an emerging photographer

If you follow the Scarborough's blog... you'll already know this info.  For those of you who don't, I wanted to share some exciting news.  

Our friends Evan and Jillian have started hosting a "coffee house" where they whip up yummy coffee drinks, teas and snacks.  The past two coffee houses have also provided an outlet for local artists to display and sell their work.   Last night's event featured Patricia and her photography.  

Although throughout the past year and a half of knowing her and seeing her work, I have always been impressed; I am even more impressed than ever that she is making the brave next step of displaying her work and promoting herself as an emerging photographer.  

I have seen a lot of her prints and have been encouraging her to do this for a few months now, but seeing a compilation of her images on her newly designed website blew me away.  I am truly amazed at her talent and view points through her camera lens.   Besides being my friend, she is definitely my favorite photographer.  Check out her work here.   (If the link doesn't work, go to www.pscarboroughphotography.com)

Anyone need artwork for their home?? (yes family and friends... this is an open request for ideas for your next birthday or Christmas presents from us!!!)  Or need a gift for others??  I know just the artist to buy from ;o)

who's your farmer?

For the past few years Dave and I have been trying to support local and organic farming efforts.  It only makes sense to start the movement at home.  I am so proud of our little high desert garden!!!  We are by no means good gardeners, but are learning much as we plod along. 

We have a smaller garden with green chilies, jalapenos, bell peppers and tomatoes in our front yard.... partly destroyed by a nosy dog that keeps jumping the fence.... and a larger garden (pictured below) in our back yard with lettuce, spinach, broccoli, rainbow chard, watermelon, carrots, cantaloupe, cucumbers, yellow squash, zucchini, green beans and sunflowers!!  

Not too much is more satisfying than harvesting your own garden!  

  

seconds

Since it is our second summer in Chinle, it makes sense that it is also our second Telluride Bluegrass Festival, second 4th of July in Silverton and second anniversary too!  (posts coming up will include our second visit to Muley Point/Cedar Mesa and our second garden... okay, enough seconds already)

This time around for the Bluegrass Festival, since we camped in Town Park, Telluride, we decided to spend a few extra days in festival mode.  We had the most relaxing and rejuvenating week.  Nothing but hiking, camping, napping, reading, eating festival food, and of course listening to great music with even better friends.

4th of July in Silverton was so good last year, a repeat was a no-brainer.  

We camped at the same location in South Mineral Creek (also known as Bandera).  Friday was Patricia's Birthday and we celebrated by hiking Ice Lakes in the morning, during which Patricia won the alpine speed sledding contest!! 

 5 of us ran the Blue Ribbon Run to start off the 4th of July festivities in town.  The remainder of the day was spend eating, relaxing (yes, common themes to our weekend), exploring and (the boys) fishing.  That night we rallied to make the trip into town for Silverton's amazing fireworks.    Sunday as everyone went their separate ways, Dave and I headed to another great location just outside of Silverton - Cascade Creek.  We spent the next two night's camping there for our anniversary.  We hiked Highland Mary's Lake trail and much to the dogs' delight, found ourselves slopping across many muddy sections of trail and stream crossings.  It was well worth the trip.

Amidst these seconds, there were a few firsts...... we met a good friend of Patricia's - Megan and her sweet pup, Suz (congrats on you decision to stay in San Francisco!!)... and we are in the midst of our first ever green bean harvest (I cant get enough!!)!