Going hunting!

Alaina was over again this weekend, and I'll spare you from the scads of pictures I took. I just had to share these few from the big game hunt that took place quite regularly while she was here.
At the sound of Olivers bell, Alaina would stop what she was doing and look for him, then take off trying to catch him.
Grandpa was often willing to help in this hunt.

Here they had followed Oliver from the dining room, into the living room.




Sometimes you have to squeeze into small places to chase your prey.

Thankfully, Grandpa is a pretty good big game catcher!
The hunt usually ended with Oliver getting a kiss and a little rub.
We've decided Oliver is getting used to her, he doesn't run from her like he used to, and often flopped down right near her, although I do think he probably enjoys the peace he gets when she goes home.

A walk in the park

The Grand River is about 1 1/2 miles from my house. Our County purchased property there and put in a park about a year ago. I was there last year, but since then they have completed their work, which included putting in some walking trails. I went to walk there with my sister last week, and took my camera to share some pictures.

The park sits between the river and the Bayou. This is the Bayou side.

And here is the river.

The trails start with a paved path under the overpass, to get to the wooded area.

Starting the trail with wildflowers and an arching vine.

We came around a curve and came upon all this bamboo. It's not something we see often around here and I've heard it can be quite invasive. I guess this shows that it is, but we enjoyed seeing it.

Every so often, we would get a glimpse of the river - so near to us but usually blocked by trees.

Wildflowers and berries dotted the trails.

This is what much of our walk looked like - a winding path through the woods.

And the trails finish, back where we started at the river.
What a beautiful walk!

Sunflowers

There is a house not far from me that planted a bunch of sunflowers. I pass them nearly every day and they make me smile.

Isn't this a cheerful flower?

Here's the whole patch of them. I think sunflowers are like country folk - not pretentious, but mellow, homey and upright!