Together in Yates Center

Posted on by Debra


Together in Yates Center.

It’s not too often Kevin will take a day off from work. Being in commercial construction the busiest time is summer. Of course when work is strong- keep working. In winter- the slower months, don’t spend money which translates to; Stay Home.

This year was not a usual year. We purchased land in Yates Center, KS last Fall. We were celebrating Kevin’s birthday and our anniversary this July. I really needed to get away; even if it was just some place close. It was a nice surprise when Kevin agreed to take two days away from work. BUT this came with stipulations: Could not rain Tuesday or Wednesday- laying concrete. If it rained, our trip would be delayed.

Kevin made an appointment with the Division of Conservation – Kansas Department of Agriculture. Our appointment was scheduled for Thursday @ 1:00 pm. We left our home Thursday morning early- 6:10 am. Our first stop was the DMV in Lawrence. From there we drove at a leisurely pace to Yates Center, KS.

doc kansas department of agriculture
Kansas Department of Agriculture – Division of Conservation

I once had a friend ask me what would I do when taking pictures became work. Oh- I thought that would never happen. BUT it did. This is one of the reasons I created G’masDiary. Every place I go now, I take my camera. Take images for me. Have fun, memories for me to look back on. Throughout my life I have had to separate work from home- Crohon’s Disease flair up’s if I don’t separate the two. I want to get back to the place where picture taking is second nature- not just in work, but with my family when I am not working.

Our get-away was a trip to Yates Center and the long drive home. I was amazed at the beauty of the landscape. What wonderful things we saw that we were not looking for! Several places I marked so we can go back and visit our next trip to Yates Center- in particular, Fall River.

Thursday we spent our time in Yates Center and Eureka. Our motel room in Yates Center- The Townsman, was really nice and clean. We ate at the local Pizza Hut for dinner. Lunch was in Eureka- Cherokee. Mozzarella sticks were included on the buffet. Boy was I a happy camper!

Friday we drove to Emporia, KS with stops along the way. We drove through a small portion of the Flint Hills. One weekend if I can get Kevin to go again, I want to explore the Flint Hills. We passed through Cassody and Strong, KS. We arrived in Emporia late afternoon. We settled into our hotel- Comfort Inn. We ventured out into Emporia. Kevin asked me if I have ever been to a Dollar Tree store. No- well now I can say that I have. During our shopping spree in Dollar Tree, Kevin bought me a bottle of bubble bath. Anytime we stay in hotels/motels, I enjoy taking a bath. We have just a shower, no tub at home. Baths are a luxury for me!

Saturday we met Erika, Shaune & Briella for lunch at one of my favorite places- Golden Corral. Visited for a while then headed for home. What a wonderful weekend spent with my husband!

4th of July

Posted on by Debra

4th of July


I absolutely enjoyed my 4th of July this year! This was the first time in quite awhile that my parents, me and my husband; my daughter and her little family and my son were together. Truly a wonderful day!

Erika and Shaune were at the folks house early. I arrived at noon, just in time for lunch; sandwiches and chips. After lunch Briella took a short nap. During her nap Erika gave Buckshot a bath in the front yard. He needed it! Erika had an afternoon of fun games planned for Briella in the front yard. She set up the sprinkler, had sidewalk chalk and bubbles. The neighbor kids were outside and they were invited to join in on the games.

It was fun watching them run through the sprinkler playing Red Rover, Red Rover. The neighbor kids have a trampoline. When they were finished with the water games, they all headed to the trampoline. Erika jumped a couple of times. Briella really bounced- Erika thought best if she refrained from jumping- LOL!

The dog got washed. We played in the water. Had a cookout. Even ate outside- picnic style. And homemade ice cream was for dessert. It was while we were eating we all mentioned we never brought fireworks. Oh well, we still had a fun time together. Looking forward to next year!

The meaning of 4th of July.

Father’s Day | 3 Generations of Dad’s

Posted on by Debra 2 Comments

Father’s Day Weekend with 3 generations of dad’s!

3 generation fathers
3 Generations of Fathers

Let me first say, Father’s Day weekend was fun! Saturday I was able to spend the morning with my daughter, son-in-law and Briella. We went to the park and took lovely images of Brie in her pretty blue dress (previous post). Sunday began at 8:00 am at the local TSC store.

My daughter and husband have for many years gone to bird shows- I am not up on the technical terms so bare with me. Every third Sunday TSC hosts a swap meet for small livestock- chickens, ducks, turkeys, rabbits. It was amazing because chickens are not just chickens- there are many different breeds and these people know them all!

Briella was not the happiest camper. Her gums were tender with the last tooth cutting through. But when Erika brought the little rabbit over for Briella to see, she soon brightened up and was thrilled with “Bubble”. Oh how she got excited and began saying bubble repeatedly. According to Erika, Briella was referring to the cartoon, Bubble Guppies. And that was how the rabbit got her name!

After the swap meet we went back to Erika and Shaune’s home where my folks came over for dinner. Shaune smoked brisket and it was delicious! Homemade ice cream and chocolate cake was for dessert. Yum.

View the online gallery here.