Finally, the skies have cleared!

The smoke from the many forest fires was as bad as it had been all year. People with breathing difficulties had to stay inside. The rain we received had missed many of the fires, but relief was on the way! A new cold front blasted though and brought two days of rain, along with cold temperatures and has knocked down many of the fires, (we have had to protect our plants from frost).

The skies have cleared for the first time and four to eight inches of snow has dusted the mountain tops, (but not on the Salt Range). The leaves are starting to turn, although the colors won’t be as red as usual, because of the effects of the prolonged drought.

The main message if that fall is rapidly approaching and we will soon be hooking up and heading south. Of course, we are finishing our doctors and dentist appointments and it also means we must fix some problems with our truck.

While it would be nice to buy a new truck it’s still cheaper to simply bite the bullet and fix the one we have. We are also preparing for a small show this weekend, in Alpine, Wyoming, and this involves making items to replace the ones we sold this summer.

Renita and I did take a day to have some fun which of course for me meant going fishing with friends while her idea was to spend a day shopping in Jackson. Renita and her friends shopped and ate lunch at her favorite restaurant while I joined George and his nephew Chris and I went fly fishing on the Gros Vente and the Hoback, (George caught and released two cuts, Chris four, and well at least I had one on).

The shopping trip was a success while the fishing, well for me at least was less than stellar. Still a day fishing such beautiful and famous streams is always a joy. Wading a fast stream, while watching for moose and bears always adds excitement, especially when one walks though tall willow patches!

So this morning, Molly and I took our four am walk, her idea not mine, and the stars were simply gorgeous. Orion is now risen above the Salt Range and so it’s only a matter of time. Winter is on her way. Clear skies, and safe travels.