Champaign County, Illinois

Terri took this picture as we drove along a back road on our way home after camping. For those not familiar with Illinois agriculture, most farmers raise corn and soybeans. That field is planted with corn. Corn as far as you can see!

Happy camper

We did it. We bought camping equipment and went on our first outing in a nice forest preserve in Champaign County, Illinois. Middle Fork campground is just outside Penfield and the hosts Harold and Bonnie kept the grounds nice, clean and orderly. Being a Thursday, there were only a few sites occupied. Terri and I enjoyed a quiet evening with more stars than I've seen in a long time. After midnight it cooled off nicely for comfortable sleeping. The next morning I was able to enjoy the early stillness then began fussing with a new fire for breakfast. Later, the sound of diesel engines from two school buses bringing many very happy children from Champaign Boys & Girls Club took care of the stillness. Boy did those kids have a blast! All in all, a successful maiden voyage with our new gear. Looking forward to our next outing!

So, right after I said, "You're not a REAL magician..."

Energy within

I don't remember where I lifted this from, but it is a striking bronze sculpture with a pretty cool vibe to it.

Bed frame

Chair shadow on table

Boston Marathon Bombing

Another sad day for Americans. More lives lost to senseless violence-- and I wonder as I type those words, "Is there any other kind of violence?"

But we are a resilient bunch and we will survive this and move on as we have moved on before.

Aftermath

Looking forward to Spring

Happy weekend!