Autumn is still here but the trees and the colors have definitely transitioned to a wintry look. Sad in a lot of ways, but still beautiful.
These pictures were taken in Knob Noster State Park . We were the only two people there. I love that, but I feel like people are missing out on great views of nature and fresh air. Oh well, I can call it my park 😉
Enjoy!
cate b
We had a low in the high thirties last night. Autumn is coming fast. Even had the heat on this morning. I love this time of year!
I saw this pretty little moth on my plumeria the other day. I have since brought the plants inside due to the plunge in temperature. But this is a Rosy Maple Moth. You can read about them here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dryocampa_rubicunda
pretty moth
Today we went to the Knob Noster State Park. I love to say “Knob Noster”. It reminds me of Punxsutawney – a place I have never been – but it is the home of Punxsutawney Phil the groundhog weather detector. I think Knob Noster needs a Groundhog Day Celebration – or an Armadillo Day celebration.
Anyway, the park is beautiful. Woods and more woods. Picnicking and camping and fishing.
Here is some of what we saw:
Enjoy!
cate b
We are fast approaching the end of January, 2014. Do you know what that means? Spring is getting closer. YES! It has been quite a cold winter for most of the U.S. Today, where I am, it is a balmy 43* as I type this, and I have no socks on. Tomorrow’s high should be around 56*! But Monday, well Monday – you just can’t trust that day. Our high should be about 16* and a low of 3. That is winter.
Winters like these tend to keep me indoors way too much for my liking. In my last post, Winter Hopes, I mentioned winter being a reflective time. A time to process and regroup, so to speak. But for me, it is very easy to slip into hopelessness when I have cabin fever and life seems to be on hold.
I was in “The Burg” last week, as I am every week for my four day stay with the grand daughters. I love that time with them and assisting my kids so they can attend University. But we were getting punchy, the girls and I. The two year old loves to go outside. I was able to take her for a walk one day last week. Just one! The other days were so cold that it would have been dangerous to her skin to go out. So, when my husband came to pick me up on Thursday, he wanted to go to a local town that we were curious about. We knew it was small……. Knob Noster, MO. Here is a pic from downtown Knob Noster:
I’m not sure this business is even open. That made me sad. We did find a Tea Room that was full of collectibles at wonderful prices. Little girls tea parties can be celebrated there also. They serve lunch and tea and the woman who owned it is delightful and so friendly. We will go back. But we are not sure how tiny towns like this survive. Whiteman Airforce base is nearby but the “larger” town of Warrensburg has more to offer.
From there we went to a Bakery/Bulk Foods shop that is usually closed when we have been in the area. It was open and on the way home. Let me tell you – just when I was feeling hopeless about my future and the weather, etc, this little gem of a place brought forth full sunshine and warmth. Funny how the little things in life can change your whole outlook. I love that.
We turned off the main highway and traveled the 2.8 miles to the shop. Here is some of what we saw:
farms…….
Then the treasure –
The Mixing Bowl
We walked into this small shop which is on the property with the family home and farm. A bubble of hopeful joy met us in a tiny lady-like form of the friendliest Mennonite woman I have ever met. She did all the baking and bundling of bulk food products. And the cheeses! You cannot beat the prices of the cheese she sells.
PIE! Amazing Pie!
What can I say? These taste fabulous!!!
Ahhhh! You can’t beat the price – we take this daily and for the gallon it is unbeatable!
Hallelujah!
Vanilla Beans!
I did not buy this from our new friend 😉 But got it for VANILLA!!!
Vanilla should be ready in April!
So, my point of this post is to say, I was going down into a hopeless state and just changing my environment and finding something so unexpected in the midst of stark winter surroundings, turned my whole outlook around. I headed home upbeat and joyful with a couple of bags of goodies to boot!
THEN, my dogs, who missed me while I was away in The Burg, were so happy to see me that little George Bailey jumped up and accidentally ripped the bag containing the jams. My Gooseberry Jam fell to the floor and broke. I actually cried. The dogs ran outside because they fear my crying and I cleaned it up and welcomed them back into the house with many hugs. Little George was relieved. No sense crying over spilt jam because I know where to by more. 😀
My friends, I hope you all have a hopeful winter and look with anticipation to spring coming. Because it is a certainty that spring will come!
Enjoy!
cate b
