Summer storm...

Thunderstorms are pretty common during the summer months here in Indiana. Here is one coming to meet me as I arrived home from work last month.

DCH EMS Day...

Candace's hospital hosted a morning for people to come and see fire engines and other rescue vehicles last month. Despite the weather not playing along, it was still interesting seeing these vehicles up close and talking to the various rescue personnel.

 Fire Chief's vehicle.

 Police car.

 Ambulance.

 Older fire engine.

 Newer fire engine.

 The engine on the left is a Volunteer Firefighter's truck.

 Rear of rescue vehicles.

 Main entrance to the hospital.

Frogs and Toads...

There are a large number of amphibians that live around our Barn. They are especially vocal in the evening hours, as the sun sets over Daviess County. Here are a few that I have seen in the area.

 Four bullfrogs congregating around a drain pipe.

 Bullfrog in our fishpond.

 Fowler's Toad with its distinctive markings.

Juvenile snapping turtle...

I came across this mean-looking creature in the flower bed behind our Barn last month. He'd only just emerged from hibernation and was covered in dry mud. He wasn't very energetic and tolerated me taking a few photos. I'm constantly amazed by the beautiful creation here - even displayed in a mean-looking turtle!

 The turtle is visible towards the bottom of the image in the flower bed.

 Size perspective.

 Amazingly detailed shell.

That's a long tail!

DCH Colour Run...

Another fun event organised during Nurse's Week was the Daviess Community Hospital Colour Run/Walk. This 2 mile or 3 kilometre loop went out to the Eastside Park, around the lake, and back to the hospital. Candace and I enjoyed being plastered in powdered colours throughout the route - including a faceful of yellow in this photo! It was my first colour run and I'll definitely be back for more next year!

 Before photo - the green glasses were provided.

 After photo - covered in colours!

 The back of my head.

With Catherine and Lavone at the finish.

DCH Nurse of the Year...

National Nursing Week is held from 6th May until 12th May, and ends on Florence Nightingale's birthday. (International Nurses Day.) Candace's hospital, Daviess Community Hospital, celebrated their nurses with many events during this time. Candace was nominated as a candidate for Nurse of the Year. Although she didn't win the award, just to be nominated was a huge honour and I was really proud of her!

 One of the two cakes celebrating nurses.

 Waiting for the ceremony to award the Nurse of the Year.

 Candace had the privilege of saying the opening prayer.

Candace (right) with the other Nurse of the Year nominees.

Fishing at Wiggly Woods...

There is a wooded area called Wiggly Woods nearby. Candace and I joined the youth for an evening of fishing and cooking hot dogs. While Daviess County does not have any beaches or mountains like Cape Town, there is still plenty of natural beauty here! I often have to remind myself of that!

 A salamander - quite possibly Jefferson's salamander.

 Large trees on the bank of the lake - formerly a mine.

 Looking back towards our campsite.

 Nice to be out on the water for a bit!

 Row, row, row the boat!

Candace tries her hand at fishing.

Micah and Ashlin's Wedding...

Micah (Candace's cousin) and Ashlin's wedding was held on Saturday, 25th April. Candace and I were blessed to be able to attend this lovely outdoor wedding in rural Oklahoma. Early the next morning we headed back to southern Indiana. It was another lovely weekend away!

 Waiting for the bride's arrival.

 Duey, Micah's father, officiated the ceremony.

 The marriage vows.

 Reception venue.

 The bridal party's table.

 View inside the Reception venue.

 With my beautiful bride!

 Chinese lanterns released into the night...

Followed by a fireworks display!