OFF TO SEE THE LIZARD

Next week I will be helping with shepherding a small group of youngsters on a nature hike. 

The trail we will take is steep, but the first part is paved and has ramps to accommodate wheel chairs and baby strollers. 

The second part of the hike is a wide graveled path--

following a small stream that tumbles over rocks and flows through ponds of watercress.  Along the way are markers  that tell the history of Native Americans and trappers, and draws attention to the remnants of a stage coach road.

The markers also help identify trees,

flowers like---Indian Paintbrush (here in sage brush)

choke cherry blossoms,

and valerian.

Plus other creatures that inhabit the area--

like the mourning cloak butterfly.

There is a wide view of a river valley full of trees and farms.

We're going to have a great time!

MEN AT WORK

There is something fascinating about people working with heavy equipment.

Changes, improvements, transformations.

The addition to our  city LIBRARY is almost finished.  Soon there will be room for more books, more computers and a big place for story time. I walk by the library often and enjoy watching the process of building.

On campus a NEW AUDITORIUM is almost finished.  It is HUGE.  Construction started in 2007.  For the first year all that happened was the hauling of mega tons of dirt and rocks to create a big hole.  Here you can see the concrete walls ascending around the area that will seat 15,000 people.  On the other side of the building will be a multi use area the size of ten basketball courts.

That’s a lot of bricks to put into place one at a time.  But it is so boxy.  Not much tuition money has been spent on architectural frills. It is scheduled for use this fall.  Landscaping is underway and there must be a lot going on inside.

Personally, I think it was more fun to look at two years ago.

THE SUPERHERO

The superhero--

who can--

levitate a ball with his eyes.

FLY SO HIGH THE SHOES COME OFF