Early Morning

 The entire weekend we were kept inside by pouring rain and dark gray cloudy skies.  But yesterday morning when I looked out, this sight made me run for my camera.  I don't know that I really captured the beauty of this moment with the early sun peeking out between the clouds and the mist rising up from the trees to obscure the mountains in the background.  You can see the light reflecting down on part of the lake between the trees making the water look golden. 

The yellow flowers on this tree tell me the earth is waking up and Spring is arriving.

I love looking out over these mountains  They remind me every day that God is on His throne and I have nothing to fear for He is always with me.

Kyaking on the lake

 Yesterday after work as we were looking out on another gorgeous Indian Summer day we decided it was a great opportunity to take the kayaks out on the water.  There wasn't a cloud in the sky.  Starting out we were paddling straight into the sun.  It was hard to see as everything was so bright.  Look at all the light shinning off the water. 

 (you can click on the pictures to make them bigger)

 

 But eventually we made our way out of the cove where we had started and began heading out into the open lake. 

 How different everything seems from this side of the water.  If you look you can see the road around the lake is right between those trees.  It's the way I go to work every morning and I can often come upon a pair of eagles sitting in that tree looking down to see if they can spot a fish.  Around the corner is the little road that goes up to our home.

 Here is a small sailboat making its way out of the cove as the Cascade Mountains rise above.

The Investigator and I hiked to the top of that mountain a number of years ago.  Anyone who knows how unathletic I am would know that was a huge bucket list accomplishment for me.

This little guy flew in and landed right next to us.  He flew off and returned several times.  We were able to recognize him as he only had a few green feathers on his head. 

We paddle into this little outlet which was filled with water lilies.

 

We also passed some lovely homes.

 I love pictures of empty chairs and wonder who will be sitting in them.  I can see a family sitting around this fire pit roasting marshmallows as they watch the fireworks going off overhead on the 4th of July.

 After a couple of hours it was time to head for shore.

 

By the time we arrived back at the dock the sun was beginning to go over the hill and the first signs of the coming dusk were present.  So lovely and peaceful.  We are blessed.