Friday Randomness

It seems I am in love with the color of ragweed.....not the effects of it.  

My daughter and I already have plans to make a few Drac-o-lanterns.  If you would like to do so check out the website.  

If you are more adventurous, check out these pumpkins.  Make sure you click on the winners of previous years on the left hand sidebar.  AWESOME!  

The chiclets and I are looking forward to fall break next week.  No school for nine days!!!  The Babs and Mr. B are visiting us during this time.  I think I need one of these before they arrive.  

So glad fall is here. 

My son has started driving my car on our little country road.  When did my life get to this point?  

Peace out and enjoy your weekend....wherever you are. 

Thoughtless Thursday

Just Looking

Every now and again I have to stop by our local antique mall.  I can't say that I actually need anything in the store, but the history of the place is hard to resist. 

A new booth has boxes of old photos and postcards waiting for a good perusal.  

A small rocking chair that is just waiting for a home.....in my home. 

Buttons anyone? 

An old screen door that has slammed many more times than all of us put together can count. 

A cast iron tea kettle that needs a little research to uncover the meaning of those markings. 

And, I have saved the best for last.  Does anyone want to guess what this little metal piece is?  It is small enough to hold in one hand. 

A marshmallow toaster.....come on.....you know you need one. 

Hangin' On

Even though the season has technically changed, the farmette still seems to be hanging on to summer.  A flower in a broken pot, that was ready for the rubbish bin, has decided to come back to life. 

The tomatoes are still going strong.

Zinnias are still gifting us with their color. 

And let us not forget the weed.....

nothing but a flower with virtues not yet discovered.  I sometimes think they could survive even through the depths of winter. 

More Friday Randomness

I found this photo while scanning through some photographs on my jump drive.  Let's enjoy its beauty for a moment and get on with the program.  

I think we all might need one of these.  

This is currently my new favorite way to waste a little time on the internet.  LOVE it.  

This could be on the menu this weekend.  

Dear Saturday morning with no alarm clock.....you can't come soon enough.  

Proceed and be bold! 

Thoughtless Thursday

Hometown Hero

This past weekend everyone near and far converged upon Smalltownland to celebrate our annual festival known as Cow Days. 

Booths were set up around the historic town square, there was food to be had, and people were able to enjoy this small town event.  I could go on and on about the activities, but a more profound thing happened this year. 

Dakota Meyer, recent recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor, was Grand Marshal of our parade.  He is actually a native of  Smalltownland.  He went to school here and played football for our local high school team.  And, until recently, was known as another fine person from a small town. 

His presence gave an entirely different meaning to our festivities this year. 

A time of reflection on what it means to sacrifice yourself to help others in need. 

Sin in the Oven

Cookies people....I am referring to cookies.  A little sinful treat here on this delightful Sunday in September.  This afternoon I baked up a ridiculously awesome cookie that I first read about in this magazine.  The original recipe calls for a homemade chocolate chip cookie recipe, but I cheated and bought two rolls of generic chocolate chip cookie dough.  I know, I know.....terrible, but tasty.

I used two rolls of chocolate chip cookie dough and one box of Oreo cookies.  Seriously, this recipe is about combining those two delectable cookies.  I used a cookie scoop to make sure I had even proportions and placed one scoop on the top and one scoop on the bottom of an Oreo....just like this.  

Next, I squished the dough all around the Oreo until it was hidden in the middle.  Then I placed them on a baking tray that was lined with parchment paper.  They will spread a bit, so leave a bit more room than you see in this picture. 

I baked them per the instructions on the package of the cookie dough.  For me that was for 9-12 minutes at 350 degrees.  11 minutes was perfect in my oven.  Then I allowed them to cool on the kitchen island.  They look a bit lumpy.  Lumpy is good. 

Here is a very scientific cross section of this masterpiece. 

They are delicious.  Make them....because I said so. 

Friday Randomness

This lovely lady recently performed at one of our Smalltownland music events.  All I have to say is that when I get to be her age I hope I have that much zest left in me. 

I have been enjoying these ladies a lot lately.  Nice to see some, "outlaw country", come back into vogue.  It used to be Willie and Waylon back in the day.  

I am feeling the need for a pair of these.  

Football and fall softball are wearing the treads on my car tires thin.  

I am making this recipe this weekend.  Yes, it is good. 

I cannot fix these crazy whitish squares.....just roll with it. 

Peace out.....

Thoughtless Thursday

Perryville

Maybe a couple of times a year I have the opportunity to pass through the historic town of Perryville, Kentucky.  It really sprang to life in the late 1830's when shops began to line the historic merchants row, which still stands today. It also saw the Battle of Perryville in October of 1862.  This battle, which ended the Kentucky Campaign of two Confederate Generals, is still reenacted each year close to the town. 

Harmonia College was one of a handful of women's institutions located in the area back in the day.  One of its more famous graduates was Carrie Nation.  Known nationally as a leader of the temperance movement, Ms. Nation left her mark in this area by initiating the beginnings of the local option. 

Regional vernacular would refer to local option as a "wet" or "dry" county.  Each county votes whether or not to sell alcohol.  A charged issue in our area still today. 

Merchant's Row is still available to browse with Itchy Dog Antiques being the best name ever for an antique shop.  Just sayin'. 

If the dear Ms. Carrie Nation were to visit this town today, I doubt she would find it much changed.  Bricks still line the walkways and the pace is still slow.  With a population hovering around the 800 mark, how could it be anything else?

This is one of the few places where I can snap a picture of wavy window pane, while really trying to capture the stuffed chicken sitting on the upper shelf. 

History....it's all around us.  Just make your husband stop the car so you can run around and take pictures of it. 

Remembering

Remembering those who lost their lives ten years ago today. 

Growing a Girl

Take one girl......

stir in goofiness and a lot of flip-flops.....

whip in attitude, self-reliance, and boldness....

fold in love and good manners.....

and don't forget

to sprinkle with love, patience, and a bit of glitter. 

Growing a pretty good girl here in Smalltownland.

Thoughtless Thursday

Do You Speak?

I think one of the main things about acclimating to small town life is getting used to local habits and vernacular.  It's those little things that can really define if you are a local inhabitant or merely a transplant.  For example let's discuss the fine art of, "speaking", while driving.  

The first real rule to know is that you speak to everyone.  Yes, it doesn't matter if you know them or not.  They deserve at least the one finger wave.  You know.....lifting one finger off of the steering wheel to acknowledge a fellow driver passing by. 

Now....if you really want to get friendly, you can give a two finger wave.  What is the difference you ask?   Well, maybe it is just that certain something eminating from the passing car.  Perhaps you know them just a tad.  Or, maybe you just have a little more enthusiasm to offer. 

Speaking of enthusiasm, let's talk about lifting all fingers off of the wheel.  That bit of whimsy when you feel all giddy about waving to someone.  Or, perhaps, they gave you a big wave and you want to send one in return. 

There have been times when I have actually lifted my hand off of the wheel, yes dad it's true, to speak to someone.  But, let's forget that ever happened and keep it on the down low.  

However you choose to acknowledge your fellow man, let it be in kindness. 

Speak, give a wave, and a little back.  

Peace

Laboring for Labor Day

The view from my front porch this afternoon.  Notice the leaves already falling from the tree.....wasn't I just complaining about winter a few days ago?  Now summer has already passed and we are moving into fall.  

We are using a couple of days this weekend to try and catch up with chores here at the farmette.  Busy kids and busy schedules leave a lot of things undone. 

Secret Agent Man is already at work on the woodpile. 

At least one person in this house took a moment to have a little fun.  The Deerslayer suited up and went to his tree stand today.  Even though a bit of rain moved in, he just couldn't help himself. 

I took some time to make a batch of these today.  Fantastic I tell you.

Hmmmmm......

Apparently there is nothing that cannot happen today.  

Mark Twain

Thoughtless Thursday