Tuesday, August 27, 2013

the smoke has cleared

  
The fires in my state of Idaho have now all either been put out or are at least
now contained. For about a week I was worried that one of my favorite
little towns in Idaho wouldn't be saved. Hailey is near the town I
live in and is our county seat.
Ketchum and Sun Valley were also in the line of fire, but while some of the canyons
burned, only one house and some outbuildings were lost.

My grandparents lived in Ketchum for many years and are
buried in the cemetery there.
It is the most beautiful cemetery on the side of the very hill they lived on.
I always thought it was neat that they were buried in the same place that Ernest
Hemingway is buried. This area was one of Hemingway's favorite places on earth.
His son Jack always lived in Ketchum and Mariel Hemingway lives here.

This fire has burned some of the most amazing scenery in all of the state, and
we are blessed it didn't take more of it.
Now the fire is out, thanks to some awesome firefighting, and the smoke
has finally cleared.
I'm feeling very grateful.


I wasn't able to work much in the garden for a few days because of the heavy smoke 
in our area, but I did go out to cut roses last week and play with them a little.









We have been so dry this year with very little rain and heat like we have never had.
A little hard to keep everything wet, but still things have done well.






I love all these pastel-y colors together. 
The blue you see out the window is my bench on the front porch.
I'm sure glad it was there. 
Isn't it odd that sometimes you can be so focused on something 
that you never notice the obvious?
I don't remember seeing it while I was snapping away.




Oh---
and Edsel has the right idea! 

moss roses



This planter of moss roses never had a chance.


Edsel claimed it as his and who am I to say otherwise!



75 comments:

Trisha said...

Hi June!

So glad that the smoke is finally clearing for you down there. We got quite a bit of smoke up here, but nothing like you. Poor Idaho has had a rough go of it lately, huh? Edsel looks like he is in heaven in those roses-too cute! Have a wonderful week!

~Trisha

Junkchiccottage said...

So glad the smoke is clearing. How scary. I love the kitty in the flower box so adorable. Loved that.
Kris

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

June, So happy the fires are contained now in Idaho! Glad you're safe too! The firefighters did a great job! I never knew that about Ernest Hemingway, I bet Ketchum is a beautiful place. Your roses are gorgeous and Edsel is adorable! Thanks for sharing your family history. Loved the story.

Hugs,
Jody

Unknown said...

Ahhh....but Edsel is so cute! We just came back from a two year drought here. It was brutal. Gardening was nearly impossible as it was so hot and we were on water rationing. So happy to hear that the fires didn't take anything more!

Kate said...

Hi June
So happy that none was lost and that you and yours were safe. Such a beautiful post as always. Your photos and style leave me here wandering and dreaming.

Sending you big big hugs

Kate
xoxo

helen tilston said...

Your roses are beautiful and the pastel shades most appealing. No doubt all of you are grateful for the fires being under control.

Thanks for visiting me today.

Helen xx

chateau chic said...

Your roses are always so gorgeous, June! I love how you filled up the birdcage with them. So lovely!!
Very grateful that the smoke has cleared without too much damage done.
Mary Alice

Debby said...

Glad that your fires are calming down. These fires are just awful. How scary it would be to live in the line of fire and have to leave.

Deborah said...

So glad to hear everything is okay your way June ;)
Oh such beauty to behold!
Thanks for sharing your lovely garden treasures.
Sigh....so pretty!

All my heart,
Deborah xoxoxoxo

Cindy said...

Ha! Edsel is so funny... he has the softest little perch ever! Pretty incredible about the fires. That's so scary and primal and sad having fires burn such beautiful land. An apartment building right behind where i work caught on fire and it was crazy to watch it, like the fire had a life of it's own. The fireman were dousing it with tons of water for at least 45 minutes straight before it even started to calm down. I was shocked that once the water hit the flames, it didn't faze the fire, it just kept on burning. It was relentless... I'm so glad to hear that they have it under control now... and that you and your pretty flowers are safe and untouched.

Cindy

Judy at GoldCountryCottage said...

Hi June. I'm so glad the fires are coming under control. The one near us is about 90% contained but we are still getting a lot of smoke in the mornings and evenings. Your roses look none the worse for wear. They seem to be a pretty hardy flower. Little Edsel knows something we don't know. Love him stretching..Happy Tuesday..Judy

Katherine said...

My heart just sinks when I see news about wild fires - I cannot imagine how frightening this is for families.
I'm glad you are safe and your community was not damaged.

If you can't be in the garden the next best thing is to bring the beauty in - and wow, the flowers are stunning.

Hugs
Katherine

Mammabellarte Rita Reade said...

So happy you are ok! I do understand completely June, the Rice Canyon fire that we had a couple of years ago here was horrible. We will never forget how many people lost their homes. Baci Rita

Diane said...

Edsel is a cute cat! So glad the fire there is gone. Now all that remains is the destruction. So sad to see our part of the country destroyed.

Your flowers are so pretty, June, and your attitude is even more beautiful. You have a way of looking at things that I wish I had. Great post. Diane

Snooks said...

Love the pictures of your Edsel. What a cutie pie. Your garden flowers are truly beautiful. The only thing that made it in the heat here flower wise were the sunflowers and lavender. It has been such a hot summer this year. I am so glad to hear that you have made it through these monster fires. Nothing short of scary. We have had the fires burning all around us but nothing local this year but a few wheat fires. We have been fortunate. Sending hugs to you and blessings.

Snooks
@ 3Beeze Homestead

Jade said...

Dear June, I´m so glad to hear this good news - what a joy that the smoke has cleared now. I always looooove your breathtaking pictures and most of all today: Edsel. Soooooooooo sweet with this pillow of flowers..........what a paradise for a lovely little cat (could kiss him ;)!!!!! Have a wonderful late summer time,

hugs Jade
(it was hard for me to write, because Katie is walking on my notebook ;)

Vicky said...

Glad to hear the fires are under control . All your flowers are so pretty ,I love how flowers can make you instantly happy :]
Hugs Vicky

Nely said...

Dear June,
So glad the fire there is gone,this is good news.
Your pictures are so beautiful like always..
Many kisses send to you!
Nely

Geli said...

Dear June!
I'm so glad that you and your family and your house are safe ...
And I' m glad to see your new funny photos of Edsel!
He is so cute!
Here it was also very dry and hot this summer and my garden had a lot of problems but now we have more than enough rain again.
Always extreme weather,very hard when you have a garden (you know what I mean ...).
Dear June,I hope you' re fine and I wish you a wonderful week!
With love,
Geli

joanne said...

awwww, I think Edsel has the right idea. The long hazy, lazy, days of summer seem to be visiting us now. We've been lucky with the long streak of sunny days and warm but not hot temps. 85 ish. The wildfire season is frightening this year and we are all so blessed that these firefighters are willing to go into that blazing hell and save our homes. I've never been to Hailey or Ketchum but at the end of Sept. we will be traveling through the area of Whitefish, are you located near there at all? Would love to meet you somewhere along the way. How is Landon doing with all the smoke and heat? take care sweet June...

Sylvia said...

Dear June, as well, that the fire is fought and the smoke has now cleared! What a difficult and uncertain time! I wish you all the best and continue to enjoy your wonderful photos!

hugs Sylvia

sophie said...

Quelle bonne idée de dormir dans les fleurs ! Je pense que Norma aimerai beaucoup au milieu des lavandes qu'elle aime beaucoup
belle journée
bises
Sophie

Jacqueline @ HOME said...

Oh June,
What a frightening time for everyone living in and around the fires.....I just can't imagine how awful it must be .... well, that's not strictly true. We were in the South of France when there were some terrible forest fires and had to be ready to evacuate the area with just our valuables but, it went around us. I don't think that it was on the scale of your fires though. I'm so glad to hear that it didn't devastate the towns that you mentioned but it is a shame that there was so much of the beautiful scenery affected.
On a happier note, your roses are as beautiful as always and don't seem to have suffered from the smoke at all. The pastel colours look so pretty together.
.... and, what a beautiful cat Edsel is. He has found himself a very comfy and pretty spot to have a sleep !! I hope that your moss roses didn't suffer too much !!
I really hope that the fires have diminished now and that everyone can start getting back to normal.
You and your family and friends take care won't you ? Lots of love. XXXX

Monica said...

Oh June, so sorry to hear that you had such horrible experience! Sorry I don't watch tv at all and don't listen to radio etc, so I didn't know. I am glad to hear things have improved.
Your roses and arrangements always make my heart go pitter patter, but you already know that :)
I have recently decided to make a pot garden, as I won't be able to touch the grounds of our garden, and I cannot plant anything etc. as long as we're renting. But hey, I've discovered that differently from Italy, everything grows well in pots in England! Even roses!! How very surprised and happy I am!! I have already bought one (Jude the Obscure, by DA) and will buy a couple more I think. The rest of the pots will be filled with herbs, masses of flowers, even vegetables- I am learning quickly by these talented English gardeners! :)
xoxo

Dorthe said...

My dear June,
I`m so happy for you, and everyone in that infected area, that the fires have been closed by now, and that people are safe, even treasure are lost in some places.
I can see your garden produced the most beautiful roses, even through the fire smoke,and dry weather, how beautiful is your rose-pile on your table, and your dear Edsel in that gorgeous worn out wall flower keeper :-)
Sending you hugs and love
Dorthe

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

Oh isn't EDSEL the funniest CAT EVER! teeheheehheheh....his color is even stylish and he goes with your décor! OH June,your photos again are inspiring and thank GOD you at well. So many fires happening in the west...California as well is suffering quite a bit.

I have been crazy busy with school prep, but it is glorious to catch up with you and all my other favorite bloggers. LOVE! Anita

Shabby soul said...

Darling June your photos are so bright and fresh that I couldn't ever imagine what has happened around you!! So glad every thing is ok now and you didn't have any problem.
Your roses are beautiful
Many many hugs my darling
Silvia

Alaina said...

June, sorry to hear about the fires, glad they are out. The roses are beautiful. Mine are on their second blooming and are fewer so I hate to cut them to bring in. Love cats, they find the best spots to nap. I had never heard of the roses and I had to google them. I have seen them in the nurseries but they are usually a different name. Now that you have associated the word rose with them, I will have to give them a second glance next year. Have a wonderful week. ALaina

Things and Thoughts said...

I know how terrbible is the fire because we suffer every summer from this nightmare.Your flower arrangements are magical June,almost "unreal"!You have your own way to enchant us!
Hugs
Olympia

La Vie Quotidienne said...

The fires in the west have been terrible this month...and now the one in Yosemite. Happy to here that the one near you has cleared up.

I love the cage of roses, what a lovely idea and no one can stop a cat when they decide to do something. Great photos!

Lady Pamela said...

Our province has pretty much escaped the usual summer forest fires. We are all amazed as we have had record sunny weather this year.
Next year, I was thinking, maybe plant catnip in your flower box. It is a pretty little flower, too. Just a thought.
*Smiles*

Julia @ Vintage with Laces said...

Dear June, I'm so glad that the fires didn't come too close and you were safe. It's wonderful that the flowers made it through the dry summer and survived the smoke. The cage with all the roses looks stunning.
Edsel is a beautiful cat and you are such a sweet cat mom to let him stay in the moss roses planter.
Hugs to you and Edsel,
Julia

Nella Miller said...

Dear June, can always come by for a dose of beauty to your blog...glorious roses, still in late summer...mine are giving me one last show as well...very glad to hear the fires are over...I can only imagine the fear and anxiety dealing with this....N.xo

Villa König said...

Dear June, your photos are always so wonderful. I love the flowers of your garden. Sorry to hear that you had the smoke everywhere. But I am glad to hear that the fire is gone.
I love the cat relaxing in this lovely place. This picture makes me smile :-) Hugs Yvonne

Rozmeen said...

Hi June,
So happy to hear that the smoke is finally clearing! I can imagine the fair. Love your pictures as allways. Big kiss. Rozmeen

farmhouse-story said...

love edsel! hopefully, you can now enjoy your garden, again:) beautiful roses, june!

Beehive Needleworks said...

Dear June...I am relieved to know that you and your loved ones are safe. Prayers are answered surely.
Your roses bring joy and light to the world once again...thank you for sharing them with us all. And it seems Edsel has the right idea...find a bloomy, fragrant spot for a late summer nap!
Sending love to you...
Judy x

Victorian1885 said...

Hello Dear June
So glad the smoke is clearing in your area, fire is such scary stuff! I love wandering through old cemeteries and reading Family headstones.... we try and go every year and ensure the headstones are in good repair and clean up around our Family plots.
I love your rose photos too! Have a great week.

Hugs,
Wanda

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

So scary June, glad the smoke is clearing!
Thank you for the smile, Edsel is quite charming!!

Tricia said...

Oh my goodness, I'm in love with that first photo of Edsel...what a silly and cute kitty he is. I'm so glad to read that everything is okay now in your area. I thought of you when I saw that there were fires in Idaho.

Your flowers are so beautiful! What a clever idea that was to fill the bird cage with all those pretty petals. I had to laugh a little when you said you were so focused on your picture taking that you didn't even notice the bench outside your window...that happens to me all the time! Usually something looks out of place and I can't believe that I never notice it until I'm all done and reviewing things on the computer :)

Anne Marie said...

So glad to see prayers have been answered to stop the fires there. When we went to visit this time last year, the fires prevented us from coming up the Salmon River Valley...and I really wanted to see that part of Idaho.
Glad to hear you are okay.
Beautiful roses - per usual :)

xo + blessings,
Anne Marie
p.s. how often do you clip back your roses??

Faded Charm said...

So sorry to hear about all the loss from those fires, but glad they are finally contained. We've had a very dry Summer as well, but are actually getting some rain lately. I love the dry sunny days, but not so sure my flowers and vegetable feel the same way.

Hope you had a nice Summer. It looks like your pretty kitty sure did:-)

xoxo
Kathleen

Catherine said...

Glad the fires are out. I love your beautiful roses, such lovely soft colours.

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

teehee....I just love your cat and that WIDE YAWN! I just woke up, but he makes me want to curl up again!

Dearest June, thank you for coming to view the photos...(how I wish I could take such photos myself!!!!!!)

Big hugs, Anita

Vintage Home said...

so thankful the fires have stopped. We watched on the news and the picture you posted was almost identical to the one on the tv. So very frightening.
I am so very Thankful you are all safe.
Your roses are wonderful. I can imagine they are a lot of work to keep wet this year!
Thinking of you!

Madelief said...

Hi June,

We heard about the fires in Holland as well. I am relieved to hear they were able to extinguish them. So sorry to hear of the loss of all the wildlife.

The roses from your garden looks beautiful! Such beautiful pastel shades.

Happy day!

Madelief x

Holly Loves Art said...

Hello Beautiful June! I haven't visited for a while... just love your pretty profile picture. Your is gorgeous! Thank you for making me smile... lots of pretty pictures here and kitty yawning is just too cute.
Big hugs,
Holly

suziqu's thread works said...

Oh Dear June I heard about the fires and wondered how close you would be to them. I was so worried for you!
Having had these dreadful bush fires within 200 metres of our property in February was horrific and I would never wish for you to experience what we did.

At least your roses weren't affected sweet friend - they look stunning! Just imagine how blessed you are to be able to pick that many to fill a bird cage, a jug and a bowl? (and possibly many more containers?). I can't believe they didn't turn to paper like ours did!
What a gorgeous planter box for Edsel to sun himself in! Oh it's a cat's life!
Now sweet friend I have also been concerned for your dear sister and mostly for your BIL! I do hope your dear family is holding out well!
Sending much love back to you my dear friend,
Suzy

Junebug said...

Dear twin!!! I'm still on vacation here in Texas, so it is taking me some time to get to all my favorite blogs. I'm so happy to hear the fires are under control. It sure has been a dry summer.

Love, love Edsel!!! I so wish I could have a kitty but darn those allergies! So I get to enjoy everyone else from a distance.

Enjoy the end of summer and it turns to fall and all those colors.

Hugs, the other June

Shabby chic Sandy said...

So glad the fires are out. Your roses are just beautiful. Love how you staged them. That picture of the sleeping kitty looks like a greeting card--so adorable!

The Old Parsonage said...

My son is a FF so I know all about the fires. Glad that everything is under control again.

Loved all the pastel shades and beauty!

Leann

cindy-stitches-n-stuff.blogspot.com said...

You make that cemetery sound so beautiful. You kitty cat is soooooo funny. I have someone coming help me learn how to up-load my camera and then down load my blog. Maybe I can start blogging again. Yeppy!

hugs,
cindy@stitches

Angela said...

Your lovely photos deserve to be in a calendar or cards - there's a line that Hobby Lobby carries that has this type of photos on their cards and I have yet to let go of them! Sooo glad you are safe from the fires & they are out. Someday I hope to visit Idaho as I've never been blessed to see it's beauty. God bless.

Jennifer said...

Glad the smoke is clearing! Your roses are so gorgeous! Edsel looks so angelic sleeping with his head resting on the flowers.

Bente said...

Dear June. So terrible with the fire. So glad it`s over.
The birdcase with the roses from your beautiful garden, are gorgeous.

Love your cute kitty there she lays among the flowers.

Have a great sunday.

Big hug from here

Anne said...

I am glad to hear the smoke is clearing.What lovely roses and they are set perfectly in your beautiful home! Edsel looks completely happy!
xx
Anne

Debbie said...

What a scary situation for you, June. To have the fires so close that all the smoke was that thick in your area. I'm glad things are finally settling down now, and you are safe.
Your photos are wonderful, as always.
Your posts put a smile on my face when I visit. The colors are so cheerful...and just beautiful!!
I hope you are enjoying the holiday weekend....
xxoo

Julie Marie said...

Hello June... and happy September... so glad to hear your fires are out or at least contained... some are still burning here in Utah... and for days the smoke in the air kept me inside as well... sounds like your weather has been as hot and dry as ours... hopefully we get nice cool Autumny days now... I loved hearing about where your grandparents are buried... what a lovely spot it must be... and so bittersweet that it is on the same hill they lived on... you know how sentimental I get... that made me cry... but happy tears that their resting spot is the place they loved most... your roses are still just exquisite... and Edsel!... hello kitty!... oooh, I love him, and yes, it looks like he completely took over your Portulaca... but I don't think you mind any more than I would... wishing you a beautiful beginning to Fall... much love, xoxo Julie Marie

Half-heard in the Stillness said...

Hello my lovely Friend, than you so much for calling by. I've not been too well recently and my eldest daughter finally got married so as you can imagine things were a bit hectic. However nothing compared to the fires you tell us of, wow! I'm so glad that you are safe and it's just amazing how your garden produces such stunning roses in spite of the fires and smoke and heat, oh boy...that's hot!

The spot where your grandparents lie sounds beautiful, how lovely to be able to go visit and sit awhile. I wonder if you remember them both well, and they rest in auspicious company with the great Hemingway himself!

Most of all though dear June, am I glad that you are all okay and that the awful fires are out. Three cheers for the bravest of fire-fighters, "hip hip" they're terrific!!

Lots of love
Jane xx

Georgianna said...

Hello, dear June! I am so relieved to know that the fires are out and that no one was hurt. I was holding my breath for you and some other friends in Idaho so am doubly happy to hear it is over.

In spite of the heat and smoke, your roses (and photos) are as glorious as ever. Thank you so much for taking the time to share them.

The images of Edsel are priceless!

I hope your new week is just lovely. x

Betty Jo said...

My heart has been breaking for all the people and towns harmed through the wildfires this year. So glad the fires are lifting from your area. Did you know you have the most beautiful blog online? It's totally true. Your photo are so beautiful and always make me feel joy and such peace when I visit. Your roses remind me of a tea I just ordered from Amazon. It's Numi Organic Tea White Rose. They say it smells just like roses in your cup. I can hardly wait! When I'm drinking it, I will run over and look at your beautiful roses and dream myself into your rose garden.

Leanne said...

I have the exact same birdcage!!! I love what you did with it, filling it with roses. How did you do that? Hold the cage upside down and then put the bottom on before turning it right way up? Will have to do this next year, if our roses ever forgive us for not watering them properly two years in a row.

Draffin Bears said...

Dear June,

So glad to hear that you are safe and the fires have been put out - the smoke must have been awful.
How pretty your roses are

Wishing you a happy new week
Hugs
Carolyn

traci said...

Your flowers are so gorgeous! Love how you put them in the birdcage! I have so much trouble growing roses here in IA not sure why. In CAI had a beautiful rose garden. Edsel is so adorable!

Rostrose said...

Dearest June, I did not even know that it war burning in Idaho, too! I only heard of the fires that have been devastating in Yosemite National Park and threatening the San Francisco-water reservoir and power. A VERY bad thing! I am glad that the beautiful places that have much meaning for you, have not been destroyed! Your rose-displays are just wonderful - so romantic and pretty! And your kitty - simply delightful! What a beautiful cat! (But unfortunately not the best gardener! ;o))
Lots of hugs from Austria, Traude

flowersandhome said...

So glad you are allright. I thought of you when I heard about the fires in Idaho and hoped you would be allright. So glad you are.

You have so many beautiful roses and arranged them into the prettiest decorations again. Love the photos you took of them.

Edsel is so funny!

Bye,
Marian

Pondside said...

Thank goodness the fire didn't do more damage than that - it was enough! We have been lucky so far this year, with only a few brush fires on the island. I always breath a sigh of relief when the rains come.

debi said...

Fire season is always so scary. Glad things have settled down for you there.
Your roses are beautiful!

Eli crea shabby said...

Beautiful photo whit your cat!!
Elisa

Ivy and Elephants said...

June, so glad to hear that the fires are finally out and the damage was not more extensive than it already was.
Your roses have survived beautifully.
Love the way you've displayed them in the bird cage!
Hugs,
Patti

The Rustic Victorian said...

Hello Miz June,
I am so glad the fire stayed away from you and is out. Nature can be a scary thing.
Edsel is a charmer, they have a talent to find the best places to perch, so happy he is. Such a beautiful post!
Love
Marcie

Susan Shull said...

How scary to have the fires so close! We have never visited Idaho, but sure hope to someday soon. Glad the worst is over.

Terri said...

Gosh, I am so glad the fires are gone. But I am sad to hear of the damage to your beautiful area.
We must have had your rain this year, because we had more than we have ever had. Truly almost every single day. I wish we could have sent it over to you to help out.
Your roses here are so stunningly gorgeous! The pastels are indeed glorious together and they look perfect in the white cage.
Hugs,
Terri

talou1 said...

magnifique ambiance

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

So glad to hear that the fires have been contained. So very sad when so much is lost because of such disasters. What is it about pots of moss roses? Jingles loves to sit in the ones I have. Your photos are beautiful as always! Hugs and blessings, Tammy