Mother Nature

It may be hard to tell what is going on here....

The wind blew this big branch down from a willow tree and when Mike cut it, it didn't fall but balanced from the ground to the tree like this.

The dogs are interested in what's going on in the grass. I found two baby finches there, but no nest. So, I put them in a basket and put it back up in the tree. They were gone the next morning.... and I saw the mama bird with food so maybe they found their "real" nest somehow....?

Golf, heat, busy inn... life !

Mike played all weekend in the annual "Wapiti" golf tournament in John Day, and because I am on the ladies golf board, I ended up helping with the meals for the players. The Inn & RV Park are full with a (low maintenence) paleontology group from Anza-Borrego State park in California, so we were able to take the camper and spend both Friday and Saturday nights at the course. I came home and watered my baby trees and cleaned the shower house while Mike played yesterday and then went back up for dinner and one too many gin & tonics... Like everywhere, it is super hot here. I am sitting at my computer with a wet towel around my neck and a box fan blowing on me. Thankfully it cools down here at night. The photo is the view from our camping spot....that is our golf cart and Mike on the 18th green. Below is our friend Mike Hyatt, his shirt matched his orange andlime green golf cart.

Ladies Golf Night at the South Fork Course

Deb, Cis, Sue and Niki on the 4th tee box. We played "Bingo, Bango, Bongo" and had Dreamcycle (sp?) drinks when we were done. What a fun way to spend an evening, laughing, golfing and enjoying our beautiful scenery here in Eastern Oregon! There were seven of us tonight.

Yeah, I have something to blog about!

We floated the North Fork of the John Day River today... Lyndee, Zak, Mike and I and Zink, Zoe and Zander ran and swam along with us. The weather was probably low 90's, perfect! We caught a few bass, but mainly lots of relaxation and a chance to meet Zak.
We stopped at Kimberly Orchards and saw KC, Zink and Zander's dad. The dad to all three of Zoe's litters. He is so sweet and always remembers us. They have the biggest, darkest male from the last litter, "Max" wish he would have been there to meet, haven't seen him since he was 12 weeks old, now he and "Zander" are 11 months. I think we all had a great day, Lyndee and Zak are camping out along the river tonight :) Be safe my sweetie..........

Moon Rise Last Night

Cross Country Horse Race

We watched the start of the annual 5 mile cross country horse race this year and I think I was as nervous as the riders! They start at two minute intervals and as the waiting horses/riders circle in the field awaiting their turn I could feel their energy and excitement. There were seven entrees this year and I believe only five finished. It is a rough and rocky ride and they run full speed ahead and cross the John Day River en route. I understand one horse shattered its leg and had to be put down. That part is always hush hush with the promoters. I didn't mention it in my reporting to the local paper. I felt like my name would be "mud" (or worse) if I had. This photo is of Pat Horlacher of Corvallis, Oregon. He has won the race two previous times but finished fourth this year. He sure looked like a winner as he took off. The winner was Debbie Kobb from here in Dayville and she ran the course in only 12:18. Fearless, tough, crazy... lots of words for those few who choose to run this one of a kind race.