Trailside at Buckley

These plants lined the trail we hiked recently at Clyde E. Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary-Trust and Audubon Center in Frankfort, KY. There wasn't anything particularly breathtaking about the scenery along our path. But, there were many, many little pieces of breathtaking scenery that you would only notice if you stopped and looked closely at the minute details surrounding you.

The Red Trail

We hiked somewhere new this past weekend. After my daughter's morning nap, we loaded our little family up and headed out to Clyde E. Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary-Trust and Audubon Center in Frankfort, KY. We've been wanting to visit this natural area, so we were excited to get out there—especially since it was 56 degrees in the middle of winter! As you can see from the photo above, we took the red trail. :o)

McHargue's Mill at Levi Jackson Wilderness Road State Park

On our way home from our holiday road-trip, we took a brief break to stretch our legs in Levi Jackson Wilderness Road State Park. We happened to stop at McHargue's Mill, where the path is lined with historic millstones. According to the park's Web site:

"McHargue’s Mill was built on the banks of the Little Laurel River where it intersects Boone’s Trace. This working reproduction mill dates to the same era as the original McHargue family mills and has authentic interior works, including millstones. It is surrounded by the largest display of millstones in the country."

It's a fascinating little piece of history, and the large collection of millstones is very interesting. I wish I could see them at work!

Bridge over Roupes Creek

Bridge over Roupes Creek
Tannehill Ironworks Historical State Park
McCalla, AL

Happy 2010! I think it's appropriate to post a picture of a bridge as we cross the bridge into a new year. I hope you find true Peace and Joy this year. May you experience abundant Grace throughout 2010.

I spent most of by growing-up years in Alabama. My family moved from Illinois to Alabama when I was six, and I lived there until I got married. There were many times (throughout those years) that I visited Tannehill State Park. When I recently visited my family for Thanksgiving, we went out to Tannehill for their Tannehill Crafters’ Open House, and it was the first time I had been there in several years. I remembered certain parts of it, but I had not remembered this bridge. I liked it instantly. Like I've said before, I have a thing for bridges.

Apple Picking

One of my favorite things to do during Fall is apple picking. I love it! We picked a good day to do it this year, too. It was a bit crisp, the sky was a beautiful blue, and the sun was shining. It's been so rainy lately, that we ate up the wonderful, clear weather. The day we went was really busy, but it was fun seeing all the families eating caramel apples, cider donuts, drinking cider, picking apples and pumpkins, and having fun. We walked away with a 1/2 bushel of various apples, an apple pie, a dozen cider donuts, and a jug of cider. Mmmmm . . . I love Fall!

Grandma & Grandpa's place

My roots are in Central Illinois farming country. I'm a Midwestern girl at heart. It might seem funny that this is one of my favorite places to return to, but it is. I've lived in several different places, and visited many beautiful areas, but despite some of the heavy industrial areas, I find great peace in the Heartland. Rural farming communities hold a lot of charm for me. My family moved from the area many, many years ago, and I've since grown up, married, and moved to the Great North. But my Grandparents are still there, so we return a few times every year for visits. I love it when we go back. It's so nostalgic for me. I remember their house and the surrounding areas in some of my earliest memories. The house they built when I was just a little girl is still the house they live in today. As they age, it makes me sad to think of a day when I won't be able to return to this peaceful place. It's been a part of my life, well . . . forever!

The rowboat Grandma & Grandpa have had for many years. They keep it on the dock they built themselves.

Took these (above & below) on a tour of Grandma's flower beds.

Grandma's hibiscuses are always HUGE! They're beautiful!

My Grandma knows how to catch fish. She's taught many of her grandchildren. 

When I go back, though, I'm flooded with memories of learning to fish with Grandma, trips into the lake in the rowboat, feeding the fish from the dock, taking a tour of their gardens, and lounging around in the house and looking at old pictures and doing crossword puzzles. We usually make at least one trip "into town" while we're there to grab a quick bite at McDonald's and run some errands. And on Sunday, after church, Grandpa usually takes us on a drive through the local farming community so he can point out all the new houses going up, and all the changes since the last time we were there.

Cone flowers Grandma planted on the embankment by the lake.

I love this place, and I'm looking forward to the next visit.