summer sunset

Summer Sunset

good morning

good morningA beautiful Friday morning for a ride… so I did!

untitled

Not quite sure what to call this image of the 5 Mile Bridge in Illinois. I am
Not quite sure what to call this image of the 5 Mile Bridge in Illinois… ideas?

river tree

Normally, you can sit at the foot of this tree and do some fishing. We have had lots of rain - and flooding - in Illinois this summer...
Normally, you can sit at the foot of this tree and do some fishing, reading, meditating, singing, writing… well… you get the idea. We have had lots of rain – and flooding – in Illinois this year…

Masada

Snake Path

There are two ways to get to the top of Masada… the Snake Path… or…

Masada

…the gondola “path”.  We chose the Snake Path. It is a fairly difficult and fun hike to the top.

Masada

 If you ever go to Israel, this is a must see.

Masada3

Bad to the Bone

No parade is worth attending if it does not include a Harley. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!
No parade is worth attending if it does not include a Harley. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it!

under the bridge

Just in case you were wondering what it looks like underneath 5 Mile Bridge, here ya go!
Just in case you were wondering what it looks like underneath 5 Mile Bridge, here ya go!

Illinois River Bridge

Illinois River Bridge

I posted an image of this bridge here. This is a favorite destination on a hike that features the I & M Canal, and a train tracks. The bridge spans the Illinois River and I think it would be cool to climb those stairs…. it would also probably break some local ordinance or law! So… why not??

family joy

Soren!

I hope you will allow a little grand-parenthood indulgence…. Soren is our first grandchild, and, I highly recommend the great wide wonderful world of grandchildren. I only knew my father’s mom: a gentle, loving soul, so, for me, it’s an extra special joy to be able to make memories and share life with this little guy. And, of course, that’s my beautiful bride with Soren. Thank you for letting me indulge.

Ruth and Soren

5 Mile Bridge

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Before I post a couple of portraits I wanted to share another shot of what has become a favorite spot of mine to photograph. I have posted other images of 5 Mile Bridge here, and  here. I have been riding my bicycle quite a bit this year, and this bridge is about 14 miles from my house. This bridge – and the barns nearby – is special to me. I love the sense of history and forgotten tales that I find here. The old barns particularly point back to days when the prairies were a little younger, and life a bit simpler. I use this bridge to remind me that I have committed to pray for a family, so, it has become a kind of sanctuary on my journey. Finally, it’s the whole process of riding that I just love: seeing the country go by, the wonder of how a familiar place can take on such varying characteristics and feel so different as the weather and seasons change, and yet remain familiar, and therefore somewhat comforting, each time I visit. And that’s enough of my musings for today…