Mom Hitting the Trails

Many of you may remember that my mom had her first of two knee replacement surgeries back in January.  After intense physical therapy and sheer determination, she is ready to rock and roll!  She just got the all-clear from her doctor and guess what?  She's back to 100% in her re-built knee.  Way to go Mom!  She immediately declared that she was ready to get out and hit the caching trail.

We started light, with a visit to the Orchid Farm the other day and a few easy caches that didn't require too much walking yet.  She didn't even care that it was only 14 degrees out.  She showed us no mercy and growled "dress warm!"

We went to a park near the Orchid Farm......

Mom was at the top of her game - She spotted 2 caches before I did and they weren't easy park and grabs either. I think she was just showing off.....

Her other knee is scheduled for October.  Before I know it, she'll be hitting the trails like Emma Gatewood, the first woman to hike the Appalachian Trail.  Emma hiked it 3 times and she was 75 years old the last time she did it.

(google photos)

You go Mom - I'm glad you're back!!

Orchid Photos by Chablis

The other day we took a drive to Villa Park to go to Hausermann's Orchid Farm.  The last time we were there was 2 years ago and I posted about it here. 

It was a cold Chicago day, about 14 degrees, but it was toasty warm and sunny in the greenhouses....

Even Snoopy had a good time checking out the flowers....

Chablis took a bunch of pictures this time so I asked her to do a guest post for me highlighting her favorites ....

I had the best time taking pictures at the orchid farm, the flowers were outrageously beautiful. I ended up taking 150+ photos!! And trust me I could have taken a lot more but I tried to restrain myself <LOL> I chose a select few to share will you all - hope you enjoy!

Chablis

 

 

I think this one looks like a mouth with 2 front teeth and a tongue.....

 

 

Here's to sunny days and warmer temperatures!

Outdoor Photo Prompt - Up Close and Personal

The Outdoor Blogger Network is featuring an "Up Close and Personal" linky of outdoor shots.  I love taking close ups of flowers, so I pulled out some of my favorite shots and posted them here.

These were just taken in Colorado....

These were shot at an Orchid Farm....

I love the blue of this one....

These were taken at the Chicago Botanic Gardens....

I can't decide which one I like the best.  It's a toss up between the blue orchid and the water lily.  Which one would you pick?

Orchids by Hausermann

Today we were out doing a little geocaching in Villa Park, IL. and we came across an Orchid Farm so we decided to go in and take a look around.  WOW!!  This place was amazing.  I have never seen orchids in such a wide variety of sizes and colors.

We learned that orchids are started out in these small glass bottles and that each bottle holds up to 35 baby orchids.

Then they are transplanted and nurtured in the greenhouses.

Hold onto your hats, because you are going to oohhhh and awwww over the colors of these orchids.

And how about these....

And my personal favorite.....

Can you BELIEVE that blue?  Isn't that WILD??  I am SO sorry I didn't buy one and I might have to make a trip back there.  It was just about the prettiest flower I have ever seen.

I honestly have never paid much attention to orchids before, but I now have a real appreciation for them.  Which color did you like best?