Seeing the Unexpected

A couple of evenings ago, I was heading outside to turn on my sprinkler.  It was getting dark, and as I came out my front door, I noticed what I assumed to be a medium sized black dog in our driveway.  You see, it was just dark enough where you can see close up, but some things just appear as shadows.  I told the supposed dog to go home, but as the shadow came closer and more into view, I couldn't believe what I was looking at running loose in our neighborhood, and actually in my driveway.  It was a pig!  A small black pig!  At first I was quite speechless, and when it spotted me, it quickly ran on through my driveway, and out into the road.  I had to follow it because I was still a bit dumbfounded.  As it ran next door into my neighbors' yard, I heard someone calling, "pig, pig".  I realized that obviously this was a pet, and not a wild pig of some sort.  I whistled towards the calling, and told him his pig was over my direction.  He soon was at my house, and explained that somehow the pig had escaped from its pen.  He then called the pig once again, and it was so funny to see the pig running very fast towards its owner.  Apparently they have two little pot bellied pigs as pets.  I didn't have my camera with me, but this is what it looked like:

The Annual Chocolate Contest

If you read my previous post, then you know that the beginning of our local fair started at somewhat of a downturn for me.  However, I know that along with lessons needing to be learned in painful ways, God also blesses us with victories.  So this week when I entered my annual entry into the Mayor's Chocolate Extravaganza Contest, I was happily surprised with a first place ribbon.  Apparently they liked my mini chocolate spice cakes.

Lessons Learned

Today starts the beginning of what we call "fair week".  Technically our local fair doesn't begin until Wednesday; however, for kids in 4H it has already begun.  The fair to the 4H kids is like the culmination of all of their hard work they have put into their projects over the past year.  They get a chance to enter exhibits of the different things they have learned, and receive ribbons recognizing their hard work. 

This past year I decided I would help out in my daughter's 4H club, and offered to lead a gardening project.  Besides my daughter, there was only one other girl in my class, which actually made it easier for me as a first time leader.  It gave me the opportunity to get my feet wet with two familiar faces.  But as it turns out I not only got my feet wet, but basically sunk to the bottom of the lake as a leader this year.  I had read the requirements for a different gardening project than the one I taught the girls.  So yesterday when exhibits were to be entered into the fair, they had the wrong exhibits for the project they were entering.  You can imagine how terrible I feel.  They were still able to enter the exhibits, but will only receive a white ribbon as they obviously won't get all of the points since they entered the wrong project.  Fortunately my daughter laughed and thought it was funny.  So I think perhaps I am the most disappointed since I was the one that technically "led them astray".  But fortunately, I have a very dear friend,  who just happens to be the mother of the other girl in my class, that was extremely forgiving and understanding.  She reminded me that this will just give us something to laugh about in the years to come.  At least this wasn't the only project that the girls entered, so they have other chances to enjoy their successes. 

I also realize that I'm not the only one in the world still learning lessons.  So I thank my God for all of the lessons He teaches me, even the ones that have to involve other people.  And while I am learning my lessons, the world keeps on turning, and the sun still continues to shine.

Glory in the Morning

Outside my front door, I have two built-in planters that I like to fill with zinnias.  And tucked in with the zinnias, I really like to have some morning glories growing.  They are usually volunteers, but over the years, I encourage them to "volunteer".  They just seem to fill in any blank spots, and besides that, I am simply fascinated by morning glories.  A delicate flower, blooming profusely in the morning, yet when the sun gets a little hot for them, they close up tight until the next morning. 

This morning I thought they were so lovely that I had to take a few pictures.  I love the way it appears that a bright light is shining right through the center of the flower, even though the picture was taken in the shade.  God's glory can certainly be found anywhere we look.

Trailer Cuteness

This past weekend, the Funky Junk Sisters held one of their famous Junk Salvation shows right here in my hometown.  It was a very fun show, and I ended up coming home with a couple of vintage dress patterns and a set of vintage dominoes -- they are a necessity don't you think?

As this was my first Junk Salvation show I was surprised by what greeted us outside the building.  Three very tiny vintage trailers all decorated up very cute.  This one was my favorite:

Of course I had to step inside, and this is what I found:

I thought this was so cute, and immediately thought how I might do something like this in my vintage Airstream; however, I just don't think the boys in my family would quite appreciate all of the frill.  So for now, I will just enjoy looking at these pictures.

Enjoying the View

It is hard to imagine that August 5th is already upon us!  My oh my what has happened to the summer?  In light of this realization, I have decided that for the remainder of this month, I need to make a few "lazy days (i.e. moments) of summer" happen since they obviously don't just happen by themselves.  So recently I took some time in the afternoon, and stretched out on my outdoor swing for a bit.  Here is the view I had, and I think it is a most excellent view to say the least.

Farmers' Market

Due to circumstances beyond my control (a very long, wet spring), I do not have a garden planted this year.  Instead I decided I would just frequent our local farmers' market from time to time.  Besides being a fun thing to do on a Saturday morning, it is really enjoyable to wander past all of the stalls seeing all of the vegetables, flowers, and crafts that everyone has been very busy with.  This past Saturday I brought home carrots, onions, and tomatoes.  Still a little early for cucumbers, but I'm hoping they will be arriving on the scene soon.