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!

A Sunday Back Roads Kinda Day

We woke up early had a cup of coffee and took a little nap.  I woke up energized after 15 minutes...with one thing on my mind.  This was a Sunday Back Roads kinda day.

I asked the hubs if he was interested and he liked the idea, too.  Within a short time, we were ready to go.  Heading west, south, then southwest...it was gravel all the way~destination Creston, Iowa.  No map, just a general idea of where we needed to head to "get there".  

I love Sunday drives and taking the backroads is even better.  We hadn't done this for a long, long time.  I honestly was excited.  The following is our day in pictures.

Mt. Pisgah Monument & Park

Log Cabin Homestead at site

Monument to those who lost their life at this site

Creston School Library several weeks after the tornado hit...notice the books.

Unknown structure~two or three damaged, all around not a bit of damage

Sun Valley Lake...will our dream of owning a lake home come true?

A Llama sunbathing.  Steve was amazed at this site

We rounded out our drive with a stop to see our granddaughter before she went home.  She rode her new bike for us...first time!  Daddy, Abbie or mommy couldn't 

get her to do it.  Oh, the magic of Grammie and Grampie!

A gloriously delightful day ended with a glass of Moscato, a mozzarella, cherry 

tomato and avocado salad, good Italian bread and my hubs by my side~
ahhhhh, my day is complete.

Have a blessed week ahead!