Sad But Sweet Farewell to Summer

It is hard to believe that summer is for the most part over. Schools are back in session and the pools are all closed. Today was hot and humid but I hear cooler weather is even on the way. While the trees have not really begun to change their color there are a few leaves that are in a hurry for Fall.
These photos were taken Monday at one of the smaller parks here in town. Sorry I don't know the name of the park but it sits along the Big Sioux River near the corner of Kiwanis Avenue and Russell Street.

Although I am sad to see the summer end, I am looking forward to cooler weather. I am also excited for Autumn to show it's lovely colors, and hope they stay around a bit longer than last year.

What is your favorite season?

Mr. Quack

The Duck

The Running Water

 Bath Time!

So intent was I on this duck that I failed to see the other duck under the water. If you look closely at this photo in almost the center you will see the other duck just below the surface of the water. The second duck surprised me greatly when he popped out of the water.

Alright, time to find a nice spot to bath in the sun.

Embracing Tranquility

Living in the city there is always something going on. It is very easy to get caught up in the whirl of activities. Our minds and bodies however need a bit of tranquility to recoup from time to time. It is times like that when I embrace tranquility and head straight for one of the many beautiful parks in our city, such as the Japanese Gardens you see in these photos.

Sunday Best photo submission

Although the busy streets are not far from the park very rarely do you hear the hectic street sounds. As I was walking in the park, every so often I would smell the scent of burning wood and kept thinking of a camp fire. The scent was strong and steady in one area of the park, so after leaving the park I took a look around and discovered that a homeowner next to the park had trimmed his trees and was burning the dried branches in one of those cast iron fire pits. For me it added to the serenity of the park, reminding me of the beautiful camp sights I have enjoyed in years past.

Good Morning Sioux Falls

Yesterday morning I shook out the cobwebs to bring you a touch of Sioux Falls in the early morning. I love the beauty of sunrise with its peaceful atmosphere, even though I see it so rarely.

The light reflecting off the ruins and the water in these next two shots was just gorgeous.

 I am considering hanging a few of these at the foot of my bed. That is probably the only way this night owl is going to see the sunrise every morning. :D

Off the Trail at Yankton Trail

While out scouting for a unique location for a mini photo shoot event I am planning, I decided to wander off the main paved trail at Yankton Trail and found this lovely wooded area.

This path leads away from the paved trail and towards the Big Sioux River. Once you are in the woods the path winds around and even splits a few times creating a bit of a maze.

 Scattered throughout the wooded area there are many fallen trees, some stretch across the well worn path. 

Even if I didn't know that this area floods almost every year I would have guessed it by the abundance of fallen trees and what I found next.

Yes it is a mushroom but this mushroom is not growing out of the ground but the side of a fallen tree. When I kneeled down to take this photo I rested one hand on the tree and discovered that it was very soft. It was so soft in fact, I am sorry to say that my hand left an indentation.

When I first saw this next tree I thought it was a fallen tree as it was almost laying completely parallel with the ground and the river. Then I saw that there was a great deal of green healthy leaves on the thinner branches of the tree. I don't think I have ever seen a tree grow at this angle.

I only walked about a half mile in this lovely area but was pleasantly surprised by it's tranquility and this bit of sunshine in the midst of all the greens and browns.

Not sure if this will be the spot for the mini photo shoot or not, what do you think?
I do, however believe I have found a new thinking spot!

B & G Milky Way a Summer Tradition

Growing up in Southern California one of my favorite things was the ice cream trucks that roamed the streets when the weather got warm. Although on a few rare occasions I have seen an ice cream truck here in Sioux Falls it is not very common, and therefore not much of a tradition. Instead the children (and many adults) anxiously await the opening our local favorite Ice Cream Shop.

The B&G Milky Way is always very busy from late spring to early fall. When we first moved to Sioux Falls they had one location and there was always a long line, now they have three locations and still the lines can get pretty long.
In addition to serving yummy ice cream creations and delicious hot dogs the owners have a great sense of humor and each location has a sign with a sign board that they frequently change the message on. During the season the messages rang from cute to down right hilarious.

At the end of the season the sign alerts all to when they will be closing for the winter season and displays a message thanking all their employees and customers. Then again after winter it will announce when they will reopen for the season. Every fall I hold my breath and hope they will not close for winter. Then every winter I anxiously await the message that they will reopen. Who knows maybe this will be the year they stay open.

Sunday In My City: Softball

Thanks to the South Dakota Amateur Softball Association and the Sioux Empire Fastpitch Softball Association Sunday afternoons come alive with the crack of a bat and the cheers of spectators.

 Even the little ones enjoy the game.

Returning Soon With Random Flowers

My vacation is nearly at it's end. I will be home on the 16th and hope to resume posting by the 18th. These few random flower photos are the last of the photo's taken in Sioux Falls before leaving on vacation that I have with me. I have learned my lesson and will schedule out posts next time I go on vacation.

This last one is a bit blurry but I love the colors!

I hope you are having a great weekend and have enjoyed these flowers. I will be back to posting and commenting soon.