Sunday, November 25, 2012

A Little Bit of Sunshine

Clouds over the foothills of the Blues                                 © Diane B. Reed
Finally, a little sunshine in the Valley, a perfect afternoon to head for the hills (the foothills, that is). The rain, fog and clouds have been unusually pervasive, so it's nice to see bright sun, despite the layer of clouds over the Blue Mountains. 

Freshly tilled field in the foothills               © Diane B. Ree
It's only a few minutes out to the vineyards and fields that surround town. Kestrels dot the telephone lines, a deer bounds off toward the creek, and the vineyards are bare and beautiful.

Some of the fields are freshly plowed, others still sport a stubble haircut. It may seem quiet, but there's always work to be done on a ranch. And the wineries are busy with this year's harvest and getting ready for Holiday Barrel Tasting December 7-8. 

Creative sign for Rusty Acres Ranch  © Diane B. Reed
There's lots of back roads in the foothills to explore, and always a new discovery. I  look for birds, wildlife, and man-made items of interest, like the whimsical "sign" at Rusty Acres Ranch to a vintage flatbed truck for sale. No matter how many times I head for the hills I always find something new, (or old in this case).

Truck for sale                                                               © Diane B. Reed

2 comments:

  1. Hi, Diane! I sent a comment on your Thanksgiving message with a allusion to Kenneth Grahame's Wind in the Willows & "Mr. Otter." But somehow it must have gotten lost as I completed the "identify yourself as something other than a machine" requirement. Anyway, I identified with the "stormy weather" photo--as that's ALL we've been having here (tho' with an occasional sunbreak) for many weeks. Today is rainy & blustery. Your photos of blue sky look almost unreal! A reminder that "somewhere the sun is shining," tho' not in Mudville, where "mighty Casey has struck out."

    We were fortunate to get over to Sumner the other day (between rain squalls) & bring back a lovely strawberry-rhubarb pie that we are still eating. I begin to understand why Nora Ephron's list of things she would miss after death included "pie." The Berryland Cafe in Sumner makes the best pies I've ever eaten--our granddaughter Caroline (the fussy eater) had TWO slices when she was here the other day.

    Keep these great blog posts coming in 2013!

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