Big Spring 2011

We met some Classical Conversations friends for a boat ride and gravel bar exploration. They have riverfront property just a little ways upstream and happened to be down the same weekend.

Prairie Ring-Neck

Chubb Hollow Trail

The spring comes out on the left hand side of the picture and flows into the Current River. This trail follows the river and then goes up the bluff for wonderful views.

The cabins and lodge were built in the 1930's by the CCC and are on the National Historic Register.

Before and After 1

4 Years Later...

Before and After 2

4 years later...i still have the same shoes on.

Before and After 3

1 day later...his lion's mane is gone.

Before and After 4

Shorn

We Miss You Joumana!

Missouri Black Bear Project

I love this website. It talks about the ongoing bear study here in Missouri and allows you to track where all the bears go.

http://www.fwrc.msstate.edu/carnivore/mo_bear/

Balloon Glow 2011

I wouldn't go to the Balloon Glow if we had to drive. Justin and I don't appreciate slow-moving crowds and chaos. But we ride our bikes up and slip in and out with very little difficulty. Justin did have a glazed look in his eyes a couple times, but i held his hand and we got through it just fine. I kept whispering in his ear, "It's just like the grocery store..."

It really is pretty neat once you get down in between all the balloons and they fire up at the same time. The heat, noise and bright lights provide a sensory overload. It was sprinkling a bit, so it was nice and warm in the middle.

The next day continued in the sensory overload spirit. The Dogtown Street Musician Festival was going on, the Balloon Race took place, and the St. James Carnival ended the night. All fun fall things. I love our neighborhood.

Saying Goodbye To A Friend

A friend passed away on Friday. She leaves behind a family, including a 10 year-old girl we love dearly. We will miss you Jourmana...

Michigan

Thank you Mom for a lovely vacation . It was so much fun!!

Found In The Yard

It is neat to look at the dried up Autumn landscape and notice something that isn't usually there. On this surprisingly wet morning, this monarch chrysalis was hanging from an aster. They are beautifully decorated with golden polka-dots.

Watermelon