Sunday Safari

Cahokia Mounds, City of the Sun.
700 AD -1300 AD

This mound is known as Monks Mound.
It rises 100 feet.
It is the largest prehistoric earthen construction
in the Americas.
It was the center of this ancient city.



This city sprawled over six square miles
and supported a population of 10-20,000.


In 1982 this site was named a world Heritage Site.


When I entered the interpretive center


I was taken back into time.
I was transported into an amazing culture.


The veil is thin at this site.
I could almost hear their voices.


As I looked at the artifacts I began to think.


As I read about these ancient people I connected.


I too plant and harvest.


I too craft and cook.


These pots are so beautiful.


I am inspired.

Corn chowder would taste delicious in a head pot!

Like the Cahokians I do not eat wheat.

The visitors center is world class.

After having our lunch out of our picnic basket we walked the Grand Plaza.

I too celebrate the spider.


We climbed Monks Mound.



I looked down and saw St. Louis, Missouri.


I looked across and saw more mounds.



I laid all my sadness down.
I vowed to take care of what is left of the Great Mounds.


The seasons are changing at Cahokia.


The rain water puddles as it has for thousands of years.

Painted Ladies,


Orange Sulphurs and Buckeyes still find late season

nectar on the native wildflowers.



The Crows still fly and teach for those who will learn.



It was time for me to travel back to my house.




Time for me to take my Birdman treasures home.

Like the people who came before me I went west.




I bought a journal while at Cahokia.




A place to write about the Indian Mounds.
A place to honor those that came before me.
A place to hope that those that come after will also honor and take care.

Happy Sunday Safari.

ABC Wednesday

M is for Moon

and Mantis.

M is for mint

and Mockingbird.




M is for mating Monarchs.

M is for Magnolia

a marvelous flower.

M is for Marigold
and the mystery of metamorphosis.

M is for monster.
It is that time of year.


M is for mourning

and memorials.

M is for Missouri.

It is where I live.

I am studying.
I am making magic.


M is for Mystic!



For more merry making visit ABC Wednesday !

Sunday Safari

There is a blush on the maple trees.

I walked in my gardens.
Temperatures dipping.

The bittersweet is opening.

Snapdragons still bloom.

The cockscomb is ready for drying.

The Fire bush is ablaze.

The red clover is offering nectar.

Bees are waiting for warmer temperatures.

The morning glories are closed.

Acorns scatter across the lawn.

I hung the suet.

The Chick-a-dees were pleased.

I am planning a field trip for next weekend.

I want to visit Cahokia, a World Heritage Site.

It is the Season of the Ancients.

It will honor the people that came before me.

ABC Wednesday

L is for

Lavender.

L is for Lilac.

L is for

Lincoln sparrow.



L is for Lady Bug

and Leaf Hopper.

L is for lonely.

It is lovely out on the prairie.

Happy ABC Wednesday.

Sunday Safari

October on the Tall Grass Prairie
is colorful.

The butterflies are still flying.

Prairie Asters provide nectar.

Orange Sulphurs dominated the Prairie today.

We did see one Buckeye.

The bees were out in abundance.

A few thistles still bloom.

Many Flower Beetles caught my eye.

Their black and orange dress is perfect for October.

Spiders are spinning and weaving.

Dragonflies still patrol.

It is cool in the mornings and warm in the afternoons.

Soon we will have frost.

The Mantis hunts for another couple of weeks.

Happy Sunday Safari.