retirement activity

Our welcome committee to Yellowstone National Park

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Our first cross county RV trip from Indiana to Seattle was a thrilling journey through totally new to us parts of the country. As we planned our route we  decided we wanted to go through Yellowstone National Park. From Cody Wyoming we drove to the East Entrance of the park. There a friendly and helpful Park Ranger gave us a map, a couple of tips and sold us our America the Beautiful Senior Pass.

He was huge! That is Lake Yellowstone in the background.

We had not been in the park very long until we saw Lake Yellowstone off to our left. Up ahead we saw brake lights and several cars stopped. I thought it must be an accident. Then we saw calmly strolling down the middle of the road the cause of the traffic jam. Coming down the road towards us was a huge bison just like he owned the road. Well, yes he did own the road! We’ll never forget the bison who welcomed us to Yellowstone!

The Alki Point lighthouse in Pugent Sound Washington

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Seattle’s Puget Sound is home to 13 working lighthouses

We got this photo on a cruise from Seattle to Tillicum Island.

The first unofficial light established at Alki Point was a kerosene lantern reported to have been hung on the side of the barn sometime in the 1870s.  A permanent large light was placed on a wooden post by the U.S. Lighthouse Board in 1887. Hans Martin Hanson was the property owner and farmer and became an official paid lightkeeper at a salary of $15 per month.

The Alki Point lighthouse is currently an operational fully automated facility operated by the U.S. Coast Guard. It is the southernmost of the 13 lighthouses on the Sound. This is a beautiful structure when seen from any angle. It has been open for free tours in the past however the lighthouse is now closed for maintenance and repairs dependent upon the U.S. Coast Guard securing funding for the project in future years. Time will tell…

Mission San Xavier del Bac, the White Dove of the Desert

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About 10 miles south of Tucson, Arizona you will find the “White Dove of the Desert” also known as the Mission San Xavier del Bac. This magnificent Spanish mission was completed in 1797. The first Spanish missionary, Father Eusebio Kino, arrived at the site in 1692. Throughout the years the location has been part of New Spain, Mexico, and finally a part of the U.S. after the Gadsen Purchase of 1854.

My postcard-like photo of the Mission

When you enter the church you cannot help but be amazed by the incredible amount of 18th century statuary and murals. The impact varies for everyone who walks the interior of this powerfully spiritual place. Candles are always lit and displayed. A shrine to St Francis is a prominent feature and one of solemn devotion.

Inside the sanctuary

Prayer chapel and garden next to the church

Sacred statuary

 

 

 

 

The edifice is still a functioning Catholic Church that primarily serves the Tohono O’odham tribe, formerly known as the Papago. Being one of the most popular tourist stops in Tucson, we were fortunate to visit when there were very few people there. It was almost as if we had the place to ourselves. This is a site that is filled with history as well as a sacred place for contemplation, meditation and prayer. Do not miss a chance to visit San Xavier. You will be moved.

The San Xavier website is packed with info for your assistance in visit planning .

Devils Tower: the first U.S. National Monument

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Northeast Wyoming is home to one of the most remarkable landscape features in the United States. The towering mass of volcanic rock known as Devils Tower has long been the destination of curious travelers and is the source of several Native American legends describing the origin of the rock formation. In the fall of 2014 we were on our way from Indiana to Seattle and decided to make a short detour to see this striking and beautiful gift from Earth.

One of, if not the most striking geologic feature in Wyoming

Detail image of each “column” that is about 8 feet across!

One of the legends of the origin of the tower tells the story of girls who were pursued by a huge bear. The girls prayers were answered when the Great Spirit caused the rock to raise from the ground with the girls safely on top. The bear attempted to climb the smooth sides of the rock, and his claws made the distinctive shapes we see today.

Geologists tell us that the tower was made when volcanic intrusions of lava pushed up into thick layers of sandstone, now eroded away after millions of years. The rock, an igneous basalt type, took on the shapes of columns when it cooled. Called a columnar formation, this shape is not uncommon and can be found in rocks all over the world.

The Devils Tower was the first designated US National Monument, so declared by President Teddy Roosevelt in 1906. The first Caucasians saw the tower in the 1850’s. It was also the site of the famous ending of the 1977 film Close Encounters of the Third Kind.

Rare Unique White Bronze cemetery monuments

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When you come across a blueish colored grave monument you can’t help but wonder how it has maintained its lettering and clarity of the dates. No, it is not a later replacement, it is the original zinc metal grave marker. Manufactured by the Bridgeport, CT. Bronze Company, these long lasting  but somewhat fragile monuments were custom made from 1876 until 1914.

When you tap on the surface of these monuments you can immediately tell it is metal. The seams where the individual pieces are joined are also obvious.  Each piece was cast in Bridgeport and then shipped to the cemetery for installation. Customers dealt with sales reps armed with multiple catalogues with unlimited possibilities for choice of monuments.

Name/dates of deceased and panel with “Shaking Hands”

“HOW DESOLATE OUR HOME BEREFT OF THEE”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The zinc-tin alloy used in the castings did not rust and resisted the growth of mold or algae. Each monument was custom ordered, so all are one of a kind. The designs included panels that were screwed in and could even be changed at a later date, if desired.  These were perfect for symbols like the shaking hands, sheaves of wheat or personal messages in addition to the name and dates of the deceased.

A smaller monument

Name/date still legible after nearly 140 years

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The material of these was advertised as White Bronze. White Bronze doesn’t exist. These are made with a zinc-tin alloy. The company, however, felt that White Bronze is a much classier and sophisticated name than zinc. They also claimed (of course!) that their monuments would outlast any stone monument. In a way that was true, however these zinc beauties were susceptible to breakage from, for example, falling trees. In addition, very tall monuments could suffer over time from settlement of part of the bases.

This panel would have been custom ordered for the monument

The next time you are enjoying a relaxing walk through a cemetery or graveyard keep an eye out for different looking monuments. Go have a look, it just might be a one of a kind White Bronze monument that was cast in Bridgeport, Connecticut between 1876 and 1914.

 

The Homer Covered Bridge dramatic saga of survival

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Yes, this marvelous covered bridge has what can be described as a life history of epic proportions. Here’s the Reader’s Digest version: Built in 1881 over Mud Creek in Rush County Indiana. Disaster struck when it floated away during the flood of 1892 and ended up downstream in a field. The farm owner cleverly turned the bridge into a barn. This barn started falling apart over the years. Local Pioneer Engineers (antique farm machinery club) dismantle bridge/barn and rebuild it on their Club’s grounds as a pedestrian bridge in 2009. Bridge saved!

Used as a barn in 2008, photo courtesy Bridgehunter.com

Rebuilt on new location at Caldwell Pioneer Acres

 

 

 

 

 

 

This bridge, originally built by A.M. Kennedy and Sons is constructed with Multiple King trusses. These are not the more common Burr Arch trusses used by Kennedy. Surprisingly, the lumber in the trusses was still in excellent condition after time and floods. Only the foundation lumber needed total replacement, along with siding and roofing.

Good view of the Multiple King trusses. Note the diagonals notched into verticals

Reproduced name and date on the reconstructed bridge

 

 

 

 

 

” For Machinists, Steam and Pump Fitters Work. Go To W.H. Moffett & Co.”

The advertisement sign above had made it through the years and was noticed when the bridge timbers were salvaged at the farm where the 1892 flood had placed the bridge. It survived all those decades. Now the sign, as well as the bridge itself, continue to provide a nostalgic look back into Indiana history.

Austin’s Lady Bird Lake from the water after dark

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The Colorado River runs through Austin’s vibrant downtown. Flanked by parks, bike and hiking trails and entertainment venues, the river also widens and slows, prompting the name Lady Bird Lake after LBJ’s First Lady.

Striking view at dusk

Groupon led us to Lone Star Riverboat cruises, offering a chance to enjoy a sunset cruise and beautiful views of the remarkable and interesting architecture of Austin’s skyline. Lone Star has both a double deck “paddle wheeler” style boat and large open air pontoon style boats. Sher and I and our son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter chose  the pontoon boat for our sunset cruise.

Center building is either an owl or a nose hair clipper: locals laugh about it

Curved building is the new Google Headquarters, far right is one that looks like a thumb drive

We thoroughly enjoyed our slow paced tour up and down the waters. Our Captain of the craft gave a most interesting running commentary of the sights seen from the vantage point of the water. One interesting anecdote concerned the heights of the buildings. Formerly no Austin building could be taller than the State Capitol. However, one rich Texan donated a building that would be taller. Money talked, and the impressive skyline continues to grow in height.

Our cruise was slightly over and hour, and was reasonably priced with special kid’s rates and a nice Senior discount as well.

Growth of our Black Cherry Tree

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Taken on June 20, 2020

Taken on June 25, 2021

Taken June 3, 2026

This Black Cherry was one we received from the Indiana DNR. The first picture was taken on June 20, 2020 shortly after being planted. The sapling was then in a cage for protection, and the top visible rung on the cage is less than 2 feet high.  The second picture was taken on June 25, 2021. The tree was a little over 6 feet tall. The third was taken June 3, 2026 this year.

Black Cherry trees normally take 8 to 10 years of growth before they produce cherries. We’ll report back to you in June, 2030 hopefully with a picture of a basket full of black cherries.

Spur of the moment yard sale

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Thursday last week we noticed that one of our “across the street” neighbors was in the process of setting up a long line of tables with items on them. Sure looked like a set up for a garage/yard sale. A short hike across the street and quick chat with our neighbor confirmed it: they were having an advertised large yard sale on Friday and Saturday.

My selling spot in the front yard next to our driveway. Note the black tower fan that felt good with the 89 feels like 98 temperatures.

We decided that we might be missing a chance if we didn’t set out a few tables filled with some good stuff of our own to sell. My son did most of the work getting the tables out, set up and  filled with goods to sell. Friday was quiet with little traffic. Saturday was better with several customers and sales. It was a fun impulse project and did put a few dollars in our pockets.

Indianapolis Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre famous buffet

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One of the many enjoyable aspects of an evening out at Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre is partaking of their famed buffet! Each show has its own buffet menu, thus you have a new culinary experience at each different show. Once you arrive at the theater and are seated at your table a staff member will get your drinks and direct you to the buffet lines.

View of the two serving lines set up in front of the stage.

The Buffet lines open at 5:30. As a true buffet, you are invited to get seconds. Often there will be an item on the menu that I will consider worthy of more of that particular delicacy. Each different menu also has a variety of items marked Gluten-Free, Vegetarian and vegan to meet most dietary desires. Executive Chef Larry Stoops orchestrates feeding over 400 people each show.

Baked Tilapia, Famous Roast Beef , Mashed Potatoes, Creamed Peas and Wild Rice

Salad plate , melons, Cottage Cheese, Potato salad

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You will be very pleased with the quality of the B&B waiter staff. They keep your drinks filled, including the very tasty coffee. Dessert is available but extra. We always order our dessert during the intermission but you can of course get it right after you eat. The dessert menu has many items from which to choose. All in all, the Beef and Boards Dinner Buffet is a most enjoyable and a large part of your evening at the theater. This is the Beef and Boards Website.