Our traditional Welcome to Summer

 has been the Alabama Jubilee Hot Air Balloons 

for over 25 years now!

Wow.

 

Having a funnel cake for breakfast 

while watching the balloons inflate is always fun!

Back in the day we'd set up a camp a 

week ahead of time and join in all the festivities -

There was SO MUCH more on the schedule back then!

 

Then as the boys got older we [they] signed up to crew

- with friends and Re-Max -

Those were early mornings!

These days we prefer to head over on Sunday mornings for the 'key grab'

and watch the balloons come IN to the field.

 

Weather is everything.

And this year it was 'iffy' - 

So some chose to give it a go, while others 

took off from the field for fun flights.

Sadly, only a couple could harness the wind to get over the field...

So we got our scooters out and rode the trails 

along the river before heading back home...

It was so peaceful

and wonderful to be out in creation...

Some call it forest bathing --

Did you know that?

"What is forest bathing? In 1982, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries created the term shinrin-yoku, which translates to “forest bathing” or “absorbing the forest atmosphere."

 The practice encourages people to simply spend time in nature —  

no actual bathing required.

 After years of careful study, it has been found that spending time in a forest can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and anger; strengthen the immune system; improve cardiovascular and metabolic health; and boost overall well-being. 

-- Wherever there are trees, we are healthier and happier --” 

 Hmm, I think we are regular forest bathers - ha.

I really think it does my soul good

to be out and enjoying all our earth has for us.

And Memorial Day Weekend was a a perfect time for it - 

Surprisingly it was still cool enough for jackets!