Mama and Papa were slowly walking their new brood to the lake. The babies kept stopping and sitting. The parents were so proud, attentive, and patient. – Pokegan State Park, Indiana
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Category Archives: Local Interest
Kankakee Sands
Kankakee Sands is a restoration area in Indiana on acres that once was covered with one of the largest lakes in the State, Beaver Lake. Around 100 years ago part of the lake was in Illinois and a businessman (from IL) who owned land on the lake decided to drain this huge body of water. And he did, effectively removing the migrating path for many water birds and did untold damage to the ecosystem as the land was turned into farmland.
The Nature Conservancy has purchased a large portion of this land and is working to return it to native prairie and marshland. They have also introduced a small herd of buffalo, which are a part of the natural prairie.
It is a beautiful work in progress. What amazed me the most were the amount of grasshoppers and crickets. Take a step and the “grass” for about two feet in front of your foot raises and flies. You can hear the wings. But the variety of butterflies and plants are amazing.
The Eye of a Raptor
Eagle Creek Ornithology Center – Indianapolis, IN – resident Red Shouldered Hawk
Eagle Creek Ornithology Center – Indianapolis, IN – resident Red Tailed Hawk
Show Me Your Baby Blues
Sugar ‘n Spice for Breakfast
If you are ever around the Cincinnati area and want a different breakfast experience, give Sugar ‘n Spice a try!
They have been delighting customers since 1941 with the whimsical side of human nature (is the cook kicking that pan and egg or is the egg fighting back?), but also delightful wispy thin pancakes and truly fluffy omelettes!
To end you meal, you (or the kids with you) can choose a rubber ducky as a keepsake.
And Bears, Oh My!
Photography adventures to be found at your local zoo!. Especially with a new 18-300mm zoom lens.
Indianapolis Zoo photography class through Roberts Camera shop.
Who’s Watching Who?
Indianapolis has a hidden gem on the West side called Eagle Creek Park. Today we drove through during the rain and bada bing, three of these deer stood near the park road, giving us a wonderful photo shoot. And the whole time I was wondering who was really studying who.
They were obviously comfortable and unconcerned. I, on the other hand, was shaking with excitement and had a hard time getting a steady shot.
A New Cafe in Town
There is a new cafe in the small Indiana town of Hagerstown. It is worth the trip if you enjoy local fare and learning about Indiana heritage.
The Sidewalk Cafe – located in an historic building and open 11-3 daily, 7 days a week.
Along with the cafe, there is a lovely Christmas store attached called Every Day is Christmas. You can also step across the street to the Museum (open 1-6pm Thurs./Fri./Sat.).
Go out and explore the small towns in Indiana – they can hide some wonderful treasures!
Feel free to visit my food blog where I wrote more about the cafe food.
A Renaissance Faire
We went for a sweet ride in the convertible this weekend (you know, that warm day in between snowstorms) and we stumbled upon the second year of The Blackhawk Manor Festival – our first ever Renaissance Faire -near French Lick, Indiana.
It was a combination of entertainment and education. The Society for Creative Anachronism put on a demonstration of a contest as seen in these photos, and then answered our questions afterwards.
The Sleeping Bear Retreat grounds were absolutely beautiful and the Faire, while small, was enjoyable.
And Robert gave one of my friends a photo op. What could be better than that?
The Ruby Pear
Find yourself a cup of tea; the teapot is behind you. Now tell me about hundreds of things. ~Saki
The Ruby Pear is a lovely tea parlor located in an authentic Victorian house. It is conveniently located on the main street that runs through downtown Noblesville (Conner Street/US32).
This was my first experience of a Victorian Tea and I am now hooked. The Velvet Chicken soup was excellent, the chicken salad sandwich had the perfect blend of flavors and textures, and the scones a delightful complement to the selected teas.
Call ahead and don’t be in a hurry. This is meant to be a time of contented companionship.
a vacation in my mind 