An Evening Backroad Drive to Enumclaw

October 11, 2020

(These pictures are not the best quality, but I still wanted to share them because I love going on drives especially during Fall weather and I wanted to share the beauty of the evergreens.)

A drive on backroads is always a good idea when there are no other plans. It's a carefree activity and enjoyable. We wanted to drive around a more rural area, so we headed to Enumclaw which is only a 25-minute drive from our home. There's lots of farmland, farm animals and Mt. Rainier looks so pretty from here.

I woke up with a headache and had it mostly all day. I love when it rains so being outside while it's cloudy and raining is such a mood booster for me. My headache quickly went away. 

Positive emotions broaden our perspective of the world. Thus, inspiring more creativity, wonder, and options.

White River

This scene makes me want to stay in a cabin along the river for a night or two.

Driving miles down tall evergreens. I liked looking at the trees as we drove by. I like seeing the denseness a forest provides. It always gets me thinking how unnerving it would be to find myself walking between these tall giants into the night. Noises would definitely startle me. 

The visitors center was closed since we got there after hours. The above picture shows the trail near where we were, but it was sprinkling and we definitely were not prepared for a hike. Plus, it was after 5:00 pm at this point and getting dark. 

Just going on a drive out amongst the pine trees was the perfect outing this time. Taking deep breaths of the crisp air and smelling wet earth is a wonderful thing to experience. 

I love the scent of decaying leaves. Walking on fallen leaves give me a sense of wonder. Spending time in nature makes your brain to be in tune with each moment. I tend to notice every little thing. It heightens my senses, especially sounds and smells and it improves my focus and concentration. 

Time is valuable. Psychiatrist and author M. Scott Peck said, "Until you value yourself, you won't value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it".

One of the best outings are the spontaneous, relaxing ones.

I've always been drawn to the later seasons of the year,

reveling in the wild autumn winds that send the leaves skittering down the street.

Visiting Family

 August 22, 2020

It had rained quite a bit the night before and into the early morning. Taking a drive on back roads is something I love to do. It is relaxing and enjoyable ... something I do often. Washington definitely has endless back roads. The dense pine trees along the road, moss, and ferns displayed all around is so beautiful to me. 

Some weekends are spent with family. We drove over to my in-laws for dinner. After dinner the guys went outside and threw the nerf vortex howler around.

It's always nice to see my husband with his dad and our son together. It's important that we make an effort to find enjoyment in one's relationships.

My in-laws

The pumpkin patch we go to every October sells sweet corn in the Summer at their farm store. I remembered this so we headed out and stopped by and bought a dozen. We also got some for my in-laws. Their roasted corn they sell during their pumpkin patch in October is so sweet and crisp. It's a favorite. 

Finding the little joys in life feeds the soul.

On our drive home I noticed that some trees were already beginning to turn color. Somewhat early but once we're in September the weather does change drastically. I sure love to see the changing colors of the leaves. Occasions for gratitude are all around us. Make it a point to notice them. 

Truly loving another requires awareness. To love we must

be aware of people---complete with their flaws, foibles, virtues, vices, and quirks.