Shady Creek Stomping at Greenway

Hanging out in the treehouse, creek stomping, zip line, pole walking......who says Shady Characters ever really grow up?!?  Elizabeth helped us reconnect with the child in all of us as we met for a quick meeting on the front porch at Greenway, then headed to the woods.  Our new members were announced and will hopefully all join us at our next meeting.  A colorful, yummy lunch was prepared for us by Kristi and dessert doubled as a birthday cake for our four members with September birthdays - Julia, Carroll, Peggy and Hynie.  But don't be confused - like a tall shade tree, these gals provide shelter, comfort, protection and support for those they love.....and shake their branches in the wild wind of life.  Remember - we'll act old LATER!

Shady Business

Even Shady Characters have to talk business sometimes, but we always manage to enjoy ourselves at the same time.  Melinda Houston hosted us, where we dined around the beautiful pool.  Lunch was provided by Mary Mahoney, as was the clever centerpiece, but we missed her, as she was called into daughterly duty.  Our annual business meeting was conducted and we discussed the upcoming process of adding new members to our ranks.  OK, now back to our Shady fun.

Shady Characters Take a Hike

It was a perfect day for a hike - one with lots of Shade.  Lisa, our hostess, was mysteriously absent, but left some hints as to her whereabouts.  After receiving our first clue from Gale, we headed across the field in search of our first treasure.  Luckily, our quick sleuthing led us to the fantastical Butler treehouse, where we discovered our cleverly packaged lunches.  After indulging Gale with a slide down the fire pole, we were off again.  Up the hill, down the hill and a little more up brought us to a field clearing where we were greeted by Lisa, Bob Duncan and some canine friends.  Bob brought the history of the Butler settlement to life, as is his custom, and pointed out some still visible signs of 'treasures', such as the flint outcroppings that made the area such a desirable location, currently and throughout the past. He also shared with us the drawings of the plans for the Bicentennial Bell Tower to be built in downtown Columbia. After a question and answer (and more questions!) time and luncheon, we followed the well marked path back to civilization, just a little more grounded in this area we call home.