The Reluctant Red Nose

The day decided to turn colder but still bearable…thankful for my shawl.

It rained during the bridal portraits but let up abo 15 minutes before the ceremony….

My daughter was the ring bearer/dog handler….

The dress can be cleaned thankfully, after the dog dragged my daughter through the grass…it provided much humor.

All weddings have hiccups and this one had some….but in the end…all that matters is who is getting married…and we are thrilled with the match!

Our day started with my coffee made with “love” from my fave coffee shop lady…then we took a 40 minute Uber ride out of the city and into the outskirts of Philly.

We arrived at our hotel and they had our reservation, but said we couldn’t check in until 4….we travel a lot and I’ve never heard of this at any hotel we have ever stayed at. I showed my annoyance…but didn’t lose my cool. Explained the situation about how we were here for a wedding celebration and said I hoped we could get a room earlier then 4. We then headed to my husbands sister and her husbands room…where another family member was also hanging out….and that just about sums up the entire next three days…constant flexibility.

We went ahead and went out to lunch and at a a place called Thunderbird. I have always had amazing service in Philly…we have been going there for 6-7 years and this was the first rude experience we have had. My husband said excuse me to the waitress because he couldn’t hear her and she was so flippin ride back I almost slapped her. She got my order wrong, my drink wrong…and lots of other things…but all of us were afraid to complain because we weren’t sure what she would do if we did. The guy behind us glared at us the entire time because apparently we were sitting at his “special table.” I kid you not, I’ve never had this experience….not even in NYC. Them when we got up to leave she complimented my shoes? I was like…take back your compliment…your too cranky to like my cute shoes….

We then headed back to the hotel….

But first Rita’s!!!!

If you’ve never been….just go….then tell me thank you!

Headed back to the hotel and our room was ready and I just about hugged the lady!! God love her! So we were able to move out of my sister n laws and brother n laws and I’m pretty sure they shouted hurray!!!

We then proceeded to get ready and head to my soon to be son in laws parents house….

Ellianna then did a ceremony with her soon to be brother n law…

We then did some Henna…which is a leaf, I never knew that!

Then we had a lovely Indian meal with Naan and some tofu chicken which I had never had before…it was all very good!

Then back to our hotel to get ready for the next day of the actual wedding ceremony!

You can’t go to Philly without seeing the Liberty Bell…and even though I’ve gone before…it’s still a pretty amazing site to see…we explored the city with my husbands sister and her family. This being their first time in Philly it is impossible to see all the things…but we did our best to show them some important things!

We took them to Independence hall….

We then took them to the Museum of the American Revolution museum which has the coolest thing ever that if you are ever able to see you must go!

It’s a very interactive museum…the first time we took Ellie, she was 11 and this time she just played along….

Then we needed to eat lunch so we headed to Reading terminal….which you must absolutely head to!

Straight to bed to begin an exhausting but three day wedding adventure….

We have been traveling to Philly for about six or seven years…and no trip is ever the same…we love the city of Philadelphia…

We flew in very early Wednesday morning and arrived with no issues….we decided to try some Indian food since we very rarely get it….

We then just explored the city a little….

It is an absolutely beautiful city and I encourage you to explore!

We have just returned from our fishing trip and I am exhausted…but yet here I sit trying to figure out great problems that don’t even exist yet while I try to get through a extremely busy four days….

First of all, as all trips go…nothing went as planned, my husband and I had different opinions on priorities…and Friday just wasn’t fabulous…but we pressed on.

Determined to get there we pull into our beautiful campsite on a Friday night….I seriously have no idea why I chose a Friday night….the campground was crazy…dogs barking everywhere and kids being kids. Trying to get the campsite set up before dark…I was hurrying and cut myself severely with a knife….so much so I thought I would faint.

We took one of our dogs this time as well…and I was so nervous that he would be horrible…in the end…he was a model doggie citizen.

This was only our fifth camping trip in our new to us A-liner, and we are getting better…but still learning. This was our first fishing trip together and let’s just say….we have much to learn.

Friday night was a restless night as it always takes me forever to fall asleep. I always make up things in my mind that are horrible that are impossible to have happen…but still…there was a faint possibility our camper would roll down the hill into the woods and I worried about it all night…because that’s who I am.

On fishing trips you don’t sleep in…we were up at 6 every single morning…with the only exception being today….which is a long story.

Saturday morning found me cranky and tired and the most serious bags under my eyes you ever did see. My husband decided to buy me a new fishing rod and reel for his birthday (because that’s what he does) and so our first plan was for me to learn how to use it…

Saturday we got skunked but really only had a couple of hours to practice so to me I just considered our tags a donation to the conservation department….your welcome!

Sunday found us rejuvenated….and you should know that most fisher men and women are very helpful and kind….and you learn a ton just by asking …who knew garlic would be a trouts best friend? But this trip it was!

Then Monday came….and boys and girls the fish gods were smiling on me….we had all our fish caught by 9:45….8 fish….all done! I also got the biggest one of the day…which gave me bragging rights all day!

This was my first day wearing hip waders ever and they certainly gave me advantage!

Tuesday was a lot harder….the fish were skunking me…but finally…I caught two and my husband three. He technically caught four but one was too tiny….

We met the nicest people….one fisherman gave us his filet knife when he saw the crappy one we had…fisher people are just like that…and it gives me all the feels.

Our campsite was beautiful…

Mark was able to take fly fishing lessons and get himself a nice rod and reel and some flies to begin this journey….

We ate well….got to use the pizza oven that our friends told us about and I got for Marks birthday!

Sooo good and soooo fast!

We of course enjoyed s’mores!

Mark made a cherry jubilee in the campfire coals….turned out pretty amazing!

It’s seriously a yellow cake mix…we recommend two jars of cherry pie filling and a can of ginger ale and if soo good!

We taught Ellie how to clean fish and cook…

Fishing is not her fave….but she’s a good sport…she worked on a writing project, drew and entertained Louie.

Camping isn’t always relaxing…this trip was busy….I was dirty pretty much all the time…the showers at the campground were not ideal…I had enough dry shampoo when I got home today in my hair…it felt like straw…

There were daddy long legs constantly in the bathroom…the raccoons got into one of our coolers last night…and woke us all up at 1 am. Totally my fault…it started raining and I didn’t do my normal locking procedures and boy did we all pay! There is a couple of raccoons with my chicken chili and a whole bag of cheese farting their way through the state park! It rained every single night we were there except one….the bees were awful….but I am so grateful that we have a camper…it made life so much better!

If you wait to figure everything out for a new adventure you will never do it! Go do it! Learn from your mistakes and come back stronger!

Enjoy the outdoors!

Childhood memories have come running back to me as we have started camping in our A-frame camper. Growing up we had a pop up camper…and even though ours is a bit different…the smell of our camper….took me right back to childhood.

At first I thought about getting an air freshener to help….but realized that that “camper” smell was in all campers and it wasn’t going away and really I didn’t want it to.

When I was little we would go on camping adventures. We went on “float trips” down the River and I got to ride back on my dads motorcycle with a helmet that would choke me because it was too big for my head…and I burned my foot on the exhaust (because I wasn’t the sharpest kid back then and it looked like the perfect place to rest my foot, and no we didn’t wear shoes always ) I also caught my foot in the bike spokes as I was riding on the front of the bike…but that is another story for another day….

On rainy days we would play dominos….I remember not being super good at it…but I still remembered playing it.

Today, I asked my Dad if he would play with me…and even though he never said my name today…but yet again said my husbands….I had my Dad back. ….for just a little bit.

He could add the numbers faster than my Mom and I….and had you just walked up to him and observed us you would never know that he had dementia. He was just like his old self….and for that hour….my Dad was back. As my Dad and I tried to do things we aren’t allowed to play in dominos and my Mom would yell no and we would laugh…I prayed my daughter held on to this day as a “good one”. Because it was a gift….and I saw it as that…through the game of dominos, my Dad was brought back and for that I am so grateful.

As we walked to the car…the confusion came back…the constant questions returned….but for today….I had him back while we played dominos…..and you bet when I visit him again…I’m bringing them again. I’m ever hopeful that we can get that amazing link back again….but if not, I’m thankful for today…and I will keep working to find ways to bring him back each time.

This year has been busy and we have crossed many milestones. Our store this year is celebrating 75 years in business. My father n law started it way back in 1948 as a clock shop.

This year my husband and I celebrate 20 years of married life.:.and it seems hard to believe that is a milestone we have reached. Time absolutely flies!

This year we went to Antigua in March…and we have my husbands eldest getting married in October….so we decided on a quick weekend getaway to Table Rock lake. This particular venue I booked back in April. In January we stayed at the silo, owned by the same people who owned the treehouse and I really can’t say enough good things about these particular properties..Tranquil Treehouse did not disappoint.

This property is 30 minutes from town, but only 10 minutes from Roaring River. The weather was the only negative thing this weekend…we are in a heat advisory until Thursday and it is just wicked hot. However,

You then cross a swaying bridge….

She always has personalized signs and snacks all ready for ya!

We took an outdoor shower almost immediately due to the sweating…we are just not used to that kind of heat here…

I ordered pre made meals from Home Chef for all our meals and I highly recommend it….absolutely no worries on forgetting an ingredient. We are well all weekend…the kitchen comes fully stocked!

Feel free to play a video game….it actually works!

Take a lovely soak in the Six foot tub….

Get a good nights sleep in the Chevy Truck bed…thankfully not a Ford 🥴

Quirky details that I adore…

The next day we decided to get up very early if we were gonna have a chance to kayak

Then this morning we got up and went to Roaring River…which never disappoints….

Next month we will be going on our Trout fishing trip! I cannot wait!

This year marks my third visit to clown camp. This time, I had to go alone which was more terrifying than I had imagined. My clown friend that I had the first and second time, could not return this year because she was in the process of moving. I made the decision to be brave, but that day arrived and I had to just do it.

After the two airplane rides, getting all luggage by myself and hauling it out to the Uber line, getting into the Uber and meeting the sweetest driver….my nerves….finally just ….well it got worse . I got to the hotel, decided to grab lunch and then I did the most “unclown” thing…I slept and did some work….ordered more dinner…slept…woke up and had breakfast alone….by this time I was in tears and ready to go home. So I checked out and sat in the lobby….and I didn’t have to wait king to find “my tribe”. After they expressed they didn’t know I was there …or we could have done this….

We went to lunch and everything got much better.

It is hard to transition from real life to clown life…but Mooseburger camp has it all figured out…we first ride a bus together…it was about an hour and a half bus ride….

We get picked up by actual clowns…

Once we get to camp we are greeted by staff and things are “organized chaos”. This being our first year in a new facility, even alumni couldn’t really help because it was new to us as well.

Then that evening we have a staff show….which always brings all of us together. In case you are not aware, these clowns teaching us are the real deal….most, if not all, have been a part of the greatest show on earth…no one can teach you better than those who have done it themselves.

Staff show!

At night the alumni would perform skits….again….pushing ourselves!

Then it was time for the great pie fight….

And all the shenanigans in between….the hobo party, the skits, the get togethers….all leading up to the big show.

Then it was time for the All Star Clown Show!

I will have pics of the show soon…but for now…we have these…

A great thing we have at clown camp is meeting legends who we get to learn from and who encourage us….this week we got to meet with the dean of Students from Ringley Bros. Clown college who taught four of the greatest clowns this country has seen. It was soo neat to hear of his experiences. An amazing man! We were blessed!

And that’s a wrap……until next year my “clown tribe.”

I’m in my hotel room in Minnesota. every step of this trip Jesus has proved that He’s got my back.

This morning my alarm went off at 2:30….my body wasn’t even sure what it was supposed to do. I just put one foot in front of the other. As my husband drove me to the airport, I still didn’t want to go. He dropped me off and I had no choice but to put one foot in front of the other…

I learned how to put the bag tags on myself…that’s one job I never did…my husband and daughter always do it. I then went through security…..new things today…shoulder to shoulder with a stranger and walk the same pace as the drug or bomb sniffing dogs go around you….then through security where I didn’t even have to take my shoes off or take my electronics out of my bag…nor did I have to go through the scanner where I put my arms up….it was lovely! Normally I’m almost in tears from the grumpy people…today everyone was happy…and very kind.

Both flights were Southwest and the people were like super duper nice. Passengers were kind and sweet…and certain interactions with passengers that were clear that Jesus had my back. Listening to a passenger telling to another about Elevation Worship and their newest song. Listening to a pastor converse with his family…and as he talked to me he had the kindest eyes….that to me was God saying…keep going…this is what I want you to do.

I learned how to do Uber myself..and had the sweetest Sudanese man who would not let me help with my suitcases….if only who knew one suitcase was full of clown supplies.

Made it into my hotel where they actually had my room ready at 11 in the afternoon…which was shocking to me…

Today was a day of rest and relaxation, and reflexión.

I don’t expect people to understand why I do this….

But if you could see the faces of the little kids the first time they see me…if you could see the eyes light up of the elderly as they play silly games with me…or the parents who didn’t want to laugh but I eventually win them over…you understand that this is necessary. If I’m going to do this well….I must return and learn from the best.

This week will be uncomfortable….it already has been….but I knew if I stayed home I would regret it.

Every time I’ve pushed myself to do something that I didn’t want to do I’ve always been so happy once I did it. This week of training is no different.

Nothing could possibly sum it better than that quote.

This week if you follow my social media accounts I will take you along because this adventure can’t be explained…it must be experienced….

Signing out of my comfort zone….see you all on the other side….

My husband and myself have been working on an empty nest for awhile…the first one flew away around 11 years ago. We got used to that…and then the other one flew about a year after that. We then had a few years to recover…and about five years…my son flew the nest…but with college, we had four years to get used to it. Then last year he went off to Chicago…hated it…returned close to home…then flew off to DC. Now we have two in DC and one here that we never get to see, and one at home.

I knew I would struggle with my last birdie. It would be a whole lot easier if she was a difficult child. If she was hateful or rude and mean…but she simply isn’t. She never has been. She has her moments…but they are few and far between.

A few weeks ago she went to camp. She was gone for four days…that is it…and I missed her horribly….

Next week I go away to clown camp. This will be my third time going. I haven’t been for six years. I hope that this time will be a time of tremendous growth…and being able to push past my fears. However, I find myself homesick for my husband and child before I even leave…and I am not sure how I will get through an entire week.

My new schedule has begun…where I have two days off each week…and for the first time in a long time…I am well aware of the warp speed in which time is going….

These are the times…I want to remember each thing that passes through my hands…

Instead of waiting for the weeks to go by and marking them with “exciting and worthy” things…I want to remember the “everyday “ things. The way sourdough bread feels in my hands. The way Ellianna loves to smell bread baking or muffins. The afternoon phone call from my son…texts from my husband.

The barking of my dogs at the deer in the back yard. The ding of the bell of people coming into my store. The changing of seasons. Nothing quite as beautiful as the beauty of summer into fall.

Life goes by so quickly….and I feel it even faster now….I have three small years left with my youngest….and since I’ve been there before I know exactly how bad this will feel…but this will be far worse…because…she’s the last one…and if I’ve done my job well…she will fly as high as her siblings…and that has to be enough…

I am tired at the thought.

I know I never deserved her….she was the answer to every prayer I ever had. When my heart needed one more baby…a girl…with curly hair and blue eyes….and she has been all the things and more I have ever prayed for. My children are a huge blessing to me…and they both are my greatest accomplishments.