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Picnic in the Park

ellenparkerwrites

Let’s go on a picnic after church.

That’s the sort of invitation our family accepted once or twice per summer. (My father was not fond of eating outside. Army influence?)

The menu varied a little by how far ahead the plans were made. Fried chicken? Thick sandwiches? Baked beans? Potato salad? Chips? (They were a real treat.) Cake or pie? Lemonade?

Our picnics often took place at a wayside rest in view of Lake Pepin — part of the Mississippi River between MN and WI. Visiting between families. Perhaps a footrace or two. A walk down to the water — watch for rattlesnakes.

This picnic shelter, located in a county park, may be reserved for families and groups. Shade. A little rain protection. A grill. A trash can. Tables and seating. Let the children run — a playground is not far out of the photo. Older folks may prefer to toss a ball or take a stroll.

Detective Cal Collins is called to respond to a situation in a county park more than once in the later-in-life romance, Fine Lines. Who would want to harm a picnic shelter? Good thing a jogger found the fire before it got to the roof. Check out the book at the pre-order link: https://bit.ly/49FtvjF

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Experienced with Birthdays

ellenparkerwrites

Later in 2026, the United States will celebrate 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. Parades, speeches, firework displays, and other festivities are planned across the nation.

Several cities now within the United States were already founded and sinking roots deep into North America. One of these was St. Louis. Twelve years before the colonial congress passed their resolution making the Revolutionary War official, this city was founded as a modest trading post.

Therefore, the area is experienced in celebration a 250th birthday. Wisely, not all the celebrations were centered on the actual February anniversary. (Weather varies more than usual in that month.) Yes, some took place that day. But others were spread out in both time and geography.

Scattered throughout the area were 250 sturdy and uniquely decorated birthday “cakes”. This one had pride of place in one of the city parks. Others were placed in front of historic sites and businesses. Some ambitious people made a challenge of it and hunted down all 250.

Fifty states and 250 years. Simple math tells us we only need to find five sites per state to replicate this event nationwide. (I wonder if anyone even suggested an idea from “fly over” country.)

Never discount the importance of a birthday. The sweet, later-in-life romance, Fine Lines, opens a day after a minor character celebrates a milestone. Defense attorney Mandy Price finds the police detective Cal Collins memorable — but off-limits for her profession. Is he? And how many secrets is he allowed to keep? Check out the blurb and pre-order information at the link: https://bit.ly/49FtvjF

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Special Assistant…

ellenparkerwrites

…to the frustrated bicyclist.

Parks encourage exercise. The type of activity varies by terrain, location, and purpose. The park featured today is a mixture of prairie, woodland, and a great view of the Mississippi River.

Trail traffic is a combination of hikers and bikers. Mountain bikes for the most part. The loop trail is just over three miles long. Count often and don’t misplace anyone from your group.

Mechanical problem? Stop. Look around and figure out where on the trail you are located. Minor? Continue with a mental note for later repairs. Critical? Walk your bike to the trailhead by the shortest, safest route.

Cliff is waiting for you between the public restrooms and the parking lot. He’s equipped with air plus a variety of wrenches to tighten and adjust anything that may have been jarred loose on the trail. Have you spotted a similar repair station in a park near you?

Parks supply interesting locations and a source of mystery in the sweet, later-in-life romance Fine Lines. Meet Mandy Price, criminal defense attorney and Cal Collins, police detective and they discover both hazards and joys of a relationship. Here’s a link to the blurb and pre-order information. https://bit.ly/49FtvjF

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The King on the Hill

ellenparkerwrites

Louis IX of France lived in the wrong century to travel to America. He was admired for many fine qualities and accomplishments during his lifetime. And approximately twenty-seven years after his death he was canonized — hence the name, Saint Louis.

Fast forward to the year 1764. French traders establish a trading post on the Mississippi River, just south of the confluence with the Missouri River, and name it Saint Louis in his honor.

The city grew, became a center of manufacturing and trade until the mid-20th century. Today the city has a lower population than the surrounding St. Louis County but remains an anchor in the region. And the king on the hill?

You can find this representation of Saint Louis (aka. Louis IX) in front of the St. Louis Art Museum. He has a great view of a large portion of Forest Park.

Art is an important, yet unspoken, portion of life to Cal Collins. With a satisfying primary job of police detective, he keeps his fine artist activities quiet. However, nothing lasts forever. Seek out the later-in-life romance, Fine Lines, to learn more about Cal — and the defense attorney who puts his life into turmoil.

The book is available for pre-order with shipment on April 8. Follow the link to the Barnes & Noble site: https://bit.ly/4rVvd7M

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Swing with Me

ellenparkerwrites

When was the last time you played on a swing?

Yesterday? Last year? A decade ago?

Back and forth. Higher and higher. All hairstyles are created equal. (Mine will be full of snarls.) Do you find it easy to laugh? Leave some worries on the ground? Pretend to fly?

I’m lucky to live in a metro area with many parks. And almost every park has a playground. With — swings! The refurbished playgrounds have swings for all – young, disabled, not-so-young. Take your pick.

The next time this author encounters the pesky “plot hole”, I think I’ll seek out a swing. Maybe the solution will be found in the breeze I create.

What happens when a defense attorney gets acquainted with a detective keeping a secondary life private? Fine Lines, a contemporary, later-in-life romance, will be arriving on April 8, 2026. Pre-orders are activated at your favorite on-line bookseller. Here’s a link to one: https://bit.ly/49FtvjF

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Natural Art?

ellenparkerwrites

Mother Nature is a great artist. No one puts on a scenic display like she does.

Think of it: Clouds from faint wisps to dark thunderheads. Trees from delicate spring green, bold broad leaves, fall displays, and evergreens contrasting with the background. Streams with rapids and waterfalls. Rock displays and arrangements like you can’t believe.

Speaking of belief. These giants at Missouri’s Elephant Rock State Park are best believed in person. Red granite. Pushed up to the surface. Quarried — ooops! Mother nature does not quarry. No — human hands are evident in this park in more than the paved path.

The rocks, and their position on this particular surface are real and natural. The worker’s initials engraved on many of them are real — and man-made.

This site is one of many Missouri State Parks where camping is not allowed. In the later-in-life romance, Morning Tryst, the photographer set up her motorhome at a different park, fourteen miles away. Check out the book at the link: https://amzn.to/3vWydWE

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A Delicate Season

ellenparkerwrites

According to the calendar, spring arrives later this month. Depending on your individual climate, sightings may vary.

Hardy plants poke above ground as if to test the weather. Do we have enough hours of sunlight? Will the freezing temperatures be brief? Are we sheltered from the wind?

The garden bulbs of crocus and daffodil test the air for the tulips. Buds of several bushes and trees swell as fluid rises from the roots.

By late spring (this photo was taken in early May), the Missouri forests are bursting with life. White dogwood lingers, enticing some early pollinators to take a sip.

Get an introduction to several Missouri State Parks in the later-in-life romance, Morning Tryst. This is a great read for a rainy day when a walk in a park would be difficult and memorable for all the wrong reasons. Book details are at the link: https://amzn.to/3vWydWE

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Don’t Believe Everything…

ellenparkerwrites

Frank, the bald eagle here. My mate, Hali, writes as if she’s an avian public relations expert. Bah!

            We’re a normal couple. Our primary interests are raising a family, gliding on the thermals, and eating well. Fresh fish is high on our desired menu. But neither one of us is above grabbing from another raptor, bear, or human. You would have laughed yourself silly watching me snatch a bass right off the hook in front of an angler last month.

            Of course, life’s not always a clear day with great air currents. We need to be careful around electrical transmission lines. I love my wingspan – a nice six-feet – but it can be hazardous. Hali, she’s a big girl and goes seven feet tip to tip, has to be extremely careful if we decide to rest on a metal tower.

            Well, time for me to report for incubating duty.

            What follows sunrise and sunset Serena Carter’s list of favorites to photograph? Birds – on the wing, in the nest, or perched and staring at the camera. Check out the later-in-life romance, Morning Tryst, to find some of her bird adventures in Missouri State Parks. White feathers take on a new meaning when they are a gift. Check at the link for more information. https://amzn.to/35gH37S

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The Eagle has …

ellenparkerwrites

            How did you end that sentence? Landed? Nested? Soared?

            I favor the word “arrived”. It’s especially appropriate at this time of year. My mate and I – oh, I forgot to introduce myself. Where are my manners? Did I leave them at our summer home?

            I’m Hali, shortened from Haliaectus, the first of my Latin names. I’m a bald eagle living along the upper portion of the Mississippi River. During the warmer months, I live near the river and roam between Minnesota and Wisconsin. As the river freezes in the early winter, I follow the border of ice and open water and find the fishing excellent at one of the dams connecting Illinois and Missouri.

            Bird watchers and photographers, from novice to professional, seek me out during these months. I don’t object. But I do like my privacy. That’s why I insisted our nest be constructed in a tree on a small island.

            Well, time for me to go. My mate, Frank, has returned to take his shift incubating our two eggs.  

            Several Missouri State Parks are visited by bald eagles each winter. Photographer Serena Carter, in the later-in-life romance, Morning Tryst, enjoys the challenge of capturing their image. Follow the link for more information about her adventures. https://amzn.to/35gH37S

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Tropical Walk

ellenparkerwrites

February is a good time to take a tropical walk. It does not need to be long — often less than an hour.

No need to bother with planes or reservations. Block out a little time and be sure you have fuel in the car is all you need to do in the St. Louis metro area.

Yes, I said tropical. This is orchid show time at the Missouri Botanical Garden.

Lean close. Breath deep. Enjoy.

My “thumb” is very pale green. I admire. I do not attempt to grow at home. (Many others are successful at this.) Instead I enjoy an annual visit to savor the hard work of others.

Can’t get to the garden? Cold winter weather being a bother? Settle into your favorite chair, have a warm drink within reach, and open a book. I favor romance. Comfort Zone, a later-in-life novel set in St. Louis should warm you with an opening in an August heat wave. Check out details at this link: https://amzn.to/2ZvL0Av