Fireworks and more...

We went to a nice little gathering in the park for a fundraiser/firework show Saturday night. One of our nearby towns just fixed their gazebo and they had a military appreciation dinner and lots of other skits and fun stuff. Later, they started setting up for fireworks. We were already freezing, but who knew to bring jackets in late June?? Anyway, we were just sitting around talking when a gal came around for donations for the fireworks. Morgan asked what donations were. I guess he's familiar with an offering plate, but not a donation bucket. Michael told him it was money to help pay for the fireworks. Well, after sitting there freezing our toes off for a good half hour, he got a bit concerned. "You mean they still have to go get them?" I was glad they didn't!! It was really cold. And about the time the grand finale hit we were all standing and folding up chairs as the first raindrops hit! Talk about timing!! Most everyone got to their cars fairly dry!

On the way home, we were talking about a bear that a local game warden shot near his house. Yes, a black bear in Iowa. Rather amazing. It really did seem strange that this bear's first reported sighting was outside the game warden's house, but it was Mom that actually said it out loud. "Why did he go to the game warden's house?" I gave the only answer I knew. "All bears are supposed to check in with the game warden."

They both remind me a lot of my brother. In a good way, of course!

Surviving...

My poor Mallory left for 4-H Camp on Sunday. Yeah, I know I was going to camp in 4th grade, but that's ONLY because Teacher Brenda went with me. She's going into 6th grade and couldn't have cared less who else was going. She's always been way more adventurous than I was. As everyone else was getting their hugs goodbye in the parking lot, she was building her nest in the back seat, "Who else is riding back here?" No tears there. Then there's no Mallory to tuck in at night, no Mallory to help with shipping and receiving all our packages, no Mallory helping me get set for VBS Crafts next week... But at least I can be pretty sure she's having fun. I'd worry about the boys. They've never been quite like that. But this is still her first time! Of course, she's been packed since March. She got that from my mom. I don't pack. She'll pack me for Maranatha, and that's good. heehee. Ok, I'll stop crying to you and get busy. She comes home tomorrow. I think I can make it.

Here's something you don't see every day...

Of course, you don't see the end of a war every day, either, but here's what one newspaper ran on the day of Peace, Aug 15, 1945:

Let Us Thank God
To Almighty God, for this blessed peace restored to a war-torn world, a grateful people offer devout thanksgivings.
Thank God, we say, the war is over at last. The guns are stilled. The bombs plunge no longer on their missions of death. Mothers and wives and sweethearts can breathe with unfettered hearts. Our loved ones will be coming home. An evil enemy has been crushed.
But there are many who are not here to rejoice with us this great day--because they gave their lives so we could have this day. Give them our prayers, our undying gratitude, our promise to cherish forever the ideals they freely died for. And for peace with victory, let us thank the All-Merciful God.

Wow, a time when the First Amendment included, and was not ashamed of God.

Anyway, this was a paper we sold on ebay and I just noticed that as I was packing it up to ship. Had to get that down before I forgot it. If ya think school's out for the summer... you're wrong!

Moving right along

Mallory made her first auction purchase this last weekend. We went to another one, and I actually felt dumber than the first time! But this was an estate auction, so it wasn't just antiques, it was also all the precious treasures of the old lady that might not be so precious to anyone else! It was hard to decide which was which! Last time we went to an antique dealer's auction. He just wanted to downsize and start over. No sorting there. Most everything had some value. We again went over the night before and again took Mallory. This time she had her own little list that she was looking to buy! When we got home and started doing our homework, she pulled up a chair and started listing off the things she was interested in. Sure enough, she had some finds! So Saturday, she went with us and found all her items on the various tables and flatbeds and made sure we were on top of her things, too. It's hard to get everything listed and her patience has been pretty amazing! So here's her first... a galvanized watering can. She was really persistent on this one, so we'll see what happens for her. It's at $0.99 right now. You can find it if you go to ebay.com and type in "galvanized watering can."

Well, for now, I have to get to a wedding cake. Funny how life goes on whether you're ready or not. I'm thinking of taking next Saturday off to go cropping. Haven't had a day off since the beginning of April and my head is really full. Not sure if I'd really take the day off, though. Probably take the Mac with me and watch the site. But anyway... onward!