Indian Summer

2011-02-02T10:07:00.001-07:00

New Fetish Carvings at Indian Summer.....

2011-01-30T23:22:00.017-07:00

Hi! We've just BEAR-ly added some new Fetish carvings at Indian Summer!

You really OTTER take a peek at them....

We've got some real DILLIES......

They are all just PEACHY.....

We promise you won't be BOARed.....

We're going to BADGER you until....

You BISON-thing from our website.......

Tell your FRIENDS about it.......

And then come on over to Indian Summer...where Fetishes are our MANE thing!

Missing "The Girls"......

2011-01-20T19:21:00.014-07:00

Me and P...One of "The Girls".....

Wes with Ellie....the other "Girl".....

"The Girls" promised Dino I would take him for his favorite treat...a plain hamburger from McDonald's....I am keeping their promise!

While "the girls" are away...the cats do play...I am spoiling them ~LOL~

Phyllis and Ellie aka "The Girls" have been in London now for 13 days...it feels more like 13 years! We talk daily and email each other and text.... but it somehow is just not the same! We are taking care of their dog Dino till they get settled, and then they will fly back and get him sometime in February and return back to London in March. We are also taking care of their cats, as we "inherit" their cats when "the girls" leave for London in March, as they could not take the three cats and Dino over with them to live....and hopefully they will come back in a year or two (sigh)...and the cats will be waiting for them......ME TOO! But... oh my!!!!... how my life has changed in just the last couple of weeks! I am constantly checking in on Dino and the cats...as they live next door to me....another reason we are so close with "the girls"...as we call them....and I guess lots of people call them that! They found a wonderful flat in London and got the good news today that they can lease it...the woman who owns it is from Spain, and told Phyllis and Ellie that she was just going to call them "the girls" if that was okay, and list them in her cell phone as "the girls". I ran into an old friend at the grocery store, whose first question was " have "the girls" moved to London yet?" I am excited for Phyllis and Ellie and their big London adventure...but I do admit, I miss them terribly, and can't wait to see them...Dino says DITTO! So "Girls"....if you are reading this....know that I miss you and love you, and will be happy when you are back home...even if it will just be for a few weeks. We love you "girls"!!!!

Miracle In the Sky......

2011-01-18T22:15:00.021-07:00

"Miracle in the Sky...."

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The Prayer of White Cloud

O Great Spirit,
Whose voice I hear in the winds,
And whose breath gives life to all the world,
hear me!

Let me walk in beauty and make my eyes ever behold the red and purple sunset.
Make my hands respect the things you have made,
and my ears sharp to hear your voice.

Let me learn the lessons you have hidden in every leaf and rock.
I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother,
but to fight my greatest enemy - myself.

Make me always ready to come to you
with clean hands ...
and straight eyes,

So when life fades, as the fading sunset,
my spirit may come to you ...
without shame.

Last night we had one of the most glorious sunsets I have ever seen.......and I am a sunset connoisseur! I've done posts in the past about the breathtaking sunsets we witness while on the west coast...but this "Utah sunset" last night surpassed most of the west coast and ocean sunsets that I have raved about....it was truly something that literally took your breath away. As I stood on our balcony with our daughter Liz and watched the colors change over the Great Salt Lake to the west of us, and the Wasatch Mountains to the east of us, I was genuinely in awe of the magic of nature that was unfolding in front of us. It happened so quickly...I didn't want to blink, for fear I might miss even one brilliant second of it! It made me feel very humble to witness such a spectacular miracle in the sky.....hope you enjoy the photos......I know I certainly enjoyed having the opportunity to witness nature at her finest.

New Year's Resolutions and All That Jazz......

2011-01-13T20:07:00.017-07:00

Another new year...another chance!

"Brewvies"....Brews and movies....what a fun way to spend an afternoon!

Yummy treats Liz brought us from she and Jake for our Anniversary at the hotel....

Wes "happy" at Happy Hour the night of our Anniversary......

They make it all sound so easy in the magazines.....~LOL~

I'm sure that Martha Stewart would not approve of my new bedroom decor.....

Notice ever how one thing leads to another.....well, it seems this whole last year that has been the case....probably that has been the case for many years now...but I am tired of it....not tired of all the fun things we do...because we have a great life...just tired of making excuses that I will "exercise more" tomorrow...."eat healthier" on Monday....."drink less" after the next big party...."walk more when it gets warmer"....those kind of excuses! I've used them all, and then some! It truthfully is cold right now....it is just bleak out there! We have had sixteen days straight of below freezing temps for our highs, and I have not been walking like I should daily...and I miss it! Wes and I just celebrated our 38th wedding anniversary, and went to a nice hotel in SLC for the day....Many calories later, I am raring to start a new diet and exercise program....I've tried them all...get frustrated when I don't feel like I am losing any weight....and then I quickly go back to my partying ways...hey...it is always someone's birthday...it is always a Friday night....it is always almost a trip or a holiday coming up....so better start after the holiday...and most recently, it was Phyllis and Ellie moving to London last Sunday that really triggered me to misbehave! Lots of get togethers so we could all spend time together...and you have to eat at those kind of things! I can't change the fact that they have moved...I certainly can't change these frigid temperatures outside, so the only thing I have control over is ME! I had Wes drag my stair stepper and an exercise bike out of a spare bedroom downstairs and put it in our bedroom, where I will be forced to look at them night and day....and hopefully start using them! For our anniversary, Phyllis and Ellie gave us among other things....a gift certificate to a place called "Brewvies"....fun place...sit and watch movies, have a pitcher of beer...or a martini....or both....along with yummy appetizers all in the comfort of a nice cozy theatre seat with your own little table right in front of you....ahhhh....the good life....then Liz surprised us and delivered flowers and decadent tiramisu to us in at the hotel...and then of course there was happy hour at the hotel....and room service....you get the picture! TIME TO START! Okay, New Year's Resolutions....I am going to give it my best shot! I sat up last night and read the Weight Watchers Magazine I just bought from cover to cover...I stocked up on green beans and cottage cheese today at the grocery store....I think I'm ready! I have vowed to be good till Valentine's Day....another holiday...but I am giving up my Friday nights...and my Martin Luther King Day celebration...(Darn!I forgot about Ground Hog Day...and that is a BIGGEE for me to celebrate...really!) I am even giving up my "full moon" binges....yep...I am definitely on the right track! ~LOL~ Good luck with all of your New Year's Resolutions!

After All These Years........

2011-01-11T00:01:00.002-07:00

STILL THE ONE (Orleans)

We've been together since way back when
Sometimes I never want to see you again
But I want you to know, after all these years
You're still the one I want whisperin' in my ear

You're still the one I want to talk to in bed
Still the one that turns my head
We're still having fun, and you're still the one

I looked at your face every day
But I never saw it 'til I went away
When winter came, I just wanted to go
Deep in the desert, I longed for the snow

You're still the one that makes me laugh
Still the one that's my better half
We're still having fun, and you're still the one

You're still the one that makes me strong
Still the one I want to take along
We're still having fun, and you're still the one

Changing, our love is going gold
Even though we grow old, it grows new

You're still the one that I love to touch
Still the one and I can't get enough
We're still having fun, and you're still the one

You're still the one who can scratch my itch
Still the one and I wouldn't switch
We're still having fun, and you're still the one

You are still the one that makes me shout
Still the one that I dream about
We're still having fun, and you're still the one...

Seems like only yesterday....January 11th, 1973....Wes...You are STILL the ONE!!!!! I love you more than ever....Happy 38th Anniversary!

Phyllis and Ellie....We Will Miss You.....And We Love You!

2011-01-08T15:39:00.058-07:00

Well, it is really happening.....Phyllis and Ellie leave for London tomorrow.....Sunday, January 9th. I would be excited if it were another "vacation" to London for the two of them, but it's not....they are moving to London, and Phyllis is leaving her family, her friends, and all things familiar to her behind. Phyllis and Ellie are legally married in the state of California....we flew down with them after a "commitment" ceremony here at our home, and had it all made legal in October 2008.....just weeks before the original Prop 8 was passed, and marriage between LGBT couples in California was no longer allowed...then there was that brief overturning of Prop 8 this past year, which again...the so called "conservative right" fought, and it will eventually end up in the Supreme Court....Phyllis and Ellie got to keep their marital status...they are one of 18,000 LGBT couples who were married before Prop 8 happened, and so they are still legally married in the state of California....But, that does not change Ellie's Visa status....our country's federal immigration laws do not recognize their marriage....so Ellie, who is originally from London has to return home, and Phyllis is forced to choose between her partner and her country. The country that claims equality and freedom for all....but that just is not the case. Ellie has been staying in the country on a student Visa and Phyllis has been paying for her to go to school here so she could remain in the country....Ellie already has a degree from a university in London...so basically they have been "buying" time....which is very expensive....but the real issue is not even the money....it is the fact that they are not treated as equals in this country. If Ellie were a man from London married to our daughter Phyllis....."HE" would already be a citizen of the US....the discrimination involving LGBT couples is just so overwhelming in every aspect. Where I mentioned the "conservative right" above....is it not "Christian like" to be non judgmental, and love thy neighbor, Black, White, Jewish, Baptist, Buddhist, Hispanic, Asian, Gay or Straight????? I say "Christian like" as that is what so many people who are anti gay claim to be...."good Christians" but how can you call yourself either when you are unaccepting of LGBT people???? There is a bill called the UAFA Bill...it did not reach the house this past year....but I am going to work to do everything I can to see it someday passed. It is the "Uniting American Familes Act"....there are approximately 36,000 bi-national couples in the US at this time facing the same decisions that our daughter and her partner are dealing with now. If the UAFA bill were to pass, our daughter could make the choice of staying here in her country, or choosing to go to London, rather than moving to London with the feeling of being exiled. Wes and I are beyond sad....we are a close family....if you have ever looked at our blog in the past, or if you know me personally.....you know that we do everything together as a family....we take trips together, we celebrate holidays together, we get together just for the fun of it....because we all love each other so much and have wonderful times together. For anyone who is reading this....if you are a parent....or in Liz's case, an extremely close sister to Phyllis....and you were losing your daughter or your son, or your brother or your sister because of the discrimination against LGBT couples here in the United States....not only would you be heartbroken, as we are.....but you would be angry as well.....Discrimination is alive and thriving in our country....it is time for change...."My" God does not judge....people do....If you are a decent human being...you would listen to your heart....you know what is right, and you would join me, and say the discrimination has to end now. Phyllis and Ellie, we love you and support you always. You are our daughter and daughter-in-law, and we are so proud of both of you. One day, change will come, and you can come home again....in the meantime, know that even though you will be missed every single day....we know that you are in a country that gives you equal rights...that you can have children together and both be on the birth certificate...that you can check "married" or "civil union" on a legal form...things that so many people tend to take for granted....yet LGBT couples are not granted these same simple rights. I am sorry that your mother went off.....I am sorry for anyone who reads this and disagrees with me...not sorry that I wrote it....sorry that you would be so closed minded as to disagree with reality. Hugs and kisses and love forever to you both Phyllis and Ellie.....I wish you only the best in your new adventure....and thanks for letting your mom vent....and also have a good cry! I love you. MOM

Ringing in the New Year!

2011-01-01T19:17:00.006-07:00

"Welcome 2011!!"

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2010-12-31T00:00:00.001-07:00

Wishing you all a safe and happy New Year's Eve....hope you have lots of fun plans with good friends, good food, and yummy libations...but remember....DON'T drink and drive! Here's hoping that 2011 will be a wonderful year for you.....and that all of your hopes and dreams come true! Happy New Year!

Christmas Vacation

2010-12-30T09:47:00.031-07:00

The week of Christmas was unusual for us this year...fast paced, lots of excitement, staying up till dawn....not that every week for us is any different....LOL....but we spent the week before Christmas in Vegas this year! We came home on Christmas Eve with Liz and Jake, and Phyllis and Ellie flew home on Christmas Day. We gambled (ALOT!) saw some shows....Trent Carlini (an Elvis impersonator...who sounds just like Elvis) was great at the Hilton! We went to the Las Vegas Bowl game where our U of U UTES played a lousy game, and were beat terribly by Boise State....that's the breaks! It rained almost every day we were there, but it was a lot better than the snow and fog we were getting back in Utah! Fancy Christmas trees in every hotel, yummy food and slushy tropical drinks around every corner...we all took little trees and had our hotel rooms decorated for Christmas....it was definitely a fun time! We got together at our house on Christmas evening for Mexican food that I had been cooking and freezing for days before we left town...Phyllis and Ellie surprised us and caught an early flight home on Christmas and showed up for breakfast with Liz and Jake....thanks Liz and Jake for picking them up at the airport, and keeping a "secret"!!!!! I am now trying to put together some New Year's plans for tomorrow evening....Liz and Jake still have the gambling bug, so are headed to Wendover, Nevada till tomorrow evening....good luck! I'll be watching their dog Scrappy, and I think we will have Chinese take out instead of me doing a couple of marathon cooking days! Hope you all had a great holiday, and are looking forward to a wonderful 2011!

2010-12-19T11:50:00.002-07:00

From Our Family to Yours.....

2010-12-18T12:49:00.004-07:00

Happy Holidays From Our Family to Yours!
We are getting ready to head to Vegas soon for the week of Christmas, so we have busy times ahead of us! We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our friends, family, and customers at Indian Summer for helping make 2010 a wonderful and prosperous year for us! We wish you all a Merry Christmas, and the happiest of holidays! We'll post some of our Vegas photos when we return...but maybe not all....you know what they say..."What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!" ~LOL~ Wishing you the merriest!

Christmas Has Gone to the Dogs!

2010-12-17T12:38:00.005-07:00

Rudolph Pico and Blitzen Jill.....

Scrappy St. Nick with Dancer Liz....

Puttin' on your tophat....with Dino and Dasher Philly......

Prancer Ellie and Dino Claus.....

Happy Holidays from Pico, Dino, and Scrappy!

VIVA LAS VEGAS!

2010-12-16T11:54:00.005-07:00

We're getting ready to head to Vegas! The University of Utah UTES are playing in the Las Vegas Bowl against Boise State on December 22nd...so we are headed to Vegas to the Bowl game and for some holiday fun! Phyllis and Ellie are flying to Vegas on the 19th...Ellie's family from London will be in Vegas for ten days over the holidays, so Phyllis and Ellie have had ther trip down to Vegas planned for months. After the Utes beat BYU the last weekend in November, and it was announced they were invited to play in the Las Vegas Bowl, we all started thinking..."hey this might be fun"...Phyllis called us up the minute the news was announced and said "you have to go!"... knowing what a Ute fan her dad is...and then, like a true mom, I thought... "I can't abandon Liz and Jake the week of Christmas"....so a few phone calls later...and we had our plans made and Phyllis had ordered the tickets to the Bowl Game! Liz and Jake, and Wes and I will head to Vegas on the 21st. Ellie's family from London will be going to the game as well, they have become UTE fans living vicariously through Phyllis and Ellie's blog, which always has UTES news on it....So, I went out and bought a mini decorated Christmas tree to put up in our hotel room, and we will spend the week of Christmas in Sin City! ~LOL~ I love Vegas and am looking forward to the game, sunshine, gambling, and all the excitement that Vegas has to offer! We will be returning Christmas Eve...Phyllis and Ellie will fly home on Christmas Day...this was not the way I'd planned on spending the week of Christmas, but I get to be with our girls and their partners, and that's what really matters!!!! GO UTES!!!!!!!!!!

A Christmas for Vanessa......

2010-12-12T11:07:00.004-07:00

"Christmas For Vanessa....."

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Her name is Vanessa....she's ten years old, she wears a size 10 in clothes, and a size 4 1/2 in shoes....she wants a "princess" doll, and likes "Polly Pockets"....but really needs a coat! That's all I know about the little "Angel" I picked off of a local "Angel Tree".....I had fun shopping for her, and picking out little matching outfits and lip glosses and fun surprises that I hope Vanessa will like on Christmas morning! I felt like I was shopping for Phyllis and Liz again...I always made sure everything matched from the barrettes in their hair, down to their shoelaces! If you have not picked an "Angel" from the Salvation Army trees...please do! If there is not an Angel Tree where you live, then check a local nursing home, and find out what little wish you could fulfill for an elderly person....It will make them happy....and you'll be happy too! It truly is better to give than to receive! Happy Holidays!

A Special Tree With Lots of Memories.......

2010-12-08T10:02:00.008-07:00

Wes and I started the tradition of having a Native American Christmas tree on our third Christmas after we were married...this was thirty five years ago! There really were not the ornaments available at that time that you see nowadays, so we made our own....I found a recipe for dough that you could "build" your ornaments with, and then it baked hard....we created our own Kachina ornaments that year, complete with sash belts and rattles...the works....all brightly painted and quite unique! We used them for years, adding to them as we would see actual Native American ornaments...we also made lots of brightly colored Ojo de Dios "Eyes of God" that were popular in the 70's.....over the years, we have picked up special ornaments from various potters, and beaders, and carvers....and our original little dough kachinas have been weeded out one by one as some have crumbled...or are missing their rattles, feathers, etc. But we do have them saved in our "Wounded Warriors" box, gently wrapped in tissue and tucked away safely...they are something I could never part with...too many memories of very happy times....sometime I will pull them out and do a post on just them! As Wes and I decorated the tree this year, we reminisced about years past and certain ornaments on the tree...when Phyllis and Liz were younger they would fight over who got to hang the little beaded girls and pretty yarn dolls on the tree...heavens...there were plenty of them, and by the time we finished, they were tired of doing it...but it always started out with a fight over who got to put the "dolls" on the tree! Our tree today, has an assortment of beaded men and ladies, pottery bells and angels, fetishes and kachinas, painted gourds, miniature Hopi rattles, Cochiti drums, Santo Domingo Storytellers...and much more....each one has a story, and I feel very peaceful and happy as I sit and gaze at a lifetime of memories on our very special Native American Christmas tree!

This Tree Has Gone to the Birds!

2010-12-07T11:25:00.009-07:00

Our windows and sliding glass doors on the south side of our home used to look out onto a glorious cornfield....as far as the eye could see....the birds loved this field, on a summer's day you could hear crows calling to each other in glee as they nibbled on the corn....in the fall, after the corn was harvested, the geese flying south would always make the cornfield their layover where they had an ample supply of dried corn kernals on the ground to tide them over for their long journey ahead of them. The honking lasted for days...but it was like music to the ears! With each season came an abundance of new birds....the winter months brought little finches as well as starlings, and when spring rolled around, the geese came back through headed north from their sunny winter vacations. We loved this cornfield and all of the birds and critters that called it their home. A few years ago "our" wonderful cornfield was sold to a developer who built homes for people, where the bird's homes once were. We still get lots of birds through here, but it is just not the same. We have a flurry of starlings almost every Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve that fly in and darken the sky...there are so many....they land in our apple trees and crabapple and plum trees and we happily watch them as they have their special holiday feast that our trees have provided. I started the tradition of our "bird tree" when the cornfield was still a "hoppin' place" full of beautiful species of birds. Now many of them are just memories, but I get to relive those peaceful "cornfield" days each year when we decorate our bird tree in our upstairs den, and be thankful for all the years that we enjoyed the beauty and tranquility that the birds in the cornfield gave us. Christmas and memories...they seem to go hand in hand! Hope you have a special tree that holds wonderful memories for you!

Indian Summer Christmas Tree......

2010-12-04T12:59:00.010-07:00

A Christmas tree with handpainted Native American design ornaments seems only fitting for our Indian Summer office.....I love our new ornaments we have for it this year! The tree is covered in handpainted ornaments that were made for us by Rachel Harrison, a Laguna Pueblo artist and potter. You can see how talented she is with her fine line designs that do resemble pueblo pottery! There are dozens of them...some with fetishes, others have drums....there are shields, and feathers, and geometric designs....Yei figures, chile ristras, pueblo scenes and more! Pretty stars with silver bezel and turquoise stones catch the soft glow of the lights and create prisms on the tree! It is a wonderful tree, that is just right for Indian Summer! I love decorating with the Southwest art...it is just a way of life here in our home and office...a way of life that I really treasure and enjoy! We have lots more trees and rooms to decorate.....all with different themes, mainly Native American...but of course!!! ~LOL~ Hope you are all having fun with your decorating as well! We would enjoy any picture shares!

An Enchanted Evening.....

2010-12-01T12:47:00.005-07:00

"Enchanted Evening...."

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Wes and I had our romantic evening at the "Jules Verne" last night! As I mentioned in the post below, our cute daughters Phyllis and Liz recreated the famous restaurant in the Eiffel Tower in Paris for us, in our own living room! The food could not have tasted any better...the fancy Coeur Royale drinks could not have sparkled more...and I doubt we would have had as nice, or as cute of servers as we had at our own "Jules Verne". The Eiffel Tower has a magnificent view, I am sure...but our view was magnificent as well! A cozy fire in the fireplace with the dancing flames made the sparkles and rose petals on the black tablecloth look absolutely elegant...and the room was filled with candles and twinkling lights everywhere you looked! Fancy brie cheese and grapes started us off...followed by delicious raspberry vinegarette salad...roasted tomatoe and garlic pasta and french bread, and for dessert...chocolate cheesecake and fancy French truffles! What a delightful meal! Our severs kept our glasses filled with champagne and Coeur Royales...not a single detail was overlooked! Thank you Phyllis and Liz! You are right...the key to happiness is LOVE....We love you and appreciate all you did for us! Thank you Ellie for the fancy menus...and the Jules Verne Restaurant sign...we appreciate your "behind the scenes" efforts! We had an enchanting evening!

I've Got a Special Date Tonight!

2010-11-30T14:54:00.006-07:00

I've got a special date tonight! Really! With my soulmate Wes....we're going to the Jules Verne Restaurant in the Eiffel Tower in Paris.....only, tonight, it will be recreated by our two precious daughters Liz and Phyllis! We were supposed to be in Paris last month....only some things came up that prevented us from going...we will get their next spring or fall....so in the meantime, we were presented with this shimmering holiday key and the Eiffel Tower card by our daughters....and inside they wrote "The key to true happiness is love!"....they then proceeded to tell us that we would be having dinner at the Jules Verne Restaurant tonight...only,it will be in our living room in front of a cozy fireplace....7 p.m. sharp...and our waiters will be Phyllis and Liz! They are so cute....we sent them to Europe for three weeks after Phyllis graduated from the University of Utah in 2006....Liz was graduating in 2007...so it was a joint gift that hopefully they will treasure their whole lives. We do have a standing joke...since "Mom and Dad" were picking up all the bills...they chose to eat one night at the Jules Verne Restaurant in the Eiffel Tower, and their bill was close to $600.00! I hope they don't do anything that extravagant for us....but they have promised a romantic night is in store for us....so I can't wait! Love you Phyllis and Lizard....you are the best!

Monday, November 29th......

2010-11-29T00:12:00.001-07:00

Today is Cyber Monday! The holiday season is officially here! Now is the time to make sure you get everyone on your list the items they have been asking for! For those of you shopping for quality and authentic Native American handmade items...look no further....we have everything you need at Indian Summer Native American Art! Zuni and Navajo fetish carvings, each effigy has a special meaning...you can pick out the carving that is just right for that special someone on your list....We've just marked down a lot of our carvings...so be sure to look for those "sale priced" fetishes! Shoshone, Ute, Navajo and Pueblo beadwork...we have the nicest selection of traditional beadwork on the net! Our Pueblo pottery is 15% off our already low prices now through Wednesday, December 1st....this is a sale you won't want to miss! We also have a wonderful assortment of handmade Navajo and Pueblo jewelry, handwoven baskets...they are getting harder and harder to come by...and we have a nice variety of Pueblo and Navajo Kachina carvings! With a purchase of $100.00 or more we are including a complimentary surprise holiday gift....the gifts are all handmade Native American items that are holiday themed and lots of fun! So, drop on in and shop till you drop! We look forward to hearing from you on Cyber Monday....let us help you with those special one of a kind, handmade gifts!

Rival Game 2010!

2010-11-28T12:19:00.003-07:00

"Utes Beat BYU!"

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November 27th...Utes beat BYU 17-16! Go Utes!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-11-25T09:03:00.006-07:00

Today, and always......Give Thanks!

Vacationing at Home.....

2010-11-20T15:29:00.011-07:00

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love to travel... knows that I love the west coast and that beautiful sunsets take my breath away! We get away as often as we can, even if it just a little jaunt 120 miles to the west of us to Wendover, Nevada for a few days of gambling...but with the cold already setting in, and the shorter days, and the holidays just around the corner, we find ourselves at home more often. When we are on the west coast vacationing, I love to stay at hotels on the beach, and I anxiously await each evening's glorious sunset....If we're out and about, I always say to Wes that we need to "hurry back to our hotel so we can watch the sunset from our balcony" ....and enjoy a glass of wine...to me, that is one of the most relaxing things you can do. Well, with no prospects of a beach in the near future, it dawned on me, that I really don't have to be away from home to enjoy some of my favorite things! We have been having the most gorgeous sunsets lately...some that would really rival the brilliant ocean sunsets I love...the difference is, I tend to take ours for granted....up till now! I really don't need a fancy hotel on the beach to make each night magical....We have a balcony...and we have the Great Salt Lake directly to the west of us (not quite the ocean..but it will do!)....and we always have some yummy wine chilling! So, until I can get "back to the beach" I'll enjoy what nature has to offer us here locally, and believe me, it truthfully is pretty spectacular! Hope you are enjoying these late autumn evenings as much as I am...now I just need to figure out a way to order room service! ~LOL~

Hopi "Cold Bringing Woman"....

2010-11-13T23:15:00.009-07:00

Horo Mana, Mason Wuhti, Yohazro Wuhti "Cold Bringing Woman". This Hopi Kachina usually appears during Powamu on First Mesa, AZ. Her function is to bring the cold to the Hopi, just as does the Nuvak'chin Mana. She carries yucca whips and messes up people's hair, much like the winter winds. Dolls in her effigy are quite unusual! Just as we have brought her to Indian Summer...she has been true to her name and brought the cold weather to us! (Thank goodness she hasn't messed my hair up too badly yet!) If you enjoy Kachinas, please check out our great assortment at Indian Summer Native American Art, and be sure to wear a warm jacket..oh, and bring a comb! ~LOL~

VETERAN'S DAY 11/11/2010....

2010-11-11T13:11:00.007-07:00

HONOR A VETERAN TODAY
TO ALL VETERANS, AND SERVICEMEN AND WOMEN...THANK YOU....WE ARE PROUD OF YOU FOR ALL OF THE SACRIFICES YOU HAVE MADE AND CONTINUE TO MAKE FOR OUR COUNTRY.

Goodbye to our "Indian Summer"......

2010-11-10T00:08:00.004-07:00

Hello Winter!
You look awfully pretty today, with the pine tress dusted in the new fallen snow....but I am going to be SO sick of you by next May....and sometimes you hang around that long! You are not supposed to be here "officially" until December 21st.....will you give us a little break???? Pretty please!

In Memory of Stormie.......

2010-11-09T19:49:00.010-07:00

Today was a sad day, our sweet dog Stormie passed away...we called her our "Yellowstone Bear"..."Storm Trooper"..."Stormie Girl"...among other terms of endearment....but most importantly, we called her a member of our family. We love you Stormie...you will be missed, but never forgotten.

Clowning and Horsing Around.....

2010-11-07T19:56:00.024-07:00

Zuni Hano Clowns by Jody Booqua.....

Beaded Ponies and the Old Grey Mare....Hollie Booqua (Zuni)

Feisty and Fancy Horses by Zuni artist Faron Gahachu....

Rodeo Clown...and the "KING" by Hollie Booqua....."I Just Want to Be Your Teddy Bear!"

Check out our website Indian Summer Native American Art and you will have a fun time looking through our newly added beaded items...lots of new Hano clowns, and prancing ponies....and even a beaded Elvis Teddy Bear! We hope you'll drop in for a visit...where you will be treated like a KING! (or Queen!)

November 2nd....Election Day!

2010-11-02T09:24:00.006-06:00

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE TODAY!!!!!!! I voted....did you?????

Dia de Los Muertos......

2010-11-02T00:03:00.012-06:00

"Dia de los Muertos, The Day of the Dead. The name is a bit misleading in that the preparations for and celebrations of the holiday take place over weeks. The two most important days, however, are November 1st and 2nd. On the 1st, those who passed as infants and little children known as angelitos (little angels) are remembered. On November 2nd, the adults in spirit have their day.
Altars festooned with pictures, candles, flowers, food, sweets and even cigarettes are created with the full expectation that the spirits of those who have passed will make a visit for the holiday. Folk art skeletal figurines create a "tableaux" of death in the midst of life.... characters play cards, shoot pool and make music.
Incense is burned to help the spirits find their way home. Candles are lit in remembrance". Hollister Rand

We have been celebrating Dia de los Muertos for a number of years now...we started with an altar for Jill's mom who passed away in 1982....then came an altar for Jill's sister Jo, who left us in 2000, next was an altar for Wes's dad, who crossed over in 2002...and our fourth altar that we create is for Jill's father who passed away in 2007. Wes and I made our altar this evening...we usually do much more elaborate altars...one for each of our loved ones. This year we created a much simpler altar but made certain we had offerings that all would enjoy....a nice glass of wine, a plate of Mexican food... cookies...(they all had a sweet tooth!) a winning poker hand...Wes's dad will want to claim that one! Sugar skulls we purchased on our recent trip down to New Mexico and beloved skeleton figurines from our collection adorn and complete the altar. Wes refers to our altar preparations as "therapeutic"....even though there are always a few tears. We will leave our altar up until the third of November....we want our loved ones to partake of their earthly pleasures throughout the entire holiday. We made sure we had the traditional marigolds...their sweet scent is believed to attract and lead those who have crossed over, to their altars. We love you Mama, Daddy, Jo, and "Pop".....Happy Dia de los Muertos!

Halloween 2010......

2010-11-01T09:58:00.029-06:00

Another Halloween has come and gone...you spend so much time preparing for it...and POOF!....it is over! Decorations and costumes....trick or treating....dog parties and visits to the cemetery to honor our loved ones that have passed....Yummy enchiladas and SPIRITS...both kinds....Another Halloween has come and gone...Hope yours was as fun as ours!

A Magical October Night...and Bram Stoker's "Dracula"....

2010-10-29T08:32:00.012-06:00

Program from Bram Stoker's "Dracula"....'Tis the season to do something scary as well as entertaining! This was cetainly both!

Stephanie Feiger as Lucy Westenra, and Mark Elliot Wilson as Count Dracula....I must say, he made an excellent Dracula....plus there were lots of cool special effects!

As we were leaving the house last night to head into town to see the Pioneer Theatre's production of Bram Stoker's "Dracula"...I looked at my camera sitting on the counter and said to Wes, " I won't need a camera tonight....they don't let you take pictures inside the theatre"...so off we went, no camera in hand....and on the way into town we witnessed the most miraculous, brilliant orange October sunset that you might ever get the opportunity to see! I truthfully thought about turning around and driving home to get the camera...but you know as well as I do, how quickly a sunset changes, plus we didn't want to be late to the theatre. It was a perfect setting for the stage production of Bram Stoker's "Dracula"...Pioneer Theatre is located on the campus of the University of Utah....we went with Phyllis and Ellie, and had to park a little distance from the theatre. By this time, the brilliant orange sky had turned to darkness, and there was a definite chill in the air, and the leaves on the ground danced around our feet as we scurried to the theatre...it was definitely another magical October night, and the production itself was fantastic...I am so glad we went! Thank you for the invite Phyllis and Ellie....Now, if I just had a photo of that fantastic orange sky!

Voila! I said it was a magical night....I wanted a photo of the beautiful orange sky...and magically it appeared! ~LOL~ With a little help from Phyllis....she just sent me this photo of last night's magnificent sunset that she took with her camera...Thanks again P!

Birthday Parties With a Halloween Theme!

2010-10-28T16:06:00.025-06:00

I think we are ready for a fun evening....Phyllis's 28th Birthday Party!

When Phyllis was born, we brought her home from the hospital on Halloween afternoon....so Halloween has always been a special time for Phyllis...and all of us!

Prizes and favors for an old fashioned birthday party...just like what Phyllis always had growing up!

Phyllis with her angel food cakes...these look more like DEVIL'S food!!!!!!

Okay, I admit it...I still like silly games...I had Wes blow up balloons and make spooky faces on them...then we had a contest to see who could pop their ballon the fastest as we all sat on them at the same time! ~LOL~ Jake was the winner!

Phyllis and Ellie..just before the POP!

Wes with his orange glowstick headband, and one of the ghostly balloons he blew up and created!

Yes, we had prizes for the games...Ellie with her prized hotpot holder and Phyllis with a spooky martini shaker!

Phyllis with some of her presents on her actual birthday...red wrap of course...these have some UTES gear in them!

Phyllis's Birthday Lunch!
JuJu has made Phyllis so happy...she has sponsored Mutara...an elephant at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Organization for Phyllis for this next year....Phyllis has been sponsoring Mutara and several other elephants this past year!

Orange flower pen party favors at Phyllis's birthday lunch double as whatever you want to make them!

When the girls were little, I would always read them the Berenstein Bear books...I loved them as much as the girls did...there was always a lesson to be learned in between those covers! I remember one book called "Too Much Birthday"....this is where Sister Bear just ends up being overwhelmed by all the partying and hoopla that is being made over her birthday....by the actual day it arrives, Sister Bear is just about too worn out from all of the pre-birthday fun to enjoy the actual day! Well, that is not exactly the case here....but there is so much going on this time of year with birthdays and trips and Halloween in the mix....that I sort of feel like Sister Bear, all of our parties and celebrations have been fun, but we still have the big event of Halloween coming up...and lots to do between now and then! (Like making dozens and dozens of homemade enchiladas for guests that always drop in on us on Halloween night....)But, we have been having LOTS of fun the past few days, with an old fashioned birthday party for Phyllis on her actual birthday, the 27th....and then a get together with her aunt JuJu today for lunch, with cookies and caramel apples and vintage Halloween cartoons...just plain old spooky fun! Tonight we are going to see Dracula up at Pioneer Theatre...and so tomorrow will be devoted to rolling enchiladas and prepping for Halloween fare....somewhere in there, I hope I have time to figure out a costume for this year! Dia de Los Muertos starts on Halloween...I have my Sugar Skulls ready, and Liz has saved some marigolds for me (the scent of marigolds attracts those who have crossed over...) so we will also be getting our altars ready to honor our loved ones that have passed....this is a tradition we do every year! Wow...and some people actually think the holiday season has not even begun! ~LOL~ Wishing you an enchanted and bewitching time as All Hallow's Eve approaches.....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR LITTLE QUEENIE!

2010-10-27T00:04:00.005-06:00

Today, October 27th is our daughter Phyllis Ann's 28th Birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our little Queenie! Phyllis is called that, because that is what she is...the "Queen of Everything"...she always has been, and always will be! We started calling her that the day she was born, and it has stuck! She is also Philly, Phil, and "P"....she was named after my mom who passed away just a few months before she was born. Phyllis is a very unique individual....you never know what she will do next...sometimes that is exciting...other times it is scary ~LOL~....but she always makes us laugh and smile and happy when we are around her! She loves her partner Ellie, and her family, including her "sissy" Liz and her aunt JuJu... and her animals.....Dino, and the three cats.....she is most definitely a UTES fan...and also a fan of fancy cupcakes! Autumn and Halloween are favorites with her! She makes everything fun....always planning "get togethers" and making any occasion "special!" She enjoys reading...will sit down and read a 300 page book in an evening...and there's probably not a movie that she and Ellie haven't seen! She loves the hotel and travel business, and will be moving to London with Ellie after the first of the year! This will mean more trips abroad for Wes and me, because we will miss her dearly...but are happy that she has such a once in a lifetime adventure ahead of her! She definitely lights up our lives...so tonight, when she lights up the candles on her birthday cake...we hope that all of her wishes come true! Happy Birthday Queenie....we love you! Cheers!!!!!!

Our Fun Little Getaway!

2010-10-26T22:09:00.014-06:00

I take one last peek at our mountains....still colorful, but with threatening snow clouds shrouding them...I know it will be another year, and another "Indian Summer" before we see the hills like this again.....

We've arrived...the room is nice and comfy....the wind is howling outside...so nice to be in!

Wes chills....I love to see him relax....he works hard at everything he does!

I have always done this....I head to the nearest store or florist and get fresh flowers for the hotel room...this time I got a festive Halloween bouquet, plus some snacks and bubbly....the only way to fly!

Yummy food! I love their grilled chicken platter with fresh fruit and salad at the "Nugget Casino!"

Montego Bay....a fun place to stay and play! The sky was a gorgeous blue...but it was freezing...and soon turned pitch black!

It was actually snowing quite hard when I took this shot of the hills after returning home this afternoon.....

We've been playing hooky! Wes and I headed to Wendover, Nevada for the last three day...returned home this evening to a snowstorm! We knew when we left that storms were headed our way, so I got one last peek in at our beautiful mountains shrouded in clouds, and knew that the colorful blanket of leaves would probably be replaced with washed out leaves and white snow when we returned....well, I was right! We had some doozy storms here while we were gone, complete with thunder and lightning, pouring rains and high winds! Same weather we had in Wendover a good part of the time! We still managed ~LOL~ to have a blast! Sleeping in, lounging around, yummy food and drinks...a very nice room, and slot machines that were actually being very kind to us! I am always loyal to my machines and it usually pays off! We had our rooms comped, our meals comped, and came home with lots more cash than we took with us...so all in all, a very fun time! Now, it is back to the old grind...and I will be working very hard at getting new items on our website "Indian Summer" ASAP....but in the meantime, we have Phyllis's birthday tomorrow, a Dracula play on Thursday night... and Halloween (Saturday and Sunday????) and Dia de Los Muertos starts on the 31st, so we have our altars to prepare! Good thing we took this little break, and got rested up for the next few days...who am I kidding?????? I stayed up partying and gambling till the wee hours of morning...I actually need a rest.....oh well.....you play...you pay! It was worth it!

Halloween Magic.....

2010-10-21T19:39:00.020-06:00

Ghosts and goblins prowl our graveyard...Vultures peer down from their perch...bats hang from the belfry...witches cackle if you dare to pass by, and ghost and bats float amongst the trees....Come in and have a glass of "Haunted House Wine".....but first you must get past the "spirits" in the haunted graveyard, and the cloaked skeleton who will greet you at the door....Do drop in for a visit...we are DYING to see you!

Our Beautiful Indian Summer in Utah......

2010-10-21T11:24:00.008-06:00

We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful little town, with these gorgeous mountains carpeted in color directly to the east of us! No need for a post...a picture is worth a thousand words!

Just Bead It!

2010-10-20T08:43:00.013-06:00

Zuni beadwork artist Faron Gahachu's fully beaded stag with feather pattern....

Faron Gahachu's spectacular beaded ram!

Faron Gahachu's Zuni beaded horse with arrow pattern....

Faron Gahachu's smaller beaded colt with diamond pattern....

Tildon Martza's fully beaded horse with his trademark "M" brand on shoulder....

We've been busy on our website Indian Summer Native American Art this past week....we have posted 120+ new arrivals over the last few days....Zuni fetish carvings, a little bit of jewelry and pottery, plus some fabulous Zuni BEADWORK! Our beadwork collection is the finest you will see on the net! We love traditional beadwork and are always seeking out new beadwork artists and styles. If you like what you see, please come to Indian Summer for a visit! Here you will find the unique and enchanting one of a kind pieces that you just don't see elsewhere! We look forward to hearing from you!

A Visit to the Pumpkin Patch......

2010-10-17T09:47:00.021-06:00

Welcome to Pack's Pumpkin Patch!

This is a cute place to do your shopping!

Me and my sister Julie, with some of our autumn bounty!

A hair raising experience ~LOL~ I bought the funky gourd with the super long stem to the right of this guy!

Pumpkins for the picking!

Mini pumpkins....so cute!

Gourds....I love to decorate with them!

Acorn Squash...you name it, they have it!

Banana Squash...I picked out a nice big one!

Turk's Turbans...they are fun to eat and decorate with!

Hubbards...one of my favorites!

Red Warty Squash...cool name...they look like spooky pumpkins!

Just down the lane from our house is Pack's Pumpkin Patch...they have been there as long as I have lived here, which is over 26 years! It is a huge farm situated near the shores of the Great Salt Lake...yes, we are that close to the Great Salt Lake as well...which is cool! Every fall, Pack's opens up their farm to the public and offer up their harvest of squashes, gourds, and pumpkins for sale! My sister Julie always made a tradition of taking our daughters to Pack's each year when they were younger, as they have a fun corn maze, and you go out in the fields and pick and cut your own pumpkin! This year, Julie and I went mainly for the squash.... but of course could not resist the pumpkins and gourds!! They sell varieties of produce you never see in the local supermarkets! I only posted a few of the different kinds of squash...this post would have been a mile long, had I posted everything they had to offer! I did get some neat gourds, and a "Cinderella" pumpkin, along with lots of yummy squash to enjoy on these cool autumn evenings! Thanks for a fun day Julie!

Fun at Frightmares!

2010-10-16T21:57:00.021-06:00

Frightmares At Lagoon, October 2010.....

Wes has just polished off a huge cinnamon roll....that's why he looks so happy!

Phyllis and Ellie with twinkling lights and a fun autumn scene....

Liz and Jake with a towering ghost in the darkness behind them!

Jake and a spook that took a real liking to him....

Loved this buzzard....and gator!

You never know who you're going to run into at Frightmares!

Spooky decorations everywhere you turn!

Friday night meant "Frightmares" night! Our local amusement park...Lagoon, which is famous in it's own right, and has been here for well over one hundred years becomes a dark and mysterious giant "Spook Alley" this time of year! Lagoon is a top notch park that has had great groups perform here in the past...like the Doors, and the Monkees, and Herman's Hermits...Johnny Rivers...The Turtles...all the popular groups from the 60's and early 70's....The Beach Boys even wrote a song about Lagoon! We no longer get the groups here, like we used to...but Lagoon has a fabulous assortment of thrilling roller coasters and rides! Yummy food, games and a fun water park that is open during the summer months, makes this an ideal park to visit, and we are so lucky it is practically right next door! Well, now that their regular season is over, the park has been transformed into an eerie series of mazes, and ghost and goblins lurking behind every tree and around every corner! We live less than five minutes from Lagoon, and make sure that we get at least one or two "Frightmares" visits in before the season ends....the mazes were creepy in a good way, better than last year! One maze was super funky...3D glasses and psychadelic lights and decor, with rockin' music.... We rode the "Terror Ride" and watched a live (dead?) show with a Vampire theme and went through a couple of the mazes...a fun and scary night! We ended the evening with a cozy fire on the patio in the horno, and hot chocolate! Fall is such a magical time of year!

Utes Game and Green Chile Soup!

2010-10-10T10:06:00.006-06:00

Fall is definitely in the air...we had a dusting of snow on top of the mountains yesterday...but I hope we can keep an Indian Summer here in the valley for a little while longer! The cooler temps got me in the mood for Mexican food...but it doesn't take cooler temps to get me in the mood for Mexican food....I think I was born in the mood! So, I started cooking yesterday morning...made Green Chile and Cheese Soup, and had the kids all over for the Utes game...in which they beat Iowa...Go Utes!...and we had a "soup bar"...I made posole, and rice, chicken and shrimp, and chile beans, and had all sorts of "add ins" to make your own soup bowl any way you wanted! I purchased some cute pumpkin shaped bread bowls at the bakery, and made a pumpkin chocolate chip loaf for dessert that was a hit! After the game, Wes lit a cozy fire in our horno on the patio....and everyone sat around and visited...I was beat and went to bed early...thank you everyone for cleaning up the mess! What is it about Fall, that just makes everything taste, smell and look better? I think I gained five pounds last night! If it really is Fall that makes everything so yummy, I better hope for an early winter! ~LOL~

Chillin' on a Chilly Eve......

2010-10-05T11:52:00.008-06:00

With the days getting shorter and the evenings getting cooler...we are enjoying our hot tub room! We recently purchased a new chimineya (horno/fireplace) for it, and although we can't light a fire in it, since it is not vented....we can burn candles in it that give the room a warm and cozy glow...plus Pico thinks it is a great little covey hole to relax in! With Halloween just around the corner, I purchased a large ceramic Jack-o-lantern luminaria yesterday that matches the horno and adds a festive touch to the room! We have thunderstorms in the forecast for the next week or so...The hot tub is heating and the wine is chilling...can't wait to get in the hot tub this evening and listen to the rain on the roof as my new smiling Jack-o-lantern casts his magical spell across the room! Hope you get a chance to chill as well!

NOT "Words of Wisdom"........

2010-10-04T19:38:00.018-06:00

We were appalled to hear the remarks made by the Mormon Church leaders at their recent semi-annual LDS Conference held in Salt Lake City, Utah this past weekend. Living here in Utah, we are surrounded by Mormons...many of them we consider friends...they are our neighbors, the clerks at the stores where we shop, the smiling face behind the counter at the post office....We are not Mormons, so here in Utah, we are probably considered "misfits"....We go about our own business, and do not try to impose our views upon others, and even though we are blogging about this, we are not going to try to change your mind, nor expect to. Everyone has the right to think and say what they wish....that's why we have the right to say that it was an absolutely hateful and venomous sermon that the Mormons received at their conference, by their leaders. We do not know how anyone this hateful can truthfully call themselves a Christian. Many people assume that if you live in Utah, you are a Mormon....just to set the record straight...We are not Mormons, have never been Mormons, nor would we ever be Mormons....and right now, anyone who is a Mormon, and agrees with what was said during "Conference" should be ashamed and embarrassed to admit they are a Mormon.....enough said!

Dear Jill Denise,

The recent suicides of several gay teenagers have made national headlines. Yet this is the moment – of all moments – that a top Mormon leader decides to broadcast a verbal rampage against gays to millions of viewers.

I couldn't believe it either. Boyd K. Packer, the second-highest leader in the Mormon Church, said in a sermon broadcast to millions yesterday that same-sex attraction is "impure and unnatural" and can be overcome, and that same-sex unions are morally wrong.

Do we need more proof than the suicides of teens as young as 13 that words like these can do unimaginable damage?

We cannot stay silent. By speaking out together, we can show the Mormon Church hierarchy that it has literally risked the lives of children by inciting their tormentors. And we can ensure that the young people who heard this sermon know that it is scientifically wrong and profoundly misguided.

Add your name to our open letter debunking Boyd Packer's lies.

Speaking before 20,000 people and broadcasting to millions more, Packer said same-sex unions are morally wrong and "against God's law and nature" – and that the church hierarchy would continue to support marriage bans like Proposition 8 (which was funded largely by Mormons).

It makes me physically sick to think how many young lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender kids had to sit in those pews and listen to that venom.

Comments like these are exactly what makes young LGBT kids think there's no way out but suicide – that their parents will reject them, that their communities will shun them, and that living openly will bring pain or violence – that even God looks on their very identity as a sin to be "overcome."

And these lies fuel the bullying, harassment, and violence that plague our schools.

Packer's lies have been disproven over and over again by science and by the spiritual experience of Americans who know their LGBT neighbors and care about them. We know sexual orientation cannot and should not be changed and that two people falling in love is beautiful, not evil.

But unless we refute these lies whenever groups like the anti-LGBT National Organization for Marriage (NOM) and the Mormon Church repeat them – whether through letters like this or projects like HRC's www.NOMexposed.com – we risk another young person hearing them and believing that LGBT people are "defective." And that belief contributes to violence and suicide.

Help us speak out so young people understand the truth – and so that Mormon leaders know that spreading this poison puts lives at risk.

Americans are sick of the Mormon hierarchy trying to dictate what they should believe. They know commitment and love when they see it. That's why they are turning away in droves from limitations on their friends' and neighbors' freedom to marry.

Thank you for helping take a stand for the truth.

Sincerely,

Joe Solmonese
President

2010-10-03T00:36:00.001-06:00

DARTING SHADOWS

The autumn sun sends shadows
Darting across my floor....
Even in the waning daylight hours
Still I see some more....
Maybe the autumn sun plays tricks on me,
And makes me see what I want to see....
And can make me feel that someone is near,
Yet with the darting shadows, there is no fear.
I tell myself it’s shorter days,
And the sun playing tricks in many ways....
But in my mind, I know it’s real,
The way they dart, the way it feels....
And more so when no one else is here,
The shadows make themselves more clear....
Someone’s in the house with me,
Making the shadows that I see.

Jill Holmes

Autumn in Utah.....

2010-10-02T17:20:00.023-06:00

We've started our trek up the mountains to the east of us...a tradition every Spring and Fall....

In the distance is the magnificent Great Salt Lake and Antelope Island.....

Closer to the top of the mountains...we're getting into lots of pines....

Our mountains in all their glory....such a canvas of color!

Wes at our picnic site...our initials are carved in a tree up here from years ago....

A glass of champagne, and a Subway turkey sandwich....what more could you ask for!

Up on top there is a campground...we have actually camped overnight at it once in the past...we always come here for our picnics...the quakies are beautiful!

Wes and Jill at dinner....I've just polished off a delicious taco salad....I'll be good again tomorrow! ~LOL~

"Nightmare on 13th" was a fun and spooky way to spend my birthday evening!

Wes just cracks us all up...they told us on this second picture to scream or act scared....and there he is just smiling away, same as in the first photo...he said he thought they were just doing a retake! Also, when he bought us all the copies of the photos, he didn't realize that Freddy was in them....he thought we could all have a family portrait! DUH! Wes....are you in there??????

Fun party decorations and favors, courtesy of Philly and Ellie!

Phyllis and Ellie drinking from their "venom" goblets...thank you for all of the work you did to put together such a fun party! And thank you for the gifts...too many to name, they are all special...but the scrapbook would be a "favorite"!

Liz and Jake...thank you for the presents...I love the blouse, and my new "Indian Summer" business card holder...it is beautiful! (and yes, it would have come in handy on our latest trip!)

We live in such a pretty place...sometimes I tend to take it for granted! Yesterday was my birthday...mine is in the fall, and Wes's is in May, when it is still springtime. We have made it a birthday tradition of ours to take a picnic lunch, a bottle of champagne, and head to the hills to witness the beauty of both Spring and Fall in our glorious Wasatch Mountains, which are part of the Rockies! The only thing that could make our area even prettier, would be to add an ocean to the west of us ~LOL~....but we do have the Great Salt Lake! After our drive and picnic in the hills, we all went to dinner at one of my favorite Mexican restuarants, and then went to "Nightmare on 13th"....a spooky Halloween haunted house....and then came back to our house for cake and presents! The spice cake was delicious Phyllis and Ellie (my favorite flavor of cake!)...and thank you so much for all the cute decorations, flowers and favors! I am genuinely blessed to have such a wonderful family, and to live in such a beautiful area....Autumn is a spectacular time of year, and I intend to enjoy every minute of it! Hope you all do the same!

October 1st.....

2010-10-01T08:45:00.000-06:00

Early Birthday Celebrations!

2010-09-30T19:24:00.011-06:00

My generous and pretty sister Julie throws me a pre-birthday lunch and party!

Autumn themed presents and giftwrap from Julie...she always does everything up nice!

The best present of all...two beautiful daughters that are best friends! Love you Phil and Liz!

My sister always makes everything perfect!

Ellie enjoys a yummy autumn sugar cookie Ju has brought for dessert!

Julie and I are both sunglass freaks! She buys me a pair like one she has that I love!

I am in love with this beautiful "Navajo Rug" patterned fleece blanket Julie has made me!

Tomorrow is my birthday....whether I like it or not! Another year older....where has this last year gone! Phyllis cracked me up this evening...she asked me how old I really am going to be, because I really stopped counting quite a few years ago, and started putting my age a year younger with each passing birthday, instead of a year older! Hey, if I can fool my own daughter, I can fool anyone...right???? ~LOL~ Anyway, my sister Julie had a birthday luncheon for me today..."Ghoul's Day Out" as she likes to call it, since my birthday is actually October 1st, and that is definitely the month for anything Halloween-like! We had lunch at our favorite Chinese restaurant, and Julie outdid herself with the presents and favors! (as usual!) Thank you Julie! She gave me so many presents, I could not begin to list them all...a favorite of mine is the beautiful "Navajo rug" patterned fleece blanket she made me! She made us all Halloween aprons for favors as well...she is so talented! I don't know how she has the patience or the time! Tomorrow, we will celebrate my birthday with Jake and Wes as well, and we are thinking about heading to a Halloween Haunted house, and eating at one of my favorite restaurants that serves excellent Greek food! They do say that wine gets better with age....I am hoping that this goes for me as well! I have all my wishes in my head to make when they light the candles on my birthday cake tomorrow night....one of my wishes is that it does not set off our ADT fire alarm!!!!! ~LOL~

Eight Days of Enchantment!

2010-09-28T15:45:00.108-06:00

We're about 80 miles south of Salt Lake City...on our way to "The Land of Enchantment"!

The drive through Spanish Fork Canyon is pretty...the leaves have changed already!

It is sad to think that in a few days or weeks, that these pretty flowers will be gone until next spring!

The wildflowers at a rest stop in southern Utah are beautiful!

We've arrived at Mesa Verde, where we will spend the afternoon and evening!

Mesa Verde...just it's name conjurs up a certain mystique!

The vistas from the drive up the mesa are breathtaking!

We've reached our destination for the evening...Far View Lodge at Mesa Verde!

Getting ready to take the trail down to Spruce Tree Ruins.....

Our first glimpse this time around...and Ellie's first ever...of Spruce Tree Ruins!

Liz and Jake.....such a neat place to be near sunset...the shadows dancing on the ruin walls are magical and mystical!

Wes and Phyllis on the trail.....

Ellie emerges from a Kiva....

Wes and Jill....

Phyllis and Ellie....

Spruce Tree Ruins are simply spectacular!

We spot a little lizard on the trail back up.....

Turkey Buzzards perch in the trees and soar in the skies above Spruce Tree Ruin....

We are treated to an elegant sunset up on the mesa.....

We find the rooms are very comfortable and cozy at the Far View Lodge.....

Just before sunrise, the deer are out drinking water from the ice machine....a Mama and Daddy and three babies!

The Rainbow Yei figures on our room numbers are for protection....

It's been fun having our rooms and balconies all together!

We have had such a nice visit here at Far View Lodge...

We are loaded up and ready to roll....Santa Fe or bust!

Driving down Mesa Verde is just as pretty as going up!

The Chama NM Train Depot....headquarters for the Cumbres/Toltec scenic railroad....

An old steam engine at the Chama Depot.....

Echo Amphitheatre, near Ghost Ranch....

Had we come through here a week later, the cottonwoods would be a glorious yellow in this pretty valley we always stop at....

A quick drive up the hill to Abiquiu...Georgia O'Keefe country.....

Philly at Romero's Fruit Stand...a tradition!

Yummy Biscochitos for the ride on into Santa Fe.....

We've arrived at our Santa Fe destination....and I am thrilled with the location and the accomodations!

Part of the living room and kitchen area.....love the wooden ceilings and beams!

Fun little southwestern details add a lot of charm to every room!

Wes kicks back and relaxes in the spacious and gracious living room!

One of the three bedrooms...the decor was amazing!

I'm sure Jake is looking in the fridge for something with green chile on it or in it!

We LOVE our green chiles....even in wine! ~LOL~

Fresh roasted HOT green chile we bought at Romeros....so meaty and good...even though each chile was a surprise...some were fairly mild...others would put Dante's Inferno to shame!

A nice night to stay in and have some local snacks....

Wes enjoys our private patio, and watches as a storm rolls in over the high desert....

There's a storm brewin'....I call the front desk and ask them to please bring some firewood to the room....I love a fire during a thunderstorm!

So glad they brought us up some wood for a cozy fire....

Phyllis inside the gate of our condo at Las Palomas...our unit was called "The San Francisco"...

Breakfast in the sunny Las Palomas breakfast room.....

Chomping at the bits to walk up to the plaza...a block or two away from Las Palomas...

A towering wooden Kachina in front of the lobby....

The Original Curio Shop was owned by the Candelario family back in the 40's and my Aunt Betty and Uncle Tony used to manage it for them.....

This neat building that is now the Santa Fe Burrito Company, used to belong to my Great Grandparents, and was a boarding house they ran...it is located directly across the street and to the east of the Governor's Palace.....

Liz and Jake with the Governor's Palace behind them....

The famous La Fonda Hotel on the plaza....my great grandparents owned the restaurant in La Fonda back in it's early days....

Time for a cold one at the Fiesta Lounge in the La Fonda Hotel....

Chile ristras on every corner...'tis the season!

San Miguel Church, the oldest church in the U.S.

Such a beautiful blue sky for a backdrop to this historic old church.....

Wes and Jill at San Miguel...across the street is the oldest house in the United States....

The Loretto Chapel...my late aunt Sally went to school here at their academy while growing up....

The "Miraculous Staircase" the Loretto Chapel is famous for....

Lunch at "The Pantry" out on Cerrillos Road! I always went there with my Aunt Betty...today we all had cheese enchiladas, except for Ellie, she likes a good burger!

A quick stop at Jackalope in Santa Fe on our way down to Albuquerque...another tradition! ~LOL~

Yummy Santo Domingo Pueblo horno bread we buy on our way down from Santa Fe to Albuquerque....

Hot air balloons are a common sight in Albuquerque...these were outside our hotel room one morning...the BIG Balloon Festival is this month!

"Gan" makes a wish on her 80th birthday...I hope it comes true!

Ellie, Phyllis, Liz and Jake with "Gan"....

Wes outside of La Placita in Old Town Albuquerque....

The prices have changed, but the menus are still the same as when I was a little girl...we always choose the "Old Town Special"....Stuffed Sopapillas!

Stuffed Sopapillas...Christmas style...red and green chile!

Wes and Jill with the "indoor" tree behind them....

La Placita dates back to the 18th century...the "Tree Room" is basically built around this old existing tree....what charm!

We love La Placita! I have been going there since I was a little girl, and my Grandpa would always take us there to dinner, and we would eat in the "Tree Room"!

We never miss the "Candy Lady" in Old Town.....I have a link to it on our website!

I'm excited to find the Sugar Skulls at the Candy Lady....Dia de los Muertos is right around the corner! I've made my pick!

Route 66 Casino and Hotel, west of Albuquerque at Rio Puerco....Get your kicks at Route 66!

The old Zuni Mission...there are dances going on today in the village....

A picturesque abandoned dwelling at Zuni....

There are signs that autumn is about to arrive at the peaceful village of Zuni....

Hornos at Zuni....

We run into Faye Quandelacy, who invites us to her home....but first we grab a Zuni taco at Zuni Express! (It's tradition!)

Faye at work at her "station"....so fascinating to watch the different steps involved in carving a fetish!

While we have been visiting, Faye has created this beautiful turquoise frog for us!

Peter Gasper Jr. and Avery Quandelacy are busy on the front porch, tying small bundles of herbs for tea....(in addition to hamming for the camera!)

Herbs for tea we have been gifted with....

Faye has related the Zuni "Creation" story to us...which evolves around their sacred Zuni Mountain "Dowa Yallane"....

The sacred Zuni Mountain....

The famous old El Rancho Hotel....if these walls could only talk!

Wes and Jill at El Rancho Dining Room....

Wes and I have chosen the "Anthony Quinn"......Green chile stew with homemade tortillas....all of their dishes are named after stars that stayed and ate here!

Liz and Jake....

Ellie and Phyllis....

An old wooden Cigar Store Indian stands in the corner of the lobby....

The walls are lined with autographed photos of stars from the past...such a fun stroll down Memory Lane!

Out of all the pictures on the walls...I know just which actress Wes thinks is the prettiest and I head straight to it...Gene Tierney....what a babe!

"Indian Summer" salsa Liz and Jake bought us....great name!

New Mexico wine and salsa we brought home.....

Pico wearing his new turquoise concho collar....he was so happy to see us when we got home...and vice versa! We got Stormie, Dino, and Scrappy collars too!

I need a vacation....I am so worn out from the vacation we just returned from on Sunday the 26th, that I am ready for some actual R and R, since we were on the move every minute of the eight days we were gone! The first day out, we headed to Mesa Verde, Colorado, and Far View Lodge, where we spent the night up on top of the Mesa...we have stayed there several times in the past, and it is always such a peaceful and relaxing lodge...no phones, no television, no internet....just beautiful vistas, excellent southwestern cuisine and fabulous Anasazi ruins to explore! The deer coyly approach your balcony, while the crows and magpies fly overhead and the bunnies scamper through the brush. Shiprock is in the distance, in fact you can view all "four corners" states from up here! Next on the agenda is Santa Fe! We get a fairly early start and head towards Durango, Pagosa Springs and Chama...we make lots of stops along the way, one in Chama at the old train depot for the Cumbres/Toltec Railroad...We're headed towards Ghost Ranch, Echo Amphitheatre, and Abiquiu! We stop at the Romero Fruit Stand, which is a tradition, and buy fresh baked Biscochitos (the New Mexico state cookie!)and fresh roasted green chile, that is still warm...as well as HOT flavored....but oh so de-lish! They are roasting it as we buy it! Onward to Santa Fe, where we'll spend a couple of days taking in the sights....so many memories! My Grandma's old adobe house...my aunt and uncle's houses, restaurants and bars, they once owned...my Great Grandma and Grandpa's properties...they were everywhere all over Santa Fe...boarding houses, cafes...their ranch. Everything has changed so much over the years, but my wonderful memories of this enchanted ancient city will always be the same! Burro Alley...the tales my dad would tell us about this historic little alley, and now we can share with our daughter's partners...our girls certainly heard them over the years from my dad ~LOL~ He was an enthusiastic "Storyteller"...similar to an elder in a tribe! A gorgeous three bedroom, three bath condo with a huge living room and fireplace, and private patio just minutes from the plaza became our "casa" while in Santa Fe....not too hard to take! The oldest church, the oldest house, the "Miraculous Staircase"...La Fonda Hotel....the Governor's Palace, and Jackalope....anyone who has been to Santa Fe can relate.....it is definitely the "city different". Intersperse all the sights with New Mexican food and flavorful margaritas, and you are in heaven! Albuquerque is next on our list...we definitely have to head out to Santo Domingo Pueblo on the way down, and pick up some jewelry from Reyes Pacheco, and also get some scrumptious horno baked pueblo bread! We arrive in Albuquerque tired, full, but happy! We've come to Albuquerque to celebrate Wes's mother's 80th Birthday! We need to get a cake, and decorations and place our order at Monroe's for "Christmas" (red and green chile!) enchiladas and guacamole to take to the birthday party! Monroe's on Lomas is another favorite little New Mexican cafe we have been frequenting over the years! This will have to wait till morning..."Gan's" actual birthday! We pick up our supplies early the next morning and head over to spend the day with Wes's mother, brothers and family! The party is a success and Gan is so happy that we have made the trek to see her on this special occasion! The day after her birthday, we spend a full day shopping in Old Town, seeing the Albuquerque sights and eating at La Placita (a tradition!)...the day really flew by.... Evening rolled around and it was time to head out to the Route 66 Casino! Thank you Rob and Kam for such a nice evening! I'm not winning on the slots obviously...since I am willing to call it a night a little past midnight, but in addition to the slots not paying off...we have an early day ahead of us! We say our "goodbyes" and head to Gallup where we will be staying for a couple of days and commuting to Zuni Pueblo. We wanted to take the kids out to El Morro, but it was not meant to be....we ran into Faye Quandelacy at Zuni, and spent the entire afternoon visiting with Faye and Sandra, Albenita, Priscilla, Avery, and lots of family members and friends that dropped by. How can you say "no" to such a gracious host! We drank wonderful herb tea, and Faye entertained us with stories her late mother Ellen had passed down to her, in addition to carving a frog fetish for us while we visited! A late dinner at the famous old El Rancho Hotel back in Gallup, and a few nightcaps in their lounge, and another fun filled day had come to an end....we had to leave the next morning and hightail it home! Trips are always an adventure, and this was truly one of our best trips ever, having our daughters and their partners along to share in the fun! I am already missing the green chile and "New Mexican" cuisine...the glorious blue skies, and the brilliant red chile ristras, but I really do believe the old saying is true..."Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home!" Hope you enjoyed our trip...I know we did!

Haunting For Just the Right Earrings?

2010-09-17T23:45:00.015-06:00

If you are anything like me....you love Autumn and Halloween! There is just something magical in the chilly night air! The thought of colorful Indian Corn...brilliant orange pumpkins...and spooky ghosts certainly conjurs up fun and excitement in my book! If you are a Native American art and jewelry....plus Autumn and Halloween enthusiast like me, check out some of our fun earrings at Indian Summer Native American Art . They will definitely spice up the season! Happy Haunting for them on our web pages under beadwork!

New Autumn Posting at Indian Summer Native American Art

2010-09-15T01:39:00.013-06:00

Indian Summer is definitely here...so come and visit us at Indian Summer Native American Art and see what's new!

This slightly older Papago coiled basket has a definite autumn look and feel...plus a "retro" look!

Hopi coiled plaque by Rosalita Martin is a beauty! Such gorgeous natural dyes used...you don't see many of these nowadays!

The traditional Santo Domingo "Corn" necklaces are a favorite of mine....spiny oyster "corn" in vivid autumn hues with sky blue turquoise....perfect!

Frank Pachecho's Santo Domingo Pueblo "Jocla" necklace with a large natural Kingman nugget would look great against a fall cardigan....

Cute little bear cub by Juana Homer is enjoying a lazy Indian Summer before he hibernates!

Bat carving by Roselle Gonzales....great addition to your collection, especially with Halloween just around the corner!

New merchandise on our website Indian Summer Native American Art! We've added some wonderful Navajo, Hopi, and Papago baskets....Give your home a fall look with these hand woven collectibles....Spice up your autumn jewelry wardrobe with a new Santo Domingo or Zuni Pueblo necklace...(I love the jocla style with the "corn"...ever so fall-like!).... and of course there are new Zuni fetish carvings...great for any season, and any reason! We would love to hear from you!

Greeks and Geeks...That's Us!

2010-09-12T12:18:00.029-06:00

We've arrived at the Greek Orthodox Church for "Greek Festival"....

Thank you for the bracelet to ward off the "evil eye" Phyllis and Ellie!

Wes, P, and me!

Ellie, Phyllis and Wes with our box of pastries Ellie just picked out!

Phyllis and Ellie....Phyllis sports a hat that means "Doll" in Greek, that I just bought her!

Liz, Jake and Corbin....hard to eat vegetarian with all these gyros around...but they manage!

The dances were great....I wish I had something in "my culture" that was as traditional as this!

Yummy Greek pastries we enjoy while watching the dances.....

Corbin with Jake, poses with his necklace I just bought him...Ellie explains to us that it is the Greek alphabet!

I've been true to the pin on my lapel...I've been "Greek for a Day!"

We've arrived at Liz and Jake's for brunch...it looks cute for fall...I am still really proud of our total remodel we did last summer on this adorable house!

I've brought Huevos Rancheros to the brunch....is this what started the whole silly sombrero thing!

Phyllis and Ellie would never miss a game...they somehow managed to find a broadcast of the Utes vs BYU game last November when they were in London!

You never know who you'll run into tailgating....this fellow was parked next to us....what a cutie with his Ute tags!

The Ute fans go all out with their tailgating!

The Utes dominate the field!

Phyllis and Wes are total Ute fan buddies!

Final Score...Utes 38...UNLV 10!

Where has Wes been hiding these sombreros that he and Jake are wearing!

"Three Amigos"...these three could put Chevy, Steve, and Martin to shame at times! ~LOL~

Senor y Senora.....

Wes...the instigator of all our shenanigans...it's time to say "Adios!".....

Another whirlwind weekend! I am TOO old to keep up with our daughters and their partners....yet I just keep trying! ~LOL~ Friday evening was Greek Festival! Ellie is Greek, so of course we could not miss that! We all had a good time, and of course...ate and drank too much...what else is new???? We watched Greek dancers, and shopped their bazaar for charms to ward off the "evil eye"...and had a fun filled evening! Saturday morning we had a pre-tailgate brunch at Liz and Jake's house prior to heading up to the U of U for the game against UNLV...which we won...38-10! The Utes are off to another great year! They now have 19 consecutive home wins! After the game we all went back to Liz and Jake's where Wes dragged out the sombreros from the 2005 Fiesta Bowl the Utes played in, and won...and we had leftovers from brunch, and all got into a "fiesta" mood...Now, I have vowed to behave myself, until next weekend, when we are all headed to New Mexico for Wes's mother's 80th birthday! Hasta la Vista!

Zozobra Celebration...A Family Tradition!

2010-09-07T12:55:00.028-06:00

I decided that if you can't beat them...join them! I hate to see summer leave...but my summer flowers were really fading...I gave in and gave the front of our house an autumn look, and realized that I need to enjoy every season!

I took down the hummingbird flag, and hung the harvest flag today...it is definitely feeling fall-like!

Headed over to Phyllis and Ellie's next door to us...they live in my late father's house...it is decorated cute for autumn and for the party!

I've made Chile con Queso, and green chile cheese enchiladas to take over, as my contribution...

Some of the evening's fare....

"Indian Creek" Pinot Noir...yummy wine Liz and Jake brought us from a recent trip, will make a nice toast for a fun filled evening!

Ellie, Phyllis and Jill....

Wes, Phyllis and Ellie....

Jake, Liz and Corbin.....

Phyllis and Ellie have set such a pretty autumn table....

I said you could have one little bite Dino....~LOL~

Phyllis makes a fireside toast to our Zozobra celebration!

Wes, with Corbin has a nice fire going for us......this is an exciting new experience for Corbin!

Peering cat eyes (one of Phyllis and Ellie's three cats) watch the festivities from from their upstairs room....

The actual burning of Zozobra in Santa Fe, NM....

Hopefully all of our "troubles" are now behind us!!!!!

The History of the Burning of Zozobra
Zozobra is a hideous but harmless fifty-foot boogeyman marionette. He is a toothless, empty-headed facade. He has no guts and doesn't have a leg to stand on. He is full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. He never wins. He moans and groans, rolls his eyes and twists his head. His mouth gapes and chomps. His arms flail about in frustration. Every year we do him in. We string him up and burn him down in a blaze of fireworks. At last, he is gone, taking with him all our troubles for another whole year. Santa Fe celebrates another victory. Viva la Fiesta!

- A.W. Denninger-

Local Santa Fe, N.M. artist William Howard Shuster, Jr. - "Will" (1893-1969) conceived and created Zozobra in 1924 as the focus of a private fiesta at his home for artists and writers in the community. His inspiration for Zozobra came from the Holy Week celebrations of the Yaqui Indians of Mexico; an effigy of Judas, filled with firecrackers, was led around the village on a donkey and later burned. Shuster and E. Dana Johnson, a newspaper editor and friend of Shuster's came up with the name Zozobra, which was defined as "anguish, anxiety, gloom" or in Spanish for "the gloomy one". I grew up attending Fiesta in Santa Fe, held usually over Labor Day weekend...in the late sixties, the so called "hippies" descended upon Santa Fe during this time, and as the locals said "basically took over Fiesta"....thus, Fiesta was moved back a week, hoping that not as many "touristas" could attend after Labor Day, and that it could retain some of the "small town" charm it once had.
The Fiesta celebration began in 1712 to celebrate an expedition by Don Diego de Vargas, who reconquered the the territory of New Mexico. Zozobra became part of the Fiestas in 1926.

My late father who was born in Albuquerque, but raised in Santa Fe, N.M. would tell us fascinating stories about the early days of "Zozobra" and all of the mischief he and his buddies would get into during Fiesta! To honor my dad, as well as re-creating a little mischief ourselves...last year our daughter Phyllis decided that we should have our own "Zozobra" celebration each year, since we can't always make it to Santa Fe during this time...thus, our family traditions of "Zozobra" began! So, once again, we have shared a fun filled evening with yummy autumn fare, fun (and yes...mischievous) conversation and delightful spirits! Thank you Phyllis and Ellie...dinner was delish! Our evening ended with a cozy fire in the new fire pit we bought for the occasion...(also great to take tailgating)...where we all tossed in our little secret notes with this past year's "troubles" written on them...and watched them go up in smoke! With our "troubles" now behind us, we have vowed this will be a new and happy beginning for us all! Good bye once again to "Old Man Gloom"...Viva la Fiesta!

It's That Time of Year Again....GO UTES!

2010-09-05T09:08:00.011-06:00

Well, it is officially here...University of Utah Football Season! We attended their first game on Thursday, September 2nd...they played against the Pittsburgh Panthers, whom we played against and BEAT in the 2005 Fiesta Bowl, when the Utes celebrated their status as the first “BCS Busters” with an unbeaten 2004 season and a 35-7 victory over the Panthers in the Fiesta Bowl! Well, this game was much closer...(TOO CLOSE!)...we beat Pittsburgh in overtime 27-24 with an 18th consecutive win at home! We went tailgating with the family, and had our good friends Rick, and Ed and Rick's son Cameron join us! Next game is on the 11th when we will play UNLV at home...Phyllis is already planning our tailgate menu! An early game...a tailgate brunch! I have to give Phyllis a big thank you and lots of credit for always pulling things together for us, and also for the photo share of this last game! Thanks P... GO UTES!

Bear Lake 2010

2010-08-31T16:01:00.067-06:00

Getting ready to head out on our yearly trip to Bear Lake!

I remember my mom always liked to have flowers in the trailer...so I make sure to take some along as well...everything in the trailer is original....pretty good shape for 39 years old!!!!

Mini kitchen complete with fridge, stove and sink....where is my dishwasher????

Bathroom sink and counter area...

Our "rig" is ready to go...Wes has waxed up the Plymouth and cleaned the whitewall tires!

Wes feels right at home behind the wheel of our '73 Plymouth Grand Fury.... a real blast from the past! We are ready to roll......

We pass Devil's Slide on the way to Bear Lake...it is an impressive rock formation!

We've arrived at Rendezvous Beach, our "home away from home" for the next five days.....

Bear Lake is just as pretty as I remembered it....

Pico is very interested in the surroundings...little did we know that he was on the scent of a skunk family that visited us nightly!

It's quite an ordeal getting everything set up the way we want it...but we will be here for a few days, and want everything comfy!

First night out, Phyllis and Ellie treat us to a Greek dinner....Ellie is Greek and a great cook! We feast on Gyros, lemon rice, and Greek salad, complete with Baklava and ouzo! Ooompa!

Wes and Joel make quite a dent in the Greek Salad...."roughing it" works up quite an appetite!

Breakfast the first morning...Danish and home made "egg McMuffins"....and ice cold mimosas...Gotta start the day off right....

Pico gets a belly rub from Jake in the trailer, and decides to act like a wild animal since we are in the woods!

Such a gorgeous day...and rain has been predicted for every other day we are here....so we decide to go boating today....waiting for the boat we've rented to be brought down.....

Bear Lake is really one of the prettiest lakes I have seen....Ellie is Greek, and has family in Cyprus...she says the water color is similar to that of the Sea of Cyprus in the Mediterranean...

Wes and Jill...Wes has just made certain the CD player is working and has cranked up Metallica!

Heading out....blue skies and turquoise blue water...a great combination!

Phyllis and Ellie toast to a fun voyage!

The water is such a gorgeous shade of turquoise! So inviting!

Liz and Jake...Jake entertains us with his dives and cannonballs off the boat!

Joel takes his turn at navigating...it's been a perfect day for boating!

Phyllis and Ellie do give a hoot! Cute hats they brought along....Are they what the HUGE owl perched in the tree overhead is staring down at....or is the owl watching those silly skunks that have invaded our campsite once again?

Jake and Liz fix us all a fabulous "tin foil supper"...tender sliced potatoes, onions, garlic, catfish and asparagus, complete with rosemary and other herbs, grilled to perfection in your own individual tin foil supper! YUMMY!!!!! I think Jake should open up his own restaurant and put this on the menu!

Joel has set up his "bachelor pad" tent here on the tiki torch path...Liz and Jake and Phyllis and Ellie have their two bedroom tent with a sunroom set up in a more wooded area that the skunks just love!

Strands of twinkling lights in the trees make our campsite cute and cozy.....

A rancher in Laketown sells firewood at a roadside stand...we make certain we have plenty of firewood for our nightly campfires...helps us see the skunks that stroll into the campsite nightly...probably, it is what attracts them....

We've come to check on our lot...we bought it years ago...maybe someday we will put a cabin on it...it has a gorgeous view!

Our lot is directly above the marina and offers a spectacular view of the lake from the north end in Idaho to the south end in Utah!

Phyllis and Liz and I think this is one windy spot!

Liz and Jake with the marina behind them....

The view to the south from our lot is just as breathtaking as all of the other directions!

After we check out our lot, we head to town to eat lunch at a local restaurant...it's a tradition!

Another carved bear and cubs in Garden City...after all, this is Bear Lake!

After lunch we head to the Lighthouse Gift Shop...they always have fun Halloween and autumn merchandise when we head up in August or September....

A camp breakfast... eggs with green chiles, Morning Star fake sausage (de-lish!) bacon, hashbrowns and toast...oh, and mimosas of course!

It has stormed every day but one...we lucked out and got our boating in that day...after this storm, we were treated to a beautiful double rainbow....

I always take along hummingbird feeders....such fun to watch the birds come and go all day long.....

Jake brings out "Harold"...a beer bong he made on the last trip up here ~LOL~

Joel is great at darts, but Ellie managed to beat everyone who played against her!

Last night at campsite...another storm...we make s'mores...I don't even like s'mores but it's fun to roast the marshmallows!

Totem Pole at Merlin's in Garden City at Bear Lake.....

On the way out of town, we stop at Merlin's, so Ellie can get a "Merlinator"...a huge hamburger we have been telling her about! We find Liz and Jake's photos on the wall from a few years back, when they ate their "Merlinators"...It was shortly after that, when they became vegetarians!

We find Phyllis's picture from a few years back as well....Remember the show the "Great Outdoors" with John Candy where he ate a gigantic steak at a restaurant....well, this is a similar type thing!

Ellie with her "Merlinator"...they really used to seem a LOT bigger!

Goodbye for now Bear Lake...we'll be back!

Well, anyone who knows me, knows that I like to be pampered...that I love five star hotels, and room service...and that roughing it to me, as a neighbor of ours once pointed out is "staying at a Hilton because the Marriott is all full...." So, with that said...what on earth was I doing, going camping for five days this past week?!?! Well, my mom and dad had a travel trailer they loved....they purchased it the year I graduated from high school...1971. They took it on many trips to the west coast and parked it at the state beaches, their favorite being in Carpenteria, Ca. Wes and I took a few trips with them in the trailer back in the day, in fact my parents took Wes along on their first trip in the trailer, and that was up to Yellowstone in June of '71. My mom passed away unexpectedly in 1982, the same year Wes and I had our first daughter Phyllis Ann, and so the trailer sat. After our second daughter Liz was born in 1984, my dad made us an "offer" on the trailer that was too good to pass up...he wanted to see someone get some enjoyment out of his beloved trailer. So, we started a tradition of taking Phyllis and Liz up to Bear Lake in Northern Utah each year on a camping trip in the trailer. The girls and Wes loved it...I admit, I tolerated it. It takes days to get the trailer ready for an outing.....filling it with food, goodies and necessities, stocking it with towels and toiletries...making sure we have games to entertain us in the evenings, and videos we take along to watch in the trailer when it storms...all those kinds of things! It's at times like this, when I wonder just who came up with the term "happy camper"!?!? Now maybe some folks would just get in the trailer and off they would go...but not me, if I am going to make the effort to go camping, I want it done right...with mimosas at breakfast, champagne brunches....wine with cheese and crackers in the afternoon....you get the picture? I want to turn our campsite into a five star hotel with all the amenities! We do a pretty good job with it, but I don't get room service, nor my bed turned down nightly, and then there are those pesky skunks that come around at dusk, that I don't recall seeing at the last hotel we stayed at ~LOL~.....but for five days we "roughed it" and kept the tradition of Bear Lake alive! Wes's brother Joel decided to join us at the last minute, so headed over from Denver to meet up with us. I just kept thinking how happy my dad would be seeing us pull the old trailer up to Bear Lake with his '73 Plymouth Grand Fury....it is quite the sight! When we pull into a gas station (which is quite often, considering it gets 12 miles to the gallon!) all the old geezers (like Wes and my age and older!) go nuts over our "rig" and rave on and on about how they sure don't build cars nor trailers like they used to...and what a beauty the plymouth or the trailer is....I kind of start to feel guilty at this point and realize that we are indeed lucky to have the plymouth and the trailer, and the opportunity to go camping...something many people never experience, and that I don't have to stay at a fancy resort to have fun.....you make your own fun! Plus, with the trip behind us for another year, I now have Wes indebted to me...and these last 5 days have assured me at least one 5 star hotel stay in the near future! ~LOL~ You know what they say about pay backs......

Santa Fe Indian Market Remembered....

2010-08-19T13:33:00.020-06:00

Discussing the day's events and plans for Market with relatives Eddie and Dawson at my Grandma's pink adobe house in Santa Fe...this was Market Day I remember...also I am wearing the same outfit and have my hair the same as in the sketch at Market at the bottom of this post....these were great times!

Booths and buyers at Market....wish that I was organized and could find more of my Market photos...I have so many taken over the years....have made a vow to get my 1,000's and 1000's of photos in order one of these days...~LOL~

Spotted Jerry Jacka, the late famous photographer for Arizona Highways and numerous southwestern publications at Market, in front of Dressman's on the plaza....

We took along our pottery "Bible"..."Seven Families in Pueblo Pottery" and had some of the artists we made purchases from (and even a few we didn't!) sign our book...As much fun as getting Mickey's signature at Disneyland!

Lucy M. Lewis, the one and only!

We purchased the Lucy Lewis black on white vase on the left at Market from Lucy...the two center pieces came from Lucy over the next few years....and the vase on the right was a 25th Wedding Anniversary gift to Wes and me from my sister Julie!

Lucy Lewis's signature was a great addition to our book...as was her pottery, to our collection!

Rose Gonzales, San Ildefonso Pueblo, Indian Market 1977....

We purchased the smaller carved blackware on the right from Rose at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning, the first day of Market...she was #1 on our list....we picked up the larger piece with Avanyu the following day...

Rose Gonzales who was well known as the originator of carved wares from San Ildefonso, was one of the sweetest, most gracious potters I have ever had the opportunity of meeting...so happy she signed our book!

We were excited to meet Marie Chino, and her daughter Rose Chino Garcia...the fine line seed bowl in the center, we purchased from Marie...the two "Deer with Heartline" wares, we purchased from Rose.....

Glad to have Marie Chino's autograph in our book...makes me sad, I had several actual photos of Marie, that I loaned out years ago to an acquaintance, and they were never returned to me....

Candelaria Gachupin of Zia Pueblo was definitely on our list of faves, and we were thrilled to meet her and purchase this wonderful, traditional Zia bowl......

Candelaria was sweet and signed our book for us...even though she was gathering up her wares quickly, as a high desert thunderstorm rolled in, just as we were making our purchase!

Anita Suazo from Santa Clara was a favorite potter of ours, and when we met her and saw this piece with the Snake Dancers on it, we had to have it! We had recently attended the Snake Dance at Second Mesa (another post in itself...non Hopi's are no longer allowed to attend the Snake Dance...our attending this dance rates right up there with one of the most important events in our lives!)

Back in the day, many local artists would set up shop on the side streets surrounding the plaza where Market was held, and sketch you, as you relaxed from a busy day of shopping....fun memories!

This upcoming weekend, August 21 and 22nd is the 89th Annual Santa Fe Indian Market! I love Market and wish that I were there! I have been thinking a lot about Market this past week, as I am getting email reminders from artists and friends about Market events and it has made me rather melancholy! Market is still a fabulous event to attend, but I do remember when it was a bit simpler, and you did not have to "camp out" days in advance in front of a particular artist's booth in order to get one of their pieces! It was a simpler time for sure....you actually had a chance to really talk with the artists and learn something about them, other than just what you read in books. It was not nearly as large as it is today, so it is good to know that there are many artists following in the footsteps of their famous ancestors who represented their family at earlier Markets. Market is by invitation only to the various artists, so you really do get the "cream of the crop"! The "cream of the crop" back at Market in the 70's when I first began attending as an adult (my family is from Santa Fe, NM and I had been many times as a child, but did not have the knowledge nor appreciation for it, as I did in the 70's) were names such as the Chino and Lewis families from Acoma...Rose Gonzales from San Ildefonso....the Nampeyo Family from Polacca...."Frog Woman", Joy Navasie...Ellen Quandelacy from Zuni...in fact Ellen was the only Zuni carver of fetishes represented at Market back in the 70's! The great Fetish Revival at Zuni did not take place until later in the 80's. Wes and I had a mission back then...we were pottery enthusiasts and set out to purchase wares from some of our "favorite" potters, and we did! We had such a great time meeting so many artists, and establishing a buying relationship with many of them, that has lasted for years with those that are still with us...after all, this was almost 35 years ago, and many were older artists at that time! I treasure the art we purchased, the friendships we established, and the memories that we made! If you are lucky enough to be attending Market this year, ENJOY....it is an experience you will always cherish!

Lucky Dogs....

2010-08-17T08:49:00.004-06:00

"The General" and "Trooper"....such happy pups!

I just had to snatch this photo from our daughter Phyllis's blog! She and Ellie are dog sitting......for days! Their friends have gone to Thailand for almost a month, and Phyllis and Ellie, generous souls that they are, are once again dog sitting! They do this quite often for their friends, even though they have a handful themselves with Dino, their three cats and a frog! Phyllis and Ellie were feeling bad that "The General" and "Trooper" didn't have a lot of room to run and play, they live in a condo with just a small patio...these are both young dogs just full of energy! So, Phyllis and Ellie loaded up the pups into Philly's car, and took them on a drive, got them some treats and toys, and then let them run and play in their big fenced back yard! Even got out a little swimming pool for them to cool off in! These are two happy dogs as you can see from the photo...it makes me smile to look at those innocent and happy faces! Do a kind deed today for your dog or cat..or someone else's....they depend on us! Have a good one!

Four Down....Fourteen to Go!

2010-08-15T19:26:00.008-06:00

A new couch and loveseat and color scheme in the upstairs den, is just what the "house doctor" ordered!

Wes's new office has a really serene look and feel to it...I will probably find him in there on the couch asleep instead of working! ~LOL~

A new (old) dresser...not pictured in this photo, and an antique etagere add the finishing touches to a spare bedroom.....

Liz's old bedroom gets some new furniture, bedding and accent pieces, but keeps it's European feel....

New living room furniture is a start....but we need an accent wall or two, and we are going to whitewash the natural wooden ceilings and vigas....

The old wallpaper is stripped off...and we are ready for a new and updated look for this bathroom...starting tomorrow, with new wall texturing!

Wes and I must be nuts...literally! We are in the midst of another remodel! Seems like only yesterday that we did the MAJOR remodel of adding an entire second level to our Spanish style rambler....well, that was actually TEN years ago! My, how time does fly! With the girls both out of the house now, and Wes having taken early retirement, there have been rooms that definitely needed to be addressed.....Wes is working several days each week doing his own thing...no longer a 9-5 guy, he needed his own office. With six bedrooms and only the two of us in the house....and Pico and Stormie of course...we decided to turn our old master bedroom into an office for Wes. It turned out nice, and I am jealous...he has a great fireplace in there...I just tiled the mantel on it, and we totally painted the room and fireplace with accent walls and new colors. Jake did can lighting for us, and a fan light that is nice. We moved some of our antiques into the room and he has a great art deco bar from the 1930's, along with some other treasures we used to pull it all together....so now, I am crying the blues and want my office remodeled as well! Wes painted an accent wall for me the other night... so, I am one step closer to a new look! Since we pulled some of the antiques from our "antique bedroom"...it meant a new (old) dresser was in need, to replace the armoire we put in Wes's office and an etagere to hold my depression glass. We found some great pieces at a local antique shop, and had a blast shopping for them! We pulled the couch from our upstairs den, and used it in Wes's office, so that meant a new couch and loveseat for that room....it is amazing how one thing leads to another! When Liz moved into the home we bought and remodeled as an investment last fall, we were left with a big empty bedroom of Liz's...it has taken us until just last week to replace the furniture, paint, and decorate her old bedroom...it is finally done, and I am really pleased with the look! We recently replaced our main floor living room with new furniture...but still need to paint and update a few things in there, so it is in a "transition" stage...~LOL~ Actually, our whole house is in a transition stage at this point....I think we are just about done with Wes's office, and I am happy with the "antique" room and our upstairs den, and Liz's old room....we have our handyman and master sheetrocker Isaac coming tomorrow to work in one of the downstairs bathrooms...Wes stripped the old wallpaper off today, so now we need wall texturing, paint, new cabinet fronts, lighting, mirror......nothing much ~LOL~ and since I have an accent wall in my office now, it means everything else in there gets a facelift! (Wish that included me!) So, we now have four rooms done, that leaves ony 14 to go! I said it in the first line of this post....and it is true....we are nuts, but there is never a dull moment around here, and hopefully everything will look great when we are done!

Happy 26th Birthday Liz!

2010-08-07T09:33:00.009-06:00

Liz and Jake.....

Well, after spending the entire morning rounding up pictures of our beautiful little Lizard...and crying....moms have that right you know....I put my first photo of Liz when she was a baby in to scan, and my scanner is not working! I am the first to admit that I am not the most computer savvy person in the world, and since it's a weekend, I don't want to bother our webmaster, and Liz, who helps me troubleshoot my problems is up in Yellowstone with Jake on a little birthday getaway....Wes is sleeping, but honestly, he would not be any help ~LOL~ and if I want to want to get this posted before Liz's birthday has come and gone, I am just going to forego the older photos...Sorry Liz...there were some doozies! Elizabeth, you are not only my daughter, but you and your sister Phyllis are my best friends. I love you so much, and I am so proud of you! You have so many wonderful qualities....you are a very giving person, to all of your causes.... helping save the polar bears, the rain forest...fighting for equal rights for all...becoming a vegetarian...a recycler....lots of people "talk the talk, but don't walk the walk"....You are a genuine feminist....a Genders Studies Major, which is your true calling...you are a wonderful daughter, a loyal sister and sister-in-law, a caring niece, a faithful and loving partner to Jake, and such a good mama to your baby dog Scrappy! You brought great joy to your late Grandpa's life, and for that I will always be thankful and grateful...we can add wonderful granddaughter to the list! You are an artist, with so much talent that you need to explore more and share....you have big dreams that I hope will come true....you are a comedienne, you make us all laugh with your impersonations and your wit! Mom and Dad love you very much and hope that your 26th Birthday is one of your best birthdays ever! We look forward to celebrating with you after you return from Yellowstone! Enjoy your day! MOM

We're Raven About Our New Fetish Carvings!

2010-08-05T20:57:00.005-06:00

Zuni Fetish Carver Derrick Kaamasee's large jet Raven.....

We have LOTS of new fetish carvings on our website "Indian Summer Native American Art"....including this fabulous detailed raven shown above! We hope you will visit us at www.indiansummer.com In addition to Zuni fetish carvings, we sell pueblo pottery, baskets, Kachinas, jewelry and traditional beadwork! Hope to hear from you!

Wednesday August 4th...Prop 8 Overturned!!!!

2010-08-05T08:45:00.012-06:00

Wes and I get out the Rainbow Pride flag and greet the girls when they arrive...today there is history in the making!

Phyllis (with Ellie) has stopped on her way home from work and picked up a little bubbly to celebrate....

We have been following this all day...texting one another with any breaking news....

Liz and Pico join in the celebration!

A toast to the Overturning of Prop 8!

Today was a historic date! In a Federal Court Ruling, Judge Vaughn R. Walker concluded that Prop 8 was unconstitutional and Prop 8 was overturned! Now, I am not so naive that I think the buck stops here....it is such a heated topic that it will undoubtedly end up in the Supreme Court...where I hope the Judges have the same guts to do the right thing, and declare Prop 8 as unconstitutional. Why are LGBT people treated not as equals, nor given the same rights as straight people? Our daughter Phyllis and her partner Ellie were one of those 18,000 couples married in California before Prop 8. Their marriage was not "taken away" from them after Prop 8....but the rights of other LGBT couples who wished to marry were denied. Ellie is from London, and eventually, she and Phyllis will need to move to London, where civil unions are recognized, and they are given equal rights. It is TIME to treat EVERYONE as equals here in the U.S. I hope that today's overturning of Prop 8 is a giant step in the right direction....

Below are a few excerpts from Judge Walker's ruling....

Judge Vaughn R. Walker's conclusion:

"Proposition 8 fails to advance any rational basis in singling out gay men and lesbians for denial of a marriage license. Indeed, the evidence shows Proposition 8 does nothing more than enshrine in the California Constitution the notion that opposite sex couples are superior to same-sex couples. Because California has no interest in discriminating against gay men and lesbians, and because Proposition 8 prevents California from fulfilling its constitutional obligation to provide marriages on an equal basis, the court concludes that Proposition 8 is unconstitutional.

On the overturning of Proposition 8:

"Plaintiffs have demonstrated by overwhelming evidence that Proposition 8 violates their due process and equal protection rights and that they will continue to suffer these constitutional violations until state officials cease enforcement of Proposition 8. California is able to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, as it has already issued 18,000 marriage licenses to same sex couples and has not suffered any demonstrated harm as a result ...

"Because Proposition 8 is unconstitutional under both the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses, the court orders entry of judgment permanently ... prohibiting the official defendants [state of California] from applying or enforcing Proposition 8..."

Next Gold Medal Winner in the Doggie Olympics!

2010-07-28T10:55:00.007-06:00

Liz gives Scrappy a kiss for luck before he takes his next plunge!

Streamlined Scrappy shows good form with his Doggie Paddle!

Scrappy makes a beeline to Jake's waiting arms!

Little sweet Scrappy comes to "Mamacita" as I am known by....to be bundled up in a big beach towel after his adventure

Well this last weekend, the girls and their partners came over for a BBQ and a dip in the pool...it was a hot day, and a great way to cool off. Liz and Jake brought their pup Scrappy over and Liz thought she should see if Scrappy could swim...and that little darling is a natural born swimmer and future Doggie Olympics Gold Medal winner in the "Dog Paddle" category! One of these days I will let Pico give it a try, he is always a good sport! He just might give Scrappy some competition, but between them, I know they would take home a gold and a silver medal! Phyllis took the photos and did a post on her blog about Scrappy and his dog paddling day, and my sister used the photos on her blog for a post entitled the "Dog Days of Summer"....I thought the photos of Scrappy were so cute...and it is my pool ~LOL~...and he is my Grand dog baby...so I decided to use them as well! We all could take a lesson from Scrappy....try new stuff....don't be afraid to sink or swim....usually we will find ourselves swimming...just like the Great Scrappy! Hope you are keeping cool!

Thank You to Our Customers and Friends!

2010-07-25T18:20:00.007-06:00

Cute handmade card from Dianne in N.H.

Thank you Dianne in New Hampshire! Dianne recently ordered a fetish bear pendant from me on our website Indian Summer Native American Art. Dianne called her order in, rather than using the shopping cart, and mentioned to me that we had been recommended to her by a good friend named Sarah from N.H. who is a customer and friend of our's as well. Thanks for the recommendation Sarah...we appreciate our good customers that help spread the word about our quality merchandise, and our fast and friendly service! Dianne was so pleased with her pendant and the little "extras" we send along with our orders, that she made me this great southwestern style card and surprised me with it! I get nice cards, and emails routinely from our customers thanking us for our products and service, and we sometimes get photos of our customer's collections, and fun photos of themselves or their pets. Although I have not always thought to photograph the nice cards we get....nor post the emails on our site, we very much appreciate them! Anyone who takes the time out of their busy schedules nowadays to handwrite a card, let alone make it...and then send it snail mail, which means a stamp and a trip to the post office, deserves a big THANK YOU! So, in addition to Dianne in NH, I want to thank ALL of you great customers that keep in touch via cards, postcards, and emails! You are appreciated! As an old favorite of mine, Dean Martin used to say, in closing his variety show each week...."Keep those cards and letters comin' in!"....~LOL~

Covered Wagon Days or Pioneer Days...It's the 24th of July in Utah!

2010-07-24T09:48:00.015-06:00

1940's "Covered Wagon Days" Royalty...My mom is the pretty lady on the right wearing a corsage....

My mom on the right, with the State Capital Building in the background....

My pretty Mama on the left in this photo...

My mom on the right, in her cute rodeo togs!

My mom on the left in her pioneer garb....

My mom with her horse (in the middle) at one of the rodeos...my mom was an avid horsewoman...she loved horseback rding!

My mom on the left on the float "The Land of Liberty"..... July 24th, 1940

Here in Utah, we celebrate the 24th of July! Some people call it "Days of '47 Day" in honor of the Mormon Pioneers who arrived in the Great Salt Lake Valley on July 24th, 1847...others call it "Handcart Days" as so many of the Mormon pioneers who arrived, made the trek pushing or pulling a handcart filled with their belongings to make a new start wherever they settled....The place they chose to settle in, was what is now known as Salt Lake City, Utah. It is rather confusing, as it is also called "Pioneer Day" as well! It was called "Covered Wagon Days" back in 1940 when my Mom was one of three "Covered Wagon Days" Queens, or royalty that reigned over all the week's festivities that led up to the 24th! Rodeos, parades, and Indian Pow wows are just a few of the events that lead up to the actual celebration of the 24th. If we called it by it's proper name, it would really be "Native American Days" as they were certainly here in this valley long before the Mormons arrived...as were so many other pioneers, Mountain Men, trappers and traders who traveled through Utah. On this 24th of July, in addition to honoring ALL pioneers and of course the Native Americans, I honor my mother who is shown in these original Salt Lake Tribune clippings that are 70 years old! I can't help but think how exciting this week, and this day were to her all those many years ago, and what fun she had reigning over all of the town's big events! I remember her tales so well....it was something she was very proud of, and I am so proud of her! I miss you Mama, but am thinking about you today, and always! Happy Covered Wagon Days...Happy 24th!

GARDEN PARTY

2010-07-19T12:14:00.038-06:00

Welcome to our Garden Party!

Our Stormie Girl is hosting the party, and has made herself quite festive with a flower behind one ear....

Pico our little "bar fly"...get a move on...guests will be here soon!

Everyone knows they are always welcome!

Our guests will be arriving any minute....the clock out back says it is almost half past a red chile!

We can go in if you'd like...but let's stay outside and keep this a true garden party.....

Good thing you were a bit late arriving this summer my dear yuccas, or you would have missed the party!

If any of you guests get too hot, we can always go for a dip in the pool!

"Pretty in pink"...I'll bet Pink Floyd will pay you a visit today!

Yes, you can just hang around and look pretty.....

Don't worry potato plant...none of our guests will eat you!

Thanks for hopping by to join the party Ms. Cottontail....

You seem a bit shy...are you new around here....or just a bit squirrely!

It's nice that you have filled your bird bath with refreshments Mr. Squirrel...maybe you can get the fluffy tailed beauty who just arrived to join you for a drink....

Wake up sleepy head...there is always time for a catnap later.....

"Pink Floyd" and friend want to know when the music wil start.....

I know the view is nice from here, my pretty little Hummer...but fly down and join your guests!

The "Cantina" is a hopping place for some of our more wild bird guests!

"Mi casa es su casa"....our resident birds are chirping to their guests!

If you prefer to sit in the "Paradise Lounge", we have room at the bar, or a cozy sitting area...the choice is up to you.....

Quiet, out of the way table for two...that can be arranged!

Sit down and take a load off....the birds in the trees above will entertain you.....

Maybe you would prefer to sit in the red chairs...they are comfy too....

The trumpet vines are calling out to the Hummingbirds to come and join the party!

Plenty of spots to sit and relax...you want a view?!?!....Sit here on the balcony....

Hurry up Gonzales! No time for a siesta...you'll be late to the party!

The flowers are looking their prettiest, hoping the guests will enjoy them....

Guests have arrived from far and near...a Grecian Goddess finds the ivy quite delightful....

St. Francis has arrived and settled into a cool, and cozy green spot....

St. Francis (Patron Saint of Animals) has brought along some special guests....

Even a few Divine guests have arrived...they feel so serene here!

Yes, Terra Frog wants to come to the party...but somehow her partner Mr. Turtle, has crawled off under a bush or some ivy this past winter, and has gone missing!

Little Froggie uses his gazing ball to try to locate the M.I.A. Mr. Turtle....I am sure he will show up eventually!

I went to a Garden Party reminisced with my old friends...A chance to share old memories, and play our songs again.
Ricky Nelson

Hope you enjoyed our Garden Party, and that you have one yourself whenever you get the chance! So relaxing to the soul.....

An Action Packed 4th!

2010-07-07T11:46:00.035-06:00

Wes surprised me with a pretty holiday bouquet on Friday!

Dino sits and waits for a treat...he is such a good dog!

Scrappy looks like a little vampire bat here! ~LOL~

Pico enjoying the Paradise Lounge....

I can't help but think that our flowers are just beautiful this year...shot of our trumpet vines and balcony from Phyllis and Ellie's driveway....

New little bistro set in our "Secret Garden"...we picked this up for us, while shopping for some patio furniture for Phyllis and Ellie...one thing leads to another!

Phyllis and Ellie's new Tiki Bar...dubbed the "Tiki Hut"....

We added a trickling little fountain for soothing sounds inside the Tiki Hut...

A cozy sitting area inside the Tiki Hut....

We kept our promise...Phyllis and Ellie's porch swing is up, and in full swing! ~LOL~

We got our back patio cleaned up and decorated a fake palm with some fun lights!

Tropical trumpet vine backdrop next to our pool....looks inviting!

One of nine can lights Jake is installing in our dining room....too many irons in the fire!

Flashing red and blue patriotic glasses with cold cervezas add a festive touch!

New horno to replace our old one that we lost in the windstorm when we were in New Mexico....

Fun little retro cooler I spotted on one of our shopping excursions over the weekend, and had to have! Reminds me of the old coke machines with the bottle opener and drop for the lids...cute!

We were treated to a glorious sunset the night of the 4th!

I have been eyeing this red velvet cake all day...gotta have RED velvet on a red, white and blue holiday!

We threw some shrimp on the barbie, and they were de-lish!

Jake brought a fun cooler (the ice turns blue, green and red!) It was as fun to watch, as it was to drink its' contents!

Jake provided us with a great fireworks show!

Fun presents Phyllis and Ellie brought me home from California when they returned on Monday evening....(Gotta hide Goofy from Pico...he LOVES stuffed animals!)

What a whirlwind week this has been....filled with fun times, crazy times and hectic times! Phyllis and Ellie flew to California on the 1st, which meant I had dog, cats, and frog duty...not to mention yard duty. On a whim, Liz and Jake headed to Nevada for three days, dropping Scrappy off here, leaving me with double dog duty! (Dino and Scrappy are so cute...who could say no!) Thus began our long holiday weekend...first, we needed a new printer, somehow my printer got broken while printing off all of Phyllis and Ellie's tickets for California...airline and Disneyland tickets, Universal Studios, Anaheim Angels Baseball game, Hollywood tours.....too much fun for my printer ~LOL~ So, Wes and I headed out for a new printer...bought me a new computer in the process, needless to say, our work had begun...Last summer Phyllis bought a porch swing that she has been after Wes to put together since the day she bought it.... we were remodeling the investment house we purchased all of last summer, and we never got around to the porch swing. We wanted to surprise Phyllis and Ellie with the swing up when they returned from California, but just like the new printer led to a new computer...the porch swing led to a new patio umbrella, and chairs and loveseat, and what eventually became the new "Tiki Bar", the next door neighbor to our infamous "Paradise Lounge"....Someday we will learn...LOL! Between electronics, and yardwork, and dog tending we managed to work some fun in! Liz and Jake returned home from Nevada in time for the 4th...unfortunately none the richer....(Liz is a gamblerholic...like me?????) So, we got together for a BBQ and fireworks, and Jake also started working on our kitchen and dining room remodel, installing new can lighting...oh, I forgot to mention that our entire first level is under construction! Just one more thing we have in the works...Wes did manage to get our pool going, it stayed closed last summer and we have missed it.....thought we would get in on the 4th to cool down...but the weather cooled down instead to 68 degrees! Warmed up to around 73 degrees that evening, so after a bit of "liquid courage" we all decided to jump in! A refreshing dip followed by some great shrimp on the barbie, and fireworks, and another 4th of July had come and gone! Some day we will have our remodel done...we won't be rushing around to buy new printers and computers...I won't be dog sitting, or creating tiki bars...but then wouldn't life be boring?!?! As crazy as it can get around here, I wouldn't want it any other way! Hope your holiday was fun, and maybe a bit crazy as well!

New Fetishes With Special Meanings Behind Them!

2010-07-01T02:16:00.011-06:00

Danette Laate's elegant Malachite Butterfly represents "everlasting life"!

Who could resist Eddington Hannaweeke's Serpentine Frog....he can bring you abundant rains...and warn you of danger!

Cheryl Beyuka's triple Pipestone and Lepidolite Wolves on the prowl represent family unity......

Enrike Leekya's Travertine Bobcat is believed to have psychic abilities!

With the crescent moon and stars, Jayne Quam's Celestial Azurite Owl is defintely the "Ruler of the Night Skies".....

Michael Mahooty's Labradorite Bear is loaded with fire! This cool stone is believed to be of extraterrestrial origin and is very powerful!

We have added more new fetish carvings....These are just a sampling....come take a peek! Neat stones and cool meanings behind the carvings! Some are really hard to resist ~LOL~....We look forward to hearing from you!

New Fetish Posting June 25th........

2010-06-25T23:00:00.008-06:00

Orange you glad you read the blog.....

Have you heard the news...everybody's talking about the new fetish posting at Indian Summer Native American Art.....

And everyone is raven' over the fetishes.....

That we just bear-ly added!

Why not be really wise....

And gallop on over to our Indian Summer website.....

Where we really do give a hoot about you......

And we're not a lion'........

Looking forward to hearing from you!

First Day of Summer......

2010-06-21T16:18:00.014-06:00

The one and only "Paradise Lounge".....

The bar at the Paradise Lounge....

It's always 5:00 somewhere......

Sitting area in the Paradise Lounge.....

Bright flowers at the entrance to our "Paradise Lounge"....

Our fountain provides soothing water sounds.....

I love purple and pink flowers......

A cozy sitting area.....

Our new table, chairs and umbrella...Hope the wind won't destroy this set!

Hope the sun will stay out long enough for me to get a chance to lay out on the chaise lounge!

I think flowers add so much to any outdoor living area!

Pico says he approves of the patio area....he is graciously letting us use his favorite side of the house!

Could it really be so....is summer finally here?!?! After days and days of rain (and snow on May 24th)...lots of cold temps and wind...is it really possible that summer has arrived on the official "First Day of Summer"! It actually looks like it, and feels like it, here at Indian Summer! A Father's Day BBQ at our home forced (LOL) Wes and me into getting our fannies in gear and cleaning up our patio for the summer. A week ago, while we were out of town, a windstorm had literally picked up our patio table and chairs and thrown them into our horno fireplace and destroyed the table and horno....(I mentioned I was sick of the wind....right?) The patio really was in shambles... So, Wes and I went out shopping around for a new table set and umbrella on Saturday and decided to put up our "Paradise Lounge" as well...a canopied area we have called the "Paradise Lounge" for years now! Father's Day BBQ was at 6:30 p.m. and at about 6:20 p.m. I was just finishing setting out the new flowers I'd bought just minutes before and Wes was finishing up with filling the fountain!(we love the soothing sound a fountain makes, and have them in our yard and house...so of course the patio needs one as well!) It all came together and is very comfortable, realaxing, and pretty out there now! I am so glad we had the BBQ or we might have put this project on our list of the million and one other projects we need to do this summer! Good thing Wes has taken early retirement....how on earth did we manage to do everything all these years???? Happy "First Day of Summer"!

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-19T17:28:00.007-06:00

My Daddy was such a character! A loving father, father-in-law, and Grandpa...we couldn't have asked for more!

Wes with Liz and Phyllis at Bryce Canyon on the way to Vegas!

Happy Father's Day to all you special Dads and Grand-dads! You are loved and appreciated more than you will ever know! Sometimes we forget to tell you how special and loved you are, but please know how many people count on you daily and how just your smile or a pat on the back can brighten up their day! I am very blessed to have two wonderful fathers in my life...my late father who passed away a couple of years ago at the age of 91...Daddy, you are missed and loved more than words could ever say! Wes, my husband and soulmate, and father of our two daughters....your love and devotion to the girls and to me continues to amaze me every day....we are so lucky to have you! To all dads.... past and present....Happy Father's Day to you all!