A Cowboy and some flowers (not in that order)

A few flowers are still blooming outside.

This is K's flower bed. Good old petunias - long lasting color:



A few containers on our unfinished deck:



'Matrona' sedum and a Bee:



And one of my favorites, Black Eyed Susans (rudbeckia):



This is Cowboy, C's golden retriever:



Since we taught him to shake a paw he often puts his paw on your knee or back when you get down to his level. Often when I'm out kneeling down at the flower beds weeding or whatever, I'll suddenly feel a paw on my shoulder.



I love him to pieces - he's not in your face and not a licky dog, but quite laid back and lovable, like a big teddy bear.



The other day there were geese congregating on the field across the road, and once he spotted them he was off like a shot. They were too fast for him.

Congratulations to J . . .

. . . who recently received a plaque at her high school's presentation of academic awards for the previous school year. In order to qualify for a plaque, a student must achieve greater than a 90% average in at least 5 subjects. She got greater than 90% in 8 subjects. Way to go, J!!! :o)

Fun Weekend

For Labour Day weekend, someone had the wonderful idea of having a get together with fun activities Saturday for the young and young at heart, with a sing for everyone in the evening, and then we had all day meetings on Sunday. Some came from Regina, Illinois, Minnesota, and of course the locals and some not so local locals. And I think I'm forgetting somewhere. Two lovely young ladies from Regina stayed at our house for the weekend - it was fun to have them! Come again, N & K!

Anyway - I didn't get in on the games on Saturday, but the kids did - they played Dutch Blitz with HUGE cards outside on the lawn, Bible Jeopardy, relays involving lipstick and eggs, and I'm not sure what all - sounded fun, and the kids had a good time. The sing was nice, and it was so good to be together for the meetings on the Lord's Day. It was a pretty warm weekend, and the building was not air-conditioned but someone generously loaned their window air-conditioner for Sunday, making things much more bearable. Thank you, thank you, thank you! (Me and the heat do not mix.)

Couldn't resist taking pics of some of the cute babies present.

A's talented mama made the top A is wearing here:



Big brown eyes:



It was fun to watch them together.



K is still sporting remnants of the lipstick game in this shot. She loves babies. Can you tell?



Can't to forget to mention the awesome waffle breakfast on Monday morning, hosted outside at F's parents' farm. In a word - YUMMY! Waffles, strawberries, and a delicious Mennonite pudding-like sauce - not sure what you call it, and probably couldn't spell the Low German word for it anyway! I DID get the recipe. :o)

Another town festival parade

On Saturday, a neighboring town had their town festival and had invited K's 4H club to ride their horses in their parade. Since K hasn't been able to ride all summer, she expected to just help carry the club banner, but upon arrival at the site, saw that her pony was there and was able to ride him in the parade. It was a nice surprise - she's missed so much riding time that any time she can be on Prince is a treat. I didn't find out she was riding until I saw them coming down the street. Another girl led him, but next time this shouldn't be necessary. Afterwards, she spent some time riding him around the school grounds with the other girls, and thoroughly enjoyed it. We hope to be able to finish our corral and barn in the next few days, and then bring Prince home to stay.

Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins

These are a favorite at our house!

2 cups flour (I like to use whole wheat)
1/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
pinch salt
1 cup chocolate chips (or carob chips)
2 cups mashed ripe bananas (3 large)
1/4 cup oil
1/4 cup milk
2 eggs

In large bowl, stir together dry ingredients, adding chocolate chips last. Blend together wet ingredients in another bowl. Stir wet and dry ingredients together until blended. Don't overmix.

Fill greased muffin cups 3/4 full. Bake at 350 F, 25 minutes or until golden brown and firm to touch.

Yields 18 muffins (at least!)

Yummy!

Back to School

Last week the kids returned to school. J is in Grade 12, C in Grade 9, K in Grade 5. After homeschooling C for Grades 7 & 8, he's returning to public school, so he's going to the local high school with J. C & K's first day was Wednesday, but J started on Thursday. So far it seems to be going really well for everyone, and homework assignments have started. I thought C might have a bit of a time adjusting to getting up early to catch the bus, but so far, so good. We're trying hard to have reasonable bedtimes, which is going well, too. The end of this month, J will start YIP (Youth Internship Program) and she'll be doing this at the hospital. She's excited about it.

Bible Conference Time!

The beginning of August, we went to Regina to a Bible conference. The readings were in Revelation - so interesting!

K and a friend.


Her arms are full!


These little boys are SO cute.



This year we stayed with a family - it was really nice to visit with them and reconnect. Thanks again, I & D! Come stay with us sometime! K really enjoyed the goats - why didn't I take any goat pictures? She would love to have some on our yard.