

I guess it had something to do that little NO TRESPASSING sign. I just didn't think that would apply to me...you know...being a potential buyer and all.

Love the man to pieces, but he can be such a stick-in-the-mud. Has to follow all the rules and stuff.

He's just not very adventurous.

Wait....this is the same man who used to rodeo every weekend. And by rodeo, I mean... he rode bulls. And buckin' broncs.

So, I take that back. He is adventurous.

He's just a little more responsible than his wife...

Enjoy the rest of your week!