Wide Open Spaces

Wide open spaces...that is Eastern Washington in a nutshell. There is a river or two winding through these open fields of grain, grapes and potatoes, but mostly it's wide open. In the spring, the grasses are green and the wheat has yet to turn its golden color. By fall, the fields have been harvested and there is the rich aroma of grapes ripening on their vines. For a girl from the Rocky Mountains, this barren landscape has not always been beautiful. I love pine trees, Quaking Aspens and rocky cliffs along side the road. Parts of Utah are dotted with pinion pines and sagebrush, but the higher elevations with dense greenery were always my favorite. So to say that the drive between here and Spokane has been beautiful to me might come as a surprise. But we have been going to Spokane at least 2-3 times a month on Saturdays for the past 2 years in the spring and fall to watch Kolby and Melissa play soccer. We have split time with them each, as they rarely are both in Spokane at the same time. Occasionally, Melissa is in Seattle while Kolby is in Spokane or at home. This has given Brett and I a chance to spend one on one time with each of them, and also time with each other while they are playing and warming up. It means no yard work gets done, or work around the house for that matter for March through June and August through November. Our garden has been pathetic, but we are growing children, young adults, and an eternal marriage first. There will be time for all of that, but for now, we enjoy the scenery and it is beautiful.