Etsy Treasuries for March

For those of you who are interested... here are the beautiful Etsy treasuries that featured my "stuff" this month...

I love the subtle shades in this Peach and Aqua set... which is why I made up a set of washcloths in those colors:

The "Ya'll Come On Over Now..." treasury featured my white dishcloths:

Ahoy Matey! features a darling vintage sailor dress pattern that I had listed. It has since sold. I love vintage patterns, but I don't sew enough to justify keeping them. So I enjoy looking at them awhile, and then list them on my shop.

I just love seeing the variety of treasures available on Etsy.

River's Call - review

I was interested in reviewing River's Call by Melody Carlson based on the publisher's synopsis:

It is the 1960s and Anna's daughter, Lauren, is confused, broken-hearted, and pregnant. The difficult situation seems to bring out the worst in the selfish girl. When Lauren chooses to stay with her manipulative Grandma Eunice, Anna worries her daughter will never become a mature adult and the relationship between Lauren, Anna and Eunice becomes even more strained. However, when she hits the lowest point in her life, Lauren returns to her mother, the river, and the Inn and Shining Waters. As time passes, Lauren, now a mother to her own defiant teenager, faces a new crisis, one that puts the entire family at risk.

I enjoy stories set in the mid-20th century and I always enjoy reading about family relationships. The multi-generational theme appealed to me as well. This is actually Book 2 of Melody Carlson's Inn at Shining Waters series. I haven't read the first book in the series and starting out I thought that was going to be a problem. In the first chapter or two it seemed like I was picking up in the middle of a story, but I soon got engrossed in the story being told in this book, and that didn't matter any more. Of course, it would be interesting to go back and read the first book just to get a better picture of the back story, but Book 2 stands on its own pretty well. I especially appreciated how each of the main characters-- Lauren, Anna and Eunice-- grow and change as they learn to understand each other better. It was an enjoyable story.

Vintage Sugar Bowl

I am just dying to show you my bedroom makeover, but until we start having some sunny days around here I'm having a hard time getting pretty pictures with natural light. I'm trying to appreciate the spring rains but I have to say the sunshine will be very welcome when it finally comes.

In the meantime, I thought I'd show you the latest addition to my mix-and-match violet tea set. I haven't been actively looking for pieces to add to it, because I have enough cups and saucers now to host a pretty good size tea party.

I was browsing a thrift store a few weeks ago and spotted a violet sugar bowl. I didn't have a sugar bowl!

It even had the lid with it. I've seen other sugar bowls at thrift stores and garage sales that are missing their lids. As I picked it up to examine it, I realized it went with the snack plates sitting under it, and they were priced as a set-- $6 for 5 plates and the sugar bowl. 

Now I ask you-- what would one do with a set of five snack plates (complete with rings for the cups to sit in-- but no cups) and a sugar bowl, except add it to an eclectic tea set? I couldn't pass up a deal like that, could I? Of course not.

The plates are shell-shaped and I thought they would match the one snack-set that my friend Denise sent me awhile back. It turns out that these plates are slightly bigger and the pattern is a little different. This isn't the first time I've added to my set thinking one piece matches another piece I already have, and then they turn out to be different. That's one aspect I enjoy so much about this collection.

I've also added a couple of vintage violet greeting cards that I came across among some old family letters. And my sister-in-law recently gave me a beautiful vintage hanky with embroidered violets to add to the display. (I had taken this picture before she gave it to me.)

I wonder what will be added next? A cream pitcher would be at the top of my wish list, but we'll see.

Since it's Thursday, I'll join in with Vintage Thingies Thursday @ Colorado Lady... and hopefully by next Thursday I'll have some pictures to show you of my "new" vintage bedroom furniture.

Home Library Starter Collection Giveaway -- worth over $400

In celebration of my 10-year blogging anniversary, I am giving away a HUGE bag of books and other goodies worth over $400! I am so excited to be hosting this giveaway. It's hard to believe it's been 10 years since I started blogging, but there it is... my first post, March 4, 2002. I actually started blogging on Xanga, and then moved to Blogger in 2007. My original blog is still up, if you want to see it, though I've copied all the posts into the archives over here.

You're probably not too interested in that old news, though, are you? Let's get to the goodies already, shall we?

I have put together a great collection of 35 books that would be a wonderful start (or addition) to any home library, along with some personal interest and pampering items just for you!

I was able to get it all into one of Sonlight's over-size heavy-duty tote bags, but I wouldn't suggest carrying it all that way... at least not very far. The bag was full-to-overflowing. Let me show you what all I've gathered up for you...

First, a selection of favorite children's classics:

• Just So Stories
• Homer Price
• Henry Reed, Inc.
• A Little Princess
• Strawberry Girl
• Henry Huggins
• The Boxcar Children
• Charlotte's Web
• The House at Pooh Corner
• Favorite Poems Old and New (a beautiful hardback book!)

Then a few historical novels:

• Amos Fortune, Free Man
• Bonanza Girl
• Bound for Oregon
• The Matchlock Gun

Next, a stack of missionary stories:

• It's a Jungle Out There!
• Catching Their Talk in a Box
• In Search of the Source
• God Spoke Tibetan
• American Indian Prayer Guide
• And the Word Came With Power
• A Question of Yams
• Torches of Joy
• Window on the World

Then, a handful of fun books for the emerging reader:

• The Bravest Dog Ever
• Mouse Tales
• Frog and Toad are Friends
• Five True Dog Stories

A few biographies for good measure:

• William Wilberforce
• Simon Bolivar
• Thomas Jefferson
• Pocahontas
• The Wright Brothers

And three more go-to books not pictured:

• The Story of the World, Volume 1
• The Usborne Book of World History
• Leading Little Ones to God

Plus, some just-for-fun goodies:

• a Live, Laugh, Love mug
• a box of Celestial Seasonings herbal tea
• a giant Hershey's bar
• a vanilla spice candle
• two cotton crocheted washcloths (made by me)
• a bar of lavendar tea-tree soap handmade by my friend Cathy of LogHouse Soaps

And last, but not least, two cookbooks that I have edited:

• Sonlight Cooks (a collection of recipes from Sonlight users)
• Family Favorites (a collection of recipes from my extended family)

And, of course, the Sonlight tote bag is also included.

By now, I hope you're wondering how you could win this special collection! I'm so glad you asked! I'm going to give you lots of ways to enter, and plenty of time to get your entries in. 

The first entry is super easy. Just leave a comment on this post telling me what item in this collection you are most excited about. If you can't narrow it down to one, that's okay... just mention your favorites. Don't forget to leave a link to your blog or your email address so I'll have a way to contact you if you win!

For more chances to win, here are some other things you can do for one entry each. Please leave me a comment for each extra thing you did, so I'll be able easily count the entries:

• Follow my blog by clicking the blue "Join this site" button under "Riding Along" on the sidebar. (If you already follow, that counts, too. Just let me know you are already a follower.)
• "Like" my page on Facebook. You can just click the "Like" button on the Facebook widget on my sidebar, or follow the link through to Facebook and "like" it from there.
• Share this contest on Facebook.
• Follow me on Twitter: @karlyle. Mention your Twitter username in your comment so I can follow you back.
• Tweet about this contest.
• Follow me on Pinterest.
• Pin one of the pictures from this post on Pinterest and mention the contest.
• Favorite my Etsy Shop by clicking on the heart button.
• Add me to your circle on Etsy.

For bonus entries (worth 5 chances each) you could also:

• Visit my booth at a homeschool convention and fill out a contact card for me. (You'll even be entered in a separate drawing there as well.) My convention schedule is here. OR...
• If you can't make it to one of my conventions, email me (kcook@sonlight.com) with your mailing address to request a Sonlight catalog. 
• Blog about this content.

You don't have to leave 5 comments for each of those things. Just mention that you either saw me at a convention or you emailed me and I will count that as 5 entries. Also, mention that you blogged about the contest (include a link, please) and I will also count that as 5 entries.

That's a total of 20 chances to win!

I will draw the winner on July 1, 2012. Regrettably, I will have to limit entries to US addresses only due to the cost of international postage for a package this large.

By the Light of the Silvery Moon - review

The 100th anniversary of the Titanic disaster is coming up next month. I've always found it to be such an intriguing, yet oh-so-sad story. Years ago I got to tour the Queen Mary ocean line in Long Beach, California which helps me visualize the splendor of the Titanic. Recently I had to opportunity to review Tricia Goyer's Titanic novel, By the Light of the Silvery Moon. Just the cover drew me in, then knowing it was about the Titanic voyage, and with the title being one of my favorite old-timey love songs, how could I resist?

Here's the publisher's blurb:

Amelia Gladstone's hopes are tied up in the Titanic--hopes for a reunion with her sister and an introduction to an admirer. But when she offers a spare ticket to a down-and-out young man, her fate is about to change. Quentin Walpole is stunned when a sweet lady secures his passage to America--and even more surprised to find his wealthy father and older brother on board the ship. Suddenly Amelia finds herself caught between the attentions of two men, but who should she entrust her heart to? As the fateful night arrives, will Amelia lose everything to the icy waters?

The story didn't disappoint. Amelia is traveling second class but unique circumstances have her interacting with some of the first class passengers. I loved being able to get glimpses of the different levels of the ship that way. As I read I began to recognize that the plot of the novel is actually a very old story-- it's a retelling of the Prodigal Son story Jesus told. The scene with the father welcoming his wayward boy with open arms brought tears to my eyes yet again.

I don't want to give away any spoilers, but yes, the boat still sinks. I kept hoping it wouldn't... but of course, it wouldn't be true to history if it didn't. I won't tell you who survived and who didn't, though.

One thing that bothered me a little bit was the title song woven in throughout. I love the song. It makes a great title for this book. But the song itself just doesn't seem to fit this story. It's a very light-hearted little song... but the story wasn't. Maybe that was the idea. Maybe it was meant to be a diversion or a contrast to the serious nature of the story. In any case, it was a good read. I highly recommend it.

 ******

Win an Flip HD Camcorder during @TriciaGoyer's Unsinkable Titanic Giveaway and RSVP for 4/10 Titanic Party! Celebrate the release of By the Light of the Silvery Moon with Tricia by entering her giveaway and RSVPing to her Titanic party.

One "unsinkable" winner will receive:

• Flip HD video Camera (Make your own dramatic saga!)
• Titanic movies from the ages {Titanic (1953) Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964), Titanic (1997)}
• Secrets of the Titanic (Get the facts from National Geographic.)
• And the Band Played On (Music Played on the Titanic.)
• By the Light of the Silvery Moon by Tricia Goyer (Be swept away in this tale of love and courage.)

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on April 9th. Winner will be announced at "Silvery Moon" Titanic Facebook Party on 4/ 10. Tricia will be hosting an author chat (on Facebook and Live from her website) and giving away books, gift certificates and a book club prize pack! (Ten copies of the book for your small group or book club). During the live chat Tricia will have a *special guest* join her. More details coming soon!
So grab your copy of By the Light of the Silvery Moon and join Tricia on the evening of the April 10th for a fun chat, trivia contest (How much do you know about the Titanic?) and lots of giveaways. 

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 10th!

Silver Screen Blog Party

My friend Natasha Marie @ Day by Day is hosting a celebration in honor of the 1-year anniversary of her Etsy shop, Wool & What-not. She is offering lovely giveaways from several sponsors (including me). Be sure to pop over and enter her drawing.

As part of the celebration she is also hosting the Silver Screen Blog Party with a tag-style list of questions. While I'm not the classic films aficionado that she is, I thought I'd see how many of her questions I could comment on. Here goes:

{1} 

It seems to be standard procedure for blog party questionnaires to begin by asking you to introduce yourself to the rest of the party goers. Far be it from me to be remiss in my duty, therefore, do tell us a bit about yourself, in as many or few words as you wish.

 I am a millinery model (i.e. wearer of many figurative hats) with a wide variety of interests. If you've missed some of my posts "about me" feel free to catch up. 

{2} 

What are a few of your favorite classic films? 

Let's see... Some I've especially enjoyed are: 

It's a Wonderful Life

Harvey

The Man Who Knew Too Much

The Sound of Music

The Wizard of Oz

Meet Me in St. Louis

Gone With the Wind

Sabrina

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

{3} 

Out of those films, who are your favorite characters (not actor, character)?

I love George in It's a Wonderful Life, and Maria in The Sound of Music.

{4} 

Share one of your favorite movie lines... 

I can't think of any. I'm more likely to quote lines from books or classic radio shows than movies, probably because I don't watch movies over and over.

{5} 

What is your opinion on remaking classic films? 

I like to see remakes, especially if they do a good job of it and don't spoil the story or the charm of the original.

{6} 

How about colorizing black and white films? 

I prefer the original black and white usually, though I will watch the colorized version if that's what's available.

{7} 

Name a few of your favorite silver screen actresses. 

Doris Day, Judy Garland, Donna Reed.

{8} 

Now a few of your favorite actors. 

Jimmy Stewart. That's it. Just Jimmy Stewart. 

Nobody else comes close.

{9} 

Why are they your favorites? 

I don't know. They just are! 

{whine} This is hard, Tasha.

{10} 

Do you enjoy westerns? Why or why not? 

Oh, sometimes. Especially if there's a girl in the story. Long, long ago, when I was a teenager, we used to get 16mm films from the library for an occasional Friday movie night at home. (This was in the early 1980s, lest you think I'm old enough to have watched these old movies when they originally came out. I'm not.) Our family didn't have a TV and that was before VCRs were popular, so that was a rare treat. One movie our library had was called Northwest Stampede. It was a western romance, and my sisters and I loved it. We checked it out from the library several times.

{11} 

Are you a purist when it comes to adapting a book you love to the screen? 

To a certain extent. I really appreciate it when the film sticks close to the book, but if it deviates I can still enjoy it-- just not as the "same" story.

{12} 

Are there any film adaptations that you enjoyed more than the original book? 

Not more than... but I thought Anne of Green Gables (the first movie) came awfully close. That's not a classic, though, unless you consider the 1980s to be vintage. And you might. But I don't.

{13} 

There are a lot of wonderful classic TV shows, but which one is your favorite?

The Andy Griffith Show. 

{14} 

After watching a musical, do you hum and singing snatches of the songs as you go about your day? 

Yep.

{15} 

Assuming the answer to the above is "yes", which song, without fail, get's stuck in your head? 

Any of the songs from The Sound of Music.

{16) 

What's the corniest film you've ever seen?

Probably The Princess Bride.

Welcome, Spring!

"What with all this snow and one thing and another, 

not to mention icicles and such-like, 

it isn't so Hot in my field about three o'clock in the morning." 

-Eeyore

It's the first day of spring and we get snow? Lovely.

Oh, well. I take comfort in the fact that it's a wet snow--not sticking much, so hopefully it will melt soon--and that my lilac bushes have some teeny-tiny buds, finally. The big bush behind the car, and the two along the sidewalk-- the ones that just look like dead sticks? They're lilacs. I promise. I am greatly looking forward to their lovely blossoms and fragrance in a few weeks.

I'm tired of winter.

In spite of the weatherman, I'm going to believe the calendar.

It's spring!! I'm taking it on faith.

Writing

You know how I've said for awhile that someday I'm going to write a book? Within the last couple of years I have set some specific goals for myself in that regard, and I am very excited with the progress I'm making. It may not seem like much, but the baby steps are better than just wondering if I ever could, don't you think?

The first question I get when I mention I'm an aspiring writer is: What do you write? Well, right now, this blog... oh yeah, and occasional posts for the Sonlight blog. Other than that, not much. But I'm gonna write a book. I really am.

Next question: What kind of book? That one is easy. Fiction. Probably women's fiction. Maybe young adult. But fiction is what I like to read, so fiction is what I long to write.

Then: What's your book about? Up until just the last week or so my answer has been, "Umm... I'm not really sure. It will probably be set in the mid-twentieth century. Maybe in a small town... And that's all I got!" I really sound like I know what I'm doing, don't I?

Last week on our road trip, it came to me. The subject of my novel!

I'd like to say the Lord gave it to me, but that kinda sounds like I think my book will be divinely inspired like the Bible, or something. On the other hand, I know I could never do this without His help, and if He is truly calling me to write He will give me the story and enable me to do it. So yes, I think God helped me come up with a subject that I am excited about.

So, to repeat the question: What's your book about? It's going to be set during the Great Depression on a road trip across Route 66. I'm still working on the characters and plot. You know The Grapes of Wrath, right? Well, it will be nothing like that. Except for the setting, of course. John Steinbeck, I'm not.

When I shared my idea with Lyle his immediate response was, "We'll have to research that, won't we?" We had traveled across a segment of the old Route 66 several summers ago, and we have often talked about how much fun it would be to travel the whole length (as much as still exists). I don't know if or when we'll be able to work that in (because we live nowhere near Route 66), but it would be neat, for sure.

Anyway, I'm off to the Inland Northwest Writer's Conference in Spokane today. I'm really glad the Lord gave me this idea last week so I can be thinking about it as I learn more about the craft of writing.

Progeny Press - Review

Recently I had the opportunity to review the Progeny Press study guide for the novel Across Five Aprils. My daughter had listened to and enjoyed a recording of this historical novel awhile back, and I thought this study guide would be a great way for us to review the Civil War. It's at a middle school level so I thought it would be appropriate for her. After I had a chance to look at it, though, I realized it is too advanced for her special needs. It requires a higher level of critical thinking than she is ready for. So I will set it aside for now and perhaps use it with her later.

It does offer a very thorough study of the novel with a wide variety of activities such as literary analysis, vocabulary development, map activities, and writing assignments. I especially appreciated the Biblical perspective and character training that is woven throughout.

I had used a Progeny Press guide several years again in teaching a co-op class and found that it worked very well for that setting. At that time they were only available in paper format (with permission to make copies for classroom use). Now they are available as a downloadable PDF or on a CD as well as a paper option. The digital format is interactive and allows the student to type the answers right into the study guide without having to print it out. The printed option is $18.99 or the digital options are $16.99.

I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review as a member of the TOS Homeschool Crew.

Hotel Decor

Honestly, as I've said before, I'm not a decorating snob. But as a detail person, I notice things. Now, I have my house decorated the way I like it, and I hope you have your house decorated the way you like it. If I come over to your house I'm going to notice your decor, but I definitely will not criticize it. We all have different tastes and I think that's great. However, I do have to wonder sometimes, what in the world the decorator was thinking in some of the hotels we've stayed in. Some of you may remember my post from several years ago when I stayed in a vacation home in Florida that had a confusing collection of pictures on the walls.

On this trip we stayed in cheap motels on the days we traveled such long hours. Mainly we were looking for clean beds and hot showers. One night we walked into our room to be greeted by this garish combination of bedspread and drapes. I guess they do have some of the same colors, but I'm glad I was asleep most of the time we were there. {shudder}

We stayed in a nicer hotel the two nights we were in Loveland. The decor there was classy enough, if a little generic, and not to my tastes. However, there was this religious statue on the dresser.

I think it might be Buddha.

In any case, it's not the God I worship, so I decided to tuck it away in a cupboard so we didn't have to look at it all weekend. When we got ready to leave, I decided I better get it back out so the hotel wouldn't think we had stolen it or something.

Then I got creative. Time for a conversion! I covered the statue with a pillowcase...

 ...and then got the Gideon Bible out of the drawer to prop on the little offering plate or whatever it is that the statue is holding.

I thought that took care of it nicely. I don't know what the housekeeper thought when she found it, but my family thought it was funny.

I was just being a good Christian witness. {said with tongue firmly in cheek}

Song of My Heart - review

Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer is a sweet prairie romance set in a small town in Kansas. My favorite characters are the heroine's landladies and employers, eccentric spinster twins named Melva and Shelva. It was a fun story. Here's the publisher's synopsis:

 Sadie Wagner has always been devoted to her family. So when her stepfather is injured and can't work, she decides to leave home and accept a position as a clerk at the mercantile in Goldtree, Kansas. Goldtree also offers the opportunity to use her God-given singing talent--though the promised opera house is far different from what she imagined. With her family needing every cent she can provide, Sadie will do anything to keep her job. McKane comes to Goldtree at the request of the town council. The town has been plagued by bootlegging operations, and Thad believes he can find the culprit. After he earns enough money doing sheriff work, he wants to use it to pay for his training to become a minister. Thad is immediately attracted to the beautiful singer who performs in Asa Baxter's unusual opera house, but when he hears her practicing bawdy tunes, he begins to wonder if she's far less innocent than she seems. And when Sadie appears to be part of the very crimes he's come to investigate, is there any hope the love blossoming between them will survive? 

Celebrate with Kim by entering to win a Nook Tablet and connecting with her at the Book Chat Party on 3/29!

One "songbird" winner will receive:

• A Nook Tablet
• Song of My Heart by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway ends 3/28/12. Winner will be announced at Kim's Book Chat Facebook Party on 3/29. Kim will be hosting an evening of chat, fun trivia and more! She'll also be giving away some GREAT prizes: gift certificates, books, and much more!

So grab your copy of Song of My Heart and join Kim and friends on the evening of March 29th for an evening of fun.

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP TODAY and tell your friends via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of winning. Hope to see you on the 29th!

Road Trip Wrap-Up

 We traveled approximately 4,100 miles in 9 days. That averages out to 450 miles a day, but of course, the distances were different each day. Monday and Friday were the only days we didn't travel.

 Yesterday was our longest day on the road, from Casper, Wyoming to Post Falls, Idaho. It was 811 miles and took us about 13.5 hours. Lyle did all the driving the entire trip. It's his Thing, you know. Because we were pulling a trailer, he tried to keep the speed at 65mph or under. That was hard for him.

 I love traveling through the western states and watching the scenery gradually change. It is so unpopulated and the wide open road beckons. Every couple hours I reached for my camera and snapped pictures through the windshield. No signs of green in the roadside grass this far north just yet.

 As we approached the mountains we ran into some light rain, which eventually turned to snow.

Lookout Pass on I-90, on the Montana-Idaho state line, was snow-covered and slippery. That was the only "bad road" we had the entire trip. It was snowing there as we left and still snowing as we came home. I wonder if it snowed there the entire time we were traveling?

That was about an hour-and-a-half from home, and the snowy part was only a few miles. It's cool and damp at home, but I am confident spring is really just around the corner. Daylight Saving Time helps with that notion.

Needless to say, I have a very long To-Do list today.

"Road Trip Wrap-Up" blog post... Check.

Now I'm off to do the next thing.

And the Season Begins

 My first homeschool convention of the season starts tomorrow in Loveland, Colorado. Today, on our road trip, we stopped at the Sonlight warehouse to pick up my convention supplies for the season.

 Barb, our wonderful convention coordinator, had my supplies ready and waiting... and Lyle, driver-and-packer-extraordinaire, quickly and efficiently got everything loaded into our little trailer.

What you can't see is the bedroom suite that my mother gave us, in the front of the trailer. Yep. I'd say we're pretty loaded.

We even got to Loveland with enough time to spare to get the convention supplies unloaded and ready for set-up in the morning. If you live in Colorado, I hope to see you there tomorrow!

Ozark Back Roads

 Tuesday afternoon's route took us winding through the Ozarks from Arkansas into Missouri. It was a gorgeous afternoon, sunny and warm like we never see in Idaho in March. We opened the sun roof and enjoyed the fresh spring air and the rolling hills. (We can't bring ourselves to actually call the Ozarks mountains.)

 Wednesday morning was cooler and overcast, but still a pleasant day for a drive. This view is from my uncle's yard where we spent the night. They may not be true mountains but the Ozarks do have a beauty all their own.

And of course I couldn't pass through Mansfield without stopping by to say hello to Laura Ingalls Wilder. I didn't have to time to stop for tea, but as it turns out, she wasn't home anyway. So I just snapped a quick picture to prove I'd been there, and we went on our way.

We stopped in Rolla to visit with Lyle's parents for a few hours then headed on over into Kansas where we spent last night.

Happy Anniversary, Mother and Dad!

Today is my parents' 47th wedding anniversary. 

We are privileged to be with them to celebrate today... 

and even more privileged for the beautiful example of they have set for their children all these years,

of what a loving marriage should be.

We are all so blessed!

Springtime in the Ozarks

 It was snowing and about 24 degrees as we left Mitchell, South Dakota yesterday morning. We turned south in Sioux Falls. As we traveled the snow stopped, the sun came out, and the temperature began to warm up. Late in the day I began to notice some green in the grass along the roadside. And then I spotted a clump of daffodils blooming.

It was after dark when we finally arrived at my parents' house in northwestern Arkansas, but as we carried our luggage into the house I noticed there were daffodils blooming in the yard. This morning I stepped out to snap a few pictures. I didn't bother to put shoes on. Much to my surprise the ground was warm enough that I didn't even need them. I walked all around the property in my bare feet. It brought back memories of when I was a barefoot little girl playing on this very farm with my siblings, my cousins, and my aunt Rachel.

The paved road, however, reminded me that time is moving on. As far back as I can remember the road had been dirt. The pavement has been added since the last time I was here, two years ago. It's a definite improvement... but ya know, I kinda miss the old dirt road.

Anyway, it will be at least six weeks before the daffodils start blooming at home. I'd love to just stay here for a month and watch spring develop, then go home before it starts getting so hot and humid here and the annual battle with ticks and snakes begins.

But I have "promises to keep... and miles to go..." so we'll be heading on down the road tomorrow.

South Dakota

 It's been a long day-- 14.5 hours on the road. Needless to say, our stops have been short. We have enjoyed talking, reading, listening to audio books, working puzzles and watching the scenery as we drove.

 Since it's still technically winter, the landscape is mostly gray and brown and bare. But the sky was beautiful in western South Dakota late in the day. I snapped these pictures of our "rig" and our seemingly tireless driver at a rest area.

 A few minutes later the sky began to change colors as the sun set. I took these pictures from the car window as we drove.

It was about 10:30pm CST when we got to our motel in Mitchell. We left home last night and we've already lost 2 hours. Our itinerary for tomorrow calls for about 12 hours on the road.

See you along the way!