Goodbye, dear Grandpa

Growing up we always loved when Grandpa and Grandma would come over for dinner. Sometimes we (and by we I mean my younger siblings) would try to block their way to the door after their visit because we didn’t want them to leave. I think that’s how many of us felt over the past few weeks. We weren’t ready for Grandpa to go. I don’t think we ever could be.

I remember how excited I was putting on my shoes in the back of our pickup camper as we neared Grandpa and Grandma's (Harry and Colleen Carson's) farmhouse after a long trip. It was one of the great happinesses of my childhood that my parents chose to move only 5 miles from Grandma and Grandpa's house. Our Grandparents were always there to make our birthdays, Thanksgivings, and New Years Eves a little more special. When we got a little older we had a lot of fun going to train shows with them. Papa and Grandpa took us on a bike ride on Highway 20 before the segment of highway near our home opened, which will always be one of our claims to fame. 

Faith in the Journey

This afternoon I visited my blog looking for a photo from a couple years back, and I realized how much I missed the chance to reflect that this platform provides. Life gets busy. Work can be demanding. Stress can be overwhelming. But there's beauty in the simplicity of taking a moment to relax, contemplate and have faith in the God who holds our every tomorrow.

Today I'll share a few photos from the trip I took to Juneau, Alaska with my mama and sister this July, along with some of my favorite encouraging quotes. Those who are connected with me on social media may have already seen the photos–but since I may be the only one still visiting this corner of the blogosphere, who cares?

Tea cup exchange 2018

Stephanie at The Enchanting Rose hosts an annual tea cup exchange. I participated in the exchange in 2016, sending a tea cup to Carrie and receiving one from Alena. I sat out last year, but this spring the urge to join in again was brewing inside me. I don't drink much tea at all, but there's something special about pretty tea cups and meeting new friends.

Joining the exchange, everyone fills out a form to describe their tastes and what they'd like. I'm just in this for the fun of it, so I said "Surprise me!" And what a delightful surprise this tea cup from Amy Fields was! Just like my previous exchange partner, Alena, Amy calculated my tastes to a T(ea).

Grundy County Heritage Museum

In July 2016, Yai and I visited the Grundy County Museum. There are several buildings on the museum grounds. Perhaps most impressive is the old public school. But tours start in the newer museum building, so we had to walk around the grounds to the other side of the block to find it.

On the way, we had the pleasure of seeing an old caboose, farm equipment and a little log cabin.

Hardin County Farm Museum

The Hardin County Farm Museum is a little different than most museums I have visited because it holds a lot of good memories. My family and I have attended pancake breakfasts and political events there, and often went to their annual Threshing Day. The photos in this post are from August 2016, when Charity, Yai and I attended Threshing Day.

Back in the good old days, Papa would often play chess with a local man, Gary. We children enjoyed a coin scramble, and plenty of good, old-fashioned games like corn hole, a canning ring toss, and trying to drop clothespins in an apple juice jar.

The Wells Hotel

In the little town of Wellsburg stands the Wells Hotel. If I recall correctly, it is a house that once was owned by George Wells and served as a residence for farmhands. The house was purchased by the city to serve as a historical museum in the 1990s.

Although I live nearby, I had never visited the museum until August 2016, when I decided to make the trip with Yai. The museum was pretty much what one would expect to see in a historic home in a small town.

Bremer County Museum

If you want to see everything in one place, it may be time to visit the Bremer County Historical Society Museum in Waverly. Regardless of whether you're looking for historic documents, wild African game, wedding dresses, vintage Valentine's cards, musical instruments, crime, or floral pieces made from human hair, you'll be in the right place. This bountiful and varied collection encompasses a myriad of tales from years ago in Bremer County. Charity, Kathleen and I visited the museum in October 2016.

The museum is open from May to October during limited hours throughout the week.  Musical instruments inside included several melodians and  pump organs, all equipped with plenty of sheet music.

New Providence

Have you ever been to an old soda fountain where the community gathers for breakfast every month? If not, it may be time for a trip to New Providence (below). During the summer of 2016, I visited this charming little town with my grandma Siripon (Yai) and sister Charity.

Food selections included biscuits and gravy, pancakes, pastries and omelets. And, wow, were those omelets good. (I still remember them a year and a half later...haha! I'm on the brink of forgetting though, so I figured I should get this posted.)

2017 Survey and Giveaway Results!

Thank you to the 23 readers who answered my survey this year and the 13 who joined the giveaway! Grace H. won the 10 cards featuring Grandma Carson's art. My sister Sarah Faith Carson won the six cards featuring Charity's pencil and charcoal art. And our final winner was Abigail Morley who won the six-month subscription to the Clarksville Star.

Question 1: How did you find my blog?

Six of you found this blog browsing the blogosphere. Five don't remember life without me (or something like that). Four of my awesome readers say we've met. Two found me when I commented on their blogs, and one through a link-up. 

2017 Survey and Giveaway

Time certainly is fleeting. Can you believe it's already time for the 2017 Survey and Giveaway?  This year I've switched up a couple of the questions. I always love learning more about my readers, and I'd like to thank you for the time you've taken throughout the year to visit, read and/or leave comments.

My six-question survey is below. Snickers candy bars won in 2014, were narrowly beaten by Kit-Kats in 2015, and regained the title in 2016. It's anyone's guess which candy bar will reign supreme this year! Your answers will be anonymous. 

Autumnal Adventures - Part 2

On our way back from the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum in West Branch, Kathleen and I visited the Old Capitol in Iowa City. There were several beautiful churches between the Capitol and where we finally found a parking spot, and I tried the door at each, to see if we could get a closer look. Someone was in the office at the First United Methodist Church, and we were afforded a close-up view of the beautiful sanctuary.

Construction of the church was completed in 1908 at a cost of $75,000.

Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum

I finally did it. I got a photo with Donald Trump. Well...almost.

Long-time readers will remember that last election my sister and I tried to get a photo with and autograph from each candidate. We got Hillary Clinton, Mike Pence, Martin O'Malley, Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio, Carly Fiorina, John Kasich, Ben Carson, John Cogswell (did you know he was running?), Rand Paul, Rick Santorum, Chris Christie, Jeb Bush, Mike Huckabee and Bobby Jindal. We got autographs from Trump and my sister got a photo with Trump, but I gave up on a photo--until my recent trip with my friend Kathleen Franck to see the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum!

Visiting the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum had been on my bucket list for years. Once in a while it's nice to just take a day off work and get something done. And I was thrilled that Kathleen had the day to spare to come with me. Exploring is funner if you have someone with whom to share your adventures. She and I both love sightseeing and photography, and any of these photos that I couldn't have taken are courtesy of Kathleen.

Autumnal Adventures - Part 1

This fall I have taken a little time for some fun. My siblings and I took a road trip to Prairie du Chien, and my friend Kathleen and I took a road trip to West Branch. While covering a Pheasants Forever Youth Hunt for the paper, I also got to learn how to use a shot gun for the first time--which was a different and interesting experience! Let's start this with a recap of our adventures near the banks of the Mississippi.

On our way to Prairie du Chien, we stopped at Pike's Peak to enjoy some fresh air and beautiful scenery. The trees seemed a little past their peak, as some were on the bare side; but that just meant we had plenty of leaves crackling under our feet as we hiked. I thought the view was gorgeous.

Dubuque & Final Answers

Here are the rest of my answers, interspersed with photos from a recent trip to Dubuque and other adventures. I had the pleasure of visiting Eagle Point Park, St. Raphael's Cathedral, the Dubuque Botanical Gardens & Arboretum and the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium. 

The botanical gardens were beautiful. The Johnson Strings filmed one of their music videos here, so visiting was a bit of a pilgrimage for me...

Ashley asked: What do you plan on doing in the future? 

In the somewhat immediate future I'd like to:

Answers: Favorites

Thanks to all who asked so many interesting questions! I've had lots of fun answering them.  Here's my first batch of answers--on my favorite things.

Linda asked: What is your favourite season...and why?

My favorite seasons are spring, summer and fall. Basically I'm happy as long as I'm warm and there are clear roads, blooming flowers, singing birds and green grass.

Your Turn - 2017

The Liberty or Death annual survey is coming up in only a few months with my queries for you, so like last year, the floor is yours first. I've decided to again have a little fun with an Ask Me Anything post (Since I enjoyed answering your questions last year, and always love Martha's Q & A series.)

So, feel free to ask any questions you wish, either in a comment or (if you prefer to ask anonymously) in the form below. I will attempt to answer in upcoming blog posts. Ask anything that comes to mind...serious or trivial. Have fun!

Snapshot of Summer

"All in all, it was a never to be forgotten summer — one of those summers which come seldom into any life, but leave a rich heritage of beautiful memories in their going — one of those summers which, in a fortunate combination of delightful weather, delightful friends and delightful doing, come as near to perfection as anything can come in this world." --L.M. Montgomery (Anne's House of Dreams)

It hardly seems possible that it is already August. I'm hoping we have several more months of summer, but the last couple days I've had to wear a sweater, with lows reaching into the 50s. Maybe summer is taking a quick vacation. But before I forget, it's time for some mid-summer reflections!  I recently went out to lunch with my friend Kathleen, whom I met while blogging on the campaign trail. She is very much a living reminder of why I love blogging, so it's about time for a new post!  This summer has been a fun one, packed with happy memories I don't want to forget.

The Last Day

Some time ago, I had a routine interview scheduled at a nursing home for my Savvy Seniors column. The day before the interview, a major storm hit the area, leaving over a thousand without power in Butler County, damaging trees, homes and businesses and claiming one life. Storm coverage forced me to reschedule the interview for an hour later. I had seriously considered rescheduling for another day, considering the nursing home was without power, but decided to press on, and I'm glad I did.

The man's advice to young people was poignant: "They better enjoy life while they can. It seems like it goes so fast. The older you get, the quicker [the years] go." He died later that day.

A Week at the Newspaper - Part 2

Another paper is out, and I have a whole week to get the next edition's batch of stories ready! On top of that, the weather here is gorgeous and our trees are in full bloom, so I'm a particularly happy person. Here's the rest of my week at the newspaper.

Saturday, April 22

Saturday was a beautiful day. I read the whole gospel of Mark in the morning (it only took about one hour).

A Week at the Newspaper - Part 1

What is life like as a small-town newspaper editor? In this post and the next, I'd like to invite you to join me for a week!  While, for most people, the week starts on Sunday, for me the week really start on Wednesday, the day my papers are printed, and I start work on the next edition of the paper.

At the Clarksville Star office: this is where the receptionist, Mary, now works...my desk is one table back.
(This was a convenient place to pose when I showed my family the office shortly after I started working here.)

I'm always learning something new! 

• Holes/eyes in Swiss cheese are formed by carbon dioxide gas created by the bacteria that flavors the cheese. Micro particles of plant origin serve as nuclei for the bubbles of carbon dioxide. In Switzerland, the cheese suffered from blindness as sealed milking machines largely precluded the presence of microscopic hay particles in milk until scientists figured this out. 
• Chickens used to wear glasses (see here for an explanation).
• Cows at a local dairy wear pedometers much like runners wear FitBits or Garmins to count their steps.