Stanley, Idaho is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. Set in the Sawtooth Mountains, aptly named for looking like an old saw laying on its side, its teeth reaching pointedly towards the sky, the babbling river and friendly atmosphere make this small town the perfect place to get away from it all.
The annual 'Mountain Mamma's' craft fair brings some lovely people watching and music to the environment.
Perfect summer day. Ninety degrees, good fishing and lovely company.
It is finally happening -- planting day! My beau and jack-of-all-trades designed and built this bad boy, and after a few weekends of hard work, he is ready to start harboring plant life.
Have you been to Kansas? The nice people there say 'have a good day', and they look genuinely into your soul and really want you to have a good day. I extended a trip to visit family in Kansas City, and had a chance to 'play' retirement with my uncle, where I realized two very important things: 1) I am ready for retirement, and 2) I really like Kansas.
We woke early each morning to enjoy a structured schedule of enjoying life. Beginning with the crossword puzzle, we met friends for chatter and more coffee at eight, then returned home to take the dogs for an hour long stroll. On these walks through pleasant neighborhoods where everyone smiles I was astonished at how beautiful and well-maintained the lawns were. I look back to my photos as a meditation on what retirement, though brief, felt like. It was freakin' awesome.
However terrified I am of large groups of females, my best friend Shannon's bachelorette party was an awesome time, and all 15 girls who attended I now consider way more than acquaintances. Who would think a girl like me who feels much more comfortable with guys would enjoy sharing a bathroom and an entire weekend with a bustling group of girls and hair dryers?
Nashville is incredible... busy, loud, and full of talent. Every bar has a band, and the bars are busy from 10am to 3am year-round. I want to go back to the South to explore the food more and take some time exploring country roads (like a song), as this time we only explored the drinks.
