Corn on my mind.

It's that time of year again. For what, you ask? To plant corn. Obviously. And to commemorate the occasion I have some pictures to share. I think what really makes this year's corn planting so momentous is that it marks the time we moved back to Kansas...which means I survived our first year in Small Town USA. Or it survived me (?)- because between you and me, I've not always been a peach. Tim says I've been a trooper, but probably that's his secret way of saying, "you think she looks normal and pleasant, but you don't have to live with her." I jest...And now for a farm wife's perspective of what happens right before you plant the corn (I say that because I've been known to miss a few things around here).

1. Check the temperature of the soil. If it's not an optimal reading, the corn won't take very well.

2. Add seed to the planter and do a test run.

3. After the test run, check that the depth of the planted seed is where you want it.

4. Go. Then go some more- as in, like, 10 days to 2 weeks.

So wish us luck and say a prayer- that the crops grow and thrive, that Farmer Tim et al. stays safe and that I don't make too many imaginary friends, as things will be busy for the next six-ish months.

Denim faux paus.

Two blog posts in one day? I'm sorry. But as I innocently perused J.Crew online an image of what appeared to be a disaster caught my eye. Yo, Crew, my 1980s wardrobe called and they want their denim dress back *gasp*. I was compelled to share in hopes someone would agree they've made a huge mistake. I don't claim to be a fashion icon nor do I have plans to be a fancy fashion blog writer. But consider this my due diligence to society. A warning, if you will, that not all things at J.Crew are created equal (apparently). 

MESSAGE:

**FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS MISS OUT ON A GREAT STYLE. JUST ENTER THE EMAIL ADDRESS OF THE PERSON YOU'D LIKE TO EMAIL THIS ITEM TO BELOW (YOU CAN EMAIL MORE THAN ONE FRIEND).

DENIM DRESS ITEM #: 67190 **BY THE BY: FRIENDS DON'T LET FRIENDS WEAR THIS DRESS.

Slippery Pig

This is my next to last Seattle post. Promise? Or, I'm sorry? And the montage continues, thanks to our visit to the Slippery Pig. It was oddly reminiscent of a place that should exist in the Swiss Alps, only it's in Poulsbo, WA. On a gravel road. But how fun and who wouldn't love a place called Slippery Pig?

Here's the happy, non-sleep deprived mom and dad! Seriously.

Livin' la vida Seattle.

Friday Funday. At least that's what we call it around here when you take the ferry into Seattle for the day. It's an hour long cruise from Bremerton to downtown Seattle. Ben, the baby, did REALLY well. All day. Those smiley pictures of him- those were taken at the end of this loooong day. True story. 

This one's for you Victoria...TULIPS!!! The bouquet is only $10 (reference, Amy above)

1. veggie stand

2. slightly more vibrant veggie stand

3. the very FIRST Starbucks

4. cool neon sign

5. infamous vendor, known for their mad fish throwing skills

We spent the majority of the afternoon strolling (literally, thanks to Ben) in and around Pike Place Market. It's a feast for the eyes and your stomach. Vendors pass out samples of their fare (take it), street performers abound and people watching is at its finest. Farmer Tim and I collect magnets, so I found one to proudly display on the fridge of shame. And for $15 I bought a print, that had the seller not insisted he had taken the photograph himself, would not have suspected otherwise. Sucker or not, I had a great time and would go again. Only this time, I'd leave the skinny jeans and tennis shoes at home- thankfully, my pictures don't give way to such an atrocity.

You're never fully dressed without a smile.

Even if Ben's smiles are just gas, I'll take them (even though I'm pretty sure it's just me). Either way, aren't they the sweetest? 

DIA to SEA

Seattle doesn't even know what's coming. Trouble, I tell you...at least that's what Farmer Tim would say. I'm leaving on a jet plane headed even further west than Goodland (I know, you thought we were in the abyss) to visit my longtime BFF, her husband and BRAND NEW BABY BOY, BEN!!!! It's likely I need to better prepare for the waterworks. But alas, I'm at the airport and will be covering that baby with kisses so soon he won't even know what hit him. Pictures to follow, I'm sure, but I just can't even stand it I'm so excited. Small town is being unleashed again, this time in the big city of Seattle. Woot woot.

FREE SHIPPING? Don't Mind if I Do.

I can remember back to my *junior year of college when I made one of my very first purchases online from J.Crew- a cork wedge sandal with black leather straps (apparently,yes, I remember that). I know I worried if they would actually show up. Would they look like they did on the computer? What if I have to return them? How could this be as efficient as filling out my catalog order by hand? Fast forward almost nine years and things have changed. Just a little. And now I probably do 95% of my shopping online- and I'm not just talking about clothes. I now turn to my computer to buy books, cameras, camera accessories, luggage, batteries, printers, ink/toner, etc. etc. etc. I know this news isn't really news at all; but what has changed for me is that rural living necessitates my use of the internet in ways I never have before. Picture big, beautiful Target Wal-Mart (is that an oxymoron?), and.... nothing else. That's my option for all things shopping- grocery and otherwise. Denver IS 2.5 hours away, but our local shopping leaves much to be desired. Thus enter my love and appreciation for online shopping and especially, FREE Shipping! So next time you see your friendly delivery man, be extra nice cause there's a good chance he's' coming my way...

*note: a short three years after I acquired my first email address and one year before Facebook made its debut