Chincoteague Wild Ponies

While in Virginia, we went to Chincoteague in search of wild ponies (of all things!). The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company owns a herd of them. Each year the department purchases a grazing permit which allows them to maintain a herd of approximately 150 adult ponies on Assateague Island. They control the herd size with a pony auction every year in July. Each year thousands of spectators like us go to watch the cowboys round them up and/or swim the pony herd from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island. Although we missed the "swim" by one day, we did time it right to get to see the ponies already penned. That meant we got to see all of them up close and personal. Because we arrived fairly early in the morning, it wasn't crowded; this allowed us the privilege of visiting with some of the locals in charge. It was a great experience!

If you are interested, you can find several You Tube videos of past "swims."

Hex Barns

As we traveled through the farmland of Pennsylvania, we had the opportunity to go on a driving tour known as the Kutztown Hex Barn Tour. On this tour, we saw barns decorated with Folk Art designs known as hex signs. With a map in hand and packing several cameras, we traveled through the beautiful countryside to find 20 of these old barns.

Barn paintings, usually in the form of stars in circles, would include birds, tulips, hearts and geometric figures. Stories handed down through the years say they were done to either ward off evil or the other said, "They're just for nice." To learn more about the Pennsylvania Dutch folk art, go here.

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Trip Time and The Amish

I am leaving early in the morning for the airport to head out on a girls' trip. We will be hitting several states I have not been to before. I am guessing the highlight of the trip for me though will be touring Pennsylvania and some of the Amish areas.

On a side note....I am so thrilled to be able to leave with a major project checked off my list as of last night. You know that feeling, don't you? Well, it deserves a big "Woohoo!"

Have a great week everyone.

SMOKED SAUSAGE CASSEROLE

6-8 potatoes 1 lb. smoked sausage 1 med. onion, diced Salt and pepper to taste 1/2 stick butter 12 to 14 American cheese sliced (can use Velveeta or other substitution) Peel, slice and boil potatoes until done. Slice smoked sausage into 1/2 inch disc and brown in skillet. Remove from skillet. Saute onion. Then alternately layer the potatoes, onion and sausage and slices of cheese. Salt and pepper to taste and dot with butter. Use casserole or baking dish. Cover with aluminum foil and bake 30 to 40 minutes in 400 degree oven or until bubbling.

What a Haul!

Anticipating a very full day, I went to Marilyn's garden early this morning. (It wasn't 120 degrees yet!)
All I can say is I got a haul! Guess what we are going to have for dinner? I can't wait to eat a fresh peach. 

Thanks, M, for sharing!

Hot Wheels

When Justin, Jenna, Greg, and Chad were growing up they loved their Hot Wheels. They would spend hours outside riding, racing, and jumping. I'm not sure at what age the wheels just finally fell off. 

It seems Jonah is doing the same. His knees don't hit the handles YET but if he keeps shooting up, it won't be long!!

Sam-I-Am

 I just love finding stuff at Sam's Wholesale.

I had searched all over the place for an ice cream freezer. Most stores had either sold out or didn't get any this year. Now what's that about? Especially here in 100+ degrees Texas!! Anyway, Marilyn and I were stopping in to pick up some extra stuff for the weekend. I decided just to check, you know by some small chance, if they had one. Low and behold they didn't just have one; they had a whole stack of them. Woohoo---made my day!

Then right beside the freezers these cute little things were stacked. This ceramic red one just shouted out to me. It was even marked down! I can tell you for sure....it dispensed great amounts of tea during the 4th weekend.

And speaking of weekends.....have a great one!!

July 4th

As Marilyn said, the 2011 July 4th weekend was a success. It was full of family, friends, food, fireworks, and fun.

Davis and Miller Fireworks (Gunter pyro crew)

They actually do two city shows. (We didn't get a picture of the other city crew.) Attendees from larger cities around us said the Davis and Miller shows put theirs to shame!! Way to go guys.

After a packed June of studying, testing and all those kind of things. I am through. Summer began yesterday!! I am so excited; I don't have to pack up to leave this afternoon!!