First time at the springs in almost a year

DH has been suffering from allergies and upper respiratory issues for months. He has been getting very little sleep and thus has not been his usual jovial self. But last night we tried an old reliable medicine (Confession time - it is the one we give the dog to "mellow" her out a bit. I convinced DH to try it and kept my fingers crossed).

He slept so well that he did not get up early to run. He kept on sleeping. I smiled to myself - if he doesn't run, I will get him to walk with the dogs and me. After breakfast we loaded up the car and drove to the park near the airport. The number of vehicles (and haphazard way they were parked) told us that hunters were still out, finishing up the last couple of days of dove season. It was late for the hunters to be there and we decided not to risk that park.

The springs were next on our list. Sunday is not the best day to walk the dogs at the springs as there are runners and bikers and cranky people who are not glad to see our clumsy/friendly puppies. Still, we thought we were early enough to miss the crowds and we kept the pups on leash for the two or three mile hike.

The storms of this year have done some damage at the springs. Trees of all sizes had been uprooted. Some trails were damaged. We not only saw the work done to clear the trails, but we could hear chainsaws and hatchets in the woody area along the river. A trio of boys on a parallel trail hustled out of the way when they heard the crack of a tree starting to fall and realized they might be in its path. We watched the tree as it fell well clear of the boys, but close enough.

We found ourselves on paths we have taken many times before, but also got turned around a few times. We wandered beyond where we had planned (not lost, but not found either).

The walk was a reminder that we need to visit the springs more often. The number and variety of fall wildflowers (some we knew and some we did not recognize) was amazing. So often we forget the fall flowers as they are not as "showy" as those blooming in the spring.

Soon after our recent trip I had the thought that I needed to be more mindful, more present in the moment. When we travel we see with open eyes. Shouldn't every day be approached the same way. Would our days not be richer if we viewed our surroundings as if we were visitors? And aren't we really just visitors here?

Walking the paths:

The path into the woods beckons.

DH and Scruffy head off while Paddy is stuck with the poky photographer.

We started seeing damage and work almost immediately. Here a huge tree has fallen and is cut.

DH took both dogs so I could get a photo and we traded dogs back and forth throughout the walk.

At one point I mentioned to DH that we were on a deer trail, not a path.

We came upon a large clearing - fire zipped through here. It was lucky the fire didn't spread further. DH and Scruffy (in the background) examine the burned area.

DH examined one of the new maps placed throughout the park. I examined "el diablo" weed - goldenrod.

You are here! We stuck to the paths (and deer trails). When we walk with TDW we often find ourselves in the middle of a field with no clear path. All I can think is "snakes," but I haven't see any out here (but we all know they are here).

One of the new trail markers. The red and blue trails pass here.

More new trail markers posted on the tree.

DH and Scruff leave the prairie and head into the woods along the river.

Scruffy turns back -sweet baby often turned to see where Paddy and I were.

We kept seeing roots in the pathway painted orange. DH figured out that they are markers for trees that needed removal.

And here is the tree marked in orange paint and with a white X.

Plants/flowers/vistas:

White asters bloomed everywhere.

Honeysuckle raised its dragon-heads as we headed through the gate towards the bottom of the dam.

Mullein

 

We were surprised to see these still blooming along the road by the river.

 

  

 

 

This may be the photo of the day. This bumblebee in flight above the, um whatever plant.

Some type of sunflower about to bloom (?) with a trail marker in the background (new camera can do these kinds of shots!)

The liatris were blooming out.

I always watch for the liatris to bloom in the fall. It loves the worst - rocky ground.

   

Closeup of the devil - goldenrod is blooming everywhere.

 

This bird flew in and was almost camouflaged as it sits among the dried beans/seedpods

This little bird flew in and waited for me to snag a few pictures. I am not sure what this tiny feathered creature might be.

OK. No clue what this is, but it was blooming in a number of spots.

Loads of vines help block the sky.

Squint - just beyond the tree is the river.

Old and young trees filling out the woods along the river.

Sweet white blossoms.

Golden-eye (?)

Prickly pear with red fruit (Look at those thorns!)

Another cactus.

This one had orange fruit and shorter thorns.

OK. I don't know. I just thought this was an interesting leaf.

A view of the area by one of the streams.

 

Looking upstream at a bend in the bank where the sandy bank has eroded.

 

Fall has seemed long in coming, but many of the grasses have dried and leaves are changing color.

Wild verbena - one of my favorites, perhaps because it blooms early and continues until the first freeze.

 

This wispy little purple flower hugged the ground. I only saw it in this one spot.

View across one of the "lakes"

Fallen trees semi-submerged in the water.

I have no idea what this weed/shrub is, but it was lovely and heavy with fruit.

 Bark and stuff: 

Burls at the roots of a tree.

Thick bark on an old tree.

This hollow tree must provide shelter to many creatures.

I love the rough bark of this tree.

Brackets on fallen tree.

Sawdust rests on some of the brackets on a fallen tree that has been cut up for removal.

Another strangely barked tree. This bark seems to peel off in sheets.

NOTES:

1. I will continue to try and identify some of the wildflowers.
2. I love the new camera.
3. It looks like my kids were here:

The park hosted a trail run last month (according to the signs). We saw a number of spots of chalk marking and then saw this (probably marking the 5 K, but we claim it as marking the way for us).

BIRD photos cropped:

I finally remembered to edit the bird in the tree.

Here he sat and waited for the lens to click. Then he flew away.

End of the storms

Clouds in the west.

Clouds in the south.

Clouds to the north

Clouds in the east

Yucca blooms against the wild sky

Last of the raindrops.

The poor dogs have been in and out of the house for days - mostly out. We have had a number of quick storms blow through. The last (for a few days anyway) arrived early this morning. It headed east and I followed it - in a way. As I drove to work I could see the black clouds ahead with lightning brightening them every few minutes. I slowed for my turn to the north (towards my office) and the storm flashed a farewell with a giant cloud-to-ground streak. Those always frighten me, no matter how far away I am. The child in me starts the count for the thunder.

Perhaps now I will be able to make it to the park to photograph the last of the fall wildflowers. These last three storms have been wild, but no additional rain is expected this week. The winds we were told would follow the rain have arrived so it may be impossible to get a clear image in these gusts. The park is prairie with a creek running along the south boundary. When that wind whips down from the north, it can flatten everything in its path.

TDW shared this photo he took last week. You can see how lovely the liatris is this fall. More purple spikes show on the left. This park really is part of the prairie. The line of trees in the back shows the location of the creek.

I am calling these "fall sunflowers" until I find the actual name. (Another flower from TDW)

There are usually multiple blooms on a stalk. (TDW)

I think this is a Prairie Agalinis. (TDW)

Eryngo (TDW)

Snow on the Prairie (TDW)

What day will I have time? Should I brave the mud with the puppies? I know that DH will not want to come and worry with muddy dogs. But I need to get out in the sunshine.

NOTE:  The first batch of photos are mine (I love my new camera). The second batch - of the wildflowers - were all taken by my friend, The Dog Whisperer. I am still going out to the park to try and take a few photos myself, but for now, I am glad that we can share these with you. You can see how many wildflowers are "out there." Take a walk and see.

Friday afternoon, dogs, mud, thorns and fossils (and HEAT)

Stormy weather threatens for our weekend. I love a good storm, but I wanted to get back to walking with the dogs. I am almost over a nagging virus that had threatened our vacation and has continued to be a drag the last few weeks. In fact, DH is still a bit under the weather. He decided not to join the walk. He made the best decision.

I loaded up the dog walking gear and drove out to the park just north of a local airport. I had hoped that the fall wildflowers were out. And they were.

Of course, I forgot that I had not used the camera in over three weeks. The battery was not charged. I will be heading out later in the weekend (hopefully in a little cooler temperatures) to get some photos.


Recent rains has greened things up. Liatris is blooming where the bluebonnets bloomed in the spring. There are pops of color everywhere -  fall blooming sunflowers of some kind and the purple blooms of the Eryngo. Other wildflowers peeked out at us, Prairie Agalinis, Aster, Snow On the Prairie and Goldenrod were all present in the open field or along the banks of the creek.

We walked through the (mostly) dry creek bed. Humans skirted the wet places (mostly mud-wallows) and sought out shade. The dogs semi-submerged in the water holes and delighted in being out in the wild - running with friends. Hugo wandered off and came back with a wonderfully smelly and rotten fish. Paddy got a nip when she showed interest in his treasure. TDW (remember my friend The Dog Whisperer?) quickly tossed the carcass beyond reach.

We watched the rough ground below our feet and found a few fossils - snails, bivalves, and a portion of a nautiloid. Our area has a good deal of limestone - mostly rotten limestone. There are springs and caves and cliffs and fossils.

A few times we heard planes flying low. I glanced up and saw a corporate jet coming in for a landing. I remembered that OC was coming home from a business trip today. I sent her a text message, "Did you just land." I received a response in a few minutes, "Yes. We are on the ground."

I usually do not operate the cell during a walk. I like walks to be cell-free events. But I want to have the option. So often we walk at a place where we get no cell reception. I consider it a hazard considering the many ways we could be hurt (falling off cliffs - which I have done; snake bites - which Ruby has done). I am more cautious in my old age. I need to be able to call for help. I only contacted OC as my brain made the connection - airport, jet, business trip schedule. It is a connection I could just have easily not made.

Anyway, it was hot and the humans and puppies quickly grew tired and in need a a cool spot to rest. We headed back to the cars with plans to come back for photos and more fossil hunts. And we will bring trash bags to start a cleanup of the trash and shotgun shells left by the dove hunters. I wonder why anyone thinks is is permissible to leave shotgun shells on the ground. This is public property. It shouldn't be turned into a dump or all too soon hunting will be banned there.

In fact, I plan to look into petitioning whoever is responsible for the property to stop hunting for a year and ask that recovery of shells be mandated. After all, I am graduating from the job soon and I'm going to need something to do.

I am not obsessed with death. I am obsessed with life...and a good story.

DH teases. We all tease.* A good sense of humor is essential in a relationship. It will get you through some of the tough spots we all have. We have had some challenges, but I still believe, in the balance of things, we have had more than our fair share of good times, blessings, positive karma, call it what you will.

Anyway, DH represents me as overly (questionably?) fond of cemeteries. This is not true. I am interested in all of life. Death is part of life. Ignoring it won't change that.

I am fond of stories. And everything tells a story, or can.

And I am a collector of things...shells, rocks, staples (don't ask - it's for an artwork) seeds...but as I try to simplify my life and divest myself of collected things (like the skulls stashed in boxes in the kitchen and my office and bags of ring-pulls**) I have "stashed" many things here. The camera allows collection without addition (to what I consider the treasure trove and the children call "the nightmare"). The blog provides a place to store the story.***

For some time now I have been fascinated by the inscriptions on memorials. You may have noticed a few tales written here - tales of some of the people memorialized in our local cemetery. More of those are likely.****

On our recent trip, we had a few occasions to travel through cemeteries. We did not seek them  just so I could hang out there. Each of the cemeteries we visited were part of larger tours (we went to see Yeats' grave, the Sligo Abbey, and St. Kevin's monastic settlement). While visiting these spots I noted the interesting stories told on some of the Irish headstones. They have piqued my curiosity. I have taken a few photos. I will be doing some research. I hope to share some stories.

For now, I am stashing the photos (and thoughts thereon) here. I am posting them out of order of collection. This is how they loaded into the post.



I. Cemetery on the grounds of St. Columba's Church of Ireland, Drumcliff, County Sligo:

Genealogists take note - Drumcliff Cemetery had a complete listing of all interments!

In Fond and Loving Memory of KATHLEEN ELLIOTT Tully Hill Sligo Who passed away peacefully on 8th March 1986 And of her loving parents WILLIAM and FRANCES SHAW Also her husband SAMUEL Who passed away peacefully on 26th December 2008 Also her niece Baby VALERIE SHAW
Forever in our thoughts

My attention was drawn to what appeared to be a dollar sign ($) on this stone. But reading the inscription changed my mind.

AN ACT OF HUMAN KINDNESS ONCE SET IN MOTION ENDURES FOREVER. WILLIAM MEEHAN 1910-1981 KATHLEEN MEEHAN 1913-1978

This stone stands in stark contrast to the other more "wordy" inscriptions.

 MONDS NUNSTOWN DRUMCLIFFE

This family is now out of space.

In Loving Memory of MY DEAR WIFE Eliza Butler who fell asleep in Christ on the 3rd day of June, 1916 aged 66 years also her husband HENRY died 4 April 1933 and their sons James died 17 April 1946 George died 19 May 1977 and his wife Georgina died 12 November 1973 and their daughter Ruth died 30 Oct 2007 Also their son Alfred died 18 May 2005

William Butler (or maybe someone else*****) and George Yeats

Cast a cold Eye on Life, on Death. Horseman pass by. W. B. Yeats June 13th 1865 January 28th 1939. Of course, Yeats provided these directions and epitaph in one of his last poems.

Grave behind: Treasured Memories of ROBERT BOLTON Died 11 - July 1942.
His wife JANE  Died 18 - Dec. 1943.
Their son-in-law WALTER OLDFIELD Died 22 - OCT. 1971
His wife LILY Died 2 - April 1982

George Yeats more humble stone flat in the space.

George Yeats 1892 - 1968 [Actually, her name was Georgie, but Yeats didn't like it******] I find it interesting that most great artists have one who makes their art possible. George was that person for Yeats. He was able to become his best self because of her.

The inscription starts who knows where and goes on forever including the cap.

GARETH EWING born 24 Sept. 1978 Died 15 Dec 1978
THOMAS EWING died 14 May 1896 aged 53 years
His wife MARGARET died Aug 5, 1914 aged 67 years
THOMAS JAMES EWING died Sept 2, 1938 aged 58 years
His Wife LILIAN died Sept. 29, 1963 aged 82 years
R. CECIL EWING died Aug 26, 1973 aged 63 Years
RICHARD EWING died November 26 - 1982 aged 38 Yrs
THOMAS AUBREY EWING died Feb. 14, 1965
ANNA ISMENA (ENA) EWING nee BARBER died Apr 1, 2000 aged 92

II. St. Kevin's Monastic Settlement graveyard, Glendalough, County Wicklow:

I took this photo because of the Astro Turf (and yard art). I only read the inscription later.

Erected by THOMAS LEONARD Sheen In Memory of his father JOHN died Jan. 1830 aged 51 years
His brothers CHRISTOPHER died June 1841 aged 18 yrs.
PATRICK died Nov. 1842 aged 26 years
His Mother ELEANOR died Dec. 1879 aged 88 yes
Her grandson JACK LEONARD died 31st Nov. 1924 aged 14 yrs
His sister MARY STOREY died 30th Nov 1989 aged 74 yrs
Her husband JACK STOREY died 21st Nov. 1992 aged 82 yrs
Their son GERARD STOREY died 25th Oct. 1995 aged 41 yrs

Michael Fortune erected this stone for his father and ended up the second to last inscription thereon.

IHS In Loving Memory of JOHN FORTUNE Knockfin died 26th Oct 1952 aged 65 yrs 

His wife ANASTATIA died 6th Feb 1953 aged 63

Their daughter MARY died 13th Nov 1971 aged 44 yrs

Also their son MICHAEL died 7th June 1981 aged 52 yrs

Also his wife BRIDGET (BUN) died 19th NOV 2013 aged 83 yrs

RIP

Erected by their son MICHAEL

[Except for Bridget, not a long lived bunch]

I had no clue I would be able to "pick-out" this inscription - sort of.

Here lieth the body of Luke Toole of Annamoe. He departed this life the 3rd day of August 1793. This stone was erected by his disconsolate widow Mary Toole. He was a friend to the wayward; father to the orphan; his door open to the poor. [This was a difficult read. I believe the last quote to be from Psalm 82:3]

Many stones were worn and lichen/moss covered.

Another challenge.

According to "Find a Grave"******* - Here Lyeth Y body of the Rever'd Phelin Bryan Dec??? y ?3th 1759 aged
57 yrs [My eyes see most of this. I do not see "Bryan" in my photo, but theirs does show it. It could be there has been damage since the posting on FOG.]

Cannot be read

I was moving so fast - scooting under these that I have no idea if the inscriptions can still be read.

III. The Dominican Abbey, Sligo town, County Sligo:

This was a difficult one.

O Lord have mercy --- the soul of Bridget Casey alias Mulrooney (?) who departed this life May 22 1801(?) also her consort Owen Casey departed 11th July 18-- aged --- also John Casey departed this life --Sept ---.[No search has turned up any help so far]

This was almost easy after that.

Here Lyeth the body of John McGowan who departed this life 11th March 1787 aged 51 years

And this was not too difficult in places.

Pray for the soul of John ___ who departed this life the -- th of December ___ aged 81 (or 91) years This stone --- by his grandson James Clemens or Clement.

There are a couple of explanations for the defacement of this gravestone. One is that the purported father of an alleged illegitimate child paid to have it done. The other is that the carver was not paid and defaced the stone as a warning to others who might default on payments. Either way, it is a shame.

Here lyeth the baby of James XXX who died Dc the XX XXXX Aged X years Erected by his Mother XXXX XXXX

Now blank stones stand in the yard of the Abbey.

NOTES:

*One of my nieces used to introduce me thus, "This is my Aunt A. Be careful. She teases."
**OK. When I re-read that even I thought it sounded creepy. I messaged a student/artist I know who works with skulls and teeth. I offered her the assortment lurking in the corners of my life. She said, "YES." Guess I will be working on that this weekend. I also have shared the ring pulls with a woman who crochets those cool purses. Look people, it's recycling!
***Seeds and art supplies will still be gathered, but hopefully there will be more time to PLANT seeds and MAKE art instead of allowing stuff to pile up in boxes and the frig.
****In one local cemetery the inscriptions read "sunrise" for birth and "sunset" for death - rather poetic.
***** http://www.theguardian.com/books/2000/sep/09/poetry.wbyeats
******http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgie_Hyde-Lees
          http://www.theguardian.com/books/2002/oct/26/poetry.highereducation
          http://www.thenation.com/article/160781/imperfect-life-george-and-wb-yeats
******* Find a Grave can be found: http://www.findagrave.com/


While researching this post I found an organization  - The Association of Gravestone Studies     
[ https://gravestonestudies.org/ ]. Yeah, I joined.

Oops! My pups will be offended if I do not include this photo:

The graves of the pets at Coole Park. The tall stone appears to say something like "Poor little Minnie" and the broken stone shows "GYP 1890" I believe. I cannot make out an inscription on the third. There - now Paddy and Scruffy will be satisfied.

Thunder rolls, dogs sleep on the living room floor...

Anyone who knows us knows that we have always been "animals outside" people. In fact, there were times I suspect we threw the children outside (and many times I wanted to banish a muddy-booted DH to the yard). Still, our puppies do not like bad weather. It was a storm last week that frightened Paddy and resulted in our two days of worry.

Today I was cooking - and right in the middle of things - when I heard the thunder in the distance. I shut off the fires and headed to the backyard. Both puppies were ready to move inside. Scruff loves his crate. I am still amazed that he heads to the crate without hesitation (we cannot get him to sit with us in the living room). Tonight we convinced him to join us in the living room for a little while. He sat with me and accepted some head and tummy scratches. [Seriously, I cannot express how much of an "introvert" our Scruffy is. He must have been harmed by his earlier owners. He does not ask for affection, but will accept it upon rare occasion. And even more rarely will he give one a lick. It is almost a "stealth" lick when it happens.]

Crate-hating Paddy always heads directly to the living room and did so today.  We sat together as I adjusted her "thunder vest." She sat still while I fastened the Velcro (I am not sure how effective the thing is in calming her "thunder fear," but she does seem generally calmer when wearing the vest.

Paddy thinks she is a "lap dog." I guess it is some kind of doggy body dysmorphia. She sees herself a chihuahua or terrier. If you sit close enough to her, she will do all she can to climb into your lap. She starts with one paw, then there is a stealthy climb - one paw at a time. Soon enough there will be 50+ pounds of Labrador knees and elbows trying to balance.

We are still waiting for the storm right now. It caused chaos north of us - power is out in a number of places and wind has damaged trees and buildings. We keep watching the radar and hoping the storms do not strengthen before they come our way.

Our short walk disclosed a thirsty garden. The end-of-summer blooms are dry. The grass is starting to curl. It is time for the last or almost last mow. With little rain, it has not been a difficult summer for yard maintenance. Still, I am itching to get out and pull weeds and trim up the shrubs before the cold weather sets in.

Ah, the storm finally hit, but was over quickly. I sat with Paddy and tried to hold her through the thunder. She is stronger than I am and so I expect there will be bruises. She is not fretting and should be taken out, but it is dark and muddy and cold. We will keep her inside tonight.

Unfortunately we will not have time for a walk in the morning. I have to be at work early and so the walk will have to wait for the late afternoon.

Before I post I will end this with our most recent "Houdini dog" story.

While on our two week trip, the dogs stayed at the vet. I was bonding them out of jail (writing the check) and asked how they managed during their stay. The vet tech said that everything was fine...and then started laughing. It seems that there had been a pretty violent storm just before we came home. The vet tech had put Paddy into her "thunder vest" and back in a kennel with Scruffy the evening the storm was expected. When the staff came in the next day they found Paddy sitting in the receptionist's chair. Somehow she had taken off her vest, gotten out of the kennel, and found her way into the office. I quickly looked around to see if there were teeth marks or paw prints on any of the files or other items kept on the shelves in the office. All was well.

So, at least I know I will have witnesses if I am ever cited for "dog at large" if (really WHEN) Paddy is spooked by fireworks or thunder or a car backfiring and we don't move fast enough.