Grains of Sand

For Today August 11, 2016 Looking out my window... beautiful refreshing rain is falling on the parched ground! I am thinking... if you wait until you think you are ready to do something challenging, you'll never do it. I am thankful... for my thoughtful husband who ordered a birthday cake for me to be frosted in my favorite color, turquoise. One of my favorite things... the end of a workout! I am wearing... tank top, shorts and bare feet.  It's h.o.t and humid. I am creating... a shopping list. I read...  Unglued by Lysa Terkeurst for a summer study I do with a few friends.  It was fabulous!  I highly recommend it. I am hoping... to clean the wood floors on my hands and knees today.  Ugh, it's one of my least favorite chores but so worth it when I'm finished. I am learning...  that a minority of jelly belly candy in a Bean Boozled box are actually tasty.  The others have flavors such as Stinky Socks, Rotten ...

I was browsing Pinterest the other day and saw this post about homemade sidewalk chalk paint .  When I craft or put my mind to a fun unexpected project for the kids, I like it to be easy and fairly mess free.  That mindset severely limits the available projects.  So, when I saw that there were only three ingredients for sidewalk chalk paint, I had to try it.

Day six we awoke to hear the Colorado river outside our cabin.  We hiked to Delicate Arch in Arches National Park and then we headed out for the last leg of the trip, destination

Hiking to Delicate Arch. Stopping to breathe while hiking to Delicate Arch. Trail markers. Is this it?

Good morning from Red Cliffs Lodge. Just love the clouds. Our cabin from the river. We enjoyed a leisurely morning sipping coffee and listening to the rushing waters of the Colorado river on our deck.  We then decided to eat lunch at Milt's Stop N' Eat  in Moab before tackling Arches National Park.  The website history isn't updated so I took a photo of the updated version at the shop.  I very much enjoy knowing the history of an establishment. Milt's used to be on Main street, but Main street moved. Brief history of Milt's. We have arrived at..... Yes, you've seen this outfit before, but have you seen it framed by this tree? Our first arch we walked/hiked to, Pine Tree Arch Oh look, another arch. It was hot!  Temps in the 90's and not much cloud cover. Tunnel Arch Thank you for sharing your home with us little one. Balanced Rock. Can't get enough of the wide open spac...

Hiking down into the Grand Canyon. A few donkeys went before us and left a few surprises not pictured. Kaibab Trail, Grand Canyon. A handsome man on the trail. A VERY handsome man didn't know I was taking his picture. Hello Grand Canyon. The trail had switchback after switchback.  See the people way out there on the left? Uphill! Of course I had to keep the rock from falling on anyone. Still uphill. Our one minor regret of the trip is that we did not stay more than one night in or near the Grand Canyon.  Next time we will stay for a longer duration.  We hiked into the canyon that morning and then hit the road for Moab, Utah; the next scheduled stop on our second anniversary road trip. Note to self: whenever there is a posted scenic overlook, there might be a great view and a restroom! ATV crossing Elk crossing.   On the road again..... So many different views on this trip. ...