Wind on the South Dakota Prairie

First, I must say that no one was hurt and there were no major damages here...and my heart goes out to families that have lost their homes in storms.

What we have here is a result of major wind with a thunderstorm in the night. We were up for a couple of hours...just trying to secure what we could!! These pictures show the view from the deck doors when I got up this morning.

Then I looked out the front door, where the driveway is also covered in branches. I went to get my husband because there are huge branches in the street. Halfway down the block, a bobcat is clearing a tree that has fallen across the street, blocking potential traffic.

Then we walked around to the backside of the house! This tree has always been a messy tree... Drops branches just with a strong breeze...

Scott has wanted to get rid of this tree many a times, but it is soooo beautiful and provides beautiful shade. It lost many precious limbs in the wind last night!

I'm sure there are similar pictures from all over our community.

OFG Fall Celebration

Our Etsy team, Old Farmhouse Gathering, invites you to visit our Fall Celebration. It takes alot of communication to coordinate a group of artists, that live in all parts of the country, to host this event. To see the featured items, type OFG into the search bar on the Etsy home page. Enjoy!

I listed two of my scarecrow dolls. This is Scarecrow Artie to the left. His face is hand stitched and he is 24" tall. His body is pretty floppy, so he can drape into almost any seat!

On our right, is Scarecrow Charlie. He is 14" tall and also has a limp body that can be posed almost anywhere. To see their full view, and more pictures, click on my Etsy shop in the side bar.

Our Aquatic Center

Our community is lucky to have this beautiful facility. Last year was it's first year of operation. A very popular place for people of all ages.

Jake, can you find Emily? When I drive past, I'm not alway's sure which one she is because most of the lifeguards look the same...same swimsuit...brown ponytail...sunglasses...

Yesterday, Scott and I were inside the gate!! We both worked at the swim meet, which brought back some very warm memories. Our girls started swimming competatively when they were 11 and 7. These were some of our best years. Our family traveled together nearly every weekend. We were together in the car, at the motel, at the swim meet, in the restaurants!! Some of our best friends are also swim team families.

Outdoor Living

This birdhouse box was my Etsy listing for today...I kinda like it with my herbs, etc. What do you think?
Anyway, the deck and flowers are beautiful now...thanks to the thunder showers at night...

My husband built the deck...the old one was literally falling off the back of the house...well, that's an exaggeration, but close. He worked really hard on it, with very little help from me, and a little help from Emily. But we enjoy it very much...

Did you notice the fire pit on the above pictures...we have been known to enjoy this outside area after high school football games!

Scare a Crow?

Would this sweet face scare a crow?!! I had forgotten how cute this project was...if you like him, check out my etsy shop with the link to the left...















Also...the Mini Annies that I started a week ago, are ready to be posted...what do you think?

Yes, our daughter (home for the summer) has the afternoon off tomorrow, so we'll, again, make the most of our time together. And our oldest daughter is planning to spend some time here in August before starting PA school on the 18th. I savor the moments spent with these young women!!

Jazz Fest 2008

We just got home after traveling to Sioux Falls with good friends to attend Jazz Fest 2008. It feels as if we made the room reservation months ago. We didn't get to the park till after dark. I think the parking lot guy did a pretty good job taking our picture, since he was so busy. He was directing traffic with one arm, while snapping this pic with the other!



We heard the last two groups play. There were about 40,000 people there.

The next day we arrived at the park to set up our "nest" of chairs, blankets, bags, etc. We had a great view of the stage and the big screen. We were settled in, enjoying the afternoon bands, when severe thunderstorm warnings were announced. Everyone was to clear the park!












Need I say more! We went to Randy and Becky's for a couple of hours. They grilled some delicious kabobs, and before we knew it, the weather service gave the all-clear and we were back at the park.

Both the evening bands were amazing. We had alot of fun!

We did a little shopping and had a nice lunch before heading home.

A little Mother / Daughter Time

Our daughter, home for the summer, is working as a lifeguard. She leaves for lessons before 9 a.m. and comes home after they clean after 9 p.m. She is home for about 35 minutes at lunch and suppertime. (our oldest daughter had a similar job when she was her age) College students need summer jobs with lots of hours...but...this is just a little crazy?! Yesterday was her first time off after working 10 days straight. She only had to work till 11. She was soooo excited. Me too, cause she wanted to go out for lunch and do a little shopping. Here we are...in the courtyard of Canterbury's, a special little deli downtown. It is owned by good friends. Stephanie is a great cook. Greg, is a principal so available in July, was helping in the kitchen. It was fun to see them and we had great food!
We had smoked turkey and provolone (Emily on sourdough and me on marble rye). Emily's side, broccoli salad; me, tomato basil soup. Delicious!

We also had the courtyard to ourselves...lots of people were eating inside...

Municipal Band Concert

In the evening we attended the weekly concert in the park. It was big band night. My husband played drums. Guest soloist was one of his friends from high school.

Not exactly her type of music, but she was a good sport to go with me!

What's in the Oven?

Emily asked me what I was baking? My answer..."body parts!"

She said they must be "Breakfast Body Parts!"

You see, they've bathed in Cinnamon Vanilla Coffee!!

Angels for Etsy Shoppe

My shop on Etsy has now been open for four days now. The first listing seemed to take meforever, as I had to set up everything else too...It is getting easier and faster. (None if it was difficult, if you're thinking of starting your own shop!) These angels are ready for listing today.











Backyard BBQ
Yesterday we attended a lovely backyard BBQ. There were plenty of burgers and brats, and we each brought a dish to pass. This summer I have been testing different dressings for pasta salad. This one is our favorite so far.

Vinaigrette for Pasta Salad

1 cup salad oil

2/3 cup vinegar
2 tbsp. sugar

2 tbsp. snipped fresh thyme

2 tbsp. snipped fresh basil

2 tbsp. snipped fresh oregano

1 tsp. paprika

1/2 tsp. dry mustard

1/2 tsp. pepper

Whisk together. Pour over cooked pasta and vegetables.

I cook whatever pasta shape I have on hand. This time it was elbows. I add whatever vegetabes that I have on hand...broccoli, radishes, cucumber, carrots, celery, onion, green pepper, black eye peas, olives, grape tomatoes, etc. I also add shredded fresh parmesan cheese. Salt to taste.