Thursday, May 22, 2014

Maiden Kayak Voyage



It was the first really warm day, and it was glorious.
We might have even hit 80 degrees!
We decided to take the kayaks to 
Buffalo Lake that evening.


The Dad


King's House is on this point.


Jill brought her Kayak and came along too.


Close up of King's House.






Dad and I being goofy.



Happy Dad.


The steps by the library.
I thought they looked really neat from the water. 
Also, notice that there is not much beach!


Heading in.
We were sad to quit.
 It felt like heaven gliding along like loons.



But then we got to watch this.



I think we might just live in paradise.



Come home and play with me!

The waves are whispering.
Leaf buds nod to the breeze and
Chilly air gives way to the
Warming, glowing sun.

Pelicans play above, The black of their wings
Making patterns in the sky and
Songbirds exclaim
Their joy to the air.

Yes, the waves are whispering.
Spring has come.
Perhaps, this time, to stay.
                                   -Kimberly Haggen

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

A Hot Date. A Long Hot Date




This is a picture story for your viewing pleasure.


Dad and I went on a date to The Ney Nature Center.
(And by date I mean walk.)





We saw lots of awesome spring flowers. I didn't even take pictures of them all. There were too many. These three different white ones were all in one clump
Spring is so lovely!







We also saw an eagle hanging out by its' nest. So majestic and beautiful! I almost didn't get him in the picture frame because it was so windy high up in the tree.






Here's the nest. I zoomed
 a ton to get this.



Some funky looking plant. We were just loving the green.

It is super flooded at the nature center this year.



The water was so high! We couldn't even 
make it out to the walkway in the pond.
We would have needed some good puddle jumpers.


Believe it or not, this is looking down the path.







The view from the bridge.


The Dad


The Dad and The Mom taking a selfie.



I thought this rock looked much like I imagine Ollock to look, from Fablehaven. Only smaller. Can you see it? 
Also, I probably spelled that wrong. Sorry.




We followed a different path than normal. It said easiest, and that seemed smart with my hurt back.
So we kept walking.


Deer tracks!
There were tons!
We went along the river and walked through woodsy meadows.
And we kept walking for a long time.
And then we came out of the woods to this.
Surprise!



And then we saw these.
They were very friendly. I think? 
(They were in electric fence.)
They came ambling over to greet us
 and even posed for photos.
Aren't they gorgeous?


I think that lighter brown, spotted one above has a sassy attitude.
It would probably get along with a llama.
Fabulous!




   
   

I think this guy is my favorite.
Look at those horns!

  After meeting and greeting, we went on with our walk. 

And came out to this.


  
We had been misled. 
Definitely not the easiest path.. 
Widest, maybe?
It was looooong. And this is the road.
Far from the nature center.
And we felt like 
this.  

And all we could do was keep walking.



At least the scenery was pretty.





We met this guy.




And his wife.

I don't think they were too pleased to meet us.
He squawked at us and she ducked and hurried away.
So we kept walking.
(Our feet were tired.)



And suddenly (after what seemed like hours) we were 
back at the eagle's nest.




He was not happy to see us either and scolded us loudly.
And finally we were back at the nature center. Hurrah!!!


And the moral of this story is: 
Get out in nature. 
Move your bodies. 
Spend time with people you love.
 Feel peace.
And always check the map for your path


The End

When despair for the world grows in me and I wake in the night at the least sound in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be, I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds. I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief. I come into the presence of still water. And I feel above me the day-blind stars waiting with their light. For a time I rest in the grace of the world, and am free.” ~Wendell Berry


Love you




Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Beautiful Spring Morning!


Oh, also, my Nasturtiums are growing awesomely. :)