Wandering the area

Monday we hung around the house and did chores.  Jim worked outside washing part of the rig and I continued with keeping the laundry done.  We're not sure about sewer hook-ups at our next stop so I want to be prepared.

I made some 'beef' stew for out dinner.  Using 'beef' tips from Gardein and the normal veggies it turned out well but I won't use the tips again, didn't like the texture.  Jim didn't say one way or the other.  Of course the stew part was good!

Yesterday we decided to checkout the Strawtown Koteewi Park.  It's just down the road and we could have ridden our trikes.  With the cooler temperatures from the cold front that passed though Monday we thought it would be a good idea for an outdoor activity.

White River bordering the campground

There is a very informed gentleman in the visitor center that gave us a lot of information that was very interesting but all we wanted to do was get outside before it heated up!  We were amazed that the park was free because from what I've read there are a lot of activities for everyone to enjoy.  I suppose the most used is the trail system.  You can ride bikes, walk and horseback ride.  They are wide, hard packed dirt and while dusty in spots it was easy walking.  I'm sure spring and autumn are the best times for flowers or colors

 

I did manage to find some interesting things to take pictures of.  In the open spaces they're letting prairie flowers take over and I can only imagine what it looks like when everything is in bloom.

Can you see the moon?

not sure what these blue berries are

Out front of the visitor center is a garden that is mostly dying because of the drought around here.  


After we left the park we decided to head south and visit another garden.  The drive was lovely taking us through farm lands and rolling countryside.  The closer we got to Indianapolis the more traffic and buildings 

We found Coxhall Gardens after driving through 4 round abouts on the same road!  We've seen a lot of these on several roads around this area

There are two bell towers in this park and as we arrived we were treated to the noon ringing and it was lovely!  Unfortunately the grounds here also need water and they're not watering the grass.  But the whole park must be wonderful for those who live in the area as there are running paths and a bandstand.  I'm sure it would be lovely for weddings and receptions when all is green and pretty.

After all this outdoor activity we headed towards home and stopped for lunch in Noblesville.  We had some ice cold beer along with a very tasty lunch at O'Charley's

Once home Jim headed upstairs for a nap and I snoozed (when Boo wasn't bugging me) on the recliner.

Today we are making ready to leave tomorrow and head to Howe, Indiana for some work on our rig.  They're expecting us so I hope the work can be done quickly.  The day is warming up and soon I'll have to close the windows.  It's been nice having the house open the last few days....makes me long for cooler days ahead