They say this year was one for the record books. Our neck of the woods got 12+ inches of snow in two days, the second highest amount in recent record keeping. I can remember one other time, from deep in my childhood, when we got a comparable amount.
Now that I have my own children, my own home, I finally understand how it is that adults used to rattle off the years that certain weather events happened. Like the old men sitting around at the gas station, talking about the frog choker back in ought-six, or something like that. I will always remember 2013 as the year of the blizzard. The real deal. But the snow isn’t the only thing that left an impression. It was the food, glorious food! Thanks …
Sprigs of green wheat push up through dry Kansas soil.
Puffs of fine dust swirl where our feet meet with dry Kansas farm ground. “Mom, it’s like we’re living in the desert.” She’s right. This drought has left our land crackly, where it was once lush. I shake my head in amazement, that such a young child would make such an observation. Then again, the land is really all there is to observe out here. No mature trees, just a house, a red metal shop, and an old, rusty round grain bin turned chicken coop affectionately called “The Tin Man.”
Our homestead juts out of the corner of the field, an odd mixture of old and new. Old house, new foundation, old walls, new siding, old land, new family. On a bright, unseasonably warm February afternoon, the …
Hooray! Help me celebrate my first Sponsored Post. This business person was smart enough to know that my readers are pretty smart, too. Enjoy!
Looking for a low pressure, honest car salesman? Meet Hamilton Richardson of Scholfield Hyundai West in Wichita, Kansas.
When it comes to things I love doing, shopping for a car is probably #98. Followed closely by having a root canal and having a burst of air shot into my pupil at the eye doctor. (Yes, that teeny puff of air is worse that having dental work done, in my opinion.) But, I actually found a way to make the process a bit more manageable. Find a salesperson you trust. So, I did.
When looking to upsize from a Honda Accord (I’d just had my second child), I sent out a request …
The first time I took my preschooler to a movie at the theater, it wasn’t exactly relaxing. I mean, she was being a typical three year old, fidgeting in her seat, making a few loud noises, and just generally having a bit of trouble focusing the whole time. Still, it was worth it. Besides, I know she’ll outgrow these behaviors as she gets older. And everyone seems to understand when a small child behaves this way.
But what if your child always struggles with behaving in a movie theater, or anywhere for that matter? What if your child has special needs? Does this mean your family isn’t able to enjoy the magic of the movie theater? Must your child be kept from enjoying the same feature films their normal ability siblings are? Not anymore. At least …
Daddy’s hands…have always been on a camera.
Blustery. It’s about the only word to describe the weather this morning. And it’s one of my dad’s favorite kinds of weather. Gray skies, crisp temperatures…perfect for driving the dirt roads and capturing raw Kansas beauty. Despite the teeth-rattling winds, we headed out this morning, Sony CyberShots in hand, and completely enjoyed a dad-daughter photo outing. My dad is no stranger to the lens, having served as Navy photographer back in the 60s, and then as a (mainly) commercial photographer for years after that. I spent many an afternoon with him in our at-home darkroom, waiting patiently for the magical images to appear on the page. If I close my eyes and focus, I can still smell the chemicals and hear the paper being swished in the pan.
But …
A perfect couple. A perfect day. Yes, it is possible.
What happens when a nerdy white boy from Kansas marries a sweet lively señorita from California? When a software engineer says “I do” to an interior decorator? When two cultures mingle together at a beautiful, remote B&B? Only the best. wedding. ever.
My wicked smart big brother Luke was betrothed to the love of his life Luisa at Cedar Crest Lodge in Pleasanton, KS last weekend. And while I’ll always hold my own wedding in a sacred place in my heart, I have to say this was one of the most beautiful events I’ve ever been to. The love was palpable. The weather impeccable. And the decor more than perfect (it deserves its own blog post). The glowing bride walked down the aisle to the sounds …