Hangin' Out at Greg's Fireworks Stand Tonight

Our Dear John Deere 

Rick has been very busy these past few weeks. Our special John Deere "vintage" tractor blew a gasket several months ago. He had some help with the major work. But then he took the opportunity to replace some parts and spray a little paint. He took the top off the tractor where he could pull it in his shop, and then the work began. When the 100+ degree days hit, he cranked up his window A/C unit out there and kept right on working.  He even replaced the old torn seat with a cute new yellow one! He's not through with it, but it was rather exciting to see it out running again!

His shop.....

Working....

The first trial run....

He's not really a cowboy but he sure needed that hat. It was 100 on his trial run day and for someone who sees the dermatologist twice a year for major stuff, a cowboy hat and tennis shoes work just fine.

"Ahh,paint it green boy
In John Deere Green!"

Weekend Pics

First and mostly importantly......

And then......

Have you ever wondered who Ben and Jerry are?

They are lifelong friends who found that college life was not too inspirational for them. So in 1978 with a $12,000 investment, Ben and Jerry opened a Ben & Jerry's Homemade ice cream scoop shop in a renovated gas station in downtown Burlington, Vermont. Their adventure led to the establishment of one of the most successful American ice cream brands of all times.

While in Vermont, we toured the plant. Pretty cool (excuse the pun)! Workers put out about a million of those cute little cartons a day. They only make two different flavors on a given day. Although the two guys sold the company in 2000 for MILLIONS of dollars, they are still very active in foundational work under their names. Now you know......

From West Texas to Washington

This is the book I am currently reading. I have enjoyed it so much. Spoken From The Heart is Laura Bush's personal memoir. Here she tells her extraordinary down-home story from being a little girl in Midland, Texas to her days as First Lady in Washington, D.C.

Lab reports came back negative!! Praising Him.......

HELLO TO ALL OF YOU!

I want to thank you so much for all your prayers and comments. It's been an up and down week, but it could have been worse I know. Without boring you with all the details, I will just let you know that the gall bladder was removed the "lap" way. During the surgery, the doctor found a hernia and some adhesions which he took care of as well. This has slowed recovery, but I'm feeling better now. I will go back to get the staples removed tomorrow and hopefully will get the lab results as well. Glad to be up and about. Thanks again!

I'll Take A Prayer

Tomorrow, I am going into the hospital to have gall bladder surgery. I am going to put it out there and ask if you will say a prayer on my behalf. Please pray that (1) the doctor will be able to remove it the "least invasive" way and (2) that the lab report will be clear! Although this week was a little crazy with all the paperwork, EKGs, bloodwork, and xrays, God has blessed me in so many ways.

Thank you in advance for any and all prayers. The plan is to stay in the hospital just one night. So I'll be back with a shout out ASAP.

Have a great Sunday.

Lighthouses and Windmills

Other favorites.........

Have a great weekend!

How About Some Bridges and Beverages?

We searched for many of the old wooden covered bridges (love them!) marked on our maps. We became somewhat obsessed by locating all of them which I think we did. I can't post all of my pictures but here are a few.

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Thanks, Kim, for my card! I would love to treat my daughter and daughter-in-law to their favorite Starbucks beverages!

Have a great Friday!

Flags and a Bumper Crop

"It's A Grand Old Flag"

Days 2-3 fell into Memorial Weekend. It was so awesome seeing flags flying everywhere.

As we were driving through Massachusetts, we just happened on a small town's celebration---a real Norman Rockwell moment for me. We hopped out of the car right there on the street to join them. The high school band played the national anthem while proud local servicemen of days gone by assisted with the flags. 

"And Forever in Peace May You Wave."

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Anyone want to trade some squash for anything else? I'm feeling a bumper crop coming on!

Full of WOWS 

I'm back! We had a great time touring many areas of New England. All I can say is "WOW."

Day 1

We arrived in Boston by noon. After we were settled into our room, Marilyn was in charge of getting us to MBTA station so we could get to Boston Commons as quickly as possible. There we took a guided tour with a character of the times to walk the "Freedom Trail." It is a 2.5 mile red-brick walking trail that leads you to 16 nationally significant historic sites. It is a unique collection of museums, churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, parks, a ship, and historic markers that tell the story of the American Revolution and beyond. It included the Old State House, Faneuil Hall, King's Chapel, Old South Meeting House and the site of the first public school in America.

We also had our first taste of local seafood at Legal Sea Foods as well as our first glimpse of the beautiful harbor. WOW!

And now a big WOW to Shelly!

My winner of the Red, White and Blue giveaway is Shelly over at "Lush." I just couldn't believe it this morning when random generator picked her number. Here's what she had said: "Seems to me everyone is ALL AMERICAN! WOW, I love the patriotism and tradition! I would serve up a batch of "GRATEFULNESS" for all who fought for our freedom and for the mother's/wives who sacraficed their son/daughter/husband/wife for the sake of all of us to even join in such a fun and wonderful contest! God Bless You for gearing up everyone's excitement to celebrate this great country!"

Shelly email me your mailing information.

A Quick Chat and Giveaway!

Just wanted to say "Hi" to everyone. We are having a great time. I had hoped to throw out some photos along the way, but our days begin early and end late. Tonight we arrived in Hyannis and will be ferrying over to Nantucket early tomorrow morning. I am looking forward to catching up with everyone soon.

Don't forget to enter my giveaway HERE!