A couple great shots on Instagram from my friend Allison who stopped by today.
So fun to see your own place through someone else’s eyes… err, lens…
Like the stained glass ceiling lamp in my front hallway…

And a close-up detail of one of the orchids in my kitchen.

Kinda like going to the eye doctor… which one is clearer?… A?.. or B?… A?… or B?…

Some days your whole outlook just depends on what you decide to focus on.

With the day turning out to be so beautiful, I decided to continue my outdoor birthday adventures at Rock Cut State Park in Rockford, Illinois. The fall colors were ablaze, the weather was perfect, and I had a wonderful time hiking around the park enjoying Nature’s beauty.

At the center of Rock Cut is Pierce Lake… and when there’s a Lake, why not hike around it?!
Twice!!!

Love the patterns. Love the symmetry. Love the natural details all around.

Oh, hello… found a little visitor laying on the path sunning himself.

And a large wasp nest hanging out in the maple tree.

This large moss-covered tree had great textures & colors…
and for some reason, it was also over-populated with lightning bugs?!!!

This may have been one of the best sunrise bike rides ever?!!!
I apologize in advance for all of the photos… but I just couldn’t edit out any more. I’ve already deleted about a hundred photos. It was one of those mornings where I just couldn’t help myself as the sunrise continued to evolve, change and get even more beautiful as the morning minutes passed. Oh right, I’ve got to remember to pedal too…