Bar Mitts, Babler State Park, and Bottle Trees.

An Excuse to go for a Ride

They came in the mail yesterday. I put them on last night. Billie's got handlebar mitts! So, of course, I had to do a long ride to test them out.

I'm not sure if they are going to work out. They are a universal pair and not the really good Hippo Hands. I haven't decided if I'm going to "make them work", or bite the bullet and get the ones that are actually made for my bike. Stay tuned.

 The Ride

Yesterday Heather and I went hiking at Babler Memorial State Park.  http://mostateparks.com/babler.htm
As we were driving out there, I thought it would make a great ride on Billie. And, so today I decided to find out.

But, first some images from yesterday:

When we first arrived there was still some evidence of the Thanksgiving Day snow.

But, there was more evidence of the major rain storms that passed through earlier in the week. The paths were rather muddy. We are definitely in the gray season here.

I wondered if a critter put the nuts in the recess of this old stump.

We came across this spring. We spent a rather long while listening the the live water and enjoying the warmth of the sun.

And now for today:

The ride out to the Park took somewhat longer then the drive did yesterday. Billie simply can't be rushed. And, when I'm at my best, neither can I. So, Billie and I found ourselves sort of meandering along while stopping here and there to take pictures.

Billie even got her picture taken with the statue of the good Dr. Babler.

Proof  that Billie made it Babler Memorial State Park.

Another reason for taking the ride today (as if I needed another reason), was to go by the house with the bottle trees. I've rode by it a number of times. I've even stopped across the road and  took a picture or two. I'd promised myself if I ever saw anyone in the yard I was going to stop and find out about the trees.

Whether it is true or not, I feel Billie is totally non-intimating. This is another thing I really like about her. Since I've had Billie, I find myself stopping to talk to folks. I never used to do that when I was driving. Actually, I wonder if I would do that if I had a different motorcycle. I don't know. Anyway, today there was activity at the house, so I stopped.

Billie and I pulled right up in front of the house. Notice the bottle tree in the background.

Kim and I exchanged introductions but she was determined to get her work done. I also met Steve . . .I think. For some reason I keep wanting to remember his name being Dave, but I think he's name is Steve. Oy vay! Me and names!

I suspect these bottle flowers bloom year round.

I'm hoping Kim will leave a comment on this posting about the bottle trees and their creator. I do remember her telling me that the bottles are supposed to capture any negative emotions that might come around the house and keep them from manifesting. She told me that when folks ask if they do their job her response is, "They must, because I've always got a smile on my face." And, it is a wonderful smile indeed.

As I was leaving I took one last picture:

Another bottle tree and some giant flowers. I believe the same artist who did the trees did the flowers. Again, I hope Kim finds her way here and can get everything all straightened out.