Jingle Rails

Jingle Rails is a Great Western Adventure in a G-scale model train wonderland containing nine working model trains that wind through a stunning miniature landscape.  The exhibit features miniature versions of local treasures of downtown Indianapolis, including the Eieteljorg Museum, Monument Circle, Union station and Lucas Oil Stadium.  The trains then head through the National Parks of the American West, passing legendary sites including grand railway lodges, Northwest Coast Native villages, and wonders both natural and human-made--Mt. Rushmore, Grand Canyon, Mesa Verde, Yosemite Falls, Old Faithful, and much more.

Every year for several years at Christmas time we would go to INDY to visit with Kid and Grand Kids and visit Jingle Rails.  Grandpa being a model railroad fan had the best time of all.

I have to admit I had a grand time as well, in awe of the talent of those who achieved this work of art.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

Cathy

Please join me for Mosaic Monday, image-in-ing, and Our World Tuesday.

Finding Fun In All the Right Places

After we had spent two days visiting Pompeys Pillar and traveling the Beartooth Pass into Yellowstone National Park we decided to have a different kind of fun.  We'd never been to Sheels Sporting Goods.  My brother assured us we'd have a lot of fun, but spending time in a sporting goods store was not my idea of a good time.  I had to eat my words. . .

There were so many exciting things to see.  Bronze sculptures and wood carvings as well as beautiful animal exhibits.

This is the closest I ever want to get to a bear. . .

These are some of the most beautiful exhibits I've see outside a museum.  This really was fun!  There can be a "great adventure" even in a sporting goods store.  If you have a Sheels near you visit it.  Take the kids and grand kids.  There are aquariums and a Ferris wheel to entertain them.  AND in Billlings they have a cafeteria and they sell FUDGE!

~~~^j^~~~

Adventures can come

In the most surprising ways

And it's simply fun

By a mountain lion
Have the wits scared out of you
To find out he's stuffed

But it's all in fun
When it's with loved ones you laugh
It WAS so much fun

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

Cathy

I'm joining  Little Things Thursday.  Drop by by and visit!

Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 

Finally, I am joining A Soulful Life for Soulfood Friday

Celebrating 2014

It's nearly the end of 2014 and there is so much for which I am thankful.  This last winter was very cold, colder than normal, but that didn't dim the glory of the glorious sky.  

Spring brought the fun and excitement of traveling to Montana to visit Mom and attend my nieces graduation from Montana State University.  Oh, what a grand time we had.  There was the glory of spring flowers and the Montana skies.  Mom turned 89 in May and though she suffers from dementia she is so very healthy!  And she can still beat me at dominoes!!!!  Thanks be to God!

Our annual visit to Colorado to get our Rocky Mountain High... and no I don't need marijuana to get one.  We visited friends and family.  The "boys" played with the train and took some very realistic photos.  We had a friendly buck come as spend several hours with us and made himself at home.  Our trip to Rocky Mountain National Park and Estes Park, as always, lifts the spirits.  And finally, our trip to Cheyenne, Wyoming to visit the railroad museum there was a high light for Ron as he was able to get pictures of a layout for his precious Argo Mill. 

Finally this year ends in celebration of life and family.  I retired the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and was surprised by Wes and Laura as they "crashed" the party at work and brought me to tears for their thoughtfulness.  I was also surprised by two special ladies, Christine and Jamie, with  whom I had the privilege to work.  Leaving Newburgh Family Physicians was hard.  I worked with an incredibly conscientious and compassionate doctor and a staff that has each and every patient at heart.  

Christmas brought the Keller Clan together.  I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to have all my children, their spouses and grandchildren all here!!!  Oh my what fun we had!!  We were able to have a family portrait taken for the first time in 10 years.  Time spent with family is always time well spent!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Please visit Judith at Lavender Cottage for Mosaic Monday and share in the beauty offered there.

Jingle Rail Christmas Collage

What fun we had yesterday at The Eitelljorg Museum in Indianapolis.  It is home to the holiday exhibit for Jingle Rails.

"The railroad changed the face of the West forever and Jingle Rails brings that story to life. The exhibit is a series of trestles, bridges, tunnels and trains that wind through detailed replicas of both the city of Indianapolis and Western landmarks. Eight trains wind through the elaborate landscape, including lighted passenger trains, trains with vintage posters and advertisements on their sides and freight trains."

Ron and Ainsley, Lindsey and Daniel had a grand time.  Well, so did I...The exhibit is made entirely of natural woods except, of course, for the rails and trains. There was the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite, Mt. Rushmore, and Aspen ski resort.  There was even the cliff dwellings at Mesa Verde.  And who could leave out the city of Indianapolis and the State Fair Grounds.  All in all it was quite an experience.

  

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After lunch at Sanatorini's, a Greek restaurant in Indianapolis, we bid the kids and grandkids adieu and returned home last evening.  It was, indeed a wonderful holiday experience.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

Cathy

Please visit Judith at Lavender Cottage for Mosaic Monday and share in the beauty offered there.

2013 in Review

From the rising of the sun to its setting the year, 2013, was extraordinary!  There were two, count them, TWO family reunions that brought us to our beloved Colorado twice.  Ron and I celebrated 45 years of marriage and thanked God heartily for all his generosity!   The joy we have shared with family and friends this last year has be such a blessing!!!

The year comes and goes

There's cloudy days and rainbows

But God's always there!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Cathy

Today I join Meri for Share the Joy Thursday.   For I believe we need to find it in my life every day no matter the realities in which we live.  God is Good in so many ways even in times of trial.

Please visit Rebecca at recuerda mi corazon for Haiku My Heart. There is always more beautiful words  there to enchant and encourage!!! 

And you are welcome to stop by Provident God to visit the wisdom of the Saints.

Off On A Short Adventure!

I have found out that there ain't no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them. ~~Mark Twain

Will be flying to Carson City very early tomorrow.  So looking forward to the visit with Tom and Kathleen.  I'm going to miss Tea Talk and Share the Joy Thursday but hope to have some pictures to share when I return!!!   Hoping to be be back in time for Sunlit Sunday!  Wishing all a grand rest of the week and know I'll be back soon!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Cathy

Tea Talk with Joy

Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the

 comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company.

~~Author Unknown~~

I'm having...Good Earth Decaffeinated tea

My teacup...is a Hallmark Norman Rockwell mug!  I've had it for a number of years, an old friend.


I'm feeling... excited!!  The kids arrive today  Wonderful few days

On my mind...making sure I have all the ingredients for the clam chowder.  Will start making it soon!

Please join Ruth at Tea Talk today.

~~~~~~~

Today I also join Meri for Share the Joy Thursday.   For I believe we need to find it in my life every day no matter the realities in which we live.  God is Good in so many ways even in times of trial.

This day has the potential of being just as grand as the sunrise.

 I must be open to it!

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

~~Haiku My Heart~~

Off to St. Charles

City on the Mississipp...

Yearly adventure

There are treats galore

Family, laughter, and feasts

Yes, in Old St. Charles

~~~~~~~

Wishing all a grand weekend wherever you may be!

Thanks be to God!!

Cathy

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

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

Travel Journal 7

 

Coors Field, Colorado Rockies, a photo by brandon.vincent on Flickr.

“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

~~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!!!

~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 Colorado Vacation!

One of the reasons Family Reunions are so much fun is because of the sights one sees along the way.  In 2005 the Stubbs Reunion was in Longmont, Colorado.  Along the way though we went through Colorado Springs, Ron's hometown.  There was the visit to see old family friends and walking the grounds of the Broadmoor Hotel.  Couldn't miss taking the kids to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo or the giraffes!  But the Kellers can never leave Colorado Springs without first having the famous REDTOP hamburger!!!  It's a family staple.  Oh, what fun we had!!!

Having offered this bit of sunshine on an otherwise dreary day here, I'd like to offer you the opportunity to share with us one of  your adventures.  We can never have too many of them!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

Now please share your adventure, link it here so all can enjoy it with you!

Once Upon a Time Recipes

 
Well, tomorrow is my birthday. An so I thought I'd share with you, my favorite pie recipe.  I love Lemon Meringue Pie!  I first learned to bake it when I was in 6th grade.  I was a challenge and one of those things I accomplished for which I am proud.  I remember how pleased Mom was with it.  And I especially remember how much Daddy liked it.  So without further adieu...



Lemon Meringue Pie


1 1/2 cups sugar
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Dash salt
1 1/2 cups hot water
       * * *

3 slightly beaten egg yolks
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1/2 cup lemon juice
1 9-inch baked pastry shell cooled
       * * *
Meringue (recipe to follow)

In sauce pan, mix 1 1/2 cups sugar, cornstarch, flour and salt.  Gradually add hot water, stirring constantly.  Cook and stir over high heat till mixture comes to boiling.  Reduce heat; cook and stir 2 minutes.  Remove from heat.

Stir small amount hot mixture into egg yolks, then return to hot mixture.  Bring to boiling and cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly.  Add butter and lemon peel.  Slowly add lemon juice, mixing well.  Pour into pastry shell.  Spread meringue over filling; seal to edge.  Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes.  Cool before serving.

Meringue

3 egg whites
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
6 tablespoons sugar

Beat egg whites with vanilla and cream of tartar till soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beating until stiff and glossy peaks from and all sugar is dissolved.  Spread meringue over hot filling.  Continue as above.

Note:  I use ready made pie crust in follow directions for baking on the package.

Maybe the reason I love this tasty pie so much is because it was my 1st attempt at baking and it was such a resounding success.

Humorous story about me and lemon meringue pie.  We had traveled from Indiana to Colorado  to visit family on our summer vacation.  It's a good two day trip and the kids were always such troopers, especially through the heat of Kansas.  When we got to Dad and Mom's house we were all pretty hot and tired.  Mom and Dad greeted us and we all unpacked the car and began to settle in.  I went to the kitchen to help with dinner and noticed two lemon meringue pies on the stove cooling.

"Wow," I said, "two pies."

Mom smiled and said, "Yes, one for us and the other for you!"

Thanks Mom!!!!  And...

~~~*~~~*~~***~~*~~~*~~~ 

Thanks be to God!!!

Recipe from Better Homes and Gardens Cookbook, 1973 Edition


Please share one of your baking success stories.

~~Mosaic/Macro Monday~~Month of Thanksgiving~~

One should be thankful all the time.  This weekend was one of those times when the delight of life was so wonderful that you have to sit back and reflect on the magnificent graces that have touched you life.

We began with Mass as a family.  And there was the play, The Lady in White last night and the pride in the work of our oldest granddaughter did as student director.  The fun we had coloring in color books with Neil, Ainsley, and Lindsey.  Watching A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and playing Christmas Carols on the lap harp.   Not the season yet?  What better time to start.

Finally....

~~~~~~~

Frost on the leaves and blossoms

this morning.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

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.

If you would be kind enough to stop by Tamara's to offer your reason for thanks at Branch of Wisdom. She is hosting A Month of Thanksgiving I'm sure you will find some delightful and wonderful words of wisdom, praise and gratitude.

~~Adventure Tour Epress~~

LABOR DAY, 2010
PART I

The adventure started the day before as we began our trek from Indiana to Georgia.   Atlanta has a

lovely skyline.  As it happens Uncle Jimmy had plans for Grandpa, Dad and the four boys.  You see the Dragon Con Parade was on Saturday

And it was a glorious day in Olympic Park.  What a beautiful sky and lovely feathery clouds

There was lots of things of the boys to do while waiting for the parade to begin.  They were able to make stands for their footballs.  All of this sponsored by Home Depot.

What a thrill it was for all the "Boys" to see Bat Man and his Bat Mobile...

And look at all those famous super heroes!

Finally, there was the thrill of having your picture taken with a real race car...Well, maybe not so much these boys, as they live in Charlotte, NC and they get to see these kinds of cars all the time.  But it was fun for Grandpa.

And what were Maddie, Mom, Aunt Kelly, and Mom doing?  We were at the outlet mall just having a wonderful time!!  And as for Maddie...She's a trooper!!!  Yep!  Shopping is in the blood!  And Part II will be shared next week!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

Now it's your turn. Please join in the fun and post an adventure we can all share and then link it here for all to see.