Squirrel Beach

We are having a heat wave. It was 80 degrees at 6:00am. So the squirrel has been hanging out at Squirrel Beach.

Mullein

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

Small yellow flowers bloom in the second year, on 6 foot spikes over rosettes of big woolly leaves. Plant in full sun and poor, well-drained soil.

Traditional Healing Uses: For respiratory ailments, migraines, kidney infection, intestinal problems, bleeding, earaches, sinus problems, swelling, tumors, and ulcers.

Other Uses: For making dye or ceremonial torches.

Caution: Leaf hair may cause irritation.

The sun was spotlighting this mullein plant along the trail so decided to share this rare moment with you. Mullein is very abundant along the trail and it is a plant I readily recognize.

Deer Day

It was primarily deer on the trail today. Saw a total of 4 and one cow. The cow was not on the trail so I didn't have to herd it today. The deer were coming toward me and that is unusual but I think their eyesight was unusually bad or the light was not right for them. I took 14 pictures and all the while they kept coming closer. I finally had to be on my way and once again their escape was down a very steep slope. The special treat today was a fawn and that was later in my route.

Yes, I am repetitive and boring.

These are photos of yesterday's downed tree. I was able to get under the branch with no trouble, so I did.

Today was much more adventurous. I checked radar before heading out and it looked to me like the rain would hold off till about 9:15am. I left at 6:30am. When I neared the area where cows are usually out, cows were out and on the trail. 7 of them, 4 mamas and 3 calves. So I pondered a bit and decided I was not letting them decide my route for me. I started ringing my little bike bell and they started moving down the trail ahead of me at a meandering pace. They did keep moving as long as I kept hitting the little bell. Finally, we reached the crossroad and they moved off the trail and I was able to get by. I went my longer route that I so dearly love and at my turnaround point I noticed the sky was darkening and then I saw a big lightning strike off in the distance so decided to pick up the pace. I came down that hill to the river faster than I ever have. I met two people headed out instead of back. I asked the first one if she was aware of the weather. She said she was and would probably shorten her ride. I asked the next one, a man and he said yes, smiled and went on his way. I finished riding hard for me. I averaged 5.35 mph on the entire ride.  I made it home just as the first drops came down.

We have had 5 inches of rain in the past 3 days and I have seen several rotted out trees down. It has made me more aware of the ones still standing that are next in line to fall.

Every day is different on the trail.

Saturday's Trail Pics

That is corn growing down on the bottomland near the Raccoon River

Natures Layers

Today's Ride

When a tree falls in the woods does it land on a person? No, but it could have. I came across this obstacle on the trail and pondered at the cause and then further investigation told me it was a rotten tree carcass that had finally collapsed.

 I cleared a trail through the debris and went on my way. Today's ride was 8.42 miles.

Pictures from yesterday's ride. Also 8.42 miles. Same route.

My Church

Animal house

When I came home this morning and settled in next to my computer this is what I saw from my window.

Seconds before the bottom pic was taken the Bluejay was with the rabbit and the squirrel. The squirrel rules however but does tolerate them waiting their turn.

Balloon Flowers and more

 Keri had some balloon flowers at her place and I admired them. Gleaned some seed and apparently planted them in the front flower bed and promptly forgot them. A few weeks ago I spotted this plant and did not know if it was a flower or weed so left it alone and was very surprised when it flowered out to be a balloon flower.

Below is how it will look in years to come after getting firmly established. I will recognize it next time. It is a beauty!

This morning's ride was one adventure after another. As I neared the intersection before the big bridge there was a farmer man walking down the road. I slowed and then noticed the young cow alongside the trail. The cow tried to come my way but didn't know how to deal with me so I crowded it a little and it turned back making its way left avoiding me and the farmer. He followed it, I said, "Good morning" and he said the grass is always greener over here. His cows are out frequently. So on I went and reaching my turn-around point I decided to go on. 

It was more humid than I like but the sun was shining and the wind created by the ride felt cool. So I continued to the next crossroad, 265th street or as I call it Rogers Road. Roger Conant lives nearby and he is a cousin by marriage to me.

The ride from there to the bridge is my number one favorite section of the entire Raccoon River Valley Trail. It is more exquisite than words can express and all downhill! The trail is canopied with beautiful trees and the summer flowers are in bloom with various shades of blues and yellows. It is my church as the song goes.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ouWQ25O-Mcg

 I loved every second of it!

 As I came to the big bridge there were two cows and a calf on the trail blocking the north exit of the bridge! There was no way past them and their choices were not the best either. So I kept coming toward them dinging my little bike bell and hollering at them. They finally saw me as a threat and turned off the trail. It was a steep descent for them and I heard one of them fall but I went on my way. They were near their pasture when they reached the bottom and what comes up must go down. I think some long overdue fence repair is in order. I see cows loose near the trail more often than deer!

The remainder of my ride was pleasant but uneventful.

A couple of days ago our granddaughter Ann had some pictures of her and her husband Anthony on a special date. Anthony is stationed in California. They certainly make a beautiful couple.

Does it look like grandpa cooks?

Butch would clean the grill and get grease spots all over his shorts so I reminded him that he did have an apron and should use it. Sonali gave it to him as a gift when we work-camped at Snow Mountain Ranch YMCA of the Rockies. Yes, his knees are bothering him (note the black knee pads ) and so is too much sun but he is ready to cook and it will be burgers for supper!

The view from my computer set-up in front of the window.

Crock Pot Ribs

I made these ribs when the kids were here and they liked them. I was always intimidated with cooking ribs but these were easy and so worth it.

Memphis Pit BBQ Ribs
What You’ll Need:
1 blender
1 3-quart crock pot
1 baking sheet
aluminum foil
basting brush
5 pounds (2 full racks) of pork spare ribs
1 apple
1½ cups applesauce
1 diced onion
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup apple cider vinegar
18 ounces BBQ sauce
What You’ll Need:

Okay, now let’s get down to business. First, arrange your spare ribs in a circle around the edges of your slow cooker. Continue layering the meat until it reaches the top, but has a large hole in the middle. In this center section, place your cored and sliced apple.

Now for the marinade. In a blender, combine your apple sauce, onion, sugar, and vinegar along with half of your BBQ sauce. Puree until smooth and then pour the whole thing over the top of your apple slices and meat. Cover and cook on high for about 5 hours. When you come back, try to resist sneaking a taste. Instead, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place the ribs separately onto the surface.
Using your brush, baste the remaining BBQ sauce over the top and sides of your spare ribs. Broil for 5 to 10 minutes and plate as soon as possible for the best and most unique version of this classic we’ve ever tasted!

Friday Night- Reunion for the class of '61

If you do the math you will realize it is the 55th year since graduation. And if your eyes are still functioning you can see that we have all become of an age. The good news is we are on the right side of the grass.

Phil and Toni Roberts make their way to the center of the festivities.

 Greetings taking place

Donna Kafer Lawson looks over the quilt made by Rozetta Renner Fiscus. It contains many of our signatures and it is done with school colors of red and black.

Kay Snow Taylor

Donna and Anna Oaks Diekman

Anna and Rozetta

Pat Limburg Rusnak and 

My signature

We had a great visit long into the night-9:00 pm!!

Visitors!

Friday, our Missouri kids, Gary and Susan came to visit over the July 4th holiday. Saturday our Iowa kids Rich and Donna, Jason and Laura, and Karla joined us for fun and games. The guys went golfing and we ladies played Mexican train. We enjoyed steak and pie provided by Keri and Leo for supper along with a few other fixings. We thoroughly enjoyed the day! So much so that I didn't get any pictures!

Each morning I did my usual 6.1 mile bike ride. Saturday Gary and Jason joined me, Sunday just Gary and Monday and this morning, Tuesday, Gary and Susan joined me.

At Daubindiek Park

Jason and Laura

Gary and Susan

This seemed like a pine tree. The needles were soft. Anyone know what the name of it is?

Sunday, Gary, Susan, Jason,Laura, Butch and I toured Jefferson some after the guys played golf. The kids went up in the Mahanay bell-tower, followed by a walk in Daubendiek Park down by the river and a quick view at Henderson Park. We bopped out to Spring Lake to see how many campers were there. (It was full!)

Gary and Susan paddling on Spring Lake

Laura and Jason

Gary

Jason

Jason broke his paddle so fashioned one out of wood. Typical! That's our boy.

Gary and Susan

Jason and Laura

Bee on Milkweed.

Monday, the guys played golf and then Jason and Laura had purchased a kayak for Laura on Friday so they wanted to kayak at Spring Lake. Gary and Susan went along and rented a paddleboat. Butch and I joined them later and then the guys managed to sneak in 9 more holes of golf. Susan and Laura walked the course with them and I came home and readied supper. Later then, Karla and Devon joined us for fireworks. We went to the Depot area on the bike trail and had an excellent view of the fireworks. We packed a lot into the weekend and it was all fun-filled!

Devon and Karla enjoying the fireworks.

Susan and Gary on this morning's bike ride.