I don't even know what to say....

I've talked before about meeting my Geologist friend on a New Year's Eve hike in the Kickapoo Valley Reserve. Little did I know how our friendship would develop into a relationship good for the both of us.

Let me be clear. This is a friendship.

This friendship has extended to my husband. Hmmm, let me clarify.

I got a text from Jason asking if I'd like a day this weekend to get out and go hiking. He'd come and stay with Rich and make sure he stayed safe for me to take as much time as I wanted to go hiking and photographing.

He volunteered.

He volunteered to drive two hours to come and spend the day with his fluff ball dogs and care for my husband while I took a DAY OFF. No limits on time. Just go and do what I love to do.

Jason showed up and immediately Rich and Charlie were ecstatic. Rich, because he enjoys Jason's company and gift of gab. Charlie, because he likes his hiking pals Piper and Felix...oh and let's not forget Jason, his other most favorite human who has dog treats.

Rich and Jason settled down with a cup of coffee and I started to chat with them. Rich said, "I thought you were going hiking?" Jason smirked and said, "Get going! We have this!" [or something to that effect]

I grabbed my backpack and hesitated. The guys shooed me out the door with a "Take as long as you like!"

I started down the Visitors Center Trail and then stopped, stunned. This was the first time in 10 years that I didn't have a time limit on my hikes. Always, always before, I tried to get out and back within at least 3 hours. Since my last exploration in the first week of January, I've not been able to go hiking at the Reserve.

I literally had to sit down on a rock when it hit me. Jason and Rich said, "Go do whatever you want and take your time."

Wait. I had a free day with no time restraints. If I wanted to wander about for hours AND take my time, I could. Is this what freedom feels like?

I was able to stop and ponder lichen on fallen oak branches. I could sit in the dirt and gaze at the Kickapoo River and listen to the sounds of the water and the birds. Since I was taking my time I searched the south facing bluff for signs of ephemeral plants.

The twin leaves of the Spring Beauties were emerging from the leaf debris. And then I spotted a patch of Wood Anemones. 

Normally, I would have taken a quick shot and moved on. But I didn't. I swapped out lenses to try out my Lensbaby Sol. 

...and why not? Why not take the time to explore something much different.

I did move on after enjoying some quiet time out of the cold wind. It was cold and cloudy with a breeze from the NW. But overcast days do make for good photo opportunities.

I could hear Canada Geese squawking and making noise in the west pond, so I headed through the muddy trails to get close to an area where I could hide on the pond bank behind some brush and photograph them.
To my delight I did find the Trumpeter Swans again this year!

I didn't have my 100-400mm lens as it is pretty heavy to go brush busting with, but here they are!

Ducks are so spooky! However eventually I will hopefully have the freedom at some point in my life to set myself up in a blind and sit for a long time to catch beautiful ducks.

I moved on and went off trail to follow the river. The winds kept me busy putting my hood up and taking it off. The sun would flash out for a moment and then disappear. I wasn't worried. I was happy even if I had to wear gloves.

I heard a Ring Neck Pheasant calling, I heard more Canada Geese, Ducks flew overhead to other ponds, and Song Sparrows sang. Blue Jays complained, and a Northern Flicker chatted from a scrub oak tree.

And after trekking through lowland fields I was amazed to find this bird alighting on a scrub oak!

Further beyond this mystical yellow bird was an area that I knew Sandhill Cranes like to hang out.

Photographing the Cranes was very tricky. They were beyond an area of thick brush next to the Kickapoo River. They were walking along quietly. I felt like I was spying on them. I did get one decent shot I think. They reminded me of secret lovers looking for a place to hold a tryst. 

The highlight of the day was laying on the multi use trail in the sunlight and seeing this fellow.

The black top was warm from the sunlight that emerged and I had the Reserve to myself. So Why Not?

I think I laid on the ground watching this guy for at least 10 minutes. Something I generally don't have the luxury of time for.

I'll stop right here as I've got to get out now and continue with cleaning up gravel and cleaning up the multiple flower gardens I have as well as many other household chores waiting for me. 

There are more photos, but I'll save them for another time.

When I got home, the 'boys' were laughing and having a great discussion.

Sometimes having someone else around to talk to is more interesting as old stories are new to the visiting friend. It worked out so well, we are going to try it again.

Something good

How about something wildly different! 

Here is an update on our classes at CrossFit. In the first photo the woman on the left is Bonnie. She started working out in 2015 ?? with a personal trainer [who later started our CrossFit gym]. Her concern since she is petite was to protect her bones from Osteoporosis. She is active in the church and the community. Bonnie is in her early 80's.

The middle gal travels as a Sheep Judge and photographer. She is in her 30's. I don't recall the woman on the rights name, but she is in the next generation. 

On Friday April 18th, it is bring a friend day to CrossFit. I've asked my grand daughter Ariel to join me and she said yes!

The photo below is a shot of our current Legends Class for our gym. As you can see, we are just ordinary folks over the age of 55+. Most of us much more than 55. Some of us are in our 7th decade but I'm not going to say who.

--I've got the baseball hat on---

We come from all walks of life. Most of us are 'retired' now. You wouldn't know it but some of us are battling some major health issues and we are each other's support.

We stick together like glue in the gym and laugh as we work out with a fantastic coach who tailors our workouts to our abilities and aching parts.

We move together, we moan together, we laugh together.

All of Mobility issues are addressed by our coach and we've seen improvement in everything we do. We don't have to kill ourselves trying to be Olympians, we can be ourselves.

Imagine coming into a workout where we have to run a quarter of a mile. The coach figures out what we can do. We walk fast for 100 meters, 200 meters, whatever it takes to do movement. Those who can 'run' [me] do. Those that can't walk. No one is looked down upon for their abilities and we only encourage each other with positive words and actions.

Some of us lift PVC pipes just to do the motion of lifting. Some of us use weights. Some who cannot walk well may choose to ride a stationery bike or row. No judgement. We encourage and support each other.

The coach leads us in this. She is an amazing person. Her name is Angie. What can I say about a wonderful lady who has encouraged me and made me feel loved and wanted in a gym situation for the past 4 years. If anyone is the epitome of positivity, it is her. 

I've had people ask me ... "but isn't it terribly expensive?" 

Actually no it isn't. It is less expensive for one month's fee than one visit to a Physical Therapist.  I know. I had two shoulder surgeries and one elbow surgery in 3 years. For nearly 3 years, I had to see PT in order to be able to move my shoulders and elbow again.

One does not have to 'be' in shape to join up with our gym. The coaches always work to your level, whatever that might be.

Whatever the world is doing out there at the moment. I have this positive outlet in my life and I am so grateful for it and the people I've made friends with.

Our motto:

I'll be there for you.

April Fool's Day and whatnot.

Oh boy. A great day to vote! 

One thing. I won't vote for a guy who is trying to buy votes and buy and election. Sure, he isn't really running for office, but he sure spent the money. Not only that, he showed up in our state wearing a freakin' cheese hat on stage and acted like an idiot. We don't need billionaires telling us how to vote.

That said, I'm going to move on to other things.

Monday was a day of digging, pulling and doing flower garden work. It is a great way to work out and get out any frustrations. I pulled Vinca Vines to thin them out and dug tons of them out so I can fill in that space with annuals.

Time for something a bit different this year. Different flowers here and there and everywhere. It looks rather barren right now. 

Happy Days! The little crocus flowers actually came up and the Daffodils are starting to poke up in the middle of the yard also, along with a few tulips.

Next to the 'shed' garden, the Virginia Bluebells are emerging from the leaves and debris.

Of course for the latter part of April Fool's day...

we had a snow/sleet/and ice storm. By evening we had a couple of inches of snow on the ground and then the rains and sleet/ice moved in. 

I woke up to no snow, but lots of rain and temperatures moving up.

I also woke up to the news that $$$ from the billionaire didn't sway the voters. He is really disliked for his attitude and lack of empathy.

Charlie and I had to make a visit to the Vet for his Distemper and Rabies shot along with his yearly check up.

With the look on his face you can tell that he is NOT happy to be in the exam room. This is Charlie's pity me look.

His Vet is named Dr. Grimm. She is not grim, she is kind and sweet and tries to make sure her patients get the best care.

Her office was so busy with people and other animals and we had a long wait which everyone apologized for. I didn't mind at all. Waiting for the good doctor was fine with me.

Charlie is feeling the effects of his vaccinations. He always is off for a few days after shots. 

I saw the news regarding the Tariffs and then read about how the incompetent team put tariffs on an island that is inhabited by penguins. Um. Geeze. Really? 

There is more to it, but I'm not an expert. 

Uh oh. Coffee. Bummer, I drink decaf but it looks like it may be a luxury I have to give up along with other things.

I recall my Grandmother making Chicory Coffee years ago. She would make a cup and offer me some when I was at her house. She made Chicory Coffee, she explained during the Depression and WWII when coffee was unavailable or too expensive. Another warm drink she made was Postum. 

Okay. Now I am rambling with nothing important to say....

Enjoy your day.

Lego Photography, Saran Wrap, and Cotton Balls

Yipee! I finally got around to these wonderful space 'cadets' from Aurora! Since the theme for the gifts were about spring, I had to use the gift packet of Zinnias along with another seed packet for a background.

Just behind Bugsy and Charlene are Lego flowers from the Botanical Collection.

Flowers
the universal language of
love....

When I saw these two I knew immediately that they would fall for each other. After all, it is my social statement for these times. We don't have to look alike to like each other!

The cold and rain has descended on us Sunday with icy conditions overnight and then 45 degrees and sunny on Monday.

While doing medications for hubby, I had to pull out some long cotton wads from a script bottle I opened.

I walked over to where Rich was having coffee and grabbed the Green Lego Dragon off the shelf and proclaimed that the Dragon Will Breath Fire!

I dropped the cotton wads next to the Dragon.

Rich shook his head and said, "Your cr..aa... your not right.. and ... they said I was crazy!" He patted my hand and gave me that look that said he was so sorry for me.

I went back to sorting and replied. "Just wait! I'll make him breath fireballs with that cotton!"

[No, I did not light the cotton on fire!]

 Rich gave me the roll of the eyes and then stated: "The guys with the white coats, um...they will get straight coats for you...and take you away." He chuckled. He is always amused by the way my mind works.

When I get into a 'creative' mood with an idea in mind, I can close off the world around me. He went to take a nap. The rain came down in sheets outside and I proceeded to get into the 'zone'. 

Creating a project requires that I have everything else in the area cleaned up and prepped. So I vacuumed, dusted, and cleaned the downstairs so I wouldn't have any further distractions.

My little table is in a spot that also has the oxygen concentrator so I have to step around that and deal with the oxygen tubing. However... it is how things are in our tiny house, so I deal with it.

Just so you know. I don't have a 'studio' for doing my photography. My creations are done at our table...

Dragon drinking water in the forest....amazing what a laptop can do...and what some saran wrap can create for an illusion!

result:

 

or done in the living room....

This is what the set up looked like. Cotton wadding from medicine bottles stuck with sticky tack to the dragon and castle.

 

I put a Ulanzi Light behind the drawbridge door and pointed it with a snout at the cotton wadding.

 

I turned off the overhead light and used another small Ulanzi light to light up the dragon's face.

 

Both photos were shot with a Lensbaby Sweet 50 with an f stop of 4.

 

 

The cotton 'fire' was enhanced slightly with dynamic contrast in DxO labs.

 

How many times did I do this before getting a successful shot?

 

About 20!

 

I learned about using cotton balls while pursuing Lego photos in both Flickr, Instagram, and FB Lego photos.

 

The end result:

And off I go to face another week.

A bit of Equine Stuff

Busy morning! This time hubby didn't wake me at 4 am! Whoo Hoo!

Our old pony is starting to show his advanced age. This past winter has been hard on him. He gets a stall inside at night as he is the only one who won't try and rip things apart. Throughout the winter he has had access to places where he can not only eat hay, but he could search for greens.

I checked our paperwork and we got him as a 4 yr old from our friends in Missouri. I always thought he was a 2 yr old when we got him. That would put his age at 32. This is the first year that I've seen him lose weight. 

He was a very happy camper all this week when I found patches of green for him to be tethered out on.

He is our weed whacker and trimmer for tough spots.

In all of his years of being tied out, he has never ever damaged a vehicle nor has he ever gotten tangled up. 

This is 15 years ago when I had him tied to the tractor.

He surely has had a good long life being a Guard/Yard Pony. His first job on our place was being a teaser for our mares. His retirement job is Guard Pony and Entertainment Pony.

Here he is ON Guard in 2009. I physically had to get out and move him out of the way.  

He is such a handsome fellow with such a fine temperament. He can prance and dance like a fancy high stepping pony. But considering that he has been handled every day since he arrived here, he is a breeze to lead around.

I love how he talks to me with his wee little whinny every morning and evening. He wants to make sure that I don't forget him.

And since I was going through older shots, I came upon a photo of our old 'string' of riding mules in 2005.

Left to right. Henry, Badger, Pipes, and Patchy. All from our Jack named Bruce. All half brothers.

Rich's main mount was Henry and mine was Badger.

Patchy now works in North Carolina as a pack mule doing training exercises with the military and was used to pack in supplies after last year's hurricane.

The others are no longer with us but always in our hearts. These guys were our 'cool' dudes.

Another quiet rainy, misty, cold yucky day in WI!

More Outdoor cleaning...

Above. The shot before I started my second day of clean up around the old outhouse. 

I cleaned out the little outhouse and pulled all the buried blocks that made a walkway to it. The poor thing does have a list to it now. The cost of fixing it would be too prohibitive at this point. I thought of painting up the door and fixing the lacey curtains for one last season.

Yes, the walkway is a mishmash of different sized pieces of broken concrete pavers I found behind the garage years ago. I figured to reuse those and all of the bricks I found tossed back in that area. Putting them back down is like working with a puzzle.

I dug out the plants that had been next to the outhouse. One of the peony bushes had been there since 1997. The root ball was monstrous! Pictured is a portion of the root ball. It weighed over 25 lbs. I have two more peonies on the other side of the outhouse that explode with blossoms each spring.

I do love those flowers so I may break this up and put them in other places.

I also removed a huge root ball of Blue Flag Iris. It was huge and apparently loved the spot it was in so much that it expanded. I put a small plant there in 2016. I may break up the roots and see if any neighbor is interested in it.

Below. Done. 

Charlie is watching a hole in the wood in the corner of the outhouse. Apparently there must be mice living in the walls. He stood guard there for a good part of the day while I was digging about.

It's funny how barren this spot looks right now and how it will change in the next month or so.

This fall I'll split up the daffodils I have on the east side of the house and move some to be near this garden. I do love seeing the daffies come up each spring with their yellow cheer.

Over in my Red Shed Shady garden, the Virginia Bluebells are starting to emerge! They are not too far off the mark for showing up. Usually the don't emerge until the first week of April.

I have so many other projects to get done, but I am happy to have finished up the work I've neglected for a few years.

I know it is too early to plant flowers, but I'm already planning my zinnia garden. Yippee!

Get'n it done and the Outhouse

Get 'er done.

I wondered why my  shoulders and elbow hurt so much this past week or so. Duh! Raking gravel out of the yard and putting it in piles to put it back on the driveway after the snowstorms are finished for the season might be a reason!

For understanding, I've had both shoulders and one elbow surgically 'worked' on years ago. So when I aggravate them they let me know. I tend to forget about those places until I do my spring clean up each year and they remind me.

I considered just not doing more, but common sense is never my best decisions in these circumstances.

Besides, I'd let the growth around the outhouse go wild last spring so it seemed to be a good idea to clean it up this spring.

The poor outhouse is beginning to list to the back where I think the concrete has started to sink into the ground. I suppose after being in this spot for over 40 years it has a right to begin to fail. It really isn't used as an outhouse any more. I clean it out each spring and usually put gardening tools inside it.

I think I'll give it one more year and then knock it down and clean it up next fall or spring. Once I fill the hole underneath it, I'll add flowers to the dirt.

In its glory days, the grandkids loved to use it. And it was rather pretty.

It was the center piece for flowers at one point in time. 

And it was handy as we had a hitching rail around it for saddling mules and heading out for rides. With poo on your boots, you could empty your bladder without running into the house and making a mess.

Now it is surrounded by Bee Balm, Peonies, Irises, and Hostas. It looks rather dull and awful right now, but everything looks listless and brownish in March. 

The area pictured below will be crowded with perennials later this spring. In fact I need to clean some out. Once I had large rocks circling the outhouse garden as a border, but I moved the rocks away. It is easier to mow close to the flowers than to constantly try and keep the rocks tidy.

24 years ago, it was a nice place to sit and watch the world with a cup of coffee. In 2007, when we had no electricity for 7 days and no flushing toilet, this was our saving grace.

I wish I could save it. But I don't think it is worth it.

I spent some time reminiscing about the outhouse as I cleaned gravel out of the yard and deposited the old garden debris in the pasture. It has served its purpose and given us so much joy and laughter over the years. The walls inside the outhouse are filled with poems and sayings that kids wrote while visiting.

The walls inside are made out of melamine board. The cup of markers in the outhouse  for writing on the wall are still there!

 [Yes, it needs cleaning! Those Asian Beetles love to enter here in the fall!]

Poor thing. Wish I could save it. One more year...

The outhouse has years of story telling funnies. The year we had guests from Missouri and they shut a kitten inside the outhouse by accident. We had 14 people here and many used the outhouse.

The kitten fell into the hole and scrambled out again covered in you know what. 

It absolutely made a nasty mess inside the outhouse. Use your imagination!

Grands playing hide n go seek would use it. 

The time the Jehovah's witnesses pulled up in the yard with my husband contemplating life while sitting there with the door open....

I hope to surround it with magnificent flowers this year. The front of it will have a mass of bee balm and I am hoping to get sunflowers on its left [west side]. 

Poor thing. It looks neglected and 

unloved.

After seeing the old photo of the Hollyhocks, I'm thinking of making a spot for them again. I did love the colors of the Hollyhocks.

Hollyhocks, Morning Glories, Zinnias, Sunflowers, Bachelor Buttons, Cosmos, ... hmmm, what else can I add? Maybe some Joe Pye Weed?

I quit after hours of also picking gravel up from the yard.  I may take a rest from raking today and do some digging.

Got some favorite flowers you like to grow?

 

Pow! Surprise ending to the day.

I had all sorts of good intentions of finishing up my new minifigures 'portraits' yesterday. But best laid plans ... and all of that.

Charlie and I went for our afternoon hike and checked on the ice in the creek. There still was some! I didn't take pics of it.

While we were in the dry bed part of the creek, I did some rock hunting. I didn't find anything special but I always look just in case. The rock below had moss and grasses on it this past summer. I just thought the patterns were interesting.

I found a lot of places where the moss was sending up shoots of sporophytes for this year. Of course I brought the wrong lens to work with that. But a challenge is a challenge no matter what!

...and then I found old sporophytes with their tell tale color of orange glowing in the sunlight on a log. One can sometimes get pretty decent macro shots even if they are not using a macro lens.

The rest of the afternoon was spent building and sorting while hubby was awake. I'm almost sorry this project is almost complete. I had to laugh on Monday when the Hospice nurse came by. Rich was deep into sorting Lego pieces and just waved at the nurse until he sat down. 

Then as I was getting into bed, I decided to peak a look at social media. A friend had posted a photo from his cell phone about the Aurora Borealis in the sky.

Well, off I went in my coveralls into the summer pasture to take a gander myself.

 The show was just bright enough to see pink with the naked eye, but the camera really picked up the colors along with the stars...oh and a stray airplane flying through the frame.

I did a star trail shot of 15 minutes for fun. I just love the stars swirling in the colorful sky!

It lasted only about an hour and by 10pm it was fading fast.

But I got two last shots in before my camera battery died.

Over the pasture...

and then over our shed.

It was worth losing some sleep over.  All my flubs and practicing night/star/Milky Way photos have finally paid off because I can remember how to set this up quickly and get the job done.