View from the Back Seat - Rumblings from Kansas

Kansas Highway 99

2011-09-20T10:44:00.002-05:00

Regardless of the construction on Kansas Highway 4 and the inconvenience it causes many travelers from our neck of the woods, the detours are not all that difficult to traverse. My detour takes me to Kansas Highway 99 and through the beautiful Kansas Flints Hills. The pre-dawn and early morning hours are a special time, when everything is waking up. Including me!

However, driving through those curvy roads with the pale sunlight streaming through the trees is a delight. One particular curve is long and the highway snugs up a steep embankment and rocky outcropping. On the east side, the Historical Stone Fence - part of the Scenic By-Way Auto Tour of Kansas - lines the shoulder of the road. It acts as a barrier to a line of mature trees, their branches occasionally dipping over the fence. It is like driving through a natural tunnel, even though it is only about a quarter of a mile. For a brief moment you will seem isolated and a world apart from everything else. The sunshine, filtered and softened by the trees, plays over the rocks. The stone fence appears damp from the early morning dew. The green leaves of the tree seem brighter.

Suddenly you come out of the curve and at the end of the tree line and behind the stone fence is a large pasture that extends to the tree-lined Mill Creek. This year, the field is dormant and appears to be resting. On the left is the old stone "Poor Farm" of Wabaunsee County, just a stone's throw from the highway. "Poor Farm" road is immediately to the left and takes you up a small hill that over looks the old homestead. Another family lives there these days. I don't know who.

A marvelous way to begin the morning, don't you think?

Librarians do it better!

2011-09-13T20:09:00.001-05:00

Okay, catching title. I am a Librarian. Today I helped with the reading program at the library; I love the little kids. They are always so good for me and I know they love me back. The Head Librarian runs the show; I just keep them in line. All preschoolers and all just as cute as a button.

Michael Moore said something about Librarians being a bunch of subversive plotters, sitting there at their desk and smiling with a knowing smile. I don't like Michael Moore, but yeah, Librarians are a subversive bunch and I am one of them. Just a bit conservative, but subversive non-the-less!

"I really didn't realize the librarians were, you know, such a dangerous group. ... You think they're just sitting at the desk, all quiet and everything. They're like plotting the revolution, man. I wouldn't mess with them. You know, they've had their budgets cut. They're paid nothing. Books are falling apart. The libraries are just like the ass end of everything, right?"

Michael Moore
(BuzzFlash interview, 13 March 2002)

Regardless, in the afternoon I disposed of some really, really nasty books that were either withdrawn, unread, unloved, ratty, and smelled like last years socks. I did my part for the ecology - I recycle books too, so they can be made into other books. I moved at least 800 pounds of dirty, dusty, nasty tomes twice -- once into the book van and again at the recycling center.

Day One of our Great American Adventure 2011

2011-09-11T21:16:00.000-05:00

Smoky Hills (North Central Kansas)

I am sure youhave heard of the wild, Wild West. Well,we did go west on our vacation this year to Wyoming and to several of ourfavorite places. We also slipped down intoEstes Park, Colorado for a couple of days. The weather was beautiful; the scenery was breathtaking; and the companywas fine. Of course, my dear husband wasmy traveling companion over the course of our 11-day motorcycle trip, just ashe has been my traveling companion over the last 27 years.

Officially, thiswas the 12^th annual “Great American Adventure” – touring the wild,Wild West of Wyoming! The trip, whichbegan on August 27^th, 2011, was the 11^th adventure thatmy dear husband and I took with the Topeka Oz Harley Owners’ Group andsponsored by Topeka Harley Davidson. Wehad 28 participants and 18 motorcycles that ventured in little groups allacross the great states of Kansas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado. We lodged at the same motels, dined at manyof the same eating establishments, but sought different routes and toureddifferent parks and museums throughout the eleven day trek.

We left home and beautifulLake Wabaunsee at 7:30 on Friday morning, stopping briefly in Alma, Kansas atthe bank and at the post office. I had aletter to mail to a friend in Missouri and banking things to do. We then met three other couples at theMcDonalds Restaurant in Wamego. Theytraveled with us for the duration of the trip, with an addition of anothercouple later in the journey.

Most of ourtraveling was on State Highways or secondary county roads. Friday was cool and there was not a cloud inthe sky. The only thing visible in the bigblue dome was con-trails from jetliners winging toward Denver, Colorado. We rode on Highway 24 through the congestedcity of Manhattan and eventually passed through Cawker City. You know, Cawker City is the little town withthe World’s biggest ball of Sisal Twine. The ball of twine is located in "Downtown" Cawker Cityright along Wisconsin Street (Highway 24) on the south side of the highway. Accordingto http://skyways.lib.ks.us/towns/Cawker/twine.html,Frank Stoeber started the ball of twine on his farm in 1953. By 1957 it weighed 5,000 pounds, stood 8 feethigh, and had 1,175,180 feet of twine on it. Stoeber gave the ball to CawkerCity in 1961. Each year a “twine-a-thon”is held in conjunction with the annual Cawker City picnic, cook-off, andparade, so the ball never stops growing.

West of CawkerCity, we caught Highway 281to Highway 9 and went west. We turned north on 183 to Phillipsburg wherewe stopped for lunch. Little Chicken Innsits among shade trees on the west side of the highway and is cool andinviting. We joined the locals, thetruckers, and some of Ft. Riley’s finest to eat hamburgers and ice cream. At Phillipsburg, we caught Highway 36 to Oberlin,then north on Highway 83 to McCook, Nebraska where we stayed at the ChiefMotel.

I know our greatadventure didn’t start out very “wild”, but we did have a wild time up in themountains. I do apologize for theabsence of this column for the last two weeks, but I was having too muchfun! Besides, I was on the road a lot –on the back seat! Until next time, takecare and God bless you and your family. Vicky

Another beautiful day in the Flint HIlls

2011-09-10T15:04:00.000-05:00

The sun is brilliant in the blue Kansas sky. Clouds, cumulus clouds with dark underbellies, float on the light breeze this afternoon. It is in the upper 60s degrees and the grasshoppers are jumping everywhere - on the engine of the motorcycle; on the front ferring, on me - the back seater. Hint: never wear a new jacket on the back of the bike in the fall.

Yup, the sunflowers are gorgeous as well as the white yarrow and the lovely dotted gayflower clumped in the pastures. A few butterflies flit here and there. A beautiful yellow and black butterfly hoovered around my Rose of Sharon bush this morning after the rain.

It rained last night, with thunder rumbling in the distant. A beautiful sound for the dry and thirsty land. The air is so fresh and clean this day. Better than any mountain air.

Happy riding, my friends!

Sunflowers

2011-09-09T10:47:00.000-05:00

If you don't know, the Kansas State flower is the Sunflower. Have you checked the sides of the highway and roads lately? Well, in the country anyway. The bright shining faces of the wildflower are facing the sun and trace the sun's rays across the sky.

I grow sunflowers in my flower garden. I have one about 15 feet tall. It has several large seed heads now and I am sure the birds will be going after them as soon as it turns cooler and the birds' food sources become more scarce. Fall is truely here in the Kansas Flint Hills.

When my daughter was little, we used to stop along the highway under the viaduct of Interstate 70 in Topeka, Kansas and pick the sunflowers, take them home and put them in water (in a Mason Jar). While we lived in the city, I still acted like a "small town girl". I guess now, after 30 years I still have that heart. I still love sunflowers and roses. Actually, roses were imported to Kansas and they are my favorite city flower. I don't grow them.

Take a moment today while in the countryside to look at the flowers along the ditches. You might be pleasantly surprised! Take care and God bless.

Snooze Time

2011-09-08T20:51:00.002-05:00

Another sunny, wonderful day. My dad's motorcycle was in the shop getting a tune-up and battery; new wiring on the ignition. His motorcycle is an older bike - an 1990 Harley Davidson Ultra. He had over 220,000 miles on it when he had the engine rebuilt in 2010. OBTW, he is 82 years old.

He doesn't ride anymore because of his health. When I asked why he was having his bike worked a couple of weeks ago, he said it was because he wanted it to RUN. He wasn't going to have something that didn't work.

Two years ago he quit riding; two years ago he became very depressed because he couldn't "go". However, he is doing fine with his new little car. He has his own routine: breakfast with the "girls" at 8:00 o'clock; home for a little nap; lunch with his friends at the Emmett bar; home for a while and then later about 3:00, he heads to Mickey's in Rossville to visit with George Love. Old friends.

Today, my dear husband brought Dad's bike home from Topeka Harley Davidson and then spent the afternoon visiting with Dad. When I picked up my husband later in the afternoon, Dad looked 10 years younger! Happy! I know he can't ride the bike (arthritis), but it works!

OBTW, when I took my husband back to get his truck, there was so many detours around the town it took me twice as long to get out of town as it did to get there! No wonder I hate T-town. Glad I live in the Flint Hills.

Another beautiful Kansas Day

2011-09-07T10:01:00.001-05:00

It was a rush this morning. Eleven days of motorcycling through Wyoming, Montana and Colorado really took a toll on my old body. I shouldn't complain. One of our motorcycling couples who traveled with us is 82! And he took those 350 miles day in great form!

Corn harvest is in full swing in the Kaw River Valley. I passed several large trucks carrying combines and grain haulers as I drove to work on Kansas Highway 24. The farmers will be out in force this morning as soon as the morning dew is gone and the sun has dried out the fields. Many of the farmers are bailing the crops into two-ton bales for feed; others have cut for silage. This is the driest year since 1930s and I think we are in for another dry winter. Hard times for the farmers.

Three things I am thankful for:

1. My grandchildren. They are so beautiful and I pray everyday for them.

2. My father. He is 82 and still as onery as ever!

3. My dear husband as he continues to provide for our family.

Returned and Blessed

2011-09-06T11:37:00.001-05:00

Fall is fast approaching. This morning it was very cool and once again the old Kaw River was shrouded in mist and fog - like a big cotton blanket upon the dry cornfields and land surrounding the river valley.

There are three things that I am thankful for today:

1. Our home nestled in the Nemaha Mountains in the Kansas Flint Hills. We've lived here for almost 20 years;
2. Our family, even though they are not as close as we'd like our daughter and her family to be, we know they love us. We know we love their little family.
3. We are blessed by God to live in a free country. We move about our country unaccosted and welcomed by the states we visit. We have returned home after an 11 day motorcycle vacation and we are tired, but am glad to get back into the routine again.

Floating Clouds

2011-08-25T11:09:00.003-05:00

Coming out of the Kansas Flint Hills and down into the Kaw River Valley south of Wamego, Kansas on Highway 99, I drove into a thick blanket of white fog. It was 7:30 am and the temperature was a cool 63 degrees. Almost 20 degrees cooler than yesterday morning when it was 80 degrees at 6:30 (Yes, it was almost as hot as Hell yesterday.)

The fog wasn't over the river, but lay in a long heavy blanket about a mile or so south of the river. It stretched up and down the farm land parallel to the river; only about a half mile deep. The visibility was less than a quarter of a mile, but I drove on anyway. Probably too fast.

I was talking to my brother. We talk a couple times a month. He lives in Carbondale and, while we are close, we don't live very close. I got off the cell phone as my car exploded out of the white shroud into clear morning skies and crossed over the Kansas River on the Wamego bridge.

Mist rose in tiny swirls from the surface of the river. The water was warmer than the surrounding air. I think the phenomena is "triple point", but I don't think that is accurate. I do like the idea of fairies dancing ever so lightly, twirling invisibly within the rising mist. That has a more artistic bent to it!

It is another beautiful day in Kansas. On Highway 24, farmers are irrigating the soybeans in a last ditch effort to save their crops. It has been a difficult summer here; the corn crop is not even good for silage. Unless the farmers irrigated; then there is hope. A couple of friends in the Kaw River Valley are combining now, but I haven't talked to them since they started Monday.

Attack of the Hummingbird

2011-08-24T21:40:00.003-05:00

Green. That's what it was. I stood in the early morning light with a hose in my hand, messing with the water spigot. Morning is gray at 6:30 a.m. Not many people out at that time trying to water their pine tree... Of course they didn't grow the thing from a little stick. It was 80 degrees out and the humidity hung thick over the Kansas Flint Hills. It was hard to breathe.

Thunk! Something thumped my shoulder and then buzzed around my head. A gray-green blur and then a sharp little chirp, chirp. Criminitlee! A Hummingbird attack!

I ducked. Sure, I smelled sweet. I was ready for work, having dressed in my red library shirt and blue jeans. Ready for a day full of tomes and computer work in a couple of hours -- after a 60 minute drive and a cuppa. (Darn detours).

The little bugger flitted around and chirped again. It was a scold, actually, and then the hummingbird was gone.

I should know better than to wear red. It has happened before, but I prefer the encounters of the natural kind. Guess I won't wear red AND Estee' in the mornings when I water!

Ghost Town - America City, Kansas

2011-05-05T20:25:00.010-05:00

America City, Kansas School House

America City Church

My family took a trip to north Pottawatomie County on Saturday. Actually, we ventured into the very edge of Nemaha County, which is only four miles north of where my father grew up in Havensville, Kansas. We visited the location of a ghost town, America City, Kansas, located on Parallel Road that divides Pottawatomie and Nemaha County.

Kansas Highway 63 is a nice, two-lane blacktop road that starts in St. Marys, Kansas at Highway 24, and continues north to the Nebraska state line. It passes through some of the prettiest farm land in North Central Kansas as well as through and past many little towns that are historically significant to my family.

My father went with us to the location of America City, Kansas; the “Us” being my dear husband, my brother Ray, and me. After an early breakfast at Froggies in St. Marys, we drove to K-Road and 1^st (Parallel Road) and surveyed the area.

It was hard to imagine that there were 800 residents in the booming town at the turn of the 20^th century. By 1974, the only buildings remaining were the Methodist Church and the school. The Methodist Church was moved from its original location next to the highway to the current site a little north, next to the old school. In 1974, a family made their home in the school and the abandoned church was used as a garage. Now the school house is abandoned and in disrepair; the steeple is gone and lay on the ground next to the church, which is in equally sad shape. An outhouse standing behind the schoolhouse, leans precariously to one side and is in danger of falling down.

My dad’s uncle lived in America City and reared 7 children. We found the old cave that would have been behind the house. The house and foundation are gone as well as any evidence of the General Store they owned. The slight rise in the land was windswept and empty, except for the cave that at one time provided cool storage for food and a place of shelter during the sometimes fierce Kansas storms.

We found America City Cemetery a little further north and west of K-63. It is located on a gentle rolling hill away from the highway. Meadowlarks sang their lonely songs on that windy afternoon as my brother and I traipsed through the ancient markers. I photographed several headstones of relatives who died many, many years ago. Relatives, who came to the America City area as homesteaders, reared their families and then passed from earthly existence. The cemetery is the last visible remnant of many Kansas ghost towns. No one is going to leave.

Last week.... A Late Posting.

2010-10-17T14:08:00.002-05:00

Wow! The weekend has flown by and it is now Sunday evening as I pen this missive. It will be the start of another work day in less than 12 hours, unless of course you are retired (which I am definitely not).

My dear husband and I attended a wedding Sunday afternoon in which he officiated the ceremony. Our relationship with the groom’s family is long standing. I have been a friend of the groom’s sister for over 30 years and my dear sweet husband officiated at several weddings and a few funerals over those three decades. It is surprising how large the circle of friends has become and how intertwined the relationships. In fact, we met several people from Wabaunsee County who are friends of the bride!

Ronnie Berquist and his lovely fiancée, Judy, were married Sunday afternoon, October 10, 2010 in a ceremony at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge in Topeka, Kansas. I think the date will be easy to remember: 10-10-10. Ronnie won’t forget their anniversary! Ronnie’s son, Dusty, was married last month to his fiancée; his other son, Brian, will be married next spring to Kim, the daughter of another friend! Additionally, Ronnie’s nephew Alex will marry his fiancée in the spring. I think there was collaboration on the engagements! A nice article and photograph appeared in the Topeka Capital-Journal on Sunday, September 5, 2010.

We had several good laughs about my dear husband “marrying” somebody. My friend reintroduced my husband to Kim as “Hal married your brother”. Kim got a quizzical look on her face until my dear husband clarified that he performed the ceremony and was actually married to me!

After the wedding and the wedding supper, we said our goodbyes to the newlyweds and our friends. On the way home we drove through the neighborhood where we used to live near Lake Shawnee. Over 16 years ago, it was a newly developed subdivision. The four trees we planted in our yard had grown tall and graceful, shading the lot. The locust tree, which my dad had saved by pruning out the dead top when it was about two years old, stood majestically next to the street. The huge flower bed that my dear husband built for me from decorative timbers is full of mature plants and shrubbery. Our split-level ranch house was built with a brick-edge on the front. The new owners added a red brick finish and covered the siding with vinyl of the same color as we had originally painted it. We had some good memories there, rearing our daughter and starting our marriage. It was a pleasure to see it mature along with the neighborhood.

We were surprised later, as we stood in line to check out at the local hardware store. The gentleman who lived next door to us in the old neighborhood was in line behind us and we struck up a “catching up” conversation. A nice way to end the day!

Until next time, we hope your memories are as pleasant as ours have been. Take care and God bless y’all. Vicky

2010-09-26T21:07:00.002-05:00

View from the Back Seat

Sometimes it seems that a ten-day motorcycle trip is not long enough when you want to see and do everything on the way to wherever you are going. Our ultimate goal this year was two-fold: tour Upper Michigan and visit the Mackinac Island and take a ferry ride across Lake Michigan from Ludington, Michigan to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, home of Harley Davidson Motorcycles! Since we haven’t been to Milwaukee, it was highly anticipated.

Although we had a slow start on the first day of our vacation, we arrived at our hotel in Waterloo, Iowa around 5:00 PM. It had been a very warm day, but the ride through the heart of corn country was beautiful. Rows of corn covered the countryside; the only change in scenery was the change in crops – soybeans!

Later that evening after everyone had unpacked and freshened up, we walked across the hotel’s parking lot to the Highway 63 Diner. Twenty eight people from Colorado, Kansas and Nebraska who had ties with Topeka Harley Davidson ate dinner together and then celebrated the birthdays of two people on the trip. With the appropriate group sing of “Happy Birthday”, the honorees indulged in chocolate cake (with candles).

In the last twelve years, this year was the first time anyone had an accident on the Great American Adventure sponsored by Topeka Harley Davidson. Every motorcyclist shudders when they hear that word. Early Saturday morning, three couples from Topeka were on their motorcycles traveling on Interstate 70. Just east of Cameron, Missouri, the rear tire of one of the bikes had a blow out. The rider was able to pull the bike onto the shoulder of the highway. They had slowed down to 15 miles an hour when the bike flipped, tossing the riders into the ditch. Both were shaken up badly, bruised and scraped up a little, but the passenger (wife) broke two bones in her hand. The ambulance arrived an hour later and took them to a hospital in Liberty, Missouri where she had emergency surgery. The other couples stayed with them and then returned to Topeka later that evening.

We shared the news with the remaining twenty eight motorcyclists that evening. It was a solemn reminder that “There, but for the grace of God, go I” (John Bradford, 15^th century martyr). Until next time, may God bless you and your family during this beautiful fall season. Vicky

Great American Adventure XII -2010

2010-09-13T17:20:00.002-05:00

My dear husband and I returned from our annual motorcycle ride with the Oz Harley Owners Group (OZ HOGS) of Topeka, Kansas on Labor Day, September 6, 2010. It was a ten-day journey to Upper Michigan that had perfectly warm weather for riding motorcycles in the Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan areas. Actually, the temperatures stayed around the upper 80s and lower 90s for the majority of our 2,700 mile adventure. We were sprinkled on a little bit somewhere in Michigan and it stopped right after we put on our rain suits. Twenty eight friends/members of OZ HOGs traveled with us, leaving at their own time, riding in small groups and choosing their own routes. However, we stayed at the same hotels and frequently shared meals together. It was a wonderful experience, but after our trip I was ready to settle on the couch for a long sit-down after we returned home on Monday afternoon.

We left behind beautiful Lake Wabaunsee and the Kansas Flint Hills on Friday afternoon, August 27, and stayed the night with our friends in Falls City, Nebraska. The plan was to get up quite early, 5:00 a.m., have a relaxed breakfast and leave at 6:30 to meet another couple in Hiawatha who would ride with us. The bikes were all packed and the gas tanks were full. All we had to do was dress, eat and get down the road.

It was a beautiful, quiet morning as we buttoned up the house and locked the doors. Even the best laid plans go awry. The battery on our friends’ motorcycle would not turn the engine over. It was stone cold dead! So, at 6:30 a.m. on the quiet cobblestone streets of sleepy Falls City, three grown adults pushed a big Screaming Eagle Harley, its rider and ten days of travel gear. We hoped to push-start the bike. After several attempts and three blocks later, the bike wouldn’t start and we were exhausted. The two men resigned themselves to jumping the bike from the truck. Success! We were on our way! At least to Joplin, Missouri where the Harley Davidson Dealership put in a new battery and did a little adjustment to the rear brakes on our friends’ bike.

We had a great morning riding the back roads to Joplin. The blacktop curved through miles and miles of farmland filled with corn that would be ready for harvest about the time we returned to the state. Our friend took a short cut, - no time for joy riding! – and we met them at the dealership. The people there were great, loaning us their new custom HD truck so we could go to breakfast. We found a Cracker Barrel and dined in style and then returned to the shop. It was noon when we left Joplin, Missouri, but it was a fine day for a ride to Iowa!

While our trip got off to a slow start, it was a wonderful time! Unfortunately, I missed the newspaper deadline for submitting the article last week as we were on a 426 mile detour to Indiana. I will tell you more about that later, but wish to thank you for your patience! Until next time, take care and God bless you and your family! Vicky

Spring 2010

2010-04-23T20:27:00.018-05:00

It rained all day yesterday and the many of the creeks of Wabaunsee County are so full that they are overflowing. The creeks are running deep and muddy from the run off in the Flint Hills. The water of Mill Creek and its tributaries tumble violently toward the Kansas River, which will then empty into the Big Mo (Missouri) at the far eastern border. The never ending flow yearns for the mighty depths of the Mississippi and will deposit the good black soil it churned up from the topsoil of Kansas onto the Delta. Good things grow there because of the earth washed away by the rain in Kansas.

When I crossed the Kansas River bridge this morning at Maple Hill, the river was fast and violent. Huge bloated bodies of long dead trees floated awkwardly down the river, dragging and jerking across the submerged sandbars, bumping along in the raging waters like blind men. Imagine the amount of water it takes to move those monstrous trees.

I am sitting near an open window tonight. The evening air is cool, lightly floating across the warmth of our living room; the outside sounds mix with the soft electronic pulses from our television. It is dark and the sun has set. At 8:30 PM, the house is starting to cool. Our cats are perched on the back of the sofa, snuffling at the fragrant coolness filtering through the screens.

The birds are singing evening songs to each other. Soon they will fall silent and tuck their heads under their wings until dawn and then the night sounds will start: coyotes will yip and talk to each other across the valley; dogs will bark for their masters; cats will prowl and visit at the window, growling at our curious kitties in the windows.

The Count of Monte Cristo

2010-03-04T12:51:00.003-06:00

I repair books at the PWRL, in St. Marys Kansas.

Today I repaired the Count of Monte Cristo. A quote from the book by Alexandre Dumas, from the closing quote of the main character, Edmond, when Jacopo shook his hand and tearfully asked, "Will we ever meet again?"

"My friend," said Edmond, "only God knows what the future will bring. And until He decides to reveal that future to man, man must simply wait and hope...as I did for so many years...wait and hope."

Therefore, my beloved friends, wait on God and hope for the future. All will work out as God has planned, whether we know the plan or not.

Have a wonderful day!

Eagle Days at Lake Wabaunsee!

2010-01-30T13:56:00.015-06:00

Through the trees this morning, we saw an immature bald eagle hunting on the ice at beautiful Lake Wabaunsee! It was cloudy today, with ice on the lake with plenty of open water as well!

Roosting in a group of trees, we saw three mature bald eagles; on the ground, another immature eagle and on the ice, two more immature eagles. A pair of eagles raised their young at Lake Wabaunsee last summer...

Early this afternoon, the two adults were feeding on their catch, sitting on the ice at the lake; still hunting in the open water on this chilly afternoon.

Note! If you click on the pictures, you can see the full size photographs are much more clear than what you see here!

A Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-22T21:00:00.002-06:00

Thursday morning in bathrobe and slippers, I will watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade with my dear husband and our daughter and son-in-law, sip hot tea and laugh at the errant balloons as they course down the streets of New York City in their famous blustery wintery weather. Later, we will eat dinner, inviting an older single adult who is home alone during the holiday to join us, and then when the afternoon wanes, watch some football or perhaps try to find “The Miracle on 34th Street” – only the original version with Natalie Woods will do. After it is dark, Terra Haute has a little park nearby that will light up with traditional and modern Christmas light displays. We hope to be there when the switch is flipped.

This year I have heard more about an “Attitude of Gratitude”. It is tough times for people and families, but there is a glimmer of promise in keeping a cheerful heart and a smile on one’s face. Perhaps it is a time to count blessings: those little miracles that come in the form of a friendly waved or a small courtesy by a stranger who lets you go before them in the check–out line at your local grocer; a surprise gift of friendship, just a telephone call away or a knock on a forgotten door. Perhaps it is a hug from a stranger.

On our motorcycle ride through New Mexico, we looped down past Shiprock and rode Red Rock Indian Highway 13 toward our destination of Chinle, Arizona and the Canyon De Chelly National Monument. Just over the border in Arizona is the Red Rock Trading Post. It was hot and dusty, typical day in the desert Southwest and our group of eight motorcycles pulled in and parked along the front of a low, plain log building with a covered front porch. Most of the bikers converged upon the air conditioned premises, others sat on wood benches on the porch; I prowled the edge of the parking lot next to the highway, trying to get photographs of the strange and beautiful landscape.

An older Navajo woman got into her car with a young boy and then abruptly she got out. She approached me and we struck up a conversation about her daughter and her daughter’s love of motorcycles. Her son-in-law had been killed in Iraq and they had ridden a bike together. Now, her daughter rides alone on her own bike and she was going down to Durango to have his imprint (picture) put on the front of her bike. For the last two years, her daughter (who has two sons – one in 4th grade and one, a freshman) rides in the “Run for the Wall” event to Washington D. C. She also told me that she helps her daughter with several event motorcycle rides throughout the year. The woman was on her way to work in Farmington, New Mexico and had a long drive with her little grandson, but before we parted, she opened her arms wide and gave me a great big hug!

My dear husband and I hope that you and your family will have a wonderful, thankful holiday this Thanksgiving. By the way, the Run for the Wall Mission Statement is to promote healing among ALL veterans and their families and friends, to call for an accounting of all Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action (POW/MIA), to honor the memory of those Killed in Action (KIA) from all wars, and to support our military personnel all over the world. Check it out at http://www.rftw.org/. They ride right through Wabaunsee County on Interstate 70 every year! Take care and God bless you and your loved ones! Vicky

This week...

2009-11-09T17:05:00.000-06:00

Last summer, our Great Adventure XI – or the Great American Adventure for Vicky and Hal - half the fun was all the wonderful places we visited or saw along the way to our destination and, I must say, trying some of the unusual fare at many delightful restaurants. We know all the good places to eat, even if we’ve never been there before. I call it eating your way across America; I gained a few pounds on vacation this year. Fortunately, a little dieting when we returned home fixed that problem. And I still like pie and ice cream; especially pumpkin pie and vanilla ice cream, a Thanksgiving Holiday favorite.

Every Thanksgiving Holiday is closely associated with food and family. I prefer not to cook such gigantic meals as our lives wane. As we get older, I prefer doing anything else other than cooking. The company of friends and family has become more important than preparing mass quantities of food that is consumed in 30 minutes or less (i.e. Coneheads). Although I have tried several alternatives, our family traditions still remain intact over the years. My daughter prepares basically the same foods for her family that I prepared for past holidays, which is similar to what my mother prepared and my grandmothers prepared.

I have experimented with alternative fare. One year, in 1989, we had Chinese Stir-Fry. It just did not go over very well. Another year, our family ate at one of the finer buffets offered in Topeka, but we were disappointed because we had no leftovers to piece on during the evening. (And no pumpkin pie and vanilla ice cream, either.) That particular dining experience left my dear husband with gastrointestinal distress for two days. He said they were “Bad Yams”. And they were bad yams!

It’s not about food; it is about family and the reason we are here. Our lives are but a breath in time and we should surround ourselves with good memories of family and friends. Sometimes we don’t have the family or friends, but it is possible to be thankful for the gifts that God has given us: a great country, a freedom that no other group of individuals enjoy (A BIG thank you to our Veterans and Troops); plenty of food (even if we don’t have much, we have more than any other nation of peoples); a freedom of choice in what we believe and that we can move about, via motorcycle if we choose, whenever and wherever we wish. My wish to you this Thanksgiving Season is that you are surrounded by your loved ones (or friends) and that you are truly blessed by the maker of all. Happy Thanksgiving (even if it is a little early). Vicky

Eskridge Fall Festival Time!

2009-11-02T17:03:00.002-06:00

It was Fall Festival time in Eskridge, Kansas, on Saturday, October 31, 2009, and at 7:30 in the morning, we had to drive “around” Eskridge on our way to Topeka. The Eskridge City Fathers barricaded the street in the downtown area which allowed pedestrians to meander safely among the food stands, craft stalls, and baked-goods tables that lined both sides of main street (Kansas Highway 4). I always thought that was a good idea and it posed only a minimal inconvenience for motorists.

My dear husband and I were not able to attend the Children’s Costume Parade that was in the morning. I understand that the event was well attended and Paul Langley was a delight to the audience. My dear husband and I both had prior engagements, but we returned early in the afternoon to wander through the maze of vendors, visiting friends, admiring the unique costumes of the children and snacking on some our favorite “fair” foods.

Precisely at 2:00 PM, 1st grader Master Coursen sang the National Anthem to officially open the Fall Festival Parade. He was quite exceptional, singing the entire anthem from memory. Then students from the Mission Valley High School performed the duty of Color Guard, marching in front of their police escort (lights on!) through downtown Eskridge followed a two-team, draft horse-drawn wagon carrying Parade Marshall Otis Menfee along with members of his family. Following the wagon were floats representing the Women’s Methodist Union and from several businesses including the “Library Van” decorated by the Pottawatomie/Wabaunsee Regional Library Staff (“starring” several new books). The noisy Fire Engine (sirens on!) was driven by a Volunteer Fireman and, of course, Mayor Cory Lowe driving the Eskridge Lumber “Wagon”.

My dear husband watched as I dashed about grabbing candy thrown during the parade. Later, I played with our neighbor’s new chocolate lab puppy while the young owner raced for the sweet treats along with many other school-aged children. The day was a perfect for watching a parade while eating funnel cake; the temperature was around 72 degrees with the sun shining brightly on the festivities.

In just two, short weeks, the Gateway to the Flint Hills Coalition Pride Boosters sponsors the Wabaunsee County’s 11th Annual Veterans Day Salute in Eskridge on Wednesday, November 11, 2009. The schedule of events begins at 8:30 AM and culminates with a lunch at the Eskridge PRIDE Community Center. Look for the brochures around local businesses! And say “Thank You for Serving” to a veteran this year. As always, God bless you and your family. Vicky

2009-10-11T16:56:00.001-05:00

I have many good memories of Dodge City, Kansas including the time my parents took my brother and me to a State High School Basketball Tournament one spring. We camped at the KOA, went to the games, and one night my brother and I along with some friends saw a new Vincent Price horror movie at the local theater while our parents went out.

Later, my husband and I stayed in Dodge on our way to points west and southwest on several of many Great American Adventures. We always found time to do the tourist-thing, visit Boot Hill, the Long Branch Saloon, and the museums; even discovering some great restaurants with our motorcycle friends and it was no different this year when we stayed at Dodge on the first night of our trip to New Mexico and Arizona.

It was hot and day, a typical western Kansas summer day. My friend and I walked downtown, then decided it was too warm to venture too far and returned to the hotel. The restaurant was within walking distance and my dear husband and I had an enjoyable evening dining with several other couples in our group.

Early the next morning, we left our hotel and Dodge City, riding the short distance to the Santa Fe Trail marker just west of town. The prairie was just waking up under the warming rays of the morning sun. A light wind stirred the short grasses that flowed over the horizon to meet the pale blue sky; sunflowers dotted the rolling swell of grass, punctuating the view with bright yellow splashes in the early light. Grasshoppers buzzed, flying away in front of us as we left the boardwalk and tramped through the short prairie grass leaving moisture from the light dew on the toes of our riding boots. The air was fresh, cool and carried the tunes of a few early song birds. I couldn’t imagine walking these prairies day after day, following a wagon trail west from sun up to sun down. However, this morning, the silence was deafening. It could be so lonely here, but peaceful for those who travel the fast lane – like the cars that whizzed by on Highway 50 just a short quarter mile away.

For a brief moment we were caught up in the peaceful sounds of an empty Santa Fe Trail, imagining what it would be like to walk the lonesome prairie, headed for a new life. Then in another moment, we were back on the fast track with all the rest of the highway traffic headed toward our next destination of La Junta, Colorado. Until next time, enjoy the solitude of the open prairie whenever you can; it is fast disappearing along with the peaceful, slower times of yesteryear. God bless you and your family. Vicky

Yikes the rain!

2009-09-09T20:30:00.007-05:00

Rain it did, a total of 4 inches of the wet stuff pouring down beginning at sunset and all night long. Sigh, the little Lake Wabaunsee was full of water and now, when I drove over the Maple Hill Creek, it was roaring near flood stage: a mini-mighty muddy Mississippi.

Now, this little photograph was taken of Mill Creek after a beautiful ice storm in January 2008.

It was a busy day starting at 6 AM and I didn't get home until 7:00 PM. I think I drove over 150 miles for the PWRL Library from St. Marys, to Wamego, then Alma, and Alta Vista Mini Library. I visited with Doris M. who has been fill-in librarian; she is retired and such a sweetie. Then, I raced over to Eskridge to meet Shirley P. where she picked up the Harveyville Mini Library stuff from me... After working until 5, I drove the mini-van back to SM and got my car. Whew, what a day.

I watched an old movie, a nice movie, with Robert Montgomery, "Here Comes Mr. Jordan". He played Joe Pendleton a boxer who died before his time. I loved it; it was wonderful.

Returning from the Great Adventure

2009-09-08T21:30:00.010-05:00

Wonderful weather followed us on our travels to the Great Southwest. We had a fabulous time and on the last day, we rode 390 miles from Perrington, Texas to home, stopping in Alma before we actually got home. Darn Kansas Wind, why do we have to go through Western Kansas to get to the good places? The wind blew hard all day long, cross wise, against us.

And you know what greeted us? My two lovely, very spoiled cats had a big party while we were gone. Yep, they invited their friends over and trashed the house. Little bitty pieces of blue gritty litter was tracked all through the hallway in the utility room and the back hallway. The rug that covers the threshold of the entry way to the utility room was flung across the hall and folded up against the back door, covered with grit. Pieces of litter were tracked into the back bedroom (at least it wasn't on the bed) and throughout the kitchen. Kitty food was at a premium... they would have starved if we were a day later. They have a two quart automatic feeder. That was almost empty as well as the second one-quart bowl next to the litter box. AND the water bowl was messy and looked like one of the partiers washed their little paws in it.

So, for an hour I cleaned and vacuumed and washed, then refilled the water bowl and cat food bowl all the while each kitty whined and cried. Then, at 8:30 PM, bedtime they both snuggled up and slept by my side, promising they would never invite those bad cats again.

2009-08-08T22:04:00.002-05:00

How Mr. Obama trains up anarchists: click here: check this out

2009-07-24T19:03:00.002-05:00

Okay, so it's not how you get a deer home in Kansas, BUT I do know how to cook them now (after properly dressed and fresh frozen). Mmmmm... butterfly steaks simmered slowly in apple juice, then topped with sauted onions, spices - thyme, basil, and rosemary leaves - then with a spaghetti sauce. Served with spaghetti noodles and Parmesan cheese. Tender, tasty, and low fat.

2009-07-24T18:59:00.001-05:00

Hmmm, this is a delightful little group! This is from artist Tasha Tuder, she was a lovely watercolor artist who did the lovely work in the Secret Garden and The doll house. Lovely little books to read.

2009-07-06T20:31:00.002-05:00

Independence Day is in the past. The flurry of activities beginning early Friday morning through late, late Saturday night left many of us exhausted, sunburned and weary. Lots of clean up and lots of leftover food and lots of paper were shuttled into the trash barrel.

My dear husband and I enjoyed the visit of our daughter and her husband over the weekend. We celebrated my father’s 80^th birthday with a family dinner at Silver Lake Restaurant; attended the 4^th of July picnic in Eskridge, Kansas on Saturday; did a little geocaching at the Eskridge Cemetery; found a little dog named Pugsley and was instrumental in getting him back to his mistress; sorted through baby things (no I am not a grandmother); watched a fantastic fireworks display at Lake Wabaunsee; and stayed up to 1:00 A.M. listening to our neighborhood revelers’ fireworks! Needless to say, Sunday was as busy, but the evening was pleasant enough for a motorcycle ride over to Alma.

We did take a leisurely ride around the perimeter road of the lake early Saturday evening. Cars were everywhere; motorcycles were everywhere; and the golf carts monopolized the roadway and the smell of gunpowder filled the air! Additionally, our little neighbor (named Ray), who came by our house on his big-wheels trike, said that the cops were giving tickets to a lot of people. Sure enough, the Sherriff’s Patrol was on duty, watching for speeders and golf cart violators. Yep, the most traffic at the lake and on the lake that I’ve seen in quite a while.

But it was fun! I hope your holiday was fantastic and safe. Until next time, take care and God bless you and your family! Vicky

A Sunday Ride

2009-06-24T09:14:00.003-05:00

Each Sunday we try to take a least one little short ride through the Kansas Flint Hills. A couple of weeks ago, we took a longer route through Wabaunsee and Osage County, when it was a tad cooler. Today it is 100 degrees plus, but my dear husband rides anyway. He says he is the only one in "the big city" east of us that wears a long sleeve white shirt. There is a reason for that... no sunburn.

My dad has been riding for over 50 some years. I remember riding with him at the age of 5 years old. On the 6th of July, he will turn 80 years young and yes, he is still riding every day. We eat breakfast together about three or four times a week. I with my iced tea and him with his coffee buddies telling stories and kidding around. My dad proudly rides around 50 to 100 miles every day. One of the local bikers call him "The Million Mile Man". Sure is; his 1990 Harley has over 225,000 miles on it and just this past winter he finally had a new engine put in it; had it rewired and he says it runs like a top. Gotta love those mechanics at Topeka HD!

Although my husband's bike only has 125,000 miles on it (it is a 1999 HD), we keep on plugging the mileage. He will turn 60 years old this fall - while we are on our trip with the OZ HOGS to points south and west, then south and west....

2009-05-31T15:29:00.001-05:00

After a several month hiatus, I am trying to seriously keep up my blog. A little bit about riding (motorcycles), a little bit about writing about the Kansas Flint Hills, and a little bit about gardening and activities of our household. How boring can it get? Not, too boring...

This is a picture taken from our yard. Each spring we have a pair of oriels returning to hatch a new group of babies. While robins sustain the hazards of Whitey the cat, these lovely creatures stay in the trees.

Enjoy!

2008-12-24T15:28:00.000-06:00

2008-12-22T21:21:00.001-06:00

'Twas the night before Christmas, And not until Spring
Would a motor be running, not even a Wing.

The bikes are all sleeping, they're covered and warm,
Batteries are tended, nylon covers their form.

My Bros were all nestled down snug in their beds,
While visions of new chrome danced in their heads.

And I in my do-rag, bike jacket and boots
Out shoveling snow, and dreaming of scoots.

Then from the horizon there came such a clatter
My shovel I dropped, what could be the matter?

Away up the hill, I slogged through the snow
Looked up at the sky; where'd all that noise go?

Then a throb from the heavens, like straight pipes so hearty
Gave Summers' good thoughts, a loud bikers' party.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear
But a Hog Ultra Classic, Red trailer in rear!
I thought it was Rahlow til' he grabbed another gear.

With a little old rider, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

More rapid than a V-Rod his Ultra came on,
And he whistled, and shouted, and sang out this song;

"Now, Springer! Now, Dyna! On Ultra and Softail!
Now Sporty! Now Rigid ! On RoadKing and Glide!

To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now RIDE away! RIDE away! RIDE away all!"

As small bikes that from the semis do fly,
When they meet with the air blast, mount to the sky,

So up to the house-top that Ultra it flew
With a trailer of goodies, and ole' St. Nick too

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The rumble and thunder of pipes that gave proof.

I ran in the house, boots thumping around,
And in came St. Nick all bearded and round

Dressed all in black leather, from do-rag to boot
His chaps were all tarnished with road grime and soot;

A T-bag of goodies he'd flung on his back
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack

Dressed all in black leather, from do-rag to boot
His chaps were all tarnished with road grime and soot;

A T-bag of goodies he'd flung on his back
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack

His shades -- how they twinkled! his do-rag how scary!
With chains intertwined, through skulls that were cherry!

His droll little mouth had done many a row,
So the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to my ride
And fixed it with Chrome, Horsepower and Pride

And giving the peace sign with bikers' good cheer
Strode off to his Ultra rumbling near

He sprang on the saddle, his gloves on the bars
A wheelie he threw; then off towards the stars

I heard him exclaim, as my chest swelled with pride,
"MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD RIDE!"

He's back!!!!!

2008-12-03T11:11:00.002-06:00

I was sitting at the computer this morning and looked out the window. Above, high above the trees and out toward the Lake soared a Bald Eagle. It is the first one I've seen this year. He's back! Last year he would perch near our driveway and watch the lake for birds/fish. Well, this morning, I ran and got the camera. Well, he was too far away, but I did take a picture! If you look real hard, you can see the white of his head and a bit of white on his tail feathers. Otherwise, it is a bit dark. Wonderful! Have a great day!

View from the Back Seat

2008-12-01T20:33:00.000-06:00

View from the Back Seat

December 1st. It doesn’t seem like another year has almost escaped me. Where has it gone and what have I done with this year? There are a little more than 30 days left in 2008 and fewer still before Christmas.

On Sunday morning my dear husband and I awoke to a snow-covered panorama. The three darling Christmas Trees and row of Candy Canes my daughter and son-in-law placed in their front yard twinkled gaily in the gray morning light, reflecting brightly on the snow covered yard. The sky was gloomy and overcast as the snow slowly drifted down, coating everything with powdery white stuff.

It was 6:00 o’clock in the morning in the town of Terre Haute, Indiana and we were up early to pack our car and say our goodbyes. The fragrant smell of cinnamon oatmeal and toast drifted through the quiet house. We padded to the kitchen and picked our way through breakfast, chatting merrily about the mounds of leftovers tucked away in the refrigerator, another Thanksgiving slipping into the family history book. Kisses all around, a family hug, and then we were driving on Interstate 70 toward home.

So were about 60,000 other travelers! About 30,000 were traveling west on Interstate 70; the other 30,000 were traveling east. Our two lanes of the interstate looked like the parking lot of Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The only difference, most of the cars were moving about 75 miles an hour. Traffic was heavy and everyone was heading home to Kansas, or thereabouts.

With every hello, there is a goodbye and farewell; a coming and a going; a time for joy and a time for a little sorrow. We will miss the shopping with my daughter and son-in-law on “Black Friday”. I can truly say that they personally boosted the sagging economy on their own, because they bought a new car!

As the end of the year draws to a close, each of us has a some time left to reflect on the things we did, or in some cases, didn’t do. But, by God’s glorious grace, we can make use of the time we have left before we mark the beginning of another year! Right now, I am making my end-of-the-year “bucket” list and will get it done. Until next time, take care and God bless. Vicky

Many Happy Returns

2008-11-29T14:41:00.002-06:00

Merry Christmas! Happy Thanksgiving. How many days to Christmas, I don't know, but if the traffic and the shopping malls are any indication that Christmas will be a prosperous one, well, it's gonna be Merry!

We visited with my daughter and son-in-law this weekend and my daughter and I went shopping on BLACK Friday. It wasn't so bad, but the most fun was shopping at the Dollar Tree in Terre Haute, Indiana. Everything was a dollar and I knew exactly how much it was going to cost before I went to the cash register. I got five things and with 7 percent tax. You know, I always wonder what the tax money goes for. I don't think there should be tax on food and drugs. I really don't. However, other consumer goods, a tax would be good.

I am wondering if the new president-elect will have in mind for taxes, or better, tax relief. While I believe we should pay our fair share, I do think that the American tax payers are overburdened and overtaxed. My gosh, I have to work six months as it is to pay taxes. If there are any more entitlements and programs, I might as well quit work and collect unemployment. NOT.

2008-11-24T20:21:00.002-06:00

Okay, so I haven't blogged for a while. So here is the latest edition of the "View from the Back Seat"...

View from the Back Seat

Hopefully, by the time you read this you will have had a festive and Happy Thanksgiving! My dear husband and I chased the proverbial turkey down the road to Terre Haute, Indiana and ate our share of traditional, domesticated butter-filled bird and home-made cranberry sauce, a specialty of my daughter’s (her mother-in-law’s recipe). I am partial to the canned, jellied cranberry that shakes and jiggles when it comes out of the can. On Thanksgiving Day, my Grandmother Muriel assigned to me the chore of opening that can, getting the jelly to slide out in a perfect cylindrical shape and then cutting it into thick slices to arrange in a jelly dish. Mmmm… Add miniature sweet pickles, stalks of celery slices filled with pimento cheese spread, and banana slices slathered with Miracle Whip and sprinkled with chopped peanuts; these items rarely made it to the Shove dining room table without fingers grabbing a few samples before mealtime.

Even before the “Big Turkey Day”, we have eaten our share of the tasty bird. My father invited us to the St. Marys Harvest Home dinner a couple of weeks ago and we enjoyed turkey with all the trimmings and pumpkin pie. Then, last Sunday, my dear husband attended the Community Thanksgiving Dinner at the Methodist Church in Eskridge, Kansas. It had been my plan to attend, having made a dessert. However, I woke up with a sore throat and fever and remained under the covers until well past noontime.

According to my dear husband, seventy-five people filled the basement of the Methodist Church on Sunday, November 23, 2008 and included members from the Methodist, Presbyterian, and Baptist Churches of Eskridge. Turkey, hams and five different varieties of stuffing along with an array of vegetable casseroles and breads were the mainstays of the meal. Three tables filled with desserts to delight even the most discriminating tastes included pumpkin, apple and cherry pies; cheesecakes; fresh baked cookies; five cakes; and one dump-cake (mine). I asked my dear husband what dessert he had; his response was “Dump-cake, of course!”. (I think he likes my cooking.)

Every year, I recall the time (many years ago) when I asked a co-worker what she was having for Thanksgiving dinner. “Hamburgers”, she said, “and then we watch television. Nothing special.” It made me think how we automatically assume that everyone celebrates Thanksgiving Day with an overabundance of food or shares the holiday with family. Sometimes we get so caught up in our own plans that we forget others may not be able to afford the extra food or have family traditions that provide a sense of belonging. I hope you included a neighbor or an elder in your celebration, whatever it might be, just as the Methodist Church opened its doors to Eskridge (and us Baptists!) and the surrounding community. As for my daughter, she sets an extra place each year at the Thanksgiving table for Janet, an elderly neighbor lady whose family lives in another state. And we enjoy her friendship, too!

Until next time, take care and God bless. Vicky

Quilter's joke

2008-08-01T21:34:00.004-05:00

This is a quilt that I am working on. I am about done, but it is sooooo hot outside that I wonder if I should wait until cooler weather...

Here is a funny joke someone (Zeke) sent to me today:

Sunday after church, a mom asked her very young daughter what the lesson was about The daughter answered, "Don't be scared, you'll get your quilt." Needless to say, the mom was perplexed. Later in the day, the pastor stopped by for tea and the mom asked him what that morning's Sunday school lesson was about. He said "Be not afraid, thy comforter is coming."

View from the Back Seat 07/03/08

2008-06-30T21:31:00.004-05:00

Summer is in full swing at beautiful Lake Wabaunsee. Last Saturday, the lake was jumpin’ with Jet Skis and speed boaters pulling tubers. Tubers are those youthful daredevils who hang onto inflatable devices while being thrown around behind a power boat going at breakneck speeds. I have done that once and once was enough for me! I was much younger at the time. However, watching my dear husband do cartwheels across the water after being propelled from a tube was even more thrilling! He was much younger as well, but it was not exciting for him!

At the lake, the entire week prior to July 4th has been busy with campers and swimmers, boaters and skiers. My dear husband and I have friends from Nebraska who will be spending the weekend with us and we will take in some of the local parades and festivities, as well as the traditional Fourth of July Fireworks display Friday evening at Lake Wabaunsee. Of course, there will be the boat parade earlier in the evening and I am sure we will have our giant water guns readied for the passersby as we watch from our dock. Tradition requires that one must be well armed with propelled water devices (such as water balloons) or huge 30-foot shot water guns. But most of all, during the day we will be touring on our motorcycles with our friends through beautiful Flint Hills.

Whatever your activities may be on “Independence Day”, please remember the intent of this most revered holiday celebration. According to About.com, Independence Day is celebrated on July 4 because that is the day when the Continental Congress adopted the final draft of the Declaration of Independence. From July 8, 1776, until the next month, the document was read publicly and people celebrated whenever they heard it. The next year, in Philadelphia, bells rang and ships fired guns, candles and firecrackers were lighted. But the War of Independence dragged on until 1783, and in that year, Independence Day was made an official holiday. 1941 Congress declared 4th of July a federal holiday.

John Adams, a lawyer, the first Vice President and the Second President of the United States, was one of the members of the Second Continental Congress who signed the Declaration of Independence. He wrote to his wife, "I believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival... it ought to be celebrated by pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations from one end of this continent to the other..." And so we shall, Mr. President, so we shall.

Take care and may God bless you and your family during this Independence Day Celebration! And God bless America! Vicky

The photograph above was taken as we cruised the Mississippi on a tug boat in June 2006. There was a stiff wind and of course, Old Glory was flappin' in the breeze! Hooray for the Red, White and Blue!

Seven Layer Salad

2008-06-28T20:35:00.015-05:00

This you can do the night before! You will need an oblong, glass dish.

Ingredients include
1 bag of lettuce,
1 chopped tomato (use those little cherry tomatoes cut in half. So much neater!)
2 to 4 chopped green onions
1 grated carrot (I chopped a bunch of those little mini-carrots. works as well)
1 package of frozen peas (use a good name brand as they are usually smaller and sweeter than off-brand)
1 bottle of bacon bits
1 small jar of light Miracle Whip - not the fat free, okay?
1/4 cup sugar; about 1/4 cup milk
Finely grated cheese.

Layer in the oblong glass pan in order. Mix 2 to 3 cups light Miracle Whip with 1/4 cup sugar and add the milk to thin it. cover the salad and then top with grated cheese. I used Kraft finely grated Monterrey jack and cheddar cheese.

The key to this great salad is to refrigerate overnight for the flavors to blend. I use Reynold's Clear Plastic Wrap. It is sticky enough to make a seal. Hint: lay a few baby carrots on top of the salad to hold the plastic away from the dressing/cheese mix.

Sunday menu: BBQ Sandwiches; Seven-layer Salad; chips and iced tea.

Raisin Sheet Cookies - A Bakin' Mama!

2008-06-24T20:47:00.006-05:00

Oh, yeah. Raisin Sheet Cookies. Mmmm... So I baked and here they are. The recipe follows:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees

Spray cookie sheet with Pam.

Ingredients:

1 cup seedless raisins

1 cup water

1 tsp. soda

1/2 cup Crisco

1/4 tsp. salt

2 cups flour

1 cup sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. cloves

1 tsp. baking powder

Measure all the ingredients before you start. Combine the salt, flour, sugar, cinnamon, cloves and baking powder and stir well, set aside. You will add this later. Bring the raisins to boil in water in a 3-quart heavy sauce pan. Once it boils, remove from heat and add the teaspoon of soda and stir well. Then add the solid Crisco. Once that is melted, stir in the dry ingredients all at once. Batter will be slightly thick. Pour immediately onto the greased cookie sheet and spread out. The batter will be a thin layer, but will puff up during baking. Bake for 12 minutes to 15 minutes at 375 degree oven. Keep a close eye on the 'cake' checking frequently after 12 minutes. It should come out golden brown. Be careful so it won't get overdone as it will be too dry! Touch the 'cake' with your finger and it will spring back; the edges will draw away from the edge of the cookie sheet, too.

Remove from your oven and cool on top of the stove with a clean t-towel over it. Cool about 15 minutes. Ice with a thin layer of glaze made out of powdered sugar and water. Let the icing dry for a couple of minutes. Take a couple of sheets of waxed paper and cover the 'cake', then recover with the towel. Cool completely, then cut into bars and store in air-tight container or leave in pan and wrap carefully with clear plastic wrap.

Please note: You should ALWAYS cut a couple of pieces for a taste test! "R"

Post Turtle

2008-06-08T19:44:00.010-05:00

A friend sent me this joke (below). It is, however, food for thought.

Now, in Kansas about this time of year, there are all sorts of turtles that cross the highway...to get to the other side. Green turtles, ornamental turtles, and the big ol' snapper turtles. Sometimes the snapper turtles are as big as a tire and if you hit 'em, you can be sure that you will need a front end alignment on your truck if you do. Now here is this joke, please draw you own conlusions....

While suturing a cut on the hand of a 75 year old Texas rancher, whose hand was caught in a gate while working cattle, the doctor struck up a conversation with the old man. Eventually the topic got around to Obama and his bid to be our President.The old rancher said,
'Well, ya know, Obama is a post turtle'.

Not being familiar with the term, the doctor asked him what a 'post turtle' was. The old rancher said, 'When you're driving down a Country road and you come across a fence post with a turtle balanced On top, that's a 'post turtle' .

The old rancher saw a puzzled look on the doctor's face, so he continued to explain. 'You know he didn't get up there by himself, he doesn't belong up there, he doesn't know what to do while he is up there, and you just wonder what kind of a dumb person put him up there.'

Think about it. Someone put him there.

Fairy Land

2008-05-25T16:28:00.008-05:00

I went to the Cherished Friends Doll Club annual doll show in Topeka, Kansas over the weekend.

I found a miniaturist and she had a lot of little fragile dolls about 1/32 of the actual size. Hence, I found this little boxed fairy... and made a purchase for a gift.

She is adorable, so I took pictures and posted the fairy here. She rather reminds me of another fairy that I made about 4 years ago.

This is the doll that I made for my daughter in 2004, when she turned 30 years old. Well, maybe it is not EXACTLY like the one purchased yesterday...It is from an 11 or 12 inch doll. It was fun to make. She is a woodland fae.

2008-05-22T20:37:00.002-05:00

Siberian Iris.

Spring has certainly brought out some beautiful flowers. While the photograph shows a blue flower, they are actually a rich, deep purple. Must be the camera!

Happy Spring!

Food for thought

2008-05-14T22:05:00.003-05:00

Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, Satan shudders & says...
"Oh no....she's awake!!"

A friend sent this to me. God bless her!

"R"

Cat Bath Tales

2008-04-21T12:55:00.004-05:00

Little Bit takes the plunge!

Cass gets a shampoo, too!

We all spent a lovely day at the cat-bath house. It was above 70 degrees outside and I was doing some Spring Cleaning! Unfortunately, it included cat baths. Hmm... I got a wee bit wet, too!

Cat Tales Project

2008-04-13T17:27:00.003-05:00

I was asked to make a poster for the Cat Tales Writings Gathering, which is the third Thursday of the month in Dover, Kansas. This is the little sketch and arcylic painting I did of a tabby cat. It turned out rather cute, reminds me of another tabby I know and love.

Tadah!

PT Cruiser on Steroids... in Kansas, no doubt!

2008-04-12T20:10:00.002-05:00

Lookie, Lookie,

Time to play hookie.

Time for a road trip, maybe. That is, if I can get off work...

Yahoo, Buckeroo!

Wabaunsee Pines Golf Association Saves the Day!

2008-04-07T19:12:00.009-05:00

Monday, March 31, 2008 a grain truck - a Peterbilt - "ran" into some trouble on Highway 99, just north of the Lake Wabaunsee Dam, spilling several tons of soy beans into the creek, creek bed and onto the Kaeckell Grave Site, a historical grave site in Wabaunsee County. On Saturday morning, April 4, 2008, a team of volunteers comprised of Wabaunsee Pines Golf Association members.

Detailing after removal of the soy beans from the grave yard.

Behind the stone, one small dent in the bean removal!

Grain shovels, rakes, leaf blowers and a lot of muscle went into the cleaning up of the tons of soy beans dumped on and near the Kaeckell Cemetry north of the Lake Wabaunsee Dam.

Thanks to the team from the Wabaunsee Pines Golf Association Volunteers!

How to catch a worm...

2008-04-07T08:49:00.005-05:00

A quick yank....

And you are on your way...

And the red, red robin goes bob, bob bobbin along...

Yesterday was a perfect day. EVERYONE was out on their motorcycles, including us. We rode to Alma, Kansas and then back to Eskridge. The temperature was almost seventy one and, even though it was warm, there was enough of a breeze that you needed a jacket. Great day for everyone! "R"

Spring in the Flint HIlls

2008-03-31T19:55:00.003-05:00

Wow! The day was fantastic, at 8:00 that is! The sun was shining brightly and the rain drenched yard sparkled! Here are the Tete-a-Tete Daffodills in my front yard. They even bloomed before the grape hyacinths!

By lunch time today, it was terrifically cold!
"R"

2008-03-06T14:03:00.004-06:00

Yum. Homemade Italian Bread!

Ah, the smell of homemade bread.

A sense of accomplishment. The perfect dough; an easy recipe; a lovely warm afternoon to bake bread...

Please note that one should always make sure that the oven is perfectly clean! Last weekend I baked a chocolate cake and I accidentally turned it upside down on the oven. It was a perfect cake, it came right out of the pan... onto the oven door... and it continued to bake right there on the door. After I trashed the cake, washed down the oven, I actually baked another cake!

For some reason today, the washing wasn't enough because the smoke alarm squealed as the oven heated up. The bread went in, then I spent the better part of 30 minutes fanning the smoke alarm, assuring the cats that everything was okay -- they were going nuts! -- and opening up the house. Boy, am I glad that it was 50 plus degrees this afternoon!

I would say that the bread turned out great, but my head hurts... Maybe I should have a slice of hot bread and butter... mmmmm...

2008-03-01T18:38:00.007-06:00

Snow covered gnomes...
next to a sprinkler.

And this one is so bored with the snow... (note the little one in the crook of the tree?)

When is there going to be spring and sunshine...

Only 20 days to the first day of Spring... March 21.

These pictures were taken last weekend, Sunday morning. Today, the temperature was 68 degrees and there is NO MORE SNOW!!! Yahoo!

2008-03-01T18:34:00.002-06:00

Valentine's Day
Ah, this is a late posting.

Valentine's Day was February 14, 2008.

We had a dinner date in Alma, Kansas at Deb's Cafe. Candlelight. Formal table cloth and decorations. Candy. Sweet treats.

A gift: candy in a Lenox China candy dish. A dozen red roses. And a wonderful card.

Sigh. This is a picture of the last three roses as they sit on the counter. The pretty red and white doily was made by a friend.

Yep, it snowed again

2008-02-17T12:24:00.017-06:00

This is what we saw at first light, 6 inches of heavy snow... and still going.

Don't you just love those beautiful Kansas Flint Hills?

2008-02-17T08:57:00.010-06:00

What's this?

This started out as a birthday present. I began this in, would you believe, September? Actually, September 6, to be exact. My friends and I had gone to a Fine Art Exhibit at the new Bloch edition of the Nelson Art Gallery. On our way back, we stopped at one of my friend's mom's house (that's a mouth full) and she is an advid quilter. I always had denuim in mind - jeans on the brain - so I came up with this idea. A four patch of brushed cotton and variety of jean denium...

Cass loves sleeping on the bed... especially, when I am using it to lay out the quilt...

I ran out of denium... so I bought more. Then I decided I wanted to put polar fleece on the back... So I bought some of that. The fleece wasn't going going to work out and I wanted something a little nicer, so I went to my local quilt shop and bought some more brushed cotton... Well, my gift was NOT done in time for the birthday, so I made a pillow out of a couple of the extra patches... Boy, those ladies really smiled when they saw me comin' for some more denium!

Well, I was almost done in time for Christmas. Almost. I still had to tie (not quilt) the top, which I got done, then I needed to bind it. Back to the quilt shop! Whoppee! Those ladies love me! I bought the binding and I finished it in time for Valentines Day. My brother actually got it on the Sunday before Valentines Day! See?... :)

Happy Birthday Day!
Happy Halloween!
Merry Christmas!
Happy New Year!

Oh, Yes, and Happy Birthday...err Valentine's Day, Ray!

(I'm confused.)
Love ya, "Sis"
(don't ya think this is a good picture? Who's that guy?)

2008-02-06T16:28:00.000-06:00

Yep, it snowed again. I wrote to my brother-in-law and asked if he would send his snowblower, since he moved from New Jersey to Louisana. He won't need it...

The sun is melting much of the ice and snow from the streets and traffic is getting around pretty good.

Ah, Kansas. Land of Snow. Er, I mean, Land of Ahs! Hmmm.... Maybe we really live in Narnia?
No! Wait! It's Global Warming!

No! Wait! It snowed like this in 1983, 1967, 19... Is there a pattern here? Does anybody know?

No! Wait! Call that guy, you know, what's his name who won the Nobel Peace Prize for a movie! You know, what's his face? Where is he now, hiding out until after the election... Maybe he is secretly hoping for a write-in campaign.

On the street where you live...

The Old Button Basket, Elaine Brozich

2008-02-03T14:54:00.000-06:00

A wicker basket so drab and torn,
But what wonderful memoiries it enfolds,
Long years ago it was shiny, unworn -
What child wouldn't love the treasure it holds?

A pearly button off baby's dress,
So small it's almost lost,
A few of jet from Grandma's cloak,
And here's one gold-embossed!

A lonely cuff link, a Chinese coin,
A necklace, but only part;
One no longer see such simple things
Delight a young child's heart.

Black-headed pins - where are they now?
A coat button on a string,
An empty spool, a rubber band,
A tic-tac for Halloween in the thing!

Ah! How I long for the days of youth
And the treasures we always could find
In Mother's wonderful button box,
Such simple pleasure too soon left behind.

Saturday morning sunrise over the Kaw River

2008-01-26T17:47:00.000-06:00

2008-01-23T07:39:00.000-06:00

Full Moon over Lake Wabaunsee

Driving home from work, the moon was rising in the east - a full moon, orange as a slice of cheddar, hanging over the snow covered prairie.

Earlier that day, the moon was setting in the west, about 7:25 A.M., over the beautiful, snow-covered Flint Hills. But the rising of the moon was spectacular.

I rushed into the house, grabbed the digital camera and tromped through the drifts to the lake shore and took this picture. Notice the straight edges of the moon light on the lake - the lake is frozen. The slash of orange fractured by the cracks in the ice.

As the moon rose above Lake Wabaunsee, it began to pale into a romantic white. Ah, Kansas. Land of Ahs....

2008-01-20T20:41:00.000-06:00

This morning, a lone coyote braved the frigid weather and stalked the black Angus pastured at the Widau Ranch. The Widau Ranch is located in the beautiful Kansas Flint Hills.

He looked nervous in the weak, morning sunshine, watching me over his shoulder as I drove past on Highway 99, his legs splayed, ready to run. Some of those cows would kick him to death if he got to close.

Coyotes are synonymous with crafty, nasty, lie-telling politicians. Rabbits and field mice are holed up out of the bitter wind and weather right now, the coyote's main fare. Most of the coyotes I've seen this winter have been big, healthy looking creatures running singly or in pairs, even in broad daylight! Sometimes they will run in packs of four or five and stalk cattle, preying on a weak or dying calf.

At night, we can step out on our back porch, especially on warm starlit summer nights, and hear the raucous songs of the coyotes just across the street in our neighbor's pasture. Their songs echo off the hills, as they sing to each other across the prairie.

Now, as the temperatures dip back below zero, I wonder how people survived without gas heat and forced-air furnaces. My dad told stories of waking up in the morning as a child in Havensville, Kansas, and the glass of water he sat by the bed was frozen.

We are fortunate. Stay warm. As always, vj

2008-01-11T20:07:00.001-06:00

Winter is a wonderful time to bird watch. The owl that hit our truck on Sunday night was the Saw-whet Owl. It was small, about 7 inches in height, no prominent ears, yellow eyes dilated into huge dark orbs (in shock from hitting our truck and then blinded by our truck lights); brown lightly streaked with white on the forehead and crown and white below with reddish-brown streaks.

Tuesday. It was a little after 8:00 A.M. and I was on my way to the library in Saint Mary's. The sky was gunmetal gray; big, fat flakes of snow splashed on the windshield of the truck. In a plowed corn field north of Maple Hill, on the east side of the two-lane blacktop, three thousand snow geese and Canadian geese were swirling, landing and taking off in mass. The field was just south of the Kansas River. They were noisy, pulsating in their movements, beautiful feathered creatures. All stirred up because...

a bald eagle was hunting. The adult eagle soared gracefully across the highway, just above my truck. Suddenly, there was nothing else to see -- just the lazy swoop of giant black wings and the distinctive, snowy white head as I drove under the gorgeous creature.

The rest of my trip to work was in silence. A beautiful way to start the day. vj

Night Drives

2008-01-06T19:58:00.000-06:00

Barred Owl. Tonight we drove over to Alma, Kansas for dinner at a favorite pizzeria. It was dark, about 6:00 PM when we started home. Just a few miles south of the little town, along highway K-99, something thumped the truck on the rear, passenger door. We turned around to see if, perhaps, a deer ran into the truck and wanted to report it to the sheriff if that was the case.

Along the side of the road, we saw a small bird. It had to be a bird of prey, as it was pitch black, no moon and in the middle of the Kansas Flint Hills. No traffic, nothing. Just a little bird hunkered down on the shoulder of the road starring off into space. The culprit. The owl apparently dived for dinner and we got in the way.

Owls are very lightweight, some weighing only 2 or 3 ounces. We turned the truck around again, stopped on the shoulder of the road a short distance away. I jumped out and approached the stunned bird from the highway side, afraid that if it was hurt that it would jump or flutter onto the pavement.

It's head was turned away from the glaring headlights of the truck. I spoke in low tones, keeping it's attention. Of course, I did not wish to "pick it up". I learned a long time ago, don't pick up injured wildlife... My dear husband grabbed a pair of leather gloves (he always has three or four pair with him in the truck), then joined me there in the flood of light. He gently shook an empty glove against the chest of the stunned bird of prey and it moved ever so slightly, then without a sound, flew into the grove of trees from where it came. Wow! Too cool!

The owl was so small, no larger than a kitten. We believe it may have been either a juvenile Barred Owl or a Flammulated Owl, although the Flammulated Owl migrates in the winter. Whatever the creature, it left a small mark (a smudge, actually) on the truck door and a big mark on our memory!

Mill Creek, Wabaunsee County Kansas

2008-01-04T21:48:00.001-06:00

These first pictures were taken looking upstream in Mill Creek, just below the dam at Lake Wabaunsee. It was 4:00 PM in the afternoon today; the sky was overcast and the temperature was about 42 degrees. The water was 33 degrees. The sun peeked out from the clouds momentarily. Enjoy! vj

These last two pictures were taken looking downstream, below the bridge:

Christmas Fudge Secret Revealed!

2008-01-03T18:22:00.000-06:00

Okay, so everyone loved my Christmas Fudge this year and it was too easy. I shared it with some gals at Henry's (in Topeka Harley Davidson Shop, restaurant owned by Lon) that were too young.. maybe even young enough to be my granddaughters. Hmm....Anyway, here is a picture of the finished product which, by the way, the Old Timers at the Round Table Number 29 ate up in 15 minutes! Old Bikers never die, they just eat more fudge... ?? huh? Did I say that?

Look for the recipe on Racheal Ray's Web page. Five Minute Fudge. For real! See Ya! vj

2008-01-01T11:11:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year!

In the beginning, I always have good intentions. Sort the stack of paperwork, sew up that quilt, finish the article for the paper, catch up on ... whatever. No resolutions. My husband says the only resolution he ever made was in 1968 and that was to NOT make one. Bugger...

I think resolutions are our hope for the future, even though only approximately 22 percent of the folks who make them, actually complete them. Only one resolution I think is needed: love more, laugh more, hug your children more often and be at peace with the world. The poem, Desiderata, says it all...

"With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."

More Snow in Kansas

2007-12-28T14:03:00.000-06:00

Last night, it snowed again. We received four inches on top of what we already had.

Merry Christmas Morning!

2007-12-25T12:39:00.000-06:00

Click on the photo for a larger view! Merry Christmas, ya'll!

2007-12-24T20:31:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas from our house to your house!

Pictures from the Winter Storm

2007-12-23T16:50:00.001-06:00

Tuesday, December 18, 2007, the ice began. This is out our front window.

And then there was snow, about six inches. This is Illinois Creek Road, on Wednesday, December 19, 2007.

This is the Kraus's hay field...

Then came the snow, beginning at 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, December 22, 2007. It was called "almost a blizzard". This is a picture of the road somewhere along Mission Valley Road, northeast of Eskridge, Kansas.

When we got home, my honey measured the snow. At 2:30 pm, we had 7.5 inches of white stuff! And still coming!

This is the tree by our garage. Note: it was still snowing at 6:00 pm.
This is Sunday morning, December 23, 2007. The tree is out by our road.

The following two pictures is the Harvey Road fence line:

This is the restored one-room school house on Old-K10 Highway. The picture was taken on Wednesday last.

Merry Christmas from our house to yours!

2007-12-22T14:28:00.000-06:00

So, you think it's snowing enough for you? How about 8 inches of snow in 3 hours, still coming down at 2 inches an hour and no end in sight. At 11:30, there was a bolt of lightening and a rumble of thunder, all during the blizzard like conditions in Topeka. At noonish, Interstate-70 between Topeka and Manhattan was closed due to the snow... Well, we had an adventure coming home today, in the 2007 blizzard. Ended up in a ditch, not one block from our church in Eskridge. Got out okay, just four-wheelin' it a bit!

2007-12-21T20:15:00.001-06:00

Peanut Brittle - oh, yeah!

Well, it is that time of year and my dear husband and I have been trying out peanut brittle recipes and since I can't find my Grandpa Kenny's best peanut brittle recipe anywhere, we used one I found in the ol' recipe box...

The first batch was too thick. Later, I talked with some lady friends and they said to spread the cooked goo with your hands. -- Now, this stuff is 300 plus degrees of hot sugar and peanuts. I think not.

So tonight, I got the bright idea, use a smaller recipe and more than one pan. Well, the candy turned out too thin, it shattered! Teeny, tiny pieces. but it is good. So, next time, I'm going to use just one pan...

So, here is the best recipe so far:

Ingredients:
2 cups of sugar
1 cup light karo syrup (I used yellow 'cause that's all Solomon's Porch had at the time)
1/2 cup water
1 T butter
2 cups of raw peanuts
1 teaspoon soda
slightly less than 1/2 teaspoon of salt

You will also need a heavy 3-4 quart pan with a handle; a long handled metal spoon with a wooden or insulated grip and long enough to avoid splatters; a candy thermometer that works; one metal cookie sheet pans buttered up real nice and heavy; hot pad holders or layers of t-towels to put under the cookie sheet pan; and a couple of hot-pad holders for yerself... just in case.

Directions:
Measure out the soda and salt and place in a small dish, set aside.
Measure the T of butter and set aside.
Measure the peanuts and set aside.

Measure sugar, karo syrup and water into the sauce pan. Cook the candy slowly and when the sugar mixture is melted, add the Tablespoon of butter. When the mixture reaches a temperature of 230 degrees - it will boil, add the 2 cups of raw peanuts and continue stirring. Stir constantly. (This will take a while, but cook slowly and it won't fail!) When the candy thermometer reaches 301-303 degrees, set the pan off the heat. Dump in the soda and salt mixture and quickly blend in. Now, the candy will foam up and this makes it light. pour the mixture on the buttered cookie sheet. Cool.

Now, you can pick up the pan and tilt it back and forth to spread it out. Do not touch the hot candy, it is very, very HOT. Set outside in the cold air to cool for awhile. Then, turn out on the counter (make sure it's clean!) and break into reasonably small pieces. Store in tupperware or zip lock bags.

Okay, that will last about one day. Tomorrow night, make a second batch for your friends. Merry Christmas! vj

2007-12-19T16:18:00.000-06:00

I like redneck jokes. A friend sent this to me. Although I do not think Santa drinks Lite Buds, you might get a kick out of this. My dear husband is from the South. He appreciates this humor:

Twas the night before Christmas

'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, AND ALL THROUGH THE SHACK,
NOT A DARN THING WAS A MOVIN', FROM THE FRONT TO THE BACK.

THE KIDS WERE IN BED, WE HAD NINE AT THE TIME,
THE WIFE IN HER CURLERS, WAS LOOKIN' REAL FINE.

A COLD WIND WAS BLOWIN', UP THE HOLLER IT MOANED,
TEN DOGS ON THE PORCH ALL HOWLED AND GROANED.

THE BOYS WERE ALL DREAMIN' OF WEAPONS AND A GUN,
FOR KILLIN' GOD'S CREATURES, THERE'S NO BETTER FUN!

THE GIRLS IN THEIR FEMININE DREAMS WERE ATTUNE,
TO GETTING THOSE GALLONS OF WAL-MART PERFUME.

THE WIFE WANTED JEWELRY, LIKE RINGS WITH BIG ROCKS.
I JUST WANTED MY CHEVY DOWN OFF OF THEM BLOCKS.

THEN OUT IN YARD, SUCH A NOISE DID COMMENCE,
LIKE SOMETHING WAS CAUGHT IN OUR NEW BARB WIRE FENCE.

I RAN TO THE WINDOW, AND SAW PRETTY QUICK,
THE MAN MAKIN' THAT RACKET, WAS GOOD OL' ST. NICK.

YOU MAY THINK OF SANTA IN YOUR OWN MIND'S EYES,
DRESSED IN A RED AND WHITE SUIT, BUT I'VE GOT A SURPRISE.

THAT OLD BOY'S AN ARKIE, FROM UP NEAR MT. GAYLOR,
HE MARRIED HIS COUSIN, AND THEY LIVE IN A TRAILER.

ON CHRISTMAS, OF COURSE, A SLEIGH FOR HIS RIG,
HE HOOKS THE SLEIGH UP TO A RAZORBACK PIG!

HE CLIMBED ON THE ROOF, WITH HIS BAG & EACH GOODY,
HE BACKED DOWN THE FIREPLACE, ALL DIRTY AND SOOTY.

FAT LEGS IN HIS BRITCHES, CHUBBY HANDS IN EACH MITTEN,
I MUST ADMIT FROM THE BACK, HE LOOKED LIKE BILL CLINTON.

THEN OUT IN YARD, SUCH A NOISE DID COMMENCE,
LIKE SOMETHING WAS CAUGHT IN OUR NEW BARB WIRE FENCE.

I RAN TO THE WINDOW, AND SAW PRETTY QUICK,
THE MAN MAKIN' THAT RACKET, WAS GOOD OL' ST. NICK.

YOU MAY THINK OF SANTA IN YOUR OWN MIND'S EYES,
DRESSED IN A RED AND WHITE SUIT, BUT I'VE GOT A SURPRISE.

THAT OLD BOY'S AN ARKIE, FROM UP NEAR MT. GAYLOR,
HE MARRIED HIS COUSIN, AND THEY LIVE IN A TRAILER.

ON CHRISTMAS, OF COURSE, A SLEIGH FOR HIS RIG,
HE HOOKS THE SLEIGH UP TO A RAZORBACK PIG!

HE CLIMBED ON THE ROOF, WITH HIS BAG & EACH GOODY,
HE BACKED DOWN THE FIREPLACE, ALL DIRTY AND SOOTY.

FAT LEGS IN HIS BRITCHES, CHUBBY HANDS IN EACH MITTEN,
I MUST ADMIT FROM THE BACK, HE LOOKED LIKE BILL CLINTON.

HE TURNED TOWARD THE TREE, HIS EYES ALL AGLOW,
HE WAS A BACK WOODS BOY FROM HIS HEAD TO HIS TOE.

HIS NECK WAS A RED ONE, HIS SHIRT SAID "LITE BEER",
HE HAD NO RED HAT ON, BUT HIS CAP READ "JOHN DEERE"

HE LEFT ALL THE PRESENTS, WITH AN AIR OF DELIGHT
THEN IT WAS BACK TO THE CHIMNEY, AND INTO THE NIGHT.

HE RAN INTO THE YARD, THREW HIS BAG IN THE SLEIGH,
THEN HE YELLED AT THE DOGS, "GET THE HECK OUT TH' WAY!"

I RAN OUT TO ASK HIM WHY HE BROUGHT SUCH GOOD CHEER;
BUT INSTEAD HE JUST ASKED ME, "YOU GET YOU A DEER?"

THEN I HEARD HIM EXCLAIM, AS THOSE PIGS TOOK FLIGHT,
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL...I NEED A BUD LITE!"

HE TURNED TOWARD THE TREE, HIS EYES ALL AGLOW,
HE WAS A BACK WOODS BOY FROM HIS HEAD TO HIS TOE.

HIS NECK WAS A RED ONE, HIS SHIRT SAID "LITE BEER",
HE HAD NO RED HAT ON, BUT HIS CAP READ "JOHN DEERE".

HE LEFT ALL THE PRESENTS, WITH AN AIR OF DELIGHT,
THEN IT WAS BACK TO THE CHIMNEY, AND INTO THE NIGHT.

HE RAN INTO THE YARD, THREW HIS BAG IN THE SLEIGH,
THEN HE YELLED AT THE DOGS, "GET THE HECK OUT TH' WAY!"

I RAN OUT TO ASK HIM WHY HE BROUGHT SUCH GOOD CHEER;
BUT INSTEAD HE JUST ASKED ME, "YOU GET YOU A DEER?"

THEN I HEARD HIM EXCLAIM, AS THOSE PIGS TOOK FLIGHT,
"MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL...I NEED A BUD LITE!"

Beautiful Lake Wabaunsee

2007-12-18T07:29:00.000-06:00

2007-12-18T07:14:00.001-06:00

Good morning to take a run in the snow! After the 46 degree weather yesterday, there is not much left! vj

2007-12-11T09:12:00.000-06:00

The pine tree I planted in 1996. Note the board I used to prop it up! And it hasn't hit 32 degrees yet!

Across the street!

In our yard!

Poor flower bed!

The above pictures and to the right were taken on Tuesday morning. At 9:15 AM, we lost power, along with 160,000 other folks. As of today, December 14, 2007, we have had no power since Tuesday. However, we have a generator to run the furnace and the 'fridge. Clean clothes. Lots of food. And gasoline to run the generator. God is good! vj

2007-12-08T17:07:00.000-06:00

Where did you spend the day? In a ditch?

It started sleeting this morning about 8:00 and then by 9:15, it was a sheet of ice - black ice in Topeka. However, we got home OK and stopped in Dover at the new little cafe there: Summerset Cafe. Great food. Homey atmosphere. The pie lady must be around 80 and she gets up every day and bakes at least four to five pies. The cherry is to die for!

2007-12-07T09:29:00.000-06:00

When my daughter was just a little girl, 3 1/2 years old, we went to White Lakes Mall in Topeka, Kansas for some Christmas shopping. In 1977, the mall was a popular place and at Christmastime, vendors were in the mall selling foods and trinkets. It was quite crowded and full of spirited people in a Major Shopping Mode.

Of course, Santa Claus was there. His throne and all his regalia was set up on the south end of the mall and they were taking the traditional pictures of children on Santa's lap. I didn't have the extra money for pictures and wanted to wait for my little girl to visit Santa. My little girl was quite upset with me and cried.

We walked through the Christmas Season crowds and went into a store at the other end of the mall, which was about a quarter mile from Santa's location. We had been in the store for some time and when I turned around, she was gone...

She was gone from sight! Not in the store, not outside the store, not anywhere. Of course, during those days, there were not too many child-napping folks, but it did cross my mind and I ran down the mall, hollering her name.

My daughter was all of 2 and a half foot tall at that time. She was (and still is) a little princess: tall, long pale blond hair and blue-green eyes. She had taken off on her own, ran down the promenade, had gotten in line and was waiting to see Santa Claus.

When I got there, I waited in line with her until she got on Santa's lap. My dear sweet daughter, in her little red snow suit, froze up and wouldn't talk to him! Eventually, Santa got her to whisper in his ear.

After she was off Santa's lap and in my arms, Santa leaned over and said to me: "All she asked for Christmas was a Strawberry Cake." That Christmas, my little girl received a Strawberry Cake for Christmas and for several years after that, I baked a Strawberry Cake for Christmas as a desert- with white frosting.

Eventually, I started making Strawberry Cakes for her birthday. I also had Strawberry cake for the wedding cake when my dear husband and I got married. That is what I did for for years on every special occasion - regardless of the reason, I make strawberry cakes.

Hence, the significance of the strawberry cake is in our lives -- a remembrance of her and how special she is, and the run down White Lakes Mall!

Whitelakes Mall, Topeka, Kansas

2007-12-04T17:10:00.000-06:00

How beautiful the fall; How glorious His work of art.

The weather today was an unbelievable 60 degrees. I raked the leaves and cleaned my flower garden, then hauled the leaves via the back roads through the beautiful Kansas Flint Hills to Alma, Kansas. The drive was wonderful. The corn fields lay empty, stubble of stalks standing in rows. The foliage from the trees absent and the hills were pale brown and off-white in the afternoon sun. Shadows in the late afternoon of this winter day, were long. I drove with the windows down, the dust from the gravel road I was taking kicked up white clouds as the leaves flew from the truck bed. Our annual trek to the burn pit, but I took it alone today. Christmas carols played on the radio station seemed foreign with the clear blue sky and warm weather. Christ didn't care about the weather when He came so long ago!

The above picture was actually taken in October 2004 in Terre Haute, Indiana on my too infrequent fall visit. Hopefully, next year I will get to go! As always, vj

2007-12-03T20:24:00.000-06:00

I have a great respect for teachers and para-professionals who work with special education children. I, for one, appreciate it more, now, than I did last week. I worked in special education with two different levels of abilities today. One certainly needs a special calling for assisting and teaching low-functioning children.

I actually think I am more a book-person and will need to keep to librarian work. I have a job interview next week as a part-time processing person at the Pot-Wab Library in Saint Marys, Kansas. While I enjoy the reader program at the local school, I do not think I am special ed teacher material. I trust God will measure my steps as we walk through the next few weeks and months.

As ever, vj

2007-12-02T17:43:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas!

MDH and I spent Saturday afternoon at the Rescue Mission in Topeka, Kansas, with the youth leaders and a dozen youngsters. We decorated the adult section of the Rescue Mission putting up four nice little trees, decorating one huge 12 foot tree and hanging giant candy canes from the ceiling of the dining room.

On Christmas Day, December 25, 2007, over 500 meals will be served to those who are less fortunate. Each of those people, little ones and big ones, will leave with wrapped, new Christmas presents. Lest you think this is an easy slide, remember... many of those people eat only one meal a day (at the rescue center), have no home and/or have no job and transient, have medical bills that they cannot pay due to either no insurance or just simply not enough money to cover the charges, are in the process of a move to, hopefully, a better home with a job opportunity.

Blessed are the poor in spirit. vj

Could this be Kansas?

2007-11-30T11:23:00.000-06:00

Well, this speaks for itself.

This week, I have seen a number of hunters in their bright orange outfits, some in camos, driving trucks and heading for the woods. Of course, deer season always starts on our anniversary and, this year, it will again. However, my dear husband (MDH), who was offered hunting trips by several of his buddies, will not be shooting Bambi this year. Well, that's okay by me.

The first year we lived in Wabaunsee County, he brought home a six point buck. It was the first time in YEARS that he had been hunting and got the deer on the first day!

After the deer was field dressed, MDH strung the head and hide up in the tree -- in our front yard. Now, how redneck is that? MDH didn't want it in the garage, but he wanted the antlers and the hide.

Did you know that nylon ropes s t r e t c h ? After about a week, we heard growling and fighting going in the middle of the night. The next morning, there were hunks of hide and tuffs of fur all over the yard and the hide was shredded. The head and antlers were still in tact, but the hide... Well, coyotes had their fill! Needless to say, us city folks cut down carcass and properly disposed of it after removing the antlers.

Professional fo-tog-er-fur

2007-11-29T17:12:00.001-06:00

Well, I had one of my photographs published in the Wabaunsee County Historical Society newsletter for the Fourth Quarter 2007! I took the above picture approximately two years ago. This is the Wiser Barn, north of Allen, Kansas in Lyon County Kansas and Highway 56. About one year ago, we had a violent storm and some additional damage was done to the southwest corner of the barn. I understand that several years ago, the owners (Copelands) had extensive work done on the barn at a great expense, then a tornado stuck and damaged the SW corner. This picture was used to promote the Kansas Barn Alliance, formed in January 2006 as a non-profit tax-exempt organization, to preserve the history and architecture of Kansas barns.

2007-11-28T10:55:00.000-06:00

Okay, I am a nice person. However, I like to mess around with little programs and make computer dolls and stuff. This is from meez.com. My "person" 's name is Rosamond, after my favorite artist from Lawrence Kansas who made it big in the late 70s and 80s. Rosamond is a watercolor artist who used negative-space in a wonderful way. She drowned in a tragic accident in 1994 in the Pacific Ocean. Such a loss. I current have two of her pieces hanging in my home. Although they are not originals (I wish), they are beautiful and represent my thoughts about myself. Check out her stuff on eBay sometime or just search the internet. She did a lot of self-portaits and of her son... VJ

Jail House Rock!

2007-11-27T20:14:00.001-06:00

... well, not quite! Today, a friend and I went to Wamego and lunched at the Friendly Cooker, which is downtown. We walked the shopping district; stopped at Duckwalls where I picked up some items for the church Advent Celebration beginning December 2; and then headed home. Before we left town, we drove through the park because my friend had never seen the grist mill - a one-hundred year old windmill where wheat and corn is still ground. The museum in the park was also open and we plunked down $4.00 and received a grand tour from Mr. Gene P. His wife, Jean, also worked at the museum. We toured the old White Chapel School House, a Mercantile, the old jail (see above), and an old wooden homestead that was lived in until 1950 (?!!) and one other building that housed old-time telephone equipment. Most of all, Mrs. Jean P. gave us a tour of the main museum where they had displayed many, many old quilts and a fantastic collection of antique dolls. There was one doll I had only seen in the Theriault's Auction Catalogue -- with three faces! I actually held her. There are not too many museums that let you do that!

Thanksgiving Day Woes

2007-11-26T16:38:00.000-06:00

Mmmm... The only disadvantage to having someone else prepare dinner for you and wait on you hand and foot at their house is... no leftovers.

We traveled to my daughter and son-in-law's house for the Thanksgiving Holidays. This is the turkey she made. It was wonderful... I had considered asking her to send leftovers home with us, but I know we would have gobbled 'em up before we got back to Kansas.

The traffic on Saturday between St. Louis and Kansas City was really wild! As in Missouri fans were caravaning with their little tiger tails a-waggin' all the way to KC. Groan. I am just glad that we didn't have to wait in line at the Arrowhead Stadium like all those folks did. The trip was worthwhile. Mizzu won. Darn it.

All in all, we traveled a thousand miles for a great meal and homecoming. I am just thankful that our daughter enjoys our company and allows us to visit. That makes growing older worthwhile.

The road to a friend's house is never long.

I am thankful we are their friends. vj

Life is a Highway

2007-11-25T13:46:00.000-06:00

Life is a Highway.

This picture was taken at the "Goin' to the Sun" highway at Glacier National Park in August 2007. Pretty scenery, huh?

Well, sometime the scenery is not too good and the highway is sort of rough. This morning, however, the scenery out my front door (of the beautiful Kansas Flint Hills) was absolutely beautiful. A heavy frost covered the evergreen trees across the road; a white icy coating on the blades of grass in the front yard; colorful leaves piled up around the corners of the house. The house is toasty warm, it is 25 degrees outside and the sun was shining brightly in the blue canopy above us. God is in his heaven and God is good.

The road, however, is bumpy and the times are trying. I miss being a young mother, I miss seeing my daughter more than just on holidays... a fact of old age and children growing up -- ; I miss my grandparents who were so much a part of my life in my younger years - supporting me, caring for me. My brother is in my life and I rejoice; so is my dad. God is good and He is always near. Even if I don't feel like it.

Take care and God bless. vj

Holiday Traffic

2007-11-23T07:31:00.000-06:00

We arrived! Wednesday night at 11:30 EST, in Terre Haute, Indiana. And it snowed or sleeted most of the way. You talk about bumper to bumper traffic, it was a moving parking lot on I-70 from west of Kansas City through Saint Louis. It took an hour to get through old' KC, but Saint Louis was a breeze compared to KC.

We have had a wonderful Thanksgiving with my daughter and her husband. Turkey, dressing, traditional comfort foods. Today, Friday, we are staying away from the shopping malls and all those shopping spree places. I think will we go out for lunch, though, at some little cafe or deli. Hmmm...

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Take care and God bless. vj

It's what?

2007-11-21T09:02:00.000-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

It is cold. It is wet. It is sleeting and it is windy. Well, it is November!

Construction on HWY 31

2007-11-15T17:28:00.000-06:00

Congratulations to the Kansas Department of Transportation on another construction zone in Wabaunsee County! Highway 31 was closed, one mile east of Harveyville, Kansas. Of course, the detour is about 25 miles out of the way - to get to Burlingame - unless you want to take a one-lane gravel road going over a one-lane bridge over the turnpike. Since it is dry, it was dusty and at least one was able to tell when someone was speeding toward you... on the one-lane gravel county road. Thank you KDOT! another day on the Kansas Highway System. --

Kansas Native American History Week

2007-11-13T17:16:00.000-06:00

This afternoon I had the pleasure to work with the librarians at the Eskridge Branch Library in Eskridge, Kansas. The second grade children from Mission Valley Elementary School, their teachers and assistants visited the library and were treated to a special afternoon of story-time about Native American History as well as listening to a local Native American Drum Artist, Susan Skyes, play her drum.

Ms. Skyes of Auburn, Kansas is a skilled orator on the history of the Native American Tradition as well as a talented artist. A member of the group, Folk Medicine Jamboree, Ms. Skyes brought her musical talent, teaching the children simple Native American greeting songs as well as letting each child take turns playing her drum.

The drum is constructed from pine, painted black and stenciled with 29 different phases of the moon . The drum is covered with Buffalo hide on either side (about the size and appearance of a bass drum) and laced together with strips of Buffalo hide. It has a variety of deep, beautiful tones, depending on where on the surface one strikes. It can be played by either hand or by padded drum sticks -- not the kind you see in a music store!

Mr. Alan Willes of Jackson Hole, Wyoming made the drum for Ms. Sykes in the Hopi drum making tradition. Sacred Mountain Drums is the web site. Please click on the drum and you will be taken to his web site for various drum designs!

Beside the musical group, Ms. Skyes also teaches healing drum classes as well as leading a women's drum circle in the Alma, Kansas area. For more information on the Folk Medicine Jamboree or either the drum class or drum circle, you may contact Ms. Skyes at moondrummer22@yahoo.com.

'nuf said. vj

Ride em' Cowboy!

2007-11-13T09:21:00.000-06:00

May your horse never stumble

May your cinch never break

May your belly never grumble

Nor your heart ever ache.

A sign seen in Malta, Montana at the "Hitchin' Post" cafe.

Sunday News

2007-11-11T21:26:00.000-06:00

We finished up the west side of the porch, primed the siding and cleaned up. One more coat of finish paint to match the side of the house and we are done. Painted the north end of the house, then I drove Maisie Devore around Lake Wabaunsee and we picked up all kinds of aluminum cans for the Maisie DeVore Community Pool. (check out the link by clicking on the name. ) Our biggest haul was a the North Shore Steak House -- at the bar. Two trash sacks! Yahoo. We took them to her house and she said that she would crush them tonight!

Maisie also plays the piano at the Eskridge Baptist Church, drives a country route to pick up cans, and accepts donations for the pool...

(click here)

2007-11-08T19:38:00.000-06:00

Tri-folded flag. Today I attended a funeral and the Big Red "1" conducted a military 21-gun salute. Taps was played. They also folded the United States Flag, in silence and respect for our friend. 13 folds, one for each of the original 13 states. We were told that the seven soldiers (6 men and one lady) had just returned from Iraq last week. They all looked so young and so serious. I was proud to watch them in this solemn ceremony as well as rejoicing for their safe return. They are so very young, I just wanted to run up and hug them all and take them home for cookies and milk. But, they were doing what was required of them today.

Later, when the ceremony was over and they were out of uniform, the young men and woman cut up and had a good time. They are someone's sons and daughter. They are our sons and daughter, too. God bless them.

If you could see me now, that little gang of mine!

2007-11-07T15:48:00.000-06:00

Take that, you dirty rat!

Cassinova finally gets fed up...

Working on the porch

2007-11-07T15:43:00.000-06:00

My brother and my dear husband as they work on the porch. This was a couple of weeks ago. Today, I primed the inside walls of the porch. If the weather is good, we will finish up this weekend and then put in a door. The rest goes up next spring.

Oh, what a forecast!

2007-11-05T18:35:00.000-06:00

Who brought on all this cold weather? Sunday we worked outside in shirtsleeves and today, the high was 50 degrees. My dear husband told me this evening that it is suppose to snow next week. Now, imagine that, snow in November? Ha, I remember a snow day on October 16, 1996 where it snowed a foot and our future son-in-law, from Canada, was visiting. Called his folks; it was 70 degrees up north.

This picture was taken in 2005 on the shores of beautiful Lake Wabaunsee, in the Kansas Flint Hills. Yes, it was very cold that day!

How did you spend your vacation?

2007-11-04T17:27:00.000-06:00

Oh, yes. This is what happens when you have a little breakdown. The bike follows you around Beartooth Pass on your rear bumper. Thanks to a lovely couple who agreed to drive the "support vehicle", we had a safe drive over the perilous road. Top speed? 20 miles an hour.

Thanks to "Hal" R, a dealer rep with HD, he called on our behalf to Billings Montana Shop and we were back on the road the next day...

PPS Files

2007-11-03T21:08:00.000-05:00

Yes! I did it! I produced my first Power Point Presentation and it turned out pretty good. Now I am fine tuning it! More to come later... :)

Too Many Books...

2007-11-02T20:41:00.000-05:00

Today I spent several hours working at the Alma, Kansas Branch Library. Yes, I have a real job since the day I retired; actually, I was hired on the same day that I retired from "the other job" as a substitute librarian for the Eskridge and Alma Branch Libraries, which are part of the Pottawatomie-Wabaunsee Regional Library. Check out the link!

Libraries have been a part of my life since I can remember. A perpetual book worm - I love books, love browsing book shelves, and reading. I hope someday to find one of my own books on a shelf. Since retirement, I really don't want to buy books. But you know, we have a fabulous library system in Wabaunsee County and a book-loan system where you can get just about any book. So... if you didn't get your library card during "Sign up at your Library Month" -September-, it is never too late to get a card.

Oh, yes. A bit of trivia I learned today from the head librarian in Alma, JM. Wabaunsee means "Dawn of Day". Pretty cool, huh!

Have a great day! vj

Keeping young

2007-11-01T16:27:00.000-05:00

I am a substitute teacher's aide at the local school, Mission Valley. Today was the first day I assisted in the kindergarten and first grade rooms. It was quite an experience as my only child is more than 3 decades in age and I, just tottering below of the eligibility of Social Security, wondered at the knowledge these young people have. The favorite class of the 1st Graders? Computer Art. I am jealous! I wanna play too!

However, I loved the children and I think they had a grand time with me, especially those that know me from church activities. One kindergartener said something that really shocked me, but after I got over what was said - I chose to ignore the remark - the youngster then went about his normal behavior. Gosh, where does that stuff come from? TV?

I got lots of hugs, too, and that was wonderful. AND I was drafted to help with the reading program on Friday afternoons. Sounds like I will be busy, with that and the subbing for the library and teacher aide's. Hmmm...

Happy Helloooooooooo

2007-10-31T15:34:00.000-05:00

I've always wondered about Hell. Maybe it will be something like this, but only perpetually burning...

This picture was taken during the spring burn of the Kansas Flint Hills, north of Eskridge, Kansas on Old Military Trail Road. Spooky, huh?