My friend Megan was visiting and we wanted to make her trip extra fun as last time she was here there were many wildfires keeping us indoors much of the time. We checked the weather and went on a sunny perfect day. The fall colors were really amazing and I cannot recommend Bench and Snow Lakes trail enough!

Sorry I’ve been MIA for a bit- I have had multiple projects going on simultaneously and let the blog slip! So, let’s catch up!

My 3’x4’ painting of Grand Teton is coming along! I have a couple of commissions to get to (pics when it’s safe) that will be started soon, but wanted to get them planned before I start.

Bands I love.

The Adelman Peony Gardens are a peony farm in Salem, OR. We went after they’d extended their open season( due to cool weather and prolonged blooms) to see their flowers. They have a garden around the house that is beautiful and gives some good landscaping ideas - what plants bloom when peonies are in season, etc. The farm sells potted peonies and cut flowers. We bought a bouquet (they sell them just about to open so you can keep them for a nice long time) picking out individual flowers we wanted. They are located at 5690 Brooklake Rd NE, Salem, OR 97305. Look them up before you go as they are now closed for the season but are generally open May- much of June.

This weekend we reserved a spot at a campground in Mt Hood National Forest where we have hiked through and wanted to stay for a long time. It was really wonderful. The weather was cool and lightly rained on and off but we were still able to have a fire.