Best friends come in all shapes and sizes. . . . . . . . .

 It's not a hard place for a rest when you have a bunch of soft friends

 to share it with during a storm!

I'm taking care of Ms. Nala next door again. She's being a sweetie and I get to 

cuddle twice a day. She's not happy with the nightly thunderstorms we've been

 having. . . . . .neither am I. Ever since the big oak tree in her yard was hit by

 lightning last year, she apparently looks for a place to hide when the booms

 and flashes start. 

This morning I found her here with her puppy friends, sweet!
How do your dogs and cats behave in electrical storms?

Monday morning moments. . . . . .

Another frightening electrical storm at midnight brought us to the front door to watch

 a river rushing down the driveway taking some of the back garden with it!  

This summer's storms have been horrendous here, so much rain falling so fast,

 with thunder and lightening only angry gods could dispatch in the night.  

This morning is lovely with bright sunshine, even a wee bit cooler in the early hours.

The doe is back. Spying her under the fig tree, I grabbed the camera and watched her

 head toward my neighbor's tomatoes. I think she looks healthy but still no other 

family members seem to be with her.

Yesterday I shopped at LIDL and added this bunch of sunflowers to my basket. 
Five stems for $3.99, not bad. I liked that they were still somewhat closed. 
Added greenery from the garden, hosta leaves, variegated privet, a sprig
 of ivy - hopefully they will open fully and be pretty for the week ahead as 
I settle back into daily life after traveling.

New Jersey grown sunflowers.

Are you, like me, ready for Autumn?

I just hope it dries up soon - at least the trees should be

colorful this year as they start to change.

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.