Remembering Bentonville in Autumn: Round About Bentonville

 On the morning before we left Bentonville,

we decided to drive around the outskirts

of the town.

 We drove down one of the main streets in Bentonville

that goes by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.

Very soon we had driven past a new subdivision

and found ourselves on a dirt road in the country.

 I really love the fact that this town is still small

enough that it takes mere minutes to be in the countryside.

 We came upon lovely pastures edged with

lovely autumn colors.

 The small farms had a few animals, mostly

sheep & goats with one or two

donkeys to keep the other animals safe.

I don't think there is another animal, except perhaps a dog,

that can make enough racket to alert the owners to trouble.

Donkeys can also kick the stuffin's out of an intruder.

 Beautiful color along the fence lines.

 This is a lovely part of the country...

pure serenity.

I like the hills but am not in the least drawn to mountains.

I have lived long enough in Texas to have gotten 

spoiled to be in open spaces...

anything with very tall trees or mountains

causes me to feel closed in.

Fading Autumn

Autumn is fading.

The short-lived blossom of the yellow bell
that bloomed so late this year
will all be gone in a day or two.

The buff-belly hummingbird
and the yellow butterflies enjoy
the Turk's Cap.

Will come to an end after tonight
and tomorrow night.
A freeze is coming.

A cold wind blew in from the north
this Thanksgiving afternoon
and tomorrow the rest of the
fig leaves turned yellow
will join the others on ground.

And the last of the tomatoes were picked today
and sent home with my friend
so she can have fried green tomatoes.

Tomorrow the plants will be pulled
and tossed to go back to the earth.
The cycle continues.

Walking in Bastrop State Park

It's just a walk in the park
on this lovely autumn day.

After crossing over the bridge
and walking about 1/4 mile

Gertie & I came upon this pretty little lake.

Lots of berry bushes around this area
and the birds really love them.

We have lots around our house
that we keep watered & pruned
for the birds to enjoy.

They are also pretty to see.

I have a map of the trails
which are well marked
and color-coded.

Woo-wee, I am so glad to see this bench.
It isn't as pretty as some Angela sees on
her walks, but it is very inviting
after an uphill hike.

Gertie & I will take advantage of this little break.

After more up-hill hiking
we get to the overlook.
There really isn't much to
see in the distance other
than what we have already
walked through, but we'll take a little rest.

This is one of the structures built by the
Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's.
(I'll have to check that date)

There are structures like this
as well as old water fountains
throughout the park.

Notice the stones in the passage way.

There are cabins in another
area of the park built by the CCC available for rent.
I think each has a fireplace, kitchen, bath.
On my next visit I'll check it out.

Mushroom/Toadstool
poking through the pine needles.

Pretty clear sky with the sun shining brightly.

We walk the same route back to our car.
Yes, there it is through the trees.

Time to head home.
We've been here about 2 1/2 hours
so I think our walk is over.
I know 2 beings who will sleep well tonight!