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Thursday, September 22, 2016

Wonders N Wishes

There are so many wonderful things about Wednesday!
My short list:
  • It is Hump Day! That wonderful middle of the week, half way to the weekend, let's celebrate making it over life's hump day!
  • It is Wordless Wednesday! Whether you celebrate by seeking quiet solitude or by sharing image only posts, there's a sense of wonder in the wordless approach. Click here for my contributions to the sound of silence.
  • It is 'not so' Wordless Wednesday over at Curious as a Cathy. Absolutely perfect for the chatter box in me. Of course I will be sharing this post there. :D
  • It is Wish Day! That is right, the day designated by Claudya @ Unknown Mami's as the day to put a voice to our wishes. You will find my wish below. 
  • It is Wonders N Wishes Day! The day I am designating to share a 'Wonder' as well as a wish.
  • This Wednesday is extra wonderful as our car got fixed today! YAY!
 


This week's Wonder Award goes to:
Dr. Richard A. Kaplan


I was going to find a different wonder for the week as I wrote a post about Dr. Kaplan on Monday, but I decided to share a tiny bit here as well as the link to my earlier post. My children and I were blessed to have Doctor Kaplan as their pediatrician before he switched to specializing in the care of abused children. He was wonderful as a pediatrician but his work with and for abused children is my reason for choosing him as this week's wonder. In a way it seems a bit late as he passed away three years ago, but the work he began lives on. Dr. Kaplan was a known and well respected around the world as one of the leading voices in establishing guidelines for the care and treatment of abused children. Working with such organizations as the Child Advocacy Center and The Midwest Regional Children's Advocacy Center. He even spearheading the creation of the Sioux Falls Children's Advocacy Center.  I hope you will click on the link to my earlier post where I share fun stories of this wonderful doctor.

Now for a bit of wishing!

Today I'm calling on the universe to grant the following wishes.

- The leaves are changing and I love it! I just have one request as far as Autumn goes. Please oh please can you make it longer! It would be so nice to have say five months of Autumn and one month of Winter.

- I could use a tad bit of help keeping track of time.

- My last wish for this day is that all of you a fantastic week!

As Claudya at Unknown Mami's says go ahead and wish, be it simple or big, when we give a voice to our wishes it helps us realize those wishes. So what are you wishing for? I would love to know, just put your wish in the comment section and I will gladly lend my wishing powers to your wish. Please join me in visiting Unknown Mami's Wish Wednesday so that we can lend our wishing powers to her and those she is wishing for.



Monday, September 19, 2016

Richard A Kaplan MD: Beyond the degrees

Over the years I have met and worked with many doctors, both in a professional capacity and as a patient or advocate of a patient. It is sad to say that having done so my overall opinion of doctors in general is not a very good one. 

But today I feel the need to raise my voice and tell my story of one of the greatest doctors I have ever had the pleasure of working with, Doctor Richard A Kaplan. A few years back, even though my children were all adults I made a call to his office in Minnesota in to leave a message for him because I knew he would enjoy an update on my youngest who was a bit special to him. His office told me he was out on family medical leave but they would relay the message. I did not hear back and although I worried some and hoped who ever was ill in his family was doing better, I got busy with life and forgot to check back. Then the other night my youngest and I were sharing funny stories of Dr. Kaplan with a family friend when she decided to google him to find an email address to send him a note. What she found rocked us both. Doctor Kaplan had passed away in August 19, 2013, just a few weeks after my attempt to reach him.

In reading the news report and obituary on line not only was I sad because he is no longer with us, but I was disappointed by how cold they were. Sure they told of his many professional accomplishments and of his dedication to children but few spoke of his amazing spirit so full of love and joy, except the one that included comments from a few friends and colleagues. Even those did not even scratch the surface of what it was like to know this amazing man and have him for your doctor. So I would like to share some fond memories of Dr. Rich Kaplan here for all to read.

When our family first moved to Yankton, South Dakota in March of '93 I scheduled an appointment at a local clinic for my four children. At the time I had no idea how fortunate we were that out of all the doctors in the clinic, Doctor Kaplan was the doctor that would be caring for our children. 

I will never forget that first visit, and how I was shocked when the door opened and in walked a rather wild looking man. He wore tan Bermuda shorts a loud Hawaiian T-shirt and if memory serves me correctly argyle socks with bulky sandals. His hair was a bit long and wild, but looked right at home with his bushy beard and multiple earrings in one ear. My shock was quickly replaced by laughter and admiration. Before even that first visit ended I knew that this eccentric man was one of the most down to earth compassionate doctors I had ever met. 

Well check ups were a time not just to make sure everyone was healthy and on the right growth trajectory, but they were also a time to catch up. He would ask the kids what they had been up to and if they had gone on any adventures. Then he would tell them about his latest adventure, sometimes it was bicycling from South Dakota to the east or west coast other times some fun time spent in the Black Hills with his family. But always it was sharing and more times than not it inspired the kids to explore the world around them. 

Over the years, his care was unwavering even when we moved away and "cheated on him" by taking the kids to as he called them "horse doctors". He still considered our children "His kids".  When I found out he was practicing in Sioux Falls I was so excited that the children would be able to see him again. But when I called to set up the appointments the receptionist informed me that he was no longer in general pediatrics but saw only children who were referred by various agencies because of abuse. I was glad he was helping those children but at the same time I was disappointed and I guess it came across in my voice, because she said she would tell him I called and ask him if he wanted to take on my children's medical care. The next day I got a call from the receptionist telling me in a bit of a surprised voice that Doctor Kaplan had instantly said to schedule appointments for the kids because they were "his kids". So even though he was doing some very important work with children who desperately needed his expertise he still cared and made time for those that could be treated by other doctors. Of course well child check-ups sometimes were scheduled way out because he was so busy but if they were sick he always squeezed them in.

The kids were always more than excited to get to go see him. A few times I even suspect they faked being sick just so they could go see him. That may sound odd, but honestly I can not think of a single time the kids complained about having to go see Dr. Kaplan. I am sure the following had a great deal to do with that. What other doctor writes a prescription for a Happy Meal, or gives their patient the silly animal looking flashlight that they just used to peer down the child's throat? Yes, these were common occurrences during visits to Doctor Kaplan. One time when my oldest was a teenager and had a mild case of pneumonia Dr. Kaplan turned to me and said "What K needs is plenty of fluids so I recommend a six pack a day and while you are at it a few extra holes in his head would look good." K's face lit up until Dr. Kaplan finished with "Just make it a six pack of root beer." 

Not long after he began his work as an expert witness in cases of child abuse I ran into him on my lunch break at the county court house. I almost didn't recognize him, he was clean shaven with short hair no earrings and was wearing a three piece suit. To say the least I was shocked and asked what on earth he had done with our Doctor Kaplan. His reply showed just how dedicated he was to the children he cared for. He answered with a flip 'Well, Judges tend to only take one seriously if one looks like this". 

Now don't get me wrong, I am not trying to make light of the extraordinary work Dr. Kaplan did with and for abused children. He was everything the articles and obituary claimed him to be, but he was so much more than an advocate for abused children and an expert in his field. He was a proud husband and father, a roll model to countless children and adults, a joker, an outdoor enthusiast, and most importantly a man who truly cared for his fellow man and touched so many people.

I share this here as a tribute to the whole man that was Richard A. Kaplan and not just the professional Doctor Rich Kaplan, because I want to make sure that there is a lasting public account of more than his degrees and contributions to abused and neglected children. This is also my way of telling his family how very sorry I am for their loss and how much he was loved by our family.

RIP 
Dr. Richard A Kaplan 
source

Sunday, September 18, 2016

SIMC: Redlin Art Center

Today we are going to take a trip a few hours north of Sioux Falls to the small South Dakota town of Watertown. Watertown is home to one of my favorite places, The Redlin Art Center. This wonderful museum houses over 150 of the most gorgeous oil paintings I have ever seen, by artist Terry Redlin. Like Thomas Kindade, Redlin's paintings capture the light so perfectly that they almost come to life on the canvas. 







Source

Front entrance to the Redlin Art Center
After Charles Redlin asked his father to stop selling his original paintings in 1985 the plan for the art center was born. Twelve years later, in 1997 the art center opened as  a free exhibit designed to draw art loving tourist to South Dakota.


Often successful individuals give back to their communities, but I don't know any that have given in such a way. The Redlin family built this beautiful complex to house Terry's amazing art and then prior to it's opening to the public they donated the art and complex to the State of South Dakota.

The main building is surrounded by a beautiful park like setting with meandering paths and tranquil ponds. The art center is just off Interstate 29 in Watertown, South Dakota.

The complex includes this octagonal Pavilion, which is an event venue that sits on a small island in one of the larger ponds on the property. In addition to gorgeous granite floors, floor to ceiling windows and a brilliantly sparkling chandelier, the elegant interior, which seats 150 guests, includes eight larger than life panels featuring Redlin's America the Beautiful paintings.
 
Turning back toward the back of the main building the path winds through the park with benches along the way.

The lawns and ponds create not only a favorite stopping point for large flocks of waterfowl but a soothing setting for humans as well.

Back of the art center as it can be seen from I-29
While the exterior of the center and it's surrounding grounds are beautiful, the interior is what pulls me back time and time again.

I shared this photo earlier Here.

Once inside, as a lover of art, I tend to revert to a viewer and all thought of taking photos is relegated to the back burner, so I don't have but these two photos of the interior to share. 


Thank you for visiting me here in South Dakota.
This is my contribution to 'Sunday In My City'. 
To find out what is going on in different cities around the world hop over to

Friday, September 16, 2016

The AC Menagerie Bulletin

Welcome to the September 16th addition of

 The AC Menagerie Bulletin

The AC Menagerie Bulletin is a weekly digital newspaper highlighting brief accounts of the week's happenings around the Zoo (our home) and on blogs by myself (Nita Davis). Sit back, relax and enjoy while you catch up with the Davis family.

Automotive News  Update
Well, the guy at the car parts store was wrong. The battery is perfectly fine. However, the alternator is shot! We had to order the part and it won't come in till this coming Tuesday. In the meantime my oldest boy has lent us his little beauty.  

Life News 
While I am very thankful for the use of my sons car, I am not so sure I like his car. Every time I get behind the wheel I feel like a little kid that needs a booster seat! Here is a photo of me in the driver seat. My shoulder doesn't even come up to the bottom of the driver side window! I have to sit very straight and tall to see over the steering wheel. LOL

Community News
On Monday we participated in a special event in which participants, found little ways to spread kindness. I am not sure one of our deeds qualified, but it was sure fun. While shopping in Walmart Lexi and I decided to re-arrange an almost empty bin of dinosaurs in the hope that it would bring a smile to other shoppers. To find out more about the event check out my Spread Kindness post.  

Creative News
Last minute preparations, that is what you get when you have a preteen in the house. Last Friday Sissy had a friend spend the night and of course neither girl woke up Saturday till almost 11am. When the got up they told me they were invited to attend another friends birthday party at 2 on the same day. When I asked if they had presents to take to their friend both girls started to panic because of course they did not. They also had no money to go buy anything. So I pointed to the crafting closet and said well you better get busy. They managed to make some fun and useful things for their friend and even made a card and special bag to put the gifts in.

Pet News
Lexi's named her new kitten Moments because as she says 'he has precious moments eyes'. Let me tell you, those eyes can be deceiving! I usually call him Devil cat. No one can do anything in the kitchen without Moments running into the kitchen to 'help'. He likes to sit on the little step stool and watch what is going on. When I started to open the dishwasher to unload it he jumped onto the stool and refused to move. Which I guess is better than jumping in the dishwasher, which by the way he does every time I try to load it. And what cat likes lettuce?!!! I droped a leaf of lettuce and before I could reach down to pick it up he was on it and munching away. By the way he hates raw eggs. As a matter of fact he is terrified of them. Maybe he is really a dog.

Comics 



The Blog Review
Here is a list of this weeks posts. To visit them just click on the blue linked title.
 
On Artistic Composition this week:

- SIMC:Upper Falls: This last Sunday I shared a portion of the gorgeous waterfalls in Sioux Falls, that I don't often share.

- Spread Kindness: After being reminded of the importance of spreading kindness I wrote this post with it's accompanying motivational quotography.

- Wonders N Wishes: This weeks wonder is not a person but an amazing wonder of nature


 On Nita's Photography this week:

- South Dakota Sunday: Palisades: A photo trip to the beautiful tranquil Palisades State park is South Dakota.

- Controlling Exposure with Shutter Speed: Examples of how changing the shutter speed controls the photos exposure.

- WW: Prehistoric Revolt: A fun photo taken at the same time as the dinosaur photo above.

- The Challenge: Texture and Silhouette: Photography challenges four and seven of a 30 challenge series.  

- What's Better Than a Full Moon?: Check it out too find out the answer.




Have a Fantastic Weekend!




Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Wonders N Wishes

There are so many wonderful things about Wednesday!
My short list:
  • It is Hump Day! That wonderful middle of the week, half way to the weekend, let's celebrate making it over life's hump day!
  • It is Wordless Wednesday! Whether you celebrate by seeking quiet solitude or by sharing image only posts, there's a sense of wonder in the wordless approach. Click here for my contributions to the sound of silence.
  • It is 'not so' Wordless Wednesday over at Curious as a Cathy. Absolutely perfect for the chatter box in me. Of course I will be sharing this post there. :D
  • It is Wish Day! That is right, the day designated by Claudya @ Unknown Mami's as the day to put a voice to our wishes. You will find my wish below. 
  • It is Wonders N Wishes Day! The day I am designating to share a 'Wonder' as well as a wish.
 


This week's wonder:
Cueva de los Cristales

I thought I would change up the wonder a bit this week and go with a natural Wonder. I came across an image on boredpanda of an amazing crystal cave that I wanted to share. However in researching the image I discovered it was credited incorrectly and was taken by a National Geographic photographer. I sent a request to use the image with proper credit but have not received permission yet.
The cave which was discovered by miners in 2000 is called the Giant Crystal Cave and is 980 ft (300 meters) below Naica, Chihuahua, Mexico.  The picture I saw reminded me of Superman's Cave, with huge crystals jutting out in all different directions. This natural wonder has some of the world's largest known crystals. The largest crystal in the cave is 39ft long and 13ft in diameter with a weight of 55 tons. (can you see my shocked!)
Exploration of the cave has been problematic as the temperature is extremely hot, reaching temps up to 136 F (58 C), with 90 to 99 percent humidity.
When they found the cave the crystals were submerged in water which they continually  pump out so they can conduct scientific research and document the information. The research and documentation is being done by the Naica Project. I do hope they finish soon and allow the water to flow back in covering the crystals, as they deteriorate in the air. You can see the photos I saw in the National Geographic Article. Here is a video about the cave that also shows the photo.



Now for a bit of wishing.
 
Today I'm calling on the universe to grant the following wishes.

- A friend of mine is having surgery today so I ask for the abundant care of the universe to see him through safely, and help him heal quickly.

- Last week I left a message for the director of a local domestic violence shelter that I wanted to talk with them about organizing an event for the women and families under their care. My wish is that the director would call me back soon.

- My last wish for this day is that all of you find wonder in your life!

As Claudya at Unknown Mami's says go ahead and wish, be it simple or big, when we give a voice to our wishes it helps us realize those wishes. So what are you wishing for? I would love to know, just put your wish in the comment section and I will gladly lend my wishing powers to your wish. Please join me in visiting Unknown Mami's Wish Wednesday so that we can lend our wishing powers to her and those she is wishing for.



Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Spread Kindness

It is so easy to get wrapped up with our own worries that we forget what a simple kind word, deed or smile can mean to others. A simple act of kindness means so much, and yet is so easy to do. The joy experienced by both the receiver and the giver is undeniable and instantaneous. 

I was reminded of this by one of Lexi's friends. Yesterday was the one year anniversary of her father's death, and a few weeks ago she posted the following to Facebook: 

"September 12, 2015 is the day I lost the best man I have ever known, my Dad. While my heart is still broken I am choosing to celebrate his life instead of mourning his death. My Dad was the most generous person I know. Always the first to help, the first to care, always the first one to make a difference.  So in honor of Dad we are doing a day of kindness! Big or small it doesn't matter. Be a positive force in honor of a wonderful man. Pay for coffee for a stranger. Put extra change in a meter. Compliment a stranger. Take baked goods to a neighbor." 

I am happy to say that many of her friends joined her in celebrating his life by spreading kindness in his honor. One of the things I did was to create this quotography for her and a variation for others as a reminder of the importance of spreading kindness.




Just the other day I was feeling pretty bummed out about the color of my hair, or I should say the lack thereof. You see, portions of my hair refuses to hold any dye so some of it is a vibrant red while some is, oh I don't know, a silverish mousy brown with a blue green tint. Well, I was at the store when a stranger passing by said "Oh I love your hair! Where did you get it done?" To say the least it made my day, and now I don't feel as bad about the strange look of my hair. 

Has the kindness of another touched you recently? I would love to hear about it.

Monday, September 12, 2016

SIMC: Upper Falls

I often share photos of the gorgeous waterfalls here in Sioux Falls, but they are usually of the lower falls. So today I decided would be a good day to share images of the upper falls. 




Thank you for visiting me here in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
I realize I am a day late, however this is my contribution to 'Sunday In My City'. 
To find out what is going on in different cities around the world hop over to

Friday, September 9, 2016

The AC Menagerie Bulletin

Welcome to the September 9th addition of

 The AC Menagerie Bulletin

The AC Menagerie Bulletin is a weekly digital newspaper highlighting brief accounts of the week's happenings around the Zoo (our home) and on blogs by myself (Nita Davis). Sit back, relax and enjoy while you catch up with the Davis family.

Life News 
Our week got off to a great start with a visit from my daughter Skippy's friend who is also one of my photography clients. She came all the way across the state for a weekend visit and to have me take her sweet boy's 1st year portraits.


Life News 
So I have the greatest friend. She helps me out a lot picking kids up from school when their mom is at work and I am unable to drive. She moved into a new place in April and I told her I would help her decorate her new apartment. Here it is already September and although I have helped her a little we still hadn't gotten and actual decorating done. She has been so very patient, I decided fatigue or not I was going to at least get a good start on her living room. So yesterday I went over and we rearranged the living room and got it how she wanted. 
She said she wanted to display some special items of her late parents and grandparents along with some other special family photos and keepsakes, all in one area. I replied "Awesome, we'll make a heritage wall."  We are both in love with the name of her new wall and how it turned out. She even had the perfect vinyl lettering for the wall. Although the lettering is a bit crooked and one set of hearts is too far over she says it is perfect. I am a bit more of a perfectionist so the crooked letters and offset hearts are driving me nuts. I can't do anything about the lettering now, but I will be going over soon to move the hearts. lol


Automotive News
It has not been as good a week for out vehicle, though. First the headlights brunt out. Then their was no power to the radio. Lexi, took it to the car parts place and told them what was going on and they tested first the battery then the alternator. Outcome, the battery is bad and the alternator may also be bad. :(

  

Educational News
We made it through the first week of school without anyone forgetting anything or missing the bus. Oh ya, the kids don't ride the bus. Well, not yet anyway. Sissy has said she wants to ride the bus, so she will start riding it next week. 

Source

Fashion News
Yes, I am a fashion freak. A fashion freak on a tight budget. So you won't see me wearing high end designer clothes, but I still like to keep it stylish. Here's what my favorite outfit this week looked like. The entire outfit, boots and jewelry included cost about $70.00. I seldom purchase entire outfits and this one is no exception. Each piece was purchased at different times, and while on sale.

 

Comics 
Today's dose of laughter comes compliments of the pet clinic near my home.




The Blog Review

On Artistic Composition this week:

- SIMC:Hot on the Trail: This week on Sunday in my City we take a photo trip along Sioux Falls bike trail.

- Wonders N Wishes: Have you ever wished you could do something really special to help others but had no idea what to do? Well if you have check out what this weeks Wonder Award recipient did, it is amazing and really not all that difficult a thing to do.


 On Nita's Photography this week:

- South Dakota Sunday: Roadside Chapel: Photo post of a quaint roadside chapel in rural South Dakota.

- Sneak Peek: CC & T: A sneak peek into a sweet young man's 1st Birthday portrait session.

- WW: Five Nights at Freddy's: A somewhat spooky wordless Wednesday photo.

- The Challenge: High Angle Low Angle: Photography challenges five and six of a 30 challenge series. 

- Two for One: A reflection photo of a beautiful afternoon sky


Thank you for stopping by to catch up on the Menagerie. 
Drop me a line in the comments and I will come visit you.
Have a Terrific Weekend!
Linking up with Willy Nilly Friday 
 

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Wonders N Wishes

There are so many wonderful things about Wednesday!
My short list:
  • It is Hump Day! That wonderful middle of the week, half way to the weekend, let's celebrate making it over life's hump day!
  • It is Wordless Wednesday! Whether you celebrate by seeking quiet solitude or by sharing image only posts, there's a sense of wonder in the wordless approach. Click here for my contributions to the sound of silence.
  • It is 'not so' Wordless Wednesday over at Curious as a Cathy. Absolutely perfect for the chatter box in me. Of course I will be sharing this post there. :D
  • It is Wish Day! That is right, the day designated by Claudya @ Unknown Mami's as the day to put a voice to our wishes. You will find my wish below. 
  • It is Wonders N Wishes Day! The day I am designating to share a 'Wonder' as well as a wish.
 


This week's Wonder Award goes to:
Jessika Baldwin



For many brides-to-be their bachelorette party is a 'one last wild night with their girlfriends' where the soon to be bride is the main focus, but not for this bride-to-be. Jessika Baldwin wanted her bachelorette party to be a celebration of the beginning of her new chapter in life. What she did is amazing! With the full support of the bridal party and a few salons and restaurants she turned her bachelorette party into a full day of pampering. But not a day of pampering for her and her friends, but one that included women  who were staying in a Pittsburgh women's shelter.  She stepped aside and put the focus on these women who were in obvious need of some tender loving care. 
The women were treated to three hours in a salon having their hair washed, cut and styled as well as receiving manicures, all compliments of the salon. Then it was off to lunch, followed by a shopping spree and photo shoot. They finished the day with a nice dinner in the evening, which was donated by the restaurant. 
As any woman who has gotten married can tell you, planning and organizing the wedding is very time consuming and often very stressful, yet during this busy time Jessika happily took on organizing this heartfelt way to give back to women who were going through a rough time.  Not only did she show those women she cared about them and maybe gave them a day to forget their worries, she hopes that her story encourages others to find ways to give back and show kindness to others. I for one believe it that it will. I know it has me thinking of what I might be able to do to give back.


Now for a bit of wishing.

Today I'm calling on the universe to grant the following wishes.

- It would be greatly appreciated if I could see an improvement in my health, even if it is only a slight improvement.

- Locally school is back in session so I would like to ask the universe to watch over the children and see they are safe on their way to and from school and while they are in school.

- My last wish for this day is that all of you find a bit of wonder in your week!

As Claudya at Unknown Mami's says go ahead and wish, be it simple or big, when we give a voice to our wishes it helps us realize those wishes. So what are you wishing for? I would love to know, just put your wish in the comment section and I will gladly lend my wishing powers to your wish. Please join me in visiting Unknown Mami's Wish Wednesday so that we can lend our wishing powers to her and those she is wishing for.


Sunday, September 4, 2016

SIMC: Hot On The Trail

A while back we decided to head over to the bike trail for a bit of fresh air and exercise. The kids brought their scooters and of course I brought my camera. 

 
One thing that surprises a lot of people about our city is that the Big Sioux River actually circles the central part of the city. Just click on the map to the left and you can see the route the river takes.

The city decided to make a bike trail next to the river all the way around central Sioux Falls. In the map to the right the trail is shown in green.

Of course many of our prettiest parks are also along the river. At various locations there are even places to launch your canoe or small paddle boats. We parked at one of these locations, which is actually on the opposite side of the river than the bike trail. A funny side note: Many years ago I worked for the county registering vehicles, when I got a call from a man who was moving here from Germany and after looking at a map of the city he wanted to register his boat. It turned out to be a 40ft yacht. I tried not to laugh when I informed him the river was no way near big enough for his boat. Now back to our little excursion.

Right near the canoe launch is a beautiful old bridge that leads over to the other side of the river and the bike trail. The bridge is no longer open to vehicles but is still very sturdy.


Neither of the kids care much for bridges so they did not want to ride their scooters across. Bubba ran, while Sissy walked very cautiously until she was once again on solid ground. 

At this location the bike trail sits between the river and I-229 which is the cross town freeway.
A short distance later the trail curves and soon we were at Yankton Trail Park. This park is very large and sits between the freeway and the river. Yankton Trail Park is home to the city's soccer fields and host to some very fun festivals.

We weren't the only ones out enjoying the trail, although it was not as busy as it is when the weather is more cooperative. On this particular day it was in the high 80's and the humidity was a high, so it felt almost 100 degrees

However, there were still a good amount of people enjoying the trail.

Luckily we had thought ahead and brought our water bottles full of ice & cold water. By this time though the ice had melted, but the water was still cold.
There was a good breeze so in the shade it wasn't too bad. I do have to say though if the water didn't look quite so muddy I would have been very tempted to go wading. It is rather shallow at this spot.

I love all the trees in Sioux Falls. For being on the prairie it actually has a good amount of trees and some are very old and very large. I don't know much about trees but was sad to see these black spots on the leaves of a few of the trees. I hope it isn't some disease that will kill the tree.


I asked Sissy and Bubba to stand next to this tree so the picture could give you an idea just how large the tree is. As you can see Bubba wasn't too excited to have his picture taken.
To be fair though, by this time we had been out in the heat for almost an hour and both kids were ready to turn around and find somewhere with air conditioning. Which is exactly what we did.


 
Thank you for visiting me here in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
This is my contribution to 'Sunday In My City'. 
 
To find out what is going on in different cities around the world hop over to