Life is so good!

With this post, the first in a VERY long time, I want to say that much has happened in the interim - My husband got sick, then got well.  We decided to move to Missouri, then decided we love western Kansas too much to leave.   As a family, we have had many ups and many downs.  However, no matter how discouraged we became or how smoothly our life seemed to function, there was always a single thread that ran through each day - the very real and sustaining strength that our faith in Jesus has afforded our family. 

Thank you, dear reader and friend, for once again joining me in my life of adventure, as well as of routine, that proverbial rut that we seem to find so much comfort in - but always, always . . . living every day punctuated with an exclamation point.  

We're ready to go!

Sunday Inspiration

"I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles."  Audrey Hepburn

I plan to laugh a lot and be happy today. And kiss my DH, too - lots!

1.  Elegantly feminine corsage by Discerning Chichi

2.  Clay hug and kiss balls by 645 Workshop

3.  Fun and whimsical 2012 calendar by The Ink Nest

4.  Beautiful dress by River of Romansk

County Fair - Old Fashioned Fun

Every summer during the first week of August, Main Street becomes quiet and moves to the County Fair.  Do you think I'm exaggerating?  I'm not!  County Fair is the hub of all social activity for one whole week.  People take vacation time from work; businesses close and move to Fair; new entrepreneurial enterprises come to life.

Here in Sherman County, Kansas, the tradition of County Fair is alive and well.  We own our own carnival, so we can let our kids loose to ride carnival rides to their heart's content.  On wristband night, it is $10.00 to ride all they rides they want as many times as they want.  The people that maintain and operate all the rides and game booths are our neighbors, and their kids and grandkids are running around the fairgrounds with our kids and grandkids.  Small town culture at it's best!

The kiddie ride run by our local Rotary Club.  

The guy in the bright green shirt running the ride is Tom, the editor of our local newspaper, the Goodland Star-News.

Dean, a local banker, is running the ferris wheel.

View from the ferris wheel - Isn't the Kansas sunset beautiful!

The best dish scrubbies in the world, all handmade and only $1.25!  

I stock up every summer.

This is Connie, who makes the scrubbies.

Of course, we can't forget the 4-H pigs.  

Here they are, after a hard day's work at the swine show.

Independence Day

Every July 4th in the USA we celebrate the founding of our country with rest, relaxation, barbecue and fireworks. Have a safe and happy 4th of July!

The Sparkler by JamieShelman on Etsy

I have to keep cool!

Day after tomorrow, temperatures are predicted to be between 105 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit.  Yikes!  Here are some of my Etsy favorite ways to keep cool.  

Green Jug Cooler OldGreenCanoe $25.00	Lemonade Stand - Pi... savvymomshop $13.99	vintage style POOL ... summerroad $15.00
Vintage General Ele... AttysVintage $19.00	Arctic Wonderland w... wordybirdstudi... $83.95	Cabana--6x6 inch Or... decorating4 $38.00
Adjustable Crochet ... beliz82 $35.00	Rustic weathered re... GettingWeddy $10.00	Float Away 11x14 pr... sadlyharmless $22.00
VINTAGE Polar Cub F... jennyelkins $30.00	A Saturday in '... donnageissler $30.00	Keep Calm and Drink... KeepCalmShop $15.95
Sexy Strapless love... madoosika $49.00	Cold Shower (matted... PaydirtPhoto52 $39.95	You & Me, How Sweet... Monorail $20.00

Ten Things That Make Me Smile

1. Western Kansas Sunsets.

2. Snow, lots of snow.

3. Digging in the dirt.

4. The color green.

5. Walking in the early morning.

6. FABRIC!

7. Drinking tea in the evening with my husband.

8. Freshly brewed coffee with whipped cream on top.

9. Popcorn made the old fashioned way in a pot on the stove.

10. Garage sales and thrift shops.

What makes you smile?

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