Monarchs 102325

I was talking to someone after I had been at the State Park on Tuesday and they said they saw a Monarch

butterfly in their yard. I knew it was about the time of year that they come through Texas on their migration to Mexico. 

I thought the best place to see them, if they were truly here, is at Clark Gardens which is about 15 minutes from us. It is so beautiful. I really should come out more often.

They are here!

I had so much fun!

Found a few other types of butterflies

I could not catch this one with its wings open!

It was a beautiful day and so good for me!

Have a good one!

Pink Out 102325

We had a threat of storms Friday October 24th. Many high schools including Millsap moved their Friday
night game to Thursday. I was unable to attend a photographer who takes pictures for Millsap got some pictures better than I could have anyway.

Kennedy is at the back of the girls that are still information.

I didn't attend this game because Kennedy has been having trouble with her knee and I didn't think she would cheer. I don't think she did much.

Have a good one!

Much Needed 102125

One of the things I have missed most since my last horse died is watching the sunset, seeing wildlife and just enjoying nature.

I had been telling myself for several weeks that once the weather cooled off I would go to our local State Park.

Well, finally the temperatures are more tolerable and I went out to the State Park Tuesday October 21st.

Selfie overlooking the climbing area at Penitentiary Hollow and Lake Mineral Wells.

Going down into the "Hollow". 

About a 2min video clip. You may need to turn the volume up to hear me as I was talking really softly as if not to disturb 😉

I took another video that actually shows the bugs doing what I saw that caught my attention.

A big rock I came across. I wondered at my intelligence when I remembered it was still warm enough for snakes! 😐 I didn't see any thank goodness!

Click here for a one minute clip of my 360 view.

Click here for a one minute clip of my reflection and gratitude.

I think I have taken pictures of this rock every time I've been here. It still intrigues me.

End of the day at the scenic view.

From the scenic view overlooking the lake. I've taken many pictures of this view as well!

Sun just setting behind the horizon.

It was just what I needed. My plan is to try to schedule at least one time a week in the outdoors while the weather holds. I will have to be intentional! My week fills up really quick. I don't come out over the weekend as that's when out of towners are here and it is really busy! The middle of the week is best. Hardly anyone is here!

Have a good one!

Brief Visit

 Wayne came into town for the weekend for his 40th High School Class reunion Thursday October 16th.
Geez, I feel old just typing that!

I went to Mom's to see him. He flew out on Monday and he came to Mom's again before he left to see us one more time.

Have a good one!

Tennessee Day 5 100425

Our VRBO was in a small community called Wears Valley in the Smokey Mountains. 

I was up early enough the morning of Saturday October 4th to watch the sunrise.

Haze over the valley (view from the porch of the VRBO)

The sun peeking over the mountain.

Later we venture to the Smokey Mountains State Park.

I'm not sure what it is about seeing a road like this but I find it intriguing. Of course there are lots of curves on these mountain roads!

We stop at one of the pull off places to look at the view. We meet these young ladies. Jan engaged them in conversation. We learned this is a "show dog". He is called a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever. I never heard of such. I looked it up!

Wildflowers along the road.

The leaves are beginning to change but we were about 2 - 3 weeks too early for fall color. We knew that. We have another trip scheduled the first week of November and we really didn't want the two trips to be close together. Our man focus was to spend time with our friends.

We go to Kuwohi (formerly called Clingman's Dome). There is a half  mile hike to the observation tower which is at the highest point in the Smokey Mountains where you can see over 100 miles in a panoramic view of 7 steps. Doyle bailed. I thought I was up for it so I go on. This was the longest half mile I ever walked! It was up hill all the way! I stop several times to catch my breath! Around each corner I kept thinking I would be there. There were beautiful views all during the climb.

I get to what I think is the top when I see that I haven't reached my destination just yet! I still have to go up the tower!

There were lots of people up there!

Almost there!

Click here to watch a little over a minute video of the panoramic view from the observation point. 

At 34 seconds is a black couple I met walking up the trail. They had been married 30 years. Every 2 years they come here to hike up to observation point. We cheered each other on to make it to the top! What I didn't know was their daughters were at the top ahead of them. One of their daughters took this photo of me.

West view

South view

It was breathtaking!

It was also easier going down than it was goin up!

That evening we grilled dinner on the deck of the VRBO and watched the moon rise.

We did not see a bear. I had hoped to. Bears had been sighted previously at this VRBO but it didn't when when we were there.

On Sunday we head back to the Denharders.

Have a good one!