I Walk Alone

Lately most of my walks have been with someone, either my friend, Julie or Curt. I enjoy these walks because they seem to go faster with someone to talk to. But today, Julie is out of town and Curt is mowing the lawn, so I went alone. Alone is good also in that I really get to focus in on my bird songs. Today the bob-o-links were out in abundance. They have such a cheery song, right up there with the meadowlark. However, no meadowlarks today, but the robins, red-winged blackbird, finchs, sparrows and wrens were singing a chorus. I even spottted a catbird after hearing him singing in the bushes. The time went by fast and I enjoyed the cool, cloudy weather.
After returning home I cleaned out the pond and got the waterfall going. I was doubtful if it would work after forgeting to bring it in over the winter but everything seems to be working alright. It is hard work getting everything ready for summer. I haven't even planted anything and I'm already tired. I can officially say every tree is starting to leaf out. Some of the flowering bushes are blooming and a few lilacs are getting buds on so soon the air will be perfumed with their fragrance. Spring has finally sprung!!

Coming of the green

Well, spring is only about 6 weeks late but the trees are just starting to leaf out. It is exciting! The tulips are starting to bloom and Curt is going to cut the grass as soon as it drys out enough. The thunderstorm Sunday night really did the trick to help everything get going.

My 55th Birthday

I know, my birthday was on the 13th but for some reason I have never gotten around to posting about it. Curt and I went down to Council Bluffs and stayed with Tim and Amy. After attending church Sabbath morning, we had a light lunch and then Curt and I took Smokey for a walk and just as we were returning, Ben and Ashley arrived from Lincoln. That night we all went out to LaMesa for Mexican food where Brett and his friend, J.L. joined us. Since it was my birthday I had the privilege of wearing a big sombero and having the staff clap and play drums so everyone else in the place also knows it's your birthday. It was a good time!

On Sunday we went to the Henry Dorley Zoo which is very large and even though we were there from 10 am-3pm., we still didn't see everything. Unfortunately the train and the skytram weren't running, or we could have at least seem some of it sitting down.
As always it's great to be able to spend time with the kids.

My morning walk

It was a beautiful walk this morning. I don't often take my walks in the dark but with the sun coming up so late I decided to give it a try. The sky was so beautiful when I started out. There was only a small cresent of a moon so the stars were quite bright. Orion, Cassiopeia, the Big Dipper... all were brilliant! When I got to the bike path there were no more street lights and I think I have been watching too much NCIS and was spooking myself out, so I just went a short distance on the path and then got back on the streets. It was fun seeing the town wake up, kids waiting for the bus, people leaving for work...And the sky changing from one canvas to another. Gradually all the stars faded and only the moon was still visable as the sky lightened. After they disappear it's hard to imagine the stars are still up there in space. I am always so thankful for the beauty God surrounds me with.

Our Blackhills Vacation

I haven't had time since returning from the Blackhills last week-end to post any pictures. My vacation ended quite abruptly when we were driving back on Monday and I got a call from work at 6:08 pm asking me if I was coming to work. I had forgotten that I picked up an extra shift. But I got to work by 9 pm and they got along without me until then. We had a great time while we were in the Blackhills. The weather was perfect, like it has been since we got home. Saturday morning we went to Wind Cave National Park and I took the tour. Then we took the wildlife drive through Custer State Park and saw buffalo, antelope, deer, wild burros, and mountain sheep. We drove the Needles Highway and stayed in Hill City that night and then drove up Spearfish Canyon on Sunday and took in Roughlock Falls. We got to Spearfish at noon so decided to drive to Devils Tower and then go on to Gillette where Curt's folks were visiting his sister, Claudine and her family. We started out Monday morning for our long drive home.

Ahhh, Autumn!

I just returned from such a beautiful walk! I couldn't help thanking God my senses. The ability to see all the wonder surrounding me, to feel the sun on my bare arms, to hear the crunch of dry leaves under my feet and smell their fragrance. I am in awe of His love for me.
I wish I would have taken my camera, because the water was so still there was a perfect mirror reflection. It was gorgeous. Thank you Lord for all your many blessings!

Autumn Wonders in Jamestown, ND

The colors of the leaves seem so much more vibrant this fall. I read in the paper it could be due to all the rain we had this fall and we haven't had a hard frost yet either. Anyway, on my way to my nurses meeting on Tuesday I was just awed with all the colors, so after the meeting I went around and took some pictures. I thought I would share them with you. In a couple years we are planning to go out East to the New England states and then hopefully I will get some really great pictures!

The Dragonfly Phenomenon

I don't know what is with all the dragonflies this year but they are crazy! Last night when I was sitting in report at work, I looked out the window and there were just hundreds of them darting around. When one of my friends came back from her break she said her husband had taken a picture of all the dragonflies in there front yard. I guess they were just solid out there. I don't know what has caused such an increase in them but these "miniature helicopters" are beautiful and they eat mosquitoes so I'm all for that.