December 16, 2011 |
| Iced Tea, Aussie--Mind Games |
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SB December 16, 2011 Iced Tea, Aussie--Mind Games Photo by SB All Rights Reserved (c)DiamondsnSpurs2011
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Just a small town gal and that is all I'll ever be, where life is just another iced sweet tea away, where you can see the twinkling stars at night, the wonders of the moon, and puffy white clouds floating across the blue sky. Welcome to my blog from the heartland, full of random musings, observations, reflections, things I love, events in my life, humor..
Iced Tea, Aussie--Mind Games
By SB December 16, 2011 All Rights Reserved
I've had a lot on my mind lately. So much so, that at times not sure it is tracking correctly or even sure which end is up or where to start to sort it out. However, it does make for interesting thought processes. I attribute it to having too much to do...yes that's it. No wonder it sometimes gets off on tangents...
Start towards the kitchen to get a glass of tea and as usual, I am sidetracked by Aussie laying in the middle of the hallway. Can't get around her and she looks at me as to say...'jump, come on you can do it, cause I'm not moving one inch!" I look at her and say, 'you better move because you aren't going to like it if I have to jump over you.' This could be disastrous. Not only can I not jump that high, leaping across her is not an option as could land in the middle of her. We have eye exchanges. Then Aussie, still laying there, looks to the side trying to avoid looking at my 'dare you not to move' look I have in my eyes. Aussie rolls her eyes, still trying to not look directly at me as if I will think she is not grasping this order and she can just lay there. So I try a little more of a 'I'm the leader of the pack look' and state, 'think you better move it." Aha...it worked! Now she pretends to be as old as Methuselah, moves slowly to a sitting position and yawns. Looks at me as if ok, I moved, now your turn. I still can't get past her. She is like, I moved, what more do you want. Me: 'Aussie, move it or take the risk of being stepped on.' The stare down begins. She doesn't like stare downs. I win. She moves over maybe- an inch. I guess that is all I'm going to get, so I gingerly step by her.
Now, what was I going to do? My muddled brain hollers, 'hey, Blondie!', do you know why you have an empty glass in your hand? Oh, yeah...iced tea! Start making tea when I realize that need to take meat out to thaw for supper. Then look to see if have potatoes and what veggies we have in the cupboard, or is a grocery store run necessary. Hear the buzzer on clothes dryer. Take clothes out and lay them on the sofa hoping they will magically get folded. Take the clothes out of the washer to put in the dryer, but remembered still haven't taken meat out. So decided to do that before forgot it again. Get the meat out of freezer and since I'm there already look in fridge to see if had salad fixings. Observed a couple of dishes of leftovers that had been in there way too long. Growing penicillin...ughhhhhers! Hands were full. Laid the wet clothes on the shelf above and threw away the food and washed the containers. Decided to make a pie for dinner. Put pie in oven. Saw that the laundry folding elves had not shown up. So finished that task and got it all put up.
Wondering where my tea is....realize I still haven't made it yet. My original plan was to get tea and go back to a project I was working on. This day is really out of hand...or is it normal? Hmmmm....
Buzzer goes off on oven and pie is done. Thinking the other clothes should be dry by now, go to check on them. Ackkkk!! No clothes! Ok, where are they? My brain rambles to itself and questions whether I had a 'fignewton' moment and never took them out of washer or put them in....the mystery deepens. So, start the Swiss steak to put in oven. Go to fridge to take out the salad ingredients and voila!! There is the missing clothes. Oh mercy me...just keep this a secret between us, ok? Put clothes in dryer. Make salad. Look for my iced tea. Ugh...still haven't made it, but found a coke I had opened up. Still wanting a mason jar full of iced sweet tea.
Finally, I make the tea and head back to work on project. Well, wonder of wonders, Aussie still laying in same spot and can't get by her. We go through our 'game' once again. I win again...hey, an inch is an inch--she moved.
Ahhhh, what more could a person want--- mason jar of iced sweet tea, loving obedient dog and the jumbled brain back on track.
Life is good...just a matter of keeping focused on what is important at any particular moment ...:)
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December 9, 2011 |
| Snow Elves--Dusting of Snow |
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SB December 6 2011 Snow Elves-A Dusting of Snow All Rights Reserved (c)DiamondsnSpurs2011
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Just a small town gal and that is all I'll ever be, where life is just another iced sweet tea away, where you can see the twinkling stars at night, the wonders of the moon, and puffy white clouds floating across the blue sky. Welcome to my blog from the heartland, full of random musings, observations, reflections, things I love, events in my life, humor..
Snow Elves--A Dusting Of Snow
By SB December 6, 2011 All Rights Reserved
Started writing this the other day, after the forecast of snow for the night before, chili and more..but never completed it . I'm sure everyone was waiting with baited breath for it :) ...so here it is.
Snow? It was more like a a coating of powder sugar on a donut, but yes it was definitely snow.
I am not sure why every time it snows my windshield gets coated with snow and hubby's truck seems to have some mystical powers and little or no snow covering his windows or truck. Last winter during one particularly heavy snowfall had at least 3 more inches of snow on my truck than on his. Yes, I did. I measured it. Yes 'indeedy' I measured it. And, another thing, last winter during one particularly heavy snowfall for some reason our entire yard seemed to attract more snow that any of the neighbors. Very, grateful that don't have to shovel the lawn. Think the snow elves just like testing my snow shoveling skills, my stamina, and love filling my muscles with aches and pain. Actually, they are probably testing my body to see, if I have any muscle left. Yes, still have some muscles left, in case anyone is wondering.
In spite of all that, I thoroughly enjoy the snow and all that goes with it. For the most part it never lasts very long and it isn't like we live somewhere it lasts for weeks on end. So even though I don't understand how or why it is that my truck is a snow magnet I don't mind when it snows. However, I still think next snow that is in the forecast, will ask hubs to trade parking places and see if my truck just magically attracts the snow or if it is the spot I'm parked in. Curious minds want to know.
This particular snowfall could hardly be qualified as a snow. It was snow nonetheless and was beautiful as it drifted towards the ground. Once it hit the ground, it was difficult to realize that it had snowed at all. Then I looked at the snowflakes glistening and covering my entire truck's windshield and realized the snow elves had once again decided to let this powder dusting fall entirely all on my truck. Guess who had barely an ice crystal on their truck or anything that looked remotely like it had just snowed? You get two guesses and first two don't count...
I am still looking forward to the coming snows which I'm hope will be much more than a kiss and a promise. Looking for that snowfall in which you have two choices making snow angels or shoveling it.
Oh, just so you know, this year I am making snow angels. I decided to outsmart the snow elves and have someone hired to do those shoveling duties. The pulled muscles and aching were interfering with my enjoyment of the snow. So, snow elves bring on the snow, we are ready for it.
Random musings to ruminate on....
Enjoying the simple pleasures in life such as a dusting of snow. Often pondering the hows and whys of this or that. Mostly, looking forward to the ordinary daily simplicity that life bestows upon us each day. Seeing way beyond what one might perceive as a minor inconvenience. Laughing and seeing the humor in most situations. Understanding that it is the simple pleasures that make up the whole of our lives. Pondering over a simple snowfall that barely covered the ground....loving, laughing, living life.......and thankful for all the simple pleasures in life.
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December 8, 2011 |
| The Perfect Gift |
Just a small town gal and that is all I'll ever be, where life is just another iced sweet tea away, where you can see the twinkling stars at night, the wonders of the moon, and puffy white clouds floating across the blue sky. Welcome to my blog from the heartland, full of random musings, observations, reflections, things I love, events in my life, humor..
The Perfect Gift
By SB December 8, 2011 All Rights Reserved
'Tis that time of year and I enjoy all that goes with the Christmas season---the hustle and bustle of shoppers in the stores and the way the neighborhoods turn into a fantasy land ablaze with lights in the night. The sights, the sounds, the smells of Christmas overwhelm the senses. Twinkling displays of lights decorate everything from roof tops, windows, trees in the yard, to the simple or elaborate yard ornaments and scenes. The ringing of the salvation army bells greet you as you enter the store and the smell of pine trees and cinnamon, float through the air as Christmas songs softly play as one searches for that perfect gift for their loved ones.
My favorite part of holidays is the real reason for the season which is the celebration of the birth of Christ. The Nativity scenes that grace the lawns of the churches around town remind us that as we look for the perfect gifts for our loved ones to not overlook the fact that God gave each of us the perfect gift in Jesus, the one who loves us all. Let not the hurried pace of the season keep us from remembering and celebrating the birth of Christ and thanking God for giving us the perfect gift.
'Take Christ out of Christmas, and December becomes the bleakest and most colorless month of the year.--A. F. Well
You can never truly enjoy Christmas until you can look up into the Father's face and tell him you have received his Christmas gift."--John R. Rice
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December 7, 2011 |
| Remembering Pearl Harbor--Honoring Our Servicemen & Women & Veterans |
Just a small town gal and that is all I'll ever be, where life is just another iced sweet tea away, where you can see the twinkling stars at night, the wonders of the moon, and puffy white clouds floating across the blue sky. Welcome to my blog from the heartland, full of random musings, observations, reflections, things I love, events in my life, humor..
Remembering Pearl Harbor--Honoring Our Servicemen & Women & Veterans
By SB December 7, 2011 All Rights Reserved
Today is the 70th Anniversary of the Japanese bombed Pearl harbor. On December 7, 1941 that attack brought the U.S. In World War II. The Greatest Generation's strength and valor shall not be forgotten nor all those who have sacrificed for our freedoms.
We honor those who lost their lives or were injured on December 7, 1941 as well as all those who fought bravely in order to protect our freedoms and lives.
We enjoy our liberties today because of those brave members of the armed forces. They put our country before their own lives.
May we never forget that our freedoms are not free and are paid for by the blood and sweat of service men and women who have selflessly put their lives in harms way in defending our freedoms, the very freedoms we enjoy today.
Take the time to reflect on the sacrifices of our servicemen and women in the military and our veterans. Take time, and tell them thank you for all they have done in service to our country and in protecting our rights and freedoms.
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December 5, 2011 |
| Chilly Weather-Chili for Supper---And Snow? |
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SB December 3 2011 Chilly Weather- Chili--And Snow? for Supper All Rights Reserved (c)DiamondsnSpurs2011
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Just a small town gal and that is all I'll ever be, where life is just another iced sweet tea away, where you can see the twinkling stars at night, the wonders of the moon, and puffy white clouds floating across the blue sky. Welcome to my blog from the heartland, full of random musings, observations, reflections, things I love, events in my life, humor..
Chilly Weather-Chili for Supper---And Snow?
By SB December 5, 2011 All Rights Reserved
Wind is howling outside and temperature is dropping. Will the wind blow in the forecasted snow showers this evening? The air is crisp and refreshing as I walk about outside in anticipation of the first snowfall during this holiday season. As I come back inside to the warmth of our home, the smell of the chili simmering on the stove wafts throughout the house.
I always look forward to the first holiday snow. Watching the snowflakes fall slowly to cover the ground is a beautiful, wondrous sight. I especially love a snowfall at this time of year when Christmas lights are twinkling and reflect off the snowflakes creating a rainbow of tumbling sparkling lights. On a quiet night if you listen closely you can hear the snow as it gently falls to the ground creating a glittering white blanket across the landscape.
Snow has not yet arrived. Maybe we will miss it this time, but the chili is done and ready to eat. It will be a great night to get comfy and cozy in a fuzzy robe and slippers, settle in with a good book, a Christmas movie(multitasking watching movie and reading) and hot chocolate......
"Kindness is like snow - it beautifies everything it covers."
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December 4, 2011 |
| Raindrops |
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SB December 3 2011 Raindrops All Rights Reserved (c)DiamondsnSpurs2011
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Just a small town gal and that is all I'll ever be, where life is just another iced sweet tea away, where you can see the twinkling stars at night, the wonders of the moon, and puffy white clouds floating across the blue sky. Welcome to my blog from the heartland, full of random musings, observations, reflections, things I love, events in my life, humor..
Raindrops
by SB December 3, 2011 All Rights Reserved
It had been raining intermittently all morning on this cloudy, chilly day. As, I gazed out the bedroom window to see if it was still drizzling, I saw the rain had stopped at least for now. The mighty oak tree stood naked with it's fallen leaves surrounding her on the ground. I pondered on it's humble beginnings which was started from a couple of acorns many years ago and everyone kept telling me they would not grow into a tree. Oh, thee of little faith! The mighty oak had grown tall over the years and provided much needed shade in the summer, colors galore as fall approached, held fallen snow in it's branches in the winter and housed many critters through the years. It now stood barren of her leaves, holding tightly to the raindrops that had fallen this morning before they fell to nourish soil below. It will soon enough have snow lingering on it's branches as it prepares for spring and the tiny buds of leaves with which to cloak the majestic oak in it's finery of leaves.
The oak tree has provided a plethora of enjoyment, from the changing of the seasons to listening to the chirping of the many birds that choose to nest in it and watching the squirrels that scurry around the branches, playing, chattering, gathering food. It has held captive several neighborhood cats that somehow wandered into the yard. Captive, you ask? Yes, captive. Aussie, our beloved dog apparently thinks that the four legged critters that wander into her backyard playground are hers to round up. Those critters that do happen into her territory are herded and usually found in the tree waiting patiently to escape as soon as Aussie bores with the task of watching their every move. The fallen leaves from the tree have provided her with hours of play, chasing them in the wind gathering them up as if herding them, only to have a breeze scatter them and starts the process all over again never tiring of the game.
Today, the old oak was basked in the glistening beauty of raindrops. As always, the wonder of nature fascinated me. I stared, wondering how long it would take before they would fall to the ground. I finished dressing and was ready for the day's errands, but decided to take one last look outside at the oak tree. The raindrops were still there, hanging precariously, but there nonetheless. It had been several minutes since I had first seen them on the tree branches. I grabbed my camera and went to take a picture and was so glad that it wasn't too late to capture the beauty that mother nature provides us in various ways even on a cloudy, gloomy day.
Raindrops are a lot like life, they both have a beginning and an inevitable end. However one's life can be unique and as significant as a small droplet of rain. It can be unpredictable at times but can be special. They both have a beginning and an end. Just as the raindrops provided much needed moisture, they also provided beauty in it's brief life. How we use our raindrops in this life depends only on each of us as individuals.
'Positive minds produce postive lives.....'anon
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November 19, 2011 |
| Make A Splash One Ripple At A Time |
Just a small town gal and that is all I'll ever be, where life is just another iced sweet tea away, where you can see the twinkling stars at night, the wonders of the moon, and puffy white clouds floating across the blue sky. Welcome to my blog from the heartland, full of random musings, observations. Things I love, events in my life, humor..
Make a Splash One Ripple at A Time
By SB November 19, 2011 All Rights Reserved
"Remember there's no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end." ~ Scott Adams ( American Cartoonist)
A few days ago, I was chatting with a friend about a variety of things when she made the comment, 'a pebble in a pond, a ripple,' which summed up what we were discussing at the time. I started thinking though about how profound a statement that is and what it means.
If you drop a pebble in a still pond, it creates ripples which slowly spread out over the surface of the pond in small waves until all the water has been moved a little. The ripples, waves that are created by a pebble can become larger depending on the size of the pebble. Whether the ripples are small or large, they eventually will have an effect on the entire pond. Just as in life, your actions are like pebbles dropped in a pond and will affect all those around you. They may seem insignificant but will touch all those around you.
Whether you create a splash, or just small ripples, never doubt that whatever you do can have a profound significance on others with your words and deeds. Your good actions or bad actions have a ripple effect that can carry over a great distance.
Each decision we make causes ripple effects in our lives. It is the reaction we choose that makes a difference when things happen to us. The ripple effect from those choices can create huge or small waves of discontent, joy, or sorrow, but they will expand and touch others
regardless of size.
As we go about each day, let us remember the effects of a pebble dropped into a still pond...
You can make a difference in this world, just by making a ripple and who knows you may make make such a significant splash, that your ripple will start multiple ripples by those whose lives you have touched as they begin to create their own positive ripples. We only get so many pebbles in this life to create ripples, may yours be good ones
"Imagine dropping this tiny pebble into a pond.. The ripple effect will carry over a great distance!This moment with you.. The ripple has started! " Jason Scott Lee
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November 7, 2011 |
| Why Would You Want To Live In A Small Rural Town? |
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SB November 7 2011 Why Would You Want To Live In A Small Rural Town? All Rights Reserved (c)DiamondsnSpurs2011
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Just a small town gal and that is all I'll ever be, where life is just another iced sweet tea away, where you can see the twinkling stars at night, the wonders of the moon, and puffy white clouds floating across the blue sky. Welcome to my blog from the heartland, full of random musings, observations. Things I love, events in my life, humor..
"I started to walk down the street when I heard a voice saying: 'Good evening, Mr. Dowd.' I turned, and there was this big white rabbit leaning against a lamp-post. Well, I thought nothing of that, because when you've lived in a town as long as I've lived in this one, you get used to the fact that everybody knows your name." — Elwood P. Dowd, Harvey
Why Would You Want To Live in a Small Rural Town?
By SB November 7, 2011 All Rights Reserved
The charms of living in a small town are many. For one they are at the same time charming as well as nostalgic, sometimes quaint. A small town engulfs the senses with the simpler times gone past and are filled with an eclectic variety of very knowledgeable people who come from all walks of life that love the small town life style.
Many people living in small towns have that greener pastures syndrome that affects cows and think if they could just live somewhere else life would be so much better. No matter where you go, there you are. So, if you have personal issues, problems and grumpy outlook on life, there you will be again in the same place only in different surroundings eventually looking for the greener pastures once again.
"Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine." -Anthony D'Angelo This quote seems to describe those who have well adjusted lives and see life in simper terms, they wouldn't leave the small town rural life for the world. Then again, they would probably be happy no matter where they lived. You can take a person out of the country but you will never take the country from their heart .
It would seem that most who love the rural small town life, have found the basics in life are what is important. They are not affected by the glamour or social strata of life in the city or in any setting. That might convey to one that you can have that small town lifestyle anywhere one might choose to live, as it is an attitude and how we conduct our lives.
Many people that have no experience of living in a small town often ask why would anyone choose to live in a small town??? It certainly isn’t because one likes living in a fishbowl, but then again, maybe it is why some like small town life. As, Mr. Dowd said in the quote above from the movie Harvey, everyone knows your name, good or bad as that may be, it gives one a sense of belonging, which is sorely needed in this transient society we live in today. Friendships that are formed in small towns are deep and long lasting and formed on real terms. They are not based on your social status, your bank account, the job you hold, how old you are or where you come from. They are based on you as a person and on your character. They can be counted on in times of need. You can have friends in the city, but so much time is spent getting to and from work, family life and the daily living in a fast pace society it oftentimes leaves little time for friends and it is not always possible to be there when one would like to be.
There is a country song that says ‘anyone can be famous in a small town’. As one said one time, ‘I’m not famous but people talk about me as if I am.’ That is just part of life in a small town and those that love the life know small town life is a pandora’s box of pros and cons. That happens anywhere you live, but in a small town, you are more aware of it, but at least you know who and what you are dealing with. You have a limited population and location which may possibly be a hindrance depending on where your small town is located, but opportunities can be in abundance. It depends on your perspective and outlook on life as to how you see your life no matter where you live. Those who live, love, and understand the machinations of living in a small town, know that no matter where you live you will always have those who have nothing better to do than create drama and not much stock is ever taken as to what they say. It certainly is not something that should deter anyone for living in a small town and enjoying all the positives that certainly outweigh any negatives.
A small town has a plethora of pluses to offer. Housing is usually far cheaper in a small town than it is in a large city. There is less competition if you open a business. Your contacts in a small town will be far more helpful to you in sending people your way, as long as you are trustworthy, honest and doing a good job at what you do. People are much more willing to help in times of need. If you find yourself with a flat tire just outside of town, more than likely someone will have seen your plight and help will be on the way before you have time to get the spare tire out. There are no traffic jams, unless you get stuck behind a tractor or combine, and then one can just enjoy his own thoughts and the surrounding beauty of the countryside for a spell. There is usually no hurry to be somewhere as most in rural areas leave in plenty of time to get where they are going. Those are just a few of the numerous positives for living in a small town.
Living in a smaller town for some is becoming easier in this day and age. With the conveniences of technology many are afforded the ability to work from home and are able live wherever they wish.
"A writer observed: "We grow good people in our small towns, with honesty, sincerity, and dignity." I know just the kind of people that writer had in mind when he praised Harry Truman. I grew up with those people. They are the ones who do some of the hardest work in America ... who grow our food, run our factories, and fight our wars. They love their country, in good times and bad, and they're always proud of America. I had the privilege of living most of my life in a small town."…Sarah Palin
Many Americans would love to live in a smaller town or rural area, but for one reason or the other they haven’t acted on it. The attraction for living in a small town rural life seems to be rooted in the culture of rural life and is part of our history. Those who long for the life want the slower pace and where people know each other. They desire the lifestyle that one has with the sense of community, where the whole town shows up for festivals, sporting events, fundraisers, dinners, weddings, funerals. Where young and old mingle together as true friends and not just as some part of a segment in society. It is genuine friendships based and rooted partly in the history of families, friends, but mostly due to the rural lifestyle. The commonality that binds the townspeople regardless of age is in their love of the rural life, the small town atmosphere. A place where people are there for their neighbors in good times and in times of need, are more accepting, where life is slower and less stressful.
If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the city, take a trip to a small town. Slow down, sit a spell and enjoy the flavor of the rural lifestyle even for just a day, you’ll be glad you did and you just might find you’ll be longing for a move to a place where everyone knows your name.
A couple of quotes to ruminate on ….
“The country life is to be preferred, for there we see the works of God; but in cities little else but the works of men. And the one makes a better subject for contemplation than the other.” -- William Penn
“…it's passionately interesting for me that the things that I learned in a small town, in a very modest home, are just the things that I believe have won the election.“--Margaret Thatcher
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August 17, 2011 |
| Cedar Vale...observation, musings, and blessings |
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Just a small town gal and that is all I'll ever be, where life is just another iced sweet tea away, where you can see the twinkling stars at night, the wonders of the moon, and puffy white clouds floating across the blue sky. Welcome to my blog from the heartland, full of random musings, observations. Things I love, events in my life, humor..
Cedar Vale...observations, musings and blessings
By S August 17, 2011 All Rights Reserved
Cedar Vale has many reasons to be grateful today as well as realizing the many blessings we have in this town. Small towns such as ours sometimes do not grasp the fact of all that they do have. Cedar Vale has the basic necessities any town needs to survive as well as to grow; such as a doctor, pharmacy, library, schools, churches, volunteer fire department, police department, grocery store, service station with convenience store, computer repair, car repair, several organizations and so much more that many towns this size do not have. All of this is and more is nestled in the beautiful valley and the hills of the Chautauqua hills. The beauty of the location of our town is a breath of fresh air for most of us who treasure and value our town. For all of this we are truly blessed.
Cedar Vale is also blessed to have a person such as Shawne in our beautiful town. She has done a great deal for Cedar Vale and much of it is behind the scenes. She has given of herself, her time, money, and works hard on projects. She never asks for anything in return and I'm sure many times she has not even received a thank you for all the hard work, donations and much more that she has done for the betterment of Cedar Vale. We have many people such as Shawne who work hard, and support our town with donations and more. We should be grateful for all them.and support them.
This gas leak was a very unforeseen and unfortunate incident. Thankfully it was dealt with as quickly as possible. We send a big thank you to all those who pitiched in to help and kudos to every single one of them that worked so very hard to resolve this situation. We also thank all those who helped their neighbors by giving them a place to stay and for those that provided food to the workers and those that were temporarily moved out of their homes.
Let us pray that Shawne will be able to re-open soon and if she needs help in that endeavor let us all do what we can to help enable her to accomplish it. Shawne, you have many people who support you and wish you well. We are standing with you and for you. Keep the faith!!
God Bless Cedar Vale!!
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April 13, 2011 |
| Lovin' The Small Town Rural Life- 'Someone To Ride the River With... |
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SB April 13 2011 Lovin' The Small Town Rural Life- 'Someone To Ride the River With... All Rights Reserved (c)DiamondsnSpurs2011
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Just a small town gal and that is all I'll ever be, where life is just another iced sweet tea away, where you can see the twinkling stars at night, the wonders of the moon, and puffy white clouds floating across the blue sky. Welcome to my blog from the heartland, full of random musings, observations. Things I love, events in my life, humor..
Loving The Rural Small Town Life.
“A man to ride the river with”..............
by SB April 13, 2011 All Rights Reserved
I've pondered over this quote many times and think it comes from the phrase 'he'll do to ride the river with'. On the trail drives when relocating cattle from one place to another or taking them to be sold and transported elsewhere, often a river needed to be crossed that may have been quickly flooded with swift currents, or flash floods from miles away. This can come up quite suddenly and a herd caught in one puts them in jeopardy. A cowboy who would go into such watery swirling, fast moving current to help another cowboy and would risk his life to do so is indeed a brave one. He is also a strong and loyal friend. If he will do that then he is a person who can be counted on and reliable, in other words 'someone to ride the river with...'
I often reflect on the friends and family that I know that will be there when I need 'someone to ride the river with' and feel quite blessed to know many that I would be able to count on.
In this day and age that is so transient, it seems that so many people come and rush through life in their hurry to get somewhere else, that they miss out on really having that life feeling of belonging somewhere..a place you can always feel at home, or have those people in their life they can truly count on.
There is lots of advantages to living in a small town. Lack of entertainment, such as a movie theater, or being able to run to the local mall, for some would be a problem. In a small town, though, you find yourself loving the outdoor life, fishing, hunting, boating, hiking, riding horses, or just getting together with friends to hang out, and so much more to be the best entertainment. It means you spontaneously invite friends or family over for a meal or just to get together to enjoy eah other's company. You can always rent a movie if so inclined, but the hanging out with good friends and family is much more entertaining and fun than sitting around watching movies. At least it is with the friends and family I have...gotta luv them. Since everyone lives so close, it is so easy to have the spur of the moment fun last minute gatherings.
Another advantage to small town living is we don't have rush hour traffic, unless you count getting behind a combine on the highway constitutes traffic. I use those times to just reflect on the surrounding beauty of the area, God's many blessings he bestows upon me daily and just enjoy the slow pace of life.
I could ponder or ramble on about other perks to living in a small town, but for now will just say...I love small town rural life, because no matter where you go or travel, when you come home, people know your name and you will always have someone to 'ride the river with' not only when times are tough, but also in the good times. The neighborliness of living in a small town, nor the slow pace of life in a small town is not something to take for granted. Stop to smell the roses with someone you would 'ride the river with'...
PS.....let's keep the small towns what they are supposed to be or at least in my humble opinion...quaint, fun, friendly, and peaceful and also support your small town businesses so that not only we can continue to savor and enjoy the simple pleasures of this life, but also to preserve the small town lifestyle for generations to come..
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2011
Iced Tea, Au...
November (2)