Peachy Wine

     After several days away from home and in the wild, a weekend back in the civilized world had us appreciating the finer things in life: air conditioning, electricity and indoor plumbing. Well perhaps they are not finer in the true sense of the word but they are conveniences not to be taken for granted. A glass of this wonderful wine at the end of a leisurely Sunday was most welcome and sublimely delightful. And it was a funny coincidence that St. James Winery is located only a few miles from our primitive campsite of the previous week.

Water Milfoil

    
 When we saw this fascinating vegetation on the floor of the Little Piney River at Lane Springs, we called it seaweed, for lack of a proper title. The ropey stems undulated in the clear current and the feathery leaves had the appearance of some kind of pine or fir. A little research proved it to be Water Milfoil (Myriophyllum heterophyllum), a plant that is native to the cool water of these limestone regions. A lesson learned (and a post tagged garden, although it was not my garden.)

Morning on the Little Piney River

     Early morning fog on an Ozark stream is eerily beautiful. Images rise out of the haze that rolls silently over the surface of the water (seemingly so still at this time of day but the current never really slows at all). This tree limb which has been submerged for a long time as evidenced by its smooth white surface, appears alive as its spector reaches out of the water and fog.

But soon enough the sun climbs above the tree tops and welcoming rays beam through the canopy of leaves. The increasing warmth chases the fog away and another brilliant summer day has arrived.

During this period of awakening, a bold little fellow and his family have joined us for breakfast (or perhaps more correctly, we have joined him - it is, after all, his home - we are the visitors). In any case, we enjoy his wary company and the antics of his brood.

Cool Fun in the Hot Summer (on the Little Piney River)

     A few days spent on the Little Piney River were filled with brilliant sunlight and sparkling water - an exhilarating outdoor experience. The spring-fed river was delightfully cool in contrast to the hot summer days. The mornings were spent in the dark shadows and deeper pools while pole fishing for trout and bluegill, but afternoons were filled with floating and water play.

 A rock skipping contest requires a good flat rock and perfect execution.

Beach ball volley in the round (or would it be square?)

Off on a float down the river

Cookies-n-Cream Horse

     Cherokee is one of our favorite horses at the stable. He is friendly and gentle, and is always willing to pose for the camera.  The little girls and I have decided that his unique coloring can only be described as "cookies-n-cream". At a recent visit, it was sad to see that he had a large scar above his nose - apparently the herd had a quarrel and Cherokee got shoved into a barbed wire fence. Thankfully he is healing nicely.

Hello Kitty Cake

     Little Miss Molly seemed quite interested in her birthday cake but finicky eater that she is, commercial cat food and an occasional piece of chicken are all that really appeals to her. (We had a cat once who adored cookies, especially oatmeal!) Anyway the humans at her birthday dinner appreciated the adorable cake - the layer that was frosted and decorated, and the layer that was only frosted. Simple and fun!

Caladiums

     A caladium by itself is interesting but not too pretty. Caladiums planted en masse or with other plants are another story. The tale here is a cool shade garden that is vibrant with color - from the pink flowers of the impatiens and the white and red leaves of the nearby caladiums, which have almost a stained-glass look because of the striking veins and bold hues.