Canyon Lake Park

With the busy summer season upon us, I thought it would be nice to share a bit of Canyon Lake Park, which is just one of our many parks here in Rapid City.

Not only is Canyon Lake Park's picturesque setting perfect for your outdoor gatherings and events, it is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon relaxing.

You can:

 Enjoy some fishing.

Spend time on the lake.

Escape from the summer heat.

Do a little homework or maybe just find a nice spot in the shade to nap.

The park also has a number of playgrounds and picnic shelters.

If you enjoyed seeing a part of my city you may also enjoy visiting other cities by hopping over to Sunday In My City, where Unknown Mami and a host of other bloggers share their cities.

New City, New Home, New Life

My life has definitely turned upside down. For years I figured I would most likely spend the rest of my life in the quaint city of Sioux Falls. Yet in a matter of just a few months after the death of my husband, everything in my life has changed. For 19 years  South Dakota has been our home and now my youngest daughter and I have packed up and moved all the way to Norfolk, Virginia to live with my oldest daughter and her family.

Leaving behind family, good friends and all that we had become accustom to has been difficult. The major redeeming factor is that we are now with family that for the last four years we only saw for short visits once or twice a year. Although I am sad to be leaving behind some very dear friends and most importantly three of my wonderful grandchildren, I am happy to have the chance to spend time with my other three grandchildren. I also find myself rather excited for the new adventures that are sure to be found.

I am not sure if I will be keeping this blog and asking the many friends back in Sioux Falls to help supply photos for the blog or if I will be closing this blog. All I can say for now is that I will be taking lots of photos of the Sioux Falls area each year when I return to visit family and friends.

20th Annual Parade of Lights

Sioux Falls Parade of Lights is the official kick off of the holiday season for our city. I had such a great time at the parade Friday night and took so many photo's. Here are a few of my favorites. I hope you enjoy them.

 Preceding the parade was the Arthritis Foundation’s, Sioux Falls Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis.

The parade route was lined with excited viewer from all over the region. 

 Volunteers from the Siouxland Renaissance Association showed up in garb to add to the festivities. I had to laugh though when my son told me he overheard two adults in the audience talking and one asked the other 'Isn't that those people from the science fiction group?'

 There were so many wonderful floats it is hard not to post them all.

 I really loved the floats that made use of the flame throwers. Not only was it fun to watch they warmed the air as they passed by.

 Flame throwers and fireworks lit up the sky for a fantastic show.

 Patriotic groups and civil servants were met by loud cheers.

 The Grinch even showed up!

 And of course what is a parade without a fabulous drum line?

Santa made his appearance at the very end on this horse drawn float. Unfortunately I didn't get a clear shot of Santa. He kept waving in front of his face....LOL.

I hope you have enjoyed this little visit to my city. To go on a virtual tour of other cities check out Unknown Mami's Sundays In My City meme.

Art, Improving the Quality of Life

 It is widely accepted that art enriches both the lives of the artist and the lives of those that are exposed to the art.

• Imagine if you would slipping away from the noise of the city and the demands of everyday life to spend a long lunch in quiet solitude, meditating or just contemplating the beauty around you. 
• Imagine the sense of accomplishment in learning a new skill. 
• Imagine the joy and laughter that can be found in listening to a musical or theatrical performance. 
• Imagine the pride and boost in self esteem of a child returning from their first time at camp. 

Music, poetry/literature, visual and preforming arts all provide both the artist and the individual exposed to the art with a means of emotional release and enrichment, which in turn improves the overall quality of life for both. 

As one of the top 100 places to live (according to RelocateAmerica) and 2nd on Forbes' list of best places for business and careers Sioux Falls obviously understands that lives are enriched through exposure to all forms of artistic endeavors.  A cursory look at the many cultural and artistic attractions makes it is easy to see the community's drive for artistic excellence. Yet since the closing of the Horse Barn Arts Center earlier this year venues for emerging artists are virtually non existent.

To meet this need The Retreat at Pointer's Ridge a non-profit arts organization is proposing the development of the regions first artist's retreat. "The Retreat at Pointer's Ridge offers a unique gathering place designed to stimulate imagination for individuals and organizations seeking to improve outcomes in life, health and commerce through artistic expression" *

This river creates one border of the property

Today I had the privilege of touring the proposed site for the retreat which is located less than fifteen minutes north of Sioux Falls. It was very exciting to see the potential the site has to offer. Nestled in a wooded area adjacent to the river this location offers a peaceful setting away from the distractions of the city in which to pursue and develop artistic talents. This former Jaycee Camp although overgrown and run down still holds a great amount of charm, beauty and potential.

Here is the A-frame and a view of the cabins, behind which are the woods.

With the renovation of the existing facilities the retreat will have eight cabins for overnight stays, an A-frame with loft and a large central lodge with fireplace, piano, restrooms, showers and a commercial kitchen as well as other amenities. In addition to these some of the improvements they hope to add are a contemplation garden, hiking trails, outdoor fire pit and playground.

Just past the cabins and to the right of the central meeting hall is this small playground area

Although they look small the cabins will easily sleep 4 to 6 campers

These photos show only a small portion of the 23 acre site which sits on a gently slopping hillside. I was happy to hear that there are plans to restore the many wall panels in the main lodge which contain artwork by staff and visitors from the 30 years it was in operation by the Jaycee's. Unfortunately I didn't take my tripod with me so the photos I took inside the lodge were blurry.  To learn more about the vision and plans for the artist's retreat please visit The Retreat at Pointer's Ridge on Facebook.

* Excerpt from The Retreat at Pointer's Ridge mission statement.

Linking up with Unknown Mami for Sunday In My City

New Family Fishing Park

With both the heat and humidity high today I decided it was best to stay indoors and clean. Believe me when I say I would have much rather been out exploring the city with my camera. I was very happy though when it finally started to cool down around 7:30 this evening.
I had read about a new fishing park on the western edge of the city and decided this was a perfect time to go check it out. The setting sun was low in the sky casting beautiful shadows and gorgeous shades of yellow and orange.

After snapping a few shots of the the setting sun I turned to the east and took this of the dock and eastern side of the lake.

The setting was so peaceful, I will be going back to explore it further. You can read more about the 90 acre park on South Dakota.com Blog.