Tall Tales from Kansas

The American White Pelican trail

This is the perfect Thanksgiving hike that wasn't. Because of 2 days of rain that would have made it a muddy mess on the day it was to be hiked. It had everything required to make it enjoyable. 

 

Water views, leaf covered paths, and most exciting of all - a siting of American white pelicans on 2 consecutive days. 

There was a nice table for sitting or using to stretch, followed by a forest of trees whose leaves have left for the season.  

It was well marked and a good ticker pounder if you wanted it to be. 

Not to worry, this hike, now named The American White Pelican trail, will be hiked on the next "warm-enough" day when it it not snowing or raining. It's nice to have a back up trail all ready to go, that will be sure to delight all who decide to venture out with me. 

crabby appleton's

Another option for Turkey Day hike might be Rock Chalk Park. It was quite lovely this week when I scouted it out. If only Thanksgiving was going to be sunny and between 45 and 5o degrees. Partly paved and partly rough trails through the woods/prairie, part sun, part shade. There are a few steep grades that might not be appreciated though. 

I love the look of a crabapple tree after the frost has zapped it. The fruit is still so pretty.  We refer to them as crabby appletons. 

I am having the best time trying to find the perfect hike. Why haven't I done this in the past? A good scouting run makes so much sense. 

a nice medium hike if you will

Right at this exact moment I am meant to be doing something in preparation for Thanksgiving. Which in a way this. I am trying to decide which hike will be the best to take on Turkey day, and this requires a test run. A walkabout of the trail to be sure that it will be just the right one. Not too long or short, neither easy or hard, a nice medium hike if you will. 

If the hike has a well worn path, filtered sunlight, red leaves, and hedge apples, so much the better. 

A nice place to stand, stretch, rehydrate, and bliss out after a hike is also good. 

This one might be it. North Shore trails at Clinton Park, more specifically the white trail. But others are still being considered. 

flying in, flying out

The other day on a Marco Polo, one of my fellow midwesterner friends said she did not think she could ever leave the midwest, because of the beauty that is fall. Fleeting though it is, and sandwiched between extremes of heat and cold, I agree with her 100%.  This was a recent morning walk with a chill in the air, with mist rising up from the water at the wetlands. 

I was so happy to see more water than has been present of late in the wetlands. The ginger, nutmeg, toast, cinnamon/sugar, porridge,  colors of fall are so lovely, especially when combined with the smells of the leaves and grasses. 

There is no better way to begin a day, than with a walk such as this. 

I hope we have a wet winter and continue to replenish the water for the migrating birds. It was really wonderful to see the geese on the water again. Flying in, flying out, calling out to each other. I don't know what they are communicating, but I love to hear it. 

in all sorts of situations

As we move closer to winter, every single fall walk, is being cherished. Savored. Knowing the days of wearing a heavier coat, hat, gloves, and flannel lined pants are at hand. This walk was a few days back. It was glorious in its' goldenness. I think that's a word. 

On my way back to the car, a boat with eight women rowing passed by on the river. They glided along the smooth water in perfect synchrony. It was a thing of beauty. They made it look effortless. I wanted to be on the team. But just for a few minutes. It's fun to imagine oneself in all sorts of situations, understanding of course that we only picture the good parts of it and know that nothing is ever as perfect/easy as it may seem. But it feels nice to close your eyes for a bit and put yourself in an alternate reality ... sometimes.

does that not sound perfect

In the midst of a run of cloudy, chilly, days recently, there was this lovely day of blue sky and sunshine. It made me want to get in my car and head to the mountains. Any mountains. Close mountains if possible. To walk in the woods and smell the essence of fall. 

And maybe I would take a pile of books, then in the evenings after a day of walking, I would stretch out, sit on the porch, drink some wine, eat some chicken corn chowder that Brother would have made and arranged to be shipped to my remote cabin in the woods, and then head inside to sit by the fire and read. 

Does that not sound perfect? 

migration patterns of great blue herons

As summer turns into fall, I am pleased to see that my flying friend, the great blue heron who catches his/her dinner at this little pond at one of my favorite walking spots, continues to be in residence. I am not certain if he will stick around all winter or not. This is not something I have paid enough attention to in the past. I guess it depends on how harsh the winter is? If you are a migration expert, do give us the scoop. 

Look how pretty the "cones" on this cypress tree are. I read somewhere that each cone can hold about 30 seeds. 

I await the input of the bird experts, in the meantime, I will just be here, wallowing in the fall. 

I welcome it with open arms

Gray mornings, blowing winds, subdued colors. All of these things have me wanting to immerse myself in sweaters, flannel, socks, boots, corduroy. I want to wear the fall - rust, orange, tobacco, honey, amber, brick. I want to have warm coffee, smoky bourbon, bold dark cabernet. These are all the things that flitted through my mind as I walked at the wetlands this week. 

I suppose if it were fall all the year long I would wish for it to change, but as we enter this season every single year, I welcome it with open arms. Everything about it.

a three pinch morning walk

On Sunday I turned around to look at the dam about 3 minutes into my walk and saw a pink sky that was reflected in the water, all overseen by the setting moon. I pinched myself.

Twenty minutes later in front of me was this. The sun rising up behind some trees, across the fields, burning off the mist, creating a golden arc. I pinched myself again.

Forty five minutes in to the walk over to my right were these clouds and layers of pinkish, purple, gray, green. Yes, another pinch was needed.  To be sure I wasn't dreaming.  

A 3 pinch morning walk is an amazing thing.  But wait... when I got back to my car I had the back opened up and was doing some stretching followed by sitting and drinking water when 2 women walked by, about to commence their walk. They were holding small cups of coffee in one hand and croissant in the other, I complimented their good taste, recognizing the pastries came from 1900 Barker. In response they smiled hugely and said "this is how we walk". How great is that? 

all of these things I saw

On this recent, early morning hike, the Baker wetlands were cocooned in a light mist, making it the perfect place for a walk that showed off the artistry of all the overnight, spinning spiders. It was so quiet, except for a few honking geese, and the occasional call of western meadowlark.

On mornings like this I am knocked over the head with my extreme good fortune at being right here, right now. 

As the sun rose, the sunflowers were a spectacular side show to the main attraction that were the webs.

Get a look at the size of that bumble bee.  





Other sites included the white flash of a deer's tail as he sprung out in front of me and crossed the path and snails carrying their shells to who knows where.  

your own personal choice of words

Another recent glorious walk here in Lawrence. When I turned around, this scene, framed in perfection, demanded to be photographed. 

I could search my brain for all sorts of adjectives to describe this walk, as well as the resulting sense of deep satisfaction when I was done, but I will leave it to your imagination and your own personal choice of words. 

opening up this state for you to see

If you were coming to visit Lawrence Kansas and wanted to know what to do while you were here, one of my first recommendations would be to head for the Baker Wetlands.  For a walk. Wide open blue skies, wonderful native plants, a doe and her fawns, and likely a great blue heron is what you would see. The prairie is our mountains, beaches, desert, red rocks. It is our area of natural beauty.

Some people come to an appreciation of the prairie slowly. Not me. As someone who has tromped all over the world, I know a good thing when I see it. 

People who see Kansas as a state to cross on the way to Colorado, haven't ventured off the highway much. Since April 2011 when I started this blog, it's been my mission to 0pen up this state for you to see. There's a lot.

the end

the views into the valley were especially nice

Shenandoah National Park did not disappoint. With multiple hiking trails, for all skill levels, and easy access to the trailheads off skyline drive, where you could also stop at many points to just stare off into the distance, it was just so easy to enjoy. 

The weather was perfect, the trails well maintained but not overly crowded, lots of shade overhead, and fragrant flowers blooming. 

The views into the valley were especially nice for someone from Kansas who doesn't do a lot of looking down into valleys... 

The hikes we picked were moderate, which were plenty challenging enough for me.

If you go, you will want to stop at the visitors center and pick up a book with a listing of the hikes, where they start, the total distance, a rating, and some good tips for the specifics about the trail. We found it to be helpful. 

Owen and Maya are beyond adorable

The Mulvenon family is on an adventure at Shenandoah National Park.

Hiking, cooking, talking, playing “Linkee”, getting to know Owen and Maya (the latest additions to the family) who are beyond adorable.  More stories to follow.  

when left alone to do it's thing

The other day, at the Baker Wetlands, there was a whole new cast of characters doing their thing. I am not sure what this particular flower is, but it's bright and really stands out.  It might be a type of milkweed? Note to self: consult the chart while you are out there next time. 

Button bush flower. Otherworldly. Fabulous. 

Wild hibiscus. 

While I can always hear the red-winged blackbird, dickcissel, common yellowthroat, Bell's vireo, and northern cardinal (thanks to the merlin app I am learning to identify the calls) the blooming things are ever changing. The prairie, when left alone to do its thing, does quite well.  Imagine that. 

just in time for vacation

On a recent walk I was entertained by daisy's and geese. Why don't I have daisy's in my garden? They are hardy, come back every year, look wonderful in a vase, and on and on and on. Must plant some. Next year. 

I love watching geese at the rotary arboretum. Especially when they have goslings around.

Some are assigned guard duty, while others doze with their bills tucked up into a wing. They never mind standing on just one foot, and will certainly give you a dirty look if you look like you are getting too close. 

Five months after my hip replacement I am back up to my former walking speed just in time for vacation.  The Mulvenon's have, since 1995, taken trips every 2 years until Covid came on the scene. That's 15 trips! It's hard to believe, but so many good memories of those trips.

We like to get a place near a national park and this year it's Shenandoah National Park.  IF any of you have a MUST DO hike there, that would be suitable for a crowd that ranges from 75 to 2 years old... do let me know. Please and thanks. 

an almost imperceptible click of a connection

A recent walk at the church of the glassy river.

Smooth water with amazing clouds reflecting back, blue sky, green trees. 

Then I came upon this. A great blue heron sitting on a branch, looking into the depths, just there, waiting for me to come by and notice him. I stayed and watched for a bit, until he lifted a long leg and very gracefully scratched his neck which made the crown feathers on the top of his head stand up, and then he rose, spread the wings tucked the legs and went about his business. It was a hallelujah kind of moment. 

When I got back to my car, I used the short wall in front of this flower bed to lean against and stretch. Wall assisted down-dogs and up-dogs are oh so pleasant with daisy's to look at. I could have stayed for longer... 

...but coffee was calling. Time for a nice sit to think about all I had seen and heard. Especially that great blue heron, which I put in a special box in my brain. It has a big W on the top of it for Wonderful. 

As I sat and thought, while holding my coffee with both hands, letting the warmth seep into the stiff joints, song after song kept coming on that I thought was wonderful. Sort of a honky-tonk, Americana, folksy, genre - but not anything that could really be pinned down. I asked the Barista (young, creative, free-spirit) if it was a station. She told me it was her play list. I told her I LOVED it, and she said "thanks". I did not tell her that my dad would have loved it, I did not say "wow that is so unexpected", I did not ask her if her parents loved music and had helped form her taste. But there was an almost imperceptible click of a connection that formed, and it was good. 

Kathy Saylor it was so GOOD to meet you

I rolled out of bed this morning with a goal of getting to the Baker Wetlands before the sun came up too high, before it rained, and before I got caught up in any monkey business around the house. What follows is a true tale (not a tall tale) of the most unexpected, delightful, coincidental meeting at... of all places... the grocery store, where I went when I left the wetlands. Bear with me while I get there. 

First of all there was bee balm, a nice cloudy sky, and all manner of yellow flowers starting to bloom. 

There were signs of more water at the wetlands and forgive me but the bee balm. 

The grasses are always beautiful, and I came upon a new area with American Lotus blooms.  Hurrah. 

The cat tails are taller than me.

And what about this Queen Anne's lace right before it opens? The wonder of nature.

55 minutes later I was back at the car, heading to HyVee for blueberries, a lemon, buttermilk, all the makings for a blueberry breakfast/snacking cake. So... I am walking through the aisles and all of a sudden a woman with a very stylish haircut and nice glasses says to me "Carol?", and I say "yes" as I try to think of who she is because she does not look familiar to me. I flip through the rolodex in my brain - family member of a patient I took care of?, have I taken a class with her in the past?, but nothing clicks. Then she says "I'm Kathy Saylor from around Pittsburg, I have been reading your blog for years, my daughter just moved here and I came for a visit and was so hoping I would run in to you."  Seriously, how completely FUN was that? That the timing of our trip to a grocery store would have our paths literally cross. I was so happy that she said something to me (despite the fact that I had my waterproof black shoes on, red shorts, a somewhat dirty white t-shirt, and crazy hair). We chatted for just a few moments and each went on our way. 

Sometimes, when you least expect it, life presents you with little gifts, moments that are unbelievably simple and perfect. Kathy Saylor is was so GOOD to meet you.

P.S. Marti Huff if you are reading, she told me to tell you HI!

my atmospheric view

This was a recent trip out to the Baker Wetlands.  The purpose of which, was to check the status of the American Lotus area.  It has suffered from our shortage of rain in the last several years. Instead of my usual drive over and walk towards the East, I drove East and walked in towards the west. 

It was early and the mist was coming up from the water. When I turned around to look East, I was well pleased with my atmospheric view. An opening scene for a book needs to be written from this. The plot, main character, and other little particulars have yet to be worked out. Minor details. 

Wild roses were blooming, cobwebs were present, a birdwatching couple pointed out a deer to me. 

There are SOME lotus starting to rise from the depths of the water. It's the cycle of life. Every year is different and you take what you get in the present moment. 

This was a lovely morning walk. My feet got wet, because I did not put on the waterproof shoes I have for this very purpose. Happily my feet are tough - plus I had dry socks in the back of the car. Placed there for just this occasion. It's good to always have a plan A and a plan B. 

the daddy long legs on a flowering bush

Below are all the things that have amazed me on my recent walks. From the tree that continues to slowly sink into the river all the way to the daddy long legs on the flowering bush.

I am committing myself to more neighborhood walks, garden gazing, and the like.

Bachelor buttons always remind me of Angie. She loved them. We planted some together on the side of our very first house in Lawrence way back in 1985. 

This birdhouse was sweet. As I passed by I imagined a parent/child duo hanging it up together. 

Last but not least is the long legged spider on the flower.

I am reading the NYT 5 week newsletter series about walking - "awe walks", finding amazing things on a regular day, on a regular path, in your very own town. Good stuff for your mental health. 

a trail of lots of pictures, cautions, and what to monitor yourself for

May I suggest that if you and 3 friends decide to go walking in the woods on a fine summer day (which is a wonderful idea), 

especially if the area is heavily wooded and the trail narrow (as noted below),  

that you use some bug spray before heading out...

and STILL examine yourself closely for ticks when you get done. A total of 6 ticks were found on our party of 4. Some of these after a thorough showering. 

A quick google search will lead you down a trail of lots of pictures, cautions, and what to monitor yourself for. Bummer. This was a nice trail but we won't be heading back there anytime soon.  

 

I am compelled to report

Early morning walk, 60 degrees, it was just me, the geese, and dogs being walked. 

Are you just sick of me telling you about the joys of walking. I can't help myself, it's like a good book, a wonderful meal, a song I can't get out of my head - I am compelled to report .  

The climbing roses are blooming. 

Usually I only want nature and the birds with me on my walks. But I just completed episode 3 of the Wiser than Me podcast. It is highly unusual for me to listen to 3 podcasts in 4 days... but what can I say? Today was Fran Liebowitz. So entertaining.  At this rate I will be out of episodes before too much longer. If you have favorite podcasts I may be interested in, please leave them in the  comments. 

dedicated to an artist and wild life photographer

When we made our pillows at the quilting bee, Pam shared an app that she uses to identify bird calls/song. On my recent walks out at the Baker Wetlands, I have tried it out and found it to be MOST satisfactory.

I have heard killdeer, indigo buntings, and common yellowthroats.

It's fun to record them, see what pops up, and then look them up in more detail (or not) later. 

This was a new bench I found this week. It was dedicated to an artist and wild life photographer named Harley Swanson. What a perfect thing. 

Below is a link to the app I mentioned. Super easy to use. I have used Audubon in the past and still do if I can get a good enough look at a bird, but identification by sound is another way and seems very accurate. 

Merlin Bird ID

finding an unexpected treasure waiting

My walk on this day was a competition between the honeysuckle and the smooth water.  Step, step, step, look to the right, sniff to the left. What a lovely dilemma to have.  

I chose the walk because it was close, and the rain was coming, and I wanted to get the walk in before the sky opened up.

The fragrance of the honeysuckle was intoxicating.

There is nothing better than going somewhere and finding an unexpected treasure waiting for you. 





After the walk there was a latte at Decade. Where I took the time to sit and think about all that I had seen and smelled. 

The flowers on the table and really nice baristas were the icing on the cake.  When life treats me extra right, it only seems right to let the universe know I noticed.  

the red garage and early morning shadows were a bonus

There were good country roads for walking outside the doors of our Airbnb near Clinton Lake. 

Lots of stacked stone fences to admire, birdsong to enjoy, everything you want a Saturday morning ramble to be. 

There are many hiking trails at Clinton Lake, but really we didn't want to take the time away from our wonderful spot to drive to a trail. Walking on the loose gravel roads was good hip therapy anyway. 

These lovely purple iris were blooming in a bed on the property. The red garage and early morning shadows were a bonus. 

While we breakfasted on the balcony later in the morning, we discussed the movement of the water on the lake in the distance, and the dark shadows from the clouds. There is no telling where a conversation will go on a quilt retreat, especially with a nice view like this one. 

a quick mile after a day at work

These are all the things I would have missed if I had not walked after work on Wednesday. 

The dogwoods are especially pretty right this second.

Again with the "spring green" below. I swear that photo was not enhanced in any way. 

I love an early morning ramble, but this quick mile after a day at work puts the mind in a good place before the drive home. 

time for the pretty heart shaped leaves to shine

What I saw on a recent walk out in the woods, on the unpaved trails, where one must pay close attention to the roots that can reach up and grab your foot before you know it. 

It's really hard though, not to keep looking up at the pops of purple from the redbud trees which are native to this area. 

One of the very best things about a spring hike in the woods. 

On this day there were about 4 crows pestering a hawk overhead, they simply would not leave it alone. I haven't seen that before. I kept on walking and left them to their business.

Here is what happened to my redbud tree after our hail storm a few nights back. 

But, it was a lovely bloom this year, which I thoroughly enjoyed. 

Now it's time for the pretty heart shaped leaves to shine. 

get on the floating platform

After a night of storms earlier in the week, the clouds remained impressive on a morning walk. 

The geese were honking with all their might as I passed by.  Maybe they were telling their pals to get on the floating platform and the last one there was a rotten egg? Why do humans seek to interpret the languages of other species? I always wonder what birds in particular are communicating with their calls. But really I just love hearing them. 

The green of spring, is the most vibrant of all the shades of green, especially on a cloudy morning. 

I hope you have a spring ramble planned for the weekend, whether it's green, by the ocean on a beach, in a garden of amazing flowers, or through a cityscape with interesting buildings.  Enjoy. 

a most excellent soundtrack for the vistas

The red winged blackbirds are out in full force at the Baker Wetlands these days. Actually they are the guardians of the place. I haven't been when I can recall them NOT being there. 

Their ability to stand firm on a single stalk of grass, blowing in the wind, never ceases to amaze me. They provide a most excellent soundtrack for the vistas. Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man has nothing on them. Go see for yourself. While you are at it, you can see the birds which you may notice I showed no pictures of. Some days I just want to immerse myself in the total experience and not try to get "the" picture. You know what I mean, I am sure. 

it's like baby pictures

A recent walk at a park in KC I haven't been to in many years. They were mowing the grass and every once in a while I could smell the pungent aroma of wild onion. I thought of all the old walks with an old friend I haven't seen in years as I ambled along. 

These days of perfect temps, blue skies, no humidity, are not taken for granted.

After the walk, avocado toast and an iced vanilla latte for lunch. Then it was off to find a pot of pansies for the front porch. In year's gone by my friend Barb's mom (Ginger) would always let her know, then she would let me know, when it was the exact right time to go and get the pansies. Ginger is gone, but when it's pansy time, she is present.

This is the redbud in the front yard, if I have already shown it to you this year, forgive me. It's like baby pictures. Can I please show you just one more?

Happy Sunday to each of you, wherever you are and whatever you are doing. 

the wavey reflections of the trees in the water

Because when you feel like you have been born anew and you can't help but share every single thing that makes you feel alive, this happened.

The woodpeckers were having a jam session. As soon as one stopped, another one said "oh yeah? listen to this", and on and on. Marvelous.  I am not sure I have noticed previously how the sound of their tapping varies depending on the size of the tree, or maybe it's the type of tree and the different wood? No matter, my ears were tuned in. 

I heard the lap of the water against the rocks on the sides of the river. Gentle, soft, steady. 

I paused to take a short swing. 

I wanted to paint the wavey reflections of the trees in the water... instead I filed the image away in my brain, and went on my way. 

I gave myself a solid B

Spring in the midwest has been wild and windy this year. Rain showers popping up here and there. Nothing unexpected, but I always feel so bad for those affected by tornado activity and other weather events that just come out of the blue. 

This was a recent walk out at Clinton Lake. Testing myself to see if I could get a mile in on the new hip.

There is a beauty to all this grayness, you just have to look for it.  On this day I was noticing the green of the grass sprouting up and I was delighted by the heron that flew over me, legs tucked back, headed to the lake, fish on his mind.  

It started to rain on my return to the car. No downpour but I had to pick 'em up and put 'em down a little more quickly than I have for awhile. An excellent test. I gave myself a solid B. 

In other Lawrence news I spotted the first blooming saucer magnolia this week. Wonderful. 

Finally, a public service announcement - The Lawrence Farmers Market opens next Saturday, April 8th, 7:30am, 824 New Hampshire street.  See you there!

a return to walking

Sister and I have been sending each other articles about walking. How it's so good for you. About all the benefits for our physical and mental health. How it will help keep our joints in top form and keep us on our feet for as long as possible. Traversing the globe or right here at our respective homes. It's very nice to read articles about how things you like to do are actually good for you. 

 

Until you are unable to do things you thoroughly enjoy, it's hard to imagine just how much you are going to miss them. This past weekend signaled for me, a return to being able to take shorter walks, slower walks, using my cane to be sure, but WALKS.

Walks where I could see the birds, hear the frogs, smell the earth, have the breeze on my face.

Pure, 100% wonderfulness. I am certain if anyone saw me while I was rambling around, they wandered at the ridiculous grin on my face. It was there the entire time I was walking. What pleasure to be able to walk. Reveling in the feeling in this moment, because this moment is the only one we can count on.  

a little slice of life I don't usually see

No spectacular sunrise this morning, but how nice to "discover" the loveliness to be found this day. Blues, grays, a sliver of pink, a touch of gold, reflections on the water.

The moon hung high over the dam.

The old streetlights in the park were flickering off. Big dark leafless trees. 

The grain elevator by the railroad tracks

The employees at the muffler shop, next to where I parked, were showing up for work, thermoses in hand, turning on the lights in the shop. A little slice of life I don't usually see. 

When I got home the Sumo Mandarin came out, was peeled, and each segment popped into my mouth. 

Each mouthful a burst of pure deliciousness. While on a visit to California a few years back, Sister and I picked up a couple of these on a whim. They are unusual looking. Don't be scared. Try one if you see them. The one in the photo above doesn't have the characteristic "top knot" and do be advised they are about $3.50 each. Worth every cent. 

a glowing ball of orange at it's finest

Here is a sunrise at the "church of the glassy river" from this week. 

So technically, it's just minutes before sunrise, when the colors are most spectacular. I look to the right, look to the left, look across the river. All views superlative. 

Then before you know it, here it is, right there, a glowing ball of orange at it's finest. I love the pink light reflecting off everything it shines on. 

Hello moon. Hello path made gold by the sun.

The most splendid of ways to start a day. 

... turn around and see the moon setting as the sun is rising

This week I have determined that even if it is cold, and despite a few hitches in my getalong, I will make a concerted effort to get out and see some sunrises! This was at the Baker Wetlands, an unfolding spectacle of color.

I did get out and ramble just a bit, to see the view from a few different perspectives. 

I love to turn around and see the moon setting as the sun is rising. 

When I had as much as I could take of the 29 degree temperatures, I went back to my car, turned on the seat warmer, and let it all soak in for just a bit longer. 

a perfect way to start the day

This was recent hike at Rock Chalk Park in Lawrence, where parts of the trail are paved, others are not. It feels removed from the city except for the occasional traffic noise, and best of all, it's never crowded.  There are plenty of areas that go up and down to get the ticker pounding and to keep the knee's in shape, but you take it at your own pace. I love how the sky changes so much even in the course of one hour on a morning hike. 

The temperatures were cool but not blustery on this morning, which meant I was not scurrying along. There was time to admire the stacked stone fence, twirling leaves from a sawtooth oak, the occasional call of a red bird,  the crunching as my feet moved over the path through the leaves. All in all a perfect way to start the day. 

golden, toasty, ginger colors

This is a recent hike at Clinton lake. It was a windy one, but mostly it's about taking some time to notice the change of seasons near the water. 

The grasses and wildflowers have turned golden, toasty, ginger colors. 

Hedgeballs aka osage oranges are plentiful for those of us that enjoy hedgeball bowling this time of year. 

I am hopeful that the ability to upload photos this evening signals a return to uninterrupted service from Typepad. I am crossing my fingers but not holding my breath. I know there have been times previously when I have gone 5-6 days without doing a post, but when you WANT to do a post but CAN'T do a post that's a totally different situation.  It's all about the mindset right? Anyhoo, I am glad to be back.

the joy of walking on a non-paved surface

A recent walk at the Lawrence Nature Center off Folks road. There are nice woods as soon as you get to the trailhead which is just past this field below. Lots of ups and downs to get the ticker pounding. If you take every loop possible, it's only about a 45-60 minute walk, but it's glorious. 

After you enter the woods you leave the rest of the world behind.  There are rarely more than a few other walkers on the trail. On this particular morning, as I was almost done, I came upon a mom and her 2 kids. They had baskets and were collecting stuff that caught their eye. The mom told me her daughter (maybe 5 years old) was "going to make a potion", with her treasures, her brother (maybe 18months) was gathering indiscriminately in large quantities. High five to that mom for stretching the imagination of her children in nature. AND by (I think) reading her kids books about potion making :-)

Oh the joy of walking on a non-paved surface, having to plant your feet carefully, working on balance, good therapy for those of us in our 60's.  

October, please slow down. I need to cram so much into your remaining 5 days. 

seasonal living

Today it's another fall walk. With these colors and temperatures and my thankfulness to be out and walking, I don't want to waste a minute of this time. Filling up all my storage banks of excellent morning walks for those days to come when it will be "face-freezing" cold and I won't want to stick even a toe out the door. Unless I have to.

I am always envious of the weather in California, but I do so love "seasonal" living. Summer porch sitting, spring flowers, fall leaves, winter fires. 

I would have definitely welcomed you

Dottie sent me this poem today. It's a must share. Also, it seems just the thing to accompany these photos from my walk on the trails at Clinton Lake this week.  

How I go to the Woods
 by Mary Oliver

Ordinarily I go to the woods alone, with not a single
friend, for they are all smilers and talkers and therefore
unsuitable.

I don't really want to be witnessed talking to the catbirds
or hugging the old black oak tree. I have my way of 
praying, as you no doubt have yours.

Besides, when I am alone I can become invisible. I can sit
on the top of a dune as motionless as an uprise of weeds,
until the foxes run by unconcerned. I can hear the almost
unbearable sound of the roses singing.

If you have ever gone to the woods with me, I must love
you very much.

I was alone on this walk, but you were with me in spirit sisters, and had you been in the near vicinity, I would have definitely welcomed you. 

time to sit and watch it all unfold

Warning: multiple sunflower images ahead. Some may appear redundant but I assure you they are each different. At least that's how they looked to me on my early morning walk at the start of a fresh day. When it also happened to be 50 degrees and I was wearing a sweatshirt. 

In addition to all these sunflowers, there was a discarded snake skin. Which I assume was left by a snake with a fresh new fall coat. Note to self: google the whole snake discarding their skin thing to understand why they do this. There were snails, furry caterpillars, and a lone great blue heron in a small wet area. The Baker Wetlands are not very wet right now. 

I saw several snowy egrets take flight then circle around and land in trees!  Say what? Of course that makes sense, but I don't think I have ever seen a snowy egret or a great blue heron in a tree. 

When I got home I took a shower, made a pot of coffee, sat on the front porch, and watched as yellow leaves fell from the trees across the street whenever the wind picked up. All of it was imprinted in the "good stuff" file in my memory bank. 



Fall is here and I love that this year I have more time to sit and watch it all unfold. 

and thanked our lucky stars for shade

Sister is always showing me photos of things she see's while on her walks in LA. Stuff I want to see. So when I am there, morning rambles are a must. Here are the things we enjoyed on our first morning.

Fabulous trees in the morning light. A Frank Lloyd Wright house. Big bunches of cactus. 





We sat in the garden behind the Gamble house in Pasadena and pretended it was ours. We stretched on their comfortable benches and admired architectural details. 







Sister showed me her favorite house and I investigated up close. I wanted to go and sit at the table and chairs on the hidden front porch and have scones with clotted cream but alas no one answered the door when I knocked. No matter, we went and had iced coffee and wonderful vegan fennel/maple sausage biscuits at the Little Barn Coffee House in Mount Washington and thanked our lucky stars for shade. 

signs of things to come

Sunday morning, after a night with a few hours of much needed rain, I headed for the peaks and valleys of Rock Chalk park. I use those terms loosely of course being as we are in Kansas, but there are some ups and downs. 

69 degrees and no other walkers in site = perfect conditions for Sunday services. 



Some of the leaves are starting to turn yellow and fall. Signs of things to come.

This is such a great spot for walking, letting my thoughts roam around all the rooms in my mind. Ideas drifting in and out, nothing taking perch, so wonderful. 

By the end of the walk there were blue skies behind all those puffy clouds. 

P.S. We finally got around to watching News of the World (with Tom Hanks) this weekend. If you are looking for what Angie would call a "nice" movie, where there is some suspense but not off the chart, some hard moments but no gratuitous violence, and things work out how you hope in the end, this is a movie for you. We liked it very much. 

no matter where that happens to be on the globe

Today, after instructing every one of my aches and pains to remain at home, I set out for a walk at the Baker Wetlands. There were multitudes of birds singing in 7 part harmony, with no conductor in site. I also witnessed a snowy white egret in a solo performance as it took flight, headed for who knows where. 

At 7:15 it was 63 degrees out. The absolute perfect temperature for a walk.

As I crossed a bridge, I saw a rock perched on top of the railing. Carefully painted and placed for just the right person to find. Today it was me. Tomorrow who knows. 

I love thinking about the maker as she was painting, deciding where to leave it, imagining the finder. I sent my appreciation telepathically with lots of hearts and balloons.

The natural world is my favorite place to be on earth, no matter where that happens to be on the globe.

I was captivated by all that I saw

I finally made it back out to the Baker Wetlands to check on this years showing of the American Lotus blooms.

It was lovely. Nature's lacemakers had been out spinning overnight and the new cat tails were pretty. 

I did a quick scan of the ponds near the boardwalk and was rewarded with glimpses of 2 blue herons. 





All in all a wonderful morning. We had a really wet early spring here followed by this period of super hot days that everyone is experiencing. The lotus blooms have been more plentiful in previous years, but I was captivated by all that I saw. Just as it was. 

on a tuesday there was this...

An early morning walk on a weekday, with no expectations, yielded all of this.

I saw this quote on line today from Henry David Thoreau which seems made for this experience. "You must live in the present, launch yourself on every wave, find your eternity in each moment." Right on HDT. 

to understand them as a part of life that come and go

After almost an entire month of not being able to walk without discomfort (which totally took the mental health benefits out of it), I have been back at it for the past 3 days. Church of the glassy river, Baker Wetlands, pond down the street... how I missed you. 

Oh the mysterious ways of the body and the reaction of the mind. What is this? When will it go away? What should I do to make it better? Is this making it worse? You know the drill.  Can we talk about aches and pains for a minute? Not to roll around in them so everyone will feel bad for us, but rather to understand them as a part of life that come and go. Often with no rhyme or reason... not one that we can pinpoint anyway.  A cloud that has blown in that will surely blow away is a great metaphor from Tara Brach (or maybe Pema Chödrön) for the suffering in life.

This has been a great wake up call for me on the importance of STRETCHING and making time for it before and after walking. The next time I am plagued with some unpleasant sensations in the body my plan is this: acknowledge, accept, and remember it's a cloud. Then I will speed dial my massage and physical therapists, who by the way are my "team" as much as my primary care doctor and all the "specialists" out there. Fabulous women these two. 

it was a 1 + 1 = 5 moment

This great blue heron was just one of the fabulous things I saw at the Baker Wetlands recently. I was able to get close (which is hard) and I had the Nikon with me. It was a 1 + 1 = 5 moment.  I love it when circumstances conspire for a good thing to happen. 

There was also this sunrise, geese honking as they took flight, and approaching rain. 

The American Lotus are only now just beginning to surface, in the form of their large leaves floating on the water. 

There was a turtle crossing the path, the beginning of the wild daisy's blooming, and a bird collecting materials to fortify a nest. 

I walked through a big puddle without getting my feet too wet, and made it to the car before getting completely drenched from the rain that overtook me on the way back. 





After all that,  I made a new friend at Decade Coffee Shop. 

Talk about a perfect morning. 

signs of love were spotted in various places

Sunday morning, at the church of the glassy river, there were frogs. A whole symphony of them. There were also 2 coyotes who crossed the railroad tracks.  One looked both ways before crossing, the other did not.  Cardinals were a blaze of color in the not-yet-leafed-out trees. 

One red-tailed, and one gray squirrel spiraled up and down and around a tree before parting at the bottom and each going their separate ways. Geese called as they flew overhead.

Signs of love were spotted in various spaces. It was a perfect reflection for the service. The church of the glassy river may be the best congregation I have ever belonged to.