I Spy at the Horse Fair

There are so many things to see at the horse fair. Your senses are awakened by sights, sounds, and smells all around. I haven't figured out how to post sounds and smells (you might thank me for that), but here are a few of the sights.

A giant rocking horse in the Kids' Corral.

Just one of the Stallion Row exhibitors.

Michelle is riding Baron, a Friesian stallion.

They present quite a fancy performance, ending with a wave to the crowd.

Who is that announcing for the Parade of Stallions? It's J. D. Cannon of WFMS!

You can buy a saddle...

or a shirt.

You can even warm up around the campfire. This is at the Red Hats and Purple Chaps booth. They are like the Red Hat ladies on horseback.

This is a beautiful pot I bought. It is called raku pottery, which is described as "taking an 1800 degree pot out of the kiln and doing things to it." This one is made using horsehair. It was made by Martin Price, a former art teacher and potter from Randolph County.

There are carriages to see.

And friendly faces.

And we can't forget our dedicated and loyal Will Call volunteers. They work hard all weekend in that little booth distributing tickets and passes. That's Rocky and Abby in there. Janet is there too, but she's just out of the picture. Thankfully, they have a group of workers from Tree City Mavericks who take turns with this important (and sometimes challenging) job.

Our Horse Fair is a Great Horse Fair

It's Hoosier Horse Fair week, and I have been a volunteer there for a few (many) years now. My current duty is making the 2000 or so badges for vendors, equine exhibitors, and volunteers that serve as identification and admission to the fair. Thankfully I get help from my husband - the badge master - with this task. On Tuesday, I delivered the vendor badges to the fairgrounds to be stuffed in their packets before the big move-in on Wednesday and Thursday.

This is what the Blue Ribbon Pavilion looked like on Wednesday. Very empty.

The packets are ready and waiting for the vendors to arrive.

On Thursday, the set-up is in full swing. It's fun to see all the neat things the vendors bring. Like this pink tractor. I love it!

One of our fearless and efficient leaders, Dave, speaks to the volunteers at Thursday lunch.

The draft horses get out for some exercise early each morning.

Working hard, or hardly working?

Getting ready for a demo.

My friends Jerry and Barbara Garner with their carriage. They're from Wabash, Indiana. Did you know it was the first electrically lighted city?

Love these little cuties.

The horse on the right just saw the donkeys. What are those little things??

That's one way to move a saddle.

And I just love this little pony.

Stay tuned for more updates throughout the weekend!

School Days

I recently drove by the new school in Arlington to see the progress. It will be so nice for the students and staff to move into their new "home" next fall.

It will be a big change from the 100 year old school they have been attending. I believe that learning can take place no matter what the building looks like, but after 100 years, I think it is time. Even so, I'm sure there are some who will be sad to see the old building close.

Today, the students at Arlington Elementary welcomed their grandparents for a program with a 50's theme. One of the grandparents had attended school at Arlington for all 12 years, and she shared some special memorabilia from her days as a student.

Each grade level had prepared songs and poems to perform for the crowd. The kindergarten did a great job on their part of the program.

Matthew was showing some expression during the song. He's a little more animated than his daddy was when he stood up for a performance!

After the program, the students found their grandparents in the crowd, and then had the opportunity to have refreshments, visit their classrooms, and shop at the book fair. Matthew was greeted by Grandpa...

Mamaw and Papaw...

and Nana.

The 50's decorations were very cute.

And look! Granny was there too. :)

A Shoe-tiful Day

I had to make a trip to Indy today to deliver badges for the Hoosier Horse Fair, so Jennifer and I decided to meet for lunch and do a little shopping at Clay Terrace. We had a great lunch at Paradise Bakery. Their cookies are awesome.

It was an absolutely beautiful day, and we enjoyed the pansies they had planted in all the large planters along the streets of Clay Terrace. On a day like today, an outdoor mall was the perfect way to shop.

We got a chuckle out of this apron in one of the shops.

After a few stops along the way, we spent a good bit of time shopping for shoes. DSW has quite the selection. Hundreds of shoes, thousands of shoes, millions and billions and trillions of shoes! (My apologies to Wanda Gag, author of Millions of Cats a great, classic book, by the way.)

These are cute. I thought so when I bought them at Target for half the price. :)

These are definitely not for sissies. Or old folks like me. Of course, I was never one for heels. Not terribly efficient for chasing kids.

These were on the sale rack. I can see why.

Jennifer was looking for some black dress shoes, and modeled several styles. I liked the bling on this pair.

These were pretty, but she thought they were a little too "promish."

Too flowery.

She finally decided on a pair that was "just right." Really makes the outfit, don't you think?

He Lives!

I hope everyone had a very blessed Easter celebrating the Resurrection of our Saviour. It certainly was a beautiful day! Matthew decorated the chalkboard when he was here on Wednesday so we were ready for the celebration.

Even big kids need Easter baskets. Of course, there was no mad rush to discover their Easter treasures. I think I was more successful getting everyone to church on time when I was dressing five little ones than I am now! I even tried to lure them out of bed with their own batch of Resurrection Rolls.

We had a beautiful service at church. A children's message by Nana, great music, powerful sermon by Pastor Jimmy, and the celebration of communion together.

After church, 17 of us gathered to share lunch together at Mulligan's. The young folks thought they needed to sit at one end of the table. Michael, what are you doing down there??

Steve filled his plate(s) with a bountiful Easter dinner.

He tucked in his tie and prepared to pepper his plates before digging in.

Following a delicious lunch, some of the group headed out for a round of golf. Michael went out to see them off.

Jason also watched the golfers get ready to go as he enjoyed the beautiful sunshine.

The golf group: Jonathan, Jim, David, and Shylah (for moral support). I hear they needed it. :)

David tees off.

They head for the next hole, and the rest of us head home.

Christ the Lord is ris'n today, Alleluia!

Sons of men and angels say, Alleluia!

Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!

Sing, ye heav'ns, and earth reply, Alleluia!