The Highland Trails addition of Edmond, just north of Kelly & Waterloo, goes all out every 4th of July, and this year, clearly, was no exception. In grand fashion, Brad Stone highlighted the event for all to enjoy:

Ever wonder what to do for fun in Edmond on a Saturday morning? Here’s an idea: this is video from last year’s First Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta at Lake Arcadia, held by the City of Edmond.

Want to join in the fun? The 2nd Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta will be August 28th, 2010. Registration begins today so check out the City of Edmond website, or call 405-359-4630.

If you’re like me and you weren’t able to be at the Edmond LibertyFest parade this year, or even if you were lucky enough to be there, you’ll probably enjoy this time-lapse video, which condenses the whole thing down to 2.5 minutes:

Yesterday was a miserable, storm-ridden one for many folks in Oklahoma. Tornadoes can be fickle, and these were no different. Doing extensive damage to one home, while leaving the one next door untouched is a common characteristic, and while driving a few Edmond neighborhoods today, I saw a wide range of damage.

You’ll see pictures here of trampolines that were misplaced throughout neighborhoods, as well as homes with the roofs literally ripped off of them. I’ll add more photos throughout the week as more of the damage is uncovered.

Our prayers go out to those families who were effected by this storm, and we hope for a speedy recovery process.

Monarch Butterfly

Originally uploaded by kojo_46

I hope this week’s feature photo of Central Oklahoma encourages us all to slow down a little bit and better appreciate mother nature’s little things.

My wife and I recently upgraded to a beautiful home in West Edmond that is landscaped to the max.  Being surrounded by so much plant life has opened my own eyes to things I never really took the time to enjoy before.  In addition, that plant life attracts some amazing insects and birds.

Our new friend, kojo_46 has captured a piece of such natural beauty in this beautiful photo. Be sure you click through the picture to view it in it’s full-size glory!

And an extra-special thanks to kojo_46 for sharing this work of art with us!

[where: Edmond, OK]

February Morn

Originally uploaded by cmk53

This week’s feature of Central Oklahoma takes us to the area of Sooner Rd & Covell. This area of Edmond is still largely undeveloped, so it’s no surprise that you might find a rural feel at times, such as this beautiful picture from Mike (cmk53) captures.

Also embodied in this work of art is one of those beautiful sunrises that we’re so often blessed with here in Edmond. Be sure you click through the picture to view it in it’s full-size glory!

And an extra-special thanks to Mike for sharing this beauty with us!

[where: Edmond, OK]

BNSF 7754

Originally uploaded by sfhobo

This week’s feature of Central Oklahoma takes me to something many of us in Edmond have a love-hate relationship with. It often seems that when we’re short on time, the train gods are out to get us at the crossings of the rail that runs North and South through our fair city.

But did you know that Santa Fe line actually has historical meaning for Edmond, OK?  It’s what brought about the development of a city at mile 103 of that line; a city we now know and love as Edmond.

So next time you’re stuck at a RR crossing trying to get in or out of Edmond, remember that line has brought years of commerce and growth to our home city.  While you’re remembering that, remember this beautiful picture provided to us by Rick (sfhobo).  Thanks for sharing, Rick!

[where: Edmond, OK]

Fairway

Originally uploaded by cmk53

Beauty is all around us, thanks to our Creator, but in our day-to-day hustle & bustle it’s easy to miss out on it. We often take it for granted, but sometimes we just need to slow down and ‘smell the roses.’

With that in mind, I’m making an effort to highlight something beautiful – maybe even unique – about Central Oklahoma each Friday. These shots of our local landscape make up this beautiful place we call home.

This shot is courtesy of Mike, who clearly has far more talent than I when it comes to dominating a camera. Be sure you click on it to get the full effect. Thanks for the beautiful glimpse of Edmond, Mike!