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.