wordless Wednesday - skull valley, arizona

strawberry salsa

This is a wonderful summer salsa. The recipe is something my brother-in-law, Tim, came up with and was kind enough to share with me. It's great over salmon. I'm thinking the next time I make it, I may add firm avocados to it.

ingredients:

1 lb. strawberries, diced

1 cucumber, diced (peel cucumber, cut in half and spoon seeds out)

1 jalapeno

1 medium red onion

1/3 c. chopped almonds

1/2 c. sugar

1/2 Tbsp. crushed red pepper

1/2 tsp. salt

Mix all ingredients in bowl and add 1/2 tsp. water to dissolve sugar.

Enjoy!

wordless Wednesday - plumeria flower island of kauai

wordless Wednesday - alarm clock

the grand hike

Hiking the Grand Canyon's South Rim is an incredible adventure. My good friend, Diana, and I hiked Hermit trail to Dripping Springs this past weekend. Hermit trail is one of the more moderate hiking trails, not maintained by the park and is steep, rocky and demanding in both directions. It's approximately seven and a half miles from the start of Hermit trail to Dripping Springs, round trip. The hike in is pleasant, but a tough workout. The hike out is tortuous. We didn't know if we wanted to crawl or cry. Having completed it, there is a sense of fulfillment and we are already planning to hike again next year on another trail going a bit further into the canyon this time.

One of three signs marking this trail.

Diana on the trail midway hiking in.

A few images while on the trail.

Here I am at our destination. There was a feeling of pride, however, I still had to complete the most difficult part, the hike out.

Diana on the trail hiking out near the end.

Looking back onto the trail hiking out. Viewing one of MANY switchbacks.
Heed to the sign.

**note** A special "thank you" to my wonderful husband. He stayed home taking care of the two kids all weekend so I could go on this hike. I love you Ted!

wordless Wednesday - cross stitch project