Purple sky...

I love the deep blue, almost purple, colour of the sky in these photos snapped early one evening as I walked Rusty along the gravel road.

Garden spider...

I came across this large garden spider on the side of our barn several weeks ago. A few days later she had a locust in her web!

 The zig-zag pattern of the web is really interesting.

Devouring a large grasshopper.

Gender Reveal Party...

We had our gender reveal party on Sunday, 26th July. Candace and her friend Mindi made amazing cupcakes the day before. The cupcakes had either blue or pink icing inside - to signify if we were having a boy or a girl.

We invited Candace's family round for a bring and braai in the late afternoon. We enjoyed good family time - including guessing games. Most of the family thought we were having a girl. But the inside of the cupcake was blue... We're having a little baby boy!

 Writing on the path to the front door.

 Braaiing the meat.

 Braaiing the toasted sandwiches.

 Family enjoying the bring and braai.

 Team Pink - those who thought we were having a girl.

 Team Blue - the winning team! :)

 Votes from South Africa and the USA.

 Inside the cupcake.

 With our blackboard sign.

 Beautiful sunset that evening.

 Another lovely sunset photo.

Pretty reflections in the pond. :)

Spring Mill Again...

Candace and I went with friends to Spring Mill State Park on a hot and humid Monday, 13th July. It was our second time there in a little over a month and we really enjoyed spending time hiking and picnicking with friends. Here are some photos from our Spring Mill adventure - which included me almost stepping on a Copperhead snake!

 Inquisitive grey squirrel.

 One of the rivers near the Mill.

 Lots of recent rain meant that the waters were quite high.

 The lovely old mill with its water-wheel.

 Wasp or hornet's nest on the outside of the mill.

 One of the other pretty buildings.

 We walked up to where the water is fed along the channel to the water-wheel.

 Little waterfall.

 We then hiked up the valley to Donaldson Cave.

 Red-eared slider sunning itself.

 A pile of river trash... But if you look closely you'll see a Northern Banded Watersnake! (Under on the lower right of the pile of twigs and sticks.)

 Geese on the river.

 Hot and humid in the forest.

 Approaching Donaldson Cave.

 Our friends the Maleys.

 I was about to step on these rocks when I looked down and saw a Copperhead! He's visible here retreating under the rocks in the centre of the shot.

 Blue Jay in the trees.

 We also walked up the other side to Hamer Cave where the water comes to feed the mill.

 The dam near Hamer Cave.

Water cascading over the dam wall.

Farewell Oregon...

We enjoyed many special moments during our time in Oregon, but all too soon it was time to say farewell to family and friends. We flew back to Indiana on Wednesday, 24th June. Here are a few more photos from our time with family in Oregon.

 Big Jess and Velma have a beautiful rose garden.

 Other pretty flowers.

 Lovely yellow rose.

 With Big Jess and Velma.

 The road near Jess's house outside of Albany.

 Cows in a field.

 Jess works at Coastal Farm and Ranch, a pretty neat store.

With Candace's Oregon cousins the night before we flew home.

 Playing Settlers late in the evening.

On the famous PDX Airport carpet prior to our flight home. Thanks for a wonderful time, Oregon!