The Buffalo (Bison) of Yellowstone

We recently visited Yellowstone National and were just amazed at the number of buffalo (bison) we saw this year.

Did you know that Yellowstone is the only place in the US where buffalo (bison) have lived continuously since prehistoric times?

Seeing the herds of bison in the Lamar Valley area of the park reminded me of a old western movie. They comprise the nation's largest bison population on public land. 

The male bull can weigh up to 2,000 lbs. and can live 12-15 years and some up to 20.

Love how this buffalo is kicking up a little dirt and dust.

The buffalo roan freely in the park. Cars stop and cameras start clicking. People get so excited to see buffalo or any of the wildlife in the park. I'll share some of the other wildlife next time. 

We found some buffalo fur one day when we stopped for a picnic.

We saw several baby calves with their moms in the large herds.

Check out this proud Mom and her calve.

The buffalo seem to move slow but are very agile and can run up to 35 mph. It's always important to remember they are wild animals.

Thanks for stopping in and hope you enjoyed the buffalo of Yellowstone - Judy.

Linking to: 

Masterpiece Monday at Boogieboard Cottage

Mosaic Monday at Lavender Cottage

Metamorphosis Monday@ Between Naps on the Porch

Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life on Tuesday
Your're Gonna Love It Tuesday at Kathe With An E

Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style

Outdoor Wednesday at A Southern Daydreamer

Home and Garden Thursday at A Delightsome Life 

Reconnect With Nature Wednesday at Living A Good North Coast Life 

A Mexican Fiesta Party

I'm planning an end of summer Mexican Fiesta Party for a few friends. I've got the table ready and working on the food. 







My party idea started with this tamale dish that my SIL ordered at a small restaurant while we were in Custer, WY. It reminded me of back-in-the-day when our young adult church class would make and sell tamales. I am hoping I can bring back those tamale-making skills from the past for my party.



My table in set in the festive colors of red, yellow, and blues. Great colors for a Mexican Fiesta. 

The dishes are a mix with aqua goblets from Michael's (last year), aqua chargers from TJMaxx , yellow plates and bowls from $store, the napkins and napkin rings are from Pier 1, new this year.

The centerpiece and large square plate on the breadrack are pieces from Southern Living at Home umpteen years ago. I can't believe they haven't gotten broken in my moves.

The napkins and napkin rings were the perfect colors for the table. I didn't go in Pier 1 with them in mind but sure glad I found them. I just love the dragon fly napkin rings.

We could start with a few chips and pico de galllo or salsa.

A salad loaded with protein is next. To the crisp romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, guacamole, pico de gallo, avocado ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, reduced-fat sour cream, Latin rice and slow-simmered black beans are added.

These Sombrero cookies from Big Fat Cook.com could be a hit and look fairly easy to make. 

I found there are lots of ideas and recipes on Pinterest boards. You can check them out for great ideas.

Thanks for stopping by for a little Fiesta - Judy.

Masterpiece Monday at Boogieboard Cottage

Make-It-Pretty Monday’s at The Dedicated House

Mosaic Monday @ Lavender Cottage

Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life on Tuesday

The Scoop at Confessions of a Plate Addict

You’re Gonna Love It Tuesday at Kathe With an E

Tweak It Tuesday at Cozy Little House

WowUs Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style

Let's Dish  at Cuisine Kathleen on Wednesday

Centerpiece Wednesday at the Style Sisters

Ivy and Elephants for What Is It Wednesday

Open House Party at No Minimalist Here

Tablescape Thursday@ Between Naps on the Porch

Favorite Things Thursday at Katherine’s Corner

Home and Garden Thursday at A Delightsome Life

Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home on Thursday

Feathered Nest Friday at the French Country Cottage

Common Ground for Be Inspired Friday

My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

Jennifer Rizzo for Fabulously Creative Friday

Seasonal Sunday at The Tablescaper
Sunny Simple Sunday at Sunny Simple Life

Three Mango Seeds It's Party Time on Sundays

 DIY Showoff for DIY Showoff Party on Sundays

Throw Back Thursday - Relaxing On The Porch and A Bite of Chocolate

Around this time last year, I found myself running in circles and in much need of time to relax. The back porch became my refuge.



My Dad (age 91 at the time) was ill and nearly died from a bleeding ulcer. I was traveling back-and-forth from Kansas City to Illinois and found myself exhausted and stressed.



The porch was the perfect place for me to regroup. My husband and brother were there to help with Dad and I needed to help with my grandkids in Kansas City.



The yard and the flowers gave me a new sense of well-being.




For me, chocolate always helps.

I am happy to report that Dad is doing well this year at 92. After just spending three weeks with him, he still enjoys playing cards and has a great sense of humor.

Thanks for stopping by - Judy.

Linking to:

Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch

Home and Garden Thursday at A Delightsome Life

Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home on Thursday

Favorite Things Thursday at Katherine’s Corner

Devils Tower - Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Do you remember the movie "Close Encounters of the Third Kind?" This 1978 blockbuster film was written and directed by Steven Spielberg and stared Richard Dryfuss and Teri Garr.

In the movie Roy Neary (Dryfuss) experiences a close encounter of the first kind by witnessing UFOs flying through the night sky. He is subsequently haunted by a mountain-like image in his head and becomes obsessed with discovering what it represents. Then there is a close encounter of the second time by government agents who discover evidence of military vehicles that went missing decades ago suddenly appearing in the middle of nowhere. Roy and the agents follow the clues and have a close encounter of the third contact.  http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075860/plotsummary 

You can watch a clip from the movie here. 

We recently visited Devils Tower National Monument near Sundance in northeastern Wyoming where parts of the movie was filmed. 

The tower is a geologic feature protruding out of the rolling prairie that surrounds the Black Hills. 

Piles of rubble, broken columns, boulders, small rocks and stones, lie at the base of the Tower, indicating that it was, at some time in the past, larger than it is today. http://www.nps.gov/deto/naturescience/geologicformations.htm 

That's Mr. Bigg standing on rocks at the base of the tower. 

The site is considered Sacred to the Lakota and other tribes that have a connection to the area. Prayer offerings of bundles and cloths are seen along the trail. It is asked that you do not disturb the offerings.

This one-of-a-kind natural wonder looms 1200 feet above Wyoming's prairie. The parallel cracks make it one of the finest traditional crack climbing areas in North America. 

We saw climbers while we were hiking the tower trail. Climbers must register with park officials before their climb and check-in after. 






We weren't there to climb but did hike the trail. Our grandson's enjoyed climbing on the smaller rocks along the trail.

At one point long the trail, you can see the beautiful valley 

and the Belle Fourche River. 

I love this shot of the setting sun behind the monument.

Thanks for stopping by for a quick visit to Devils Tower, which was established in 1906 by President Theodore Roosevelt as the first National Monument - Judy.

Photos from the Movie: http://derekwinnert.com/close-encounters-of-the-third-kind-classic-film-review-306/ 

Linking to: 

Masterpiece Monday at Boogieboard Cottage

Mosaic Monday at Little Red House

Amaze Me Monday at Dwellings

Metamorphosis Monday@ Between Naps on the Porch

Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life on Tuesday
Your're Gonna Love It Tuesday at Kathe With An E

Wow Us Wednesdays at Savvy Southern Style

Outdoor Wednesday at A Southern Daydreamer

Home and Garden Thursday at A Delightsome Life 

Reconnect With Nature Wednesday at Living A Good North Coast Life 

Photos from the Movie: http://derekwinnert.com/close-encounters-of-the-third-kind-classic-film-review-306/ 

Patriotic Recap

It's getting close to July 4th and our minds are turning toward patriotism. I have been looking at my patriotic posts over the last few years and wanted to share a few of my best shots.

Stars and Stripes - Let Freedom Ring was from 2013 and featured these gorgeous Pottery Barn pillows and a trayscape. 

Also in 2013, I posted a Patriotic Tablescape for the 4th. In addition to the tablescape, a centerpiece made with pieces from Dollar Tree was featured.

One of my all time favorites was this Independence Day post from 2012 in my dining room.

I hope you are getting your patriotism on and getting ready for the 4th - Judy.

Linking to:

Tablescape Thursday@ Between Naps on the Porch

Favorite Things Thursday at Katherine’s Corner

Home and Garden Thursday at A Delightsome Life
Grace at Home @ Imparting Grace

Home Sweet Home at The Charm of Home on Thursday

Feathered Nest Friday at the French Country Cottage

Common Ground for Be Inspired Friday

My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

Jennifer Rizzo for Fabulously Creative Friday

Inspire Me Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life on Tuesday

The Scoop at Confessions of a Plate Addict

You’re Gonna Love It Tuesday at Kathe With an E

Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern