What a great visit!

 

Night out on the rock.
Dennis and I went up on Black Hawk rock to watch the sun set. While we were up there, we noticed storms moving in from the west and north.

July 4th morning was hot and humid but our CrossFit gang met up at the track to do the Loredo WOD in honor of Edwardo Loredo.

6 rounds of

24 air squats
24 push ups
24 walking lunges

400meters run

for time....

This is Dennis and I before we started. Our gym folks are always so open and welcoming. One of the coaches had her youngsters with her. 

This is two of the girls doing the running part on the track. I'm running with one of the girls who is doing the workout in her new cowboy boots.

I had told Dennis before we started, that this was a tough cardio work out and it was warm and humid. There was no shame in walking the 400 meters. Many did, just to keep from getting overheated.

Hard to do when a 6 year old passes you by wearing cowboy boots!

We gathered for a group photo afterwards.

Dennis said he loved it even though he wasn't able to finish it. He went out too hard and fast and used up all he had on the first few rounds. 

Our coach who owns the gym sat with Dennis and they talked about body building and cardio benefits. Josh is an amazing fellow. Dennis felt a bit defeated by not finishing. He and Josh had a heart to heart and Dennis felt nothing but positive vibes with this experience. 

Later in the day, Dennis learned how to drive the 4 wheeler and volunteered to do chores.

He discovered that Charlie wouldn't let him go anywhere without his supervision!

He spent a lot of time with Grandpa Rich even though hubby wasn't feeling well. He even convinced him to put on his Mule Kicker hat and have a 'set' on the porch for some photos.

And of course, there was time to stretch out in the cool air inside...

...with a bit of giggling.
However, Charlie was very serious about taking a nap!

Dennis took me to Viroqua to see the 4th of July Fireworks. He knew of the best place to park and put out lawn chairs from all the years that he'd gone as a kid with his Great Grandmother and folks.

We sat down and enjoyed ice cream sundaes. 

And watched the show...

Before leaving to go back home, Dennis and Charlie had to have some quiet time together.

I'm going to miss my Chauffer and chore master!

Dennis didn't seem too anxious to leave and vowed that he'd come back for more adventures.

It was his first solo trip to Grandpa and Grandma's house and he loved it.

He is a very considerate young man with a lot of empathy for others. He said he really hoped his visit lifted his Grandpa's spirits even if he wasn't feeling the greatest.

And yes, it did!

[As it did mine!]

Make your own...

 ...Fun....

on the 4th.

The Teddy Bear Gang wanted to celebrate and cool off. They look very happy.

Saturday night was tough for Charlie. A far off farm set off a huge firework show and the booms were enough to awaken Rich. He figured out what it was  --- and where it was --- while Charlie quivered underfoot. I made a pile of my clothes and a special blanket next to my side of the bed and Charlie got burrowed in. Safe from the noises.

My mules and horse don't get excited about the noises as they are used to things like gunfire at hunting season and fireworks in the distance. The practice runs from the C 130's that fly at tree level rarely bother them any more. 

Storm fronts set them off running. 

Okay. That aside.

Just my luck to spot this guy in the meadow across the fence while Charlie and I returned from checking the mailbox for Saturday's mail. We must have a substitute mail person. I had everyone else's mail. 

I kicked myself for not having the super duper zoom lens. Oh well, more opportunities will arise as always.

This is how Charlie spent his afternoon. I spent some time with him. I find the slight breeze under the trees and the song of birds so much nicer than the sound of fans and A/C.

Charlie loves the hammock. Odd little dog!

Our morning walk have gave us quite the view of Smokey sunrise skies perhaps from the Canadian fires?

This with no filter...it was that dusky as the sun peeked over the trees.

Haze is the word of the day. Hazy and hot:

All critters were moved to areas with plenty of water and plenty of shade to enjoy. 

Sunday's sunrise was much prettier and it was a good morning for a walk in the forest. I got plenty of black berries picked.

It was a fine day for seeking interesting insects too. More later on that. I was really hoping to find some fantastic fungi shots to share...

The advice from my Garden Dragon today is to simply meditate and chill out.

I think I will listen to him.

For whatever reason I feel exhausted.