Happy Thanksgiving!

Jeff's favorite day of the whole year! This was our very first, on our own, REAL thanksgiving meal....just the two of us. It was AWESOME!

Winter Toys

Shanon and I are anticipating some rough roads on our journey ahead (only literally) and we weren't willing to be snowbound this winter. We retired the old Chevy (she's been a good girl) and stepped up into ManLand with this V-8, F-150. I'm in love all over again. . .

And winter may have leap-frogged over most of fall, but I wasn't willing to admit defeat just yet. I rolled out the bike, feeling like the bundled up little kid in "A Christmas Story" and took off for an afternoon. I think Shanon thought I was insane (again).

Western Kansas

Life had gotten pretty crazy, so I took some time out to go west to visit my grandmother. I made sure I took my time getting out there because I just wasn't willing to be one more rat in the race anymore, and there were just too many reminders of a slower time for me to get in a big hurry.

The Field Boss. Shanon and I both thought he'd make a great Disney character.

I'm always trying to convince Shanon to go pet the cows, but she thinks I'm crazy. Since she wasn't there, and I know she really wants to pet a cow, I took these pictures for her.

Small Town, USA. There is something so honorable about this lifestyle. But don't let me romanticize it too much, I'm sure there's B.S. everywhere.

"And yet, and yet. . .
And yet, someday
This new road
Will be the old road, too."

Take heart.

Fall Day in the Flint Hills

It was a beautiful fall day, so we loaded up the fam-damily and headed out on the Native Stone Scenic Byway, both looking our respective bests.

There were some really beautiful limestone structures along the way, but certainly the most amazing sights were the fall colors that surrounded us.

Anybody who says Kansas sucks has no sense of appreciation for history or adventure. But keep hating it - they only need ten more of your kind in California before the whole damn thing drops off into the ocean. I kid, I kid. . .

Still Kansas, bitches.

In all seriousness, this beautiful, but simple monument was just outside of Eskridge on the side of the road, and we couldn't help but think how fortunate those buried here were to be treated with such kindness and reverence. What a wonderful place to rest for eternity.

Have you heard?

foo•ka DESIGNS will be showing at the Aaron Douglas Art Fair this Saturday from 11 to 5! If you are in the Topeka area swing by and say hi! For more information be sure to visit the fookaDESIGNS blog. Hope to see you there!

Paws in the Park

I'm happy to say that for the second year in a row I will be collecting donations for the Helping Hands Humane Society and all our furry friends there. With your generous donations, last year I raised over $750! This year I want to do even better! Please consider visiting my fundraising page and making a donation today. Every little bit helps! Thank you!

Also, on a side note I have donated a piece of artwork to the Greater Kansas City Humane Shelter Art Auction again this year. Be sure to take a look at fookaDESIGNS blog.

Farm Night

We teamed with some friends at our fellowship's Goods and Services Auction to win a night on the farm. The farm owners had just finished redoing their water features and pond.

I can't spell it, but we all learned to play bocce ball. Devin was a vicious competitor.

Here he is trying to get the opponent's ball out of the way.

Devin really took the time to perfect his game.

It was a beautiful night for some outdoor activities.Our friends, the Marable family.

Here's Jeff chillin' in the grass.

When the sun went down, Shanon and Bailey took their turns on the Bocce court.

Shanon relaxes after a fun day on the farm.

Devin and Bailey were worn out, too.

But Jeff looks REALLY worn out.

Ah, I never get tired of the lovey dovey pictures.

The boys are waiting on the grand finale - homemade peach ice-cream!

The men decided to have an impromptu tough man contest and see who could stand the cold water the longest. Devin and Jeff are so competitive, they almost needed
medical attention afterward. Silly boys. . .

Under our gracious host Phil Roudebush's tutelage, Devin takes his turn at the
old-fashioned ice cream maker.

Delicious!!!

Jeff and the Marable's daughter, Willow, become better friends each time they see each other. She's just too cute!