September 9, 2013 Back from a trip

The weather has been hot and they have been drawing down the reservoirs around the state in order to get water to the farmers. One of the places mom and I have been to is this reservoir. Last time we were there the water was up to the boat ramp and we saw boaters on the water. But this time you can see how much water has been taken out by how far I was able to walk down and then take the picture looking back up at the boat ramp.

I recently returned from a short trip to visit my mother and sister. Sis is about the same. But Mom and I went into Yellowstone National Park to do some sightseeing together. Her favorite place is Mammoth Hot Springs because of the terraces and the elk that are often seen around town. The terraces are still impressive to look at but this time we did not see any elk.

We stopped at Fishing Bridge, famous for the fisherman who used to fish off the structure back in its heyday. It used to be lined with fisherman angling for Cutthroat trout. But since it is a spawning ground and the numbers were decreasing, they banned fishing from that bridge back in the 70’s. Now it does not see nearly the visitors as it once did. But at least the fish made a good comeback.

(1959)

(September 4, 2013)

We did see a few bison on our trip, although not as many as we are used to seeing. This one crossed the river and we watched as he swam across. Despite his size he seemed to get over there quite easily.

On my way back home from my trip I ran into some heavy rain and hail. It rained so hard that the drains around town were unable to carry the water. This is a picture of a nearby street. It has two drains along the curbs right where all that water is sitting… drains that were overloaded for awhile before they finally caught up to the amount of water that fell and were able to drain away.

Apparently the storm that dumped moisture on my town contained a lot of hail. This is what gathered after sliding down the roof of a neighboring apartment complex. It almost looks like it had snowed! It is just a friendly reminder of the kind of weather we can get here in Idaho this time of year.

Summer has finally come to an end. I can tell not because of the warm weather we are still getting, but because it is football season and baseball is gearing up for the playoffs. Nights are a little cooler as well.

My ex is doing well; I saw her this last Saturday. I visit her weekly and I also go out about once a month to a restaurant and bring some food back to her so we can share a nice meal together. One time we split a prime rib dinner from a steakhouse we both like. It puts a smile on her face and I am glad I can go over and cheer her up and brighten her day.

I’m looking forward to the change in seasons and the way the trees will turn color. There is a lot to look forward to with the holidays approaching. And I have a lot to be thankful for this year considering the surgeries I have endured.

I hope you are looking forward to fall this year and that you and yours are doing quite well. Enjoy the season and the coming holidays. And as always, thanks for stopping by and having a look…