Starved Rock, Day One

Both days we hiked in Starved Rock, it was in the 80's!!! It felt more like summer than spring! The wooded park gave us some relief from the heat, and the temperature by the waterfalls was refreshingly cool.

French Falls cascading into another mini waterfall

Waiting in line to climb up the narrow stream to French Falls

I love this waterfall! Several years ago, we were hiking back here during an unexpected thunder storm. The thunder echoed through the canyons, but when we reached beautiful French Falls, we felt safe in this narrowly walled fortress!

The trails are easy to follow and well marked

Honestly, the walking is worth it!

There is beauty around every bend!

Nearing Wildcat Falls

Oh, did I mention the stairs???

Walking around Wildcat Falls

A trail walks you over the source leading to Wildcat Falls

Wildcat Falls

Hiking in Tonty Canyon

Rounding the bend to Tonty Falls

Can you feel its spray?

Tonty Falls

Part of the sandstone canyon by Tonty Falls

LaSalle Falls

View from almost underneath the falls

We just love LaSalle Falls! The kids get a kick out of walking behind it. (So do we!)  Here, my family is standing at the side of LaSalle while I'm shooting from behind the waterfall.

Starved Rock to the left, and the Illinois River and dam to the right.  The sandstone butte is named after the legend where Indians were surrounded and trapped by other tribes and they starved to death.

Another super place to hike is Matthiessen State Park which is located a hop, skip, and a jump from Starved Rock's westernmost trail.  --LKR

Turkey Vultures

A turkey vulture gliding through the air...

...and landing in a tree at Starved Rock State Park.

I've never seen them this close, before!  In the wild, that is!  At first, they flew really low to the ground, then soared higher above us before they descended again to rest in the trees.

Yup, there were two of them.  They are usually seen in numbers. 

Turkey vultures are interesting creatures. They can only hiss or grunt because they lack a syrinx.  Having a very keen sense of smell, they mainly eat carrion, but sometimes will eat fruit.  Nests are not built--eggs are laid in hollow trees, on cliffs, in caves, or even in abandoned buildings. If they can't fly away, turkey vultures will hiss and vomit undigested food to deter the few predators they have.  And to cool themselves down, they will defecate on their own legs!  This gives a new meaning to "dirty bird"!!!  --LKR

Sunday's Song--Easter Song

Easter Song

Here the bells ringing
They’re singing that you can be born again
Here the bells ringing
They’re singing Christ is risen from the dead

The angel up on the tombstone
Said "He has risen, just as He said
Quickly now, go tell His disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead"

Joy to the word, He has risen, hallelujah
He’s risen, hallelujah
He’s risen, hallelujah

Hear the bells ringing
They’re singing that you can be healed right now
Hear the bells ringing, they’re singing
Christ, He will reveal it now

The angels, they all surround us
And they are ministering Jesus’ power
Quickly now, reach out and receive it
For this could be your glorious hour

Joy to the world, He has risen, hallelujah
He’s risen, hallelujah
He’s risen, hallelujah, hallelujah

The angel up on the tombstone
Said "He has risen, just as he said
Quickly now, go tell His disciples
That Jesus Christ is no longer dead"

Joy to the world, He has risen, hallelujah
He’s risen, hallelujah
He’s risen, hallelujah
Hallelujah!

--Keith Green

Early Illinois Flora

These were some of the early blooming flowers--and greenery--that we saw in Illinois at Starved Rock State Park.  They'll be coming to your area, soon, if they haven't already started blooming in your area!  Enjoy!  --LKR

Bloodroot

Rue Anemone

Skunk Cabbage

A bee pollinating Dutchman’s Breeches

Moss

Budding Toothwort

Rock, fern, and moss

Budding Virginia Bluebells

Wisdom From Then Citizen Ronald Reagan

This is very insightful wisdom given by then citizen Ronald Reagan back in 1961. --LKR

Cow Calving!

Last night, I had the opportunity to watch one of our friend's cows give birth. Below are pictures of the happy occasion!

A blue sack comes before the white sack that contiains the calf

Front hoofs

Yup, that's the calf's tongue!

Mom cleans her baby (a male) while her neighbor smiles approvingly!

Good job, Mom! --LKR

Hummers, Orioles, Heading North!

The hummers are early, this year!!! According to Journey North ruby-throated hummingbirds have been spotted as far north as Williamsburg, VA, on the east coast, and East Ridge, TN more inland!!!

Rufous Hummers have blanketed the west coast with their presence, as well, so spring is well on its way!

If you put your feeders out, early, they will be grateful. They are on the move with few, if any, flowers to feast from, though they will also eat bugs. Your choice--invite pesky bugs to your yard, or put out your feeders without dely!!!

Don't forget those lovely orange and black birds who also will come looking to dine at your hummingbird feeders! Orioles are also on the move and farther north in their journey. They've already been reported in Raleigh, ND, and Edina, MN. Orioles will also indulge in grape jelly, orange slices, berries, and of course insects!

I can't wait to have these beautiful birds back at my feeders! --LKR

In The Red...

Whence Comes My Help?

Thankfully, my help comes from the Lord, maker of Heaven and Earth! (Psalm 121:2)

Health Care Bill Dangers

The Mad Hatter

Taken Back In Time

"Be ready in 15
minutes! I'm picking you up and we're going to check out my mid-life crisis car!" quipped my half serious hubby.

Pulling into the car lot, we drove over to an awesome, blue '73 VW Bug. A manual, it had a sunroof, a real weakness for my hubby.

We both marveled over what good condition it was in for a 37 year old car! Hubby was sorely tempted to buy it, even though it needed a lot of work. Though it leaked oil and smelled of gas, it ran just fine!

Hubby and I took it out for a spin along the service road. The memories it brought back were priceless. My mom had two little Beetles like this, one red and the other yellow. Both were semi-automatic (stick, no clutch), and fun to drive!

My dad especially loved to tinker around with it. He was a tailor by trade, but a mechanic at heart, fixing appliances, radios, and tvs for the fun of it. Shear pleasure for him, which also meant less mechanic bills!

At that same time period, I had owned a beautiful '73 Ford Mustang. I can only hope my "Yellow Banana", as I called it, is still on the road like this little Bug!


Oh, happy daze... ! --LKR

It's Meeelting!!!

Without much of a thought, I carefully--and routinely--made my way across the unavoidable, treacherous ice on our driveway to what my niece calls the Kidney Bean, aka our maroon minivan. I was heading out for a meeting and then for some shopping while out in town, escaping what would otherwise have been a day spent in solitude.

Three hours later, pulling back into the driveway, I noticed not only was the ice gone, but the majority of the water from it melting had also evaporated!!! A jubilant victory song spontaneously broke forth in my head: "Ding! Dong! The ice is gone! Which old ice? The driveway's ice! Ding! Dong! The driveway's ice is gone!" Ha! Winter is being defeated!!!

We had reached temps in the high 30's, today, and tomorrow we'll be expecting temps in the low 40's! Spring is on it's way!!! --LKR

Awayo's Story

This is a true story about Awayo,who is from a tribe in Papua New Guinea.

Furnature Restoration--A Spiritual Message

In Case Of Emergency

The Toyota scare, as well as having a new driver in the family prompted this post.

Yes, like the cartoon suggests, texting while driving could cut your life--as well as some one else's--short. Ditto with drinking and driving. But you already knew that, right?

Drive Defensively

The best advice my mom gave me when I was learning to drive was to drive defensively. Instead of having other drivers watch out for you, keep your own eyes on the road at all times. Watch out for potential problems--deer, objects falling off the back of trucks, a motorist who can't stay in his lane, slower moving traffic up ahead, new drivers on the road. The list is endless. When you are alert, you can help prevent many accidents from ever taking place.

Accelerator Stuck

I was in my early 20's when the gas pedal stuck on my '73 Ford Mustang. Learning what to do was never taught in Driver's Ed. Thankfully, regaining my composure helped find a logical solution.

Here's what you do if your car's accelerator gets stuck and the engine is revving and you keep going faster:

* Don't panic

* Floor the breaks and ride them

* Throw the car into neutral

* Pull over to the side of the road

* Turn the car off

You could also just turn your car off and steer your vehicle to the side of the road, but be aware that you will loose power steering. The steering wheel will feel stiff, so you'll need to use some muscle to move off of the road.

Of course you need to be mindful of traffic. If you're on a highway, turning on your safety hazards will alert other drivers that there is something wrong and to beware.

Live Wire

Unfortunately, I've had this happen to me, too.

If you notice an overhead wire on the road, or if one should fall on top of your vehicle while you are driving:

* Stay inside your car and continue to drive away from the wire

* If your car's engine stalls out, stay in your vehicle

* Call 911, or ask someone else to call them or the local electric company

* Warn other well-meaning people not to touch the vehicle or the wire

And remember: even a wire that's not dancing or "snaking" around can still be a deadly live wire.

Car Dies

A friend of mine was driving several of us through Pennsylvania on I-80 when the car's engine stopped with no warning. After trying several times to unsuccessfully re-start the car, he coasted us safely over to the side of the highway.

If this should happen to you, try the above, or just pull over to the shoulder of the road and call for help. If you are in the middle of traffic, putting your hazards on will alert other motorists that you are not going to be going the speed limit.

Tornado

A car, truck, or van is an extremely dangerous place to be in a tornado.

If a tornado is visible and still off in the distance, you may be able to drive away from it by moving out of its path. Drive at right angles from the position of the tornado's location.

If it's too close, as quickly and as safely as possible, park the car at the side of the road. Get out and seek shelter in a sturdy building.

If you are out in the country and surrounded by fields, run to low ground away from cars, power lines, or trees. Lie flat and face-down. Protect the back of your head and neck with your arms.

Never ever seek shelter under a bridge. Think "wind tunnel".

Fall Into Deep Water

God forbid this should ever happen to anyone, but if your car goes off the road or a bridge and into water:

* If you act quickly, you should either open the door right away before it starts to sink, or open a window and escape. You will only have a few seconds to open the door.

* If you can't do either, make sure the doors are unlocked and the key is still in the ignition.

* Calmly wait until you car is completely submerged and wait for the pressure to be equalized.

* Open the door, and follow the air bubbles up.

The below video demonstrates the acronymn, POGO, which stands for:
Pop seatbelt
Open window
Get
Out

How To Escape a Car Sinking in Deep Water on Howcast

It's always good to know what to do in case of such emergencies. But, above all, remind yourself to stay calm in any situation and you will be able to think things through. --LKR

Greg Gilbertson Air Tapping

Greg was awesome! We saw him last night at CVBC playing for a Hope for Haiti event and had such an enjoyable evening being entertained!!! :-) I would have asked him about this air tap technique, but we left right after the event instead of sticking around to mingle. --LKR

Arkiyana, Awesome Artist

Having had experience as a student teacher with middle school aged children, I'm always very impressed with young talent. Arkiyana Kramarik is an amazing, self-taught, child prodigy. She does much more than paint and draw! Enjoy! --LKR

Sunday's Song--Love Lifted Me

Love Lifted Me


I was sinking deep in sin,
Far from the peaceful shore.
Very deeply stained within,
Sinking to rise no more.
But the Master of the sea
Heard my despairing cry
From the waters lifted me
Now safe am I.

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.

All my heart to Him I give,
Ever to Him I'll cling.
In His blessed presence live,
Ever His praises sing.
Love so mighty and so true,
Merits my soul's best song.
Faithful, loving service, too,
To Him belongs.

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.

Souls in danger look above,
Jesus completely saves.
He will lift you by His love,
Out of the angry waves.
But the Master of the sea,
Billows His will obey.
He your Savior wants to be,
Be saved today.

Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.

Talented, Twirling Bear

Tim Tebow, Humble Servant

Rescued Dog Becomes Rescuer

Click on the below for a heart warming story:

Dog rescued from abusive home becomes the rescuer

Innovative Feline

I've never, ever, ever seen a kitty drink like this!!! Enjoy!

Rumble In The Jungle 2010

It was a beautiful, sunshiny day. One would never have guessed it was -4F at 9:00 am!!! Thankfully, it warmed up a tad bit more before the races began at 10:45.

The Swiss Miss Rumble in the Jungle was held at Lowes Creek County Park in Eau Claire, WI. This was the fourth annual race, which is now held in memory of Tim Dusick, the race's founder. Paula (Tim's widow), along with Mark and Emily Blaskey, have been keeping Tim's dream alive. Rumble in the Jungle is now a qualifying event for the 2010 Snowshoe Nationals.

First up were the children's race. Trax of the Eau Claire Express, Fazoli's Tomato, as well as a kind-hearted Turtle joined in on the fun. The 5K race began! The 10K started shortly thereafter. Racers began filtering through down the Ridgeline Trail, headed toward Skull.

Racers--and walkers--along Fence. The finish line was near at hand!!!Three lads clad in kilts

Kelly Mortenson of St. Paul, MN with fellow recipient Andrea Mueller of Edgar, WI each won as the overall male and female of the 10K Swiss Miss Rumble in the Jungle snowshoe race.

In the dead of winter, this is a very welcomed event! --LKR

Boxing Cats

Too cute! Enjoy!

Dawn's Early Light

I cannot tell you how strongly I dislike the dark days of winter, nor of how totally thrilled I was at 6:58 this morning to actually see the dawn of a new day!!!

It's amazing what a difference a day makes. Yesterday at this very same time, it was still pitch black out. (We're out in the country and thankfully don't have any of those pesky street lights!) My children normally drag themselves out of bed...and out to the bus stop all before the crack of dawn. What fun--or how safe--is that?

I'm not a morning person, but actually beginning to see light earlier in the morning does make it easier to to get up and at 'em! --LKR

Sunday's Song--I Surrender All

I Surrender All

All to Jesus I surrender;
all to Him I freely give;
I will ever love and trust Him,
in His presence daily live.

All to Jesus I surrender;
humbly at His feet I bow,
worldly pleasures all forsaken;
take me, Jesus, take me now.

All to Jesus I surrender;
make me, Savior, wholly Thine;
fill me with Thy love and power;
truly know that Thou art mine.

All to Jesus I surrender;
Lord, I give myself to Thee;
fill me with Thy love and power;
let Thy blessing fall on me.

All to Jesus I surrender;
now I feel the sacred flame.
O the joy of full salvation!
Glory, glory, to His name!

I surrender all, I surrender all,
all to Thee, my blessed Savior,
I surrender all.

--J.W. Van Deventer, 1896

Farewells and New Beginnings

Goodbye 2009, and hello 2010!!!

Happy New Year, Everyone!!!

Snowy Big Falls

It was a bright and lovely day, today, but very cold, as well. So why did hubby and I venture out into the cold? To see the beautiful sights at Big Falls! One section of the fallsA hole in the ice

No picnicking today!!!A fallen log

These sights, and many more, were worth the trek through the woods! --LKR

Rescued Raccoons

Young Raccoons Saved from Pepsi Machine @ Yahoo! Video

Merry Christmas!!!

What Child Is This

What Child is this who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom Angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate,
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.

This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me, for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him;
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and Angels sing;
Haste, haste, to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

Raise, raise a song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary.

--William Chatterton Dix, 1865

Twelve Days of Christmas

Straight No Chaser is a truly talented group of young men! Enjoy! --LKR

Holiday Humor

I love the Muppets, and I love this piece. Enjoy! --LKR

Cool Moon

At 5am on his way out the door to work, hubby ran back in the house. "Wanna see something cool?" he whispered. "Take a look outside!"

It was awesome, worth crawling out from under warm blankets and into the freezing air. Hubby was talking about the ring around the moon you see here.

I don't have a wide angle for the camera that does super in low-light, and forget the tripod. As it was, by the time I grabbed my camera, the scene had changed. Thought it still was worth sharing. --LKR