Happy together...

This afternoon, our family went to Slate Run Living Historical Farm near Canal Winchester, Ohio. Together we meandered up the dusty path, admiring chickens and the large healthy garden.

As we approached the farm house, we were greeted by a sign inviting our family to come around back and sample vintage drinks from the past. A kind woman in 1800's garb, explained each beverage to us and offered us each a taste of whatever we would like to try. We all sampled the strawberry water and decreed it to be very tasty.

Our son spied the large hammock tied nearby and we inquired if he could swing. An affirmative answer and a nod from dear old mom, was all it took to make him climb aboard. After a satisfying break from walking, our son and younger daughter helped me water the crops in the garden!

Yes, you too can help out at this working historical farm! Using a hand pump, we raised the water and moseyed out into the field to water some beans. Nearby, in the shade our oldest and my husband chatted. (My husband tore a muscle at work and our older daughter was keeping him company while he rested his leg.)

After playing at farming, we went up the trail to pet the animals at the barn. I think we were most delighted by the small calf born just a few weeks ago. He was sweet and happily let us pet him! Of course there were the normal barnyard menagerie to admire as well. A worker even brought a horse out of its stall for visitors to meet.

If you are looking for a delightful, and free, experience for your family head on over to:

http://www.metroparks.net/ParksSlateRunFarm.aspx and discover for yourself why a trip should be in your immediate future.

This day and always,
I wish you well...
I pray you are given what you need...
I ask that you are blessed!

Later... a hike...

Our drive took us past Delaware, Ohio and Grady Hospital where our middle child was born. It seemed fitting to muse about her birth on Mother's Day; she seemed to like it as well. After lunch at Arby's (Under $23 dollars for five adult size appetites. You really should try out their dollar menu! yum!), we headed to one of our favorite parks.

Though the eagle's nest is shrouded by leaves, there is still so much to enjoy at Highbanks Metro Park on US Route 23 North, near Polaris, Ohio. The trees tower, the hills beg to be climbed and peace seems to surround you as you walk.

As we enjoyed our time together, we saw a family in front of us stop and stare at a tree. The father reached out and touched something. I heard him say..."dead"... and they walked on. I was curious, what was, "dead"? Walking toward the tree I gasped, there was a beautiful dragonfly motionless on the trunk of the tree. Bending forward, our family admired the creature. I pondered collecting it's body to show my Kindergarten students. It was then that the breathtaking insect moved!

I'm not kidding... hand to heaven... It was ALIVE! Our family cheered... we snapped a picture and attracted the attention of the next family coming along... As we walked away, they stepped up to enjoy the show. We hypothesized that it was the unseasonably cool weather that made the animal so unusually tranquil. Whatever the reason, in all my thirty six years, it was the first time I have ever seen a dragonfly so still.

What a discovery... what a gift... priceless and yet free for all to share... I am so glad to be mom to my children... wife to my husband... child to my Creator... I am blessed...

What have you seen lately that made you stop in awe? Go ahead... tell someone... share your experience... Happiness is meant to be passed on.

Now and Always... I pray that you are blessed.