Since it's too nice to stay inside, we took a drive. Where? Nowhere in particular. Our mission? To drive new roads and get lost looking for birds and critters. What did we find?
A train engine.
Barges.
We tried two new restaurants last week. We had brunch at The Tangled Root Brewery. It's on the square in Washington, IL. We ate in the first floor dining room, but went up to the rooftop bar to see the view. Nice.
We last ate Indian cuisine during our Dallas years, so we chose to dine at Indian Tadka in Peoria. I tried the Kashmiri Murg (chicken). Very good!
1. There's nothing like starting the day sipping a hot cup of coffee in the early morning light, while listening to the sweet symphony of birds singing the day awake. This peaceful ritual not only soothes the soul but sets a peaceful tone for the day ahead.
Painted Bunting
2. Peeling the sticker off something in one clean swipe! It's the little victories. We bought a new mug from a restaurant we found in Wyoming and I went in with for a fingernail expecting a battle, and—voila—the sticker peeled off in one smooth tug. I felt powerful! Like I could finally open a pickle jar on the first try.
4. There's a quiet magic in the crunch of gravel beneath tires, where dusty backroads lead to moments of pure wonder. With camera in hand, I set out on winding paths, searching for the fleeting beauty of a colorful bird I haven't seen through my lens before, or a deer gracefully leaping through tall grass, or the curious scamper of countless critters. The road is often framed by wildflowers and tall oak trees. Each drive is a treasure hunt, where nature unveils its artistry. 
5. Last, but most important, spending time with family, especially our older relatives, is a precious opportunity. As time moves forward, the moments we share with our grandparents, parents, or elderly aunts and uncles become invaluable memories. These interactions not only strengthen family bonds but also allow us to learn from their wisdom and experiences.
Taking a moment to sit down with an older relative can open up a treasure trove of stories. Whether it’s hearing about their childhood, learning about family traditions, or simply laughing over a shared meal, these moments create connections that last a lifetime. Engaging in simple activities like playing a board game, looking through old photos, or even just having a heartfelt conversation can mean the world to them—and to you.
Life is fleeting, and our older loved ones won’t be with us forever. Prioritizing time with them now ensures we carry their love, lessons, and legacy forward. So, make that call, plan that visit, or share that cup of coffee. Those small gestures can make a big difference.
Miss you Mom.
This is merely a few of the things I thought of today. None of these are life-altering. They don't solve climate change, cure heartbreak, or explain how people can afford a $7.00 smoothie every day. But in the middle of chaos, they give me a spark of irrational joy—and honestly, I'll take it.
Today, May 24, 2025, is National Wyoming Day, a time to honor the rugged beauty and rich history of the Cowboy State! Wyoming is known for its breathtaking landscapes, from the towering peaks of the Teton Range to the sprawling plains of the Great Basin. Yellowstone National Park provides geysers, hot springs, and abundant wildlife to impress its visitors. Devils Tower holds a special place in our hearts. It is near Sundance, where Hubs and I were married in the Crook County Courthouse. It's the same courthouse where The Sundance Kid, Harry Longabaugh, was tried for being a horse thief in 1887.
Grand Tetons
We miss seeing hummingbirds. I hung our feeder up in April, and the waiting game is dragging on way too long! We haven’t seen one yet. Sure hope they find us soon! The first picture is from the backyard of the Toledo house. The rest are from the back porch in Oklahoma.
Why did I decide to post today when the prompt is X? The prompts are: Has an X, Favorite, and Looks Like an X. I don't have anything with an actual X, so I'll be cheating. Hey, but I'm actually posting on Friday. :)
Has an X: It doesn't quite have an X, but the small branches form one, so maybe will work. Wood Duck.
Favorite: I know, it's shocking but I'm not posting a horse in my favorite slot. Instead, I give you this awesome bull. He looks nice, but I still liked having a fence between us.
Looks Like an X: Mr. and Mrs. House Fince formed an X while waiting for other birds to vacate the feeder.
This week's assignment: Starts with S, Favorite, and Stop.
Starts with S: My favorite season, SPRING, starts with S.
There isn't an actual STOP SIGN, but there is a SIGN that says "Do Not Enter When Flooded," which essentially means stop. There is another SIGN saying "Turn Around, Don't Drown," but I didn't take a picture of it. We've been experiencing torrential rain, and this is the result. There is a small lake to the right, but normally you can't see it until you go down the hill. Sadly, the water level was up to where the road starts to slope downward. You can see the road going uphill on the other side of the water.
