Drops of Jupiter - Sunday/Monday

pics: sunrise over the rolling hills at run time, intersection, bikers in my view, and ME driving! I wish I could have photographed last night's star lit sky for everyone's viewing. It was nothing short of "take your breath away" beautiful. I haven't seen a sky like that for years - maybe ever! The cool, country sky was crystal clear, leaving behind an unparalleled view into the depths of heaven. After the sun set around 8PM, the western horizon turned a deep amber while at the same time Venus and Jupiter came into clear view. That alone was fascinating! <http://www.universetoday.com/am/publish/moon_venus_jupiter_in_beautiful_sunset.html> Not long after the two planets danced together, the stars came out in full glory! Not wanting to waste or lose the visual and spiritual impact, I quietly strayed from the pack and went off on my own and stared into the night time sky for about an hour. When I returned, everyone was talking about the beautiful sky. Just then, a couple of us, while staring contently into the heavens, caught a glimpse of a "shooting star" descending downward in the northern sky. I'm telling you, the sky was unbelievable! I saw stars behind stars, and even more stars behind those. The sky was chalked so full of stars that they formed cloud like structures that you see in pictures or on television. I can't help but think that I need to get away from the city more often, if not for a lifetime, to live that experience over and over. I imagine myself being with the one I love atop perhaps the highest peak in the forest overlooking a huge body of water on a crystal clear night being rendered speechless by the view of the stars. There's no need for words because we're so connected. That's special! Sunday morning was cool and crisp, just like one might expect of a September morning. Because it was the weekend, I took a little extra time with my morning ritual. I didn't get out to run until sometime after 9AM. It was still great, though. And by the way, I happened upon the first official leaf piles of the season (another sure sign that autumn is here or right around the corner). As I turned for home, the once cool morning air was warming quickly. Once back home, I had plenty to do in preparation for my overnight trip to Chillicothe. I had to ready my car, pack my things, stock my coolers, get some ice, ensure Sparky's comfort, and take back a boat cover I bought the evening prior (wrong size). Being the organized being that I am, I take great pride in making sure I have everything I will need, whether I'm going to an afternoon cookout, an overnighter, or a two week get-away. Just ask anyone who saw the back of my Trooper! I like to be prepared! As usual, I left plenty of time for myself to get those things done. I don't like to feel rushed :) This was my third trip to Randy and Dodie's this summer. I have enjoyed each one. This was a cookout to celebrate Labor Day ( likely one of the last of the summer season). The 49 mile drive went really fast and I made it a point to snap a few pics while driving (see attachments). I arrived shortly after 330PM. I passed Dodie and a car load just as I turned off of Westfall onto Bier Run, so I was one of only a few folks at their home upon my arrival. After a quick greeting, I took off on foot with my camera to take in the country view that I've become so fond of. I get to experience it on my morning runs, which are heavenly, but I've yet to casually walk the country side with the intent of taking it all in. That was my goal! My walk took me south on Westfall to just north of RT 35. Keep in mind that these are two lane country roads and the natives don't seem too inclined to give "walkers" any feeling of comfort by moving over the center line a little. No sir! Instead, I had to be on full alert for a potential MacGyver type get-outta-the-way drainage ditch dive! I was out for about an hour and saw some nice scenery, some pretty homes, a and couple of cool photo ops. I even met a pretty young lady on the corner after her dogs launched a full assault. I think they could sense I was a city boy - go figure! While on my walk, my brother Bob and his family passed me - obviously they missed the Bier-Run turn off of Westfall! Too, Dodie and company passed me on their way back from the local Sunflower Festival (these country folks will celebrate anything). Case and point, I passed one particular farm home where they were celebrating the circumcision of their bull. You should've seen the funny hat they had him wearing! Back at the Schilling residence it was time to kick back, drink a few beers, and eat some good food. And there was plenty of good stuff to eat, too. There was barbequed chicken, pasta salad, potato salad, taco salad, hot dogs, baked beans, and BEER! Some wonderful cook even made some to-die-for extra thick, triple chocolate fudge brownies! Everything was good! And while the mood was calm and quiet, we had a nice afternoon and evening. Of course it wouldn't be a cookout at the Schilling's without some cornhole, hillbilly golf, and volley ball. Truth be told, however, we haven't played volleyball in a long while, so it was nice to hit it around a little. I talked about the magnificent star show in my opening - it's rightful place. Moving forward, we had a comfortable bonfire and hung out around its homey warmth for the duration of the evening. Everyone seemed a little tired and quiet tonight. Not sure why. Perhaps everyone had spent too much of their personal party energy on Friday and Saturday night - who knows. I think I set a record. I was asleep before 2AM. I slept in the basement family room. It's very comfortable down there, especially with an air mattress, pillow, and sleeping bag. I woke around 730AM (just as planned) to exercise and take off for my much anticipated countryside run. The morning air was quite chilly as the sun was just coming up over the rolling hills. There were several dense patches of fog in the low lying areas making for a very picturesque run. I went a little further than I've gone before - maybe an extra 1/4 mile. It was really nice and almost effortless for the beautiful scenery and the lack of a hangover. Once back, Dodie and I picked up the leftover party trash in the yard while Randy & Connie readied themselves for work. Both had abbreviated work schedules planned for the Labor Day holiday. We were all ready to leave around 10AM. I think that Dodie was happy for us to go, too! After all, she's put up with a house full for several weekends this summer. I gave brother Shawn and his two children, Shawn and Brooklyn, a ride to my dad and Sheila's place. After dropping them I headed home for some coffee, a nap, reading, and some chores.