Today's Trail Pics

Today I took off on my bike forgetting a sweater and mosquito protection. A sweater, you say? In July? Yes, Ma'am. We have had 3 days in a row with morning temps in the 50's. Colleen was taking a day off so I thought I would ride and  take photos. But then I forgot my mosquito protection and the light was not right. Sometimes a plan does not come together. Some pictures were taken and a few mosquitoes obtained breakfast. Just one of those days.

 The smashed thistle head in the picture below reminds me of an Indian Headdress.

 Personally I think thistles in bloom are beautiful. I am aware not everyone agrees with me.

 The wildflowers along the trail are coming into their own. Beauties every one.

 The tall spiky plant on the right in the picture below is Mullein. If you want to know more about it, you can find out here:
 http://www.motherearthliving.com/plant-profile/herb-to-know-mullein-verbascum-thapsus.aspx

Photos of late

Cone flowers-At the trail head

This is Purple Prairie Clover.

 Mickey and I rode almost to Winkleman Switch this afternoon. That would be at least a 7 mile roundtrip ride. It felt good flying down that trail.

Butch's hearing test

On Monday, Butch went to Carroll for a hearing test. We found out some surprising things. The molded type that fit inside the ear will not work for his particular type of hearing loss. His lower tone hearing is normal. If he wore the molded type it would cut off all his hearing and drive him nuts. His right ear is better than his left. So he will be getting a demo soon to see if he likes it. That was also a surprise. It is nice when you can have the opportunity to test drive  before committing to it completely. I am sure he will like it and so is he. Positive expectation is always good. It will be good to lose my job as translator too.

Cinderella went to see Cinderella!

Elise 'Cinderella' was treated to a production of Cinderella and she was thrilled. She is wearing her  most favorite dress the Ropa ladies of Magnolia Park acquired for her. It fits her perfectly. I am sure it will be a trauma when she outgrows it. It has been worn extensively since the first time she laid eyes on it.

Looks to me like she is meeting the Fairy Godmother.

Casino opens August 1st

They are saying they are right on schedule for opening. Kenny Rogers is their grand opening celebration entertainment on Friday August 7th.

http://jefferson.wildroseresorts.com/

Poor Air Quality

Late this afternoon I noticed there was smoke in the air. You could smell it and I wondered where it was coming from never dreaming it was from the wildfires in Canada. But that is what it is! Pushed south and to the ground by a cold front. I found this article about it on KCCI. Air quality is not good for healthy people and even worse for those with respiratory problems.
Check it out here:http://www.kcci.com/weather/dnr-air-quality-unhealthy-in-northwest-iowa/34024398

Party on the 4th

We hosted a party for our Deja Vu friends on the 4th. I planned on getting pictures but as it happens more often than not I get to having fun and enjoying the conversation and completely forget about it.

Butch grilled hamburgers, brats and hotdogs and our guests brought potluck items and a good time was had by all. Maybe next time!