Out On The Prairie

Happy

2012-02-13T21:11:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I see new light or different view

And significant changes in imagery

That allows me to paint you a beautiful picture

With a variety of ideas in my photography

It is the love and spirit offered by nature

That comes to me so easily and sets me free

Making love play a song of peace and harmony.

One of the first things in our lives that we find is love. Our parents offer an eternal love, which a new babe succumbs to and prospers into a loving child. We need to orient ourselves to develop that love fuller into loving everything and everyone around us. This is so easy to do, there are no special tools other than what you alone can offer.

Even if you feel you are doing it your best there is always room to expand. If we all did our extreme potentials, maybe we would see a more rapid digression of the ills in our world during our lifetime. It can’t change overnight, but you can very easily. All you have to do is step forward and try harder. Your outlook on life will increase as well as your wealth of knowledge and spiritual growth.

We need to look beyond families, and ourselves, looking for increased inner potentials. We need to build our minds, but also the world we live in. There are a number of projects to repair our outdoors that we all enjoy. Even if we each did one project each year, that would be one more for humanity, building into the millions each year. Listen for that song, that song of life, which may even, be a chant from ages past. It calls on all of us with all it’s passion to save and restore natural areas around us before all is lost.

Look at was once prairie, oceans of grasses and flowers. We built up our lives and forgot about the wealth this land really offered. No gain without pain is often heard. The prairie has suffered a painful past. To set out amongst the beautiful flowers, or be hidden away in the tall grasses, is one of the most delightful experiences one can do to hear that song. Let it tell you about the past and try to imagine what it was like. Many areas that were once eighty- percent prairies are eighty- percent cities, and rarely get above a very small percent even with restorations.

There are still areas to be found to catch a glimpse what these oceans may have looked like. The best way is to hold your hands out with your eyes shut. Breathe in deeply that fresh prairie air and expand the horizons in your thoughts for as far as the eye could see. Listen to the song of the birds and insects. Release all thoughts into the wind and breathe in new ideas and happiness. Share this wealth with all you love through thoughts or prayer. Spread this happiness, it is so nice to share, on a gentle prairie breeze, touching life with love.

Trout Fishing In Iowa

2012-02-09T09:34:00.000-08:00

I was on Big Lake
A small lake actually
Adding to my celebrity
Made it again on good old TV.

A real mountainman, John,with his dog named Dakota.

Rainbow trout through the ice are real nice to eat!

Winter Is Still Around

2012-02-06T08:47:00.000-08:00

That cold brisk air

Livens it up everywhere

Maybe we should have flown south
As others may have done
But then we would miss our winter fun.

The alley behind my home

Silver maple buds wanting to bloom

A sit on the square watching them move the snow

The next deluge left us in white out conditions. Who would want to be out on the prairie in this? Why I would, look at this rustic shot of a farm. I had to stand behind my van to get this, the snow was blowing almost straight across. I was amazed at the shots that came out even with a lens covered in snow.Makes me wish I had that waterproof camera with me.

The Brenda Photo Challenge- Memories

2012-02-03T11:22:00.000-08:00

A housing for ammunition sits in the middle of a huge fort, a reminder of the civil order we pressed upon newly populated areas along the Missouri River. A council was called here and marked by a feathers and peace pipe in a monument commemorating a meeting by Lewis and Clark with three of the large tribes in the area, telling them of an upcoming deluge of settlers coming to the area to farm and start new towns. "Your lands will become ours," had to be a bit startling to the Native Americans, but obviously they felt not a major problem in their existence. Nobody really owned these lands, they only used them. Little did they realize what would happen to them with a mass immigration of new people.

Through A Watchful Eye

2012-01-29T22:13:00.000-08:00

The power

The feeling,
A sense of
The primitive.

It's there
Come and play.

My favorite winter visitor,the Purple Finch.

Squirrel raced around the tree chasing two others, a game or just life. It had startled him a bit, but was amusing to watch their antics. They raced and then ran into the treetops as he approached closer. The river nearby was almost silent, with gentle ice flows bumping softly. An eagle sat watching the river intently, not caring of his approach. This mighty river looked so passive after an entire summer of flooding. Mud plains held interest when first coming into this National Refuge, wondering what was left. It was the first week opening the visitor center since the river rose and showed its might. Even in areas thought safe, groundwater crept in and assailed the areas many thought safe. The information being passed went from headlines to the very back page, if any. It is so sad to put any tragedy in our country to one side. How can we fix a problem if we never know very much about it?

The Brenda Photo Challenge- Memories

2012-01-27T11:33:00.000-08:00

How many of us have played in or spent some time working in a barn? They are castles of the prairie. Many are still standing after over one hundred years. Think how many memories are floating around these beauties to be found around our nation. I think of playing king of the hill on hay bales, tag or a good game of hide and seek. Hours were spent investigating every area hoping to find something new.

A Little Bit Of This and That

2012-01-25T17:50:00.000-08:00

Isn't he smiling?

Does anyone know about Paczki? I just got some today, but never tried them, I think a Polish pastry. This is a Bismark , filed with a smooth filling.

One word short of a complete sentence and the paragraph stopped in its tracks. It had been a hard day and too many words and phrases soared around his room. He grabbed a pen and wrote a few items on his next shopping list. He contemplated a recorder for when those ideas and poems arose and soothed his thoughts while driving. The phone rang and took him over a complete new course of events to think about, a visitor was possibly near. It was his intermittent tenant; he had a short layoff and always used the home. A short string of ideas arrived and took him on a writer’s journey. It was an evening to remember.

A Simple Thought

2012-01-20T09:17:00.000-08:00

Bald Eagle enjoying a meal

The one tree looks like it is walking away across the ice

A tree singing opera

Between us stood a moderate storm, all sorts of thoughts and ideals combined. His thoughts raced as he looked at the people he had spent time with, his family, and those who took care of him throughout the year. It was a tough decision at what world to return to, and hard to see any emotion being traded by the wild look in his eyes. It is hard to imagine what goes on in these silent worlds many around me are contained in, a sign for yes or no may be their only communication to share. I try to look deep into their heart and soul and place myself within their situation of having life controlled by so many individuals who care for many. Your time is spread with so many and data constantly being recorded will be reviewed to make sure your lifestyle is at the best that can be offered. When I am in the right group, I have a hard time not talking and think of this while working with these gentle people who often share a lost stare or mistakenly a glare.

A smile can say a thousand words, a communication I often share. Now when I see what a valuable asset it brings I enjoy sharing this simple grimace with the world. Does it spread like sweet butter over bread, and consume many more before it stops? Or perhaps it carries on, a symbol that never stops, sharing happiness through our land, I hope it never stops. We sometimes forget this valuable tool, to share around those we meet. For one a simple treasure, for another the best part of their day or sadly their week. It is so easy to spread this wealth, a smile or even asking how is their day. Many may go the rest of the week, never having their say.
So perhaps we need to look around and make sure everyone is happy and not sad. You can mean so much to one person, making them feel so glad.

Often when I go into a grocery I am greeted by someone else shopping there. I am not sure if it is how friendly the Midwest can be, my similarity to someone they have met, or just a sense of the happiness with the smile I carry on my face. It comes so easy to greet everyone who might look at you and resolve a short term friendship with them. Often I enjoy this brief encounter and treasure any conversation that it may lead to. I like to thank those that work where I am shopping by name, should they have a name tag for me to acknowledge. Such small advances again could make someone’s day better. One of the things we forget with those around us is that we share this world. We share it all the time, and many times just take what keeps our lives going for granted. Try it out if you haven’t already done so. Greet all who you make eye contact with, and thank all you meet who make your world happen. It doesn’t cost you anything, but yet can make you millions in pleasure.

A Day Off

2012-01-16T09:32:00.000-08:00

A thought that should not be
So many in our land
Going to bed hungry
Helping those so close around
Can make those numbers
Slowly go down
And then you will see
More smiles around your town.

This fellow was filming his feat, I watched and tried to shoot more for him on many tries.

This hill was so scary as a kid, trying to navigate it on my tiny bike.

Yes, the big guy brings wax paper for this slide to make everyone go faster. You are an instant hit with all around sharing your paper as they share their happiness.

A tiny prairie found in the city.

Walking into the bakery he asked if there were any kolaches left. This can be a hypothetical question since with this tiny family bakery they can run out early, or have too many made. The lady is so nice he always hoped not to offend her; everything else is so good to eat. The previous visit had him leave with strudels and cookies, since his favorite had been the favorite with many. Today he was blessed with apricot, cherry and cream cheese. The unfortunate part was he was full from a huge church breakfast eaten in another town. He only got a half dozen, knowing he would want to taste them later. Of course he would also stop at another bakery on this day to get some olive bread to serve with the soup he would make from ingredients found at an oriental grocery.

Also part of this day would be spent shopping and enjoying the arts. He liked to visit the art museum since for two hours admission was free. He hurried to catch this time and wandered past many old friends and explored a few new ones. Part of the fun was also watching the people, a series of patrons who all shared similar interests and tastes, but still had a series of ideas toward certain pieces to enjoy. In the middle of the exhibits is a study well preserved in its beauty, a huge area to sit and ponder, or in this case listen to the winds and sounds that were carried through the walls. The wind has a song it plays across the chimney of the huge fireplace. It is fun to close your eyes and try to imagine being in the huge home this study was first created in, and feel the spirit of many who have passed through the mighty doors. He sat in the same chair each time, but today felt he should try the one behind the desk and become the chairman of fun and let all coming through share their thoughts and imaginations. Two small girls looked earnestly at him, possibly still held in tight reins of do not touch or bother others around. He shared with them a smile and then a silly face, to let them know of the freedom they really could enjoy within this setting. Their smile back warmed his heart and would be a treasure to hold onto for this beautiful day. It is always hard to leave this place, a hard decision to make, but many other activities were on his agenda.

Heading into a private gallery he often sat and watched a few people blow glass for different groups who came for visits. He sat watching the first one for a group of boys from Boy’s Town and sat for part of the fun when a Girl Scout group came through; their ending would be helping make paperweights to take home. He roved through the other small shops and galleries looking at the pretty work that was there to be shared. A lady asked if he needed help finding anything, and he thought of true happiness, but kept that thought to himself. He walked out through the sunlight and headed toward more shopping in the suburbs on his journey toward home.

A Race To Find A Good Sunset

2012-01-12T21:19:00.000-08:00

I started sizing up
The clouds and the sky
On a hike in deep woods
At the end of day saying goodbye.

I am going to a blank page on blogger so hope this will post.
Each time I click on a post in Dashboard it brings up a blogger white screen.

So Nice

2012-01-10T11:14:00.000-08:00

This boardwalk stretches across a hillside offering many a chance to get out and enjoy an easy walk or perhaps a ride. There are a few tables along the way to enjoy a snack, rest, or have a lovely meal.

This is an original section of the Lincoln Highway, a first attempt to help us cross our nation.

A lovely breeze ruffled through her hair as she became lost in her thoughts gazing across the prairie. She stood in the warmth of the sun and enjoyed being in the warm of the January morning. It was so different form the same time last year, where layers were needed and still the wind penetrated through. In the distance she heard a kissing sound and off she ran toward the pleasant sound she always looked forward to hear. He stood tall among the grasses and as she approached a smile began spreading across his face. She jumped into his arms and their happiness soared out across the lands, carried by the wind and shared with all who could feel this spirit.

What a lovely day to share together, the unusual warm weather made it hard to stay inside. He sat the little dog down and continued up the grade, hoping to reach the top of the hill soon. He laughed thinking how last year his dog got stuck trying to lead the way, and soon traveled in the path he made walking through the deep snow. They came upon a doe that held her ground, unable to turn very fast being on the steep incline. He had to call the brave dog, telling her to stay with him rather than chasing after this much larger friend. It was hard but she remained at his side, wishing to head off in pursuit. Onward and upward they continued, until reaching the crest of this huge hill. The beauty spread in every direction and it was hard to decide which direction to travel. He gazed off looking for some semblance of the trail they had followed and saw where it maybe came down from the hills about one half mile away. They walked along, a nosey dog investigating numerous digs into the hillside. He wondered if it were a fox or coyote, and soon saw the tell-tale track on a fresh dig, telling him it was a fox. He found a still fresh gopher kill; perhaps this hunter was close and had dropped its prey wanting to keep distance between them. He felt bad to have startled this prairie resident, and hoped it would remember where it had dropped its fat meal. Looking back behind them he relished having found such a beautiful spot on such a lovely day.

A New Frontier

2012-01-07T21:24:00.000-08:00

Some old puffballs, and a new crop of toadstool.

Bittersweet

Walking into the preserve he was greeted by a series of bird calls. It was a networking to perhaps let everyone know of the intruder. A female Junco flitted up on a nearby branch and sang a greeting. The wind carried it across the prairie, sharing her happiness. The trail he was following split into three different arms and he headed on the one he could see ahead of him well. He watched the smaller cedars, hoping to spot signs of a Saw Whet owl. This tiny owl roosts at eye level and leaves a streak of white where it roosts the most. Many of the cedar were covered with blue berries, seeds for future trees. The winter colors of this area were very unique and added to the charm of the prairie. Bluestem grasses swayed with a beautiful rust color, with smaller grasses accented in golden tones. Each new plant greeted him as if he was visiting old friends, and indeed he was. A tiny sparrow flew up from down in the grasses, alarming him in all the stillness. Approaching a saddle in the hills he began the climb to ascend the ridge. Once at the top, one could walk and view the region from a different perception. One can sometimes walk for miles at this higher altitude.

A deer burst up from its slumber in a dense grove of cedars. It moved so fast it was hard to tell if it was a male or female. He followed around a bend hoping to see it again, but it had a good cover to stay hidden in. Climbing up the last slope to get up on top of the ridge, the land smiled and shared its far off beauty. It surrounded him with a new view of the area around, being able to see for miles. He stood and felt the spirit as it greeted him and took off his jacket having heated up with the climb. He used it as a pillow and stretched out in the grasses and listened to the world around. A song played on the wind, that song of life, and his life was enriched just being part of this opera around him. When he had cooled down he stood and offered his short oratorio to the people in his life and his song was added to the song of life, being carried on a gentle prairie breeze.

Through An Eagles Eye

2012-01-04T10:14:00.000-08:00

Get in I will give you a push!

Looking at the white pine needles in this made me think this was an old bluebird nest, a welcomed visitor in the spring.

The first few eagles, the machinery present is still being used to dig out the muck from the summers flooding that devasted this area for weeks. There were six eagles on this water, I thanked them for the experience of getting to observe them.

Yesterday I went to look for bald eagles. Living where I was before it was common to see them often all around the town and surrounding area. I followed the Missouri River south and found fifteen or twenty. I have seen that many in one tree in more populated areas, but it was still a pleasure with each sighting. They soar without almost any effort and swoop down across the water to grab a meal. I rarely see what they grab before they grasp it; they see it with their keen eyesight.

Going into one of the larger towns along the river on the Nebraska side I searched for a good bakery. Driving through the downtown area I was greeted with a hardware store having the same name as myself. Going in I was greeted by a distant cousin who had started the business when I was two. We compared our families and shared a few good stories. One I shared was going to a big reunion that was put on every two years for our extended family. Seven brothers and one sister came to the United States with their parents from Bohemia. Each of the family linages was addressed. Looking around the room I saw one fellow who looked very close to my recently deceased father. Walking up I introduced myself, and told him how he had caught my eye in this crowd. He laughed and said he had married into the family, so wasn’t even a descendent. We both laughed at my tale and I headed out stopping to get a few pastries, fruit and some cheese at a grocery along the way for a late lunch.

I drove down to a Lewis and Clark museum next to the river. I had stopped a few times before and being a nice day went for a hike along the various trails, trying to imagine what it might have been like for them approaching this new area and trying to build some food supplies. They had stayed for quite a few days, and that was part of making this area into a museum and recreation area. Standing on the edge of a bluff 190 feet above the river I saw an eagle below working along the edge of the river. With the wind blowing into my face I held out my hands and closed my eyes, wishing health and happiness for all I know and love. I imagined soaring as the eagle and wished I could get closer to get a good picture of it. I watched as it tried to stay away from me, and moved downstream before it grabbed a fish and flew into a tree to eat. The spirit flowed through me and I continued on my walk. I thought of the expedition group chasing after elk and besieged by the mosquitos. Today it was too cold to worry about pests, but would be a dream to see elk again. A few shocks of little bluestem showed over a hillside and I was greeted by a small area that had been reconstructed with my favorite plants. Beauty can always to be found out on the prairie.

Enjoy The Day

2011-12-31T11:13:00.000-08:00

A charming year it has been for me
Full of fun and graceful harmony
Join me as I dance across the land
Enjoying life to it's fullest
Out on the prairie.

This set of locust thorns reminded me of the huge red fox I saw while hiking out in these hills. I was so awe struck with how close I was I couldn't get my camera up to catch the shot.

December Is Almost Done

2011-12-28T09:48:00.000-08:00

Geese sitting on cold, cold ice
Honking up each and everyone
A chorus by the hundreds
I listen to each and every song.

I will push you out
Across the sky
A tire swing
And a treehouse
A day gone by.

Goodie goodie gumdrops
My mother would often say
While watching my children
Enjoying a day of play.

I'm not sure where this came from
Perhaps a poem or a book
But it showed, she too was having fun
You could always tell by her look.

Everytime I see these candies
I buy them for the thought
Of good times spent with my children
And hearing my mother's silly thoughts.

Not Always What You Think

2011-12-25T18:15:00.000-08:00

Christmas Eve
A good hike
A nice meal
White asparagus
Baked potatoe smothered
Prime rib, in excesss.

Hm-m-m-m--m-m-m my camera of the year turned into a new GPS, still nice to have the latest.I always enjoy a good guess, usually prompted by a series of suggestions. I was told I never said yes to anything.

Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays

2011-12-24T06:53:00.000-08:00

What a unique year to celebrate. I have had a lot of fun most of the year, but have started working at the state hospital in Glenwood, near Omaha. I am working with mentally challenged individuals, which offers a wide spectrum of personalities. Bumpy Rhodes is holding down my house in Ottumwa, I can’t have pets in my new apartment, so she has even more added responsibilities.

Many of you who read my blog know that I worked hard all summer catching lots of very large fish and camping through the summer. It is hard to get up and not go out to enjoy nature as freely as I have done for the last three years. I still am writing a lot and stay busy around the new town finding lots of hidden beauty. It is fun to have some closeness to some culture, having a large town twenty minutes away. My new town is only a few thousand, so a very different place to be part of in the lovely Loess Hills.

I am taking my time, but hope to have a new house soon. Moving is not very fun, and I have bought a lot of new things to make my life comfortable here. I hope you are having a good year and celebrate with all you know and love.

Steve oxoxoxox

A Special Thanks To All

2011-12-21T22:14:00.000-08:00

What a lovely feeling this Christmas has left me. I enjoy what you all enjoy with your families as well as I do mine. One of the best of holiday spirit sharing observances I have had is through a friend who always enjoys them very simple and well. He reminds me daily that the holiday is near .I looked for a nice hat with a little bling this year for him, his elfin looks fit well with any outfit. I can walk near his home and the sky lights up as one approaches, a delight in lights that always charm. I had hoped his home would win the contest, but it was not a near miss with some other lighting extravaganzas, but still one of the best according to this well holiday cultured fellow.

This year has been a struggle for many families, our economy has burdened many .I hope you have the thoughts to share at this time of year, my favorite is cash donations at the local food banks. For many years I shot rolls of film for these cash donations posing as the jolly old elf, and having famiy sit on my lap for pictures. It seems silly with all our technology and knowledge that anyone could go hungry in our world, let alone in our towns we live in . A gift of giving always comes back to you double. One with what it gives you in your heart for sharing and through the feeling knowing that you have enriched others lives.

What will he do with my dollar

If I gave it to him why should I care

I gave him a simple gift of pleasure

Let him spend it who knows where.

A fun tale of Christmas began one year with my mother being due with her fourth child over the holiday. I remember trying to tell her that a good name might be Jesus, but an aunt was in charge of an agency that changed people’s names from that to Ed or Tom. She was totally uncomfortable, the baby would be huge, almost eight pounds. I weighed in at 6 ½ so this was big for the time. After cooking one of the largest turkeys that my Dad could find for Christmas Eve, she felt weak and went in to the hospital. They did a few tests and sent her home. In the meantime we had always unwrapped our relative’s gifts on this night. When she got home, we were all hushed to keep her calm. Getting up the next day, an aunt came and took me over to her home. I stayed the holiday and came home to a new brother a few days later. He was almost born on the elevator at 12:31AM on the 26^th of December. Making it into the waiting room my Dad said it was almost like me, where he had barely filled his pipe and lit it. Our Christmas was late that year, but just as wonderful as it may have been on the day it happens.

Sensational Season!

2011-12-18T18:36:00.000-08:00

I'm hoping it contains a Sony camera of the year!

Hey, who is reaching around with that hand. Santa, getting frisky. I thanked them for acting for the holiday.

What toy, I think there are around 9.

A tiny moment to share the holidays with all my critters.It was a short weekend enjoying all and actually seeing all the nice cards I have received.Thank you all for ones you have sent. I had a hard time leaving, home felt more like home going home this time. I was happy to see Bumpy Rhodes had decorated for me, although there were too many boxes carried up I heard. It was fun to see what could evolve in my absence. It is so nice to have such creative friends.

I made it to a live show of"The Nutcracker", right here in the town I live. I know now a few share the passion I have for this wonderful dance.Funny how simple a pleasure is found in a traditional dance for many. To me it is like many of the operas I enjoy,once you understand the story, it gets better and better. I share with many a happy holiday experience!

The Nutcracker

2011-12-14T19:37:00.000-08:00

A grand tour of lights happened tonight, staying in my direct neighborhood. I often stop in awe and wonder watching the artistic creations all my neighbors have done, it makes me closer to those around me. I stopped at a large church; they have those Christmas lights year round with their stained glass windows. An art teacher approached and we traded our art backgrounds with a promise for me to join her in her classroom during this school year. Living in a small town, it is best to distribute ones talents as well as you can. Today I had my interview with the newspaper published, telling about the towns new neighbor. I shot lots of pictures and returned home to the beginning of a George Balanchine production of “The Nutcracker”, an extremely favorite Christmas tradition for me. I have seen it live numerous times by different groups, and often have that same tearful swelling in my eyes each time.

This cast was all from New York Ballet Company and they held an elaborate production at the Lincoln Center, shown on PBS. It is just as magical now as it was the first time I saw it. The structure and discipline required within this ballet are magnificent. Tonight’s scenery and dancers take me back to all the imagination and dreams this production has evoked throughout my life. I felt somewhat humble not having caught a local production yet. I hope that will change soon, with my network of friends around my area alerting me to something I have missed in advertisements. I hope you perhaps had the chance to see this wonderful production this week or even live around your area. What a lovely holiday tradition it is for me. Tears welled and a lump in my throat through the entire encore.

Sunday Driver, Everyday

2011-12-11T18:17:00.000-08:00

What is more wonderful

Than a sunset

No matter where it is.

Betsy

No matter where it is

Smiles like music
Uplift the soul.
Denise

I can feel

Your smile
From here.
Allison

A collection of poems from comments.

A simple ride turned into a delight after not finding what I looked for over one hour or better. I was looking for a tract of prairie, 240 acres, so one would think an easy find. Here in the hill country it is hard to see every turn in the road. It seems when I am looking for something really intense, that I wander into more traffic. Why do they follow when I travel slower than speed limit? With the irritation of those who need to follow close, and frustration of not finding my area, I found an old area I had visited a few years ago.

I had remembered this being a very steep set of trails and took off heading to the top of a hill that was in front of me. It was a bit slick, the snow was melting and making the trail hard to maneuver on. I still had on my Sunday go to meeting clothes and needed a better tread on my boots rather than the riding boots I wore. With the warm weather I had hoped to find someone ready to take a horse out on the trails, but didn’t find anyone. Even with a few switchbacks, parts of this trail are often almost 60 degrees. I walked on the sides of my boots going up, not worrying about the trip down. Doing the splits a few times, I thought of a few people who could do this and not feel bad later, but I wasn’t one of these people.

I could tell by the rounded edges on the entire set of tracks I saw, that all had been along my route on previous days. I soon lost all except what I felt was a fox. Soon a turkey clan set of tracks joined us, much fresher on the trail. I hoped they were just ahead of me, but their keen eyesight and hearing kept them out of my sight. I looked across a steep gully and saw I was level with the top of the hill across from me. A doe rose up and let our distances enlarge, hoping to never meet. I could trace her trail better, watching her ascend done the steep hillside. I wondered if this might be a good descent heading back, but my clothes were too nice.

Walking across a saddle that joined two hills, I found the top of the ridge I had sighted below, was even higher with another slope. I walked out on the edge of a narrow ridge to look down on the trail I had walked and was amazed at the altitude I had climbed. As I climbed to the top I stopped and asked for health and happiness to all I know and love. I waited to catch the spirit of this wonderful hike and stood admiring the scenery the day offered. Walking back I had to walk in deep leaves and hold onto the saplings along the hillside so as not to fall again as I had on the way up. Five deer rose up when I side tracked over a hillside. They ran down the hill much faster than I felt I would ever try. Getting down onto a slight slope I still walked very carefully down to the parking. This will be an area to further explore, sometimes when you get to the top ridge you can go for a number of miles.

Poinsetta Dreams

2011-12-08T16:46:00.000-08:00

I close my eyes
Seeing all one may see
Or maybe just believe
I found a spot
In the middle of thousands of thoughts
Or just amidst a poinsetta dream.

A simple smile, can spread across the land. He gazed off at the sunset hoping to find a good perch to watch it leave us for the day. Its colors spread across the sky, ever changing as the golden orb slowly disappeared. He stood hoping all he loved were being part of this experience as its happiness ruled across the hills and pastures. The spirit and truth of intense beauty caught a warm feeling drifting listlessly across this beautiful prairie, sharing with more than one can imagine. Hopefully you felt this warmth and holiday spirit as it shared its existence with the world .I hope you felt this pause within my life and enjoyed the smile I shared with millions. As I shared this I thought how it would affect many of you.

It is this simple pleasure that makes my day have energy, when a smile may be the only communication I share with others. It can launch a thousand thoughts and feelings for many of us. It is a shared feeling and thought that may be the only experience I share with many I work with. Today I worked to establish a known presence of myself with others who had a variety of expressions to share with me, many without a voice, just a simple smile.

Artful Treasure

2011-12-05T16:14:00.000-08:00

Santa is a bit lean this year

The first snow had a charm

It was a slip of nature. The snow that was forecast was only rain. She went out and looked at a few good places she wanted to hike, not sure where would be the best. The wind went right through her light jacket, and soon she wished to have worn more layers. It became a bit painful as she worked her way back to her car, when she came face to face with a doe. Both were caught off guard and stood in amazement before the doe bounded off, tail raised in alarm. She thanked the deer for the experience and worked her way down a series of switchbacks to get to the parking. Seeing a trail heading at a steeper angle she tried to follow it until she came to a drop off that was almost vertical. The shrubs and brambles formed a barrier to stop one, least they take a plunge over the cliff. She looked back to where she had started and returned to the start of the trail.

A friend had asked her to offer a blessing for her, since she was thousands of miles away, and she added this to her passion thanking the land for such a wonderful time. By the time she made it back to her car she was shaking and shivering, the temperature had fallen rapidly. Snow began to fall in the form of tiny ice crystals. The wind picked up and rocked her car as she headed back toward town. A friend called and asked if she wanted to go to a museum and at first she was hesitant, but felt an inside activity would beat the weather. As she drove north the snow became little feathers, covering all it landed on. They met in the parking and ran into the building to beat the weather. It was nice to see a small crowd, and they headed for the permanent collection. A selection of artistic greats greeted them taking them into a different realm from the cold outside. At the end of the day, she had many stories to share with her friend of her adventures out on the prairie. Her happiness was carried on a frigid prairie breeze.

For You

2011-12-03T06:37:00.000-08:00

Three red cardinals flew over near me
A sight you will only see at this time of year
They shared the love they have for all around
Hoping to see food above or down on the ground
Gentle thoughts flow out on the prairie.

It is fun to find some blooms still thriving this time of year. Even the smallest bring out a smile.

Get those sleds ready, I have some great places to take you.

As the sun began to peek, the clouds turned pink and welcomed in a new day. She walked over to the edge of the hill and raised her arms out to the side with her palms up. The energy of the day was pulled into her body and her thoughts drifted out over the prairie. A simple chant came to her, she wasn’t sure what it might mean, but offered the words she felt to the gentle breeze. “ Je sens la richesse de l'amour et le bonheur que vous partagez avec moi aujourd'hui.” Another language spoke to her, a simple set of words she really didn’t understand. It seemed like it was someone speaking to all the living plants and animals around. She offered her thoughts again, this time using what she felt. “I feel the wealth of love and happiness you share with me today.” It had a blend of thoughts and similarity to what she had been thinking. It was a powerful verse, one that flowed from her lips across the region and joined with other beautiful thoughts drifting around. She opened her eyes and thought of this simple thought as a way to enrich her day as well as for others. A Red-bellied Woodpecker chattered as it flew overhead, and she felt they shared their existence with everything around. A smile spread over her face as she thanked the woodpecker for its greeting and she traced a path across the hills. This would be the path she would choose today and share with others, her love of the land.

She walked to the top of another hill and stopped to catch her breath. This was a rough terrain and she had to stop frequently. She tried to imagine what it was like to live off this land before civilization had changed it so. A cluster of flowers dried from the frosts caught her eye, the suns angle making them glow. Everywhere she looked the beauty beckoned to her and told her this was a place she would visit often to enjoy the spirit that it gave to her soul. A fallen tree offered comfort to sit and gather back her strength. Getting out her water bottle the liquid soothed her parched throat and soothed her tired muscles. She sat for quite some time, not caring what else she had to do for the day; it was so heavenly where she was. As she walked back to her car, she recited her verse many times. It was like a prayer to share over and over again, sending her thoughts out to all she had loved and met. Her happiness was carried away on a gentle prairie breeze, for all to enjoy around her.

Rolling Around

2011-11-30T15:57:00.000-08:00

I am starting to find many treasures around where I am. I have climbed that highest mountain, well at least the tallest Loess ridge, a feat in itself. Shopping has also taken its toll; I am still keeping my other home so getting all new. This going to work each day hasn’t been a priority for over two and a half years, so I am trying to get use to that regime again. It was hard to leave an area I had played hard on, but this area has some of the older prairie remnants for the state. It has been hard getting around to some areas, the Missouri River flooded real bad around me. Many small bridges are still out, and this often is only one way to get into many towns.

It was nice to return to the area. This is a new piece of land to survey between mighty hills and gentle croplands. A familiar sight was a tiny strip of restored prairie that offered a chance to remember a few friends from around my other home. Dried clumps of goldenrod caught the sunlight acting like tiny lanterns to lead the way. A Red-breasted Woodpecker greeted me in almost the same area it had my previous visit. Perhaps this was a sign to return many more times to enjoy this wonderful area. Harvested soybean fields become a challenge for the mountain bike. They are easy down, but hard to navigate up without taking the slope in a series of switchbacks. I laughed today thinking I need a toboggan to exchange for my bike in a few weeks perhaps. If you have one you aren’t using please send it over to me, I have some nice areas to sled. I would love to have you join me.

As I rounded the bend a pair of male Eastern Bluebirds flew off in one direction, while the females went the other. There are a pair of houses nearby I think they are using; maybe they are related staying into near winter. They aren’t ready to pose for a picture yet, I missed them both directions hiking in today. It was nice to hum, “Mister Bluebird” and remember the happiness they give me when I watch them through the summer. This was a slow year for fledglings in this area, only forty-nine found, some years have approached ninety. When the Missouri River flooded it approached this area through a series of creeks, flooding out the picnic area and trails. The main overland flooding stayed back to preserve this archeological dig. They are trying to locate a Woodland Indian encampment through a series of post holes dug across the area. Some exciting finds drew studies to the area.

Bittersweet looks almost like Chinese Lanterns

This looked like a squid when I found it in the middle of nowhere. LOL Sometimes I feel so remote, yet I am 20 minutes from Omaha, Nebraska.

Let The Good Times Roll

2011-11-26T06:15:00.000-08:00

She slowly moved toward a new toy
Her mother stood near watching intently
She had been touching and learning
While all around joined in animated conversations
The hand stretched toward new horizons
Fingers set to touch all the buttons
I handed it too her, putting the strap around her neck
And created a confusion with her brother
He wanted to join her seeing the attraction
She tried to run, the camera pulling her down
I laughed with a deep heartfelt sigh
Remembering her mother doing the same
So long ago, out on the prairie.

The ripples remain motionless
Frozen in time on a frosty morning
Ice coating, slowly growing across the waters
To where I will skate across it soon
New horizons will be opened
And winter happiness carried across the land
On a gentle prairie breeze.

There is always a charm to be part of a new day, watching the sun peek over the horizon. It is a pleasure always to be part of this awakening, full of simple pleasures for one to enjoy. I am now part of a new holiday season, full of many holiday memories I often share with others. This helps me build new thoughts with old ideas, and find happiness with each new experience. Someone asked what I would like for a gift, and I thought to myself, the gift was sharing our lives together. It is so simple and never that costly to share friendship and love with all we hold dear in our lives.

I spent another day helping carry the boxes upstairs to decorate. This was the second time already I have been the muscle to help decorate for the holiday. I watch as each ornament is carefully placed, an art form in it's own right. I think of all the boxes of lights and decorations I have accumulated over the years, and wish to share a few here, but they have too much as I do too. A trip down memory lane always follows when I help with this. I can still remember my father wanting the biggest turkey, the perfect tree, all part of our family tradition. I remember him trimming off a tree, just so it would fit in our ten foot ceiling. My mother commenting she wanted the smaller of the two,watched him carefully. I wonder now if it was the mess we were making in the living room, a place she always kept so pristine. She stopped him when he threatened to cut the top off, holding up the angel who always adorned our tree. The tree was raised and I was lifted up to place the angel. I always day dreamed looking at her through the years, and gazing at my reflection in the glass ornaments.

Holiday Happiness

2011-11-23T04:26:00.000-08:00

I called to her to get her attention
She turned, golden hair glowing in the sunlight
We stood far apart contemplating each other
And then continued walking in different directions
Enjoying our day out on the prairie.

It is a week of happiness for many as we enjoy a Thanksgiving feast with family and friends.Many forget what they are thankful for until this day, but I have to say I am thankful to have a new area to explore and enjoy. This is a tough change for us flatlanders. A simple hike often is up or down the beautiful rolling hills. The fauna is all new also to enjoy, I forgot how plush the tall grass prairie was until I left it. This is an area with some of the older prairie remnants in the state, but most has met it's fate with agriculture and grazing. When you walk out over the hills the difference in variety is a new treat, just like taking a child into a candy store. I have been greeted by a few bluebirds still, I wonder what they find to eat this time of year.

We need to take a moment and look into our lives as the holidays all approach and not be overwhelmed with them. I always look for continued happiness and hope all of you can take a little time and do the same. I took my van in for servicing last night and wandered through a huge shopping complex looking through the stores.I laughed thinking of standing in the Barbie aisles,wondering what my children didn't already have. Then I realized there were many who didn't have a whole lot for their holidays, so we gathered a variety of dolls my kids liked and placed them in the Toys for Tots box, teaching my children the true meaning of the holidays. This expanded each year, and we soon had this as part of our family tradition.The trees with wish cards are fun for me, it only takes a small gift to make someones life happy. Remember when you are enjoying the holidays with those close to you that the gift of love is the most precious gift we receive in life and have a great holiday season.

A day to remember

2011-11-20T15:21:00.000-08:00

Sunrise pours over the hillsides
As far as the eye can see
A new day begins again
For you, nature and me.

A relic found in the woods, part of a coke bottle.

It shouldn't ever take a lot in our lives to be happy. Watching young children at play today made me remember the last words my mother would say when going into someones house. "Don't show off, and be in your best behavior",she would say. Why did she have to remind us we thought? At times we had the best of fun showing our abilities in a variety of areas, such as wrestling, running, jumping and generally having fun. Three boys cut in front of me to get some soup. Their mother apologized and I said I was enjoying their antics. Being the middle of three boys I saw a vision of my childhood.

My grandson only needs to see me, he enjoys all he knows about his Papa. Everything in my life is remarkable to him, and we try to always do something different each time together. Learning numbers we recited them in a variety of languages and order. His mother had started him with French and I expanded to Spanish. As we walked down the sidewalk we shared song and numbers with each other. We walked past a drive reciting in Spanish and a Latino man sat on a stool polishing his car. I gave him a nod and he beamed a broad smile. A shared moment of happiness swept over the neighborhood and we continued on our talk, walk and enjoyable day, happiness found so simple.

2011-11-18T17:29:00.000-08:00

So nice to see a few dandilions, almost makes me want to pick a bouquet for my mother.

I liked the oranges when it stretched, but isn't this Wooly Bear a denizen of soon to be cold?

Life as it is

2011-11-15T17:30:00.000-08:00

How does one tell a sophisticated lady she has flour more than on her nose?

You can see where I work off on the hill. It is a huge campus, easy to get lost still.

Think of when you found your first dandelion in the spring, and they were around here in November.

It was a crime of passion. Making noodles with the Methodist’s all morning was a real pleasure. We covered all the tables in their Fellowship hall with the newly cut gems. A time honored tradition, I stepped into an assembly line realm covered for decades to provide for their bazaar this next weekend. They sell chicken and noodles by the quart. It was hard to tell the leader of the pack she had a bit of flour on her face so I implied it was just on the tip of her nose.

Short Stories

2011-11-13T15:17:00.000-08:00

"What a good dog,you are really a good dog, most of the time." A tiny dog pranced a bit and then jumped from his lap to the floor, and sat up suggesting a treat. By the time he got up the dog was waiting in the next room, an urgent look on her face. He tossed a tiny treat on the floor and grabbed a cat treat jar. Shaking it woke two soundly sleeping cats. The dog kept her distance , but was sure to help the cats eat their tiny morsels also. She soon was back on his lap, curled and asleep.What a good dog he thought, well most of the time.

Daniel

2011-11-09T15:49:00.000-08:00

Robert Burns was here

1854

Looks like the foothills almost

He was a rambunctious five year-old twin with a sister.I invited he and his other three siblings for a river hike. This time of year the water is low and the sandbars are huge, sometimes for miles with minimal wading.I had pointed out a few items I always looked at when hiking and told a few tales of great finds.Soon his backpack became lower and lower, full of some of the best of finds. Almost anything I pointed at was a frenzy to get it in their sacks, but he often was the first.I didn't realize this until he was getting clear behind the pack with his pack too heavy to carry.I was impressed at my influence in choices, and always enjoyed taking his group to give relief to his parents. His older sister finally told me and I ended up carrying all back to my van for him.He kept having me stop to show me a special treasure he knew I would like.

Busy

2011-11-08T15:19:00.000-08:00

Busy starting a new position this week. Sorry to not share a lot, but don't have any services hooked up yet I am working at the 6th oldest hospital in the US, originally started as a home for Civil War orphans, now working with retarded adults. Lots to learn and new to have to go to work each day, but very rewarding.This Loess Hills area is like living in the foothills of the mountains almost.Hope to figure out how to share some pics tomorrow or so..

Moving On

2011-11-03T19:07:00.000-07:00

Amazing what happens when one goes into the ER for chest pains with family history.I was given the chance to visit a university teaching hospital and given the royal treatment for the last two days.I know a few are in nursing or have the background, but I kept asking for the spa treatment andf never fully got it. I could not believe they didn't have a pool so will have to look for a nice one while my new digs are being painted and deep cleaned this weekend. I did get a private room and they put up well with my attitude to charm all the nurses and get the job done so I could escape.

Sorry I haven't been around, but I was very impressed coming home from my spa treatment kind of to be in "The Smitten Image" as one of her posts of the week. I see many of you there and have a great time reviewing her picks each week.Thank you again for the award Hilary!If you haven't visited you will be truly impressed with her site.

Purple is a color seen on many plants adjusting sugar production with cold temperatures at night.

Most of the Turkey Vultures have left, so it was different to see one lone bird sitting along the lake. They trade off with bald Eagles for area during the winter. Both birds fly south, the eagles have just been in more colder climates.

A deer getting a drink

Lets talk turkey, a treat many enjoy coming up this month for Thanksgiving herte in the states. These wild toms scattered fast when they decided being a photo shot wasn't their cup of tea.It is fun to watch them run, all in single file not sure where to go other than away.

One Thanksgiving I was helping at a care center and sat with four other gentlemen helping them with their meal. After feeding one almost all of his meal and running back and forth for extras I really didn't feel like eating much. I asked about the pie, but it had already been made a puree. The head cook asked to make me at least a sandwich to take along and I declined saying I would pick up something on the way home. Not on a holiday and nothing was open to feed myself. I got home and was thankful to have a can of beans and some tortillas to at least make a small meal. I thought about what puree of pie would be like since many of you know I do like my sweets. Going back another weekend the cook came over with a piece wrapped in some foil and told me I deserved the first piece. She told me she could run it through the grinder if I wanted. I waited until I had some ice cream to put on it later and enjoyed each bite.What is your favorite pie, I would have a hard time picking just one.I like apricot or peach, balck walnut, pecan and coconut cream if it is a good custard.

End of October

2011-10-30T09:47:00.000-07:00

I was mean and sent this shot to a few friends saying I had thought about them a bit and had something to say, but had forgotten what it was. This is the mare for the not so little Belgium colt in the next photo I have been watching, along with another sibling farther down. They will do a variety of farm work in their lives.

Who needs to go very far to see the deer, these are in a neighbors yard.

Some Halloween themed pictures.

A friends mother was famous for her homemade treats and for Halloween she always made popcorn balls. Now my father always liked them, but never could get us to part with much so one year put on a scary mask he had bought with some coveralls and went treating to her home."You look a little old," she said when he grunted holding out his sack. He held out again and demanded another with another grunt so as not to give his identity away. "One more and you need to go along," she said, grateful to rid her porch of him. He waited and came back after a few other crowds. She scolded him and he stood holding out his sack. She threatened to call the cops and off he went, asking one of us to go and get him another. She sent all her leftovers to him when she found out who had played the trick on her.

The Colors Are Still Around

2011-10-28T07:17:00.000-07:00

Gentle rise begins

Of a new day sun

Time never ends

It has just begun

To bring a smile again.

While passing a pond full of ducks and a duck blind on the edge I was surprised at the variety until I got home and blew my pics up to see them better. I loved this group of wood ducks, but on later investigation found they were decoys, as well as all I shot pictures of so far away. I laughed thinking about a time on the Gulf of Mexico near Corpus Christi, Texas of sneaking up on a female Mallard and finding she had floated away from her covey of decoys elsewhere. I brought her home as a treasure of my fun.

A recent stocking of trout in a pond near my home drew out some local spectators to watch, much to the annoyance of a little dog already protecting us from a squirrel who watched from a nearby cottonwood.

This group of forest creatures were all trying to hide. Not the best picture but looking close you can see two wild turkey between the two deer, there were about a dozen of them. They are a fast bird with keen eyesight and hard to get close to.

Everything is turning gold, but still a wealth of colors around us. I am traveling back and forth across the state looking at housing in the Loess Hills area of Iowa. These are some of the oldest remnants of prairie in the state and a delight to explore along the Missouri River. This type of geology is only in this area and an area in China, so it will be a treat to enjoy and help preserve. I am keeping my present home also so I can go back and forth while exploring, about a three hour drive. I will be falling back on my Psychology background and will be working at a state hospital. Talking to a realtor yesterday she asked what I do and I jokingly said I was a Lobotomist, and I think she thought I might draw blood.I will be working within residential treatment with retarded adults. It is an area I have worked around before at varying levels through the years. When I first moved here I taught in a high school with low IQ behavioral students. I am not sure how long it will be before I get all the Internet and things going, so have patience with me.I enjoy sharing with my friends and don't ever like to miss reading what you have to say.

One apartment I found in a nearby town is next to the library, which would be a plus for someone like me anyway, and there is a bike trail that would take me the twelve miles I have to go to work. I don't know a single soul around, but that was the case where I am now when I arrived. The town I will be working in is only 3200 people so I am sure you get to know everyone fairly quick. It is a tough move for me to give up many areas I go to and have worked on around me.I cruised the other day thinking I still have a large love for these scenic historic hills and having Amish neighbors around me.To me home is where you hang your hat.

Another hallmark is I have taken 9000 pics with a camera I started breaking in one year ago. It has become a close friend indeed, although there are a few others I would like to have. It was hard to change over from another I had taken so many miles with me.I of course don't save all those shots, but do have an extensive library of the better ones.I made fun of a friends latest slide show for a program featuring a few I had shared with her.She put together a butterfly exhibit with 25 separate species photos I took around the area at a local conservation center where she works as a naturalist.Makes my head swell just walking in there!

Keep those comments coming in I savor hearing from each of you, my blog community is a special group for me.I will leave you with how I begin a number of programs :

Attention, attention! (crossing my arms and holding myself) I just love attention!

At The Beach

2011-10-25T13:15:00.000-07:00

A fat cat absorbs all the sun
Clouds move in slowly
But we won't let them stop the fun
Headed out to the beach.

Wild turkeys

Whitetail Deer hiding in the woods

"That Old Rugged Cross" was written about 20 miles from here

Wooly Bear

This looks like a good pile to cook over

As the wind picked up a clopping sound came around the bend. Four huge deer had been startled from their sleep by a group riding bikes. They raced right past me, frantically trying to get a shot, but they were too fast. I got a few off but none that showed these magnificent creatures. Any time being close to them is always a treat and I thank them for a good portrait should they hold still. It has been a nice day out on the lake, a few sprinkles didn't stop the day. I always have a few rain suits with me anyway, but find many people timid to stay out in a storm.I sit watching the waves building and wish I was at the ocean, sizing up the surf for that next ride. A dream bursts and I head toward the nearest town hoping to find some kolaches at a bakery, but was too late. Heading home a call comes and a timid voice says, "Hello Papa, we are at your house." my oldest daughter has brought a couple grand kids to share for a few days and give her some relief from being a mom. My poor pets will all hide for this few days, but all will return to normal, maybe.Two in diapers will make me a bit tired, I do enjoy having them around.

A Walk In The Woods

2011-10-23T11:47:00.000-07:00

This is a newly restored Savannah area with some nice hiking and equestrian trails to enjoy through the woods also. Since it is fun to walk in the crisp leaves lets try a path that during summer we would have to spray to keep the ticks and flying insects away.Our guide of course will be a tiny dog named, Lily.

I liked how this bent sapling framed out the next bridge. This trail works through some pretty rugged area with lots of climbs up to the next ridge.

Hmmmmmm I think we should go right

These mushrooms almost looked like they were made of stone.

A broken heart, I hope not

Phew, two hours and I am almost out of water.

Look here comes a flying dog!

Hope you had a good time, I plan on coming back soon.

From The Past Into The Present

2011-10-21T06:54:00.000-07:00

Colors that blend over the land
Like an impressionist painting
Done by Nature's hand
Always carry a special charm
Out on the prairie.

A cluster of Red Milkweed Beetles

A Buckeye and four Pearl Crescents gather on some road apples.

I was getting a shot of this dragonfly when a tiny grasshopper joined the frame.

This reminded me of the song by Kansas,"Dust In The Wind" on a windy fall day

Soft moonbeams caressed the road in front of me. The full moon lit the way as I traveled through the early morning a few hours before sunrise. A few small storms began to form to either side of me and soon were behind me with their tiny light shows of lightening. Very few people were moving at this beautiful time and it showed me many thoughts and feelings I had set aside. I thought how I had spent many full moons this summer in my tent, waking to see my world lit up. It is a restful phase I enjoy , wanting to be outdoors and bask in it's happiness. As the sun rose behind me it tried to peek through the storm clouds, and only showed at intermittent moments to remind the world a new day had begun. Traffic began to pick up on the tiny two-laned road and I met many people I may never meet again. I am but a traveler, from the past into the present.

The Swing

2011-10-19T07:38:00.000-07:00

Up and down
With fairy wings
A dance of life
Continues on and on.

We mowed and hayed this section to spread the prairie love on a new area.

I saw a homemade swing sitting in a yard and it took me back into my early childhood. My parents best friends, who had introduced them, we called aunt and uncle. What a shock to find out in my adult years that we were not related. These were the people we spent many good times with, and shared important parts of our lives. They were the first to have a television and we often spent weekends over at their house watching Disney, Ed Sullivan, Red Skeleton and a host of early television shows. My father wasn't sure he appreciated this technology and bought our family a new Hi-fi instead, since music warms the heart and heals the soul. For a quite a few years we never had a television in our home, going over to their home often. Sometimes the women were giving perms and sewing while we all wrestled on the floor for a good spot. Eventually someone gave us their old set and we joined the ranks of Americans watching television.

My uncle was a plumber, having his own business out of their home. With new work came the old pipes he took out and stacked in the back of their acreage.One day he decided to build a swing set for all the kids to play on. This wasn't something he had ever done before, and surprised all who came to watch his work of art grow. It wasn't going to be lessened by the swings at the park, his would be just as big if not bigger than many. A glider seat was made from old metal tractor seats, huge for us to sit on, but fun to offer more to our imaginations while playing. The top of the support was over twenty feet tall and a thrill to get the swings going up high. With four swings, a trapeze , rings and a glider this swing set could hold both families. We flew jet aircraft, raced to the stars, and even assembled as a family playing house. The glider became horses and we often were members of a famous circus act on the trapeze and rings. Hours were spent on this work of art.

What a pleasure it was to see this tinier version of a swing set in my travels. I wanted to watch the kids come and play, reliving old memories. When I have seen friends wrestle with the commercially produced sets I often ask them what they are going to do with all the leftover nuts and bolts that were left out. The swings could never fly as high as the one I played on at my aunt's and uncle's home. A few at the parks rivaled them and were always reminders of the huge one put together by my uncle. Going back years later, the city had moved around their rural home and I was saddened to see the swings gone, with a home built where they once were. I laughed thinking about the labor of love slowly being taken apart, and how heavy all the pieces were that made this creation.

Golden Memories

2011-10-15T08:11:00.000-07:00

Most of the town had assembled on their side of the bridge as well as the town on the other side. A few calls were passed across the river when one saw a friendly face of someone they knew. Little could be heard above the roar of an approaching car. It pulled out into the center of the bridge honking its horn, being followed by all the bystanders as if in a parade. This new bridge linked two towns that had previously been linked with a small ferry. It was an amazing feat to span this river from a river port to the town across river from it. It had cost $3,200 to create this magnificent span, but all who wanted it felt a good investment for their towns future. It would be a link to the railroad and many opportunities for store owners , tradesmen and travelers to use for decades.This would create a new era for both towns to thrive in, and expand their size to more than double in the next ten years. A new sale barn was being built to handle the influx of all the stock to be traded. It was also to become a central point in a thriving area of towns, all ready to grow and expand into the future. As the car approached the stage on the other side, both mayors looked over their speeches one last time to start a day of festivity for all to enjoy. A band played and children ran around as if in an open game of tag, dogs yelping at their heels.

Now the roar is only in memories. The children's voices can still be heard if one listens to the sounds carried on a gentle prairie breeze. The field where they played while their parents sat inside looking over the animals for sale stands vacant. A few old pieces of equipment remind passersby of a time when this was bustling every Saturday. Distant towns have a few buildings left standing, with the demise of coal mines nearby, the towns wilted and whithered away. The bridge carried its cargo for many years, but was soon replaced with spans nearby able to carry more weight of the tractors, combines, large trucks, and cars needing to cross the river. The riverboats stopped coming up this river, newer modes of transport were more effective and they whistled off into the past. The bridge is now part of a hiking trail, still used by families from far and near.The town on one side is a struggling artist community with a sprinkling of families who enjoy the remoteness of living in a small town, connected with jobs nearby. The town on the other side only a group of homes, hard to see there was once a city to go and shop at. An Amish buggy rolls past as do a group of motorcycles, down a road designated as, "Historic Hills Scenic Drive". Our group is ready to join them as a pleasure ride will gather almost one thousand riders through these select communities as part of a county wide fall festival.

See you later!

A Golden Heart

2011-10-12T14:06:00.000-07:00

Lots of gold and grey in all the rocks in this area. The matrix of gold below is almost a perfect pattern for checkers. It made me think of a few drawn boards made while camping with my kids.

Watching a flock of White Pelicans arrive a small little dog had to nuzzle in and get a hug.

A few dried fish along the shoreline, a gar and catfish.

You can see the observation tower I climbed in the last post peeking over the trees.

A lone Elm leaf falling

After a hard day playing a good meal of a grilled rib eye, guacamole salad and some homemade rye bread hits the spot.

Just A Thought

2011-10-10T07:48:00.000-07:00

A golden thought

Why not go and play

There is work to be done

A trivial thought to stop me

Lets run and romp

And enjoy all the colors about

A collection can become a collage of love

I still have lots to share

These beautiful colors of fall

Provide a feeling of power in the air

Oh gentle hillsides of every hue

Lets climb a tower to see what's new

Two hundred forty feet into the air

Watching the blue jays fly everywhere

What a joy it is just to be here

Out on the prairie.

Someone didn't like the stairs down and needed carried.

The Torch Is Carried

2011-10-07T08:54:00.000-07:00

To make this even worse, this is on my lap many mornings. It has been a tough week putting on 1250 miles in one week. I drove ten hours in one day to make the mileage start.The colors have been gorgeous.

A good breakfast of ciabatta, sopressotto, an egg and leftover Popeye's chicken reheated from the day before. The breakfast of champions to keep one going all day.

Follow me down a new pathway

A dinosaur tree( Treeus cartoonious)

Not sure if these are fighting or what. Help me out MOBugs, they did look like separate species.

The fruit here is Osage Oranges or Hedge Apples, not anything to eat.

With age came the loss of a few friends and family members. The years slipped by and soon she became the main driver, her husband’s memory skills were gradually slipping. One day he went to get the keys off a holder and she asked him what he was doing. He sat back down and told her he had errands to run. She reminded him he hadn’t driven in a few years and picked the keys up off the table and put them in her apron pocket. He stood and grabbed her by the shoulders and pushed her into a wall. This was someone who had never gone against her in his life and she was very startled. He sat back down and continued eating his breakfast as if nothing had happened, Within a few hours she had an appointment made with his doctor and he was soon placed into skilled care with a new diagnosis called Alzheimer’s. The disease had been progressing slowly through the years, but soon took hold of their savings and after a few years his life. This was a hardship she had never expected or given much thought. It had been many years since she had been on her own. She joined a support group and was amazed how many others had been in similar situation as she and received lots of comfort to iron out her problems.

Flying down south she had movers come in and take what possessions she wanted and put her home on the market. Many had offered to buy it should they ever want to sell and it was taken quickly. It was hard to see it go, but memories floated around it that made her angry not to be part of still. A few more people left her life and soon there were only a few family members left to be part of her world. Slowly the numbers dwindled and she moved up to be close to her daughter and her dreaded son-in-law. Age wasn’t always as gracious as it should be she felt and she often told stories of friends and family abandoning her for heaven. That bitterness grew and expanded building up remorse only she would understand.

A call came and she was told her son-in-law had been in an accident and was at a local hospital. A neighbor took she and her daughter up to wait for any improvements. She called family in and looked at the possibilities of what would become of this. A grandson sat next to her, talking about the moments they had shared and enjoyed through life. He even remembered fixing broken figurines with her for the shelves in his bedroom. She looked at him and saw a combination of his father and lots of similarities of her first husband he had so much adored. She gave him that look, the look to stop the world and moved to another chair. Soon they were called into the room to say their last good-byes and she didn’t want to show much emotion for the man who had been a big part of her life in recent years. She had often told her daughter she could have done better, but her daughter could not imagine anyone ever filling his place. At his wake she repeated herself a few times with, “If you had a wart on your nose, and had it taken off, you would still miss it.” Nobody said a word, feeling this was her way to grieve for this great person, and she never really had much good to say about anyone dead or alive. A grandson asked if she wanted to come and live at his home and was given that look, a look to never ask again.

In the next few years visits from family were sparse, a bit of hardship accompanied each time to see this bitter lady. She carried on the conversations until it began to wear thin and her company would leave. Her grandson tried to get her out of her home for errands, but this always ended with some sort of disparity of what he had said and how he had said it. As soon as he left she would call his mother and tell her what she didn’t like, often being reminded he was only trying to help her. That look would be carried along the telephone wires and it signaled to end this conversation. Her daughter often told her son to walk softly, but it didn’t help all the time. He enjoyed helping her and wished he could brighten her life and help make her happy. It was hard to understand the bitterness she harbored, but at this time he had only lost a few people in his life, where she described her situation as all. Her daughter passed away and her life became a shell of what it had been. She soon followed and shocked many how old she had been in comparison with others in her family. Her grandson had her cremains placed in a rose garden at a church she had once attended and donated her savings to caring for this beautiful area she had often enjoyed. It is hard to be that last member of a family and he understood her feelings better, now being the patriarch of this family. He sat one day and saw his daughter getting into a cookie jar when she wasn’t suppose to before dinner. He called her name and lowered his glasses and gave her that look, that look that could stop all happenings in life and she put the lid back on without any verbal exchange.
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Amazing when I looked back this tale started back on September 16, with a title , "Scene One." This was a series how I share family history with you of people I interview. I love to hear multigenerational tales, it builds a good story for me to portray. Maybe sometime we can get together and you can share your story, a song of love, carried on a gentle prairie breeze.

Life Goes On

2011-10-05T06:08:00.000-07:00

The colors are changing fast and it is so nice to just go and see all the changes around. I hated giving up

summer , but had forgotten how much I enjoy the colors of fall.

An end of a fish story

Leaves on water

As the grasses grow tall
Everything is changing around me
A never ending symphony
Out on the prairie.

After many years of working hard in their store, a time came to retire and take life a little easier. They started looking at homes and happened to be looking at one home when a contractor came out of one he built next door. He said he would be happy to show the one he had and took them through for a tour. At the end they asked the price, and he told them what he wanted. Her husband asked how much it would be if he wrote a check right there, and he gave a laugh and said a much lower price. Out came the checkbook and a rather disgruntled sigh from the builder, not expecting them to have all the money. This was how they had done many business deals and never liked being in debt. They were now owners of a new home with a large tract of woods right next to it. The builder would often tell the story and how he never would do that again.

The next step was putting their business up for sale. Many family members had often said they would like to buy the store. Both she and her husband decided that might not be the best idea, not wanting to sour relationships should it not fare as well for the new owners. They knew how many hours they had put into it, and didn’t feel everyone knew what it would take to continue making the charm work. A few lookers came and the same fellow who had bought their grocery took it away from them. It was a sad day to say goodbye to this longtime endeavor and they gathered what they wanted and said their good-byes to all whom worked around them. A large gathering was planned at a nearby park and many customers and friends all joined in wishing them well with their retirement. That first week following was real hard, she woke up ready to go to the store as she always had, and nothing was on her agenda to do other than housework.

An uncle called and told them of his fun traveling around the country pulling a trailer to stay in. This sounded fun to her, she always had wanted to travel and had a number of places that enticed her. Her husband agreed to this, although he was a bit to inpatient to really take his time and relax still. They went to a dealer and again wrote a check for a small trailer and set out in a few weeks. The places whizzed by, and it was hard to see everything they wanted. Many people they met traveled south and stayed in a milder climate for the winter. They looked over a few places and decided to visit a few more over the winter months. One place was Palm Springs, a new development in California. The developer they talked with couldn’t leave golf out of his speech and they looked at each other with a smile. Neither had ever been on a golf course and it didn’t seem like something to try. This was an oasis planned in a desert and they wondered if others would view it as a good item, or something that wasn’t going to grow. Twenty-five years later they saw they were wrong, and would have increased their investment if they had said yes to this move.

They soon replaced their smaller trailer and got a larger one to see the states they had never visited. A map on the side allowed them to fix a decal on it when they visited and they tried to fill in all the spaces. During the winter they stayed at a variety of places before finally settling down in Arizona. They missed the wonderful people that surrounded them at their house in the Midwest, but the experience was fun to be part of in their travels. Soon many of their friends were scattered all over anyway, doing the same thing as they did and they bought a permanent residence for the winter so not to have to pull a trailer when they traveled south.

to be continued..........

Message sent today, text always from this friend: OMG you made it another year.

Harvesting Love

2011-10-03T06:28:00.000-07:00

A few palaces found out on the prairie

In a tiny town of 114, St.Paul, stands a majestic church and school.

On the left is a statue of Mary holding Jesus that was done by Michelangelo.

The fire chief taking the the truck out for a spin.

As one can see I am well traveled

Some of us just aren't in to getting up early

When World War Two broke out the fort became a transition hub for many soldiers heading off to war. It was sad to see them leave after a short training. Many would never see this beautiful area ever again. Maps were often printed on a cotton fabric and these were discarded on a regular basis. She began gathering these and bleached them out so she could use the fabric. Old blankets were the middle and these became the backing for many quilts made for years after. The top portions were made with clothing donated from various members of her family and became colorful exhibits of pride. Through the years some quilts were returned with the passing of a family member and she often reassigned them to another younger member.

Sometimes when coming through the mess line a soldier would be reminded of food from home. She often told them they she had made it special for them. This became a good joke if they stayed long, since meals weren’t always the joy of their days. Waves were common when she passed them in town, but it was hard to always remember who they were. A smile broke out, a happy look became common place. It was her mother’s smile her father always said. She always hoped to see them again and a few even sent a few letters. It seemed like a hard time to find those simple things in life that makes one happy, so she appreciated sharing with her short-term friends. It was a healing emotion that made many feel that they were at home, just for a short time more.

A fellow who worked in the grocery often told her he looked forward to seeing that smile. He hammed up a silly face for her each time she came in to remind her to try. He told her it was a face he always did for his daughter, she needed the cheering to get her away from sad thoughts of losing her mother. Soon they met at a dance and the romance blossomed, even though he was a bit older. She hoped their children would get along, but that never happened. Both were opposites in actions and the age span made it hard for them to ever be sisters in a sense. His daughter went off to a private school and off to college, never to really spend much time at his home. His family had came from Germany and still spoke it around home. She always felt out of place never having adapted to learning any language other than English. After three years of dating they were married at a Justice of Peace ceremony at the courthouse. It was hard on their families, but neither wanted to change to the other’s religion. He was Catholic and she Lutheran, both going separate ways on Sunday, until he used her for his excuse to stay home.

A few years after the war was over they started a gift shop, which she managed. A friend had just started a greeting card business and wanted a good outlet, so this became a fixture in their store. Fresh flowers set all around and made that special touch to all the items they sold. Soon her husband sold his grocery and started working full time with her, hardly a day spent without some form of work. This was a good investment, but it took its toll on enjoying life and getting to travel as she so often wished to do. At age thirty-six her daughter had the first grandchild and this was hard for her to imagine being a grandparent. In fact, three children later, the youngest was finally given the approval of calling her grandmother. With many visits by grandchildren broken figurines in the store were shared , shown how to repair them with glue very carefully. Soon they bought the floral business next door and opened up their room even larger. Her customer base had all been built from both of their families and friends from all over the city. A large shipment arrived and a grandson sat in the corner waiting for a broken piece to arise. When he asked if anything was busted he was met with that look, that special look that stopped all thoughts and emotions.

to be continued.............

Living It Up

2011-10-01T04:47:00.000-07:00

New land tilled and seeded to start a new section of prairie

A meal being wrapped

A favorite butterfly, a Question Mark, a member of the Angelwing family

This is a giant anthill surrounding a tree over four foot tall

Her new husband’s family was fragmented all over the area she lived in and surrounding area in the state to the north. He was never sure where they all started from, and had an assortment of names to prove that. He was one of four boys, each having separate fathers. As soon as he was able to find a job he left his home and traveled for a bit. Soon he found employment with the railroad and met this charming girl to become his wife. When they were married he had a small house he was buying and the ladies touch was needed badly. There wasn’t hardly any furniture or even a pan to make bread in, so she had to build up her new house just as she wanted it. Her mother shared some household items, and he took her shopping once a month to a large city. She would stay while he was working at a hotel and have the freedom to buy just about whatever she needed. They never really shared much with his family, and always had holidays mostly with hers. One brother was reputed to have been a gangster and stayed at a federal prison many of her brothers would work at for their first jobs. Her husband teased her that he was her family, and she said all of hers were on the right side of those bars.

After being married close to a year she gave birth to a lovely little girl in the same room she and all her siblings had been born in. She had forgotten how hard it was to tend to a baby, and felt good to have had some experience with her family. She labored to get all of her housework done like she liked and keep up with a demanding child. Her husband was a conductor on the railroad and this took him out of the home a lot, so she was alone to manage their home. The baby came down with a terrible cold and soon they both were sharing the illness. She was fighting back a fever and trying to clean when she heard a knock at the door. It was a salesman selling something she probably didn’t really care about. When she opened the door he tipped his hat and said, “Hello little girl, is the lady of the house home?” She claimed the door almost busted off the hinges when she slammed it in his face. It had been the last straw and she went back to lie down. When her husband returned she was feeling a bit better, and he could imagine the glare she had given this salesman who had offended her.

Once her daughter started school, she had more time to do what she liked, but felt bored with just staying home. Her father came by and told her they were expanding at the fort and she should put an application in for one of the positions that had opened. This sounded good to her and she and her mother went up together to see what was open. Meals to be made took a lot of kitchen staff so they both applied to be cooks. They hired her mother first and soon called her in also. It was a good job that provided her extra money to buy some of the personal things she liked, but never would have gotten. A sister watched her daughter before school and she picked her up on her way home. She would share some of the stories soldiers told her when they walked home of traveling around the world. Sometimes a dessert she had made was shared for having a good day at school. She longed to travel to some of these exotic lands, but never found a time that she could. One day she looked for her daughter and the teacher told her the girl’s father had come to pick her up. When she got home he announced that the marriage was over and he was transferring to another area soon. This set her back flabbergasted, it wasn’t what she wanted to hear ever. Their marriage had been very shaky for a long time, but she always figured he would bend to her demands and it would heal. She took some time off, but was soon back working to keep her mind off of her problems.

to be continued........