Road Trip

I love the fact that retirement gives me a chance not only to complete projects, but also to try new things. One of those new things will begin bright and early on Monday. I'm going on a road trip.

Three friends and I will be driving (perhaps not so much driving as meandering) throughout the southeast. There are a few destinations in our plan, but for the most part we have no agenda. This happy fact means if someone spies a local event or historical sight or spectacular sunset along the way, well, by golly, we're going to stop and see it. No time crunch, no pressure, no problems.

Life as it's meant to be lived--flying by the seat of our pants. Doesn't that sound awesome?

I'll be bringing my notebook to keep track of any mayhem which possibly (probably) could occur when four women are free to act on impulse. Fear not, Co-travelers. Names can always be changed to protect the guilty.

Since I'll be on the road for about two weeks (or so--who knows?) Critter Alley will be on a brief hiatus until my return.

P.S. Please consider hopping over to visit my friends at Sketching With Dogs. They are raising funds for a special little dog named Chico in need of pricey veterinary treatment.

Memorial Weekend-Instant Replay

A couple of dozen of our best friends and Memorial weekend on the Saint Francis.  Here are a few of my favorite moments:

Fishing is always a popular activity.

What a whopper of a catch!

Oops! On closer inspection, maybe not so much.

We discovered this strange prehistoric beast on a granite perch.

After day moved into night, a potato gun war broke out. Heads up, all ye enemies across the river!

One sad little face, begging to be released from tent jail. Not to worry, she got to join the party later.

And it was a weekend to remember for another reason, too.

Though I have no photos (cameras and water don't mix), one of the weekend's highlights came on Sunday. The river was high and fast, so we floated the rapids. When we arrived in a calm area of the river a shout rang out,

"Bald eagle!"

I looked up and sure enough, a bald eagle flew about thirty yards overhead.  He circled above us several times as though trying to figure out why we were disturbing his afternoon meal hunt.

We gazed at the majestic bird, while he glided through the air for several minutes, until he dipped, swayed, and moved far away, becoming a tiny speck in the sky that finally disappeared from view.

We don't often see eagles on the St. Francis, so it couldn't have been more exciting to get the opportunity on Memorial weekend. This symbol of our nation is an amazing reminder of our country's freedoms and of those who made the ultimate sacrifice to keep us free. What a privilege!  

I can only hope that you had a weekend every bit as awesome as ours!

Friendship

Bogey has interesting friends. This is one of his favorites. And what's not to like?

He's a friend that can always be found in the same place. He's a great listener. Never says anything offensive. Dependable and rock solid.

What a pal!

It's Finally Friday

Image from all-creatures.org

Nothing better than sharing a favorite activity with someone special, is there?

After a long week, it's finally Friday. There's been so much happening that I'm really looking forward to some relaxation and the opportunity to spend time with good friends this weekend.

Here's wishing the same for you!