Slippery Rock Creek, Western PA – November 27, 2015
“Don’t wait for
extraordinary
opportunities,
seize common
occasions,
and make them
great.”
-Orison Swett Marden
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
PS If you look closely, you will find my hubby in this photo. This was a beautiful spot we stopped at that he wanted to share with me on our way back from Thanksgiving in Conneaut Lake, PA.
Cherish the Moments!
I try to take a walk most every day. It’s a good thing for me, and Mikey loves it too!
Working from home allows for my walk to sometimes be first thing in the morning, sometimes during a “lunch break,” and sometimes just a random “need some fresh air and a stretch” time of the day.
My walk is usually the same 2-4 mile stretch depending on the amount of time I have.
As I was walking this beautiful Fall afternoon, I noticed how different the trees and leaves looked compared to just a day ago. I noticed how different things looked when it is cloudy compared to when it is sunny.
I am fortunate to live in a place on this beautiful earth of ours that enjoys four very distinct seasons. Western Pennsylvania’s weather ranges from as high as 90-100 degrees F in the summer to as low as 0 degrees F (and occasionally even below zero) in the winter. Springs are typically wet and lush. Fall is crisp and colorful.
So even though I typically walk the same “path,” the look and feel of it varies dramatically depending on the time of year, time of day, weather, and/or the people or things I encounter along the way.
And what I’ve learned while carrying my camera is there is something new to be discovered every time I walk.
So this section of my blog will be devoted to sharing random shots caught on my daily walks with my camera.
I hope you will enjoy and provide feedback, tips, suggestions, and help me learn to not only hone my self-taught photography skills, but also my outlook on life.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
It was an absolutely AMAZING Fall Weekend here in Western Pennsylvania. Who couldn’t love Fall with this kind of weather!?!
The crisp mornings were perfect for brisk early walks and baking yummy apple treats (like yesterday’s Apple Dumplings).
The days warmed up with bright sunshine and deep azure skies sprinkled with cottony clouds.
And the evenings – oh so extraordinary – cooled to perfect weather for a picturesque sunset cruise.
Now granted – a sunset cruise around these parts is in a Bass Tracker with Captain Marty and First Mate Mikey on Lake Arther, but check out the amazing beauty from our little piece of the world.
WPA Early Fall Foilage, Lake Arthur, Moraine State Park 9/27/14
First Mate Mikey
Picturesque House on Lake with Fall Foilage, Lake Arthur, Moraine State Park
Captain Marty
We throw fishing rods in – not sure why?
Azure
Tree Reflection, Lake Arthur, Moraine State Park
Pink at Night is a Sailor’s Delight
Pink Reflections
On Duty
Breathtaking Beauty
Art of Water
Art of Life
It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane – Art of Sky
Crescent Moon Boat at Dock
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
How cute are these girls?!?!
And who knew they only lived 10 minutes away from me…. at Four Points Alpacas – – one of the most beautiful places in Butler County, PA!
This past week, Marty and I had the wonderful pleasure to visit Four Points Alpacas – the home of our friends Don and Christina Wright (who we’ve met through our weekly date night to John’s Bar). Don asked Marty to look at some electrical work, and they treated us to a wonderful tour of their extraordinary little piece of heaven on earth followed by an amazing dinner al fresco on a beautiful August evening.
This was my breathtaking view while dining on perfectly grilled medium-rare filet mignon steaks, fluffy baked potatoes, and tender-crisp roasted fresh asparagus. (We’ll have to recommend that as a “special” at John’s!)
It is apparent Christina not only enjoys, but works very hard to keep everything looking beautiful, from the décor inside and out to the gardens and grounds.
And the front porch was only outdone by the beautiful back patio with bar/kitchen, Jacuzzi, gathering area, and a relaxing stone waterfall..
Driving up to Four Points Alpacas, which also boasts a beautiful bed and breakfast suite (The Inn @ Four Points), you experience 360 degree views of rolling hills, beautiful foliage, ponds, birds, and wildlife.
It really took my breath away.
And I just love Christina and Don’s style and all of their little homey and whimsical touches.
The trip to the barn was such a highlight.
And there is no doubt that Christina loves her alpaca family…
and they love her!
And besides alpacas, there are chickens, guinea hens, a duck, cats, and an extremely lovable Mom, Dad, and “Puppy” Great Pyrenees family that hang out with the alpacas (and that I also fell in love with!).
I was amazed at how many different colors of Alpacas there are, and the Wrights also have a beautiful shop of handmade clothes, socks, teddy bears, rugs, and other beautiful treasures all made from the Alpaca fur at their Alpaca Apparel & Gift Boutique.
TEN of these Mommas are “expecting” and due any day. Christina has promised to call me so I can run over and experience the birth of a Cria (Baby Alpaca). She says a healthy one is 17-20 lbs, and can you believe these lovely ladies carry them for 11 1/2 months! They get about a two-week break before they start all over again.
And the piece de resistance of the evening was watching the beautiful sunset as the Alpacas romped through the fields.
Thanks Don and Christina for one of the best Wednesday evenings I’ve had in a long time!
If you are ever in the area, be sure to check it out or consider spending the night or weekend at The Inn at Four Points Bed & Breakfast. I guarantee you’ll make lots of new friends (like this pretty girl who stole my heart) while enjoying some of the best views in Western Pennsylvania with a couple of great hosts in their little piece of heaven on earth.
Cheers & Hugs,
Jodi
the creative life in between 