The 40 Files: A new kind of birthday

This year's birthday was different than most I've had for a while.

First, we're in Kansas. I don't usually have my birthday in Kansas.

Second, I spent the day learning about the ecosystems of a tall grass prairie, and the evening watching a Japanese chef lighting things on fire.

Third, and most poignant, was the noticeable absence of my dad. I sure missed the call I would have gotten, the plans he would have suggested, the time we would have had together. Last year on my birthday was the last time we all went out to dinner together. I remember it like it was yesterday.

But even without him, all was not bitter -- there was some sweet as well. Thanks to my Hamilton family, who made the day fun and special for me.

We decided to go on another excursion, this time to the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. This preserve protects just a remnant of the tallgrass prairies that once covered 140 million acres across America, before it was claimed, plowed, and developed.

There is a natural pattern of weather, wildfire, and animal grazing that keeps the prairie and all of its diverse animal and plant species intact.

We got lucky and came across this happy couple, doing a little sunbathing together. However, I think a large crowd of loud, looming, gawking humans was probably not their idea of enjoying a quiet afternoon.

We were told by our park guide to keep our distance.

Even though it's called a "tallgrass" prairie, the tall grass doesn't really grow until the fall. So we got shortgrass prairie instead. There are cows grazing on the 11,000 acres, living the high life as they roam freely and eat as much and whenever they want. Back before people took over much of the land, bison was the resident grazer. And come fall they are coming back, when the NPS will truck in herds to return a lucky bunch of bison to their natural habitat.

I wonder how the cows are going to feel about that.

Anyways, there is also a historic limestone ranch house that sits on this land, built by one Stephen F. Jones in 1881. He spent today's equivalent of $1.9M to build it.

This quaint little building is called the "3-holer".

Just guess.

There is also a 3-story barn that we explored. The kids especially liked the bottom floor where the stables were located. Annette took to a friendly barn cat and I enjoyed catching some light through old cob-webbed windows.

There was this man playing his fiddle under a tree, just outside the barn. Don't know if he worked there, lived there, or just passing by. But he sure enjoyed playing that fiddle.

The kids enjoyed the tours and the prairie, and I'm thankful they are still intrigued by just the discovery of a ladybug or the sighting of a butterfly. But on this day, Lucas was not feeling well, as you can tell by his lack of amusement with Davey's enthusiastic company.