Going to Anderson Gardens

One of Rockford's nicest places to go is Anderson Gardens. We love Khlem Arboretum and Nicholas Conservatory, so we don't go to Anderson Gardens often. BUT we should. I had the pleasure of doing their Tuesday night live music in the gardens last week. It was FANTASTIC! 

I cannot stress how wonderful that evening was. One of the owners of the Gardens was coming around offering up bags of fish food. We were able to feed the fish, the ducks, and even turtles that habitate the Gardens. No matter how old I get, I will always enjoy slowing down and just enjoying nature. We were laughing just watching the ducks and the fish fighting for the food. 

In regards to everything else, it was all great. The live music was entertaining. It was great to see kids running around and enjoying music and playing, just being carefree. There were many food choices. Even the drink choices were extensive. 

For anyone who enjoys the peace of the outdoors, I would recommend this spot. I have no idea what plants I am looking at, but I don't care. The impeccable Gardens, koi ponds, waterfalls, and pathways are great to look at and enjoy. You don't have to be able to identify anything to enjoy your time. If you want music and entertainment, go on a Tuesday!

oh, back to school

It's back to school time, folks! And you know what that means. There are things to do, emails to check, calendars to print, and dates to block out. It's the same routine every year. Once you get through the list, then you sit back and wait for the bus email to come letting you know what time to be ready. 

The backpack and school supplies were shockingly easy this year. A white Adidas backpack won't stay white for long, but she loves it. All supplies were collected from what we had, Dollar Tree, and Walmart. And, of course, we have an entire extra bag for the locker shelf, all the cute magnets, a dry erase board and a mirror. Supplies DONE.

Next comes the declutter. We went through drawers, dressers, and closets to get rid of the old to prepare for the new. We now have a good idea of just how many black leggings one actually needs. I am pleased to say that our love of jeans HAS returned, as well as the ripped to shreds look 🤣 Clothes/accessories restock DONE.

Now for the food. Oh, yes. In this house food gets its own back to school category! We hit Costco today and we have breakfast foods for months. We have juice boxes and lunch snacks. We have meal ideas because someone I know never can pack just a regular sandwich. All the thermos, snack containers, and matching refillable bags are cleaned and reachable. Food DONE.

Now I am off to print calendars and activities. Just waiting for the bus email and a schedule! Here is to hoping her last year of middle school is amazing. We are prepared, informed and she will be well dressed (priorities!). I hope everyone's back to school transitions run smoothly and everyone has a safe and fun year!

finding bald eagles

We were kayaking one day at our campground and someone pointed out a bald eagle. I don't know birds, but once we got closer, it was obviously a bald eagle. I have only recently started enjoying my bird feeders. I have officially reached the age where I go buy bird food willingly. There's nothing more peaceful than enjoying a morning cup of coffee while watching birds playing at my bird station. 

And now I can get excited about bird sightings on the kayak. There is a HUGE nest on the other side of the lake. It is an easy ride. Even if you aren't in shape, the kayak doesn't take much effort to get across the lake. Once you cross the lake, the nest comes into view. After that, you just sit and wait. 

One day we saw the mom, dad, and baby eagles all on their own trees in their own branches. On this particular day, we saw one of the eagles swoop in and land on this branch. Despite not knowing birds, it was a majestic thing to watch. This is a bit different than luring cardinals and hummingbirds to my little feeder station! They fly around and then perch so regally that it doesn't even look real. 

The midwest truly IS a great place to be. We have great cheese, great beer, great pizza, and great football. There are many fun things to see and do. Obviously America's symbol of freedom and hope likes the midwest as well :) This bird just made our day. It is easy to convince a kid to kayak, row farther, or stay out a bit longer than promising a view of a bald eagle!