Wishing you Good Cheer!

I saw this little tree on the prairie yesterday and it reminded me of a Charlie Brown Christmas. I couldn’t resist adding some decorations to it on my computer.

christmastreedoodles

Wishing everyone good cheer at this time of year!

Overcast Winter Morning On Konza

I realized recently that I haven’t been doing much photography lately. So I decided that I was just going to have to make a point to rectify that situation. An early riser, I decided to head out to the prairie to catch the sunrise this morning. (I hadn’t thought to consider the weather conditions first.) I got there just as the black of night was starting to lift. It was freezing cold and quiet, except for the sound of gravel crunching beneath my feet. As I headed uphill toward some of my favorite views, I was startled by a pair of does. It was exciting to be so close.

As the sky started to lighten, I could hear, but not see what I believe to have been a flock of turkeys, their calls so loud in the stillness.

 

darkmorningonkonza2

The morning decided not to treat me to the colorful sunrise I had hoped for, yet the gray sky and low clouds made what color there was seem all the more vibrant.

It was a challenge trying to get good photographs this morning. I don’t do much low light photography.

riverfog

lowcloudsoverkonza

 

 

This tree always strikes me when I pass it on the trail.  It reminds me of a rhinoceros.

rhinotree

 

A little bit of unexpected color … .

magentaberriesdriedgrasses

A few more hills to climb … .

windyhillykonzatrail

… and a bit of woods to pass.

couldntseeforest

Crossing the creek … and  then heading home to warm up before the rain.

treereflectionsincreek

Wishing you a lovely weekend and hoping that you get a chance to do something that you’ve been wanting to do too!

 

Happy Thanksgiving

Thinking of you, as I get ready for Thanksgiving …

ThanksgivingPilgrims

One of my favorite recipes for Thanksgiving: Orange Carrot Soup.

OrangeCarrotSoup

… and another Bordeaux Cranberry Compote.

 

CranberryCompoteBordeaux

Don’t forget festive libations, including for designated drivers. This is my Black Tea Sangria, served over ice, with apple slices, mandarin orange slices, and frozen raspberries, then topped off with tonic water. I’m still looking for a good name for this mocktail. Have any suggestions?

BTSTonic3.jpg

Don’t forget to spend a little time in nature to get away from the hustle and bustle for preparing for the holdiays…

KonzaPrairieWarmWinterDay

May everyone travel safely…

WoodyStationWagonHeadlight

Warmest wishes to you for a most lovely holiday season!

Morning Moths

 

One of my favorite things about this time of year is all of the activity that takes place in the garden.

garlicchiveblossomsmoth2

When in bloom, Garlic Chives (above) and “Autumn Joy” Sedum (below) are always sure to attract butterflies and moths.

sedumdarkmoth

Wishing you a lovely end of summer day!

Hydrangea in Morning Sunlight

It looks like it is going to be another lovely day in Manhattan, Kansas! Wishing you a wonderful day wherever you may be!

HydrangeaSummerSunlight

Happy 20th to Us!

Celebrating 20 years of The Morning Star Bed & Breakfast …

housefountaingardenjuly

 

 

Thank you to all of our wonderful guests and customers who have supported us over the years!

 

Airplane Clouds

Flying to Kansas last evening, I was treated to some spectacular views of clouds outlined against the day’s last rays of sunlight.

CloudsFromAirplane1

CloudsFromAirplane2

CloudsFromAirplane3

It was good to get away and good to be back.

Wishing you a lovely day!

Summer Menu

Fresh for summer, our breakfast menu offerings range from healthful to decadent with an emphasis on fresh and in-season whenever possible. Plus, upon request, we do our best to accommodate folks with dietary including vegetarian/vegan and gluten-free.

MuffinPeachBlueberry3

FruitsSummer

Summer Menu

Avocados

We hope to see you at The Morning Star!

Wishing you a lovely summer …

 

Border Garden

Getting summer off to a beautiful start, our front border garden is filled with echinacea blooms.

BorderGardenEchinacea

Wishing you a very lovely weekend!