Putting on the Walking Shoes

 

Today is Labor Day. That day when you really want to enjoy your last day before the dreaded work week begins again. Sweet man asked me what I wanted to do today so we didn't waste our last day off together. I couldn't think of anything, but he came up with going into nature. I agreed it sounded like a great idea, so off we went. 

He had looked up a place for bird watching so we could get some photos. One of the local areas came up called Umpqua River Trail. We had been before, watched the ducks and geese and then left again. But we had never taken the trail to go back further into the abyss. Stopping, we peered down the trail before we went too far and checked to see what lay ahead. Nothing. Absolutely nothing that we saw that even remotely resembled a nature walk. 

The duck pond on Duck Pond Road was lacking water. Everything was so dry. The ducks hung out on the platform built for them in the middle of the lake. They appeared to be just as bored with the place as we were. 

Now, don't be overwhelmed by the extravagant number of photos I have of flowers we saw today. This is it. I know, should be in a contest, right? I thought it was beautiful, nonetheless. Here you go with today's photo of flowers. Or "flower," as in singular form.

As we were pondering our situation of going further or heading back, a young man and his dog stopped to chat. He claimed the pond was dried up, leaving the idea of photographs in the garbage. There is also a frisbee golf course and a regular golf course up ahead. The idea of getting bonked in the head did not sound good to either of us. Our informant was reporting how close they were coming to him and found the area rather sketchy. We thanked him, turned and walked toward our car. Nope. Not happening. 

Walking further down the trail toward the car, we noticed a trail that led off toward the water. I suggested we try it. Not too far in and if we end up by the lake, all the better, right? Yeah. We saw this:

Everything is so dry that there is no lake. An eerie sight for sure. The ground is cracking due to the lack of water. Sad. The young man we had spoken to was correct. It was all dried up and the idea of having a golf ball smack us upside the head didn't sound fun. No fun at all. We got into the car. 

In the car I suggested to Terry that we drive right up the road and go into the Roseburg National Cemetery. There is a beautiful drive and wow, the wildlife is abundant there! The last time I went, I was greeted by a huge herd of deer coming from the forested area. Geese and ducks were flying overhead and strutting across the grounds. Birds of all types were in trees, adding to the perfect environment for taking photos. Off we went. 

The moment we drove through the cemetery area, we were delighted to see a group of three deer; two does and a fawn. Perfect. 

Now we're talking! Some actual Kodak moments to be had. 

Further along the road, we saw this young buck and a doe hanging out in the shade. Gorgeous creatures!

It was as if he was posing for the camera! He's so beautiful! Those soulful eyes!

After a few moments, he grew tired of posing for us. His modeling days were over, at least for now. Grazing along the shady areas of the grounds seemed like a better choice. The doe got up and walked around the building. She was definitely over all the attention. 

One last photo was taken by Terry before the buck disengaged with us. Once again, those eyes and eyelashes. Adorable!

Terry and I didn't get all the photos we hoped for, especially those of birds, but we did have fun watching deer in the Roseburg National Cemetery. Serene place, perfect grounds, and the wildlife enjoys it all. Spectacular view of deer, geese, and ducks today. 

Good, relaxed day of being together, enjoying each other's company, and spending quiet time around the home. But before we landed at the Macrae Mansion once again, we made a stop at one of our favorite places ...

Yep. Fro yo at Level Up. Terry had his chocolate and salted caramel combo, and I had my raspberry, chocolate blend. Mine tastes like eating a Tootsie Roll Pop with the chocolate center. Yum. Love the combination! I do know it does not look appealing to some, but the flavors are amazing! Tart raspberry with the sweet chocolate. Can't beat that. Terry loves the salted caramel too! 

Writing time, reading time, and then it's dinner time! Making some more curried rice tonight. Along with sugar free banana bread and chocolate chip cookies. Great double dose of sugar, right? 

As a side note, before I get into any dinner stuff, Harry has turned the light on at least two times this week. In case you don't follow the blog closely, Harry is our spirited guest, or spirit guest as the case may be. We never feel anything but good vibes in the home, but the light turns on all the time in the cellar. Not just the light coming on, which I would have attributed that to an electrical issue, but the physical switch is flipped in the "on" position each time. I'm not sure of any electrical problem being able to do that. 

So, we have just claimed Harry as our guest, and we joke about his presence all the time. Including when a vase flew off of the refrigerator toward Terry as he walked into the kitchen. Shaking of ground as you walk can sometimes cause things to move, rattle, or inch their way off of an appliance, however; the vase was situated toward the middle, with items around it. Not quite sure how to figure out how that happened. A couple of days later, it flew off the fridge again, toward Terry, after I repositioned it to a section on top of the fridge that was even more secure. Didn't work, obviously. Nothing new, but just an FYI as to how that situation is going. I'm thinking Halloween might be a great time to visit the basement with flashlight and digital recorder in hand to see what might turn up.

Terry and I have come to terms with it. We figure Harry can live downstairs and we will live upstairs. Each time I go into the basement, there is nothing strange, odd, or weird feeling about the space, so I'm not quite sure what to make of the entire thing. We have come to the conclusion that we can all live together as long as it stays peaceful.  

The day is drawing to a close and another nice weekend with sweet man is ending. All is good, once again, in the Macrae home. My business has ended and the new one is going to begin next week. Work is going slow, but as well as can be expected, I guess. Terry is working and volunteering at hospice. He is enjoying that, and I love seeing him happy. 

We leave you, the readers, lost without a real exciting post again this week. School is starting tomorrow for kids around the area, and this means fall is coming very soon. Halloween is around the corner, then the holidays. It all moves far too quickly! Make sure you tell all of your friends and loved ones that you love them. Hug them a little closer this week. Life is simply not long enough. Take care and count your blessings!