Adventure 405: Hooley Farm (Stoneybrook) Filer, Idaho/Post B

The Wiley Cager up to her Tricks.

Spring in Southern Idaho, like many places, is uncertain. Today, the sun peeked out behind swells of fast moving squalls that spread cold rain and bitter wind across the fields like a spreader planting seed. But then, when the sun did shine briefly, it revealed the total glory of the emerald fields, the unapologetic clumping of the soil, the ripe freshness of the cattle pen, and there smiling in a glitter all their own were the new blooms of daffodils. In short, the weather in whatever form it takes merely adds to the beauty of the farm. I even got to help a little bit today. Andy and I put irrigation pipes together in three of four fields before the first of the frigid squalls chased us off. About that time, Loey's sister, Virginia, who had been visiting for the week, had to leave to fly back to Alaska. Everyone commented that goodbyes are less fun that hellos, but in the end it was best to just live in the moment. After that, Judy and I went to town to buy groceries for our now signature dish, Chili Verde with Corny Corn Muffins. It once again turned out well, so I'd have to say that after six or seven attempts, we've mastered the recipe. We had nice conversation, which I've noticed, mostly involves the Hooley's listening to our tales. After dinner, Judy and I did the dishes, and then we adjourned to our cozy little Frac. We've decided this will be our penultimate stop on this particular set of adventures. On Monday, we'll make a brief stop in Boise just to meet Celia, the first daughter of our friends, Tim and Carissa Ulmen. We had thought about staying in Boise to ride the river trail, except the trail is closed due to flooding. As a result, we'll push on homeward, staying either in Baker City Monday night, or somewhere a bit further. We plan to be home by Wednesday, just about a week before schedule. It's amazing that this "run for the barn" phenomenon has happened to us every trip. As soon as we get close to home, we almost can't wait to get there. So much for living in the moment, but as for that, life is certainly good, especially today.

 If you look closely you can see some pretty deft card slicking.

 The daffodils tilting their heads, rising high to catch the refreshingly cold rain.

 My favorite part of the Hooley home is the front sun porch.

 One of the ever present (and squawking) peacocks.

 Virginia spent a few moments tickling the ivories before she had to catch her plane.

When springs fades to summer, this gazebo will take its turn at glory.