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Sunlight filters through the fog on an early morning in mid-May as I stand on my deck looking west toward the Rockies.
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Hello and happy summer from this day in late June!
I was thinking about the spring and summer I've enjoyed since my posting in mid-May. I've traveled to see family and friends; I've attended a wedding in the beautiful environs of Medora, ND; I've visited several stunning gardens in Cape Cod and Rockford, IL; I've discovered some new wines; filled my head with art from several galleries from Boston to Platteville, CO; planted my own perennials and pulled a zillion Canadian Thistles along the way; watched the Cache la Poudre river rise to flood stage (and beyond) and stay there for weeks and weeks; and spent time in the mountains with my folks just in time to see the lush colorful beauty of the abundant wildflowers!
Since mid-May I've safely landed in several different airports, danced Country Swing with the love of my life, attended two dance recitals, exhibited my photography for the first time in Colorado, rode a carousel to celebrate a birthday with girl friends and played wood chimes with childlike abandonment in the children's area of Heritage Gardens in Sandwich, MA.
As I got to thinking about it, I also started reading the entire Harry Potter series, (I'm just beginning #6,
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince); began cleaning two dangerously full and scary closets in the lower level that I've had on my "to-do" list for four years, (and only finished them because we have family flying in today!); found a really cool antique sewing cabinet at a garage sale down the street that I've re-stained and refurbished with new pulls; and indulged in some binge watching of "Game of Thrones," (I'm still trying to remember all the characters) and "Gray's Anatomy," (I know, season #11 and I'll miss McDreamy.)
So you can see that I'm like the Poster Child of a great summer vacation!!
Now it's time for Toby's Spectacular Summer Vacation Photos!
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| The first morning of my Spectacular Summer Vacation finds me at the pastoral Lewis Bay on Cape Cod. |
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| Gray's Beach requires a stroll on the weathered boardwalk.... |
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| ...because it is a marshy area defined by the high and low tides. |
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Heritage Gardens in Sandwich, MA, rewards visitors with color and abundant blooming flowers...
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...and entices me to create music on the wood chimes!
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As you can see, beaches call to me as one of my favorites even includes the best rocks!
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Fresh winds always blow on Mayflower Beach, Cape Cod.
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| I can never resist a smooth stone. |
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The Missouri River meanders through the rugged Badlands in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, ND.
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Erosion creates haunting and unusual sculptures.
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American bison call this park home as do...
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...the herds of wild horses.
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Wild horses wade in the Missouri River in Theodore Roosevelt National Park.
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Quiet water and lush foliage greet attendees to the Anderson Japanese Gardens
in Rockford, IL.
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Who would ever guess that one of the most beautiful Japanese Gardens would be found in Rockford, IL?
Despite an oppressively hot and humid day (how I DON'T miss this aspect of the Midwest), we had a delightful afternoon exploring the well-designed Anderson Japanese Gardens.
It's a photographer's playground! I almost felt guilty because of the "stop and shoot" ease of capturing some
breathtaking images with my point and shoot camera!
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This 12-acre landscape includes winding pathways filled
with beauty.
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Waterfalls add both visual and auditory pleasure.
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A koi-filled pond reflects the rustic bridge.
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You can see that my head, heart and soul have been filled with beautiful places and memorable experiences--and it's still June!!
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Despite all my travels and adventures, Dorothy has it right when she reminds us, "There's no place like home."
A hazy morning greets me today. Notice all the hues of green--even the marsh.
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To see what's going on on the home front be sure to go to http://TobyBakerSparklingStories.blogspot.com.
