my morning went like this...

I woke up bright and early, got the coffee started and waited for the hubs to get ready for work.  Every other Friday he's either off or goes in an hour later.  I was looking forward to sharing a cup of Joe with him on our porch.  The weather has been so mild these past few days, so getting to do this, on a cool morning at 6:30, was a lovely thought.

view towards town

We live in the middle of 400 acres of crop, pasture and CRP ground.  Not all of it is ours, but it did belong to Steve's family at one time.  Literally, the house was built right in the middle.  With no homes or buildings to cloud our view for 1/2 miles in any direction, it's just us and the wildlife.  And, we savor that...a whole lot.

This morning, our dog, Callie was digging in and under our porch...for what, who knows.  But something was keeping her attention.  It wasn't long and a bunny hopped past.  It brought a smile to our faces.  Callie could care less about the rabbits that roam here, but, the rabbit doesn't know that.  It was cautious, would hop, hop, hop.  Stop. Look over it's shoulder then start the process again.

Out of the corner of Steve's eye he saw the bunny playing in the grass at the spot where our yard joins the hay field.  It was joined by another one. I turned to watch.  They were so cute.  I've never seen bunnies play like they were.  They literally were 'playing'.  I can't even begin to describe what they were doing, but it consisted of hops, side jumps, one over the other.  It made for a pleasant chuckle.

Steve left and I continued my morning on the porch, my 'just right' coffee on the table beside me,  magazine in my hand.  Callie continued her pursuit of whatever, and a movement near the corn field caught my eye.  A coyote.  It visits quite often.  A lone 'wolf' so to speak.  Callie had not caught site or scent of it.  Again, the coyote didn't know this and was very apprehensive.  A few quiet steps, a look, a few steps more.  Finally, he was far enough away to be safe and trotted off.

the winning hummer

One of the most joyous of joys are the birds the flit here and there around the house.  We have three hummingbirds that keep us entertained.  This morning was no exception.  They are quite territorial I've decided and fight over the sweetened water at the feeder we provide.  Now, there are six spigots for these little darlings, but they just don't get along.  Did you know they make a noise?  Not the buzz of their wings, another sound.  News to me!

and rain came down...flowers danced

In the distance, the thunder clapped, the clouds rolled in and the scent of rain filled the air.  THAT~is a great scent.  Believe me, we need the rain.  Then the wind picked up and I came inside.  The rains came down and it was beautiful...and my morning went like this!

even the wildflowers...

Even the weeds, or wildflowers, if you prefer, seem

to be breathing a sigh of relief today.

 The weeds grow in the dead of the heat.

 Queen Anne's Lace is just that...regal and delicate.  So pretty billowing in the breeze.

In the midwest, we are enthralled with muchmilder temps today.  We need rain badly.   Things seem to be drying up in front of our eyes.  But, the flowers, weeds or wild, are delightful and are thriving.  Giving us a pleasant view to while away the hours.

Enjoy!

taking some much needed time away

We left home early Thursday morning.  Destination:  St. Joe, Mo.  

A wedding on Saturday in Maryville, Mo., gave us an opportunity to take a couple days ahead of the event to take some time off.  I have met some of the most delightful, creative and energetic women through  

Burlap & Roses, as well as, Junk Bonanza, Junk Jubilee and FACEBOOK.  Several of them have shops/studios in the St. Joe area, so we headed that direction to camp and get away.  First stop, Kum & Go for gas and a diet Pepsi...of course!

 On the road again, we headed down I-35 to Hwy. 2.  Mt. Ayr and Peggy Sue's diner was planned for brunch.  It did not disappoint.  The town itself is pretty darn nice and the preservation of it's architectural and historical attributes is awesome.  Enjoy these photos of just a few of the stand-outs.

On the road again, we traveled south commenting on the crops (they're looking poorly) the heat and cattle in the ponds, the kids, the grands and various other topics.  I usually read, read and read some more on our travels, but not this time.  I guess we needed this.  Steve told me later he wanted to tell me to be quiet for awhile...but, he, being himself, did not and just let me talk.  

We stayed at a pretty nice little camp ground on the outskirts of St. Joe.  AOK Campground.  Just a simple little place, with a nice pond...catch -n- release only and a super nice pool.  It was sooo terribly hot, that we didn't enjoy the 'camping' like we enjoy (fires in the evening, relaxing outdoors, etc).

Thursday evening took us to Claudia G's home...one of the most gracious and kind people I've met in a long time, Claudia G. of Just Claudia Vintage Design. 

and her hubs Rick, treated to an awesome meal and tour of their lovely home and Claudia's inspiring studio.  She lives and decorates in her artistic style...she once told me she describes it as 'barn glam'.  Enjoy these photos.

 

Friday took us to Leavenworth, Kansas and Weston, Mo., where we visited in the shops of a few more of my junkin' gal pals, Stacy McGowen of Candle Queen Candles, Artistic Works by Lu (she's orig. from Iowa) and Fancy with Cactus Creek.  Lots of energy, excitement and enthusiasm for their own success, as well as, others.  Enjoy these photos.

 

If you find yourself in the area, please check these shops out.  Claudia sets up at a monthly market in K.C.  Follow her on FB for dates and times.  

Thanks, to my hubs who lets me indulge in all of this.  He enjoyed his time at a couple of farm stores, bought a couple of cigars in a cool smoke shop and just did his thing...he's great that way!  Love him!

Oh, and if you're hungry, Luigi's in Leavenworth is a real treat.

 

The weekend ended on a high note with a beautiful bride and the pleasure of being with family at the hotel...it was great!