Thursday, December 20, 2018

A Couple of Day Trippers


 She was a day tripper, a Sunday driver yea
Took me so long to find out, and I found out

                                                                                        -The Beatles  1965



Just like Paul, Ringo, John and George, Keith and I are big into Day Tripping. Our lifestyle no longer allows us to go away for weeks at a time so we settle for the shorter, less expensive day trips. This past weekend we stayed OVERNIGHT at Starved Rock State Park in Utica, Illinois. It was for us, a big hairy deal. It was also our pre-planned Christmas present to each other. 

We did chores early Sunday morning and made it up north by noon. Our son Jason did the evening chores for us and we did them late Monday morning when we got back. The cows milking schedule was off a bit but she's very accommodating. We don't call her "Laid Back Liz" for nothing.

The lodge itself has been around since the early 1900s and has a beautiful open lounge area with huge fireplaces and a rustic log interior. Decorated nicely for Christmas it boosted my soul to see all the lights, ribbons, packages etc...I was hoping for snow on our trip, this area is gorgeous with the white stuff, but no such luck 





There was however, a rare sighting of the sun when we arrived and the weather was super mild, in the high 40's. Perfect for a two mile hike in the hundreds of wooded acres up there, just as the sun was setting. Paths were a tad muddy but nothing as deep and sloppy as the cow path at home. 





We were both amazed at how much plant life was still thriving in late December and how colorful the area was. Of course we've been living in fog and deep clouds the last few weeks so any sliver of light was basically blinding to us. Mushrooms were crazy abundant on the fallen tree limbs and shaped like blossoms. 




During the hike I convinced Keith to pose for our very first selfie together. It took me a bit to make him understand he'd have to get close to me for it to work. 



It took a bit but we were finally successful in capturing a decent enough shot. I wanted to try for a few more reminding Keith how one never knows when one might keel over dead, (my years a hospice nurse totally warped me) and how the gks would appreciate having more pics of us, but he lost interest and wandered off. 



And kept wandering off.  



He came back after I put the smart phone away.




18 comments:

  1. We should all 'recharge our batteries' occasionally. Sounds wonderful.

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    1. I try not to run my batteries completely empty as I used to do. The recharge takes less time that way.

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  2. We do day trips or sometimes weekend but not often. What a nice present for each other.

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  3. Nice trip, nice photos. I enjoyed vicariously :)

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  4. What a lovely gift! I so wish my husband would do more things like this instead of stuff.

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    1. Keep asking or just go yourself. I love to travel with my mate and I love to travel alone. I'm a day tripper, one way ticket yeah!

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  5. Day trips are perfect. We've discovered so much within driving distance which is ridiculous since we've lived in the area for twenty-odd years! I love the selfie! Usually we only see your man on a roof or something. -Jenn

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    1. Yes, as I tell my kids, I take selfies and store them on my computer so when I die my "memory board", put up for the thousands of mourners who drop by, won't be a blank canvas.

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  6. You Look Fantastic.....and HAPPY!!!!

    Merry Christmas!!

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    1. I'm not so sure about "fantastic" but I do look 59. Which is ok, because I am.

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  7. LOL, Keith is like me when it comes to technology. I was trying to exchange numbers with a mum at school, so our kids could play during the Christmas holidays. I've had this phone for years, and she had to show me how to use it. I just wanted to put it away, and save myself the embarrassment, lol. Glad you had an awesome time together. :)

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    1. That is funny for sure. Very little I can show my adult kids about their phones but give me an 8 track player and I'll boggle their minds.

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  8. Thank you for allowing me to tag along on your adventure. I must say that you have a great eye for the camera. Your photos are beautiful. This is my first visit to your charming blog and I like it so much that I have become your newest follower and I am adding you to my favorites list. I think that I can learn a lot from you. My husband and I are retired and 4 years ago purchased an old house on an acre of land. We call it our farm, but basically only raise a huge garden (it has gotten bigger every year). I have a dream to raise chickens, but haven't talked the hubby into it yet, but I'm getting close, LOL.
    Well, I am happy to meet you and hope that you will visit my blog and maybe follow me back. I enjoy making new blogging friends and sharing ideas.
    Merry Christmas!
    Connie :)

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    1. Well thanks for checking in Connie. I'm off now to see what you're up to on your blog.

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  9. Starved Rock State Park. Gosh, I've been there! As a kid. But I'd forgotten all about it. Funny how memories can pop up with a little help like that. Love your photos. You and Keith make a great couple.

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  10. Your gift to one another is exactly what we are doing, Donna, because time together and experiences are far better than stuff. Glad you and Keith were able to day trip, which is great fun and it was great to “see” you both. Thanks for “convincing” your mate to do at least one. We take them a lot just because and make sure to send to family & friends for the same reasons you mentioned😊 Merry Christmas🌲

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Comments are good, as long as you're a real person and not some goof telling me how you were cured of hepatitis by snorting a pulverized neon blue crayon. Your comments don't even have to agree with my viewpoint, I love a good discussion, but civility does matter.