Sunday, July 31, 2011

~~Mosaic Monday~Macro Monday~~


Can anyone deny the beauty of the eyes of this doe?  These are the eyes of the mother of twin fawns.  On a day when she was taking time to rest, she looked up into the lens of the camera and did not blink.  She simply allowed the picture to be snapped and went on resting.


Here is mom with the twin fawns.  I wish I had gotten a picture of them scampering about the yard here, bouncing as they went.  They are most sure-surefooted.  What a privilege it was to be allowed to enter into their world for just a few minutes.  Even to witnessing fawn nursing.  Oh my, the glory of God's creation!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Cathy
Now please visit Mary at The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.   Lisa at  Macro Monday  also has much to offer.  The pictures are grand.

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Amazing...



I have 1200 pictures to upload from our trip to the Rockies.  So it will be next week before Adventure Tour Express returns.

Wishing all a grand day!!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!
Cathy

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Back Home Again in Indiana


Returned home today from the most wonderful vacation.  i will cherish the moments of this vacation just as I have all the others when family and friends have shared their time and love with us!  May God Bless then all most abundantly!!!









The Beautiful Colorado Columbine


~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Cathy


Glad to be home so I can share some photos with you. I will have the opportunity to share for many weeks!!!

Now please visit Mary at The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.   Lisa at  Macro Monday  also has much to offer.  The pictures are grand.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Travel Journey 9

(Picture memories of Past Adventures}

“A man practices the art of adventure when he breaks the chain of routine and renews his life through reading new books, traveling to new places, making new friends, taking up new hobbies and adopting new viewpoints” ~Wilfred Peterson

Tomorrow we begin the journey home.  We will turn our backs on the glorious Rocky Mountains and travel east.  I have had a wonderful adventure.  I will return home refreshed and renewed!  I'll be ready to return the life I am meant to live happy to have had this time with family in the home of my youth!  

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!
Cathy

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Travel Journal 8



“A man practices the art of adventure when he breaks the chain of routine and renews his life through reading new books, traveling to new places, making new friends, taking up new hobbies and adopting new viewpoints” ~Wilfred Peterson

Yesterday was such a glorious in these beautiful rockies!!!   We had lunch with nieces and grand nephews and grand niece.  We met them in Estes Park.  Oh my what fun!  We ate and shopped, laughed and chatted. Oh, did I mention, they all drove 4 hours from Scottsbluff, NE for the visit?  It was such a privilege for us and What treasures they truly are!

Then last evening as we were sitting on the patio Mama Deer and Wee Fawn arrived for a visit.  I only wish I could share the pictures now but that will have to come at another time.  Mama is so beautiful and Fawn so precious.  They even allowed us to witness the nursing.  OH MY!

OH and lest I forget!  We had an adventure with a rattle snake...short lived for him as brave "Uncle N" valiantly rescued us!

Today we are off to Rocky Mountain National Park.  One of God's true works of art!  

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!!!
Cathy

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Travel Journal 7

“A man practices the art of adventure when he breaks the chain of routine and renews his life through reading new books, traveling to new places, making new friends, taking up new hobbies and adopting new viewpoints” ~Wilfred Peterson

Had a wonderful 43rd Anniversary. Had dinner at Maggiano's in Denver and then went to a Rockies baseball game. Woohoo! They won 12-3 beating the Braves!!!  Was a great day all round!

Nieces visiting today with shopping in Estes Park!  Oh the fun!!!!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!!
Cathy

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Travel Journal 6


“A man practices the art of adventure when he breaks the chain of routine and renews his life through reading new books, traveling to new places, making new friends, taking up new hobbies and adopting new viewpoints” ~Wilfred Peterson


Wishing all a Rocky Mountain High Day!  Today is our 43rd Wedding Anniversary.  It been a Great Adventure!!  Thank you to all along the way for making it so wonderful!!!

A Colorado Rockies game tonight and a day spent with family!!  What could be better!!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Cathy

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Travel Journal 5


“A man practices the art of adventure when he breaks the chain of routine and renews his life through reading new books, traveling to new places, making new friends, taking up new hobbies and adopting new viewpoints” ~Wilfred Peterson

~~~~~ 
What a glorious day in Billings.  The  air is crisp, the sky is a beautiful azure blue and the birds are singing.  Those who live here say it's awfully warm.  I smile inwardly and thank Go for the low humidity and the breeze.

No doubt in Newburgh right now the dew is still on the grass.  Not because it is cool and early in the morning but because the humidity is so high it can't evaporate.  The air will be heavy and there will be no breeze. 

We went for  a  brisk, three mile walk this morning.  Oh my how invigorating.  Next will be lunch with Mom, afternoon at the craft fair and a visit with Megan at her place of employment, a quilt shop!  Tis going to be a grand day.  I think I will take a few minutes to read on the deck.

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!
Cathy




Friday, July 15, 2011

Travel Journal 4


“A man practices the art of adventure when he breaks the chain of routine and renews his life through reading new books, traveling to new places, making new friends, taking up new hobbies and adopting new viewpoints” ~Wilfred Peterson 
For many years we have taken the same route to visit my mom in Montana.  It requires that we take Interstate 80 through  South Dakota.  This is a state just like every state in the magnificent Union that has a vista all it's own.  I learned a long time ago that when I visit somewhere that the phrase "...is just like that," cannot and should not ever be used.  For whatever reason God has made and given each one of these areas a grandeur all its own. 

So, we're traveling I-80 in South Dakota and we start seeing all the signs again advertising Wall Drug Store.  In the past we have just driven on, and I was kept wondering why it is so well advertised.  I just said to Ron that since it was lunchtime and we needed to stretch our legs maybe would could stop there and see what it is all about. 

So it was that we exited I-80, hoping Miss Garmin would not have a nervous breakdown recalculating, went to see what all the fuss was about the Wall Drug Store.  The town of Wall is not big...indeed it is very small, perhaps 3 square blocks.  The Drug store is very large with and huge restaurant and lots of souvenir shops and museum attractions.  The food was very good and the shops were very much like those  you find in any tourist area. 

It wasn't until we were on the road again that I was really touched by this experience.  You see it is a lesson in Providence.  I read the story of the Drug Store as written in the Guideposts Magazine, in 1962.  Ted and Dorothy Hustead purchased the drug store in Wall in 1931.  They had inherited some money and they wanted to purchase their own drug store.  They wanted to live in a small town and the town had to have a Catholic church.  Where they lived at the time the church was twenty miles away.  When they went to Wall they spoke to the priest, the doctor and the banked who all told them it was a great place to live. 

When family members were told of the decision, most of the family was skeptical.  Ted's father-in-law said , "You know, Wall is about as Godforsaken as you can get."  Intercessory prayer offered by family was offered about the decision to purchase the drug sore in Wall.  So it being considered God's will that they purchase the drug store the deed was done and they would give it five years.  It was a very slow five years until 1936 when Dorothy had an idea that would change their lives. 

It was her idea to offer free ice water to travelers crossing the hot prairie. So they made signs and posted them on the road. Before they knew it people were stopping for water and other supplies. Ted Hustead said:
"Free Ice Water.  It brought us Husteads a long way and it taught me a great lesson, and that that there's absolutely no place on God's earth that's Godforsaken.  No matter where you live, you can succeed, because wherever you are, you can reach out to other people with something they need.."
~~~^j^~~~ 
There's  nowhere on earth that's Godforsaken! 
Thanks be to God!!!
Cathy

Travel Journal Continued



Two nights we were able to stay with family in St. Charles, MO. There was torrential rains coming from IN through IL to MO. The temperature dropped 20 degrees, from 97 degrees to 75 degrees, in about 2 hours. The visibility was terrible and people were speeding past us like they didn't have good sense. As a matter of fact there was a horrible vehicular accident as we got to Belleville, IL. Traffic was backed up for miles.
Yesterday we made it to Sioux Falls, SD. We stopped in Hannibal, MO this morning. If you have read Tom Sawyer or Huckleberry Finn You've been there Through the eyes of Mark Twain. We walked down to the river front and walked along the Mississippi River. At 8:00 in the morning it was very quiet and we could leisurely walk the streets and enjoy the sights.

Then we were off again with our journey's end today in today here in Sioux Falls, SD. We drove through Iowa and saw all the glorious corn fields. Iowa also has miles of Wind generators. It's really quite a sight.

We entered Minnesota and found that all the rest areas were closed because the government there is shut down. This caused me to reflect on the individuality each state in the union and how they manage their business. We do live in a most unique nation. Can't think of any place else I'd rather be!!!

Last night we arrived  here in Billings, MT.  The trip across South Dakota and Wyoming into Montana is really beautiful.  It is "Wild West!"  I was reminded of that when I tried to  make a phone call with my cell and there was no reception. 

Got to visit with Mom  for a short while and then off for nigth of restful slumber at my brother's house.  Next installment of the Travel Journal I'd like to tell you about the Wall Drug Store.  See you then!
~~~ ^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Travel Journal Day 2


“A man practices the art of adventure when he breaks the chain of routine and renews his life through reading new books, traveling to new places, making new friends, taking up new hobbies and adopting new viewpoints” ~Wilfred Peterson 

Left this evening after work on the first leg of the journey to Mom's in Montana.  We'll be stopping in St. Louis and stay the night at Rhonda and John's house.  Family is such a treasure.  Because there ave been some highway closing along the route this year because of all the rain an flooding along the Missouri River we called to see if  they knew of any routes to take that would have less delays.  John told us of a route  he had taken recently and then invited us to leave early, spend the night there and in so doing we will arrive at Mom's a day earlier than we had anticipated.  

And to add to the days treasures I found this quote by Saint Brigid of Ireland...


"I would like the angels of heaven to be among us.  I would like an abundance of peace.  I would like full vessels of charity.  I would like rich treasures of mercy.  I would like cheerfulness to preside over all.  I would like Jesus to be present."


And so I wish all these things on this journey!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God





Monday, July 11, 2011

Travel Journel Day 1


“A man practices the art of adventure when he breaks the chain of routine and renews his life through reading new books, traveling to new places, making new friends, taking up new hobbies and adopting new viewpoints” ~Wilfred Peterson


I'm going to try something new.  I'm going to try to keep a journal of the trip this time.  All I will have available to me is a small notebook computer that does not seem to be compatible with the new blogger format.  So my pictures will be coming later.  You'll only get my travels documented in words instead of pictures.  It's been a long time since I have written a journal so lets just see how well I do painting pictures with words instead of letting the photos I take do all the talking.  Should be interesting.  Don't you agree?  I mean, I'm really out of practice so bear with me as we journey together.


~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!


Sunday, July 10, 2011

~~Mosaic Monday~Macro Monday~~

~~~~~~~


Have waited for most of the summer for the first water lily blossom...It was well worth it.

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Now please visit Mary at The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.   Lisa at  Macro Monday  also has much to offer.  The pictures are grand.

Friday, July 08, 2011

Haiku My Heart



On the road again
Montana, Colorado
Happy on the road

Antelope and deer
Bid Sky, Rocky Mountain High
Happy on the road
~~~^j^~~~
Begin trip to visit family on Wednesday.  The annual pilgrimage to the mountains brings joy and rejuvenation!  It is much anticipated and thoroughly enjoyed!

Thanks be to God!


Visit also Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart.

Wednesday, July 06, 2011

~~Adventure Tour Express~~




A man practices the art of adventure when he breaks the chain of routine and renews his life through reading new books, traveling to new places, making new friends, taking up new hobbies and adopting new viewpoints” ~Wilfred Peterson
~~~~~~~
A League of Their Own



Bosse Field, is a baseball stadium located in Evansville, Indiana. Built in 1915, it is the third oldest ballpark used for professional baseball on a regular basis in the country, surpassed only by Fenway Park (1912) in Boston and Wrigley Field (1914) in Chicago.  (Wikipedia)




It's a grand adventure when you can travel to the local ball park and watch a baseball game with family.  It's grander yet when we all could sit in the same stand and watch this game where it was played nearly 100 years ago.  I have only a few memories of the this park and all are fond.

It's most recent claim to fame was the field used in the movie, A League of Their Own.  Bosse  Field is a hometown treasure.

My first was when we took the kid to an Evansville Triplets ball game in 1983.  At that time they were the farm club for the Detroit Tigers.  They became the Otters in 1995 and in 1997 our son, Wes, was the trainer for the team two years.

Last night though it was just a "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" night.  Great fun including catching that elusive ball in the stand!!!  Way to go, Dave!!!  Caught bare-handed!  Singing, clapping, cheering, and just plain having a ball!  Last night was a treasured memory.


 Ben holding the ball Dad caught!

~~~^j^~~~
Thank be to God!

Please join now and offer one of your adventures and allow us to travel with you on your tour!

All Aboard!!!

Monday, July 04, 2011

Mosaic Monday/Macro Monday



Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul.   ~Luther Burbank~
~~~~~~~

Isn't she beautiful? And what gorgeous eyes!
~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God! 
Now please visit Mary at The Little Red House and share in the beauty offered there.   Lisa at  Macro Monday  also has much to offer.  The pictures are grand.

Remember the Adventure Tour Express will be running again this Wednesday, 7/6/2011  I will be happy to be the tour guide for all who wish to share their adventures.  The train is running each Wednesday during the summer.  Any and all adventures are welcome, from the weekend jaunt,  a day at the park, to the wonderful vacation adventure!  Please come and join the fun! 
Welcome Aboard!!!

Friday, July 01, 2011

~~Haiku My Heart~~


Happy 4th of July


Company's coming
Salads and burgers ready
The weekend is near

The Lawn is mowed
Preparing for the family
Begin the PARTY

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Visit also Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart.





Please remember to mark your calendar for this week's  Adventure Tour Express.  It this Wednesday July 6, 2011.

Welcome Aboard!!!!