Crystal Rainbow

We have some of those crystals you hang up in a window and get colors on the walls. So naturally, eventually I got around to trying to photograph one: turned out fairly well.

I love old brick buildings.

Here are two from downtown Lena.

Don't usually see one of these standing around...

...here in Ill. Outside of town, on a very quiet gravel road, we saw a little burro and it's goaty little companion. So I took the official photo, for the record. You just never know what you will find out there to record. (p.s. this is one of those "click on the image for a better view)

Silver Sun

This made me think of some outpost in the frozen north. The sun was so completely veiled, it seemed more like the moon. Hubs' was fascinated with the old building, located in the heart of Lena's business district, next to the railroad tracks, which are still active. Likely, a style of old freight house.

Where is Rapunzel?

In Lena, IL we found this interesting water tower. It's a bit over 100 years old and an the National Registry of Historic Places. Unique; we like to visit the random little towns and villages that dot the map. The Rail/Trail biking habit guarantees that we ride thru the "back yards" of these hamlets. So I can say that this is the first tower like this I've ever seen. Impressive. We were not biking this day, just taking a chilly stroll after brunch.

Going Rogue--4 year old style--at the Furry Friends Party

One curious and brave little party-maverick decided to go check out a gaggle of canada geese far across the park. She was off like a shot, undeterred by parents' cries for her to stop and come back. She headed straight into the flock, waving her arms and doing her best to get the geese upset; her little face (eyes) at beak-level to the geese. They are feisty birds; I have experienced several "goose charges" when I'm riding my bike. So there's my brother in the striped shirt, after the drama was over, herding the little outlaw (just behind the bush) back to the group. Good times.

Celebrants discover the nature of prairies...

...in autumn. Here are three of them, along with an instructor from the center. They did a good job of making it interesting for the little kids; there were about 12 kids in all, along with a few parents and extended family members.