First Family Camping Trip

My hubby and I had bought a tent at Venture's going-out-of-business sale over a decade ago, vowing to some day "rough it" in the "wilderness" with our children when they were older. We both enjoyed tent camping while growing up, but trying to find a happy medium of where to actually pound our pegs looked dubious. That is, until we visited Hok-Si-La in Lake City, MN.

"I like what I see!" said my hubby. I agreed. "Really? Do you really think this is doable for you? We can get you an air mattress, and a warmer sleeping bag. You really like this?" This doubt comes from a decade of declines partly due to my chronic (myofascial) pain, allergies, and fibromyalgia (all well managed, now), but more because of over-crowded, noisy campsites we had looked at in the past. In my opinion, when you're trying to get away to relax and unwind, you need more nature and less civilization.

A week later, we were back at this beautiful park. The time had come! It was to be the first tent camping experience for our family of five, and we were all excited! Fido came along with us and was on cloud nine--he'd never gone anywhere with us, except to the vet's--oh, and to puppy lessons (to train the kids more than the dog, mind you!).

We had a beautiful view overlooking Lake Pepin (aka the Mississippi River). Gulls, bald eagles, and fishing herons entertained us while we ate at our campsite. There were lots of frogs, too, and fish were active and visible, as you can see in the top left photo.

The weather was warm, and even hot, in spite of it being overcast the first two days. The predicted thunderstorms were nothing more than a few distant rumbles accompanied by a light shower that lasted maybe an hour. The third day was absolutely gorgeous, and none of us wanted to leave. We can't wait to go back! --LKR

Territorial Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds

We have four ruby-throated hummingbirds fighting over food and territory in our yard, this year. I don't know why they do this, as we go out of our way for them so they won't. We have a bunch of large hummer and butterfly friendly gardens for them to choose from, as well as four hanging baskets full of tempting petunias. Two neighbors also have feeders up, and this August we added a second feeder on the other side of the house. Still, they fight in the gardens, at the baskets, and around the feeders. But we still love them, and their antics! They will surely--and sorely!--be missed when they head south for the winter. --LKR

He's the Fairest of Them All

We just got back from a few fun-filled days of camping in MN. Being continually surrounded by nature without interruptions from the phone and computer--or being enslaved by the clock!--is really so liberating! I'm always so much more focused on the Lord Jesus when out observing all His glorious creations, which is why I believe I prefer being outdoors.

He is also the best Artist, and I really love being alone with Him to delight in the works of His hands. Take a close-up look at a flower, an insect, or anything else that He has made, and you'll see what I mean. I love macro photography as well as viewing things under a microscope for this very reason. It's all so totally cool to see such tiny detail in things you'd never expect, going beyond what the human eye can naturally see or what the human mind can fathom.

The hymn below is a favorite of mine from childhood that gives total expression to how I feel when surrounded by His creations. --LKR

Fairest Lord Jesus, ruler of all nature,
O thou of God and man the Son,
Thee will I cherish, Thee will I honor,
Thou, my soul's glory, joy, and crown.

Fair are the meadows, fairer still the woodlands,
robed in the blooming garb of spring:
Jesus is fairer, Jesus is purer
Who makes the woeful heart to sing.

Fair is the sunshine, fairer still the moonlight,
and all the twinkling starry host:
Jesus shines brighter, Jesus shines purer
than all the angels heaven can boast.

Beautiful Savior! Lord of all the nations!
Son of God and Son of Man!
Glory and honor, praise, adoration,
now and forevermore be Thine.

Red Wing, MN

We had a lovely lunch at the Smokey Row Cafe in Red Wing, which is north of Lake City where we were vacationing. Their River City Days was in full swing, but we decided to tour the town, instead. My hubby, of course, had to stop at their Caribou Coffee, and I, of course, had to get out of the van to take a few pics of the building, a former train station.

This town, which stretches along the Mississippi River, has a Menard's, Walmart, and Target. I'm sure there's more, but that's what I remember seeing. Having lived near big cities my whole life, it's seemed strange not having larger stores in several near-by towns out here in much of WI and MN.

One evening, we ate dinner at Applebees which had a cool steamboat shoe in front of it. In fact, there were lots of decorated shoes sprinkled around town, just like Chicago's bears and Eau Claire's hands. It's very fitting since Red Wing is famous for the shoes made there.

We later found out that as of February, 2005, Red Wing is also home to the largest leather boot, built by the Red Wing Shoe Company. According to the Guinness World Records, it stands at 16 ft, is 20 ft long, 7 ft wide, and weighs 2,300 lbs!!!

Was that made for Paul Bunyan??? --LKR

National Eagle Center

Want to see eagles up close and personal? Then come visit the new National Eagle Center in Wabasha, MN! Meet Harriet, Angel, and Columbia, three educational eagles that reside in this large structure. All three of these residents can be seen clearly, as they are not in cages.

While the National Eagle Center's grand opening isn't until September 29th and 30th, you can still see many things there, now.

Sit in on a classroom session and learn interesting facts about the golden as well as the bald eagle. While we were there, we got to watch Harriet munch on lunch as we asked questions after their informative talk.

Did you know:
* A bald eagle's egg is white, while a golden eagle's is speckled brown.
* Bald eagles are opportunists. A dead rabbit, snake, or even deer(!), is welcomed fast food to them.
* Eagles will protect their prey. If you see an eagle in the road with roadkill, slow down, stop, or swerve if it's safe to do so. These birds will not leave their food, and many have been killed or injured because of this.
* Lead, the size of a pinhead, can and will kill an eagle in a matter of days. Fishermen and hunters, please take note!

At the center, you can also learn about other endangered or protected animals and what you can do to help save them from extinction. Triumphantly, the American bald eagle has officially been taken off the endangered species list as of June 2007, and with concerned citizen's efforts, other species may, too!

There are indoor and outdoor observation areas for viewing eagles. Come between November and March and witness hundreds of overwintering eagles flying, fishing, or perching above the icy waters. The waters don't freeze over, here, due to the Chippewa River's convergence slightly north on the Mississippi River. These majestic raptors are truly awesome!

The National Eagle Center is now located on Pembroke Ave. Follow it down to the river and you'll see it on the left hand side. Visit their website for more info at: http://www.nationaleaglecenter.org/

Other interesting and informative sites on eagles:
Hope Rutledge's beautiful site: http://www.baldeagleinfo.com/
Journey North: http://www.learner.org/jnorth/search/BaldEagle.html

--LKR

Wabasha, MN

In southeastern, MN, right along the Mississippi River is the oldest community in the state. Historic Wabasha, which was established in 1830, is a quaint little town that is part of the Great River Road Bluffs Region.

Wabasha is famous for being home to the movie, Grumpy Old Men, as well as it's sequel, Grumpier Old Men, in the 1990's. It is also home to the new National Eagle Center, the perfect site since hundreds of eagles overwinter here from November to March.

Recently while visiting this town, we stopped for lunch at the Flour Mill Pizzeria, and ended up next door at the Chocolate Escape which ironically was the old home for the Eagle Center we had come to see!

We are hoping to come back this way in the fall to view the tree-lined bluffs cloaked in their fall colors, as well as to see a larger gathering of eagles. --LKR

Yellow Water Lilies

These yellow water lilies along the Mississippi River between MN and WI were so beautiful, I wanted to find someplace to stop to get a better shot. (It didn't happen... .) They brought back a flood of memories of canoeing through white lilies on Saranac Lake (upstate NY) on the way to Middle before reaching the locks. --LKR

Jake the Snake

This particular post is not for the squeamish. It features photos of a feasting snake, and may be upsetting to some folks.

Jake is my son's little Fox (aka Pine) snake. A friend from a local church had found two Garter as well as two Fox snakes in a fence post hole, and rescued them. They were newly hatched and, oh, so adorable! He was giving them away to anyone who wanted one, and releasing any unclaimed. I did my best to sway my hubby in favor of this sort of pet. He gave in to the majority, and we happily brought him to his new home!

Jake is now about a year old, and has grown a lot. He has shed his skin several times, and has nearly quadrupled in size. He now eats up to five pinkies (baby mice) weekly. I've bought Jake fuzzies, but have yet to feed him these larger frozen (but well thawed when offered) mice. My sister and I agree: We love snakes, but just don't like what they eat. We've had mice as pets, and have both rescued and fed baby mice milk with eyedroppers.

Up here in the Land of Curds and Whey (aka Wisconsin), Fox snakes are abundant. In some states, they are considered threatened which is largely due to habitat loss. Their homes are farmland, prairies and wooded areas.

Unfortunately, snakes are still feared and largely misunderstood. Most snakes of the world are non-venomous and are actually valuable creatures that keep the rodent population under control. While I worked at Beaver Creek Reserve, a beautiful specimen was brought in during our staff meeting by two police officers. A concerned citizen spotted it on a playground and called it in. It had been rattling it's tail and a few people feared it was a Rattlesnake, even though one hadn't been spotted in the Eau Claire County area in a long time. (It would be a rare sighting.) Fox snakes will rattle their tails when frightened, and also may produce a musky smell from scent glands at the base of their tails.

Below are photos of Jake eating. It's taken me a while to actually get my "nerve" up to watch him eat! --LKR

Lake City, MN

Recently, we spent a few days vacationing in Lake City, MN. This beautiful little town is located along Lake Pepin on the Mississippi River. Lake City is the birthplace of water skiing, and it has the largest marina of small boats on the Mississippi.

We stayed in the AmericInn and enjoyed the pool and hot tub after spending time sightseeing in near-by towns from Red Wing to Wabasha.

One evening, we ate dinner in town at Port of Call. It was a little on the pricier side, but well worth it. I had broiled Cod, and our engaging waitress made sure to keep gluten off my menu.

Walks along the water were quite enjoyable. We saw dramatic fog as well as gorgeous sunny views. Beavers, ducks, gulls, and of course the bald eagles were there to entertain us further.

We want to go back and explore it some more! --LKR

Frontenac State Park

Frontenac State Park towers 350 feet above the Mississippi River. The view from the top is absolutely spectacular!

We took lunch with us, one day, and picnicked at the top. It was thrilling watching eagles and other raptors soaring above us as well as over the water!

We came here two times while staying in Lake City, MN. Hiking down to the shore was very steep, and I'll just add that going down was much easier than going back up! However, it was well worth the effort!

We made it worth our while and stayed down by the shore and explored. The longer we could put off going back up, the better!

There are also more horizontal trails, but we didn't do them--yet! I want to go back!

A really nice thing about purchasing a permit for the state parks in MN is that they are good for a year from the month you pay for it.

In some states like WI, you buy them for the calendar year which makes it harder if you don't start going to the parks 'til the summer months. --LKR

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Dragonfly

To my delight, dragonflies are plentiful in our yard in Eau Claire, WI, just as they were back in Villa Park, IL. We have Lowes Creek very close by, here, and plenty of insects for them to feast on. This is great, as long as they don't go after any of our butterflies!

If you click on the picture, you can see this dragonfly enjoying his newly caught meal. He is perched on top of one of our dead trees that we lost over the winter (due to a dry fall where the ground didn't freeze...). --LKR

This Year's New Addition...

This is a pic of a very busy female paper wasp at work. She let me come and go through our sliding glass door until the nest got larger...and others were invited to come work on it.

We also had a huge nest under our deck, last year. They never bothered me when I was out gardening right in front of it. In fact, I was totally unaware of them, at first. After that, I made sure to stay out of their flight pattern, and they acted like they never even noticed me. It would have been quite the scene if they had!!! --LKR

Last Year's New Addition...

I just found this pic from last year. It was the newest addition to our home in 2006. As you can see, the worker is quite busy! She is building her nest out of mud. I think it's a potter wasp. --LKR

The Serenity of Summer School

Amidst the hassles of summer school is a time of solace for me. True, there is no sleeping in on these lazy days of summer, and we're quite literally on the go all morning long, four times a week, five weeks in a row--six, if you count Orchestra.

For the past three years I've driven to three different schools each summer, with times overlapping. All have been in opposite directions and clear across town from each other. But I've spent the two hours between the longest waiting period as a time of peaceful relaxation. No dishes, laundry, or cleaning. It's my time to do as I please with no distractions, something any mom would covet. Time to read, write, or work on my embroidered tablecloth. (That, I must add, is filled with almost 16 years worth of fading dinner guest’s signatures, patiently waiting to be immortalized in colored floss.) All this is mine without the guilt of needing to urgently do something more pressing. The 50 minute round trip is just not worth the time--nor my sanity--to spend at home for a mere hour. And, with the price of gas, it's a more economical choice!

So, here I sit at the north side of town, listening to birds chirping, rustling leaves in the breeze, and the laughter of children playing in a nearby park. Enviable, I know, but like all things like this that are too good to be true, it has an end. --LKR

A Dobsonfly???

Driving the kids to a park for a picnic after summer school, I stopped to get some gas for our van. While fueling up, I scanned my surroundings, passing the time away. Ho, hum. Woe! What on earth is that??? Right below my hand hanging out on the hose was a huge winged insect, about 5 inches in length! It was unlike anything I had ever encountered, before. This docile creature continued resting quietly as I gazed at it. My oldest daughter handed me my camera and the photo session began!

Getting back into my vehicle, I was about to pull away when thoughts of how someone else might react when they encountered this insect stopped me. If they freaked, which would be easy to do, there was no telling what its fate might be—or the person’s--if I left it there.

I quickly got out of the van and gently coaxed this giant into an empty Parmesan container I keep with me for occasions just like this. (Honestly, I do rescue bugs! Just ask my family and friends!) Handing it to my 11 year old son, he empathetically studied this awesome creature. “Cool, huh?!” I said. He nodded in agreement.

“Mom, I think he’s getting scared.”

”I know, honey. Tell him we’re going to let him go.”

“Mom, he doesn’t speak English. He won’t understand.”

“Tell him anyway. We’re almost there.”

We released him onto a small tree at Mt. Simon Park in Eau Claire, WI which is along the Chippewa River. We ate, the kids swam, he relocated, and we headed for home.

Ever hear of a Dobsonfly? I sure didn’t before this! But there he was on an interesting website that helped identify him. Ours was a sweet little boy. Females have smaller, functional mandibles (jaws) that are capable of inflicting pain. On another site, I learned that they are otherwise harmless in spite of their appearance, and are nocturnal. Most of their lives are spent in the larval stage, growing up under rocks in rivers, steams, and lakes. A few years later, they leave their watery world and pupate (like butterflies do) on land, over-wintering. Come late spring and into the earlier summer months, they begin emerging. They spend only a few days of life as winged creatures, as their sole purpose now is to mate, lay eggs, and die.

The site that helped ID him was here, if anyone would like to check it out: http://www.whatsthatbug.com/

--LKR

The Race Is On!

The sun was shining, birds were sweetly singing, and bicyclists were whizzing by. The third annual Chippewa Valley Firecracker Bicycle Race, which took place in lovely Lowes Creek County Park, was on! A part of the Wisconsin Off Road Series (WORS), it was the fifth of twelve races taking place in the state, this summer.

The evening before, my youngest and I headed to the park to check which trails would be used. We also watched and greeted cyclists both young and old as they pre-rode the trails, becoming familiar with them. Several narrow, twisting, hilly trails had been chosen, along with some wider paths for passing. The Youth category rode a shorter lap of six miles. Citizen and Sport participants cycled 12 and 18 miles, while the the Comp and Elite Women rode three laps of longer trails, putting in 24 miles of mountain biking. The Elite Men rode four laps, totaling 30 miles.

One rider had a flat tire that he quickly fixed. Another had his handlebars suddenly loosen up and had to borrow tools to adjust it, loosing his place as the lead. Towards the end of the race, another man cheerfully walked past us with his bike. Having dislocated his shoulder, he was using his bike to help support his arm. These guys were real troopers!

Participants and spectators came from all over Wisconsin, but we were told that many more were from Minnesota and Illinois, as well.

The next of these races is scheduled for July 15^th in Suamico, WI. For more information on these events, check out their website at: http://www.wors.org/schedule/

--LKR

Happy Independence Day!

Growing up in a little colonial town was really exciting as a child, especially around the 4^th of July. My sister and I would eagerly watch as our neighbor, a seasoned fireman, backed out the treasured antique fire truck he had safely stored in his garage. To us, it was a very special part of the highly anticipated parade held up on Main Street in Chatham, NJ. It was then cleaned and tuned up, making it ready for the big day… .

Way too early in the morning on Independence Day, we’d be awakened by what sounded like bombs being set off throughout town, which would rattle our windows and get us out of bed! Trees lining the curbs of many roads were posted with the usual black and white signs reading: “Emergency No Parking in Street”, although now the bold lettering is in red and more wordy, from what I’ve been told.

Throngs of neighbors lugging aluminum folding chairs would begin climbing streets leading to the center of town, while those who had left their chairs the afternoon before to reserve their spots would leave later for the parade.

Our Mom had always stressed the importance of honoring the many military veterans, volunteer fire and rescue workers, and of course the American flag, as they passed by. We’d do this by standing, saluting, and cheering them on, encouraging those younger than us to do so, as well. A highlight of the parade, herolding it’s end, was a clown setting fire to a small cardboard house. Triumphantly, a fire truck would come to the rescue, extinguishing the smoke while the crowds cheered.

At the park in the afternoon, firefighters would hand out bags of peanuts to long lines of children, tossing any extra bags to the crowds from their trucks. Fireworks were later held at what was then the Boro’s high school. I remember a lot of blue and gold fireworks, which were Chatham High’s school colors. Every year it was displayed: an illuminated “burning” house and fire truck rushing to the scene which thrilled young and old alike. Sirens were provided by one of the fire engines stationed nearby where the pyrotechnics were set up. Silvery white sparklers were the “water” that put the “fire” out.

Villa Park, IL, also had a real sense of close community with a lot of character. My children fondly remember the long parades filled with friends and neighbors they knew, and the interactive, playful water gun—and soaker!—“fights” between certain marchers and viewers that were quite comical to witness. In the evening, we’d head on over to Oak Brook Mall’s west side parking lot, joining the masses already lined along Highway 83 to watch the forthcoming impressive fireworks display.

We found our special niche for watching the displays in Eau Claire, WI, last year. Stumbling upon the beautiful new Phoenix Park over by the RCU building, we were rewarded with impressive views as well as displays without all the crowds that are usually jam-packed in Carson Park.

We all have our special memories of the 4^th of July when we were growing up. What are yours? And, how will you be spending America’s birthday, today? --LKR

Fire!

Hearing strange noises coming from outside early Friday morning, I thought they must be working on our roads, again. My hubby soon left for work (around 6am) while I lay in bed, trying to rest--or fall back to sleep. Around 6:35, I decided to get up and take fido out for an early outing. As soon as we walked out the front door, we ran back inside to grab my camera. There were gigantic plumes of black smoke billowing up into the sky coming from beyond a remote section of my beloved Lowes Creek County Park, which is right across the street from us. Waste Research and Reclamation Environmental Services (WRR) was on fire!

While poochie and I were outside, I heard yet another explosion and the sound of heaving metal. Thankfully for us, the wind was carrying the smoke--and debris—in the opposite direction of our neighborhood in the country, which is maybe half a mile from the plant. Unfortunately, it blew over other residential parts of Eau Claire, necessitating precautionary evacuations, including Pine Meadows Golf Course and Fairfax pool. Highway 93 also was shut down for a total of twelve hours.

We decided to head for the Twin Cities a day earlier than planned after my hubby drove past WRR on 93 following yet another explosion. Witnessing an enormous ball of flames engulfing one of the structures, he promptly called, leaving two messages on our machine: get the kids up and dressed and ready to roll in 15 minutes. As a respiratory therapist, the father of two (mild) asthmatics, and a severe asthmatic himself, he thought it best to play it safe. Our youngest also has chemical sensitivities, so off we drove down the yellow dotted highway, heading for the hills, so to speak.

Thank the Lord, it was all but over by the time we got home, shortly after 6pm. At least the fire and smoke were gone. Unfortunately, the fate of the surrounding area’s land, due to run-off from the thousands of gallons of water used to extinguish the flames, is yet unknown. Firefighters were able to keep the toxic run-off away from Lowes Creek, but a nearby wetland, already suffering from pollutants, wasn’t as fortunate. The DNR is keeping a watchful eye on this for all of us in Eau Claire, which, by the way, is French for “Clear Water”.

Firefighters spent the night at the plant in the event another fire would start. One was later rekindled around 11am Saturday, and they were able to keep it under control. –LKR

6/23/07

Many things about tomorrow

I don’t even understand

But I know Who holds the future,

And I know Who holds my hand.

A Storm in the Night

Tapping out an email to a friend, last night, I smiled as I caught glimpses of rapidly flashing light that pierced though our basement window, illuminating the darkened room where I sat. We’d been desperate for rain, having below average rainfall. I thanked the Lord for the approaching storm, anticipating the hope of precipitation—and the light show!

I was all but finished with my note when I suddenly became alarmed by what sounded like a wailing siren. Severe thunderstorms had been predicted for late this evening. Racing upstairs, I flung the front door wide open (not too bright!) to confirm my suspicions. Grabbing my nine year old daughter out of bed, I guided this trance-like figure down the stairs and into the safety of the lower level family room where earlier, her two older siblings had decided to camp out for the night. The attempts to get my hubby to join us were futile.

About a month before, high winds had whipped our neighbor’s trees, bending and twisting them in unnatural ways. The sky became green, and the sound of loud train cars filled the air—something people warned me when I moved to the midwest was a sign of a nearby tornado. We later learned that a funnel had been spotted about a mile away. Fortunately, it had not touched down anywhere. (Tornados can form with no, or very little, warning. Having lived on the east coast, I can honestly say that hurricanes are much easier to avoid!)

This night, we had been wedged between two severe storm cells, one of which we were almost smack in the center. We were thankfully spared the heavy hail and other conditions this storm could have brought us. Both my hubby’s mother’s and brother’s homes had unfortunately suffered extensive damage during a recent hail storm they had in Wisconsin Rapids. The power of these storms always reminds me of the awesome power of God! --LKR

6/21/07

When He rolls up His sleeves
He ain't just putting on the ritz
(Our God is an awesome God)
There's thunder in His footsteps
And lightning in His fists
(Our God is an awesome God)
And the Lord wasn't joking
When He kicked 'em out of Eden
It wasn't for no reason
That He shed His blood
His return is very close
And so you better be believing that
Our God is an awesome God… .

--Rich Mullins Awesome God

A Walk in the Woods

When my family of five moved from Villa Park, IL almost three years ago, we all lamented leaving behind our beloved Prairie Path on which we spent many happy hours—and memories--walking. Shortly after moving to the south of Eau Claire, WI (technically in the town of Washington), the kids and I blissfully discovered the local’s entry into a magical wooded world that rivaled anything we had ever encountered this close to home.

With temps reaching into the high 80’s and low 90's this past week, I retreated onto these wooded trails of beautiful Lowes Creek County Park three times. Twice I was able to drag one of my three children along. For some reason unbeknownst to me, they now balk whenever they are asked if they’d care to join me on one of my treks.

With all honesty, I have to confess that when surrounded by nature, I tend to get absorbed by my surroundings. That said, I have to conclude that the hours which are mere minutes to me as each new bend on a path, rustle of leaves…, or damselfly beacons me to follow a bit further, deeper into their world, takes me farther from my children’s. It does not help that I bring a camera along!

The trip I made alone was the most enjoyable. It was quite incredible as I was totally awed at new vistas on a newly explored trail. A butterfly I had long sought after, a Baltimore checkerspot, suddenly flew past me, landing on the grass. It allowed me to get really close where I discovered that this black and orange winged beauty--with striking orange-tipped antennae--also had orange palpi, eyes, and legs!!!

Also encountered was a deer posing on a narrow path, a red spotted purple butterfly weaving through the canopy of trees above, and several wild columbine flowers that were still in bloom—something I’ll be able to share with my children through photos. --LKR

6/18/07