So hard to say "goodbye". . . . . . . . .

. . . . . so how about arrivederci, or just a good old plain cheerio!

Four days in paradise - such a fabulous time that even the kidney stone

is almost forgotten! The positive things about that unexpected episode were

 having kind friends who cared, and a nearby country hospital where ER service

was excellent and, after a few hours, I felt fine again and could return to the farm!

Those lovely days at Villa Vista were even more exhilarating and

 wonderful than expected.

Occasions such as this continue to make me realize just how great

 meeting blog friends can be. But for blogging our paths would never have

 crossed, and all those great times with special friends would never have

 happened in my life.

Above, me loving every moment on the farm.

We picked vegetables, we cooked, we ate both inside and al fresco, 

we painted, we toasted with champagne, we shared stories of life and travel, 

we met neighbors, we did a little sightseeing around town, we sat comfortably

 taking in such incredible views, we watched huge families of winged wonders,

 skid across the pond. . . . . 

. . . . oh yes, I did say we talked didn't I? In fact we never stopped!

All photos above taken at different times of day at the beautiful farm in the alfalfa field. 

As you can see, my time there was so special and I felt so very happy and peaceful

in this lovely place, surrounded by nature and with the most delightful hosts.

Be sure to visit Gina here at ART and ALFALFA to enjoy more stories, and 

her beautiful photos, from the farm.

Arriving in Utah. . . . . . . . .

Arrival in the peaceful Utah valley on a hot August afternoon.

The drive from the city through mountainous scenery was slightly hampered by smoke

from wildfires burning on the ridges. The fires continued during our stay, somewhat 

obliterating the beautiful mountains in the distance, however by our last day the air

was better - you will get to see the clearer landscape in posts to come.

The carriage house, our fabulous home away from home.

Welcomed by our friends with warm hugs and chilled champagne here in the

 sitting room, we immediately fell head over heels in love with this stunningly 

beautiful farm. Yes, this exquisite home is a farm. . . . . . . and, for me, a

 piece of paradise.

As the sun lowered over the distant mountains, the beautiful colors of the

 Italian architect Andrea Palladio (1508-1580) style house, and out buildings,

 positively glowed in the light.

Other residents of this beautiful farm also came to welcome us. . . . . . 

. . . . . . and in fact often showed up at an entryway looking for treats I think!

Looking across to the pond where this year's enormous gaggle of Canada geese

 visit daily. Can you blame them?

This magnificent sunset welcomed us to our first evening in Utah and, most

 importantly, to the fabulous home of a very special lady - and her most

 charming farmer, Mr. G - sweet Gina of the blog Art & Alfalfa.

I know some of you follow Gina and how all of you, like me, have been blown

 away over the years by the photos and stories she has shared from her home

 in the alfalfa field.  

Going to meet Gina and Mr. G has been a trip we've tried to do for a few

 years - this year it came true. It was certainly worth waiting for.

I have a lot to share with you, and thank Gina for giving me permission to share

 some photos I took of her home. I know you will enjoy seeing this piece of paradise

 in a quiet Utah valley.

  

Clyde and Lola - the resident white geese - basking in the warm

light of sunset at the pond.

I have so much to share with you from the days on the farm.

The warm welcome and ongoing caring attention of Gina and Mr. G were

 just unbelievable. From the moment of arrival I knew it was going to 

be very hard to leave. . . . . . . it was, and every day was fun and full of

amazing happenings!

Gina's flowers from the garden - we all know about her 'green thumb' and love to

see the colorful floral bouquets she gathers here on her blog Art & Alfalfa.

Mr. G. gave me a great tip - add a spray of dill to the vase, it will keep the 

water fresh.

Come back later to read more about our very special visit.