Happy Fourth of July!

Just wanted to preserve some photos. Staying at the Hollywood Casino Hotel & RV Park since May 5. Spending time with friends and family. Ruth is learning to deal with back pain, getting over getting hooked on Rx pain relievers and rebuilding her strength. No surgery - good news because there will be no 3-6 month recovery, but bad news because it means exploring all means to live a normal life without drugs or surgery. She can do it!!!

Mom doing well at the Timbers and going there today to have a meal together including homemade strawberry shortcake. Thanks to a lady at a health food store in Morris who gave me a great deal on organic strawberries. Yum!

Have had lovely times with friends cooking out, just hanging out chatting, visiting quaint little shops, viewing the BEST ever fireworks display on the river last night, etc. Perhaps 2 more weeks here at home, but in no real hurry. I will need to be at Prince William Forest Park for August 1 start date.

Bluebird and others from a hike out near Joliet Junior College with Joyce a few weeks ago.

New park located between Channahon, Minooka, and Shorewood, hence the name "Chaminwood".

This snake was so fast! I believe he is a Midland Water Snake.

Muskrat - equally FAST!

The path around the lake. Lots of little trails down to the stocked fishing lake, but tons of poison ivy, too.

I saw no beavers, but there was plenty of sign of beaver. :-)

Many of the lovely cowbirds enjoying seeds from my feeder . . .

and Tighe and Zuni stalking the birdie population outside their "window to the world".

I love this funky looking caterpillar. One tree shading my spot has had lots of little worms, now holes in the leaves and this guy wandering around the shepherds crook holding the bird feeder. I wonder if another critter laid eggs on it?

The other tree shading my spot is a mulberry tree. Most people hate them because of the mess the berries make, but I love all the birds, the COBBLER (very yummy) and the shade and entertainment provided to Tighe and Zuni.

Shopping for landscaping supplies with a friend at the local Menards, this butterfly was demonstrating the effectiveness of the butterfly bush.

My friend's choice for her newly constructed raised bed. We had fun making it.

This is my favorite! This ginormous concrete mallard needs to live in my yard . . if I ever get a yard again. . . someday . . .maybe.