Hanging Fork Creek and Deer Tracks

How's this for a front yard!  Lincoln County, Kentucky, U.S.A.

Today I spent a most pleasant day in the company of my long-term friend, Pat, on her property in Lincoln County, Kentucky.  We took a long stroll up and down hills past wooded areas and fields to Hanging Fork Creek.  It's a fairly wide creek, as creeks go.  She pointed out deer tracks in the soft areas along the trails.  They're quite different than the separate round pads of cats and bears; they look like two long toes but are actually hoof imprints.

There were quite a lot of these large 'fruits,' from the Osage Orange Tree, that looked like brains to me.  I think they must be inedible.  They're lime green on the trees before they drop.

Hanging Fork Creek, Lincoln County, Kentucky.  Some ice along the shore is still present from our cold snap earlier in the week.

Hay in the fields in neat rows, ready for winter use.

The countryside was so quiet and peaceful that I remarked, "I could easily get addicted to all this space and quiet.  This doesn't even seem like exercise."  Pat informed me, "Wait till Spring.  It's quite loud with all the birds out."  Pat's dog, Buddy, accompanied us.  He was gleefully running around, looking for skunks, rabbits, anything else he could find and chase.  Buddy was unsuccessful today.

We lunched at the BlueBird Cafe in the nearby small town of Stanford.  It was large and busy, not what I expected in a small town. My selection was a Fried Green Tomato Sandwich on a homemade wheat bun and coleslaw. I would highly recommend this restaurant.  Pat says they're getting ready to expand into a larger building and take on catering.  No wonder they're so successful!  I know I'll return!

Main Street, Stanford, Kentucky: unique shops.

Jan, in front of the "Kentucky Soaps & Such" store, across the street from the BlueBird, Main Street, Stanford, Kentucky, January 10, 2014.

We poked around this interesting store and were able to try out their Sugar Scrub which is an exfoliant.  The soaps, creams, shampoos and conditioners were displayed in antique tubs and sinks.  They are made in the basement of the store.  Fresh goat's milk is the main ingredient in their products which contain no preservatives or artificial chemicals.  I bought lavender bar soaps and hand cream.  You may view their products at www.kentuckysoapsandsuch.com.  We're told they ship anywhere.  We went through an archway to an adjoining art gallery with unique paintings, glass, and metal sculptures and bells.

A huge courthouse in a small town: the Lincoln County Courthouse in Stanford, Kentucky, January 10, 2014.  Note that there are tall columns on three sides.  It was built in 1909, the 4th structure on the site.  Lincoln County was once a large county in Virginia.

The 'U's' look like 'V's' on the courthouse name.

Bless her heart, Pat left up her Christmas decorations so I could see them!  SO beautiful!!

Pat's antique Nativity Set.  Pat is a retired teacher.  She researched the animals that Jesus may have had as pets, found that the people 2,000 years ago in Israel may have kept sheep but not dogs and cats as we have.  She bought extra sheep for this set which her grandchildren love.

Pat's collection of Santas in her dining room.

Pat, left, and me, Jan: Our First 'Selfie!'

Treasure all your friends, treasure all your small towns and visit as many as you can!  I promised to return in the Spring when there were apples on her trees in her orchard and "stay as long as I have to, to see the deer nibbling on them!"