More Train Ride Pics

I couldn't resist, when we stopped I had to get in the train car just because I could.

We had beautiful scenery.

Abandoned train parts.

Found an acorn.

How do you know you're in Wisconsin? Bullet holes in signs. Wisconsin = land of beer, brats, cheese, and hunting.

Choo- choo.....All Aboard!

A few weekends ago I took a train ride - it was a gorgeous day for it. The train left from Durand, which is just 40 minutes south of Eau Claire. The ride was sponsored by the Lower Chippewa River Alliance; they promote stewardship and conservation through education. The train is operated by the Chippewa Valley Motor Car Association - they've done a great job salvaging these old, electric trains. It took them 3 years to clear 8 miles of abandoned railroad tracks that had been overtaken by trees.

These are old trains, never seen these types before. Some were covered, some were side by side bench seating. We could only go about 5 miles on the tracks; no further because of a broken bridge going over some water.

My friend, Jodi, and I chose the side by side seating for unobstructed views. The people who sat behind us were kind enough to switch sides with us on the way back so we'd have a different view.

One of the tour guides was Doug Faulkner, the Chair of the UWEC Geography Dept. Here he is passing out maps of the area.

Mycology Report

Mycology is the biological study of fungi - YEAH. I love to eat fungi - otherwise known as mushrooms. Unfotunately I don't think the ones growing in my yard are edible; too bad because there are lots of them and they keep gettin' bigger. Here's a ring of mushrooms - Todd says it's a fairy ring - what? Look it up on Wikipedia - it's kind of cool.

These were big several days ago, now even bigger.

This one looks like a different type, it was growing in the grass.

This one looks like a giant, yet slimey, pearl - pretty cool. Can anyone tell me what kind these are and if poisonous?

Doggy DayCare

Recently, Misty has been a bit obstinate in the mornings; she doesn't want to go to day care. But she needed to go today because I've got a crazy busy schedule. I dropped her off just after they opened so there weren't many dogs there (I think she likes it that way) and she played with a friend. She makes a sad face when I leave, but I know she'll have a good time as evidenced in the video.

Finally.......a new post

Anyone following the news lately? We've had an unusually wet summer and last week Wed. and Thurs. we got 24+ hrs of rain. I was beginning to think we'd float away and my thoughts weren't far from the truth. This past Saturday we went to check out the river near campus. Below is the path we'd take from campus towards the park.....not any more.

At the park - the tennis courts were completely submerged. But the ducks were having a grand time!

See that blue and white sign in the middle of the picture? The sign is at least 5 feet tall.

Here's some video of the rushing water next to the university.

Happy Birthday to the BEST MOM!

Happy Birthday beautiful lady! Love you!

What was it?

I was roaming the yard, going on weekly poop patrol, when I looked down and saw something that didn't look right. At first I just saw the rounded top and thought it was a funny lookin' walnut shell. Then I picked it up and saw what it really was...

...........a skull. You always wonder what happens to critters when they die, where do they go? Well, don't know where this squirrel died, but the skeleton (most of it) ended up at the trunk of the walnut tree. Here's what it's underside looks like.

I Have the BEST MOM!

I love flowers...........just like my mom.


She had fun putting together an arrangment using flowers from the yard.


Here she is while we were waiting to be seated at P.F. Chang's restaurant. Let's just say we did our part to boost the regional economy (and then some.)

Fun with Mom

My mom came to visit me - triple YEAH! We had so much fun.


The Paul Bunyan Logging Camp


The farmer's market.


A wonderful meal at the Creamery in Downsville (if you haven't tried it, you're missing out!)

Chalk Fest

I love Eau Claire - there's so much cool stuff to see and do. This weekend was the annual Chalk Fest sponsored by our local publication, Volume One. Here are some pics of just a few of the chalk art I liked.

We have great bike trails around town and along the river, this one reminds me of that.

Don't mess with her.

I like this one best, it's a replica of Mt. Rushmore, but instead of the presidents, pictured are suffragettes. Thanks to these and other courageous souls, women were finally allowed to vote.