Tuesday this week was our first day back to school ..

First week back to school.

We are in a new school this year for 6th grade .. meaning almost all new friends and teachers, which can be scary.  And Middle School years can be tough ones anyway, if I remember correctly.

End of our first day.

But we are all trying to help her remember in all that is new and at times intimidating, there is also incredible opportunity with the right attitude.

Lingering for a few moments after the last bell..

She seems to be taking that to heart ..  so far (three full school days later as I finally get around to posting this), we’re off to a great start!

I was able to spend a few moments between gigs on Sunday just walking through the small town of Ridgeway as the folks there wrapped up their end of summer celebration.

Summer skies.

I love small towns.  I love their summer festivals and the opportunity they present to spend time either with or watching the people that come out who are the fabric and backbone of these communities ..

Not afraid to be the only couple dancing ..

Dancing to the band ..

This couple apparently isn’t shy, I’ve heard they are well known around the area.  Dancing wherever and whenever they can.  And there is nothing shy about them despite the fact all eyes might be looking their way as they grind on the gravel floor.   Yes, grind.

Creative way of getting to the event ..

It’s been a beautiful summer of music ..  

And Sunday with the trio, we played a couple of wonderful gigs starting with the outdoor terrace at a dear friends vineyard ..

Refreshments for the band…

Guest appearances.

A great place for families, we had a couple adorable girls join us onstage for a few songs.

Cheese and crackers provided by the anniversary couple ..

‘Officially off the market’ ..

I believe that was the FB post, verbatim, from a dear friend this past 4th of July.  The last of our core group of college roommates to fall … truly in love .. and tie the knot.

It couldn’t have been a more beautiful day .. and we were all so glad to have the chance to reconnect.

It was Simple.  Sweet.  The wedding.  The news from another roommate of a baby on the way.  Updates from each of us otherwise on life and our families.  So blessed by their friendships.

Just a beautiful day.

Some fun ones on the horizon.

This past Friday, spent more time learning ins and outs of a new camera as I was heading to take photos for a girlfriend the next morning.

So appreciate learning something new .. this will be cool.

Lot going on this past week.

At work.  Changes.  Big ones.  Ones that have impacted many.

On the home front.  We are working toward change.  On every level I believe it is toward something better.

With friends.  There are some incredibly challenging times we are working to help others through however we can, and with what little time there ever seems left in a day.

Some days challenges and change can feel empowering.  Other days and times, simply overwhelming.

I’ve learned over the years, to step back, turn off the noise, step away from the phone/computer and ground myself in what is most important to try and accomplish in each God given day .. and get at it.

I may not always do it well.  But I try my very best again the next day.  And I guess that’s all I can ask of myself.  And as my phone is ringing again .. the name of a friend showing on the screen I know is struggling through some pretty big changes, it is truly my hope for her and so many others .. they find their way through.  Better.  Stronger.  Wiser.  And looking forward to whatever tomorrow may bring.

“Although the world is full of suffering, it’s also full of the overcoming of it.” – Helen Keller

Spent a few minutes of downtime this week over lunch in Brookings, SD.

Brownstone truffle fries

And before we took back off for the ranch, I wanted to pick up a gift we needed for friends that was long overdue at a cute little store across the street from where we had grabbed a bite to eat.

And stop by the antique store just a few doors down ..

Some great finds there ..

My daughter always enjoys exploring every nook and cranny of these places, we often meander into them on our roadtrips each year.  Always something she can find ‘she just has to have’ .. 

Our neighbor boy that was along on the trip, not sure how often he had ever been in an antique store, but he seemed drawn into the mystery of it all.

Including .. this old ‘cell phone.’

“How does this cell phone work?” asks the boy..

On the Heel-o-Matic ..

The Cowboy has said to me for quite some time now .. ‘We need to get you roping.  You’ll love it.”

But he’s been good not to push.  Because it’s never been quite the right time.

But this week I decided to finally take him up on the challenge.

The Cowboy and his dad are going to a Jackpot this weekend and the two were practicing in the arena .. when they were done, they offered me the rope.  I took it.  No longer concerned for some reason if I were to rope anything while swinging a big loop in the air it would be myself and possibly pull myself off the horse .. or the horse.

Long way to go .. but after some patient, wonderful instruction from the new father-in-law and some time afterwards around the fire practicing on a stationary steer, actually looking forward to getting back at it.

Spent the day Monday with the Cowboy while he worked ..

Love seeing how happy others are, to ever see the Cowboy.

At our first stop of the day .. the kids tried catching one of the barn cats.  The ol gent who’s barn it was said they had too many anyway and offered the kids how many ever they could catch.

“If you chase him out from the other side … “

Think offer was made knowing not a one would ever allow itself to be caught.

Kids had fun anyway.  There will always be more barn cats.

And more barns.

Next stop ..

My daughter has spent the better half of the past year, in her free time around home, with the boy next door.  They’ve gotten to be pretty good buds.  And when we asked if he’d like to come with us to the ranch these few last days before school .. his mom and stepdad weren’t so sure.  He would miss a day of football practice.  And .. I don’t think they wanted in any way to intrude…

Since our arrival, it has been a series of firsts.  While he’s been on horseback before, it was the first time he realized why you wear jeans when riding.

First time on a John Deere.

Long day of riding

First time on a mower..

I asked him how he was doing later that first day.

“This is the best day so far of my life,” he responded.  “Seriously.”

Trying to catch the goat.

First time I’ve seen him with a smile that we can’t seem to wipe off his face ..