Starved Rock Illinois - Nature is Beautiful

An impromptu summer day trip on our motorcycle.
It took us 2.5 hours each way.

The temperature was at least 90 degrees F.
Stopped at Cracker Barrel for breakfast..Yum.
We chose to walk the river route.
Did not realize there was going to be so, so many stairs! I thought I was in shape from running.
I had to stop and rest quite a few times in this one place. It had 155 stairs with a few landing stops.
I've decided that it should be called Thirsty Rock this year. With all the hot, dry weather our area has been having this summer there was not any waterfall action to be seen from the rock formations.
You can see very little moisture on this ledge going into the very shallow, muddy creek.
Nature is beautiful. You just have to stop and enjoy it.
Gorgeous natural landscape.

I told hubby he could go first and I would follow..haha, right!

It's a long way down.
The whole tick and poison ivy warning at the beginning of the trails had me thinking of them the whole trail.
Pretty wildflowers in the middle of the rock...they desperately needed a drink! By this time, I was quite parched myself.
Gorgeous Scenery!
I had to refrain from taking more pictures than I already did.
Don't tell Hubby..every picture he takes of me is blurry. Bless his heart; his hands are a little shaky ~~~
This is a very rare photo of him smiling. He looks so handsome when he smiles. He was goofing off and was trying to emulate the "Thinker". I love a rugged man!
A shot of Starved Rock from far away.
Hello...anybody home?
I was brave and actually peeked inside...all was safe and empty.

Love how the sunlight peeks through the trees.
Pretty.
Would have loved to seen the water streaming from these rocks.
Look out below...
The long and winding path.
Heeheee took this parting shot of hubby and he didn't know!

It was a fun and peaceful day. I was so happy to get home and rest. I want to go back this fall or winter. In winter the Bald Eagles nest there. How cool is that?

Happy Sunday
(~~)

Sunshine Birdie

A sweet girl I have known since grade school...never really friends. Facebook has brought us together and I now feel I can call her my friend. The internet is an amazing thing...just wish we had connected in school.
Sunshine Birdie has made his way to her home in Tennessee.


She is a Sunshine girl and Sunshine Birdie is now perched on her window sill to remind her of our long distance friendship and hopefully bring a smile to her heart.

May you have made sweet friends in this hectic internet world...
Happy Weekend,
(~~)
Julie

In the blink on an eye

My sweet baby boy turns 18 today. This is one of my all time favorite photos of him.
Where does the time go? It just seems like yesterday I was pushing Jakob in a stroller to walk his big sister Ashley to the bus stop.



Too Cool to smile for photos...unless you get him to laugh.



That sure is one huge flaming ice cream cake. In a few days Jake will be begin his last year of high school. Yes, it does just seem like yesterday---he used to run to me full force and hug me--I love you, my Mommy. In return --I love you my, Jakob.
Sweet memories forever in a mom's heart.


My daughter, Ashley and her second cousin, Caleb. Such a sweet, sweet baby.

My niece, Maria and my hubby goofing off.


My sisters, Paula and Pam sharing a seat.

I really enjoyed this small family get together for Jake's birthday.

Happy Friday Night,
(~~)
Julie

The one that seems the strongest...

Happy 46th Birthday, Rich. My first love..my best friend. RIP

The toughest year in my life..I had lost a brother in an accident, a sweet grandmother, a boyfriend to suicide, and his brother in an accident.
The year was 1984/85 and I was 18-19 years old.
A lot to go through in a young girl's life.
I have learned to cry.
I have learned to grieve.
I have learned to forgive.
I have learned to understand.
I have learned to share my feelings.
I have learned to ask for help.
I have learned that you are never really alone.
I have learned I have friends.
I have learned that I am loved.

When times are tough...I think of this year often and how it has shaped me to who I am today.

I now have a loving husband...a beautiful, smart daughter, a bright, free-spirited son, and many friends and family I love to spend time with.
You never know what life is going to bring you...enjoy the moments.

The one that seems the strongest...is sometimes the one who needs the most hugs (~~)