Rocks, Rocks and More Rocks

News flash, I like Rocks.

When you live in a place where there are NO rocks, you love to dig there, but a southern girl raised in the hills, wants to see rocks. 

Yesterday was the perfect opportunity.

I love this stretch of highway between Arkansas-Missouri state line

and Springfield Missouri.

A friend from years gone by, helped drill and blast the rock for the old highway widening project. 

Most of this is from the newer widening, to 4 lane.

A lot of the landmarks we used, during trips north with our kids when they were little are now gone, making way for the better travel.

 "Pancake Rock"

 was one of the spots that we always used to let the kids know that they could quieten down, and we were on the last bit of our journey to see their Aunt Betty and Uncle Darold. I couldn't find it yesterday. It was just a stack of flat rock on top of a narrower rock formation.

All these photos were taken heading south at about 65 miles an hour, through the side window of daughter's vehicle.

Just Shooting......................

Big brother instructing her on how to shoot the

bb pistol.

First shot

One down, 2 to go.

and yes, they went too.

JD taking his turn

Stephen with the Air Rifle.

JD taking his turn, 

he is a very good shot, too, 

I'm thinking no one should mess with any of them, if they have a gun in their hand.

And now my turn

Pink

White

and yellow  4 O'Clocks

2 Tiger Cannas

Aren't they beautiful.

All of us are good shots, don't you think?

Guess what I'm getting?

I love Cindy Woodsmall's writing, I've never read anything she has written that was less than wonderful.  So when I got offered this book, #3 in the series, I didn't pass it up.

Look for my review in about 3 weeks.

If you love a good book, and haven't read her writing, go to the library, or to a book shop, and pick up one of her books, 

you may find yourself hooked, too.

The Winnowing Season by Cindy Woodsmall

I love anything By Cindy Woodsmall  She draws you in and has you hooked from page one! I really enjoyed book one of this series and anxiously awaited book two and it didn't disappoint me. It was great to read more about Jacob's past and how it affects his relationship with Rhoda, as well as his family. I felt the confusion and heartbreak of the main characters as they dealt with the obstacles God placed in their way. I cant wait for book 3! What is in store for the King's and Rhoda? What will Leah eventually chose? I can't wait to see what Rhoda decides, in book #3.

I received this book to read and review, no other compensation given.  All opinions expressed here are my own, I'm not required to give a positive review.

A SIMPLE CHANGE by Judith Miller

Historical Fiction 
published by BethanyHouse
345 pages

The setting is in 1881 
Jancey Rhoder loves her job, volunteering at the Kansas City Charity Home for Orphans and teaching the younger children their lessons.  But, when her parents decide to move back to Middle Amana Colony, because of her mother's health, Jancey gives up her volunteer position, and moves with them.  She knows her mother is dying, and wants to spend as much time as she can, with her.  Her suiter, Nathan Woodward is very upset when she leaves.

Even though her parents had tried to prepare her for the big change that she would be facing, it was still a shock to know she couldn't teach in Middle Amana, and she would be assigned a job by the elders.  Because of her mother's illness, she is assigned a job helping clean  the 'outsiders' dormitory, which is near their home.  The outsiders are hired to work in the mill, and supplied a place to live, and food, as part of their pay.

 Will Jancey stay in Middle Amana when her mother passes?  When Nathan shows up, will she return to Kansas City with him?  

This is a very good book, although I cannot imagine living and working in a colony where the pay is food and shelter, and everyone is expected to follow the rules set by others.  I enjoyed learning more about other ways of life and, since this is set in a time period that I would 'love to visit' I really want to learn more about the Amana Colonies.

I was given a copy of this book to read and review.  No other compensation was given.  I am not required to give a positive review.  All opinions expressed here are my own.