And speaking of horses

I've been looking for this article from Prairie Country-Community, since, why it was the second to last day of May. It was written on Haflinger horses, they are said to have a "mighty good personality." Not only that, but they are obedient and very smart.

When my husband (or someone, perhaps it was karma) made my saved article disappear into thin air (it is too possible), I was seriously heartbroken. I don't get that way very often in case you're feelin' the villain energy, only my husband (and now, horses) can really break my heart.

I figured, I kind of remembered the name, sorta thought I could recognize it if I did some research, "smart, obedient horses from Warren, Minnesota." Maybe fate would have it in for me, and some horse would come lookin' for me. I've heard that can happen...but with those wire fences and all.

Well, to keep this story short (exactly how I like 'em), "no not miniature horses, stay away!" "I'll see you at the County Fair!" "Yes you can wait 'til July."

I found my story, thank you Grand Forks Herald online (right on the front page)!

Just for fun

"Mom, it's summer,"

she tried to offer while donning that adorable hat.

We homeschool year-round, yes we're crazy like that! Keep it fresh in their minds, is what some teaching advocates might tell you. "No," we simply learn non-stopping, 'cause simply, learning's fun!

Always looking forward, something new and unexpected, every twisting corner to enlighten and amaze. "I'm learning as fast as my kids are," I once told you without bragging (not this time)...I can barely hold my horses, can we try trigonometry yet, pleeaasse... Mom, just wait.


I'm not all mean, there's camp throughout our summer, and swimming lessons (yes Y, you roped us in). And those lunch bags, I get to pack them...filled with bounty, decorated...they'll be most popular in their class (of course they're sharing!), c'mon, we'll let you in.

Eww, snakes!

Don't you love it when things don't go as planned? For example, I'd planned to stay on vacation until Thursday, while hubby headed home to tend responsibilities.

That totally happened, it was Wednesday itself that caused the complete surprise.

You see, I've been dying to go to the Headwaters Science Center ever since the moment I knew it existed. And my dream was about to come true that afternoon, after a leisurely-spent morning, not a child interrupting my bliss (not even Madison!)

So we walk into the science center, all ready to pay the $55 family fee, all set to interact with exhibits galore, all cool with the lure of educational-toys-I-can't-afford on the way out. And they have closed for the Fish Fry.

The Fish Fry?

A yearly event, another community-wide gathering! Eleventh in a row, one local was caught saying (she appears to be owner of the Nice Cafe downtown, wait'll my husband tastes that cole slaw... bacon and sunflower seeds?!!)

Is it not enough to have strawberry-picking last April, pumpkin-patching in the fall, wintry-bliss the season after, and now a Fish Fry in the spring? What the heck will we do all summer!

Guess we'll simply go to the science center next time, husband by our side (secretly, I'm glad). But first, we had to honor the spirit of the snake:


which reminds me, of a story I'm meant to tell you, but it's not until someday...

Until then, could you please show me the owner of these courageous kids:


P.S. Do not tell Barton Lidice Benes about this, 'cause he'd tell his friends, and they'd tell their friends...

'Cause I know you've been wondering

My $8 necklace, and the bracelets to match.

Thanks for believing

My dad is a pharmacist, and he loves me always.

Homes where my heart's been

Free swimming lessons at the Y

Urban lore

Every Thursday

I had a very strange dream

Before falling to sleep, I felt myself psychic. I have that connection sometimes, when people are open, I can read them across the miles. A special scan of your heart, your life, your soul...I could see it this time. It was twisted.

In a knot, I mean, which surprised me.

I tried to tell you last night that your "seeing of me" was really your seeing of you. Aren't you happy? We love in a mirror, we love in another our embrace of ourselves, here I'll show you. Love is a choice, it's as simple as that, the rest we imagine.

Believe me, I've been there, stumbled and fallen...now standing.

You mentioned to me in our psychic exchange, I can't say what. I answered to you, life is now, life is here, don't you see that? Brand new to my home, my roots all spread thin...did you not know me? Yours were still deep, all built right in, that you showed me.

That's all I can say, where our runways left off, and I'm sorry. I bet my life on this town, spread my wings and I flew, now I'm soaring. I've got these gifts to now share, that is all and that's it, may I see yours. Meet me somewhere and I'll polish your mirror into golden, I promise.

Last Wednesday

No, we were not going there...(jeesh!)

Jesse's Surprise at just $12/lb,
they're so worth it (light, please)! And yes, in the pink box.

Mint Meltaways (I'll take dark), dipped Oreos (for the kiddos).


Grand Forks, you're the best!

Another day at the waterpark

Yes, it's Thursday.

Hannah and Lauren are friends

...even though Hannah said fairies weren't real.

Thursday's waterpark

Got Juice?

It's become a tradition to bring JELL-O Beans to Easter dinner. Simple, fun, and always made with juice.

1-1/4 cups boiling water or juice (do not add cold water.)
1 pkg. (8-serving size) JELL-O, any flavor
Stir for at least 3 minutes (!!)

30 minutes in the fridge and bing-o!