Out of Room

Is it just me, or do things that seemed really big when you were small, suddenly get little when you are now big?  Take this couch for example.  As a kid, I thought this couch was ginormous!  We could all (my five sisters and I) fit on it, and we have a collection of memories to prove fun was had by all.

Now, fast forward to the next generation.  The couch is holding all seven grandchildren, but it appears that we are about out of room!  How did this happen?  Who let this couch shrink?  I think, even though all are tightly packed, that we can fit one more.  We will try it out at Thanksgiving - because, we will now have eight little people to pack on the couch!

Swinging Sixties

The family gathered recently to celebrate a monumental milestone for Mom - the number 60!  She requested a very simple gathering - to include - fried chicken, french fries, rolls, cake, corn and ice cream. Don't worry, we did not eat the items in that order!  She also requested that we (all her daughters and families) come home for a family gathering to mark her day.

The weather was fantastic for October - close to 80 degrees - and the seven grandkids celebrated by playing outside.  The guys hung out in the garage, and us gals caught up on the last several months in the kitchen.

It was great to see everyone, and I really think we should schedule a party each year.  Holidays seem super hectic, and everyone is running from place to place.  So, this was perfect!  Mom, how would you feel about celebrating 60 again next year?

Fascinator

My good friend and co-worker, AR, really knows her stuff in the clothing department.  She can spot a fashion trend faster than you can shout "Vogue!"  One of the things I really like about AR, is that she can find style wherever she looks.  Check out this fun, purple hat!

I was told, by my good friend, that this is a "fascinator."  I am not certain how it was named, but doesn't it sound amazing, just the same?  She was sporting the look during a day at the fair, and I couldn't help but think that it was quite cheery.  Our conversation moved to Queens and Princesses and English weddings.  Great look AR!

Pumpkin Pox?

I always think finding a mystery or unusual item at the State Fair is like finding an undiscovered treasure!  I could not resist taking a close-up shot of this pumpkin.  I decided the pumpkin must certainly have some rare illness, which I was sure would be called "Pumpkin Pox."

My co-worker and local horticulture expert tells me that this pumpkin really is made this way.  It is an actual variety, and people like to use it for ornamental (aka - decorating) purposes.  I think it is simply fun.  What a way to give the ordinary pumpkin a little personality.  Happy early Fall!

Where Might I Find . . .

I have decided that as babies get older two things tend to happen: 1 - The baby gets more photogenic, and will smile more, maybe because they are amused by so many more things?  2 - The baby moves more, which means that you must photograph quickly!

I originally took this photo because the weather was cool enough for Baby "K" to try out his first pair of overalls, which I thought looked fun!  It is almost as if he is asking a question in this photo, like "Where might I find some chocolate?"  Or, "You wouldn't happen to have a hammer handy, would ya?"  Or perhaps, "Can anyone tell me when this chair got here?"

Missing Mouse

I am pretty sure that someone is missing a mouse.  I am quite certain, however, that we are not missing a mouse.  So, if you lost your mouse, please come and claim her.  Baby mice are included for free!

It all started one Monday night. I decided to turn the bed down, as I normally do, and there upon the pillow I discovered two, tiny black pellets.  My immediate reaction, was to suck my breathe in, and exclaim, "Oh my gosh!"

I ran to get Mr. Fixit.  He did not think they were from a mouse.  I was 100% certain that this indeed was the work of a mouse.  So, I encouraged Mr. Fixit to arm our house with every type of trap imaginable, and bait.

The next day, I attempted to turn the covers down once again.  So far, so good.  Well, as I got towards the bottom, there -- was -- a -- mouse -- in --- our --- bed!!!  I screamed, and the critter scurried out of the bed and onto the floor.  Oh -- my -- gosh!!!  I told Mr. Fixit that we simply could not sleep in the bed tonight, no way, no how -- the mouse needed to get out of our house!

I changed sheets for the 3rd day in a row, and once again rebaited traps.  We still have not caught the mouse, but we have not seen her again either.  We have also not discovered any additional evidence of her.  So, perhaps she has moved to a new abode.  I am still not putting the traps away yet, though!! 

Butter Turtle

The 2011 Kansas State Fair has concluded, but the memories will certainly last!  One of the most intriguing aspects of the fair, for me, is the butter sculpture.  Each year a new sculpture is commissioned to be sculpted out of semi-soft butter, and can be viewed throughout the duration of the fair.

This year's sculpture depicted the theme of "Sheep Thrills."  I was not sold on this theme, but was excited to see a turtle included in this year's sculpture.  This is memorable because Kansas is celebrating its 150th birthday this year.  And, if you were not aware, the Ornate Box Turtle is our state reptile.  So, there you go, the theme and sculpture did honor a bit of Kansas history.  Now, let's bake some muffins and enjoy some fresh, delicious butter!