Nine years ago, the stars finally aligned on an unseasonably warm day in Sundance, Wyoming. A gentle breeze carried the scent of wildflowers and sun bathed the morning in a golden glow. Our hearts danced in harmony as we exchanged our vows, promising to share a lifetime of love and adventure. It was a day when everything felt perfect, and as we sealed our commitment with a kiss, it was as if the universe itself celebrated.
This week's assignment, Starts with R, Favorite, and Rain.
Starts with R: RABBIT starts with R. This guy likes to hang around outside the fence, where he knows he's safe from the dogs.
This is RIDER up at REMINGTON Park. The man giving the jockey a leg up is stepson.
Linking to Tuesday Treasures
It's October, and the air is cool and fresh, so we took a drive to Chillicothe to look for a park where there's an eagle viewing area and to see the changing leaves. The trees were full of reds, oranges, and yellows.
Saturday we drove to a small lake in Eureka, the home of Eureka College where President Reagan spent his college years. The water reflects the gray skies. We saw a fisherman and geese floating across the water. One came in for a landing, but I missed the shot with the exception of a splash. Autumn is my favorite time to get out and appreciate nature.
Today's assignment: Starts with Q, Favorite, and Quality.
Starts with Q: QUAIL starts with Q. This guy tried to hide from me, but I got him. :)
Quality: The Effections new release is titled Skyline. I believe it is a QUALITY performance. Of course, two of the four members are my grandsons, so some might think I'm prejudiced, but I'm not. :) Click HERE or on their name below to hear the song. And if you are so inclined, the single can be purchased on any platform.
Linking to Weekend Roundup
This week's assignment is Starts with P, Favorite, and Plenty.
Starts with P: The Hartsville Nuclear PLANT PROJECT was cancelled by The Tennessee Valley Authority in the 1980s. It never opened. In 2016 the Trousdale Turner Correctional Center was constructed as a private, medium-security PRISON on the site.
When the leaves begin to fall, I know cold weather won't be far behind. To me winter calls for cozy indoor activities and nothing beats a good jigsaw puzzle. With a hot cup of coffee or cocoa, depending on the time of day, it's easy to lose track of time while piecing together those scattered fragments—pure therapy for gray skies.
The Devil's Tower puzzle, a thoughtful gift, brings memories of our wedding in Sundance, Wyoming. The moths, with its odd-shaped pieces, presented a challenge, and the farm scenes reminded me of home.
There's been a chill in the air, which means it's time to begin searching the shops for this year's fun.
Picture this, a gaudy little plastic ring, the kind that promises eternal sparkle for a single quarter from a dusty bubble gum machine. In 2012, grandson #3—back when he was all chubby cheeks and gap-toothed grins—plunked down his hard-earned coin and emerged victorious. "For you, Grandma!" he declared, thrusting it toward me like it was the Hope Diamond. I was supposed to be the wise one, but there I was, slipping it onto my pinky finger, feeling like the richest woman alive.
Thirteen years later, that same ring still rattles around in my jewelry box, nestled among the "real" gems—a little less sparkly but triumphant. It's a reminder that the treasures worth keeping aren't measured in carats, but in the pure, unfiltered love of a kid who thinks you deserve the world.
Knowing the nice days are numbered as the air carries the crisp bite of fall, we drove through the backroads again this weekend. Armed with my trusty camera, Gus in the backseat, and a thermos of coffee, we took off for parts unknown to us. After making sure no cars followed, we barely moved through the quiet spots where time slows and nature puts on a show. Below are a few pics from our ramble—captured moments that remind me why autumn is my favorite season for photography.
Crab Apple Tree
First up, this crabapple tree reminded me of days long ago when they made a wonderful addition to a mud pie meal. Look at those ruby-red fruits hanging like ornaments against the fading green leaves! I caught it in the late afternoon light, when the sun dips low and turns everything into a warm ember. There's something almost magical about crabapples in fall. They once held the promise of mom's jelly. Now I think of them solely as a feast for the wildlife. Don't try eating them off the tree, they're way too tart.
Willow Trees
Along a pond's edge, I couldn't resist this row of willow trees. Their slender branches sway gracefully, dancing with the breeze, often dipping toward the water. Willows always make me think of lazy summer days spent fishing in our pond with my brother. These trees are water lovers, thriving where land meets water. They're a haven for dragonflies and frogs, and on windy days like today, their whispers sound like secrets shared between old friends.
Milkweed
Finally, as rain clouds move in, we saw the star of the show, a milkweed pod, burst open and ready to send its fluffy seeds to parts unknown. I spotted it tucked among the tall grasses, the cottony strands glowing like dandelion wishes. Remember squeezing your eyes shut, making a wish, then blowing a mighty breath to send the dandelion seeds off on their quest to make it come true? Not an easy feat with milkweed pods. Monarch butterflies owe their epic migrations to these plants—each seed holds the potential for new growth, a lifeline for the next generation of pollinators.
Yesterday we were on a quest to find birds or a critter. We planned to get lost down new roads. We do this often, but usually end up finding our way home without help from Siri, and that's what happened.
Along the way we saw a deer. She ran into the middle of the road, saw us, put on the brakes, and made a u-turn. Sometimes they will stop and turn around to stare, so I had my camera ready. This one kept going, so no picture.
On another road, we saw a red-shouldered hawk sitting on the wire. While we watched, he swooped down and grabbed a praying mantis and took it up to his perch. I'm amazed he could see such a tiny thing from so high up. His eyesight is much better than mine. :)
A little farther along, we saw a herd of llamas.
From a distance, I thought this one had two heads. :)
Linking to Saturday Critters
