My Sixth Decade Begins

The makings for a fine celebration!

I planned and set out to have a memorable day for my 60th birthday.  I understood that there were no friends or family available on this Tuesday to share my day but that was okay.  I have long ago decided that I will do all the things I want whether or not there are people available to do them with me.  Having  close friends and family to share my joy would have made it better, of course, but it certainly never kept me from doing things I wanted to do all my life.  I have done a lot by myself and have no regrets.  There is a special freedom that allows self-esteem to thrive and grow when one is alone diminishing the neediness of affirmation. Quite simply - I'm good to go!

Some of the planning I did ahead of my special day included reservations and appointments.  I booked a luxurious room at the new Holiday Inn Express in the Springfield-Medical District which was across from my husband's work place.  I had enough points built up on my Priority Club Card to cash in for one night.  I had held onto this last night for several years as I received several nights a year free from when I worked for the state and stayed in my work areas.  I chose this location because my husband got off work at 10 pm and could join me for the night and not have the 150 mile commute home and back again the next day for work at 11 am.  I didn't want to be completely alone.  It was a very nice motel with heated indoor pool, hot tub, exercise room, and free hot breakfast.  We enjoyed it all!

Holiday Inn Express

Chase as viewed from motel across James River Freeway

After I got set up and checked into my room, I checked the time and I could get a movie in before my 90-minute massage appointment at 4 pm.  I had acquired this appointment with Healthy Pleasures Massage  along with another appointment for the next day with Michelle Porter Healing at the recent Wingapalooza event.  That event was put on by a charitable group known as SERTOMA (SERvice TO MAnkind).  There was a silent auction and I got highest bid on both these services.  I like trying new things and both these places were new to me.  

My new favorite movie theater is located nearby on East Battlefield.  It used to be the Springfield 6 Theaters and has had some major remodeling in recent years adding five more regular theaters and an IMAX.  I was surprised to find out that I got a reduced price not only because it was a matinee  but it was $5 Tuesday and with the upgrade for 3D, my admission cost was about $3 less than I expected!  Love surprise discounts! 

The theaters have huge leather full reclining seats with much space all around.  Keith and I recently saw Thor, Dark World  here in 3D and was really impressed!  I wanted to check out the 3D IMAX and saw The Hobbit, The Desolation of Smaug.  It was 2 hours and 45 minutes long and had me on the edge of my seat the whole time!  

After the movie, I had just enough time to get to my 90-minute massage at Healthy Pleasures.  It was about 3 minutes away just off Battlefield Rd. on S. Campbell Ave.  I was ready to relax and Chad did a fine job with just the right pressure on all the right places!  It had been a long time since I had a such a complete 90-minute massage.  Then it was time to get some food and retreat into my nice motel room.

I had received an online coupon for a $15 dinner at Houlihan's Restaurant for my birthday.  Although I wasn't sure they would honor it because it looked like I disqualified it by trying to print it more than the three times allowed. It said I couldn't use it but I asked the bartender nicely and he said it happens to everyone and they would be glad to honor it.  It also said could not be used for take-out but they let me order to go with no problem. I got some Maryland Crab Cakes, rice pilaf, and a house salad to go. 

After my delicious meal in my comfortable room, I opened my wine and had a glass before I got in the hot tub for more relaxation.  Then I connected to WiFi and checked all my wonderful emails and Facebook birthday greetings.  My heart was so full and I was so thankful for all the thoughtfulness and love received.  I wanted to hug each and every one!  Then I answered my phone messages and connected in a more personal way to well wishers.  It wasn't long before Keith got off work and called to find out our room number at the motel.  When he arrived a few minutes later, we both enjoyed the hot tub together and the wine until almost midnight.  The perfect ending to my special day!

The next morning, I got up at my usual 6 am and let Keith sleep in as I enjoyed the exercise room for an hour and caught up on the news.  On my way back to the room, I stopped at the breakfast room to look it over and got a couple of good coffees to bring back.  Keith was still in bed and together we watched some silly cable TV shows we don't see regularly as we have never had anything other than free TV in our home (9 channels).  It is fun to watch these reality shows once in a great while and it is entertaining to a point but a waste of money on a regular basis.  After a short time, we got bored and were ready for our free breakfast.  We had all we could eat which included hot foods, fruit, pastries, and more.  Keith then got ready for work and packed it up.  Oh, yes, I need to mention that he rode his Harley to work as the weather was above freezing nights and in the 50's during the day all week.  It was a no-jacket day again with the sun shining.  I stayed another hour or so in the room to catch up on my soap opera, Days of Our Lives, that I had missed the day before.  As a Priority Club member, I could have stayed in my room until noon but my next appointment was at noon and about 10 minutes away off Battlefield Rd. on East Montclair next to renaissance Books and Gifts, one of my favorite store.  My Intuitive Counseling and Energy Healing Appointment with Michelle Porter is located inside Essential Yoga, another favorite place.

I really did not know what to expect exactly from this service, but I kept an open mind and was ready for anything.  I learned somethings from the website Michelle Porter Healing.  My session was scheduled for 60 minutes but it took 45 minutes longer!  I had no idea as time had disappeared as Michelle did her thing. I'm not sure what it all was but as I laid fully clothed on a massage table in a dark quiet room with soft music, she placed her hands on energy points and waved around and said some prayers. I could feel her warmth and energy and we talked a lot about 'Inner Child.'  I went with the flow and it was highly exhilarating!  I think I exhausted her.  In the end, I felt elevated and balanced but not quite connected to the physical.  When I walked out without my glasses and had to come back, Michelle made me stand still for a few minutes and stomp my feet until I became 'grounded.'  She seemed concerned about me getting in my car but I assured her I was more than fine.  That was a new and different experience for me; more than I could do myself when I regularly balance and get centered on my own through meditation and yoga.  She definitely smoothed out some rough energy edges!

It was now time to eat although I was not as hungry as I should have been at what was now 2:00 and way past my regular lunch.  Being diabetic, I had to have something.  So I went to Applebee's a couple blocks away as it was all-you-can-eat-wings-day.  I also had a coupon for a free appetizer if an entree was ordered.  Decisions, decisions…I opted for a nice Weight-Watcher's Pepper Steak with new potatoes and artichoke-stuffed portabella entree with the free appetizer.  I was able to finish the entree but had the appetizer boxed up to take home to share with Keith later; boneless wings, yum!

Then I went to JC Penney nearby to see what I could get with the $15 birthday certificate I had.  Found a nice exercise shirt and a Godiva chocolate bar at no cost.  On my way out of town, I stopped again at my favorite movie theater to see if I was there at the right time to catch another matinee.  Since I had not spent much money up to this point and was not quite ready to go home to an empty house, I thought, "Why not?"  I saw Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues which was okay and had some laughs.  It was especially good in a large leather recliner and with a nice Godiva chocolate bar!

It was dark outside when I got out of the movie and I still was not hungry so I skipped dinner and was on my way home which was 75 miles away.  I was feeling good, a little tired, and happy to have had such wonderful experiences to celebrate the beginning of My Sixth Decade.  But I did not get home without some hassle.  I was stopped just outside the small town of Urbana by a young cop who was polite but apparently looking to try out his new authority.  He said I wasn't speeding as I drove through town but he noticed I made a swerve.  He asked me why and I said I didn't notice I did any swerving as the rumble strip on the highway would have indicated I had and there was no contact.  He said there was no rumble strip in the city limits and that he must look at my eyes with my glasses off as he suspected I had been drinking. I think he made that judgement because he saw on my license that I had a birthday the day before.  I said I had not been drinking (I really had not had any alcohol that day).  After my eyes followed his finger with a flashlight in my eyes, he said he noticed some irregular movement enough so I should take a breathalyzer test.  I said I had not been drinking and didn't want too.  He said then I must get out and walk 10 paces up and back and then balance on one foot for 25 seconds.  I did and passed fine.  Then he said if I didn't take his breathalyzer test, he would have to take me to the station for a blood test.  I didn't want a blood test so I took his breathalyzer test.  It came up all zeros so he let me go.  Before I left, I told him that I will be more careful about adjusting the heat setting in my car when I drive through his town as that was probably what he saw as I never left my lane.  So boo on you, Barney Fife!  You will not ruin an otherwise perfect 60th birthday celebration!  At this point, I'm sure not getting in a discussion with him about my energy healing appointment earlier and how I probably wasn't completely grounded yet!  He'd have my blood checked for every drug before he let me go!  So I just continued to hover and let my car take me home!  LOL

I will continue to have fun as I begin my next decade, but with some added wisdom.  I will not let anyone take away my joy, I will forgive them and move on.  Time is getting shorter and negativity has no staying power over me.  I will recognize it, acknowledge it, and let it deflate itself away from me.  I will only poke a hole in it if I have no other choice.   I believe my intuition has spoken :)

Carrot Cake on the Light Side

Light Carrot Cake and Constant Comment Tea

Carrots planted in early August for a Fall Harvest are sweeter than those planted in the Spring, in my opinion.  This year's carrots were pulled up about mid-October.  Of course, it is easier to buy those wonderful little carrots in the store and I do most of the year.  But carrots fresh from the garden are more special.  With a good scrubbing, they may not even need to be peeled and are good plain or in salads.  Many of the smaller and odd-sized ones can be shredded easily to be used in a delicious carrot cake.  I have found that many carrot cake recipes have too much fat and are highly sugared.  This one has less oil and sugar and is made with whole wheat flour that gives a more substantial, healthier option to this classic dessert.

Ingredients:

¼ cup canola oil, plus more for cake pan

1 cup whole wheat flour, plus more for cake pan

1 teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon salt

2 large eggs

½ cup granulated sugar

⅓ cup packed light brown sugar

⅓ cup low-fat plain yogurt

1 cup shredded, packed carrots 

cream cheese frosting or sprinkle with confectioner's sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Brush and 8" square glass cake pan with oil.  Place a waxed or parchment paper in the bottom; brush with oil, and dust with flour.  Set aside.

Whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in medium bowl.  Set aside.

Whisk eggs, sugars, yogurt, and oil until smooth in small bowl until smooth.  Gently mix egg mixture into dry ingredients until moistened; mix in carrots.  Scrape batter into prepared 8" square pan.

Bake about 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.  Cool slightly.  Turn out of pan on rack to cool completely.  Transfer to plate and dust with confectioner's sugar for a lighter dessert.

For a layered cake with cream cheese frosting:

1 cream cheese bar softened to room temperature

1 cup confectioner's sugar

½ teaspoon vanilla

¼ cup finely chopped walnuts (optional)

Beat with hand mixer until fluffy.  Cut 8"x 8" cooled cake in half.  Smooth out about ½ cup of the frosting on top of one layer then place other half cake on top.  Frost sides and top evenly.  Sprinkle walnuts on top, if desired.  Enjoy!

Financial Planning - Two Years into Retirement

I did not go back to work.  Some family and friends predicted that I would be so bored that I'd be doing some appraisal work by the time I reached my second year of retirement.  They do not know me as well as they thought.  Yes, some newly retired people they know did not plan well and are either choosing to work part-time to fill in gaps in their money and/or their life.  They may not have planned very well.  I did.  I am in a good place.  My choices were right for me.

If you have been a follower of my blog, you can see that I have varied interests and am open to new experiences.  These activities and lifestyle have always been a part of who I am.  I just have more time to explore my options and retirement has cleared out life's clutter that had kept me from seeing and making choices with my intuition.  I am a much happier person now than I ever have been.  Joy is a part of every day!  So filling in any gaps in my social and family life has not been difficult.  Yes, I would like to have more close friends and have family around more but I can only do the best I can in meeting people halfway.

So…financially things are not so bad.  On December 1, 2013, I will be two years into retirement.  I am as busy as I want to be and pretty much staying within my budget.  I have not saved money like I thought I would because I wanted to update my electronics and bought a TV, DVD player, printer/scanner and a MacBook Pro laptop last February. I bought most of what I wanted and using my savings to pay it off in a year.  I'm still on tract with that.  The only challenge was that I had unexpected dental and car needs that would have easily been paid straight up had I not bought the electronics.  So I will take out some profit from investments early next year to get caught up.  The Plan is to not to have any debts unpaid at the end of the year and that is my source if I cannot catch it with budget adjustments and savings during the year.  I also bought a kayak.  Keith kicked in about 40% of the cost as well as gave me use of an extra life jacket and paddle.  There's more than enough food in the house and all my bills were paid on time.  Life is good.

I still have a couple years to decide about taking Social Security at age 62.  That has been the plan as that is when the temporary payment portion with my pension ends.  There are two other options to consider between now and then.  The first one is to not take my Social Security until age 66 and live on my investments until then.  That would be stressful as it likely would reduce the basic amount I didn't want to use but the additional payment amount at age 66 would be tempting.

The other option is a new one that we just heard about from AARP that involves a marital strategy.  We would need to do further research before deciding.  We have already talked to a SS Agent in person who suggested that I would be best to take the SS at 62 as originally planned as I may not come out ahead should my spouse die early.  The plan is for my spouse to apply for his SS at his age 66 but suspend payments.  This allows it to grow at the estimated 8% until he takes it as planned at his age 70 with the highest payment.  If he does this, I can apply for my half of his payment at his age 66 instead of signing up for my SS payment at 62.  That way my SS can grow at 8% until I reach 66 when I take my full amount.  That would give me about half the amount of my SS at age 62.  The problem addressed by the SS Agent is that should my spouse die before he collects his full amount at age 70, I would only be entitled to his age 66 amount.  When I reach age 66, my full amount would be about the same no matter what.  Not sure if it is worth the hassle.  Will likely stay with the original plan and take my SS at age 62 which is still a couple hundred more than the temporary payment I have been getting.

There is a new law in 2014 that may make a difference for when my spouse takes his SS.  The original plan was for him to work at the job he likes until he is 70 then take the maximum SS.  The new law will allow full SS payment in addition to salary under $40K with no reduction.  Previously, one could only make about $15K at the same time collecting SS otherwise, the SS would be reduced $1 for every $2 in salary.  The tax issue needs to be researched further.  I think only 50% of SS is taxed.  We would need to figure out how much of a tax bite it would be in addition to his salary.  It likely would be worthwhile.  He would just need to decide what year he would collect instead of waiting until age 70.  

It appears that my Retirement Plan is working.  I am staying in my budget reasonably with my pension.  I must plan any new expenses carefully and not allow my base investment to drop below my desired amount.  I have not been as active as I thought I would be in making changes to my investments as the market has not shown the growth that allows me to take extra chances.  I like being at a safe 60/40 ratio right now.  Next year I hope to include one or two trips, a couple genealogy programs/memberships, and some education/license expenses to renew my appraisal certification.  I also hope to save more of my pension for unexpected expenses and not have to catch up again with investment profits.  Those profits from investments were basically planned to be for travel…hopefully Europe sooner than later!

Daniel Boone's Missouri Home

During my third trip to complete the Katy Trail by bicycle, I decided to take my time and read all the Wayside Exhibits (information boards) along the way as many new improvements had been added since my last trip in 2003.  The Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1804 is mentioned the most as there are about 200 miles along the Missouri River that has been designated as an official segment of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.  It is also part of the American Discovery Trail and has the designation as a Millennium Legacy Trail.  It is no wonder that the Katy Trail was added to the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame in 2008.  The Katy is not only a healthy and fun adventure, but also an educational one.  

This exhibit was just across the highway from the trailhead at Matson.  I learned that Daniel Boone was  appointed by the Spanish Lt. Governor to be the "judge" for the area as he was greatly respected and admired by both the French and Spanish who traveled in this area that was not yet a part of the United States.  There were two of these Judgement Trees around in which a simple court was held and Daniel Boone had the final say.  There was no other law available for most of the typical problems that arose in the early settlement times.

So now I am really interested in learning more about Daniel Boone.  Other boards were available at this site to increase my curiosity.  As I read, I knew I was going to have to make a trip to Daniel Boone's Home a part of this trip although travel will have to be by car near Defiance, Missouri. Here is some of what I learned at this site and from taking the tour at Daniel Boone's Home the next day... 

Before Lewis and Clark, there was Daniel Boone.  Born into a Quaker family in Pennsylvania, Boone established himself at an early age as a successful outdoorsman.   His family moved to North Carolina when he was 15 leaving their Quaker restrictions behind.  He married at age 21; wife Rebecca was 17.  Together they had 10 children; seven lived and gave them 68 grandchildren.  By the time Boone was 31, there were four times as many people in their North Carolina Yadkin Valley home than when they first moved there.  Kentucky began to look good when mounting debts from hunting provision loans became a burden because he was having to travel further out to find game.  Boone and a couple of other men set off in 1769 for Kentucky to see what it had to offer.  The land proved to be appealing and plentiful in game.  In 1773, Boone set out again.  This time there was a party of five families.  This first attempt to settle was unsuccessful as five members of the party were killed including Boone's first born son, James.   Daniel Boone did not give up and returned in 1775 with 28 axeman and created the Wilderness Trail which stretched from Tennessee to Kentucky.  This trail helped to establish many towns including Boonesborough, which was established by Daniel Boone himself.

Famous painting by Caleb Bingham of Daniel Boone leading settlers through the Cumberland Gap

By the late 1700's, Kentucky was becoming crowded and the Spanish lands west of the Mississippi was rumored to have abundant resources.  At that time, Daniel Boone was faced with several lawsuits in regard to land claims as he was working as a land surveyor and his 4th grade education likely was not sufficient to write deed descriptions especially as the years and population increased.  Daniel Boone sent his son, Daniel Morgan Boone to check out the Spanish lands in 1798.  This land was all part of what was to be the Louisiana Purchase from France in 1803, the year before the Lewis and Clark Expedition.  He returned with a letter from the Spanish Lt. Governor inviting Boone out and stating that if he was to bring people with him, he and his people would be offered free grants of choice land.  This looked good to Boone especially since he had just lost large land holdings in Kentucky.  He accepted. 

In October of 1799, Daniel Boone and several of his sons and grandchildren arrived at the Missouri River.  He was 65 years old. Boone's land grant consisted of 1,000 arpents or 850 acres.  The Spanish map above shows how much of his land in the areas of Matson and Defiance were parceled out.  

Although Daniel Boone had his own land, he did not live on it.  Instead he built cabins on each of his children's properties and traveled between them.  Daniel Boone's youngest son, Nathan, did not travel with his father and the rest of the family to Missouri but stayed back to marry Olive Van Bibber.  When he did come, there were not many land grants remaining but he was lucky to obtain land from Robert Hall.  This 680 acres was where Daniel Boone choose to live his last 20 years with his youngest son and his family.  It is in this house that he died.  He was buried on this land but in recent years his remains were moved to Kentucky.  There is some controversy about whether or not the remains in Kentucky are actually that of Daniel Boone.  There was some question, so in 1984, DNA tests were done and the results showed the remains were of African and/or Indian origin.  No other tests have been done since.  The official status remains that Kentucky has the remains.  

The construction of the home was started in 1803 and completed in 1810.  It was a grand house and has been restored. For more information see the Historic Daniel Boone Home & Heritage Center, Lindenwood University at danielboonehome.com

This is the back of the home with our tour guide standing by the door.  It is a four story home with 2 1/2 feet thick walls.  The Missouri blue limestone was quarried locally moved to this location using either a horse or oxen drawn sled.  Handmade tools were used.

This would be the front of the house.  It was built as a fortress with the kitchen in the lowest floor with minimal openings.  Nathan was 18 years old and Olive was 16 when they married in 1799.  They had 14 children, one died at birth.  They lived in this home until 1837 when Nathan, an appointed captain of the First U.S. Dragoons, journeyed south and was struck by the beauty of the Ozark hills.  The family sold their property and moved to Ash Grove, Missouri where they started a new life.  This was where Nathan, Olive, and other family members died and were buried.  It is a short distance west of Springfield, Missouri on Highway 160.

Keith is going up the stairs pointing to a large wooden peg that secured the original construction like so many that were used instead of iron nails.  The interior was amazing as it was restored completely with many of the original furnishings.

Keith and I are at the top floor overlooking the settlement.  Picture taking of the interior was not allowed.  If you get a chance to take the tour, it would be well worth it!  

This is the view of the settlement from the far end with the main house in the center left at the base of the trees.  All of the other buildings were moved to the site in recent years.  They are all from within 50 miles and built of the same time period.

The Old Peace Chapel was having an actual wedding the day we were there!

This is Levi The Horse.  He represents the draft horses that served many purposes in the 1800's.  They were used as transportation, haul goods, and as a great labor force.  There were chickens and sheep like the ones in the photo used for their meat.  Keith found some canebrake (grass) and fed Levi by hand.

Lots of other pictures were taken but are not included on this blog.  The website has many good photos that include events.  There are 16 restored buildings and many other interests including The Gardens.  There was a heavy frost the night before but we could see that all the gardens were complimentary and purposeful.  Companion planting was obvious in each of the gardens.  We could see areas for a culinary garden, medicinal garden, tea garden, dye garden, herb garden, and a butterfly garden.  Prairie restoration in underway for areas around the settlement.

This view is from the back of the house looking toward the settlement.  It is taken from a small bridge that is over the spring that flows across the property.  It is the main reason this land was chosen to build on and settle by Daniel Boone.  Unlimited fresh water was a main criteria in the decision.

The spring water was channeled through the property and reinforced with rock.

The spring's water flows through this spring house where it's coolness was utilized in keeping food stored.  This  spring house has earth on three sides with this entrance setting below the ground level.

This is the Callaway House that was built between 1811 and 1812 in what is today Warren County.  It belonged to Flanders Callaway and his wife Jemima Boone.  Jemima Boone was one of Daniel Boone's daughters.  Flanders Callaway was one of the men that crossed the Cumberland Gap with Daniel Boone and also accompanied him on Jamima's rescue from the Indians.  The house is considered unusually large for the time period; most were one story cabins.  It was moved to this site in recent years.

This is what remains of the original Judgement Tree.  It had been repaired with concrete over the years along with spikes until it just went down in 1951 and moved here as its final resting place.

I have developed my own theory about why Daniel Boone was not present when Lewis and Clark and their exploration party were in the area in 1804 when he was 65 years old.  Boone was the first frontiersman and he finally settled just west of the Mississippi River about 25 miles from St. Charles.  Lewis and Clark started where Boone left off and had all the funding they wanted from the U.S. government as this new land purchase was the beginning of the biggest expansion westward.  Boone had struggled and went into debt with many hardships to get to where he and his family settled.  The glory and history of the westward expansion will show Lewis and Clark as the most important.  Without the goodwill and friendly relationships Daniel Boone made with the French and Spanish trappers and early settlers in the land, Lewis and Clark may not have had the help they needed to get as far as they did.

Daniel Boone did not like to be crowded as he left an area when more people moved in.  Lewis and Clark represented the next wave of increase moving westward and Boone was at a time of life when he wanted to enjoy peace with his family around him.  I think that if Boone had greeted the Lewis and Clark Expedition on his land in 1804, much publicity would be made of the historic moment and lead to unwanted attention.  It might even give the impression that Daniel Boone approved this westward expansion when all he may have wanted was to get as far away from civilization as he could to preserve his and his family's freedom.  Knowing that any protest about the expansion would be futile, he just made a loud statement by doing nothing and not giving Lewis and Clark the in-person support and blessing to move forward...a wise man indeed!  He lived for 20 more years in peace.

Daniel Boone's youngest son, Nathan Boone, had a list of accomplishments that included many ventures.  He owned a salt-making business with his brother known as the Boone's Lick, helped lay out some of Missouri's first roadways, served as a member of the first constitutional convention in Missouri and established himself as a capable military leader in both war and peacetime.  His final home in Ash Grove, Missouri, was a simple but comfortable log house and the land grew to more than 700 acres.  Nathan and his wife and other family members are buried near the house.

Missouri Wine Country - Augusta to Hermann

Fall color changes just outside Augusta

In 1980, Augusta was recognized as the first U.S. Wine District, or Viticulture Area #1, because of its unique soil, climate, historical significance, and quality of wine produced from grapes grown within the District's boundaries.  

In 1836, Leonard Harold, a Daniel Boone follower, founded the town of Augusta situated on hills and bluffs overlooking the Missouri River Valley about 37 miles west of St. Louis. German immigrants were attracted by the glowing descriptions of the area written by Gottfried Duden, a German researcher/explorer by1855.  Because of the vineyards, Augusta with its 300 residents thrived as other small towns declined.  It still retains it's a small town atmosphere.   There are 16 different Bed & Breakfast Lodgings,  14 shops/activities, 11 food and refreshment facilities, and 11 wineries/vineyards/breweries.  For more information about Augusta:  augusta-chamber.org

Keith and I began the day with a wonderful breakfast at The Lindenholf Bed and Breakfast in Augusta.  The menu included French Toast stuffed with cream cheese and white chocolate cream then topped with sauteed fresh plums.  Accompaniments were sausage patties and individual Havarti Cheese Souffles...and of course, coffee, teas, and juice.  This breakfast menu was featured in Southern Living Magazine - September 2003.

We had checked into this Bed and Breakfast Inn about 3:00 P.M. after I completed my St. Charles to Augusta bicycle trip on the Katy Trail.  Keith had dropped me and my bike off in St. Charles and he arrived in Augusta less than an hour later.  He scouted around town for things to do and then waited for me at The Augusta Brewery at the trailhead.  It took me about three hours to complete my ride.  It was the end of a total of 500 miles biked this season.  We were ready to celebrate!  Location of The Lindenhof Bed and Breakfast is downtown just a short walk to many wineries, shops, and the Katy Trail.  For more detail information and to see the interior, go to http//www.lindenhof-augusta.com/

The courtyard is an inviting place with access to the outdoor jacuzzi and is just outside the guest's dining and great room.  The fireplace can be used inside and outside.

One of several lovely garden accents in the courtyard.  This morning was the first heavy frost which would end many of the plants for the year.

We had the outdoor jacuzzi all to ourselves the evening before.  We stayed on a Thursday night which is not as popular and is less expensive.  We also got all the attention from the innkeepers we wanted.  We choose The Artist Bedroom which also had a custom made large claw-footed jetted hot tub and shower.  I cannot think of any amenity that was not provided for our comfort.  We had a small refrigerator available to us filled with cheese, wine, soda, and water.  Also set out were homemade bread with butter, and cookies.  TV, movies, chess, and board games were available in the great room for our use along with a variety of music and books.

Check-out time was 11:00 A.M. and the innkeeper told us about this wonderful view just outside of Augusta.  The fall colors were in early process and would peak during the next week.  A great time to be driving around!  Along Highway 94 are four exquisite family-owned "Boutique" Wineries.  They include:  Augusta Winery augustawinery.com, Sugar Creek Winery sugarcreekwines.com, Balducci Vineyards balduccivineyards.com, and Montelle Winery montelle.com

Montelle Winery

Montelle Winery

View from Montelle Winery

Soon we drove south on Highway 47 near Dudzow (another good winery!) and onto The Hermann Wine Trail on Highway 100.  There are seven wineries on this route but this trip we head to Stone Hill Winery in Hermann on Highway 19 at the Missouri River.  HermannWineTrail.com

We found the highest hilltop in Hermann for these bridge photos.  

The main street in Hermann is First Street or Highway 100

Missouri's most historic and awarded winery is Stone Hill Winery.  It was established in 1847 and grew to be the second largest winery in the United States.  The wines were world renowned, winning gold medals in eight world's fairs, including Vienna in 1873 and Philadelphia in 1876.  By the turn of the century, the winery was shipping over 1 million gallons of wine per year.  Missouri's wine industry was decimated in 1920 with the advent of American Prohibition, as grape vines, machinery and even wineries were destroyed throughout the state.  In 1965, local farmers began the long process of restoration.  Jim and Betty Held acquired the mushroom plant and began making wine in the old cellars again.  Tours of these cellars is a must-see!

The 13 acre complex is one of Missouri's top tourist attractions and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The main building built in 1869 and 165-year old arched underground cellars, gift shop, restaurant, and state-of-the-art production facilities produce over 260,000 gallons of wine.  Last year, they won over 120 awards and over 3800 wine awards since 1993.

The Norton grape is America's oldest native grape and is still in commercial use.  It is Missouri's state grape and the cornerstone of Missouri's wine industry.  Keith and I always like to pick up a case or two this time of year after we have dinner at the Vintage restaurant where we always enjoy the best of German specialties.  This year we got the 2008 Cross J Norton at at 25% off the $25.83 price when buying a case...very nice indeed!

For more information about Hermann, see my article from last year's blog by going to 'Search This Blog" and typing in "Hermann."  Also see stonehillwinery.com.

Bicycling the Katy Trail - One Way Or Another (October)

McKittrick to Treloar - 16.4 miles with an additional Spur to Hermann (3 miles) Total 37.8 miles
The is the final two trips through the Mid-East Management Section of the Katy Trail State Park.  It includes the towns of Treloar, Marthasville, Dutzow and Augusta.  There are many more travelers now as it is closer and closer to St. Louis.  The weekends are especially busy and I prefer to ride during the week.  This day I rode on a Friday and with the nice fall weather, many people came out to enjoy.  It is always good to pass people that smile and I have met some very friendly people of all kinds from all places on my journey this year.

The sign on this preserved grain elevator says "The Katy Land Trust."  It was founded in 2010 by Dan and Connie Burkhardt who are retired partners of Edward Jones who wanted to ensure the continuation of Ted and Pat Jones' early vision of Katy Trail State Park.  For more information:  www.katylandtrust.org/

More golden soybeans

One of many information boards inviting the traveler to sit and relax and enjoy the view as did those that came before.

These travelers are from Springfield, MO and know the Frisco Highline Trail well.  They are packed heavy for camping out as they complete the Katy Trail in several days.  The girl says she is pulling 250 pounds!  Notice the little dog in the basket :)

One of the more interesting people I met on the trail today.  This 33-year-old veteran was bicycling from New York to Texas.  He was on a mission to ride for fellow veterans.

Owl Man's tattoo - that's the front of his neck...awesome!

It was a nice sunny day with temperatures reaching 80 degrees - nice for snakes to come out and sun themselves.  I saw several on this trip.

I started out at McKittrick where I parked my car.  I rode to Treloar and turned around to ride back.  After a brief rest at the trailhead, I took a spur off the trail to Hermann to play.  It is about 3 miles from the trailhead at McKittrick over the Missouri River.  Back in 2000, Keith and I had rode this bridge to Hermann before it was rebuilt to include a bike lane.  It was really scary then but now it is wonderful!

Many people walk the bridge too and a nice couple took my photo from the middle of the bridge overlooking the Missouri River.

There are also benches along this bike lane on the bridge to enjoy the view.

The bridge let out on the main street in Hermann.  It didn't take long for me to find the right path again!

Hermannhoff Winery has been a favorite stop for many years.  The food is good and wine tasting is fun.  There are better wines around though and they charge $4 whereas most other wineries only have a tip jar and don't charge for tasting.  I did the wine tasting as I waited for my food order.

This winery has a lovely and sometimes lively areas to relax and have fun in back.  There are several separate areas and it is beautifully landscaped.

Brat and Kraut were good!  Now I was ready to return to the trailhead.

Augusta to Treloar - 18 miles 
This trip was much cooler as it was 40-50 degrees as I rode.  It was also the farthest drive at 3.5 hours from home.  Luckily, gas prices had dropped to just under $3.00 per gallon.  The original plan was to stay overnight in Augusta and bike west one day and then east the next day and then I would be done with the whole trail.  Instead, I decided to make two trips with one day riding because the gas was lower than I had thought it would be.  Also, I wanted to play more and ride less this far into wine country.  Augusta was the perfect place to do this.

There continued to be many friendly people to stop and visit with at each trailhead.  These bikes belong to three ladies who next stop was a spa at Augusta at the end of their ride.  Nice.

This is a rough, steep, hill trail for about 200 feet off the Katy Trail.  It leads to one of my favorite wineries at Dutsow - Blumenhof.  Of course, there is a better access on pavement off the trail and is used by car.

It is quiet now but on weekends, this place rocks!  Live music and good people in a relaxed and fun atmosphere.  Keith and I have come here regularly for many years.  There are vineyards here and they do make their own wine, but there are better choices in the area.  It is all good enough to party on!

The Blumenholf always have a good atmosphere and friendly people.  I was the only one here at this early afternoon in the middle of the week.  There was no charge for all the wine I wanted to taste before I got back on the trail.  A glass or two total is plenty when I'm riding.

Small obstacles on the trail this time of year are black walnuts, acorns and hickory nuts.  The corn is being harvested now and the trees are beginning to show their fall colors.

These wildflowers are Red Morning Glories or bindweed.  They are very colorful!

Red Morning Glories or bindweed

Sumac is turning red and the fallen leaves cover the trail in many areas.  It is so much fun to ride through the leaves and hear their crisp sound and watch them scatter.

This has been my regular energy food that I eat 2 hours into my ride.  2 rice cakes, walnuts and raisins and a banana.  I have 2 clementines, can of juice, and a granola bar available if I need more.  I usually don't.  Being diabetic, I must check my blood sugar to be sure I don't go low.  My issues have usually been to go high instead of low as the extra energy exerted makes me produce excess insulin which I have problems absorbing.  I am insulin resistant.  I'm getting pretty good at finding the right balance.  This has been my best year in 10 years for control and near normal numbers.  Yeah!  I have been working on reversing my diabetes with a goal of reducing or completely eliminating medications.  More about that can be seen on this blog.  Go to the 'Search This Blog' tool on the left, key word 'Diabetes.'

 This is the Augusta Brewery at the parking lot of the trailhead at Augusta.  You can see my car parked at the bottom of the hill.  Lovely landscape even at this time of year.  

At the end of my ride today, I stopped here at the Augusta Brewery to enjoy a light beer and a pulled pork sandwich before the 3.5 hour drive home.  After a brief exchange of pleasantries about a good bicycling day with the young racer-guys at the table next to me, I enjoyed listening to their lively conversations about their recent biking adventures.  It was a good day biking!

St Charles to Augusta - 26.9 miles
The East Management Section is between Matson just east of Augusta and Machens which is Milepost 26.9; the trail's actual beginning.  I started at St Charles because it has better access by car and that portion east is not dependable because of excessive flooding in 1993 and 1995 and dangerous thorns that always pop tires.  We knew this from our 2000 trip and from reading online that it hasn't changed much.

It was a 3.5 hour drive by car.  Keith dropped me off in the middle of the city.  We had to drive through a part of St Louis to get to the old part of St Charles across the street from where the first state Capitol was built in 1769.  It was a French Outpost originally. Frontier Park and the statue of Lewis and Clark were under construction the last time I was here in 2003.  The depot had just been restored.  It was looking really good on this trip.  It was 40 degrees at 11AM when I began my ride west (into the wind) to Augusta.  Keith was to meet me at the Augusta Brewery with the car.  This will probably be the last time going east of Augusta for me.

The Restored Depot

Lewis and Clark Monument at Frontier Park in St Charles

The first 3 miles west out of St Charles had several detours on the Katy Trail.  I also had to go by an industrial area that didn't smell so good and a large stone crushing operation that sandblasted me going into the wind.  Good-bye St Charles.

By now I am miles away from the city and the ride improves greatly!  The fall colors are standing out along the Missouri River...

...the bluffs are back in their familiar place on the other side of the trail.

The wild protected areas are back.  The leaves are falling and fun to ride through!

Across from the trail at Matson is a memorial to Daniel Boone.  This is Boone County and there was so much to see about this famous American Frontiersman that I will write more about it in another blog.  Keith and I spent several hours taking the official tour and I have many photos.

Large bluff just east of Augusta was a good place to rest and reflect on my journey a few miles from the end.  The 2013 Katy Trail Adventure began in June and included a break to bicycle the Frisco Highline Trail.  Total days riding my bicycle was 13 throughout the summer - up until mid-October.  Total bicycle miles was 500; 430 miles on the Katy Trail and 70 miles on the Frisco Highline Trail.  The Katy Trail is actually 264.6 miles by mileposts and I backtracked all but the last day.  Lewis and Clark did about 200 miles and backtracked in 1804.  They took 66 days blazing the trail along the Missouri River and about 2 weeks returning.  I'm glad I read all the information boards along the way and know so much more about their challenge!  The stories of Lewis and Clark as well as Daniel Boone were an inspiration!

The perfect ending to my Bicycling Adventure!

Reservations had been made a month previous for a Bed & Breakfast in Augusta for one night and Keith joined me as we combined the trip with another day of enjoying the local wineries and sights.  This is the best week for fall colors.  I will have more details about the Bed & Breakfast in Augusta, the Daniel Boone Home Tour, Fall Color Drive, and Local Wineries in my next blog.