John's Place 2013

We always enjoy our annual summer outing to Indian Creek in Southwest Missouri. The proprietors of John's Place, our friends Kim and Nancy, are part of our Cabin Group (also known as Soccer Parents Roadtrip Group), and host our group of couples each year for a week-end of floating, fishing, and relaxing. As always, we had a great few days of laughs, tall tales, and all-around good times with some of our favorite people. Sam and Marsha, Dennis and Mary, and George and Kathy participated - we missed Larkus and Terri this year.

Small smallmouth bass

Prettiest and spunkiest species in the river.  These little guys will attach anything, no matter the size

Can't believe this sucker took a topwater fly

Fat perch

Ozark rock bass (I think)

A little bit of flora and fauna

 A sampling of the acres of black-eyed susans in the pastures that surround us

 Witnessing many groups of bucks roving around.  This guy was one of seven that were wandering down our drive

This little thief didn't wait 'til dark to start his pilfering.  Hard to get a good clear shot through the windows and in low light

Garvan Woodland Gardens: Hot Springs, AR

This is our second visit to Garvan Gardens. The woodland gardens are quite a treasure. The visit this time was made extra special as we were treated to the art glass installations by James Hayes. As you can see from pictures of some of these pieces, the glass displayed in various natural settings is quite impressive.

Fay Jones designed chapel

 

Anniversary Trip

For our anniversary celebration, we chose to spend the week-end in Hot Springs for old-times sake. We stayed at the Arlington Hotel, dined at McClards, Pancake Shop, Bella Arti, and Fisherman's Wharf. We enjoyed a day at Garvan Gardens (pics on next post) and participated in the Art Walk on Friday night. On the way down to HS, we spent the night at Petit Jean State Park lodge, and hiked and dined with Tami and Kevin and their friends. We also stopped on the way and on the return from Hot Springs to visit Ben, Myka, Charlie and Tucker. We had a great few days to mark our 39th!

 

Before our hike on Cedar Falls trail

Cedar Falls

Sisters

Wifey in front of the Arlington Hotel

My favorite breakfast haunt of all time

More wildlife

 Newly born fawn in back of house.  Mom came to get it very soon after this shot

 Hummer that hit the window.  A little TLC got him over his headache and he was on his way!

Tom 

Return to Crystal Bridges

We were able to return to Crystal Bridges Museum for the Norman Rockwell exhibit. We have always admired his work and to see all his works in person was a real treat. This museum is a true treasure for Arkansans - not only for the art, but also the architecture and landscaped grounds and trails.

 



 

The shape of the buildings reminds me of my favorite critters, the box turtle.  Looks right at home in the Ozark woods, just like the turtles.

This sculpture is so realistic it is creepy.  Hopefully it wasn't created by a taxidermist.  Most folks pass by it thinking it is a man resting on a bench.



Crooked Creek Clean-up Float

We participated in the annual float to pick up trash on Crooked Creek. This event is sponsored by the Friends of the Norfork and White Rivers organization, and was our second year to join then. The even is capped off by a crawfish boil and live music at a Game and Fish pavilion. It's rewarding to do a good deed and then cap off the day with a fun and
entertaining social event.

Back to the blog: Miscellaneous sitings at Trout Lily

So due to the early arrival of our twin grandsons, our little blessings in the form of Charlie Monroe and Tucker Cash, I have taken a four month hiatus from the blog. So lots of catching up to do. Mostly just pics I have collected in the few spare moments we have had. Will probably not load up the blog with grandson pics at this point - there is a link to the Tabortwins blog on this blog in case you are interested.

Barn swallow nest off screen porch

 



 Large moth

 Tami and Charlcie

 Hummingbird enforcer - waiting to chase off any others

 Hummers

 Salmonfly stonefly - exciting insect for flyfishers - steak dinner for trout

 Our "Cotter" trout addition

Can you spot the goldfinches?