3 and 1/2 Weeks

3 and 1/2 weeks....that is how long Benjamin's lunch box was "lost" at school.  Yesterday, he found and brought home his lunch box that he had misplaced on October 14th.  It wasn't empty, either.  He had taken a "hot lunch" in his thermos.  I don't remember what it was (maybe spaghetti) and didn't hang out on the porch when Jim opened the lunchbox, then the thermos.  Benjamin had also taken apple juice in a plastic water bottle that day, but he had only drunk 1/2 of the juice.  Do you know what happens to apple juice left in an enclosed bottle for 3 1/2 weeks at room temperature?  OH BOY!  The bottle had expanded and was nearly football shaped, but had not burst yet, thank goodness.  We didn't open the bottle up, but I can imagine what that concoction would smell and taste like!
I have to admit, it was a little funny, but mostly disgusting and I certainly hope Benjamin does not do that again!

Over the River and Through the Woods

Well, not exactly over the river, but definitely through the woods!  Can you guess where we went by looking at these pictures?

Some sort of animal skull and a jawbone of a deer or dog, we think

Treasures!  Coal, granite, and railroad ties.  :)

We brought home an animal skull and a jawbone, some coal, granite and railroad ties.  Yep, we went on a hike through the woods and down to the railroad track.  We then followed the tracks for a couple of miles to a side road, then out to the main highway (Route 41) and climbed back up to Ridgetop...up the 4% grade...what a workout!  But we had a great time and hiked over 6 miles! 

Jim and Benjamin inside the tunnel

Just an offshoot of one of the paths we took that I thought was really pretty

Do you see the butterfly?

We took the fun way down the hill

This tree completely blocked part of the path we take to the railroad tracks - Benjamin is 4'9" and is standing by the root of the tree!