Kansas...."People of the Wind".....Yeah, yeah, yeah!!! At my house it's more like people sick and tired of the wind.
Wednesday was windy...we didn't ride.
Thursday wasn't too bad so Carol and I biked over to Nickerson for a coke. 27.25 miles
Friday was windy again...as was Saturday and Sunday. Reports of wind at 34 mph with gusts to 39 mph. So last night I called Carol and asked what she'd think of an early ride. For you non-Kansans, the wind usually "lies" at night...not always, but sometimes. So at 6:45 this morning with supposedly a 7 mph headwind Carol and I took off for Nickerson. We got to the convenience store, had our drinks, and headed back...with a great wonderful tailwind. Awesome ride. 27.19 miles (obviously some days I wobble more than others!) Wind is currently out of the north at 12 mph.
A group of us (3 are bicyclists) usually go to coffee together on Monday morning...but since today is Memorial Day we're putting it off until tomorrow morning. On the way back from Nickerson Carol and I were talking about when/where we might ride tomorrow. Thinking this getting out early worked pretty well, I said, "Well, we could even bike to coffee." Carol said, "I wouldn't have a problem with that." I said. " I wouldn't either....but everyone else around us might!" Anyway...looking at the weather forecast now indications are that tomorrow is supposed to be a relatively un-windy day...so we'll probably give everyone a break and ride later in the day. :)
Now a little educational item: When you're approaching bicyclists "head-on"...i.e. they are on their side of the road, and you're on your side....please don't scoot clear over to your right with one wheel nearly in the ditch. We're not as big as a car, and by getting over you risk catching your tire/wheel on the edge of the pavement. And if you do that, what are you gonna do??? You're going to JERK it back...and right into us!!! Just stay in your lane...we'll stay in ours. OK? OK. (For what it's worth....experience has taught us to get single file when there's even a car approaching. Sometimes then they don't hug that edge quite so tightly.)
With that....get yourself out there and enjoy this weather!!! It's gorgeous....and this is Kansas...one of these days that's going to be a HOT wind...go now, sweat later! And count your blessings while you're out there!
Monday, May 28, 2012
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
WINDY!!!!!!!
Monday: 29.52 miles on bicycle.
Tuesday: 20.32 miles on bicycle.
Wednesday: see photo:
So....they're saying 40-45 miles per hour with gusts. Needless to say...we're not riding today!!
Welcome to Kansas!
Tuesday: 20.32 miles on bicycle.
Wednesday: see photo:
Welcome to Kansas!
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Cousins, Chocolate, and Cycling
Yesterday I met my two cousins in Abilene for lunch at a Mexican foods place, and then "visiting time" at Russell Stover's! I came home with lots of memories, lots of laughs....and lots of chocolate. If you haven't made a stop at Russell Stover's (just off I-70 west of Abilene), you either should....or really should not! Fresh, cheap, abundant chocolate. Delicious, tasty, gooey, messy chocolate. Satisfying, soothing, fattening (oops) chocolate. My crisper bin is FULL....plus a large box on a shelf in the fridge. And that doesn't even take into account all that I consumed. Wow...it's goooooood stuff! My personal favorite (at least so far) is a Giant Rocky Road Bar. It's actually more like an over-sized cluster. Marshmallow, walnuts and milk chocolate. 230 calories. 1.75 ounces...that's pretty big...and only $.37 each. I bought several a lot. They're absolutely delicious!!!
So....then this a.m. Carol and I rode to Yoder (12.47 miles south of Hutchinson) to meet Mary and a couple of her bowling friends. (They drove over in cars.) We left Hutch about 8 a.m. as we're supposed to have strong south winds today. Got to Yoder about 9 or so and joined the group for coffee (well, in my case, diet Dr. Pepper.) Then Carol and I decided that since we'd have a strong tailwind all the way home, we'd go on south 3 miles or so. We did. I got home with 32.33 miles. GREAT ride! Up to 22 mph and barely pedaling!
Great day...get out there! The wind is your friend!
So....then this a.m. Carol and I rode to Yoder (12.47 miles south of Hutchinson) to meet Mary and a couple of her bowling friends. (They drove over in cars.) We left Hutch about 8 a.m. as we're supposed to have strong south winds today. Got to Yoder about 9 or so and joined the group for coffee (well, in my case, diet Dr. Pepper.) Then Carol and I decided that since we'd have a strong tailwind all the way home, we'd go on south 3 miles or so. We did. I got home with 32.33 miles. GREAT ride! Up to 22 mph and barely pedaling!
Great day...get out there! The wind is your friend!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Moments to Savor, to be Proud of..and Moments to Wish Undone
The weather has been spectacular here. Absolutely perfect for bicycle rides!
Sunday Carol and I rode over to Nickerson for coffee/diet coke and met two "sets" of touring bikers. The first two guys were from Santa Barbara, California and Seattle, Washington. They were traveling from Pueblo, Colorado to Pittsburg, Kansas. They had stayed at Hedrick's Exotic Animal Farm at Nickerson the previous night..and seemed to think it was pretty neat. The man from Santa Barbara said that he didn't mean to cast aspersions on Kansans, but that he'd never seen so many FAT people. I immediately sucked in and tried to stand taller. He said that the other room occupants at the farm were "at least 40 pounds overweight!" I can only assume his sunglasses were smudged and he couldn't see me very well.
Later, on the way back to Hutchinson, we met two more fellows who were from West Virginia. After a little conversation, one of them asked (about the herd of cows and calves that were grazing in the pasture next to us), "So....are those eating cows?" I smiled and said, "Yep, they're eating right now, in fact." Totally went over his head! Then he pointed to one particular cow and said, "So how old is he?" Carol said, "Those are mother cows...." He also wanted to know if the little ones were veal. Ya know, this being a country hick ain't always easy!!!!
So Sunday's ride took us a little longer...but we did get in a little over 27 miles.
Monday after coffee Mary and Carol and I took off again on our bikes. We thought the wind was out of the north...but it wasn't. So we cut across town, got on the bike path, went out through South Hutch, past Crupper's Corner and headed west. By Crupper's Corner we already had in over 11 miles. I made some comment about the wind..and Carol said, "Well, if you don't think you can make it, we can turn around." It wasn't said to be a challenge, and we all laughed at the same time. I wasn't about to turn around and she knew it!!! :) We got in over 27 miles.
This morning Carol and I met Mary down by the reformatory and rode Yoder Road down to Trail West (aka Elmer Road). Took Elmer Road over to Highway 96 and back into South Hutch. Just on the south edge of South Hutch we have to go under an overpass. There is NO shoulder. We are all very careful and bluntly, darned good riders. We take our lane (it's four lane) and hold it. That's the best way to keep from getting hit. Be assertive! Well, a large truck pulled right up on us and laid on his horn. He had an entire other lane and no other traffic. He just wanted to be an obnoxious butthead! And was successful. Then's when my "not so proud moment" occurred. As we turned the corner by McDonald's to get off of the main street, we signaled to turn. As I completed the turn, I continued to hold my arm up...even higher...finger extended...and yelled "F--- U"...only I didn't abbreviate it! We rode on and the trucker caught the next corner and came around the block facing us. We were all wondering which driveway, yard, what we'd have to take to get away from him. We all noted it was a metal company out of Wichita and he stopped and tried to talk to us. Carol went on by. I stopped by his door and said, "What's your problem?" He said, "What problem?" I said, "You're an asshole" and rode away. Mary was with me the whole time. As we rode on around the next corner we could still hear him yelling...no one responded. We all know the name of the company...but you know what....me flipping him off and yelling obscenities won't make a difference. He's a moron. Calling the company won't make a difference. Then he'd just be an unemployed moron with time on his hands. I should have just turned the corner and let him think he'd won. Wish I would have...I'd be much prouder now. Anyway, we all had something to talk about (not that we ever lack anything to talk about)...and I got in another 26+ miles.
So that's my moments to savor, to be proud of...and moments to wish undone. But..for what it's worth....the thought crossed my mind: I have a can of Halt hanging on my handlebar bag....oooooooohhhhhh....I could have made an even bigger mistake!!!!
Count your blessings....get out and enjoy this gorgeous day! It's AWESOME!!!!!
Sunday Carol and I rode over to Nickerson for coffee/diet coke and met two "sets" of touring bikers. The first two guys were from Santa Barbara, California and Seattle, Washington. They were traveling from Pueblo, Colorado to Pittsburg, Kansas. They had stayed at Hedrick's Exotic Animal Farm at Nickerson the previous night..and seemed to think it was pretty neat. The man from Santa Barbara said that he didn't mean to cast aspersions on Kansans, but that he'd never seen so many FAT people. I immediately sucked in and tried to stand taller. He said that the other room occupants at the farm were "at least 40 pounds overweight!" I can only assume his sunglasses were smudged and he couldn't see me very well.
Later, on the way back to Hutchinson, we met two more fellows who were from West Virginia. After a little conversation, one of them asked (about the herd of cows and calves that were grazing in the pasture next to us), "So....are those eating cows?" I smiled and said, "Yep, they're eating right now, in fact." Totally went over his head! Then he pointed to one particular cow and said, "So how old is he?" Carol said, "Those are mother cows...." He also wanted to know if the little ones were veal. Ya know, this being a country hick ain't always easy!!!!
So Sunday's ride took us a little longer...but we did get in a little over 27 miles.
Monday after coffee Mary and Carol and I took off again on our bikes. We thought the wind was out of the north...but it wasn't. So we cut across town, got on the bike path, went out through South Hutch, past Crupper's Corner and headed west. By Crupper's Corner we already had in over 11 miles. I made some comment about the wind..and Carol said, "Well, if you don't think you can make it, we can turn around." It wasn't said to be a challenge, and we all laughed at the same time. I wasn't about to turn around and she knew it!!! :) We got in over 27 miles.
This morning Carol and I met Mary down by the reformatory and rode Yoder Road down to Trail West (aka Elmer Road). Took Elmer Road over to Highway 96 and back into South Hutch. Just on the south edge of South Hutch we have to go under an overpass. There is NO shoulder. We are all very careful and bluntly, darned good riders. We take our lane (it's four lane) and hold it. That's the best way to keep from getting hit. Be assertive! Well, a large truck pulled right up on us and laid on his horn. He had an entire other lane and no other traffic. He just wanted to be an obnoxious butthead! And was successful. Then's when my "not so proud moment" occurred. As we turned the corner by McDonald's to get off of the main street, we signaled to turn. As I completed the turn, I continued to hold my arm up...even higher...finger extended...and yelled "F--- U"...only I didn't abbreviate it! We rode on and the trucker caught the next corner and came around the block facing us. We were all wondering which driveway, yard, what we'd have to take to get away from him. We all noted it was a metal company out of Wichita and he stopped and tried to talk to us. Carol went on by. I stopped by his door and said, "What's your problem?" He said, "What problem?" I said, "You're an asshole" and rode away. Mary was with me the whole time. As we rode on around the next corner we could still hear him yelling...no one responded. We all know the name of the company...but you know what....me flipping him off and yelling obscenities won't make a difference. He's a moron. Calling the company won't make a difference. Then he'd just be an unemployed moron with time on his hands. I should have just turned the corner and let him think he'd won. Wish I would have...I'd be much prouder now. Anyway, we all had something to talk about (not that we ever lack anything to talk about)...and I got in another 26+ miles.
So that's my moments to savor, to be proud of...and moments to wish undone. But..for what it's worth....the thought crossed my mind: I have a can of Halt hanging on my handlebar bag....oooooooohhhhhh....I could have made an even bigger mistake!!!!
Count your blessings....get out and enjoy this gorgeous day! It's AWESOME!!!!!
Saturday, May 12, 2012
City-Wide Garage Sale
Buhler, a small town about 12 miles northeast of Hutchinson, had their city-wide garage sales today. I've participated in this event for the past 3 or 4 years..setting up my display of sterling silver jewelry. Although it's not "garage sale" merchandise, I usually do pretty well. I went to high school (many years ago) with a guy that owns a lot of Buhler properties, so I've always been able to set up my tables in front of one of his stores - right on Main street. Today was no exception.
Traffic was somewhat light...due to either cool, cool weather..almost rainy from time to time, to competition in Hutchinson with the annual art fair going on (it's a pretty big deal)...to possibly people just deciding it was too hard to get there. Construction on K61 highway prevents crossing at 30th street...so I went to 43rd, then found out I couldn't go north to 56th..so continued east to Prairie Hills and then back south to 30th..then east on 30th, north on Buhler-Haven road....lots of wasted time and miles. (BTW...it IS the Buhler-Haven road...NOT the Haven-Buhler road as some people I know think!!!) At any rate, traffic was light but the people who were there still bought a few items - enough to make it worth my time going. An overall enjoyable day.
But....one of the most enjoyable events of the day: Five..and later 6 or 7...young men (someone said they were 5th and 6th graders) played their musical instruments right across the street from us. The trombone player had music in his soul..or maybe that's "soles," as he'd start playing and he'd start moving. He just almost danced the whole time. One of the late-comers performed a really good "robot" dance. Yeah, they weren't pros, but they were really "into" it, and it was fun to listen and watch. I had noticed people just walking on by them, so I dug out $1.35 and went across the street. They were taking kind of a break so I said, "Ok, guys...here's the deal: you gotta seed this pot so people will know they should drop a little money here!" I put the dollar into one of the horn cases and laid the quarter and dime on top of it. They all thanked me and one of the boys said, "We have a $5 bill....but were afraid to put it out or the wind might blow it away!" I said, "That's why I brought the quarter and the dime!" They were so cute! They played most all morning and got a lot of attention. I also saw several people drop money in the case. Cool, huh? My son is/was a musician...starting very young...and I truly believe they need all the encouragement they can get. Saw a bumper sticker years ago that I always liked: Hug a musician...they don't get to dance much!
Fun day! Made a little $$$, caught up with a couple of old friends and what's going on in their lives, and just all in all enjoyed the day! Hope yours was good too. Count your blessings...they're many!!!!
Traffic was somewhat light...due to either cool, cool weather..almost rainy from time to time, to competition in Hutchinson with the annual art fair going on (it's a pretty big deal)...to possibly people just deciding it was too hard to get there. Construction on K61 highway prevents crossing at 30th street...so I went to 43rd, then found out I couldn't go north to 56th..so continued east to Prairie Hills and then back south to 30th..then east on 30th, north on Buhler-Haven road....lots of wasted time and miles. (BTW...it IS the Buhler-Haven road...NOT the Haven-Buhler road as some people I know think!!!) At any rate, traffic was light but the people who were there still bought a few items - enough to make it worth my time going. An overall enjoyable day.
But....one of the most enjoyable events of the day: Five..and later 6 or 7...young men (someone said they were 5th and 6th graders) played their musical instruments right across the street from us. The trombone player had music in his soul..or maybe that's "soles," as he'd start playing and he'd start moving. He just almost danced the whole time. One of the late-comers performed a really good "robot" dance. Yeah, they weren't pros, but they were really "into" it, and it was fun to listen and watch. I had noticed people just walking on by them, so I dug out $1.35 and went across the street. They were taking kind of a break so I said, "Ok, guys...here's the deal: you gotta seed this pot so people will know they should drop a little money here!" I put the dollar into one of the horn cases and laid the quarter and dime on top of it. They all thanked me and one of the boys said, "We have a $5 bill....but were afraid to put it out or the wind might blow it away!" I said, "That's why I brought the quarter and the dime!" They were so cute! They played most all morning and got a lot of attention. I also saw several people drop money in the case. Cool, huh? My son is/was a musician...starting very young...and I truly believe they need all the encouragement they can get. Saw a bumper sticker years ago that I always liked: Hug a musician...they don't get to dance much!
Fun day! Made a little $$$, caught up with a couple of old friends and what's going on in their lives, and just all in all enjoyed the day! Hope yours was good too. Count your blessings...they're many!!!!
Friday, May 4, 2012
Potato Chip Cookies
I have several blogs that I read about every day. Yesterday one of my favorites posted a recipe and photos for "Potato Chip Cookies"....along with a shout out something like "Stop what you're doing and make these cookies!!!"
So today I made cookies. They're ok...they're pretty good. They aren't a super sweet cookie..at all... more like a pecan sandie. Don't know that I'll make them again...but if you don't like super sweet they might be right up your alley. (Personally I love the peanut butter cookie with the bite-size Snickers or Milky Way baked inside..super sweet!!!)
But I did get out and go for a bicycle ride earlier today. Mary and I got in a little over 22 miles; Carol is still hiking the Grand Canyon...we think. More on that later... :)
Count your blessings...eat a cookie....and if you want this recipe go to http://www.bossybetty.com/. Have a good one!!! (BTW...that's only the first cookie sheetful of cookies....there were more later.)
But I did get out and go for a bicycle ride earlier today. Mary and I got in a little over 22 miles; Carol is still hiking the Grand Canyon...we think. More on that later... :)
Count your blessings...eat a cookie....and if you want this recipe go to http://www.bossybetty.com/. Have a good one!!! (BTW...that's only the first cookie sheetful of cookies....there were more later.)
Thursday, May 3, 2012
She Said It Was Usually About My Flowers!!!
Recently, on a special trip to St. Louis, my NOW daughter-in-law told her sister that I have a blog. When her sister asked what I write about, DIL said, "Usually about her flowers...."
Well...here I go again!! :)
Lots of knock-out roses...gave two plants away...still have too many:
And snapdragons........
In several colors......
Yellow being my favorite.....
And while I say I don't like roses...this one is very pretty. But still has those "big-assed" thorns I hate so much!
Well...here I go again!! :)
Lots of knock-out roses...gave two plants away...still have too many:
And snapdragons........
And so, life continues to be incredibly boring on the plains of Kansas. The wind blows too hard to ride comfortably (I know, who said I needed to be comfortable!!!???) But it'll get nicer soon and I'll be back out riding. (Also, one of my main "co-riders" is in Arizona hiking the Grand Canyon and I hate riding alone.)
Count your blessings....have a wonderful May.
Here's where the "proper" people should quit reading:
A friend of mine used to say on May 1:
"The first of May
The first of May
Outside screwing starts today!!!"
Get yerself some!!!
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
And They Lived Happily Ever After.....
What a fantastic weekend I just had!!! In order to maintain some privacy, I won't post photos of people here....but my son and his sweetheart of several years got married last Sunday morning.
I went to St. Louis on Friday, arriving about 3:30 pm. The "couple" came to the hotel (Drury Inn...very nice!!!) and we got ready and went to meet the rest of her family. I'd never met any of them before so was naturally a little nervous. Went to a Mexican foods restaurant (El Maguey) and it was great. Super, super neat people. Her parents, her twin sister and her husband and 2 year old son (what a doll!!!), her other sister and her husband...all were fantastic people. I felt quite comfortable within just minutes of arriving. A lot of food and drink and getting "stuffed!"
Then Saturday am while the bride and her female entourage had "mani's & pedi's", my son and I took in The Container Store and REI. Both places extremely addictive!!! WOW!!! I'm actually glad they're not local! At noon my son dropped me off at the Pastries of Denmark restaurant where I met the other women plus the daughters' godmother and her daughter. Lunch was "girl talk" and "wedding talk"...and a lot of fun!
Saturday night was the "dress up" dinner at Bristol. VERY nice...the food was exquisite, the service was too. Again...what a great group of people. And again...a lot of food (and drinks) and laughter.
My son spent the nights with me at the hotel, so Sunday am I followed him in my car to the Old Hickory Golf Club where the wedding was to be held. Beautiful setting! The bride was stunning!!! She's truly a very very pretty girl!
I'd never been to a Jewish wedding before and was in for a treat. Many customs that I was uneducated about..and found absolutely fascinating. The grandfathers' prayer shawl was draped over the chupah (canopy). There were two glasses filled with wine; one to be passed from family member to family member, each taking a sip while the Rabbi said the blessings. The other glass was a couple's blessing to be shared by the bride and groom.
Since this was an interfaith marriage, the Rabbi read/sang the seven blessings in both Hebrew and in English. The couple circled each other seven times, maintaining eye contact. This is to confirm they will protect each other (and more.)
A ketubah - a marriage contract - is arranged and signed by both bride and groom, the Rabbi, and two witnesses. It will be displayed in the couples' home.
The ring exchange was also different than I'd seen before. The groom places the ring on the bride's right hand index finger as vows are spoken. Then the bride places the groom's ring on his left hand ring finger. Then the bride is told if she accepts her groom as her husband, the two of them should move the ring to her left hand, ring finger.
Also at one point the bride and groom each hold one end of a knotted handkerchief (the bride's grandfather's or great grandfather's I think) while repeating vows. And then of course, there's the smashing of the glass. The glass is inside a cloth and the groom steps on it and smashes it. I read later that it is often said that's the last time he'll get to put his foot down! :)
After the ceremony and lots and lots of photos, we went to a private room for a wonderful brunch. The parents of the bride then had a "crowning." Traditionally after the last daughter is married (today it is sometimes the last child..male or female), then crowns are placed on the heads of the parents and their children dance around them. Two wreaths were available and the bride and groom placed them on the parents' heads and then all three daughters and all three son-in-laws danced around them and gave them kisses. Lots of laughter and fun!!!
All in all, an absolutely wonderful weekend! What a memory! Oh...and also both the bride and the groom had chosen songs to be read during the ceremony. My son chose "What Are You Doing For the Rest of Your Life" and the bride chose "This Is Always." Lyrics can be googled if you're interested....every time I read them I'm still leaky-eyed!
I'm delighted to see my son take this step. I'm delighted with his bride...she's not only beautiful, but smart and talented as well...and much more! This is good...this is very good!
Count your blessings...mine are HUGE in number!!! And I do appreciate them!
I went to St. Louis on Friday, arriving about 3:30 pm. The "couple" came to the hotel (Drury Inn...very nice!!!) and we got ready and went to meet the rest of her family. I'd never met any of them before so was naturally a little nervous. Went to a Mexican foods restaurant (El Maguey) and it was great. Super, super neat people. Her parents, her twin sister and her husband and 2 year old son (what a doll!!!), her other sister and her husband...all were fantastic people. I felt quite comfortable within just minutes of arriving. A lot of food and drink and getting "stuffed!"
Then Saturday am while the bride and her female entourage had "mani's & pedi's", my son and I took in The Container Store and REI. Both places extremely addictive!!! WOW!!! I'm actually glad they're not local! At noon my son dropped me off at the Pastries of Denmark restaurant where I met the other women plus the daughters' godmother and her daughter. Lunch was "girl talk" and "wedding talk"...and a lot of fun!
Saturday night was the "dress up" dinner at Bristol. VERY nice...the food was exquisite, the service was too. Again...what a great group of people. And again...a lot of food (and drinks) and laughter.
My son spent the nights with me at the hotel, so Sunday am I followed him in my car to the Old Hickory Golf Club where the wedding was to be held. Beautiful setting! The bride was stunning!!! She's truly a very very pretty girl!
I'd never been to a Jewish wedding before and was in for a treat. Many customs that I was uneducated about..and found absolutely fascinating. The grandfathers' prayer shawl was draped over the chupah (canopy). There were two glasses filled with wine; one to be passed from family member to family member, each taking a sip while the Rabbi said the blessings. The other glass was a couple's blessing to be shared by the bride and groom.
Since this was an interfaith marriage, the Rabbi read/sang the seven blessings in both Hebrew and in English. The couple circled each other seven times, maintaining eye contact. This is to confirm they will protect each other (and more.)
A ketubah - a marriage contract - is arranged and signed by both bride and groom, the Rabbi, and two witnesses. It will be displayed in the couples' home.
The ring exchange was also different than I'd seen before. The groom places the ring on the bride's right hand index finger as vows are spoken. Then the bride places the groom's ring on his left hand ring finger. Then the bride is told if she accepts her groom as her husband, the two of them should move the ring to her left hand, ring finger.
Also at one point the bride and groom each hold one end of a knotted handkerchief (the bride's grandfather's or great grandfather's I think) while repeating vows. And then of course, there's the smashing of the glass. The glass is inside a cloth and the groom steps on it and smashes it. I read later that it is often said that's the last time he'll get to put his foot down! :)
After the ceremony and lots and lots of photos, we went to a private room for a wonderful brunch. The parents of the bride then had a "crowning." Traditionally after the last daughter is married (today it is sometimes the last child..male or female), then crowns are placed on the heads of the parents and their children dance around them. Two wreaths were available and the bride and groom placed them on the parents' heads and then all three daughters and all three son-in-laws danced around them and gave them kisses. Lots of laughter and fun!!!
All in all, an absolutely wonderful weekend! What a memory! Oh...and also both the bride and the groom had chosen songs to be read during the ceremony. My son chose "What Are You Doing For the Rest of Your Life" and the bride chose "This Is Always." Lyrics can be googled if you're interested....every time I read them I'm still leaky-eyed!
I'm delighted to see my son take this step. I'm delighted with his bride...she's not only beautiful, but smart and talented as well...and much more! This is good...this is very good!
Count your blessings...mine are HUGE in number!!! And I do appreciate them!
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Tornado Weather!!!!
Wow!!! Quite a day! I had a craft show until 2 p.m. today and was rather concerned as the weather gurus were warning of severe storms all across the Midwest today. When I left the church where the craft sale was held, I commented on how "us Kansans can feel tornado weather." There's just something you sense after you've been around them a few (hundred) times. It's too warm, too humid, too everything. Smells funny even.
I actually got home just a few minutes after 2:00, flipped on the tv, and have been glued to it ever since. Tornadoes everywhere! The reporters were jumping from one cell to another all day and evening. It's now 1:10 a.m. and it's just beginning to slow down. Hutchinson is currently getting rain (much needed rain) and it appears this is part of a line of "the last" of the storms.
Hutchinson seems to have been spared much damage ... actually none in my part of town (I think)...but a lot of damage everywhere else. A few minutes ago they reported that estimated damage in Wichita will exceed 283 million...and that will change with daylight. Lyons, Raymond, Salina, Marquette, and on and on...all had damage. So far I haven't heard of any deaths and very few injuries. Again, that may all change with daylight.
Bedtime...I can sleep with rain....count your blessings and stay safe.
I actually got home just a few minutes after 2:00, flipped on the tv, and have been glued to it ever since. Tornadoes everywhere! The reporters were jumping from one cell to another all day and evening. It's now 1:10 a.m. and it's just beginning to slow down. Hutchinson is currently getting rain (much needed rain) and it appears this is part of a line of "the last" of the storms.
Hutchinson seems to have been spared much damage ... actually none in my part of town (I think)...but a lot of damage everywhere else. A few minutes ago they reported that estimated damage in Wichita will exceed 283 million...and that will change with daylight. Lyons, Raymond, Salina, Marquette, and on and on...all had damage. So far I haven't heard of any deaths and very few injuries. Again, that may all change with daylight.
Bedtime...I can sleep with rain....count your blessings and stay safe.
Saturday, April 7, 2012
A Day at the Dog Show
Today Carol and I took in the Sunflower Cluster dog show held at the Kansas Coliseum near Wichita. It's a four day event put on by the Salina, Wichita, and Hutchinson kennel clubs. I think this was a first "in-person" dog show for Carol, and it had been several years (about 20-25??) since I'd been to one. We had a great time!!
We got acquainted with quite a few breeds and both of us gained knowledge. We watched a lot of obedience work (my old favorite) and several of the breed rings...of course, Dobermans (my old love.)
This gorgeous gentleman, Marshall, a Bernese Mountain Dog, acquired enough points to finish his championship today. (That's a cool wet chamois on his hind quarters..not shaved or anything!)
However....earlier in the day Carol and I had stopped and chatted at length with a woman with the most gorgeous, HUGE...123 lbs. of HUGE...Bernese Mountain Dog. "Indy" had taken Best of Breed yesterday...and turned out he took it again today. He's already a champion and goes in under a "Specials" class.
As I said, we had met his Mom earlier in the day and watched several other conformation rings and obedience rings, then went back by that area just as the Berners were being judged. So we stuck around. At one point, Indy needed to be groomed a little so I held his leash while Mom groomed. She turned her back and of course, he decided to lie down. I kept his front end up but he managed to get his hind quarters on the ground. When a 123 lb. critter that I don't know wants to do something, I'm probably not the person that should be holding the leash! So...after another round of quick grooming, she asked Carol to hold Indy's 8-month old niece while she took Indy over to the handler. She handed me a chunk of bait and said, "Here....keep her distracted...watch your fingers!" Hellooooo.... actually it was never a problem....so long as one doesn't mind watching your entire hand being inhaled!
But I think Carol was falling in love...and I think the pup was too! I've kicked myself that I didn't get a good photo of Indy, as he did wind up taking Best of Breed again today.
We got acquainted with quite a few breeds and both of us gained knowledge. We watched a lot of obedience work (my old favorite) and several of the breed rings...of course, Dobermans (my old love.)
This gorgeous gentleman, Marshall, a Bernese Mountain Dog, acquired enough points to finish his championship today. (That's a cool wet chamois on his hind quarters..not shaved or anything!)
However....earlier in the day Carol and I had stopped and chatted at length with a woman with the most gorgeous, HUGE...123 lbs. of HUGE...Bernese Mountain Dog. "Indy" had taken Best of Breed yesterday...and turned out he took it again today. He's already a champion and goes in under a "Specials" class.As I said, we had met his Mom earlier in the day and watched several other conformation rings and obedience rings, then went back by that area just as the Berners were being judged. So we stuck around. At one point, Indy needed to be groomed a little so I held his leash while Mom groomed. She turned her back and of course, he decided to lie down. I kept his front end up but he managed to get his hind quarters on the ground. When a 123 lb. critter that I don't know wants to do something, I'm probably not the person that should be holding the leash! So...after another round of quick grooming, she asked Carol to hold Indy's 8-month old niece while she took Indy over to the handler. She handed me a chunk of bait and said, "Here....keep her distracted...watch your fingers!" Hellooooo.... actually it was never a problem....so long as one doesn't mind watching your entire hand being inhaled!
But I think Carol was falling in love...and I think the pup was too! I've kicked myself that I didn't get a good photo of Indy, as he did wind up taking Best of Breed again today.
The Berners' mom thanked us several times for helping her out...and we thanked her right back for letting us. It was an up close and in person adventure. FUN!
Also I got acquainted with a Lowchen...had to ask what it was...nice small-medium dogs. Also had a great encounter with a beautiful Bouvier des Flandres. I had always been under the impression they were not particularly friendly. Conversation with the owner was enlightening. She breeds for temperament....and obviously was having good success. Her dog was charming! And beautiful!
Also gathered some information on English Springer Spaniels for a friend of a friend looking for a quality puppy.
It's been over 25 years since I shown a dog (Doberman) in obedience...and a lot has really changed. However, watching today, I would love to do it all again. One of the nicest things: to be shown in Obedience, Agility, or Herding classes....they do NOT have to be registered breeds. So....adopt a rescue dog and have a ball! Sure is tempting....hmmmmmm.
Great day...great friend...great fun! And tomorrow supposed to be nice and we plan to get in another ride. Did a little over 25 miles yesterday and it looked like it could open up and pour on us at any second...but it didn't! Hurrah!
Count your blessings...enjoy life...you only go round once! And watch out for the Easter bunny...he's out delivering, ya know!!! Happy Easter!
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