Kissimmee Prairie Preserve State Park, Okeechobee, Florida
When she (Hagar) knew she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress (Sarai). Then Sarai said to Abram, “You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering. . . . May the LORD judge between you and me.” ~ Genesis 16:4b-5 Thus begins the conflict between Israel and the rest of the Middle East. There are times when our decisions have eternal consequences. We don’t know what the future holds, or how our lives – what we say, do or don’t say or do – will affect others. Blaine and I both have stories of how our lives and the way we’ve lived; the decisions we’ve made, have had an impact on people – both good and bad. I’m certain you do as well. In addition, did you notice how Sarai has pushed the blame for this solely onto Abram? How often do we say, “It’s your/their fault!” No one likes taking blame when there are adverse consequences, but we sure like taking credit when things turn out well, don’t we?
Big, slow, nasal inhale . . . .
Slow exhale through the mouth . . . .
Ahhhh . . . .
I just love the smell of newly roasted prairie in the morning . . .
and the afternoon . . .
and the evening . . .
Seriously, it really does have a distinct scent and once you’ve smelled it, you won’t forget it. And I was being sarcastic when I said I loved it. 😊
We went for a nice early morning walk today, and were able to take in part of the sunrise.
This log is still smoldering!
For what ever reason, I guess they’re not worried about it.
Afterwards, we returned home to get some work done. My plan was to get caught up on the blog and get some other chores done and have a day-and-a-half left to just veg-out. But that all changed with the fire yesterday. Different kind of laziness yesterday.
Guess what?
They graded the road this morning. Ugh!!! We’re praying fervently that we won’t fill with dust when we move tomorrow! Not to mention that Blaine just spent two hours wiping off the outside the other day. . . .
Sorry about the rabbit trail. I’ll get back on task now.
I know I’ve said it before, but I’m saying it again. I love this Park! I love the wide open spaces, the way you can bike or walk or drive. The fact that there are barely any people around. Some people crave city life, but not me. The more wide open, the better. Oh. And don’t forget the wildlife.
Anyway, while I was blogging, Blaine went riding. At one point, he came home and told me a fantastic gator tale of a big one splashing and chasing away a smaller one! How exciting!
While he was gone, this bird went crazy at the window 
for over an hour!
Finally, about 1:00pm, I determined I’d had enough of work, kissed Blaine good-bye and left in search of my own adventure. When I began, I wasn’t seeking adventure, I just wanted to ride the mile or so to the “Oasis” (that’s what I call the prettiest part of the Park) and sit for awhile – even though they’ve removed the bench and put down really sharp and uncomfortable broken concrete rocks filled with seashells.
I located a flat place on the bank and just observed the wildlife and listened to the breeze rustle the palm trees.
Right in front of a huge gator. But don’t worry. There was a stream, a large culvert and a bunch of rocks – plus an elevation difference of about 4’ between us.
Ahhhhhhhhhhh . . . . . . .
And then the big one stood up! I whipped out my phone and turned it to video just as he was about to step into the water, when suddenly, he took off, sloshing, and making huge waves in the placid waters and startling our (the other wildlife and I) peaceful existence! And the smaller gator that was soaking in the water disappeared! When it was over, I looked own, only to discover that I was so enthralled by what was happening right before my eyes, I forgot to push the record button! Oh Man! And because I thought I was videotaping; I didn’t take a picture either! Bummer! Because if I’d videoed, I have the ability to capture a photo from the video. So disappointing!
Anyway, I continued keeping my eye on him, as he made his rounds terrorizing every creature around. Very entertaining! I asked a ranger about it later and she said it was either posturing for his territory, or it was a female that was protecting her nest. I’m going for posturing.
This evening found us chasing down a stunning sunset – – after we visited the resident “King of the Gators”. Not much exciting going on this time though.
What a marvelously exquisite sunset!
That’s how big this prairie area is!
