Together in Yates Center

July 28, 2013 by Debra

Together in Yates Center.

It’s not too often Kevin will take a day off from work. Being in commercial construction the busiest time is summer. Of course when work is strong- keep working. In winter- the slower months, don’t spend money which translates to; Stay Home.

This year was not a usual year. We purchased land in Yates Center, KS last Fall. We were celebrating Kevin’s birthday and our anniversary this July. I really needed to get away; even if it was just some place close. It was a nice surprise when Kevin agreed to take two days away from work. BUT this came with stipulations: Could not rain Tuesday or Wednesday- laying concrete. If it rained, our trip would be delayed.

Kevin made an appointment with the Division of Conservation – Kansas Department of Agriculture. Our appointment was scheduled for Thursday @ 1:00 pm. We left our home Thursday morning early- 6:10 am. Our first stop was the DMV in Lawrence. From there we drove at a leisurely pace to Yates Center, KS.

doc kansas department of agriculture — Kansas Department of Agriculture – Division of Conservation

I once had a friend ask me what would I do when taking pictures became work. Oh- I thought that would never happen. BUT it did. This is one of the reasons I created G’masDiary. Every place I go now, I take my camera. Take images for me. Have fun, memories for me to look back on. Throughout my life I have had to separate work from home- Crohon’s Disease flair up’s if I don’t separate the two. I want to get back to the place where picture taking is second nature- not just in work, but with my family when I am not working.

Our get-away was a trip to Yates Center and the long drive home. I was amazed at the beauty of the landscape. What wonderful things we saw that we were not looking for! Several places I marked so we can go back and visit our next trip to Yates Center- in particular, Fall River.

Thursday we spent our time in Yates Center and Eureka. Our motel room in Yates Center- The Townsman, was really nice and clean. We ate at the local Pizza Hut for dinner. Lunch was in Eureka- Cherokee. Mozzarella sticks were included on the buffet. Boy was I a happy camper!

Friday we drove to Emporia, KS with stops along the way. We drove through a small portion of the Flint Hills. One weekend if I can get Kevin to go again, I want to explore the Flint Hills. We passed through Cassody and Strong, KS. We arrived in Emporia late afternoon. We settled into our hotel- Comfort Inn. We ventured out into Emporia. Kevin asked me if I have ever been to a Dollar Tree store. No- well now I can say that I have. During our shopping spree in Dollar Tree, Kevin bought me a bottle of bubble bath. Anytime we stay in hotels/motels, I enjoy taking a bath. We have just a shower, no tub at home. Baths are a luxury for me!

Saturday we met Erika, Shaune & Briella for lunch at one of my favorite places- Golden Corral. Visited for a while then headed for home. What a wonderful weekend spent with my husband!

Breakfast with the Girls

July 12, 2013 by Debra

Breakfast with the Girls.

Sunday morning my husband woke me up asking if I would like to have breakfast with him and the girls. Of course I asked, “What girls?” Again he asked the same question. It took me a bit to figure out he was speaking of the cows!

My date consisted of biscuits and gravy from the local BP and then to Casey’s for tea. According to Kevin BP has the better biscuits and gravy with Casey’s having the better tea. Then off to the pasture to see the girls!

A couple of the cows are rather tame. When parked, I got out and stood in front of the truck. One of the girls came right up to me. Kevin softly said don’t move. The cow licked my arm. It startled me and in turn spooked the cow. Off she ran. The tongue was rough like sandpaper.

Of course being in the cow pasture, one had to be careful where to step!

Wikipedia (Breakfast)

Wikipedia (Cattle)

Kids Health

Snack Time

June 26, 2013 by Debra

Snack Time for Briella!

The simple things in life have the most meaning in the years to come. Here are a series of images taken while Briella was eating her morning snack- a serving of peaches in syrup. OH how she loves the syrup! Seeing her little fingers and hand holding the container and feeding herself is priceless.

Briella, her parents and I went to Lake Shawnee for Briella’s photo session a few days ago. Once finished taking pictures, it was snack time. Plus this gave me- grandma, the opportunity to sit and relax for a bit. It’s tiring chasing after a toddler! As I was sitting I was watching Brie. How cute to see her little fingers grab at the peach pieces, then placing it into her little mouth. Grabbing the camera, I began taking these images to remember this snack time forever!

Toddlers are always on the go. It’s important to introduct a healthy balanced diet during this time of their growth. Toddlers need about 1,000 to 1,200 calories a day. Meals and snacks will insure they get the calories needed. For more information, visit Kids Health.