Lavender Fields Forever

I get all the awards for going outside when it was 106 degrees, let alone picking lavender in that heat. But I wasn't going to let the extremely uncomfortable temperatures keep me inside this day. Lakeside Lavender farm in Nampa, ID was a place I had been really looking forward to visiting (ever since hearing about the festival they put on every year). And they were only allowing public cuttings for one week. And Sunday was the only day we were able to go. And this was the last year they were going to be doing it (I think the family is moving?).

The heat and sweat was well worth it. It was breathtakingly beautiful out there — with the rows and rows of purple blooms backdropped by golden grass, dense trees, and the pretty blue lake. And boy, I was ready to run through all those fields straight to the lake for a dip after cutting lavender for maybe 30 minutes. But the two giant bundles of fresh lavender I got to take home was reward enough. They had a whole array of different strands of lavender to chose from. I cut a big bundle of the super sweet smelling "provence" and it is now drying out in our bedroom and providing a really pleasant aroma. I also grabbed a great big bundle of a few different culinary strands, which has more of a herby sage-like smell to it. I can't wait to make something delicious. Do you have any favorite lavender recipes? I'll at least make a simple syrup from some to add some lavender to iced coffee! Yum.

It was just so lovely out there guys. I wish I could have fresh lavender in my home year round. But the pretty pictures Will took of me will have to do for memory, I suppose. But I really love all the pictures he took, hence the huge photo dump. Even if I was all sweaty and red in the face, he always captures me so well (I think). Mostly, I'm still shocked that I walked away sunburn free!
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OUTFIT DETAILS

+ Top | DownEast (similar, similar)
+ Skirt | It was a hand-me-down
+ Sandals | Target
+ Hat | Target (similar, similar)
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I've been very quiet over here, and I'll unfortunately say that things will likely continue to be for awhile. Summer gets me down, guys. And when you're depressed, it takes quite a lot of effort to write up posts. These feelings are only exacerbated by the fact that this blog has me feeling a little stuck. I have been working on a new site/blog, but for reasons that would take far too long to explain (and likely bore you), the plans to move everything to a new location keeps getting pushed back. I'm still sharing on instagram all the time, though, if you want to keep up with me. And I won't neglect this space entirely; just expect something more like 1 or 2 posts a week for now :)

xx Emorie

We Found The Blue Sky!

It has been extremely gloomy for far too long here in Boise with the inversion that has settled over the valley. It has been over a week since we have seen even a glimpse of the sky. Day after day the forecast says clear and sunny, but all that we are experiencing is gross grey smog. I can't remember the inversion ever being this bad or sticking around this long in the winter before. It is definitely rubbing off on all of us — wanting nothing but to stay grumpily indoors. I'm now positive that the only reason this cough of mine is still barely lingering is due to this gross air.

Yesterday I decided we'd had enough and it was time to breathe some fresh air again and get outside somewhere were we would enjoy it. We made the hour drive up to Idaho City and it was well worth it. Breaking through that thick grey and seeing the sun again was like waking up from a week long depression induced slumber. I'm thinking a lot of other folks from Boise had the same idea of a Sunday drive in search of sunshine because Idaho City was packed full of people and their pups walking around enjoying the weather. Some of them were even enjoying ice cream cones!

We ventured 20 miles further up the highway, with the hopes of driving up a scenic overpass backroad to a secluded hiking trail. But the further we drove on, the deeper the snow piled quickly. The road was completely covered in multiple feet of snow with no way for a vehicle to trench though so we headed back to town in search of a simpler trail. We ended up walking the airport loop; an easy, casual trail that followed along the small airstrip up there, winding peacefully through thick pines. I cannot tell you how much of a treat it was. The breathing was easy and the sunshine felt like gold on my skin. We may have wandered off trail a bit, not wanting our hike end. If I had not been focusing on balancing on the ice and snow, I would of taken a video of Pippin happily hopping in and out of the snow piles. That pup couldn't get enough of the adventure, fresh air, and fun in powder form.

Looking back through these pictures today while peering out my window at the thick grey inversion is a little heartbreaking. I'm just happy we were able to treat ourselves yesterday and I'm crossing my fingers for a storm to come through and blow this yuck away. My lungs will be happy when it clears.

Hoping you are well,
xx Emorie

Winter Garden aGlow

We decided to continue with the magical feelings of yesterday and headed to the Idaho Botanical Gardens last night for a little date. Winter Garden aGlow is one of my all time favorite festive community offerings and one we sadly often skip out on. Simply talking about going and actually driving down there and paying to walk around in the cold for an evening are two very different things. So, high-five to us for spontaneity (a quality that this pair of introverts can sometimes lack a bit of) and finally doing something we've been talking about all season! The day just felt right and we didn't want to pass that up.

Unknown to us, Monday night is discount night at the gardens so there was quite a crowd. I had pictured the two of us walking around in beautiful winter stillness and quiet enjoying the lights and taking everything in. But the reality was a lot more of — awkwardly trying to get around groups of people taking family photos, kids chasing each other and bumping into us, and listening to screams, crying, and complaints over not getting a cookie. Don't worry though, I still enjoyed myself. The thermos of chocolate coffee Will packed us helped (even if the crowds of people had me wishing I'd put some brandy in it, too).

Those lights were something magical and I'm glad we didn't miss it this year.

How have you been celebrating the season?

xx Emorie

Winter Flashback

I've been missing Moscow's winters like crazy lately. We hardly see much snow here in the Boise valley, and the cold just isn't as fun with out magical fluffy powder to skip through. I've been day-dreaming, so often, of a long snowy walk through the arboretum and the countryside with a hot thermos in hand. Or a quick trip up Moscow Mountain for pine cone hunting (for our homemade Christmas garland of course). Above all, I miss our tiny little apartment in that beautiful old house that we called home. Watching the snow fall out the windows and bury the giant walnut tree. Taking the cushions off the couch for snuggles in front of the fire. Stringing everything with lights.

Boise, I like you, but you best believe I can't wait to live somewhere that dumps buckets of snow, again.

xx Emorie

P.s. Pictures were taken in January 2012, which seems like a whole world ago.

Fish Creek, Idaho

This weekend was absolutely wonderful and relaxing. Thursday afternoon we made the journey up north to Fish Creek to spend a few days among the trees. As many of you know, Will works for Fish and Game. This was our incentive to make the 6 hour drive there; Will was filling in for someone at the fish trap up there. Although I would take that drive (granted I'm always the passenger) any day, it is especially lovely this time of year with the fall colors appearing, deer roaming, and rain pouring.

We arrived around 8:00 PM Thursday, meaning it was already pitch black night and nothing but stars. We parked the car and made camp in the back of it (the other guy working there was already down for the night) under layers of blankets to keep out the cold. We woke early the next morning and I had time to myself to explore the area while Will helped with the trap. Little did I know that Will actually didn't have much to do up here, as far as work goes. Basically, they just need an extra person there in case it rains and the trap gets flushed with a lot of fish. I guess just two days before we arrived there was near 2000 fish one morning. That is a lot! The most we saw was around 80. We helped with other duties where we could.

Regardless, this weekend was a great getaway. I sure missed northern Idaho. It is a completely different world up there. The forest is denser, the mountains larger, the rivers colder, and everything seems a bit magical. Although I grew up in Boise and call it home again right now, northern Idaho will always feel more like home to me. And it isn't just one place up there, I feel a little bit of myself is every tiny old town. There is so much character there; it is damp, green, and a bit rundown.

And it was so cold, so so butt cold while we where there. I don't think it got much below freezing, but between the wind and being near the water and under the trees the air had quite a bite to it. I was packed in tight below layers of thermals, a sweater, a sweatshirt, a down jacket,  and a wool coat. I was glad to have brought multiple layers of wool socks too, although lacing up my hiking boots was a bit difficult. I spent each morning huddled next to a wood stove (they had placed in their work tent) sipping on coffee and petting the dogs. We ended each night with a fire and a warm meal.

Most of my time up there was spent snuggled up with one of the four pups they had up there and reading my book. And lots of exploring. I am so spoiled to be able to tag along on trips like this and have so much time to relax outdoors. I feel at home and myself in the trees and I'm sure they'll be calling my name again soon.

Backpacking Day 2: Farley Lake

We made the decision pretty early (like right when we found this spot) that we were going to camp at Farley Lake for more than one night. It was just too pretty to pass up. And it was evident that we were no going to be able to continue the loop, with not making it far enough in the first day (having only 3 days allotted for this trip). Thanks boots. Our second day in was spent relaxing and exploring. We woke early with the sunrise and Will didn't waste anytime getting a line out in the calm water while I made us breakfast. Pippin enjoyed warming up in the morning sun after a chilly night. That silly little dog slept the whole night curled up completely in my sleeping bag, all the way down by my feet. He normally can't even stand being covered by a blanket. I was so paranoid all night and kept having to check that he was breathing (because he never makes any noise).

Most of the morning and afternoon was spent simply enjoying each other's company and enjoying being out in the beautiful wilderness. We even all enjoyed a sunbathing session, though Pippin mostly lounged in the shade. It was all lovely lovely lovely.

Late in the afternoon I retreated back into the tent for a nap, having not slept well the night before thanks to Pippin paranoia and an achey body and also because I was feeling a little drained after laying in the sun (oops). While I napped Pippin got to go on a walk with Will. I was jealous. I woke feeling better and made us all peanut noodles for dinner.

Another group set up camp a little ways from us that night and they had a large dog they were letting roam all over. If you know Pippin at all, you know he isn't the friendliest to strangers, especially strange dogs. He is just shy and little and it doesn't come off well. We're working on it. He was so good, though, and didn't try to run off after it and didn't bark at all. But he was so paranoid all night. We snuggled and watched Will fish some more and that helped a little bit. The sunset this night was so breathtaking, slowly coloring the tips of the mountains pink and then the whole sky. It had been windy and cloudy during the day, but it cleared out completely as the sun set and all the stars came out for us again.


Be sure to read Part 1 and Part 3!