Sad scarf day

A lone scarf sits discarded when temperatures rise above 30 degrees F.

Remembering Warmer Days

I had planned to go out yesterday or this morning to capture some scenes from Rapid City's historic district. However, with the cold front that came in I decided to stay in and keep warm. It is so cold that yes even the dog bundles up.

I figured I was going to wind up skipping this week, then I remembered I have some photos from warmer days.  So into my archives I went and found some fun shots from September 2011 when my family took a weekend trip to see Mount Rushmore. 

Mount Rushmore is about a half hour drive from Rapid City so many visitors choose to stay here when they come to see Mt. Rushmore.

If you ever get a chance to visit be sure to take a drive through the open range of Custer State Park. Just be warned the mules are very friendly.

While you are in the area if you enjoy history another fun place to visit is 1880 Town. It is about an hour east of Rapid City and is home to many of the props for the film Dances With Wolfs.

Dreaming of warmer days 1880 Town.

I hope you have enjoyed this virtual visit in the warmth and comfort of your home. To continue your travels just click the button below to hop over to Unknown Mami's Sunday In My City.

Brrrrr it's cold up here

I have been pretty much in hibernation for a while now but I wanted to let everyone know I haven't forsaken this blog. After the New Year I hope to be back to my click happy self, but in the meantime I wanted to share a few South Dakota fun shots.

 You Know You Are In South Dakota When
The gas station / market has hitching posts!

Last month on our way to Sioux Falls we had to make an unexpected stop in Presho, SD.  The vibrant reflection in the windows caught my eye and then when I got out to take the picture it dawned on me what the posts are for....LOL

Brrrrrrr it's cold up here!

Here is a map of yesterday's highs for the area. Thankfully today is much warmer, it is actually 36 degrees but rather windy so it only feels like 24.

 

 So we bundle up!

Only go out when we have too!

And snuggle with a loved one!
I finally got a semi decent photo of birds, it just took going to the library where these cute little guys live.

So what do you do when it is cold outside?

Ice on the Big Sioux River - Part 2

I took these a while back and not wanting them to waste away in the archives I have decided to show them today. Sitting at the falls one warm winter afternoon I enjoyed watching a number of different groups as they explored the semi-frozen falls.

 I do have to say though I half expected the two on the far left above to slip and tumble down the falls.

Watching these two young men I couldn't help but think it looked as if they were preforming a dance on the ice, so I took some rapid fire shots. Here is a look at the series of photos taken of these two young men.

Historic Homes: Pedigrew Heights

Today was so beautiful I could not pass up going for a walk in one of my favorite parts of town. The Pedigrew Heights Historic District. There are so many beautiful and interesting homes in this area.

looking toward down town from the intersection of 8th and Summit

Not the prettiest but certainly the most mysterious.

According to this historical marker the wife of the original owner was tried and originally convicted of killing their young house servant. The conviction was overturned because of prosecutorial misconduct resulting in a retrial at which she was found guilty only of assault.

 So many different style porches and balconies. The little balcony above makes me wonder if it was used more as a look out or sentry post than a place to enjoy the sunrise.

Alright, I know I have posted photos of this home before but the cozy porch just demands attention.

 I do wonder if all three entrances on the home above are original to it's design. Maybe a guest entrance, family entrance and servants entrance. But why they are all three so close together has me a bit baffled as this is a rather large home.

I hope you have enjoyed these beautiful homes.

Sunday in my City: Winter Walk

Yesterday I decided to head down town to try and find the shots I wanted for Scavenger Hunt Sunday and was glad to see that although the temperatures were cold and the wind was blowing a bit making it feel even colder there was still a good amount of people enjoying the shops and sights.

This cute little Scotty wanted to play with a group of children coming out of the toy store. Just after I passed the children convinced the little Scotty's master to let him visit a bit. As for me, I had gotten most of the shots I had gone after so it was time for me to head home.

Are you ready to travel? Click the button below to head over to Unknown Mami's and travel the world right from the comfort of your own home.

Ice on the Big Sioux River

Generally by this time of year the Big Sioux River is frozen solid, but with our mild winter there are only patches of ice.

My daughter couldn't resist tossing a rock onto the ice. As the rock slid across the ice and landed in the rivers current with a splash I thought, 'oh cool I want a shot of that'. So at my request she tossed a few more rocks. This is what I managed to get.

Sunday in My City: Norlin Greenway Park

With our mild winter getting out and enjoying the parks hasn't been as difficult as it generally is. For those that enjoy peaceful walks or bike rides the Yankton trail through Norlin Greenway Park is a great spot to go.

The walk is rather easy without the normal foot or more of winter snow on the ground. 

The park sits along the Big Sioux River just off of 26th Street in central Sioux Falls. It always amazes me how serene it feels to wander the trails in our many parks and feel as if you are miles from the hectic hustle of the city.

Although there is no snow on the ground much of the river at this point is covered in ice.

While most of the park benches have been stored for the winter months there are still a few spots to sit and rest while you enjoy the beauty.

If you have enjoyed Sunday in my city you may enjoy visiting Unknown Mami's 

Winter Wear

Autumn is rapidly giving way to winter here in the Midwest. So far we haven't had any snow here in Sioux Falls but that may change in the next few days. Although the city will soon be blanketed in a sea of white if this scarf is any indication, I anticipate a very colorful winter.