(This photo was taken during my trip to Mother Shipton's Cave. I showed it to Larry and he said it looked more like Italy than England!) 

Being an American, a patriot, and a military spouse, I can't let today go without an acknowledgment. (It used to be that someone was automatically a patriot if they were an American. Sadly this is no longer the case.) Concerning Sept. 11, 2001, I am angry. I will keep it at that. I like to keep this blog a friendly, non-political place. So in that spirit, instead of a rant, I offer a link to a publication that states far more completely and eloquently than I ever could, sentiments on today. If you're interested, here it is: http://archive.patriotpost.us/pub/06-37_Brief/ If you're not, then that's ok too.

Yesterday the Animal Planet (in the UK at least) had a Crocodile Hunter marathon. It was so hard to see Steve Irwin on tv, bigger than life, knowing he's gone. The death of a public personality has never affected me like this. I watched interviews with Steve, and saw him talk about his parents, his wife, his children, all the creatures he's encountered. I was brought to tears by his passion and depth of feeling. He was one of those rare individuals who was truly doing what he was born to do, and loving it with every fiber of his being. People like that accomplish incredible things, and Steve certainly did. I didn't know until yesterday that a while back, Steve traveled a great distance to rescue a stranded diver. He went out of his way, using his own resources, asking nothing in return. He said anyone would have done the same. I'm not so sure.

I realize people die every day. Good people. Exceptional people. I realize that every day horrific things happen to innocent people and creatures. There is so much ugliness, evil, and senseless loss in the world, it's staggering. If I let myself, I could get sucked down into it and literally lose my mind, because it's all beyond my comprehension.

So that is why, after writing about Sept. 11, and Steve Irwin's death, that I can turn around and share the lovely day I had on Saturday. Because moving forward, and celebrating life, and beauty, and the positive things, is the only way to keep from getting lost to the darkness in the world. Because those who have gone on to the next adventure after this life, would want us to keep living, to enjoy ourselves, and to share our joys.

Saturday, at my friend Sarah's suggestion, we took the kids and visited Mother Shipton's Cave. It's only about five minutes away from my house, and I'd always been curious about it. http://www.mothershiptonscave.com/main.htm The cave itself is actually only a very small part of the whole area. As always, getting there is part of the fun. There's a very small entrance for cars to drive through. I drive a Honda Accord, and let me just say that I cleared the entrance with only inches to spare on both sides of the car! (I honestly don't know what people with bigger cars do.) The elderly gentleman at the toll gate complimented me on my skillful entry. There were tons of scrapes where others weren't so lucky.

Once in, Sarah and I parked our cars. The parking area is by the river Nidd, and by the beautiful viaduct it runs through. There are stroller friendly, tree-lined paths wandering through a very scenic area. On the other side of the river you can rent row boats, or enjoy refreshment at restaurants and cafes. It kind of reminded me of Germany and the Main River, in Veitshochheim.

We made our way to the actual Cave, which is near a petrifying well. There is a well you can dip your hand in and make a wish, which of course I did! There is also a small "museum" and gift shop (isn't there always?), along with play areas and a café.

Ryan was tired when we first got there, but was a trooper and enjoyed himself. He got to run around a bit, play on the swings, and be outside for quite a while. The area itself is beautiful and relaxing, and of course it was great to spend time with a friend!

(More photos to follow at some point - hopefully soon!)