Tennessee Barn

 While looking for a house we lived in back in the mid 1970s, we happened upon this barn.

Unfortunately, there wasn't a way to get a better shot since there wasn't a road and too much vegetation. 

Also unfortunately, we didn't find the house. The were so many homes built since then, I believe it was sold and torn down to make room for more construction. At the time it was a great place to live. The house set back off the road and it was surrounded by pasture with evergreen trees and a pond. Too bad it couldn't have survived. 

Happy Sunday!

Weekend Roundup - E

This week's assignment is: Starts with E, Favorite, and Evening.

Starts with E: Sonny Boy happened upon this ELEPHANT who was a part of a wedding party for a couple from India. Of course, he had to have a picture.

                    

Favorite: I have posted this picture many times. Even though I have other EAGLE pictures I could post, this one is my favorite.

Evening: There is nothing more relaxing than sitting outside watching the sun set in the EVENING. 

Have a wonderful weekend!!!

Linking to The Weekend Roundup 

It's a Backroad!

 Since we moved from Oklahoma to Illinois, we've had trouble finding good nature roads to search for birds, critters, and flowers. Daughter found one and took me for a drive. It isn't a dirt or gravel road, but not much traffic so we took several nature pics along the way.

 

At the top of a hill we saw deer nibbling grass and leaves beside the road ...

... and a sunflower field, but alas! they looked the other way.

We should have picked a persimmon from this tree. "According to folklore, the seeds can predict winter weather based on their shape when sliced open. A spoon shape indicates a snowy winter, a fork shape suggests a mild winter with light snow, and a knife shape implies a cold, harsh winter with icy winds." ~ wiki 

Maybe on our next drive I can convince daughter or hubs to grab one.

Wildflowers were abundant. We saw Hairy Vetch, Queen Ann's Lace, Brown-eyed Susans, Wild Bergamot, Guelder-rose, and more.

We also took a walk down a trail that's a great place to walk Gus. But the best thing about this drive ... horses!

Happy Friday!!!

Linking to Nature Friday

Thursday Thoughts

The Mall of America in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is one of the biggest shopping centers in the world. It isn't simply a mall like the ones I'm familiar with. It's huge! While visiting granddaughter, we decided to go since we've always heard about it. 

Note to self: Next time wear more comfortable shoes.

What's inside? It has over 500 stores filled with clothes, toys, books, and more. But it isn't simply shopping. It's a good thing because I don't enjoy shopping. I like to know what I need and run inside to buy it. But this one supplied lots of interesting people to watch and things to see. I kept looking up at the beautiful lights hanging from the ceiling. Sadly, my pic doesn't show their beauty. 

If we were younger, we would have enjoyed the huge indoor theme park called Nickelodeon Universe with roller coaster and other rides. 

I didn't get a pic, but there is also the SEA LIFE Aquarium to see sharks, turtles, and colorful fish.

I did find souvenirs in this shop dedicated to Minnesota. I bought Hubs a cup and a hoodie. Of course, I bought myself one, too.

Feeling hungry? The mall has tons of food options, from pizza and burgers to fancy restaurants. You can grab a quick snack or sit down for a big meal. There’s even a giant candy store! Fortunately, we avoided the sweets, but did have a refreshment and good food at Cantina Laredo. Yum!

If you’re in Minneapolis, the Mall of America is a must-see. It’s an adventure, but don't forget comfortable shoes!

Wordless Wednesday - Cat

I hope everyone is having a marvelous week so far!

Linking to Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday Treasures - Old Milliken Store

Old Milliken Store is located out in the country. It is located along route 52 Westmoreland and Portland, TN. A blue moon ago, mid 1970s, we lived on the ridge above Bethpage, so this was a nostalgic visit. Not that we had visited this store before, but it was nice being back in the old neighborhood. Lots of fond memories, beginning with the bottles of soda found in this cooler.

                   

And I could have spent the day searching through the crafts displayed in the store. I particularly enjoyed the baby quilt I found, but alas didn't purchase. Now I have regret. Perhaps next trip when we go for breakfast at the attached restaurant.

Of course, I had to laugh at the toilet paper holder in the ladies room. 

Linking to Tuesday Treasures

Chicory

Chicory is a plant with edible leaves, roots and flowers. When roasted and ground, it is a popular coffee substitute. Have you been to New Orleans and tried their chicory blend coffee? I have and am not particularly fond of the bitter taste. However, I drink coffee black and it may not be as bad had I used sugar and cream. 

Linking to Nature Notes

Barn? House?

Once a barn. Now a home. We always admire this house when we drive by and wish we had a smaller version.

Happy Sunday!

Weekend Roundup - D

 Today's assignment: Starts with D, Favorite, and Dog.

Starts with D: During a recent trip to Tennessee to visit family, we saw lots of DEER. They have a beautiful piece of property that backs up to a wooded area. The twins are my favorite.

Favorite: Of course, Gus is my favorite DOG. But today, meet Buford, the neighbor's DOG. Gus is not a fan of other pups, so when I took him out one dark morning, I failed to seen a stranger sleeping in the rocker on the porch. When he hopped down and came over to me, I felt certain I would soon be in the middle of a dog fight. Instead of barking and attacking, Gus simply walked over to Buford with his tail wagging, and the two became fast friends.

Dog: Gus was born on November 3, 2015. He is an Australian Cattle Dog a.k.a. a red heeler. I'm not sure of the date he came to live with us, but it was early in 2016. He was a frisky fella. He enjoyed chewing on house slippers, furniture legs, and basically anything he could fit into his mouth around. Lucky for him, he was too cute to get into too much trouble.

He sure loves to play and he knows the names and colors of all of his toys. If I ask for his green ball or monkey, he comes back with the correct one. 

He also likes to nap.

In Oklahoma, we lived near Tishomingo where Blake Shelton's Ole Red is located. Gus is a proud member of the Dog Wall.

Linking to The Weekend Roundup

Flowers and Bees

 During a walk around Bde Maka Ska lake in Minneapolis, I stopped to take pics of wildflowers. The bees were an added bonus.

Linking to Nature Friday

St. Louis Park, MN

I enjoyed a weekend trip to St. Louis Park, MN with daughter and one grandson. It wasn't my first trip to MN, but the Minneapolis area was new to me.

The streets of granddaughter's neighborhood are blooming with a new kind of beauty. Many homeowners seem to be ditching the mower, opting instead for wild grasses and flowers that invite nature right to their doorsteps. This eco-friendly shift supports local wildlife and adds a unique charm to the area. 

During our drive through this area, we saw Wild Turkeys,

A young buck,

and a Great Egret.

We also went to Cedar Lake ...

And Bde Maka Skak Park where we saw an immature loon, sail boats, and people paddle boarding.

Were ate too much, but in our defense, all the restaurants had such awesome food. Of course, we also watched granddaughter try on wedding dresses. She said yes to the dress and it is beautiful.