Afternoon Walk

[Como Lake, Saint Paul, MN.  Taken June 28, 2016.]

Sequoia National Park, California

The view from the top of Morrow Rock.

After my trip to Delaware, I headed off to California with my Little One.  The intent of my California trip was for my family to meet my son and also for me to go hiking (assuming I had a babysitter).  I chose to go to Sequoia National Park because it was a park I hadn't gone to and it was close enough to where my parents lived.

On the day of my trip, after securing a babysitter for my son, I picked up a good friend and off we went.  We entered the park from the southern entrance rather than the northern entrance.  It was sunny and hot, but once we got closer to the mountains and went up in elevation, it got colder.  It was beautiful and the skies were clearer so that the mountains in the distance were visible, but the smog and pollution from the cities created a distinct haze in the horizon.

It was humbling to see the humongous sequoia trees and wonderful to be with nature.  It was also wonderful to walk and talk with my friend.  Because we headed out in the late morning, we only hiked a fraction of the park.  We didn't get to see the General Sherman (the largest tree in the world) because I wanted to climb Morrow Rock.  It was a moderate climb, as I encouraged my friend to keep going (apparently, she has become more afraid of heights as she ages).  Once at the top, it was easy to see that the view was well worth the climb; it was so beautiful and breathtaking.

A babbling brook.

The Meadow.

We left the park as the sun began to set.  The drive down was twisted and curvy, so I wanted to drive it while there was light out.  As we drove home, I wondered why it took me so long to go visit Sequoia National Park, when I had lived near it for years.  I'm sad that it took me all of these years to appreciate its beauty, but I hope to be back again.  Maybe, I'll even stay a night or two, if there's a next time.

On my way up Morrow Rock.

The view at the top of Morrow Rock.

Heading back down from Morrow Rock.

Have you gone on any hikes lately?

Angel

[Philadelphia's Magic Gardens.  Taken June 6, 2016.]

Happy Father's Day

To my Mr. Man, even though I did the majority of the work (almost exclusively), thank you for your contribution in helping me bring our Little One into this world. You've been the best father so far and you've exceeded all of my expectations and more.  I know it's your first, so Happy Father's Day!!!

I hope you all have a wonderful and happy Father's Day too. ;P

Winterthur Garden

The back view of the Winterthur Gallery.

Several weekends ago, I decided to take a break from my little family and visited my good friend in Delaware.  As much as I knew I would miss my Little One, which I did immensely, it was also a good break from the mommy routine.

A huge and gorgeous Japanese maple.

Blooming rhododendrons.

While there, I asked my friend if we could go visit Winterthur, which has a museum, library, and garden.  I really wanted to stroll through the garden, which is on sixty acres.  She agreed and off we went.

After a tram took us from the visitor's center through rolling hills to the Winterthur Gallery, we then explored the gardens by foot and didn't get a chance to go into the museum or library, which was a part of the admission.  The garden was so big and there was so much to see that we weren't able to walk the entire garden.  Every twist and turn of the pathways were so scenic.

The last of the blooming peonies in the Peony Garden.

An abandoned tiny greenhouse next to the Peony Garden.

A peek inside the abandoned greenhouse.

As a naturalistic garden, the garden was expansive, views were beautiful, and our stroll was so peaceful. Since it was late spring and early summer, the azaleas and magnolias had already blossomed.  Even the peonies were on its last flush of blossoms.  However, the rhododendrons and early summer flowers were blooming in the Enchanted Woods and the Quarry.

On our way to the Enchanted Woods.

Blooming rhododendrons adorn the gate near the Story Stones.

Tulip Treehouse in the Enchanted Woods.

A stone Faerie Cottage that's perfect for little ones.

The misting mushrooms that make up the "forbidden fairy ring."

Even though the Enchanted Woods was created for children, adults could easily get lost in the magic of it.  The Enchanted Woods reminded me of an English cottage garden.  I loved the natural looking garden in the Quarry, even though I know that it probably took a lot of work to keep the weeds out and get it to look so natural.

Blooming flowers in the Quarry.

A babbling brook running through the Quarry.

Another view of the Quarry.

A view of the golf course from the Quarry.

Walking back to the Visitor's Center.

I really wish that we had more time to spend in the gardens.  Have you gone to any gardens recently?

Friday's Quote: Dr. Wayne Dyer

Image credit:  quotesgram.com

In Summer of 2014 I was debating about getting back with my Mr. Man and trying to figure out what exactly it was that I wanted in my life.  I had been learning to live in the present, but had not been appreciating what I had.

In Fall of of 2014, I learned that a good friend was going through a rough time:  her husband was diagnosed with cancer.  He seemed fine and then he suddenly was not. Within months of the diagnosis, his condition worsened and he passed away the day after Christmas.  His funeral was held on the last day in December 2014.  My friend and her husband loved each other very very much.  Whether they decided on purpose not have children, I do not know and I haven't yet asked if she regrets not having children with the love of her life.

I did not need to go through the heartache and pain she was going through to appreciate life.  Her situation was a wake up call to me and really drove in the point that every day is a gift.  I gave some more thought to my own life, but I finally just decided to quit worrying about the future and to stop regretting the past.  I finally decided that I may not have another day with anyone and to appreciate what I already had in my life, namely my Mr. Man.

Since that time, my perspective has changed greatly so that I savor as much of my life.  For example, I hate the 2 a.m. feedings, but these are also the most memorable moments.  While holding him, I try to keep my focus on him and appreciate holding him.  In the dark, I notice how he moves his cabbage patch arms and how he snuggles close to me as he's feeding.  I know that I will treasure and remember these moments when he's big and no longer wants to be held.  Sometimes, it's hard, but again, it's just a matter of changing my perspective and really appreciating every moment of life.

How are you doing?  Are you seizing and savoring every moment of life?

Horseshoe Crab Shell

[Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.  Taken June 4, 2016.]

Mismatched