Special Strawberry Weekend

June 9-10 found us enjoying cooler weather in the Strawberry/Pine area of Arizona.  My parents own a second home in Strawberry and over the years have made it into a delightful and welcoming retreat! 

Jen was able to join us, so we enjoyed an outing to nearby Pine for the "Strawberry Arts and Crafts Festival" and ate lunch at the Pine Deli on Saturday!  Vince and I shared a yummy philly cheesesteak sandwich, and my parents enjoyed chicken salad sandwiches. Jen loved her pulled pork burrito!

Naps in the afternoon are required, and working on a jigsaw puzzle is part of the fun too!

With cool breezes on the deck, we loved watching the birds and squirrels eat from the many birdfeeders that Dad replenishes regularly.  The birdbath was a source of enjoyment even for the large ravens AND for us who were viewing their bathing routines!

Mama Joe's is nearby and makes great pizza, so we all cheered each other with a cold beer too on Saturday night~and on Sunday we enjoyed a special dessert Mom made. Angelfood cake, fresh strawberries with strawberry ice cream on top! YUM!

While Vince helped Dad with a couple small projects on Sunday morning, Jen, Mom and I went to explore the Fossil Creek Goat Farm and Creamery!  What a great place, and very close to their home.

First we saw the llamas...and then we saw the goats AND lots of baby goats!  Earlier this spring there were 90 baby goats.  The people at the Creamery were very friendly, and told us that half the babies were donated to the Indian reservation as children there are required to raise a goat. 

Here is the Creamery store, and we were able to sample several flavors of goat cheese and some fudge!
Very spreadable, and it was hard to decide which flavor to purchase.   Mom treated us to a lavendar/pepper flavor. 

There was a beautiful garden area outside the store, but I was very amused by this sign next to the entrance:

Before we knew it, our visit had come to an end.  Here's Jen and her grandparents standing in front of one of their apple trees.  Hopefully, we will be back to visit another time this summer...making some more memories, and enjoying good times together!  Thanks again, Mom & Dad, for your wonderful hospitality!