Stormy Skies...

This was the view looking out the back of our property - to the north - as a frontal system moved through the area. This didn't bring any severe weather, thankfully; just some rain and gusty winds. :)

Washington Fire Department...

The Washington Fire Department arrived in full force at the business opposite my work last month. They were called because there was a report of an electrical burning smell and smoke. Thankfully, they were unable to find any fire. It still made for an exciting morning!

Homeschooling Riaan...

Our eldest, Riaan, started kindergarten last month. We are homeschooling him and Candace is a wonderful teacher. Riaan is starting with phonics - learning letters and their sounds, reading and writing. I am also introducing him to some geography and history, which is a lot of fun. :) He is doing really well and we are so proud of our children! :)

Candace with our children on Riaan's first day of school.

Learning the flags and countries of the African continent.

Riaan colouring - and labeling - the map of the world.

Cycling Scenery...

I've been going cycling twice a week for the past month or two, and here are some more scenic pictures captured on my bike rides. :) We'll start with a scene from Daviess County Amish country.

Pretty sky before sunrise on an early morning ride.

Red sky in the morning, shepherd's warning.

Low mist hanging over the soybean field.

Beautiful horses in Amish country.

Fierce Opossum...

Rusty was outside in the middle of the night recently, and there was a loud hullabaloo. He was barking at something hissing and growling underneath the rain barrel. Upon closer inspection, I discovered a small opossum taking refuge in the cinder block. I brought Rusty inside and left the opossum to disappear into the night. I am thankful that it wasn't much bigger, otherwise Rusty could have been in trouble!

Lego Gumdrop...

I grew up reading the brilliant Gumdrop book series, written by Val Biro, and so I've been introducing our children to some of these classic books. After reading one of these books together, Riaan disappeared into his Lego corner and this is what I found a little later. He'd designed and built his very own Gumdrop, the 1926 Austin 12 hp four cylinder car made famous by the books! We were so proud! :)

Some of the Gumdrop books.

Riaan with his Gumdrop model.

The rear of his Lego vehicle.

He even built a scene out of Gumdrop Goes Fishing and won an award at the Old Settlers festival in Odon, Indiana! :)

Cool Fire Engine...

I spotted this awesome-looking fire engine on a shopping run to Wal-Mart recently. It was still parked on my way back home and so I pulled in and snapped a couple of photos. :)

The side of the fire engine really caught my eye!