Green Tree...

“For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver.” -
Martin Luther -

“I think that I cannot preserve my health and spirits, unless I spend four hours a day at least – and it is commonly more than that – sauntering through the woods and over the hills and fields, absolutely free from all worldly engagements.” -
Henry David Thoreau 

When two becomes ten....

I was incredibly honored when asked to be the photographer at my friend's wedding. Her wedding is  definitely a modern day "Brady Bunch" except when their families of four children each merged there is only one girl with seven brothers!

These kids were simply amazing! Not only did they participate in a lot of photos with a smile but they were genuinely very happy that they were becoming a bigger family. 

“The highest happiness on earth is the happiness of marriage.” 

—William Lyon Phelps

Without being asked or told, they wrapped their arms around each other watching their parents get married.

At the end of the kiss, the boys hugged and exclaimed, "now we're officially all brothers" --yes, I was struggling to hold the tears in!

And now two become one.....

or become ten!

“Once in awhile, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale.”

 —Unknown Author

Memorial Day

Enjoying the BBQ's with family and friends. Kicking off the start of Summer. Enjoying a day off of work--all wonderful things we can do only because of those who died to give us days like today. I know I've never traveled abroad and my knowledge is from books or  from those whom have traveled or lived in other countries, but I know enough to know not every country can celebrate days like this. Not everyone can have celebrations or gathering with friends like we do in America. The simplest of liberties can only be celebrated by the death of the soldiers. Men and women whom have put it all on the line for a country they believe in. And let us not forget the families of the soldiers whom have sacrificed and lost as well.  

Remembering how many have fallen defending our freedoms or fighting to have them: http://www.va.gov/opa/publications/factsheets/fs_americas_wars.pdf

I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.

Nathan Hale

I am grateful for all of whom have fought and glad those I've known have safely come home. I can't imagine the both the pain and  the pride that comes to families and friends of soldiers whom don't come home. Saying "Thank you" seems too simple. I can try to carry on the values and protecting the freedoms they died to create and/or preserve depending on the war. I can support our soldiers through prayer, kindness, and through programs like the Wounded Warrior Project  https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/default.aspx?tsid=675&campaignSource=ONLINE&source=BS15032&gclid=Cj0KEQjwkIurBRDwoZfi1bGCxocBEiQAmcs-enMGlfpfMdmREw_V4PFbLr0iqOsJd8smOwhYZ8YBe4YaAoH08P8HAQ

Whatever you do today take time to remember why this day is here. We don't have a perfect country but we have a good one. We need to stand up for what we believe in and continue to push for the values and freedoms this nation was built upon.

Enjoy your time with family and friends--hug them and be thankful for them! Life is precious!

Nature...cute creatures

I had discovered the Delaware River Gap area last Fall while traveling home from NY. I had put in my GPS to avoid highways and tolls. I wanted to explore and try to avoid traffic at the same time. The ride home took me through 20 miles or so of the state park and it was so breathtakingly beautiful that I knew I must return to see more. During that drive last Fall, I had pulled over a few times to see the landscape and surrounding area. I was in awe of seeing a bear down one of the trails! Sadly the sound of my car on the gravel parking lot startled it so my picture is quite blurry (see below) . I  wanted to see a bear and its cubs this trip (from a safe vantage point of course!) but my dreams to get better pictures of a bear will have to wait because I didn't see any this trip.

 I did get to see these cute creatures:

Exploring Pike County

Pike County is home to the Delaware Water Gap and other lakes, state parks, hunting grounds, etc. Its a truly beautiful county nestled in the mountains of PA. I enjoyed just driving around and stopping at random locations.  This trip was more of a "cliff notes" to a great novel. I didn't stay in any one location too long but it was enough to know I loved what I saw and I'm looking forward to returning.

Lake Wallenpaupack appears to offer a lot of fun--boating, golfing, shopping and more.  Though I only stopped at a few locations to see it, it was beautiful and reminded me of many fun family adventures on lakes growing up. I'd definitely want to return with friends or family, this is not a place to experience alone.

Lacawac Sanctuary was not where I was expecting to go but thankful a wrong turn took me there.  Its a tranquil 550 acre non profit nature preserve on the shores Lake Wallenpaupack. I arrived late in the day so I only traveled on one of the many trails. I sadly didn't get a picture of the two large wild turkeys who crossed my path. I was so startled that by the time I grabbed my camera they were gone but it was a neat experience for sure! (And yes I thought about Thanksgiving after seeing them--lol).

Nesting for Osprey located around the pond and preserve  

Check out the sanctuary if you're ever in the area www.lacawac.org 

Raymondskill Falls -- this is a beautiful location but not a "safe" hike--steep areas with roots. Though there were some safety railings,  there were not enough to make me feel safe bringing small children (unless the kids carried by parents). I recall hiking with my brothers when we were younger. They could climb any mountain (regardless of if realistic or not), had no fear (or pretended they did not), and had such a zest for exploration and adventure. I could see them loving this place but I also could see them running the trails ahead of mom and dad as I am sure most kids do and there were some spots where a slip of the foot could lead to a long drop down the side of the mountain so I share this for my friends who love the outdoors but also have small children. Also the trails were not marked so definitely take a picture when at the start of the trail so you could make your way back. I ran into a few people lost. I just took the small loop to see the falls and end up back at my starting point.

Other beautiful spots found along the way on my day traveling through Pike County:

 (I don't know the man fishing but he was one of the few taking advantage of one of the many activities this area offers)

Visiting only instills my growing desire to have a mountain home one day......