Barbed Wire and Roses

Barn Time......

2011-11-18T16:20:00.003-07:00

I have had my eye on this barn for a long time....I finally took the side road and stopped for a picture.....its time to put together a book of my barn photos. Being a country girl at heart.....I have a soft spot for barns. They are part of the country experience that will forever be with me!!

Time Change....

2011-11-06T08:18:00.001-07:00

With the time change this weekend...the sun will be going down earlier on these railroad tracks near where I live.

Fall is upon us....

2011-11-05T13:11:00.002-06:00

Fall is here.....the smell of pumpkin pie baking in the oven is oh so good!

Each day brings with it......

2011-05-22T07:15:00.003-06:00

Each day brings with it the miracle of a new beginning. Many of the moments ahead will be marvelously disguised as ordinary days, but each one of us has a chance to make something extraordinary out of them.

MidMay

2011-05-15T07:54:00.002-06:00

Woke up this morning to temps in the mid 30's. We are having a cold/late spring here in western South Dakota. People joke about us going from winter right into summer, with a day or two of spring in between. Sometimes that is not too far from the truth!! I am still in the recovering mode from my second back surgery. I see the dr next week and am looking forward to getting back to work once I get the release from him. When I return to work, I will be learning a new computer system and a new job all at the same time. I am anxious to get back, I've missed my job and my friends.

A sign of life.......

2011-04-29T08:23:00.002-06:00

Hello blogger world. I have been procrastinating about writing a new entry here and today I am actually acting on that thought...finally!

2011 has gotten off to a good start, and already, May is just two days away! Where has the time gone!

Well...2011 has kind been going by in a fog for me.

On Jan 1, I was walking across a parking lot and slipped on the ice. I didn't fall, but as my footing gave way, I caught myself and "saved" myself from landing on the ground. I went on about my day without another thought. The next morning, when I got up to start my day, my leg and lower back/hip hurt like I had pulled some muscles and I thought "where did this come from, I haven't done anything to bring this on?". Well..then I remembered the slip on the ice the previous day. I thought nothing of it, as usually when I pull a muscle like that, in a few days its back to normal and I don't give it another thought. Well...this never got better, so I made an appointment with a chiropractor. That didn't seem to bring any relief to my symptoms. I soon started noticing a tingling/numbness issue happening in my leg/arm, and I got really concerned. I went to my regular physician and she sent me right in to have an MRI. The results of the MRI showed I had herniated a disk and that was causing nerve issues. I went from there to see a neurosurgeon. Yes...I was going to need back surgery. I had surgery on Feb 28 and came home to recuperate. I felt I was getting a bit better and then not so much, so back to the surgeon, in for another MRI and yes...and it goes from bad to worse. The disk had herniated again, only this time...it was much worse than the first time!!! I had tried to be extremely careful and follow the doctors orders but he said that if it was going to happen...it was going to happen to me, So....a second back surgery was done on April 20. I had only been back to work for 2 wks on a limited schedule when I had the second surgery. So here i am, at home recovering from surgery #2 and hoping there are NO issues with this one, since the next time it means surgery to fuse the disks. Thank goodness for a great employer, who has been super understanding with my situation. I am hoping to continue on a positive road to recovery and being back to work full time when I am able.

Welcome to 2011

2011-01-23T07:20:00.002-07:00

After a long absence I hope to get back into posting here on a regular basis once again. I haven't been out with the camera in recent weeks, so will be going through my files and posting some photos from the past several months.

Hoping everyone has a wonderful year in 2011!!

Live.....

2010-11-15T05:17:00.001-07:00

One of my favorite places in the Black Hills!

Spearfish Canyon 2010

2010-10-03T07:19:00.003-06:00

The Fall colors in Spearfish Canyon are awesome!
I love this place!

As September ends....

2010-09-26T09:41:00.002-06:00

As the month of September ends, the door is closing on summer, although the days are warm and bright. These are perfect days to get out with the camera and put it to good use!

September Sunrise

2010-09-17T05:16:00.002-06:00

Last weekend...this was greeting me as I looked to the eastern skies...what a beautiful way to start my day!!

Kool Kars.....

2010-09-13T18:44:00.002-06:00

Kool Kars were everywhere on a recent weekend when the city of Deadwood hosted Kool Deadwood Nights... an annual event when classic cars converge on the city for show and display.

September Days are Here.....

2010-09-02T04:33:00.003-06:00

"By all these lovely tokens
September days are here,
With summer’s best of weather
And autumn’s best of cheer."
- Helen Hunt Jackson

Summer 2010 is quickly coming to an end, with the turn of another page on my calendar. I love the fall season, so it is always somewhat exciting to see SEPTEMBER arrive each year. I am hoping for a long, colorful autumn season this year! The past couple of mornings, driving to work, I have witnessed some beautiful sunrises...but unfortunately, was not able to get any pictures. I am hopeful this weekend there will be some colorful photo opportunities as night turns into day!

Sturgis Rally 2010 is history

2010-08-21T15:05:00.005-06:00

The 2010 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is history. The annual event was held this year during the second week in August. Sturgis, South Dakota is a small town of roughly 6000 during the rest of the year, but for a few days each August, it becomes the biggest city in the state when bikes and enthusiasts from far and wide gather for the event of the summer. This year the early estimates are that over 600,000 attended the rally. The rally includes more area than just Sturgis, it actually spills over into many communities within the area. It is a big boost to the economy of the area each year. There are several big name concerts at area venues during the week. Its a good time!!

The Best Remedy....

2010-07-17T09:34:00.003-06:00

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is
to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone
with the heavens, nature and God.

Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and
that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple
beauty of nature. I firmly believe that nature brings solace
in all troubles.
- Anne Frank

Life handed me a bit of a twist a few weeks ago, when my daughter moved back home on short notice. I really don't mind...I'm happy I can be here for her when she needs a helping hand. She has one semester of college left before she completes her degree in nursing. Between her busy schedule of school, studying, clinicals and working, she is not home that much anyway. So far all has been going well. I just have to smile when I think back to my son moving out just a few short months ago, allowing me to experience the peace and quiet of the empty nest! I won't deny loving every minute of having the house to myself. Three weeks ago I took a bruise to the leg and I didn't give it much thought. After a week had passed, it started to bother me a great deal and I ended up with visits to the doctor where I received x-rays and had an ultrasound done. All showed it was a "harmless" bump on the leg that caused a deep bruise. I was relieved to learn there were no serious underlying complications..but was still a bit confused about the intense pain it was causing me. Going to work each day was not a pleasant event, but nonetheless, I made it there each day. I guess "time" is the magic cure for this and the past couple of days I have started to feel better. I hope I am soon back to 100%...and will be more careful from here on out...and not crashing into things in the dark!!

Around the bend.........

2010-07-11T08:36:00.002-06:00

What is it that lies around this bend on the journey we are traveling? We will find out....one day at a time, one step at a time, one breath at a time.....

When we long....

2010-07-07T05:16:00.004-06:00

When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure”
Peter Marshall

Even on days when skies aren't the brightest, life goes on...so heres to another day. A short week at work is a positive among some negatives I'm dealing with at the moment.

July 4th.....

2010-07-04T07:06:00.001-06:00

One flag, one land, one heart, one hand, One Nation evermore! -Oliver Wendell Holmes

Footprints....

2010-07-02T18:35:00.008-06:00

Today, back in my hometown, a young man was laid to rest who lost his life in a tragic agricultural accident earlier this week. My heart goes out to his family in this sorrowful time. His sudden death has left such a void in the rural community that he called home. He began his college eduation this past year with a goal of Veterinary Medicine. Its not what you take when you leave this world behind you, Its what you leave behind you when you go. This brilliant young man left some amazing footprints behind. He will be missed.

Did someone turn the heat on ??

2010-07-01T05:43:00.005-06:00

Hello July! With the days of June nearing an end, it was time for mother nature to turn it up a notch. We had a toasty day yesterday, with the promise of a repeat for the next couple of days. I will be turning the water on the lawn when I get home from work later today. Wow...wasn't too long ago I was hoping the rain would stop so I could get the lawn mowed! In South Dakota, things can change in a hurry!

Every now and then....

2010-06-29T17:17:00.003-06:00

Every now and again take a good look at something not made with hands --a mountain, a star, the turn of a stream. There will come to you wisdom and patience and solace and, above all, the assurance that you are not alone in the world.

Sidney Lovett

Sunrise.....

2010-06-12T05:55:00.003-06:00

As the breeze rustles gently 'tween the trees
one by one the stars go to bed.
The birds begin their morning songs
as the world goes from dark to light.

The sun is hidden by clouds
so the sight seems less spectacular at first.
Shades of gray replace the sky's usual
yellows, oranges, reds and blue.

But as the sky lightens the beauty around me comes into focus
the browns and grays and blacks of a late spring
are beauty in their simplicity
as the world goes from dark to light.

There is beauty all around us
even if it seems ordinary at first.
Illumination can magnify the ordinary
into something extraordinary.

~~Melissa Bornemann~~

On a recent morning, I enjoyed this beautiful view as the sun was making its way over the ridge of hills east of my home. What a beautiful sight! This is something we haven't had much of recently...we are experiencing a very cool and rainy pattern here in the Black Hills. The rains have made the Black Hills come alive with green!

Promise Yourself......

2010-06-06T16:13:00.003-06:00

Promise Yourself

Promise yourself
to be so strong
that nothing can
disturb your
peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness
and prosperity
to every person you meet.

To make all your friends
feel that there is something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything
and make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best
and expect only the best.

To be enthusiastic about the success of others
as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to
greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times
and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself
that you have no time to criticise others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger,
too strong for fear and too happy
to permit the presence of trouble.

Christian D Larson

The end of the day.......

2010-06-05T05:37:00.001-06:00

I love these beautiful sunsets.....what a perfect ending to a beautiful day!!

Spring

2010-05-22T06:52:00.002-06:00

Spring is here...the countryside is coming to life again. Went for a short drive the other night and it was so refreshing to see green happening again!!

Its true....

2010-05-17T07:31:00.002-06:00

Its true we've never looked on God's face, but His likeness shines forth from every place. His presence can be felt and seen right in the midst of our daily routine. For the things we touch and see and feel are what makes God so very real.
Helen Steiner Rice

Mothers Day 2010

2010-05-09T06:16:00.003-06:00

Mom, we miss you so very much
On every Mother’s Day;
And not just then, but every minute,
Since you went away.

You were the center of our lives
Before your soul passed on;
It’s just so hard for us to believe
That you are really gone.

But we celebrate the life you lived
And all the things you gave us;
Our wonderful memories, Mom, of you
Are the things that will comfort and save us.

Please think of us, as we think of you
With hearts so full of love;
We’re looking up at you, sweet Mom,
As you look at us from above.

By Joanna Fuchs

Live your life each day.....

2010-05-08T08:26:00.003-06:00

Live your life each day as you would climb a mountain. An occasional glance towards the summit keeps the goal in mind, but many beautiful scenes are to be observed from each new vantage point.
-- Harold B. Melchart

May in the Black Hills

2010-05-07T05:23:00.002-06:00

May has arrived...although it doesn't feel like it. It has been feeling more like March, with cold, windy weather and yesterday we had snow! Thankfully, it warmed up just enough for it to become rain and melt the snow that had fallen. I am looking forward to the warm springlike days of May to arrive and not look back!!

Hope you are all having a wonderful Spring!!

2010-03-13T05:05:00.003-07:00

"Happiness resides not in possessions and not in gold, the feeling of happiness dwells in the soul." Democritus

Today promises to be a beautiful day....a beautiful spring day and I am going to enjoy every moment! Open the windows and let the sun shine in

Faith....

2010-03-09T05:21:00.003-07:00

"Faith is a mover of mountains...there is nothing we cannot achieve if we have the courage to try it and then have the faith to believe" Helen Steiner Rice

We have sunshine!

2010-03-07T07:29:00.003-07:00

Bring on the sunshine! After having what seems like day after day of fog/frost/rain/freezing rain/drizzle/snow/etc...it was SO nice to see blue sky and sunshine this morning! It was time to open the mini blinds and let the sun shine in while it is here! If the weather forecasters are correct..we will see a "wintry mix" the next few days starting tomorrow. I have to laugh, as a couple of the dj's on a local radio station always point out that they forecast a "wintry mix" when they aren't sure what is in store for us! Sounds like this is what we have on our plates for the next few days. So before the "mix" arrives, I am going to enjoy the sunshine! Just hope it hangs around for the entire day! I haven't taken any pictures in quite some time...so this is one I pulled out of my files from a couple of years ago on a November morning.

Family History

2010-02-24T04:56:00.003-07:00

I recently signed up to take a six week course through the community education program on the Into to Genealogy. I love family history and several years ago I did alot of research on the different branches of my family tree. I haven't even looked at it in recent years and I have had a burning desire to pick it up again. When I got the comm. ed catalog in the mail a few weeks ago and saw that this class was offered, I thought it might be the spark that I needed to reignite my enthusiasm to pick it up and start working again. I went to the class and there were nine others there, some who have never done any work on it and others, like myself, who have in the past and want to get into it once again. I am looking forward to the coming classes and seeing what new ideas, inspiration and resources are out there! Since I enjoy old family photos, scrapbooking and photography and have a love of black and white photos..I think I will be able to incorporate many of my interests in one hobby!

In the winter......

2010-02-18T17:46:00.003-07:00

There is a privacy about it which no other season gives you....In spring, summer and fall people sort of have an open season on each other; only in the winter, in the country, can you have longer, quiet stretches when you savor belonging to yourself.

~~Ruth Stout~~

Today was another cloudy, gray, snowy day. I have been thinking about washing my car for the past several weekends...but...hmmmmmmm...it is still a mess. Driving to work everyday on who knows what kind of road conditions hasn't been kind to anyone's wheels this winter! I figure why waste washing it when there is always another snow looming on the horizon!! Hopefully soon...we will have some blue skies and sunshine and dry roads, so I can wash my car and see what color it is suppose to be!!

Attitude.....

2010-02-14T06:33:00.002-07:00

"The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company...a church...a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we embrace for that day. We cannot change our past....we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you....we are in charge of our Attitudes."
Charles R Swindoll

Don't cry......

2010-02-02T05:15:00.003-07:00

"Don't cry because its over, smile because it happened" Dr Seuss

I am going to try to live my life with those words in mind from here on out. My birthday was this past Saturday and I left the 40's behind and am moving on to the next decade of my life. The 40's were the years of transition for me.....seems everything in my life changed during those years. My marriage ended, my parents both passed away, I moved from the farm/ranch life to the urban life, starting life anew with a 40 hr work week, issues with my kids during those teen years, etc., etc., etc.

Its now time to move on to the next phase of life...the 50's. Oh..did I just say that? Will take me a little while to get used to that number! But...age is just a number and we are only as old as we feel. I will look back on the life behind me and smile...because although it had its share of heartache...it was those life experiences that made me into the person I am today. I am looking forward to bigger and better things ahead in 2010!

Your time....

2010-01-30T08:46:00.003-07:00

"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the results of other people's thinking. Don't let the noise of other's opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary." ~~ Steve Jobs ~~

Morning Sky......

2010-01-26T13:47:00.003-07:00

This morning as I looked to the eastern horizon, this is the view that I was blessed with! It was so pretty...grabbed the camera and wanted to share it with you!

"I love the sweet smell of dawn--

our unique daily opportunity to smell time, to smell opportunity--

each morning being a new beginning"

~~Emme Woodhull-Bache

Beaver Creek Bridge

2010-01-24T06:02:00.002-07:00

Sometimes, if you aren't sure about something, you just have to jump off the bridge and grow your wings on the way down. ~Danielle Steel~

Beaver Creek Bridge, located in Wind Cave National Park near Hot Springs, SD. Bridge was built in 1929 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It is the only bridge of this arch type in SD.

Be yourself....

2010-01-19T05:05:00.002-07:00

"Be yourself. Above all, let who you are, what you are, what you believe shine through every sentence you write, every piece you finish."

~John Jakes~

2010-01-12T04:37:00.002-07:00

Last Sunday, I went on a short outing with my friend Jann to Mt Rushmore. It was different than most other times I had been there, as it was quiet and deserted, compared to the busy summer months when it is packed with visitors! No matter the time of year, its always a pleasure to see the monument!

January thaw....

2010-01-10T06:14:00.003-07:00

The bitter cold has moved on and temps have warmed to above freezing. Everyone is smiling!! Snowmobiling is a huge winter sport in the Black Hills and the hills are busy with those out enjoying the trails, skiing, snowshoeing, etc., whatever their winter sport of choice is! With all of the recent abundant snowfall (esp in the northern Black Hills), its a winter lovers paradise!!
This photo was taken late in the fall at Roubaix Lake, before the snow blanketed the area.

Its uphill from here.........

2010-01-08T05:37:00.003-07:00

This was the temp when I got up this morning....not as cold as I expected it to be, but cold enough! We are suppose to have 30's and 40's by next wk...and I am looking forward to that! Some of this snow needs to melt!

January Chill

2010-01-04T19:28:00.002-07:00

January is off to a chilling start! We had freezing fog again today and the outlook for the remainder of the week is calling for bitter cold, subzero temperatures, snow and strong winds. The gray, gloomy days of winter like the one we had today make me anxious for the warm sunny days of Spring!! Is that wishful thinking?

New Years Day 2010

2010-01-01T05:24:00.002-07:00

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Years Day.

Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Hands of Time.....

2009-12-31T18:43:00.004-07:00

The hands of time have been passing by....moment by moment. Another year is coming to a close...another decade behind us. Where does time go? For me, the hands of time have been ticking away as I go through my days...going through the daily rituals. As 2009 comes to a close, I look back on the things I had wanted to do and reflect on those things that I actually accomplished. There were some bright spots in my year, and some that weren't so colorful. I will take with me into the new year the positive memories and put forth the effort to create new moments in 2010. It seems each year passes by me a bit faster than the years past and I am confident that the coming year will follow that pattern!
To my friends and followers..thank you for your comments and emails over the past year. It has been a a huge inspiration for me and I appreciate each of you! I'll be seeing you 2010!!

Sunny skies.....

2009-12-27T13:16:00.003-07:00

Finally, the snow has stopped and the wind has subsided....no more blizzard conditions. It is a beautiful day with above freezing temperatures! What a calmness this is compared to the past three days!! The entire state of SD was hammered by this latest storm, with large amounts of snow falling in many areas, including Lead and Deadwood in the northern Black Hills, were they are digging out from between 30 to 40 (yes..that is NOT a typo!) inches of snow!! Luckily, here near Rapid City, where I live, we only received around six inches of snow!

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T11:54:00.002-07:00

Hoping you and yours have a joyous and memorable Christmas!

Winter Wonderland.....

2009-12-24T04:47:00.007-07:00

We had two days of dense fog here this week and all that moisture left a beautiful coating of frost on everything. I took a few pictures on Tuesday afternoon, on my way home from work.

We are living in a winter wonderland...and it is especially nice if you are able to stay inside and watch the winter elements from the comforts of home! We have a winter storm moving into the area and it doesn't sound good for anyone traveling. We had round one yesterday, with a bit of snow making roads less than favorable for the drive home yesterday. It isn't doing anything now, but round two is expected to move in later today and conditions are all downhill from there!I have to go into work for a few hours this morning, then I'll be coming back home to stay put for the remainder of the holiday weekend. I think I'll bake cookies when I get back home. I am planning on my kids being here tomorrow, weather permitting. Granted, they only have to travel across town, but depending on the snow and wind, those plans could be changing.

From my home to yours....I'm wishing all of my friends and followers a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!! Hoping you and yours are safe and warm!

Brrrrr...its COLD!

2009-12-13T15:33:00.002-07:00

Brrrrrrr...yes, that pretty much sums up my Sunday!! This cold wintery day began with a light dusting of snow early this morning and by 11:00 it had all but stopped, as I met my daughter in town for lunch. When we exited the restaurant less than an hour later....we were both shocked to see it snowing heavily! It was actually one of those pretty snowfalls that you visualize being on the front of a Christmas card. I had planned to stop at the store, but decided, after getting a start, that the safest place for me was at home! I drove the 10 miles home at a snails pace, as the roads and visibility were NOT good! I was relieved to pull into the driveway and once again be safe and sound inside my warm home. Now, a few hours later, it has

stopped snowing and I just came in from cleaning the driveway and the deck. It didn't take long for the cold to penetrate as I cleared the 4-5 inches of snow away. It is minus 2 degrees and will no doubt drop farther overnight,. When I opened the door to come back inside, I noticed the frost on the window and couldn't resist getting the camera to take a picture. What unique and amazing patterns the cold helped to create!! Even though I am not fond of this bitter cold that we have been dealing with, it does actually feel like Christmas with the colder temps and snow on the ground!

Black Friday....

2009-12-05T18:00:00.003-07:00

This is the sunrise that graced the eastern sky the morning after Thanksgiving. What a beautiful skyline to greet many people as they headed off to Black Friday!! Me? I enjoyed the colorful sunrise from the comforts of my home, with camera in hand!

Life is.....

2009-11-27T08:48:00.002-07:00

"Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child and the smiling faces. Smell the rain and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential and fight for your dreams"

Ashley Smith

Thankful.....

2009-11-25T17:05:00.003-07:00

I am thankful to live in such a beautiful area of our great country and to be able to savor those sights via my digital camera! Thank you friends and followers for your kind thoughts and words!

Crossroads......

2009-11-23T18:46:00.002-07:00

CROSSROADS.......

Life is made of choices It's not a trick of fate We wake up every morning To a fresh, clean slate Like a never ending road Our journey is our own No one can take it for us We have to walk alone ************************** It's not a roll of the dice Or luck on our side It's the mountains we climb The sins we can't hide It's trusting in the Lord To show you the way To give you strength and courage To live another day ************************* Life is full of crossroads We choose which path we take We pray we walk the right one In decisions that we make Some roads are dark and lonely Others show joy and light On a wing and a prayer Will you travel left or right? (c) Linda Hill 2005

There is a harmony....

2009-11-22T08:34:00.002-07:00

There is a harmony in autumn, and a luster in its sky, which through the summer is not heard or seen, as if it could not be, as if it had not been!

Percy Bysshe Shelley

To sit in the shade....

2009-11-15T14:30:00.004-07:00

To sit in the shade on a fine day and look upon the verdant green hills is the most perfect refreshment. -Jane Austin

The human spirit....

2009-11-08T14:09:00.002-07:00

The human spirit is stronger than anything that can happen to it. ~ George C. Scott ~

You never know....

2009-10-04T08:12:00.002-06:00

You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.....

The Journey....

2009-09-27T08:50:00.001-06:00

The Journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step....

Fall color...

2009-09-24T05:34:00.001-06:00

Just one of those beautiful fall colors!!

Changes are in the air.....

2009-09-23T05:40:00.002-06:00

Yes, the leaves are starting to change colors here....and they will be at their peak all too soon. I hope to get some more pictures of the changing colors before they are gone. I love fall, its my favorite season!

Look at everything....

2009-09-20T05:48:00.001-06:00

Look at everything as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time.Then your time on earth will be filled with glory.~ Betty Smith ~

Colorful surprise.....

2009-09-18T05:26:00.004-06:00

These are some the flowers I have growing in my yard. The funny thing is..I didn't plant them. Actually, when I first moved here 5 years ago, I did have some flowers in a planter in this area. The following year, I did not plant anything here, and one day I realized there was something growing among the rocks in that area. When I looked closer, I realized it was petunias that had reseeded from the previous year. I had no idea they would do that!!! So, each year since then, I have a beautiful display of these colorful flowers among the rocks and the old wagon wheels that I have placed there! It is an unexpected surprise that I enjoy each and every day!!

Twenty years from now.....

2009-09-16T17:59:00.002-06:00

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. ~~~Mark Twain~~~

The Silence of Nature.....

2009-09-15T05:37:00.007-06:00

The silence of nature is very real. It surrounds you . . . you can feel it. - Ted Trueblood

This was taken at Canyon Lake Park on an early morning walk recently. Its so beautiful there early in the morning before the rest of the world is awake.

Rain.....

2009-09-12T08:52:00.003-06:00

It rained during the night last night...its been raining most of this morning.....

I had planned to finish my staining project on the front deck..but guess that lil job is put on hold until a warmer, drier day! It is cool and feels like fall today. I put a roast in the crock pot and am thinking about baking something. I may even break out my scrapbooking project and work on that. Just a taste of whats ahead during the winter months!!

God Bless the United States of America!!

2009-09-11T17:27:00.002-06:00

September 11, 2001...... I will forever remember that day. It was early morning and my kids were getting ready to leave for school, as they had 20 miles to travel to get to town. I had the stereo on and a radio station from Rapid City was playing and I heard one of the dj's say "this just over the wire......a plane has crashed into the World Trade Center". The thought that crossed my mind was that a small 3 or 4 passenger plane had suffered an unfortunate crash. Little did I know I couldn't be more wrong. When I heard the radio announcer say "People, we have a serious situation here....." I knew it was a biggie. I went to share the news with my husband and we turned on the television. We were both in shock as we watched the devastation and terror unfold before us. Its a day I will never forget. Do you remember where you were and what you were doing?

When your life is filled.....

2009-09-09T20:43:00.005-06:00

When your life is filled with the desire to see the holiness in everyday life, something magical happens: Ordinary life becomes extraordinary, and the very process of life begins to nourish your soul! ~~~Robbi Harold Kushner

I took this photo from the parking lot at my place of work one morning last week. It was so pretty, I didn't want to go into the building, I wanted to stay in the early morning air and enjoy each and every moment of this beautiful wonder of nature!!

rusty old mailbox...

2009-09-09T20:43:00.002-06:00

This rusty old mailbox was along a walking path that my friend and I recently enjoyed.

A beautiful day for a drive in the Hills.....

2009-09-08T19:09:00.004-06:00

Last Saturday was a beautiful day in the Black Hills and it was perfect for the outing that my friend and I went on. We stopped by Pactola Lake to take in the sights, swung by Silver City and walked partway down the Deerfield Trail, along the creek. We then headed to Hill City where we had an enjoyable lunch at a favorite stop of ours, before heading back home. It was a bit hot but the sights, sounds and smells that we encountered while being out and about in the Black Hills made it all worthwhile!!

The bridge across the creek....

2009-09-07T06:37:00.002-06:00

This bridge crosses the creek on the trail leading to Spearfish Falls in Spearfish Canyon. What a beautiful walk!

2009-09-05T21:32:00.003-06:00

Trees are the earth's endless effort to speak to the listening heaven. Rabindranath Tagore

Look deep.....

2009-09-03T18:42:00.001-06:00

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. ~ Albert Einstein ~

Each time.....

2009-08-31T19:39:00.006-06:00

Each time you look up in the sky, Or watch the fluffy clouds drift by, Or feel the sunshine warm and bright, Or watch the dark turn into night, Or touch a leaf, or see a tree, It's all God whispering, "This is Me". Helen Steiner Rice

This is a shot of the sunset tonight. This picture does not do it justice, as it was colored with the most amazing shades of orange and red. I savored every moment as I watched the sun setting from atop a hill not far from my home.

Reflections.....

2009-08-30T20:05:00.003-06:00

Today my friend Jann and I drove to Spearfish Canyon in the northern Black Hills and enjoyed stopping along the creek. It is such a beautiful area and there is always something to feast the eyes upon!! This reflection of the surrounding trees was so crystal clear in the water!! I could travel this road thru the Canyon every single day and never tire of its beauty!

Which bridge.....

2009-08-25T18:17:00.004-06:00

The hardest thing in life to learn is which bridge to cross and which to burn.
David Russell

There seems to be a lil voice inside my head when I am taking pictures and it always points me in the direction of a bridge!

Black Hills Waters.....

2009-08-24T18:32:00.007-06:00

There are several lakes in the Black Hills, all are beautiful places to enjoy!

Sheridan Lake, Sylvan Lake and Pactola Lake pictured above.

All the days of your life.....

2009-08-22T09:27:00.002-06:00

Don't let life slip through your fingers by living in the past or in the future. By living one day at a time you live all days of your life.

Rushmore Morning......

2009-08-20T17:16:00.006-06:00

I recently shared a wonderful day with my daughter before she hits the books again for another semester of nursing school. We spent the day in the Black Hills, and it was the perfect day for our "mother/daughter" outing. We stopped at Mt Rushmore early and enjoyed the monument before the crowd starting arriving. Here are a few pictures from that morning stop. I can never get enough of this amazing creation!

48 Things about me....

2009-08-16T09:55:00.003-06:00

I found this on another blog and thought I would give it a whirl...here goes.....

48 Things about Me
1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:00
2. How do you like your steak? well done ......
3. What was the last film that you saw at the cinemas?
The Bucket List.....
4. What is your favorite TV show? I dont' want much tv, but have to admit I am hooked on American Idol when it is on!
5. If you could live anywhere, where would it be? In the country, away from the hectic pace of citylife!
6. What did you have for breakfast? Coffee..does that count?
7. What is your favorite food? Steak rates right up there at the top!
8. What foods do you dislike? Seafood
9. Favorite place to eat? Outback
10. Favorite dressing? Ranch
11. What kind of vehicle do you drive? Chevrolet Impala
12. What are your favorite clothes? Jeans and a tanktop
13. Where would you visit if you had the chance? Anyplace in or near the mountains!
14. Cup 1/2 empty or 1/2 full? I hope I can see it as half full!
15. Where would you want to retire? Haven't really given it much thought.
16. Favorite time of the day? Early morning-I love the quiet of the early mornings!
17. Where were you born? South Dakota
18. What is your favorite sport to watch? Rodeo
19. Who do you think will not tag you back? Not sending out tags
20. Person you expect to tag you back first? N/A
21. Who are you most curious about their responses back to this? Anyone who responds
22. Bird watcher? No
23. Are you a morning person or a night person? Much more a morning person.
24. Do you have pets? No pets
25. Any new and exciting news that you'd like to share? Nothing at the moment
26. What did you want to be when you were little? an adult!
27. What is your best childhood memory? Getting my first puppy!
28. Are you a cat or dog person? Either/Or
29. Are you married? No, not anymore
30. Do you always wear your seat belt? Yes, I am trying to, I'm getting better about it.
31. Have you been in a car accident? No
32. Any pet peeves? People who think they are better than me!
33. Favorite Pizza topping? Canadian bacon
34. Favorite flower? Daisies
35. Favorite Ice Cream? Cookies n Creme...yum!
36. Favorite fast food restaurant? Does Subway count?!
37. How many times did you fail your driver's license test? Zero
38. From who did you get your last email? Karolyn
39. Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? I wouldn't max it out, because I know reality would kick in and I would have to pay it off!!
40. Do anything spontaneously lately? I might have!
41. Like your job? Yes, for the mostpart, I do like it.
42. Do you like broccoli? Yes i do!
43. What was your favorite vacation? I have to say my recent trip to Yellowstone was great!
44. Last person that you went out to dinner with? my friend Bonnie
45. What are you listening to right now? AC/DC on the stereo
46. What is your favorite color? Hmmmmmmm...I like blues and black.
47. How many tattoos do you have? One
48.Do you like Winter or Summer best? I like fall the best..and I am hoping for a L-O-N-G fall this yr!!

Fences....

2009-08-16T07:39:00.001-06:00

Fences....there is just something about them....:)

Early one morning....

2009-08-13T16:45:00.003-06:00

Early one morning last weekend, I went to one of the nearby parks and went for a long walk. It was so nice that morning, cool and quiet and only a slight breeze was in the air. There weren't many people out and about and it was nice to be able to enjoy the area in solitude! I love early mornings....its my favorite time of day!!

We make our lives.....

2009-08-10T18:39:00.004-06:00

We make ours lives bigger or smaller, more expansive or more limited, according to the interpretation of life that is our story. ~~~Christina Baldwin

This is just one more thing I am drawn to when it comes to snapping a picture....give me my camera, a fence and barbed wire..and I'm happy! I guess its just a part of who I am!

Why do I hurt......

2009-08-04T17:03:00.002-06:00

Why do I hurt so when my kids hurt? Last night, I received a message from my daughter, telling me she had broke up with her boyfriend and was moving out today, would I help? WOULD I help? She is my daughter, my flesh and blood child, of course I will be there when she needs me. I knew the relationship was troubled for some time and she was hanging on, hoping it would fix itself, but sometimes things aren't meant to be. Today, when I arrived at the apartment, I found her in an emotional meltdown, and it was all I could do to be strong for her. I know she is hurting and it hurts me to see her feel this way. With the help of a few good friends and mom, we got her moved out. It was hard for her to walk away from a relationship that she had put so much of herself into. My heart aches when I see my daughter so upset, wish I could take away her pain and make things right in her world. Unfortunately, we all must deal with the situations that arise in our lives, and hope for better and brighter tomorrows.

2009-08-02T19:31:00.001-06:00

Laugh when you can,
apologize when you should
and let go of what you can't change.
Kiss slowly
Play hard
Forgive quickly
Take chances
Give everything and
have NO regrets
Life is too short
to be
anything
but
happy!!

2009-07-24T05:28:00.002-06:00

This walkway over a small dam on Spearfish Creek below Roughlock Falls was just sitting there as I walked by, asking to be in a photo! How I could I pass by and not take a picture?

2009-07-21T20:20:00.002-06:00

When you feel that you have reached the end
and you cannot go one step further,
when life seems to be drained of all purpose;
what a wonderful opportunity
to start all over again,
to turn over a new page.

~ Eileen Caddy ~

Road trip....

2009-07-18T19:59:00.002-06:00

Today, I took a road trip back to my hometown area. The road passes thru the extreme eastern edge of the Badlands of South Dakota, and it was so pretty today. The area has received abundant rainfall this summer and everything is so green and lush!! I had a really good day. I visited an aunt and uncle that I am close to and also stopped to see a long time friend. It was great to see her and catch up on old times and to update one another on what our kids are doing these days. We always say we need to get together more often, but seems like it never happens. It was nice to get back to "rural" America, where you pass field machinery being moved down the highway, where you wave at everyone you meet on the road and you know exactly where that next bend in the road is!

2009-07-15T17:12:00.002-06:00

Stop every now and then. Just stop and enjoy. Take a deep
breath. Relax and take in the abundance of life.

I really miss living on the ranch during this time of year. I miss haying season! It was my favorite time of year. I enjoying working in the hayfield, and I really miss the smells of the freshly cut hay. In my opinion, there is nothing like it!!

The road of life...

2009-07-12T15:35:00.002-06:00

The road of life twists and turns and no two directions are ever the same. Yet our lessons come from the journey, not the destination.”
Don Williams, Jr.

The turn of the wheel.....

2009-07-11T05:31:00.002-06:00

Last weekend, we came upon this water wheel at the creek while driving down Nemo Rd. What a pretty setting, if only we knew the story behind it!

Daisy Delights......

2009-07-08T19:08:00.004-06:00

Last Sunday's drive thru the Black Hills resulted in many of these ox eye daisies. They are a favorite of mine!

Lose yourself in nature and find peace.

2009-07-07T21:08:00.002-06:00

Drops of Dew.....

2009-07-06T16:23:00.004-06:00

Yesterday, during an enjoyable drive on a favorite road in the Black Hills, my friend and I stopped at a creek to investigate and I found this rose covered in dew. What a pretty sight!

Proud to be an American....

2009-07-04T07:40:00.005-06:00

I'm proud to be an American,where at least I know I'm free.And I won't forget the men who died,who gave that right to me.~Lee Greenwood

Happy 4th of July!! Just a note to say the fireworks did go off as planned last night at Mt Rushmore, but the clouds didn't cooperate and fog was covering the memorial. It was televised live on TV, but all you could see was colored fog as the colors of the fireworks exploded. How unfortunate to the nearly 30,000 people who made the trek up the hill to see this magnificent display on the eve of our nation's birthday!

July 3rd Fireworks

2009-07-03T19:01:00.002-06:00

Tonight, July 3, the annual display of fireworks at Mt Rushmore is scheduled to begin at 9:20. As I am writing this, it is pouring rain at my house. I hope the rain avoids the Mt Rushmore area and the fireworks can go off as planned! Thousands of people gather to view the display each year!

Roughlock Area......

2009-06-30T05:26:00.002-06:00

This is one of my favorite areas in the Black Hills. This is a small wetland area near the walking trail and road that leads to Roughlock Falls in Spearfish Canyon. What a beautiful place! Early in the morning it is so cool and peaceful there!

Sunflower Delight....

2009-06-29T05:48:00.003-06:00

Sunday, as my friend and I were out and about in the Spearfish Canyon area, this false sunflower was standing bright and brilliant in a mass of lush grass. It certainly is a beauty!

The Beauty Of......

2009-06-28T05:18:00.002-06:00

The beauty of the trees,
the softness of the air,
the fragrance of the grass,
speaks to me.

The summit of the mountain,
the thunder of the sky,
the rhythm of the sea,
speaks to me.

The strength of the fire,
the taste of salmon,
the trail of the sun,
and the life that never goes away,
they speak to me.
And my heart soars."

Chief Dan George

I took this photo on my recent trip to WY. I has stopped to take some pics of some flowers growing in the roadside ditch and when I turned around to go back to the car, this beauty had come over to the fence to investigate!

Its a part......

2009-06-24T19:53:00.004-06:00

Images such as these are a part of who I am....a part of where I came from. I love photographing these images of rural America. Yes, photos like this are near and dear to my heart...what can I say!