Happy Halloween!

9th Grade School Photo

Sarah's 9th grade school photo

Kevin's Arkansas Fishing Trip

Kevin is on his way home from a fishing trip with his Dad. Rick drove down from Iowa and they met up in Branson. They'd hired a fishing guide but the guide contacted them to say we've had too much rain lately for good fishing in the area. Instead, he wanted to know if they'd care to go down to Arkansas to fish. Kevin has wanted to try fishing in Arkansas but hadn't gotten down there yet, so this worked out perfectly. Except, it's COLD outside!

But, they did have some luck and while they didn't catch many, they caught big sized fish. Actually I think they are probably the biggest they've landed so far. I just love how happy he looks in the photo above.

Now, if we can just get him home to thaw him out. And, no, we won't be having fish for dinner as they practice the "catch and release" method so the fish can go on to live another day.

Pillsbury Bake-Off

It's going to be a long wait, but in April of 2010 I'll be headed off to Orlando to compete in the 44th Pillsbury Million Dollar Bake-Off. Yep, that means I have a 1 out of 100 shot at winning a million dollars!

At the Bake-Off there are four categories: Breakfast & Brunches, Entertaining Appetizers, Dinner Made Easy and Sweet Treats. I'll be competing in the "Sweet Treats" category. My recipe is "Mile-High Peanut Butter-Brownie Pie". Let's hope it "Wows" the judges!!

Homecoming Parade

It's Homecoming weekend in Carl Junction. I'm happy to report that last night the football team routed East Newton with a final score of 52 to 7. Friday afternoon Sarah was part of the school's Homecoming Parade and she rode on the Drama Club float (above) with about 15 other students (who you can't see because my camera work was sub par).

And for those who wonder, yes we do live in a very small town. The photo above shows you one side of "Main Street" in Carl Junction. The side you cannot see has our bank, post office and funeral home. We still do not have a stop light anywhere in town.

As with many small towns, we take our school pride very seriously. The parade wound through town with everyone from the very young to the very old lining the streets. The high school football team rode on the town's fire trucks (old and new), the junior high and high school bands played, the various clubs, organizations and other sports were represented and even the "little guys" such as the first grade football team had their moment to shine.

The weather has started to turn crisp and soon we'll be heading out to find the perfect pumpkin. Hard to believe fall is really here.