Valley of Fire

Red Rock Canyon Nevada

California Dreamin'

                                                                           
                                                                         

Just Having Fun

Everywhere I went this weekend people were out enjoying our unusual warm weather.  I was able to put in 25 miles on my bike and almost 20 miles in my kayak; although a full wet suit was required for paddling, the warm sun and gusty winds felt wonderful.  Soon the snow will fall and we can get out our skis and ice skates, but for now I will treasure every warm day that comes our way.

I read something at Starbucks the other day that made me think of winter with a new perspective:

'With shorter days come longer nights'

....hmmm, that doesn't sound too bad. 

This red Current Designs kayak isn't mine, but the camera liked the brilliant red.  I'm still plotting and researching my next kayak.....maybe it will be red. 

Let There Be Peace On Earth

                                           
                                             http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YU0DOgFSci4

                                            The 'Peace Tree' - Lake Red Rock, Knoxville, Iowa

Potpourri, Music, Photography, Fun and Friends

West End Architectural Salvage and The Cherry Street Market

Nature's Music

           Last evening was unusual for October in Iowa, but the breeze was welcome on the water in the warm night air.  Sounds of music from an anchored sailboat wafted in the wind....and then, what sounded like thunder growing increasingly louder erupted from a dark place on the lake off to our right.  Hundreds of gulls, terns and pelicans who had been resting undetected suddenly took to the sky, their wings beating with a pulse that overwhelmed the soft jazz coming from the sailboat.  Nature's music is always interesting, and often surprising.

Moonlight Magic

Sing - Off

 With all it's bells and whistles I'm not always sure how my big TV works, but there are times when I do make an effort to get through the buttons to watch/listen to the big screen.  Another 'Sing-Off' season has started and is worth the effort.....come to think of it 'Glee' has probably started again too....

http://www.hulu.com/watch/285365/the-sing-off-week-3-vocal-point-sings-the-way-you-look-tonight

Critters

 

With the 'VerminWhisperer' (see gitcheegumeeguy.blogspot.com) out of town this weekend things got a little out of control at the Lake.  Dejected that I was unable to convince an injured beaver to paddle back to the parking lot in my front hatch, I was somewhat pleased later in the day to have an opportunity to rescue a very large corn snake from oncoming traffic.  Unfortunately the ingrate tried to bite me as I attempted to hurry him off the highway!

In general, it was a great day to be on the Lake for all of God's strange creatures.

Earth, Wind, and Fire

                           Autumn's glory - the weaver's colors unfold in patterns of red and gold. 
                                           Like flames of fire whispering of things untold...
                       

             Welcome October!  It's been a good week on the water.  The recreational paddlers are putting their boats away for the season.  I will miss them, and look forward to their return in the spring. They bring gaiety and diversity to the waters.  This morning was cool and the pogies would have been welcome - had I not left them in the car.  The evenings this week have entertained with brilliant skies that look like wild fires - except Thursday which brought brisk winds instead.  Fun to play in the waves, but requiring assistance to load the boat.  The promise of winter is in the air though; the birds and squirrels are making their winter plans.  Perhaps I'd better get my skiis over to Ron for waxing now......