Leaf Peepers

On October 8th, Bruce and I began our adventure to head back east to Maine to visit the coast. I've wanted to go for so long but never worked out since I was teaching but now we are beginning to do things on our bucket list. Because of the weather issues and the air traffic, we decided to fly commercially so we left Wichita very early on Saturday the 8th. After a hangup in New York we ended up in Bangor by 6:00 pm. We checked into our hotel and then left on Sunday for Southwest Harbor. On our way, we discovered Pentebcost Bay which boasts an incredible observatory from their bridge. I was a little hesitant to go up in that that thing, but I'm so glad I did. Bruce really enjoyed looking at the construction and the views weren't bad either.

 View from the top of the bridge looking at Bucksport. There is a paper mill there also which we enjoyed seeing.

 We went up the elevator to the top of this pier.

 The bridge on the left was replaced by the new construction..

You can see the bridge in the distant background!

 downtown Bucksport where we ate at a grille overlooking the river.

 The Pentebcost Bay bridge in the background.

 This is the large papermill on the river. We read they were planning on laying off 125 employees.

 So sad.

The river....from the top of the bridge.

Fort Knox was part of the tour area next to the Pentebcost Bridge. This was built to protect our nation from enemies wanting to infiltrate our bays and rivers and then move inland from there.  A basic stronghold.

 We got to witness reenactors this Sunday and Bruce really enjoyed talking to the guys about the history of this site and how this cannon worked.

 The reenactors were truly engaged with the public.

 I can't believe I got a shot of this actually going off. It was so LOUD!!

 Inside of Ft. Knox was this cannon! Massive.

This area which is the center of Ft. Knox is where the troops would gather for exercise, drills, etc.

This was a view towards the paper mill from Ft. Knox where the cannon was sitting. After spending most of the day here, we drove on to Southwest Harbor....

 This is the harbor across from our B & B. The tide is out....
they unload lobsters in this area - very busy place!

 another view off the dock.....

 The Coast Guard with some of their boats docked here.

That is lobster buoys all over the harbor. I had no idea they trapped lobsters so far inland.

and that was only our first day! More to come......

Just some of the beautiful color we encountered!

Cowgirl Tough

When Bruce and I came back from Minnesota we got to bring two of our granddaughters back - K-girl and K-sis. They were so excited to make that trip in Papa's airplane. After we got home, K-girl wanted to ride immediately so we caught Cheyenne, cleaned her up, and stabled her for the evening. Next morning, it was "time to ride" as deemed by K-girl. Well, we had one spill, and then she got right back on and Cheyenne ran off with her aboard. She had a crash, and came out of it really well, but scared the tarnation out of me...... But she has never let her love of horses waver..... A true testament to the cowgirl way of life! The next day, I told her I was going out to feed Cheyenne and she said, "you mean naughty Cheyenne?" Anyway, she was right back out with her and Blackie and even little Frankie (whom they all love and adore!) I make so much fun of Frankie cause he is, shall we say - a little overweight! but he is always the same - loving, docile, and friendly! So, below you'll find some of these very special pictures of my "special and brave cowgirl" AKA - Kgirl!

 Frankie and K-girl

 Blackie is always intrigued wit K-girl - he really KNOWS her....

My favorite picture of these two friends.

 K-Sis was so good thru this whole ordeal - always has a smile on her face :)

 and you guessed it - she loves Frankie too!

 A new perspective on Frankie!!

 Cheyenne and K-sis.

 cleaning out her feet....

 They are a cute pair -

 Notice her smile ....

 ain't she sweet??

 Blackie's looking for a snack or a kiss??

The girls were so good! I'm so proud of them! Nothing like a little time at the farm~ Papa and I love when we can spend time with all of our special grandkids. They are all so unique and special. God has blessed us with all of our "extraordinary treasures".

Our next blog will have some special pictures of our trip to the east coast to visit Maine. We are gonna become "leaf peepers." Until then..... God bless.

The Gyp Hills - ML Peace Treaty Pageant

When all the kids were home, we had an early lunch and then headed to Medicine Lodge to experience the wonderful Peace Treaty signing with 5 different indian tribes back in the day...  Upon arriving at the grounds, Carrie, Shawn, the kids and I headed out to visit with the characters in the pageant and look at some of the wagons up close.  That in itself was quite an experience!! We got to pet the big belgians, view the character's clothing and guns, wagons, indian dress, etc. So many questions. Kelton was brave and jumped in a wagon and even set on a seat but of course, I didn't take my camera out there. Had my hands full of kids..... But I know they all loved it cause they told me so!! We were so thankful Jo was here for this extravaganza - although I suspect she may not have recovered from our crew yet.....

Aunt Jo and Kelton...

She asked Kelton if he remembered her and he said No. They had fun too..

 Meeting the characters before the re-enactment.

 Time to eat- the chuckwagon is setting up!

 You tell me, do they look like they are having fun??? The real indian in the background had on an absolutely beautiful costume. His tail feathers were from an eagle!!

 The calvary ready to save the day.

 The fight is On..... kids loved this....

 Konnor drank lots of water and loved his apple while watching the pageant.

 Indians appeared at the wagon train.

 Papa and Katie and K-Girl taking in the sights.

 The stagecoach was a huge hit! The team of 4 up worked really well....

 The real indians in authentic dress....

the calvary again.....

The video below is a clip of the indians as they were finishing their dances.

All in all, we had a great day!  We were tired by the end and I don't know who needed to be put to bed worse -  the kids, the parents, or the grandparents!  Thank you Lord for our family.....and all of your beautiful creations!

A Family Gathering........

To say this has been a busy week would definitely be an understatement!  Bruce and I brought K-Girl and K-Sis home from MN for a couple of days before Shawn and Carrie came home to Kansas - so they took their first long cross country across 5 states!! They had so much fun giggling in the back seat and talking about the little doll houses below..... They have great imaginations!

We got to ride horses, K-Girl had a wreck - my heart is still not right over that episode, rode the gator, played in the sandbox, played in the sprinkler, had a party for Bruce for his L2, and went to the Peace Treaty Pageant in Medicine Lodge.  Good grief - no wonder we are tired! Eric brought the kids home on friday for the party at the hangar and then we all went to the Peace Treaty on Saturday! We had a great time!!!

The L2 party was a huge success that we had for Bruce winning Oshkosh! Everyone had a great time and the food from the caterer was great! Their brisket was awesome!  Somehow I was too busy running around and didn't get a picture of Bruce in front of the L2 but at least all the grandkids were documented there!  All had a great time riding their 3 wheelers around the hangar and outside on the ramp! I must say that they were free entertainment for all our guests. :) Also we got to have Aunt Jo here for the weekend so that was great! Hope she comes back again very soon!  I was going to put pictures of the Peace Treaty but I'll put that in my next blog! Watching the history come alive was awesome. Kelton and Kolsen were quite intrigued with it all..... Until next time ....... By the way -  this house is wayyyyyy to quiet now!

Another year older!!

Don't know how I managed to go to the lake and NOT get  pictures of the kids IN the lake!! I guess we were all having too much fun! Kelton, Katie and Konnor had a blast swimming, splashing, and making sandcastles!  I must admit, we had the best sandcastle around!! Everyone wanted to help us build it!! After spending time on the sand and in the water, we headed back to the trailer - we took our showers and then took it easy while Eric prepared  and grilled the best steaks EVER! I fixed potatoes and onions, and cole slaw, and we got to ALL enjoy the cake Theresa prepared for my birthday (even Katie and Konnor could enjoy it!) I got some wonderful organic spices and sugar to use for my apples - a perfect gift!

Papa and Konnor enjoying polishing up on their stacking skills, too!

Papa and Katie   building a tower!!

Katie is such a clown!! She told me that the camper is hers!! :) LOL

Konnor enjoyed walking halfway to the trailer in the background and telling the barking little dog - NO NO and shaking his little finger...... Couldn't help but laugh!

Hanging out!!

Working on his wheels......

I swear - really, Katie is eating string cheese, but it does look a little gross! Eric finally had a seat - he managed to escape my picture taking most of the time!

Today, Labor Day - I finally created a quilt block on the hayloft barndoor! I've been wanting to do this for sometime, but its been so blasted HOT! I actually had on jeans today while I painted this!! Now my knee is fired up!! Better hustle to the frig and find my icepack!! Thanks for all the Birthday wishes!! God has blessed us so much over the years, but nothing makes me happier than spending time with FAMILY! Each one of our grandkids are so special and unique in their own way!! and to know that God has created each and everyone of them to his own specifications -- its gotta make you smile!!