https://brightideandbushytailed.com/2019/04/08/rooted/2019-04-09T01:35:10+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/about/archive/2018-10-19T21:32:04+00:00weekly0.6https://brightideandbushytailed.com/2018/06/05/farmers-lament/2018-06-05T23:51:49+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2018/03/07/full-life-empty-tank/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/28279702_1722579631135431_3384281535040921843_n.jpg28279702_1722579631135431_3384281535040921843_nBabies everywhere! https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/27751967_1716158921777502_156939055846100483_n.jpg27751967_1716158921777502_156939055846100483_nFarm lifehttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/26904119_10100131582629295_517967349236693502_n.jpg26904119_10100131582629295_517967349236693502_nMeeting Lee Roy the therapy dog at Seattle Children's. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/23172526_10100115603781035_7520854882906104988_n.jpg23172526_10100115603781035_7520854882906104988_nOur new town has a phenominal view of Mt. Rainier. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/21587232_10213051614901701_5960641433166987711_o.jpg21587232_10213051614901701_5960641433166987711_oA photo of the barns, taken by the previous owner, Julie. I seem to have that "new mom syndrome" where I only take photos of my baby (and the occassional critter). https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/21587216_10213051618661795_4328104105172179651_o.jpg21587216_10213051618661795_4328104105172179651_oPregnant and *this close* to sealing the deal on our new home! https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/28070578_10100136374296755_5770592340077013113_o.jpg28070578_10100136374296755_5770592340077013113_oHattie with her amazing surgeons! https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/28070388_10100137799770095_1272466170474643161_o.jpg28070388_10100137799770095_1272466170474643161_oShe's pretty dang cute.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/26910766_10100131813960705_4836047336295561641_o.jpg26910766_10100131813960705_4836047336295561641_oBefore and after surgery. What a change! 2018-03-10T18:05:49+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2017/09/08/its-a-girl/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/20597315_994363315925_2716224653586550542_n.jpg20597315_994363315925_2716224653586550542_nThese two are hard sleepershttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/20476229_993495470095_3886629306454793526_n.jpg20476229_993495470095_3886629306454793526_nRight after Hattie was revived and brought over after the deliveryhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/21369252_10100100538671635_3660866530729557743_n.jpg21369252_10100100538671635_3660866530729557743_nLlama burrito baby https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/21077300_1553700018023394_6612658283613586248_n.jpg21077300_1553700018023394_6612658283613586248_nFarmers Market baby!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/20915667_1547556795304383_1445675134045201773_n.jpg20915667_1547556795304383_1445675134045201773_nFashionista 2017-09-11T05:10:41+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2017/06/19/grumpy-bump/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/19106018_977592499775_5290171597713712959_n.jpg19106018_977592499775_5290171597713712959_nBaby shower! https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/18814859_10100106534636174_6634683995892288411_o1.jpg18814859_10100106534636174_6634683995892288411_o(1)Growing thingshttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/18620590_1462846727108724_5115344254245280811_o.jpg18620590_1462846727108724_5115344254245280811_oHe's gonna be a great dad!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/18491451_1453335514726512_5972541857646786456_o.jpg18491451_1453335514726512_5972541857646786456_oOur second annual chicken slaughter class! https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/18423032_1455028284557235_4593063901615302758_o.jpg18423032_1455028284557235_4593063901615302758_oWhat a hamhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/18278378_1439975459395851_8889094810470246531_o.jpg18278378_1439975459395851_8889094810470246531_oCelebrating our 5th anniversary in stylehttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/18238001_1445403388853058_5939208891869556134_o.jpg18238001_1445403388853058_5939208891869556134_oBaby turkeys! We're on track to sell out in the next few weekshttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/17880543_1426792514047479_5459421179955992346_o.jpg17880543_1426792514047479_5459421179955992346_oSeasonal eating at its best2017-06-21T02:29:45+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2017/05/24/instagram/2017-05-24T14:32:24+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2017/03/11/baby-talk/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/img_6040.jpgIMG_6040Proof. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/img_5991.jpgIMG_5991Piggies!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/img_5704.jpgIMG_5704My beautiful grandmother.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/16904985_1371411132918951_3241637062018752111_o1.jpg16904985_1371411132918951_3241637062018752111_o(1)Little brown lamb!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/16711525_946857423115_3776018019156164513_n.jpg16711525_946857423115_3776018019156164513_nOh yeah! My twin is pregnant too! With her second daughter. <3https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/16602063_1355666097826788_5373950995738623763_o.jpg16602063_1355666097826788_5373950995738623763_oGalaxy and Rocket. And weird white stuff.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/16427279_942308419355_8671963513291547579_n.jpg16427279_942308419355_8671963513291547579_nI "helped" a fisherman catch this rooster fish! Well he called me his good luck charm anyway. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/16195621_941560428335_5862969435275072315_n.jpg16195621_941560428335_5862969435275072315_nGotta pull this one out to remind him he did have a vacation once! 2017-03-13T22:09:13+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2016/12/21/hanging-with-hindy/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/15621714_929686304175_6638201728719352682_n.jpg15621714_929686304175_6638201728719352682_nGrandma looking good during a little outdoor excursion!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/15578860_929651568785_2651173774250522236_n.jpg15578860_929651568785_2651173774250522236_nMother and daughter trip! https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/15542201_929476818985_5113330470475862383_n.jpg15542201_929476818985_5113330470475862383_nSiblings. I love finding old photos at Grandma's house. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/15541110_929651543835_1028540205426796942_n.jpg15541110_929651543835_1028540205426796942_nDesert dayshttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/15442235_1294247453968653_2247056264966459881_n.jpg15442235_1294247453968653_2247056264966459881_nWe had real snow at the farm last week!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/15390842_1294247457301986_8607267749559767675_n.jpg15390842_1294247457301986_8607267749559767675_nChickens do NOT like snowhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/15327513_1294247500635315_5049608233467616961_n.jpg15327513_1294247500635315_5049608233467616961_nSnow pig! 2016-12-23T15:10:00+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2016/10/28/a-year-without-nancy/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/img_0199.jpgimg_0199https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/cimg3322.jpgcimg33222016-11-01T02:49:44+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2016/09/28/almost-famous/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/14240524_745476955592502_1266174376_n.jpg14240524_745476955592502_1266174376_nChickens on the prowlhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/14099616_292320411137165_1543860668_n.jpg14099616_292320411137165_1543860668_nIn my spare time I work on an awesome food truck, and sometimes I get to meet Seattle Seahawks players. This is Michael Bennett. He is big..https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/14482982_1793516050934318_5110108507747647488_n.jpg14482982_1793516050934318_5110108507747647488_nZephyr loves playing with Bella the puppy, and I love how tired he gets!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/14435075_1218343588225707_196572720422860931_o.jpg14435075_1218343588225707_196572720422860931_oOh yeah, we've got rabbits now. Squee!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/14358623_1216618188398247_3665864294602331034_n.jpg14358623_1216618188398247_3665864294602331034_nMarket selfie!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/14354897_1213371908722875_6619399090044311190_n.jpg14354897_1213371908722875_6619399090044311190_nWe taught a poultry slaughter class at the farmhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/14350981_1195684303826759_8237909829650219008_n.jpg14350981_1195684303826759_8237909829650219008_nWe went to the State Fair on Nancy's birthday to spend time with family and honor her memory https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/14128733_830838070386720_1944903013_n.jpg14128733_830838070386720_1944903013_nTuesday in a standing heat and annoyed that Andrew isn't a boar2016-10-02T16:52:50+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2016/08/29/the-endgame/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_3625.jpgIMG_3625The local Boys and Girls Club came for a tour last month. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/img_3322.jpgIMG_3322Buttons is our embassador chicken!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/14063362_1752628708311779_533843072_n.jpg14063362_1752628708311779_533843072_nHere's me, at one of the many farmers markets I've been attending!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/13934836_894882940395_7415527412238369608_n.jpg13934836_894882940395_7415527412238369608_nMore cousins! I escaped to NY for a weekend wedding and it was so nice to see my family, despite the record heat wave!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/13879447_894054400795_5986536281845725829_n.jpg13879447_894054400795_5986536281845725829_nAndrew's teenaged cousins came for a few days to help around the fun. It was a blast to have them here!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/13754640_889158103015_5357643942524775481_n.jpg13754640_889158103015_5357643942524775481_nSome of my favorite humans, my cousin's kids came to visit!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/13686753_890609155095_6733100605490213157_n.jpg13686753_890609155095_6733100605490213157_nWe had a date night and saw Billy Elliott the musical. 2016-09-01T17:57:54+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2016/07/12/harvest-on-my-mind/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_3016.jpgIMG_3016Our friend Nikki came to visit. The goats liked her.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_2978.jpgIMG_2978I got a tattoo of a trumpeter swan to always remind me of my time on this farm.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_2967.jpgIMG_2967Buttons is growing up so fast!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_2786.jpgIMG_2786More cute.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_2687-1.jpgIMG_2687 (1)Cuteness overload.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_1801.jpgIMG_1801An Orca in the wildhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/img_1660.jpgIMG_1660We went to San Juan Island and went whale watching for my birthday!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/13662000_1158194564240610_843611412896303087_o.jpg13662000_1158194564240610_843611412896303087_oThese mommas know how to get it done.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/13580659_1150833124976754_8445240288817764868_o.jpg13580659_1150833124976754_8445240288817764868_oWe were so excited to have our chickens served at a restaurant earlier this season!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/13580616_1156466324413434_1060078225745451842_o.jpg13580616_1156466324413434_1060078225745451842_oTurkeys are so big already!2016-07-15T19:40:37+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2016/03/25/help-us-build-a-turkey-tunnel/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/fullsizerender4.jpgFullSizeRender(4)2016-03-25T19:58:33+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2016/03/23/sows-on-the-move/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_1696.jpgIMG_1696https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_1585.jpgIMG_1585https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_1580.jpgIMG_1580https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_1579.jpgIMG_1579https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_15691.jpgIMG_1569https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_1566.jpgIMG_1566https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_1565.jpgIMG_1565https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_1559.jpgIMG_1559https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_1555.jpgIMG_1555https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/img_1554.jpgIMG_15542016-03-24T00:59:47+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2016/02/11/chicken-shit/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/img_1020.jpgIMG_1020Juvenile bald eagle taking flight. I love them so much (but that's because they've never taken off with one of my lambs, as they're known to do. Knock on wood.)https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/img_1007.jpgIMG_1007Little miss January. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/img_1002.jpgIMG_1002Sheep! Getting ready to pop.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/img_0994.jpgIMG_0994Winter leads to spring, death to life. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/img_1014.jpgIMG_1014Alice's bunny!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/img_1023.jpgIMG_1023Emily (left) and Tuesday. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/img_1009.jpgIMG_1009Gretchen! My love. Scroll back to when we first started farming and you'll see her as a youngin. She's the most visibly pregnant this year. Triplets?https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/img_0956.jpgIMG_0956Sunrise (it's a rare day we're up this early in winter!)https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/img_0983.jpgIMG_0983The view of the mountains. Yes, the power poles are in the way. But they bring us power, so you know.2016-02-12T21:02:31+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2015/11/19/when-it-rains/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_0923.jpgIMG_0923Vew from Pig Mountain.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_0955.jpgIMG_0955https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_0617.jpgIMG_0617Pig Mountain. On the left is the blue covered pen where they had originially been snoozing.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_0905.jpgIMG_0905Trumpeter swans enjoying Flood #2. Notice all the crops that survived this one?https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_0443.jpgIMG_0443Thank you. Thank you.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_0375.jpgIMG_0375Flood #1...https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_0504.jpgIMG_0504Flood #2...https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_0500.jpgIMG_0500Flood #2 was a little worsehttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_0931.jpgIMG_0931Flood #3...this is where the turkeys were oringinally hanging out.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/img_0581.jpgIMG_0581Preparing for Flood #32015-11-23T06:41:19+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2015/11/13/perspective/2015-11-14T12:05:03+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2015/10/25/for-nancy/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/img_3068.jpgIMG_3068https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/583002108_1000.jpg583002108_1000https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/10415580_10152454236496774_5357823570076638053_n.jpg10415580_10152454236496774_5357823570076638053_nhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/10352834_10152424559611774_3443252685487363128_n.jpg10352834_10152424559611774_3443252685487363128_nhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/10169169_10152352318326774_8492819866238189185_n.jpg10169169_10152352318326774_8492819866238189185_nhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/10157284_715803297435_8699933976396656006_n.jpg10157284_715803297435_8699933976396656006_nhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/1933882_1249638242413_7226747_n.jpg1933882_1249638242413_7226747_nhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/385648_10150836872686774_245133445_n.jpg385648_10150836872686774_245133445_nhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/30799_397108507112_7887470_n.jpg30799_397108507112_7887470_nhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/14674_798742766075_107362198730687259_n.jpg14674_798742766075_107362198730687259_n2015-10-31T19:37:44+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2015/07/19/this-drought-has-clout/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/mg_7520.jpg_MG_7520https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/mg_7487.jpg_MG_7487https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/mg_7482.jpg_MG_7482https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/mg_7478.jpg_MG_7478https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/mg_7367.jpg_MG_7367https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/mg_7306.jpg_MG_7306https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/mg_7301.jpg_MG_7301https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/mg_7202.jpg_MG_7202https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/mg_7169.jpg_MG_7169https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/mg_7097.jpg_MG_70972015-07-20T13:38:13+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2015/05/28/a-trip-around-the-sun/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/photo25.jpgphoto(25)My favorite scarf!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/photo24.jpgphoto(24)Couple time on the river.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/photo23.jpgphoto(23)We saved our birthday and anniversary money (thanks everyone!) to buy this awesome canoe.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/photo22.jpgphoto(22)The newest (wild) additions to the farm!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/photo21.jpgphoto(21)Dessert for my birthday dinner was French 77 floats with lemon sorbet. I love these girls!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/photo20.jpgphoto(20)Hello lambs!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/photo19.jpgphoto(19)I am still amazed by the colors I find in the nest boxes!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/photo-25.jpgphoto 2(5)Oh, btw...we got our pigs!!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/photo-16.jpgphoto 1(6)36 of them, to be exact!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/11229571_799868579935_366808099131821647_n.jpg11229571_799868579935_366808099131821647_nGood boy!2015-05-28T21:55:56+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2015/03/30/the-ides-of-march-har-har/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/13346_787855324595_4378359058925849953_n.jpg13346_787855324595_4378359058925849953_nLambs!!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/11017191_787985029665_2477309474230674785_o.jpg11017191_787985029665_2477309474230674785_oKids!!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/10980706_787614951305_5727067698151645191_n.jpg10980706_787614951305_5727067698151645191_nWe're taking advantage of a warm sunny spring by eating outside as much as possible. This BBQ with friends was almost entirely homegrown meats.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/10954494_790578472385_6551943881279736329_n.jpg10954494_790578472385_6551943881279736329_nI made nettle pesto last week, and it was delicious! I have more nettles in the fridge waiting for their big moment. Caution: use gloves until the nettles have been blanched!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/10399431_899488683444534_2047784920582255393_n.jpg10399431_899488683444534_2047784920582255393_nMore lambs!!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/1510466_897363206990415_2845225861910889500_n.jpg1510466_897363206990415_2845225861910889500_nWhen I do a restaurant shift I bring home leftovers for our spoiled chickens. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/10650052_894767783916624_2029951236191928668_n.jpg10650052_894767783916624_2029951236191928668_nAndrew built this amazing henhouse! Our 120 pullets have just started laying baby-sized eggs.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/10981395_890224747704261_3306860286383107863_n.jpg10981395_890224747704261_3306860286383107863_nThe sleepy baby faceplant! Our first batch of Freedom Ranger broiler chickens is almost ready to go out on pasture. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/photo19.jpgphoto(19)This cat though.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/photo20.jpgphoto(20)More kids!!2015-04-04T19:09:05+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2015/02/23/escaping-winter-part-2/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_6958.jpgIMG_6958Joshua Treehttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_6881.jpgIMG_6881Queens Creek Canyonhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_6879.jpgIMG_6879I made it up Geronimo! https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_6858.jpgIMG_6858https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_6818.jpgIMG_6818https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_6759.jpgIMG_6759Biosphere 2https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_6657.jpgIMG_6657Uncle Andrew and little Juniperhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_6633.jpgIMG_6633Colorful petrified woodhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_6576.jpgIMG_6576A raven friendhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_6442.jpgIMG_6442We're so small in this world!2015-02-25T05:31:39+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2015/02/02/escaping-winter-part-1/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_6306.jpgIMG_6306Winter chichttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_6290.jpgIMG_6290Zephyr enjoying another lovely sunsethttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_6266.jpgIMG_6266Kiteboarding in the snow! https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_6256.jpgIMG_6256One of gorgeous mountain ranges that surround SLChttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_6244.jpgIMG_6244SLC's capitol building https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_6204.jpgIMG_6204The Angel Moroni https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_6194.jpgIMG_6194I was impressed with this crew of Mormon translaters. If you're visiting from Samoa, they've got you covered!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_6181.jpgIMG_6181Shoshone Falls, in Twin Falls, Idaho. These beautiful falls are sometimes referred to as the Niagra Falls of the west. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/img_6178.jpgIMG_6178Contemplating giant icicles near Shoshone Falls https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/10915250_774740980845_3212135714943346035_n.jpg10915250_774740980845_3212135714943346035_nZephyr enjoying the sunset in Idaho2015-02-03T11:56:38+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2014/12/27/holidays-and-getaways/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/photo15.jpgphoto(15)Road trip selfie!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/8979_770332730015_7391669454298027195_n.jpg8979_770332730015_7391669454298027195_nMy pal Tom contemplates the Carquinez Strait with his son Liam in Beniciahttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/10858446_771266628475_4349295142598783846_n.jpg10858446_771266628475_4349295142598783846_nHomemade liquer is the best!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/10806198_771572675155_7164334095176309644_n.jpg10806198_771572675155_7164334095176309644_nI made these cookies in honor of my own Christmas tradition. <3https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/10801852_765505738345_4796761748806223842_n.jpg10801852_765505738345_4796761748806223842_nAt the state Capitol in Sacramentohttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/1554416_764974777395_3041510559447181957_n.jpg1554416_764974777395_3041510559447181957_nA tiny little park on the route to Sacramento. My husband's family has a famous relative!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/10247282_837530052973731_7359961943198240082_n.jpg10247282_837530052973731_7359961943198240082_nWe had a Halal goat slaughter at the farmhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/10686872_828221767237893_4620961226423007931_n.jpg10686872_828221767237893_4620961226423007931_nThe flood we returned to2014-12-27T22:33:56+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2014/11/11/lard-in-the-larder-meat-on-the-mind/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/img_6398.jpgSteamAndrew spreading steaming compost onto the fields at sunsethttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/img_6562.jpgBrooderWhile pulling Sam's shack out of the field we had a little mishap and lost the skids! Some clever engineering later and we had the thing up on a trailer. That's me in the big tractor! We're going to be using this shack as a chick brooder for the 170 layer chicks that arrive in a couple days!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/img_6527.jpgGreat Horned OwlI spotted this injured young great horned owl in the brambles. Andrew pulled it out and we took it to a wildlife rehab center. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/img_6509.jpgDrewOk, maybe my adorable husband giving a belly rub to a pig is cuter than a cat in a box. Maybe. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/img_6483.jpgThree AmigosMy chef pals Kristin, Julie, and I were the Three Amigos for Halloween. We made those costumes a mere 24 hours before the big night!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/img_6436.jpgCatBecause what's a blog post without a cat photo? And what's cuter than a cat in a box?https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/img_6432.jpgDouble RainbowSo many rainbows make an appearance on the farm! https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/img_6412.jpgRiverA shot at dusk from the canoe. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/img_6410.jpgCanoeAndrew, our neighbor Ross, and I went on a canoe trip down the Snohomish before the river got too swift. We saw harbor seals! https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/img_6385.jpgGoatsDawwww, baby animals!2014-11-12T16:53:11+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2014/10/03/breathing-room/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_6082.jpgLarryMy Aussie cousin Larry came to visit for a few days and helped with the chicken harvest!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_6071.jpgCocoonAndrew emerges from his cocoon...https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_6065.jpgShrubMmmm shrub!!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_6058.jpgFogMisty mornings are the norm this time of yearhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/image5.jpegSunsetJust another glorious farm sunsethttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_5947.jpgTurkeysTurkeys have been such a challenge this year. I'm thinking we may switch to hardier heritage birds next season.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_5942.jpgDrewThis one wins the cutest farmer title thoughhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_5935.jpgGoatsNova and Io are still the cutest goats on the blockhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_6028.jpgPeppersWe grew lots of peppers really well this year, with the help of a plastic tunnel and abundant sunshinehttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/img_6173.jpgPigsThe pigs have moved into a new pen again, and are growing so much. Soon enough we'll have bacon sizzling in our pan once again!2014-10-06T13:11:22+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2014/08/24/remember-me/2014-08-29T05:17:29+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2014/07/31/farm-photo-frenzy/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/img_5656.jpgFlowerThis year I planted some flowers, and was amazed to see them bloom! I didn't think I had it in me, but I guess if you can grow carrots you can grow anything! https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/img_5634.jpgSeattleWe clean up nice! We snuck into Seattle for a date night to see Book of Mormon at the Paramount. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/img_5617.jpgHeirloomThe first of our heirloom tomatoes are ripening up!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/img_5616.jpgSun GoldJust a pile of nature's candy, Sun Gold cherry tomatoes. So amazing!!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/img_5613.jpgSheep!This is our new (tiny) flock of Katahdin sheep! They're hair sheep, which means they don't need to be sheared. We are close to adding six more ewes to our flock, so we should have lambs next spring!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/img_5610.jpgBoxes!This photo was taken by Andrew's mom. His family came to visit in their RV for a week and we had such a great time with them. It's nice to have family around to make sure we're eating dinner at a reasonable time!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/img_5592.jpgBasilBasil!! I love weeding basil, it smells so amazing. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/img_5590.jpgDragon's TongueThis type of bean is called Dragon's Tongue. We've had really good success with most of our veggies this year. Our CSA members seem stoked so that's very encouraging! https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/img_5570.jpgHot Air BalloonsYou've seen them before, but I'm still always excited by the hot air balloons. This time of year our farm is part of their main highway. Such an amazing sight!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/img_5547.jpgDillDill! For pickles!2014-08-02T12:24:54+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2014/06/08/a-time-for-reflection-and-frenzy/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/img_5109.jpgStrawberriesIt's time to make some jam!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/img_5078-copy.jpgHot AirJust one of the many gorgeous scenes from the farmhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/img_5074.jpgCaterpillarCaterpillars are way too cute to be so evil. It made for a nice photo though!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/img_5069.jpgArtichokesI'm so excited for artichokes!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/photo14.jpgPig NoirPig Noirhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/image3.jpegSummer StoveThis here's our summer stove, out on the porch! It's a little intense for a teapot but it sure is fun cooking outside!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/img_5063.jpgIMG_5063I take way too many photos with this cat. My sister is probably sick of all my cat selfie texts!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/img_5049.jpgHensSome of our happy hens enjoying a fine spring morninghttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/img_5045-copy.jpgIMG_5045 copyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/img_5004.jpgFelledThe tree-lined driveway (that no one drives down) is no more. The weak plantation poplars kept falling and knocking out the cow fence. Native maple seedlings will be planted in their place.2014-06-09T04:57:15+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2014/04/28/a-season-of-growth/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_4692.jpgTomatoesOur tomato forest in the greenhouse is looking good!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_4691.jpgBeaversThe beavers have been busy this spring too!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_4675.jpgGarryAndrew's grandparents came to visit in their RV for a week. We had a blast, and Garry worked really hard. Work hard, nap hard! https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_4610.jpgGretchen's KidsMy two newest babies, with momma Gretchen walking up. Name ideas?https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_4535.jpgPigs!We went from 5 pigs to 20. Wish us luck!!!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_4488.jpgBaby ChickFuzzball!!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_4471.jpgOma!We had the pleasure of dog sitting Oma for a week. She is bascially Zephyr's girlfriend, and they have so much fun together.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_4463.jpgGreaseGrease the "feral barn cat" has turned out to be the cuddliest, most affectionate cat I've ever known. Sometimes he even wraps his paws around my face.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_4435.jpgLegitYeah...we're legit.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_4415.jpgBrassicasThis year we used an implement called a water wheel planter to get our brassicas in the ground. It's a real time saver, but we still have to go back and fill in the holes. 2014-05-02T04:11:03+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2014/04/09/the-best-vacation-ever-part-3-eastern-australia-part-3/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_6175.jpgGlasshouse 3My handsome husband on the top of Mt. Ngungun in the Glasshouse Mountainshttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_6168.jpgGlasshouse A view of the Glasshouse Mountains from our hike.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_6151.jpgSunriseAndrew took amazing photos of the sunrise over Dicky shipwreck at Dicky Beach. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_6090.jpgKoala CrossingProbably the best street sign I've ever seenhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_4404.jpgRed DirtThe soil in Australia really is red!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_4396.jpgPigeons Punk rock pigeons! https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_4392.jpgBabies!Amazing (and adorable) flat back back babies. I got to touch them and their tiny flippers are incredibly strong as they frantically pump them, wondering why they aren't heading out to sea. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_4386.jpgEggHolding a sandy turtle egg for re-nesting. They feel like leathery, slightly squishy ping pong ballshttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_4382.jpgMamma A mamma loggerhead turtle lays her eggs, oblivious to the crowd. The tears help keep her eyes from drying out while she's on land. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/img_4366.jpgViewWe stopped to take in the scenery whenever possible2014-05-10T21:16:28+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2014/03/24/the-best-vacation-ever-part-3-eastern-australia-part-2/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img_4312.jpgPosingDuring a quick break in the rain we amused ourselves by posing on the beach. Cathy is a natural. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img_4288.jpgAnt nestThis is an ant nest created by green tree ants. The ants build it by grabbing onto each other and making a chain that extends from the ground up into the tree.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img_4286.jpgViewOne of the foggy views we found during our hike on South Molle Islandhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img_4278.jpgTarpCathy reads under our tarp. This is what most of our camping trip in the Whitsundays looked likehttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img_4253.jpgTropicalThis was one of the most beautiful views on our triphttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img_4247.jpgAhhhAfter a refreshing dip in the gorgeous Pacifichttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img_4241.jpgSignsSigns around Fraser Island (K'Gari) teach about the native Butchulla people https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img_4206.jpgTreeThe trees have to adapt to sandy soil and a lack of nutrients in the acid lakehttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img_4191.jpgDingosThey eat babies you knowhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img_4175.jpgJump!Andrews jumps for joy at Lake McKenzie2014-03-24T23:47:07+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2014/03/11/the-best-vacation-ever-part-3-eastern-australia-part-1/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img_4138.jpgIMG_4138Border Ranges National Park...so misty and serene!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img_4128.jpgIMG_4128Gorgeous rainforest creekhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img_4120.jpgIMG_4120The terrible, fearsome tazmanian devil. Dawwwwww!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img_4119.jpgIMG_4119"Dude...are my eyes red?"https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img_4101.jpgIMG_4101This 'roo wants to know if you got tickets to the gun showhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img_4095.jpgIMG_4095Kangaroos are really good at lounginghttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img_4020.jpgIMG_4020Now that's free range! https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img_4013.jpgIMG_4013The extremely deadly and completely underwhelming brown snakehttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img_4012.jpgIMG_4012Cathy's resident possum. See? Cute!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img_3999.jpgIMG_3999Amazing2014-03-19T22:36:29+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/about/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/ide-wedding-0742.jpgLet's hit the road!Let's hit the road!2015-10-26T14:01:43+00:00weekly0.6https://brightideandbushytailed.com/2014/03/01/the-best-vacation-ever-part-two-western-australia/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img_4032.jpgIMG_4032The Perth skyline as seen from my parents' apartmenthttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img_4007.jpgIMG_4007I can't remember what he's called, but he's just begging for some snuggles!!!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img_3992.jpgIMG_3992Tanned, relaxed, and ready for our next adventure!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img_3987.jpgIMG_3987Quokka! The cutest thing you've ever seen! Until he tries to steal your candy (AKA lollies in Aussie speak).https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img_3938.jpgIMG_3938Phenomenal fireworkshttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img_3831.jpgIMG_3831Ready for Australia Day! https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img_3827.jpgIMG_3827The daytime panorama, plus husband. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img_3811.jpgIMG_3811Watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean near Margaret Riverhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img_3739.jpgIMG_3739This minted pork mango salad was at an herb farm out in the middle of nowhere near Walpole. It was the best meal I had in Western Australia!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/img_3731.jpgIMG_3731I'm steering a ship that is on land! But behind me is the cold Southern Ocean.2014-03-03T17:18:43+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2014/02/19/the-best-vacation-ever-part-one-hong-kong/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/img_3148.jpgBuddhaMeghan, Liana, and I pose before the giant Buddha. Only a few more steps to go!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/img_3126.jpgGondolaThe long, smoggy ride in the gondola up to the giant Buddha. Not for the faint of heart! https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/img_3092.jpgGirlsWe thought we'd feel tall in Hong Kong. Nope. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/img_3089.jpgMeatA meat vendor. And a policeman sneezing. Or something.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/img_3084.jpgIncenseGiant incense coils burn in a quiet temple tucked between modern buildings on a busy streethttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/img_3077.jpgWiFiThis beautiful garden offered free WiFi. Who are we to refuse?https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/img_3018.jpgBanyanOne of the banyan trees growing into the sidewalk. Oh, and that's my family!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/img_3004.jpgArchAn arch with fake cherry blossoms was erected in honor of Chinese New Year. Andrew sports a short-lived mustache. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/img_2997.jpgMarketOne of the booths in the street market, offering Chinese New Year trinkets. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/img_2991.jpgSkylineHong Kong is literally filled to brimming with skyscrapers. This day the smog was particularly bad.2014-02-28T15:53:49+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2013/12/05/the-golden-hour/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/photo9.jpgHamNow that's a ham!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/img_3183.jpgIceI had to break 2" of ice off the chickens' water barrel this morning. The highs this week are just above freezing.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/img_3173.jpgLardWe rendered the pork lard for cooking. It was a pretty amber color until it cooled into a creamy white solid.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/img_3161.jpgCalfThis little guy slid into the world as easy as could be. He was standing up within 15 minutes. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/img_3153.jpgSteaming HogAndrew captured this shot of me hauling our pig while she gets cleaned off post slaughter.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/img_3152.jpgPork SideWe are processing our half the old fashioned way. We scalded, scraped, gutted, split, and now we cut, cure, grind, and eat!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/img_3058.jpgCooked TurkeyThe meat was SOOOO amazing!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/img_3028.jpgKevinWe had lots of help on turkey harvest day. Here our pal Kevin hoists a 30+ lb monster.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/img_3008.jpgCherry BlossomI painted this mural for my future neice Evelyn. And by future I mean any second now! https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/img_2994.jpgChristmas TreeWe found a little tree lying around the farm. We potted it and slapped some LED lights around it...and voila! Mini Christmas tree!2013-12-08T13:53:49+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2013/11/08/all-about-community/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/img_2902.jpgIMG_2902A gorgeous sunrise at the farm. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/img_2891.jpgIMG_2891We had one real hard frost, and it happened to be the morning we started our chicken harvest. It made for very cold hands, but beautiful imagery, like this frosty sage. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/img_2881.jpgIMG_2881Soup's on!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/img_2837.jpgIMG_2837A lone flower. Someone told me it's echinacea. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/img_2836.jpgIMG_2836Our blueberry bushes turned a brilliant red before the windstorm whipped the leaves off. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/img_2809.jpgIMG_2809Pigs love pumpkins!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/img_2722.jpgIMG_2722We still have an adorable, "special" cat by the way. Sometimes she plays in bags. She's the cutest!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/img_2719.jpgIMG_2719One of our fall boxeshttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/img_2715.jpgIMG_2715Pumpkins!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/img_2710.jpgIMG_2710Waste not want not! I cooked this cow tongue. It was tasty but squeaky. I'll probably pass next time. 2013-11-18T04:38:22+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2013/09/29/well-hello-winter-where-did-you-come-from/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_2672.jpgIMG_2672A friendly salamander that Andrew caught just for me. We put him in a puddle and 30 minutes later he was gone! Mysterious creatures, these!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_2668.jpgIMG_2668This is what our most recent box looked like. Not too shabby, right?https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_2662.jpgIMG_2662Thankfully Andrew got our wood burning stove installed just in time for this freezing weather!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_2658.jpgIMG_2658We did manage a short hike though, and I am still amazed by the greenery of the local forests. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_2652.jpgIMG_2652We went to visit Snoqualmie Falls, which is an amazing sight, just off the side of the road! No hike required. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_2635.jpgIMG_2635The last of the stalwart sunflowers just before the clouds descended (forever?)https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_2621.jpgIMG_2621The trailer is now the guest house! My friend Jill came up and slept in it for two nights. Other than a door that won't quite close and a leaking air mat, she had no complaints!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_2619.jpgIMG_2619Our tomatoes got hit with the dreaded "Late Blight." It's unavoidable, and we're just happy they lasted as long as they did. We piled them up and burned the vines. Sad day.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_2604.jpgIMG_2604Organic sweet corn!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_2600.jpgIMG_2600LED bulb in action! We don't really have enough sun anymore so we have to charge up our battery with the generator every other day or so. 2013-09-30T00:43:25+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2013/09/09/staycation-on-the-farm/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo8.jpgphoto(8)Another fabulous sunset on the farmhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/photo7.jpgphoto(7)A cow is sawed in half before being loaded into the butchers' truck.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_2512.jpgIMG_2512Andrew harvesting some squash on a rainy morning. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_2491.jpgIMG_2491Fancy, our new "mouser." Mostly she just demands to be pet.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_2473.jpgIMG_2473One of the ways we let loose was by going to the local fair. I even got our friends to ride the janky roller coaster with us!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_2467.jpgIMG_2467I caught a salmon (with help from Andrew of course!)https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_2448.jpgIMG_2448Sun Gold cherry tomatoes are my favoritest. Seriously. Eveyrone should grow them. They taste like candy!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_2434.jpgIMG_2434Ooooh, aren't you glamorous? https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_2432.jpgIMG_2432Gretchen is still the cutest goat ever.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/img_2429.jpgIMG_2429Amaranth is a delicious and beautiful alternative to spinach!2013-09-10T04:38:07+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2013/08/15/tiny-house-giant-life/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/img_2106.jpgIMG_2106This is a view of the kitchen before we moved in, so there's a lot more junk in there now. Awesome concrete counter tops, right?https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/img_2266.jpgIMG_2266Andrew works on the deck a little bit every day. I can't wait to have a place to throw my shoes and sit outside as the sun sets!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/img_2183.jpgIMG_2183A view of the living room, dining room, and loft. And cat.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/img_2690.jpgIMG_2690Here's the maze that Bob built. Pretty amazing right! I can't wait to try it out.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/img_2615.jpgIMG_2615Zephyr gets very excited when we jump off the rocks. He likes to make sure we are still alive every time.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/img_2326.jpgIMG_2326Just a couple of ladies in a helicopter! No biggie!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/img_2319.jpgIMG_2319Another view but with decor. I made that mug holder! https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/img_2301.jpgIMG_2301Sake got stir crazy in the house so I took her for a stroll. She got to meet Gretchen. They hit it off right away!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/img_2276.jpgIMG_2276Some beautiful homing pigeons have started hanging around the farm to eat up our spilled grain. I am making it my mission to tame them.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/img_2260.jpgIMG_2260Oh yeah...we are still growing food too!2013-09-10T03:00:25+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2013/07/27/the-busy-season/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/img_21281.jpgKyleKyle examines the world's biggest cucumberhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/img_2149.jpgSummer ReapTomatoes and peppers are finally ready for boxes! https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/img_2143.jpgTurklesHungry turkeys, as viewed from abovehttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/img_2111.jpgIntertwinedLove.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/img_2099.jpgBlueberries and eggsOur girls have started laying! We gave some to our members, along with blueberries we harvested from Eric's house. Everyone has blueberry bushes in Washington!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/img_2094.jpgPigs!The pigs enjoying their organic juicing scrapshttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/img_2073.jpgFlowersAnother fabulous farm bouquet https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/img_2040.jpgCounter TopAndrew puts the finishing touches on the concrete counter top. The floors are also done...almost time to move in!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/img_2022.jpgNature's ColorsI am so amazed at some of the colors Nature produces!2013-07-30T02:37:47+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2013/07/05/tipsy-pigs-goat-pee-and-new-friends/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/img_1992.jpgRadishesSome of the colors that exist in nature are mind boggling!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/img_1990.jpgCabbageOur cabbage is starting to head up. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/img_1986.jpgCow TrainBob's Corn has an amazing cow train that he let us ride. I am not afraid to admit I had SO MUCH FUN on that stupid thing!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/img_1982.jpgBell A tiny bell pepper is forming. Squeeee!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/img_1976.jpgTurkeyI think this "teenage" turkey is adorable. His handler is pretty cute too.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/img_1973.jpgBaleNothing says "farm life" quite like a giant bale of hay!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/img_1969.jpgTurkey MobileAndrew works on the turkey habitathttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/img_1955.jpgBalloonNo matter how often the balloons fly over, I always get excited!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/img_1952.jpgZephyrZephyr LOVES going to the river, but HATES waiting quietly while we fish. We always make sure to throw him some sticks when we're done because he loves to swim after them.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/img_1941.jpgMetalAndrew installed some corrugated metal siding for insulation behind the wood burning stove2013-07-22T23:19:02+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2013/06/17/and-so-it-begins/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_1865.jpgGoatsEvery day we take the goats out and tie them off to weed for us, which keeps them out of our vegetables. Every night we walk them back to their pen. Laney (foreground) is our most difficult and I always get stuck dragging her around!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_1857.jpgFinal AdjustmentsAlmost into place...https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_1839.jpgBye Dog!Zephyr wouldn't get in the boat so we ditched him. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_1837.jpgFishin'We went fishing on a little lake near our farm. This was the biggest catch of the day.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_1818.jpgJumboWe're not messing around here!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_1817.jpgBox Week 1Wahoooo! Veg!!!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_1815.jpgLettuce!For the first box we harvested butterhead and Grand Rapids Red lettuceshttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_1809.jpgGretchenI ADORE this little doeling. She is so affectionate and we have quality time every day. Since two of her brothers have gone missing, I am terrified of losing her too.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_1797.jpgThornWe have several new calves at the farm. There is something so irresistible about baby animals!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/img_1788.jpgIMG_17882013-06-22T18:53:16+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2013/05/29/good-enough-is-perfect/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_1732.jpgIMG_1732Pigs love cake! https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_1731.jpgIMG_1731As my cousin so cleverly captioned this photo: "two hearts beet as one"https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_1721.jpgIMG_1721My favorite leafy green so far...Grand Rapids Red. So pretty!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_1720.jpgIMG_1720https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_1702.jpgIMG_1702Three expectant cows and one newly born calf!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_1695.jpgIMG_1695The menagerie...https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_1679.jpgIMG_1679Carrots! https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_1677.jpgIMG_1677Remember those onions I promised to nourish if they leave me alone? They are HUGE!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_1643.jpgIMG_1643Andrew surveys the crops among the weedshttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_1572.jpgIMG_1572Farm dog2013-05-31T21:31:54+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2013/05/04/the-only-guarantee-in-life/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_1535.jpgAsparagusThis is an asparagus octopus. We planted 100 crowns...next year we can start to harvest them. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_1522.jpgWeedsThese are mostly weeds (wild mustard and horsetail) but they sure look pretty here! Blue skies too!!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_1517.jpgStrawberriesWahooo!! Strawberries in bloom! Every blossom turns into a berry. I can't wait!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_1510.jpgChivesSome blooming onions or chives that were overwintered. I know nothing about onions and I can't eat them. But these are pretty!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_1500.jpgWranglerSometimes a farmer has to wrangle chickens. We have yet to find a way of accomplishing this without looking foolish!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_1497.jpgInsulationDespite looking like cotton candy, insulation is nasty stuff! We are still chugging away on the tiny house...https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_1455.jpgPigsPigs pigs pigs! PIGS!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_1367.jpgTulipAs far as I could tell, this was the lone tulip on the farm this spring. Gorgeous!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_1355.jpgRangersSome of our growing Freedom Ranger meat birds. Andrew and I are mentally prepping...we will slaughter roughly 100 of them next month!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/img_0940.jpgLucyRIP little Lucy. You were such a doll and helped me learn that cows can be lovable! 2013-05-27T19:48:49+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2013/04/28/a-year-to-remember/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/night-we-met.jpgFateful NightThis is the night we met! He cleaned up really nice for our second date though...https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/backpacking-doug.jpgBackpackingBackpacking in Southern Californiahttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/img_5929.jpgBryce CanyonBryce Canyon, one of the most beautiful places in the country (and on the Earth!)https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/img_4659.jpgBlue RidgeCute couple moment on the Blue Ridge Parkwayhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/img_4472.jpgThe love bugThis was our home for three months on the road. I can't think of a better way to enjoy our newlywed status!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/img_4003.jpgShadowsShadows in Badlands National Park https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/img_1320.jpgShooting funWe love doing all kinds of outdoors activities together!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/img_1319.jpgSo sweet!Andrew is such a sweet guy, he even pets the cat during long car trips! https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ide-wedding-095.jpgIde Wedding 095We took a moment to be alone right after the ceremony. In Jewish tradition this is called a yichud. Photo by Karl Nielsenhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/cimg3233.jpgIn the SierrasOne of our first road trip stops, the Sierras of California.2013-04-29T07:17:58+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2013/04/16/greenthumb-greenhorns/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/img_1344.jpgHot Air BalloonThere is a hot air balloon and skydiving airport nearby, and this visitor surprised us the other morning. Not a bad way to start the day!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/img_1335.jpgChickensRemember those cute little chicks from a while back?? Yeah...they're MONSTERS now!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/img_1324.jpgFamilyAndrew and I headed down to Eugene, OR to spend a weekend with my family. Here I am with my dad and brother. Family resemblance? https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/img_1302.jpgJumping SpiderThis funny, hairy, mustachioed jumping dude surprised us in the greenhouse. Andrew always alerts me to critters like spiders, rodents, and snakes by yelping like a little girl. True story. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/img_1284.jpgDoor!We have a door! It's officially a house!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/img_1264.jpgManly MenMen with tools are sexy! Our pal Kevin came up from Portland to give us a hand on the house.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/img_1249.jpgDogsKevin brought his dog, Oma, who gave Zephyr a run for his money as top farm dog.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/img_1218.jpgAndrew Kids AroundI really don't know what to say about this one. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/img_1202.jpgZeph and friendZephyr has made lots of rodent "friends" on the farm!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/img_1194.jpgBanana Slug!Supposedly it's good luck to kiss a banana slug. I was content just pointing at it.2013-05-09T12:41:29+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2013/03/27/bucking-around-on-the-farm-just-kidding/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_1107.jpgSeedlingsWhen the weather turned nice we moved some seedlings outside to "harden off" before transplanting. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_1062.jpgMy manHe looks so professional! Well...almost. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_1060.jpgSunriseA beautiful crimson sunrisehttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_1048.jpgSpring SnowIt was a beautiful morning to be sure, although I'm glad it didn't last. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_1010.jpgA room with a ViewI can't wait to move in!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_0996.jpgDrip LinesA tangled mass of drip lines. Untangling electric fencing (which is actually more like twine) is equally infuriating. 2013-03-28T03:10:18+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2013/03/13/the-farmers-in-the-dell/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_0840.jpgBaby BunnyI'm sorry baby bunny, but look at it this way...now you will live for eternity on the internet! https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_0838.jpgBlackberry BramblesMy new arch enemy, the blackberry bramble! They are evil. It's a bittersweet fight though; I know I will enjoy the berries in the fall!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_0815.jpgChicks!I made sure each and every chick got a sip of water as I put them in their new home. Overkill, maybe. But I love them so!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_0783.jpgHouse FoundationThis will be the foundation for our tiny house! I can't wait to move in!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_0781.jpgMicha SowsAnd I followed up with the seeder. It's a great contraption that drops seeds at the proper intervals and then covers them up as I push it along. Genius! https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_0776.jpgAndrew TillsHere Andrew hand tills one of the hoophouses. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_0775.jpgFarmer GirlA girl, a dog, some subtle brand promotion...https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_0768.jpgMoo CowOne of the many happy beef cows that call Chinook Farms home!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_0755.jpgTractors are Fun!Yes, riding a tractor is as much fun as you'd think!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/img_0751.jpgGreenhouse Grow!Here are our first starts! Andrew planted the seeds a week before I arrived.2013-03-14T15:55:28+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2013/02/28/you-reap-what-you-sow/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/img_0704.jpgSally & TwinkSally and Twink are my adorable neighbors! Sally is a wonderful friend to my Grams and visits her often.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/img_0684.jpgSnow!Just the week before it was in the 80s!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/img_0680.jpgSnow!See?! That's at LEAST 1/2 inch on the ground!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/img_0664.jpgSnow!Another desert glam shot...https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/img_0649.jpgSnow!Desert plants + snow = artsy fartsy photos!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/img_0629.jpgSnow!I didn't write about this, but we had a snowstorm! Snow in Tucson is VERY rare, especially snow that sticks!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/img_0613.jpgSunsetThe desert is known for its gorgeous sunsets.2013-03-01T05:37:08+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2013/02/14/washington-adventures-part-deux/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/img_0569.jpgFendersHere's a closeup, because I refinished them myself and am so proud that they are now part of my lovely bicycle! Now we just need to fix the flat tire...https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/img_0564.jpgGertie!My most faithful readers will remember Gertie. She finally has her fenders! Isn't she pretty?https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/img_0556.jpgTowering ManOn this hike there is a tall pipe with a ladder. We climbed it. Yup.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/img_0554.jpgHiking AttireThis is my "springtime in Washington" hiking attire!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/img_0550.jpgSunshineThat's a neat building, but more importantly...look at the sunshine on my face!!!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/img_0544.jpgMonorailView from the monorail. Look at that BLUE SKY!!!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/img_0541.jpgSpace NeedleThe combination of the early 60's-era Space Needle and the monorail really made me feel like I was back in time...or at Disneyland's "Tomorrow Land." Hey older peeps: I'm curious. Are you disappointed the future didn't pan out to be quite as "futuristic? as you expected? Or did it?https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/img_0533.jpgChihuly GardenWe walked past this exhibit and I really wanted to go in, but at $19 a person it was above our budget. Next time!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/img_0515.jpgFarmer DrewDoesn't he look handsome with a rake?https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/img_0510.jpgTree Time!Grace helped us plant the trees, until she saw an earthworm and was convinced it was a scary snake!2013-02-20T00:44:16+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2013/01/26/city-mouse-country-mouse/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/twins1.jpgTweelingSee? I told you I had a twin!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/twins.jpgtwinshttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/rock-climbing.jpgRock ClimbingAndrew took me rock climbing near San Diego. I'm still a beginner, but the feeling you get when you finally reach the top is phenomenal!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/night-we-met.jpgThat Fateful Night...The night we met! Who would have guessed, this was my husband-to-be?https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/fishing.jpgFishing in OregonWe went fishing with my brother in Oregon. I liked it so much, Andrew bought me my own pole for Christmas!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/chickens-sheena.jpgChickensI was usually the first up in the mornings to feed and release our backyard chickens. I can't WAIT to have fresh eggs again!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/backpacking-doug.jpgBackpackingLast year we went backpacking near Idyllwild, CA https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/603841_4187375277648_946742760_n1.jpgAll Dressed Up...We clean up nicely when the mood and/or occasion strikes2013-01-31T01:38:35+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2013/01/19/hurry-up-and-wait/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/img_0346.jpgClothespins?My dad referred to these as "The Clothespins". They are blue on one side and red on the other...Wildcat colors. "Bear Down!"https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/img_0344.jpgIt's Art!It's art and stuffhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/img_0343.jpgPino BoysThe Brothers Pinohttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/img_0340.jpgBarrel CactusThe desert is full of life! (photo cred: Ed Pino)https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/img_0335.jpgU of AGrams is staying at University Medical Center, and we walked to lunch near campus the other day.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/img_0330.jpgLil AbnersLeast impressive decor, most impressive meal!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/img_0327.jpgRight on TargetI realize posting a photo of me with a gun has potential implications. I do not own any guns. I do not know where I stand exactly on the gun control issues at hand. What I do know is that I enjoy shooting them for sport, and I'm a pretty darn good shot!2013-01-20T16:41:02+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2013/01/06/i-left-my-3-in-sunny-seattle/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/img_0307.jpgSibsA sibling shot. No, they are not standing uphill. Yes, I am that short next to them!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/img_0298.jpgMt. RainierThe view of Mt. Rainier from the top of Crystal Mountain. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/img_0292.jpgSnowboardLook at all the sun glinting off our goggles! It was unbelievably gorgeous on the mountain.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/img_0265.jpgFireworksThe fireworks were literally just overhead. Andrew complained about getting ashes on his face!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/img_0254.jpgGoofballsAren't we the most attractive couple? Unfortunately both of our cameras are broken so we are relying on my iphone for now. Sorry for the fuzzies!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/img_0247.jpgDogsicleZephyr found a perfect dogsicle for munching on while we rested.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/img_0242.jpgSnow Angel and DogI made a snow angel. Zephyr was unimpressed.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/img_0240.jpgIMG_0240https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/img_0230.jpgFamily IdeWe snowshoed along a closed road in Mt. Rainier National Park.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/img_0225.jpg2013-01-06T22:41:59+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/12/20/a-blister-a-day-keeps-the-doldrums-away/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/am.jpgTogether again!Oh, that's better! (Aren't my photo editing skills amazing?)https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/cimg3367.jpgJumping CactusThe Jumping Cactus is thus named because at the slightest touch pieces will "jump" off onto your skin. Youch!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/cimg3363.jpgSelf PortraitThis is a self portrait, but it feels like something is missing...https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/cimg3355.jpgFlowing WaterI stopped at the top of Romero's Pools...named for the water that collects and flows over the rocks.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/cimg3343.jpgCatalina ViewA sheep's eye viewhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/cimg3340.jpgSaguaro The saguaro's arms don't begin to grow until it is around 75 years old. Crazy!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/cimg3337.jpgBighorn SheepThe area I hiked in is a Bighorn Sheep management area. I didn't see any though. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/cimg3334.jpgDesert FruitThere are still some fruity bits on some of the cacti. Color in the desert is awesome.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/cimg3323.jpgHangout DrewThis is my view of Andrew when we chat. Video chat is so weird. The only time you can make eye contact is when one person looks at the camera, but then that person can't see the other person on the screen, so it's not REAL eye contact...ugghhh. 2013-01-02T03:30:38+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/12/06/oh-no-now-im-the-girl-who-writes-about-her-cat/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/cimg3322.jpgGramsGrams and I ham it up!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/cimg3320.jpgGateThis beautiful berry bush behind my grandmother's house is home to many happy birds. I tried to capture some resident quail, but those suckers are FAST!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/cimg3318.jpgSeedsOne of the plants behind the house is going to seed, and little white puffs are everywhere!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/cimg3315.jpgAgaveMaybe I could try my hand at making tequila?https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/cimg3314.jpgPalo VerdeThe mighty Palo Verde, which is Spanish for "Green Wood." Go figure!2013-01-31T13:16:05+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/12/01/so-long-mexico-and-thanks-for-all-the-fish/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_1492.jpgYellowtail #1!Here's the monster that I "caught" with a little help...https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_1493.jpgThe HaciendaThe hacienda on the hillside...not a bad place for a vacation!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_1603.jpgSnowflakeSnowflake, the resident "desert cat" enjoys the sunrisehttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_1597.jpgCouple Shot!Awwww! We're tan and happy!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_1589.jpgSushiOne of our Thanksgiving courses was handmade, freshly caught sushi. The other courses were scallops, clam steamers, fish tacos, lobster tails, and old snickers bars for dessert! https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_1577.jpgDrew RidesOf course, Andrew was a natural on the wakeboard https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_1553.jpgMicha RidesI was not a natural, but I did manage to stand up for a second!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_1544.jpgDanny's FriendDanny caught this giant creature with his own two hands!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_1542.jpgFish PileOne of our most successful fishing days. And again, by "our" I mean Danny's.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/img_15361.jpgYellowtail!One of the mighty yellowtail that Katie and Danny reeled in2012-12-02T15:28:08+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/11/28/a-homeless-homecoming/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_60431.jpgLovely DayA lovely view of a snowy mountain peak in northern Arizonahttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_6069.jpgSaguaro Nothing reminds me of my childhood like the sight of the stoic saguaro https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_6061.jpgCouple Shot!Jane's backyard comes equipped with an excellent spot for family photos!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_6056.jpgJane Rides OnHere is Jane, leading the way on her four-wheeler. What a badass!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_6053.jpgPee DanceI was white-knuckling the steering wheel while driving in the snow over the mountains when I suddenly realized I needed to relieve myself! There was nothing for it but to squat behind the truck and hope no one saw. Andrew made a point of capturing my pee dance.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_6046_2.jpgRed RocksThe red rocks outside Sedona are beautiful, although compared to the awe of Utah they're nothing to write home about!2012-11-29T04:01:16+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/11/16/aint-life-grand/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_6038.jpgDog PileZephyr was really nervous about being on this rock, but I made him pose for a photo anyway...https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_6033.jpgCanyon CoupleIt was cold, but he warms my heart!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_6022.jpgRock with a ViewThere they are...the sheepskin boots! Still the best $50 I have EVER spent!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_6020.jpgBust a MoveSometimes you just have to bust a move!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_6012.jpgGrand CanyonThe Grand Canyon is one of those places where pictures just do not do it justice. But I tried anyway!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_6009.jpgFrigid MorningAndrew was nice enough to let me wear his down coat (on top of mine!) while he cooked breakfast. It was COLD!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_6005.jpgSnow!Here it is...proof of the snow! It didn't stick on the ground, but we had a light dusting on our awesome fenders!2012-11-17T16:12:24+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/11/14/you-ought-to-see-utah/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5993_2.jpgDon't Fall!It's hard to tell, but I'm standing on a rock about 2 1/2 feet wide, with a sheer drop off on either side. Wheeee!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5979.jpgZionZion is one of the most amazing places I've ever been. You can see why!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5959.jpgSwitchbacks A view from the top after our ascent out of the "Best Three-Mile Hike in the WORLD!"https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5930.jpgCairn ForestThis is the Cairn forest I was talking about. A Cairn is a rock pile that is generally used to mark a trail. In this case they were just for fun, and some were even stacked on tree branches. So cool!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5929.jpgDawwww! There it is! The couple shot!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5917.jpgWindow in the SkyI am dwarfed by this massive formationhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5894.jpgBryce CanyonI love how this little tree clings to the desert soil. I felt myself relating to these trees as we hiked; my heart is still clinging to this landscape even as I write this from San Diego.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5892.jpgBryce CanyonUtterly amazinghttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5859.jpgRollin' On Occasionally I feel compelled to remind you all of how awesome our teardrop is!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5846.jpgNewspaper RockWe randomly drove by Newspaper Rock and stopped to check it out. It's a big rock out in the middle of nowhere where ancient Native Americans stopped to either record important stories or doodle, no one really knows. It is an incredible sight; I am always blown away by the intricacies and beauty of ancient art. 2012-11-15T05:25:36+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/11/11/353/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5818.jpgTree Line 2I, on the other hand, am not a pro and this was quite terrifying for me! I'm proud of myself though, and maybe someday I'll try it again (with added protections in place!)https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5806.jpgTree LineAndrew rocks at slacklining. This was no big thing for him!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5782.jpgLong BikeJordan took me for a spin on this crazy limousine bicycle https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5777.jpgTall BikeBrent makes awesome bicycles, including this tall bike he made for Burning Man and continues to ride around Moab on a daily basis. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5770.jpgDelicate ArchAndrew and I took a break as the sun set over Delicate Arch in Arches National Parkhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5683.jpgRunning in the SkyIsn't this a cool shot?https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5642.jpgJolly JumpersJordan (in front) is married to Lauren (in the rear). They are one badass couple, and very good friends to have!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5620.jpgJumping JordanIt was insane to watch this in person. I can only imagine what it felt like to Andrew, who was watching from the top!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5615.jpgHello Up There!The jumpers assess the situation. I'm not sure what is involved before a jump...maybe they spit into the wind?https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5611.jpgZephyr the RegalZephyr sits pretty as we wait for cliff jumpers2012-11-12T00:11:07+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/11/08/prairie-dog-salvation-all-hallows-eve-and-a-bucket-shower/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5431.jpgWheee!Andrew goes for a record long jumphttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5417.jpgSliding DownThe best part about hiking up the dunes is sliding back down!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5405.jpgDune ViewA cool view of the wind-blown sand and surrounding mountainshttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5368.jpgHiking the DunesI may be smiling, but trust me this is hard work!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5356.jpgZephyr at the DunesBig dog, bigger duneshttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5350.jpgBucket ShowerAndrew demonstrates the bucket shower. Not too shabby!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5349.jpgDunes SunsetSunset over the Great Sand Duneshttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5320.jpgRhinestone CowboyMy Rhinestone Cowboy. He always insists on buying women's sunglasses, preferably in white.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5314.jpgLunch in New MexicoPoor Zephyr, he never gets the good stuff!2012-11-08T18:25:38+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/11/03/i-feel-better-already/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5271_2.jpgSunset in OklahomaZephyr and I got a few extra rounds of "Fetch the Stick" in before the sun set.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5255.jpgStir FryI know in my "About Us" section I talk about eating rice and beans, but really with Andrew cooking even rice and beans would be fabulous. This stir fry was spectacular (and beautiful)!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5247.jpgLouisiana ShrimpWe bought giant Louisiana-caught shrimp, and they were delicious!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5240.jpgOklahoma RulesI'm not sure which alcoholic beverages would qualify...maybe Bud Light? Sorry Oklahoma...we broke one of your rules.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5229.jpgZephyr Streches His LegsWhile I luxuriated in a hot springs shower, Andrew took Zephyr for a walk on a nice nature trail that was accessible from our hotel.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5223.jpgStrange Hot SpringThis random hot spring flows through a cave in the middle of town.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5220.jpgHistoric Bath HouseOne of the historic bath houses from the 1930s. The original buildings from the late 1800s and early 1900s were made of wood, and as such they were laden with bacteria and suffered from rot. In the 1920s or 1930s they were all torn down and rebuilt out of stone.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5210.jpgNational ParkSee? I told you it's a National Park!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5209.jpgMmmm Tasty!Andrew samples some natural mineral water.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5206.jpgHot Springs CoupleI even brought out the lipstick for this one!2012-11-04T14:50:49+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/11/01/whats-in-this-drink-exactly/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/vampire-jesus.jpgVampire JesusThis old church in the French Quarter wins the award for the creepiest statue. Of course I love it! https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5186_2.jpgCheers!Enjoying a champagne cocktail at Ameliehttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5175_2.jpgFrench QuarterMore hanging plants and lovely architecture. I didn't take very many pictures in New Orleans because Andrew gets embarrassed when I pull out the camera in crowded areas. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5173.jpgFrench QuarterAlmost every building in the French Quarter has hanging plants and old-style lights. Many of the lights are powered by natural gas, so they flicker at night which is quite beautiful. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/img_5172.jpgBeignetsI wouldn't let Andrew visit New Orleans without having some beignets (French-style donuts) at the uber-touristy Cafe du Monde. He loved them AND managed to get powdered sugar all over himself. 2012-11-02T01:02:58+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/10/29/floundering-in-florida-part-2/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_5079.jpgFlorida ForestFor those of us who are used to the mountains of California, this is a strange forest indeed!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_5151.jpgBeach BabeEveryone should be able to enjoy a white sand beach with warm ocean water whenever they want. We'd all be much happier and everyone would get along. Hey Washington, are you listening? Beaches, please!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_5123_2.jpgSunsetAnother shot from the forthttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_5115.jpgSunsetWe watched the sunset from a fort near Pensacolahttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_5090.jpgZephyr in the GulfHappy, swimming, frolicking beach dog!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_5070.jpgCampfireAnd this is our television!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_5058.jpgLoveAndrew bought a tripod and so we had some fun with a headlamp. We learn to entertain ourselves on a trip like this!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_5038.jpgFlorida Panther CrossingThese signs are everywhere! Sadly we saw none. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_5026.jpgGreat White Heron?A color morph of the Great Blue Heron, the Great White Heron, exists in Florida, but this might be a Great Egret. What say you, birders?https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_5008.jpgPondLily pads floating gracefully on a pond in the Everglades2012-10-29T19:34:40+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/10/26/floundering-in-florida-part-1/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4993.jpgSouthernmost PointIt looks less cheesy with artistic flourishes, don't you think?https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4983.jpgNurse SharkI got to pet a baby nurse shark at the aquarium! Zephyr was upset he didn't get to sniff it.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4975.jpgSpiderThe body of this thing was bigger than a quarter. Gaaaaah!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4960.jpgCouples ShotThere were several couples enjoying the sunset and we all took turns taking pictures for each otherhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4943.jpgSunsetAnother sunset shot about 10 minutes laterhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4940.jpgSunsetA sunset shot of tropical paradise. We were standing on an old bridge and as we were watching the water a gigantic 8 foot long ray of some kind swam underneath us. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4902.jpgAnne's BeachThis local beach on the Atlantic side of the Keys allowed dogs, so we took Zephyr for a little swimhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4889.jpgWhite IbisThe campground in Key Largo was full of White Ibises who were thankfully not camera shyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4877.jpgFeet Apparently this is what dinner looks like to noseeums. Bully for me. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4869.jpgIguanaThis colorful fellow was a guest in our campsite. The Green Iguana is one of the many non-native intruders living in the Keys, and they are everywhere. I even had to rescue one that was stuck trying to crawl through a chain link fence at a park. Fortunately I was able to smoosh his legs and tail together so he could finally squeeze through. 2013-05-08T22:21:42+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/10/23/spanish-moss-southern-hospitality/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4861.jpgAntique ShopA neat display outside of an antique shophttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4855.jpgSavannah LoveObligatory couple shothttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4846.jpgGilded CaptiolThe dome of the capitol building in Savannah is covered in 24 karat gold leaf. Of course Andrew wanted to figure out a way to climb the dome and take some, since he is certain the Fiat money system will soon collapse...https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4841.jpgCotton ExchangeThe architecture in Savannah was awesomehttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4827.jpgGertie!Gertie looks so pretty in the wilderness of Savannah! https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4823.jpgLiquor StillThose guys must have been desperate for some moonshine to put that thing way out here https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4822.jpgSwamp DogBeware the dreaded stinky Swamp Dog!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4815.jpgAndrew on a BikeAndrew reads about the shell midden on our nature ridehttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4811.jpgSpanish MossI knew I was really in the South when I saw the trees covered in gorgeous Spanish Moss! A pamphlet from the state park said they used to stuff it into mattresses, and since there were often chiggers hiding within it it lead to the phrase "sleep tight, don't let the bedbugs bite!" https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4801.jpgZephyrAll tuckered out from his morning jog2012-10-24T21:35:57+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/10/21/tennessee-sid/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4785.jpgTennessee BridgeThis sign probably should have deterred us from jumping on the bridge...https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4772_2.jpgTennessee BridgeWe got a little lost but discovered this fun, bouncy walking bridge along the wayhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4765.jpgHomestead MuseumHere Andrew climbs illicitly into the exhibit to pump the bellows. What a rebel.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4764.jpgHomestead MuseumI want one. Or seven.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4750.jpgHomestead MuseumA cute and friendly farm cat that roamed the grounds asking for belly rubshttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4746.jpgHomestead MuseumA pastoral scene from the historic homestead museumhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4740.jpgThe Great SmokiesThey call them The Great Smokies because there are always clouds due to the density of plant life which is constantly releasing moisture into the airhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4732_2.jpgLake WataugaAnother shot of this serene lakehttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4728.jpgLake WataugaA view of the sunset from our campsite on Lake Watauga2012-10-21T20:52:41+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/10/16/black-and-blue-ridge-parkway/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4661.jpgCaterpillarA little friend I made while on our hikehttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4659.jpgBlue Ridge TrailWe found this little cabin after a short hike off the Blue Ridge Parkwayhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4634.jpgHammock NapLucky duckhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4632.jpgGertie Lives!Andrew gives Gertie a test run after setting her straighthttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4616.jpgShenandoahThe picturesque drive includes trees, wildflowers and stone guardrails built by the CCChttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4598.jpgShenandoahThe colors of Shenandoahhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4592.jpgSnow!Snowfall in Shenandoah...beautiful, but cold!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4582.jpgCumberlandI spied this old building along the walking path. Beautiful, don't you think?https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4566_2.jpgCumberlandTaking a break https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4563.jpgCumberlandI really liked the architecture in Cumberland, and how all different kinds of buildings are smashed together in a small area2012-10-16T20:55:08+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/10/12/capitol-offense/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4527.jpgMy boysZephyr the tree-climbing, truck-escaping, Houdini of a doghttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4522.jpgWashington MonumentA cloudy, muggy day makes for great photoshttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4511.jpgMetal TreeA cool metal tree I captured right before we were kicked out of the sculpture garden for having a dog https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4486.jpgCaptiol BuildingHere's hoping they're hard at work in there!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4442_2.jpgPine BarrensSunset at the Pine Barrenshttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4425.jpgGertieGertie got her bell rung!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4419_2.jpgPine BarrensSand is fun for driving!2012-10-12T17:46:48+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/10/10/now-this-is-fall/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4386.jpgFarmManicured green hay fields always look amazing next to wild spaceshttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4369.jpgTeardropThe trailer poses for a photo op somewhere in the Catskillshttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4324_2.jpgTreesThere can never be too many photos of leaves!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4322.jpgTreesFiery red leaves really pop against a grey sky, my only consolation for rainy weatherhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4292_2.jpgWhite MountainsThe glorious colors of Autumnhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4273.jpgLoveDawwwww aren't we cutehttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4269.jpgMushroomsA fairy wonderland mushroom garden in the White Mountainshttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4267.jpgBarred OwlWe sat watching a perched Barred Owl for a long time, and when I finally snapped this photo it was gone. I assumed I missed it completely, but there he is, flying away on the right hand side of the frame. 2012-10-10T19:17:57+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/10/05/maine-iacs/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/lobster.jpgLobsterOMG this was soooo tasty. Photo Cred: Dale Beesonhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4246.jpgDrying outOur first attempt at drying out the futon, before Andrew employed the hiking poleshttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4238.jpgAcadia National ParkSome beautiful (and wet) rocks in Acadia National Parkhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4224.jpgMoosehead LakeZephyr played more Fetch the Stickhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4176.jpgQuebec CityA view of Quebec City, complete with one of the cruise shipshttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4171.jpgCannonThere were lots of cannons throughout the cityhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4153.jpgMe and ZephHanging out at an overlook in Quebec Cityhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4149.jpgQuebecSome fancy building in Quebec Cityhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4133.jpgSteak FritesIt was as good as it lookshttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4129.jpgFrench SignI still have no idea what this is saying2012-10-06T14:57:31+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/10/03/little-teardrop-big-apple/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/twins-cred-ed.jpgTwins Me and the beautiful bride! Photo Cred: Ed Pinohttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/me-drew-cred-gina.jpgIdes Clean UpThis must be before we got down on the dance floor. Photo Cred: Gina Mignonehttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/gertie.jpgGertie!A poor cell phone pic in Central Parkhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/dance-cred-gina.jpgIdes Get FunkyNot sure what can be said here...um...nice ring Andrew! Photo Cred: Gina Mignonehttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/bhs-crew.jpgBHS crewMeghan and Jonathan had an excellent photo booth! Here we are with Tom and Rachel, some of our oldest pals from high school.2012-10-03T17:28:12+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/10/01/blowing-through-the-windy-city/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4094.jpgThe BeanThis sculpture has inadvertently become one of Chicago's main tourist attractions, and it's easy to see why!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4092.jpgThe BeanPretty wild stuff, right?https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4085.jpgThe BeanAndrew is a clever manhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4071.jpgDrew and ZephyrMy boys!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4070.jpgThe BeanGetting artsy fartsy https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4061.jpgThe BeanDream Gate sculpture, aka "The Bean"https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4059.jpgChicagoChicago is quite a pretty cityhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4055.jpgChicagoAfter a few failed attempts to take our own photo, a nice passerby offered to help us outhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4046.jpgBeachYeah yeah, I wear that sweater too much in photos.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/img_4043.jpgLake MichiganThey call them The Great Lakes for good reason. From the shoreline Lake Michigan looks like an ocean!2012-10-01T13:47:30+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/09/29/152/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_4037.jpgCoffee ShopWe found one really cute funky coffee shop along the Mississippi. Unfortunately it was closed. On a Wednesday. At 10:00 AM.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_4025.jpgEffigy MoundsThe light filtering through the trees was so peacefulhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_4033.jpgMississippi RiverAdmiring the view of the Mississippi and searching for Bald Eagles at Effigy Moundshttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_4019.jpgFarmSome of the beautiful scenery along the Mississippi. The leaves were just starting to turn; fall is upon us!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_4005.jpgSpireThis is the spire we scrambled up and then slid back downhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3995.jpgBadlandsSometimes we forget just how insignificant we humans are until we visit a place like this!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3991.jpgFlowersWe managed to find some flowers! Life prevails!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3980.jpgBadlandsWorkin' it for the camera...despite desperately needing a showerhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3975.jpgTrail MarkerThis is how we know we are on the right trailhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3933.jpgBadlandsThe alien landscape that is Badlands National Park2012-09-29T18:16:39+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/09/25/black-hills-and-strange-sights/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3915.jpgGoatsWhat better way to end the day than with a mountain goat sighting? They are the coolest. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3911.jpgDevil's TowerSuch a strange and beautiful sight!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3904.jpgDevil's TowerDevil's Tower is a huge draw for rock climbers, but many Native Americans feel climbing here is disrespectful as this is a highly sacred place. I was happy just to sit and look at it for a while.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3888.jpgSundanceWhat a cutiehttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/cimg3297.jpgSunsetA lovely sunset amid more open spacehttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/cimg3294.jpgFarmlandSo much open space boggles my little California mindhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/cimg3292.jpgMt. RushmoreSee? Not so massive2012-09-25T17:36:24+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/09/20/things-that-go-bump-in-the-night/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3866.jpgHillsSee? Gorgeous. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3860.jpgHot SpringsA sign painted on a nearby hill declared this to be the "World's Largest Hot Spring!"https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3848.jpgTetonsThe only photo I could get of the Grand Tetons that wasn't smokey. Sad face.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3832.jpgSunsetSunset at Grand Tetons National Parkhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3752.jpgBisonLet's call him Jorge. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3748.jpgInside viewBetter than a TV!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3745.jpgBearsYup.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3743.jpgZephyrZephyr especially likes being off leash https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3727.jpgNational ForestNot a bad view from our free campsite outside Yellowstonehttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3687.jpgyuck...and it smells bad too! Sulfur smells like rotten eggs in case you were wondering.2012-09-21T05:46:56+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/09/15/oh-canada/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3608.jpgBear fenceThe electric fence that surrounded our campground in Banffhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3578.jpgLake LouiseLake Louise...a rare moment when there were no people in my shot!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3574.jpgLakeA beautiful lake on our drive south towards Banffhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3562.jpgAthabasca FallsCanadian National Parks are much more dog-friendly than their US counterparts. For this we (and Zephyr) were grateful!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3558.jpgAthabasca FallsOk, maybe I took too many photos but I can't get over the beauty of this place!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3549.jpgAthabasca FallsIt was cold here too...https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3541.jpgAthabasca FallsStunning view at Athabasca Fallshttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3538.jpgAthabasca FallsI will never forget this color! https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3534.jpgAthabasca FallsThe color of the water was amazing next to the green lichens and treeshttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3529.jpgAthabasca FallsA view of the river deep below the canyon at Athabasca Falls2012-09-16T03:14:04+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/09/13/northwest-pride/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3429.jpgRoosterI love me some fowl, what can I say?https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3396.jpgGraceGrace enjoys a ride at the fairhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3380.jpgCotton CandyThat girl in the background is just jealous...https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3378.jpgNancy and DougNancy and Doug, the world's best in-laws, at the county fairhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3367.jpgFogThey say, beneath the fog, that the Oregon coast is beautiful. The trees were lovely anyway...https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3361.jpgBridgeDriving up the coast of Oregonhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/cimg3286.jpgLynden CrewThe Ides and the Schlomers! 2012-09-15T02:34:37+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/09/06/chutzpah/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3356.jpgCleaning FishI cleaned my own fish! https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3348_2.jpgCaught one!I reel in a fish while Jared coacheshttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3313.jpgLittle Lava Lake MichaI stayed on dry (and warm) land!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3289.jpgBrrrA picture is worth a thousand words!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3284.jpgLittle Lava LakeAndrew took a dip with Zephyr in the arctic ice melt of Little Lava Lakehttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3277.jpgHappy DogHappy dog with newly installed window grates!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3275.jpgWe got stuckIf you decide to travel down unpaved forest roads, be prepared to unhitch when you hit a dead end!https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3259.jpgCrater LakeSometimes I actually read these thingshttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3249.jpgCrater LakeThe stunning blue of Crater Lakehttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/img_3240.jpgThe PinnaclesNo words needed...utterly amazing.2012-09-08T15:03:12+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/09/04/the-best-laid-plans/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/cimg3233.jpgMammothBecause I know you all want to see pictures of us... this one is outside Mammoth.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/cimg3229.jpgHappy DogZephyr enjoying his favorite activity: wait for stick to be thrown, jump in lake, swim, fetch stick, repeat. https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/cimg3219.jpgMan and his DogWalking down to Horseshoe Lake, which is severely low due to poor snowfall last winter.https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/cimg3218.jpgHot SpringsEarly morning at the hot springs outside Mammothhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/cimg3209.jpgCharlieCharlie L. Skunkerton, our dashboard companion. 2012-09-04T22:23:20+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/08/27/ciao-for-now/2012-08-28T05:52:19+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/08/15/namaste/2012-08-15T23:37:28+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/08/04/a-house-is-not-a-home/https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/img_3200.jpgIMG_3200https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/img_3196.jpgIMG_3196https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/img_3192.jpgIMG_3192https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/img_3185.jpgIMG_3185https://brightideandbushytailed.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/img_3183.jpgIMG_31832012-08-16T14:04:10+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/07/30/allow-me-my-soapbox/2012-07-31T00:13:58+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/07/20/trepidations-part-2/2012-07-30T16:37:18+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/07/12/deductive-reasoning-why-we-should-take-a-crazy-trip-across-the-country-with-no-apparent-regard-for-the-future/2012-07-27T11:38:53+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.com/2012/07/08/trepidations-part-1/2012-07-31T05:48:56+00:00monthlyhttps://brightideandbushytailed.comdaily1.02019-04-09T01:35:10+00:00