Sweet Treat

I went to get Matthew in Louisville on Wednesday, and we made a stop at our favorite place, The Comfy Cow. I would go there every day if I lived in the neighborhood. I might call it ice cream heaven.

Matthew had a scoop of Cookie Monster Dough. Yu-ummm!

They even had a cute little fleur de lis hook holding up this pink rocking chair. Just for me.

Matthew had fun spinning on the stools.

It won't be long before Haleigh is getting a scoop of her own. She can't wait!

Of course, I had my favorite, Peppermint Stick. They brought it back to celebrate Christmas in July. They are currently having a promotion to vote for the next great flavor. I vote Peppermint Stick.

I have probably posted this sign they have on the outside of the store before, but I love it. And I agree. In fact, I think tomorrow will always be a day away. So for today... ice cream. Love it! Thanks Comfy Cow.

Hold Your Horses

This week is the Decatur County Fair, and I must say it feels a bit weird not having a 4-Her participating. After 18 years of 4-H projects, it's definitely a different feeling. Not a bad feeling, just different. Maybe it's called RELIEF!?

I met Adam at the fair on Sunday night to eat a ribeye sandwich, one of my favorite fair traditions. The Decatur County Cattlemen provide ribeyes for each exhibitor in the beef project, and sell sandwiches to fair attendees. It's all about the beef, you know. I'm sorry I didn't get a picture of one of the sandwiches, or the grillmaster, Uncle Steve.

While we were eating our sandwich, a hot air balloon took off from the airport right over the fairgrounds. I was able to snap a couple pictures on my way home as it toured northern Decatur County. Don't worry, I stopped the car.

Monday morning, I was able to experience a bit of the fair by helping to judge the Horsemaster Competition. This contest consists of four parts, a groom and clean, a demonstration, a horsemanship pattern, and a written test. There are two divisions, one for junior exhibitors, and one for senior exhibitors.

They start by showing the judges what is done to groom a horse for the show. Here, Hannah explains how she prepares her horse, Sonny.

Kelsi walks her horse to get him ready for the contest.

The second part of the competition is a demonstration of the exhibitor's choosing. Kaeli did a presentation about Strangles, a disease that affects a horse's lymph nodes.

Next, each rider must execute a horsemanship pattern. Hannah and Sonny complete their turn.

Danielle wasn't a participant this year, but she was there to cheer on the younger 4-Hers. Looking cute, I might add.

Kathryn waits for the judges' signal to begin her pattern.

Time for some relaxed riding after the patterns are completed.

Finally, they work on the last segment, the written test. Jennifer always thought this part was by far the most difficult. And yes, I realize there's a lovely blue porta-potty in the background. I don't know how it got in the picture, I make it a policy to avoid them at all costs.

After my judging duties were done, I located Adam at the pool and took him to lunch. He had a tenderloin...

and I had the fish. Best. Fish sandwich. Ever.

Floating and Fireworks

Matthew got to try tubing for the first time last weekend. We started out in the cove at idle speed to let him get used to the idea. He was ready.

The tube actually has a spot for two (small) riders. We had wanted to try it when Riley was there, but we couldn't get the boat started. Cheryl told me that she's always heard that the two best days of boat ownership are the day you buy it and the day you sell it. I'm beginning to understand what that means.

We moved on out to the big part of the lake and picked up a little speed. Before too long, he gave us the signal that he wanted to stop. Those other boats send a lot of waves your way!

It was a good first try, and he finished with a smile on his face. Maybe next time we can find a buddy to ride with him.

Haleigh even tried out her own float in the lake. She liked it!

Jim tried out the new floating cooler. Andrew got it for his birthday. :) We have learned that floating on the lake might be our favorite activity there. It's fun to socialize with neighbors on the water. As one of our new friends told Jim, it's "return on investment." Ahhhhh....

Saturday evening, the lake had fireworks on the beach, and most folks watched from their boats on the water. The Andrew Stewart family was ready for the show.

As the sun was setting, the boats were gathering to watch the fireworks. We figured there were maybe 200 boats out on the water.

Haleigh doesn't even mind her life jacket. She is such a good baby!

I tried to take a few pictures of the fireworks, but I was not as successful as Jennifer. Besides, since we are boat novices, I was worried about floating into another boat!

It was a good show, and we managed to navigate through the crowded water to get our boat and all it's occupants back safely to our dock in the dark. Yes, there was prayer involved. God is good!

Fun at the Lake

Matthew and Riley had a great time at the lake on Friday.

They floated.

They jumped.

They paddled.

Riley had to concentrate when Andrew left the rowing to him.

Matthew's turn.

Haleigh and Gumbo just hanging out.

Riley waiting for Matthew to come back.

Riley giving Matthew some kind of instructions.

Buddies.

Silly boys!

Birthday Cake

I am not a good cook. I have a small collection of go to recipes that appear over and over at our family meals. So by about the third time you eat with us, you've pretty much seen my entire repertoire. This is one of those old faithful recipes that is always a big hit for a hungry crowd.

This cake recipe came from one of Grandma Alberta Stewart's best college friends. When one of the visits between their families coincided with a birthday, this was the cake she served. It has been a Stewart family favorite ever since... probably around 40 years. I made it last week for Andrew's birthday, and thought I would share the recipe and the tricks to this yummy dessert.

Melt one stick of margarine in the microwave.

Add one cup brown sugar and stir.

Spray a metal pan with cooking spray.

Pour the margarine/brown sugar mixture into pan and spread with a spoon.

Sprinkle liberally with semi-sweet chocolate chips. I have found that more chocolate chips makes the cake come out better. Which follows a well known theory that chocolate makes everything a little bit better. Of course.

Prepare a devil's food cake mix according to package instructions. I always use Duncan Hines. I think it is the best.

Pour prepared cake mix over chocolate chips in pan.

Spread batter to the edges of the pan to cover the chocolate chips. Bake according to package instructions (350 degrees for about 30 minutes).

When the cake comes out of the oven, immediately invert pan onto serving dish. Allow a few minutes for the chips to settle on the cake, and then remove pan.

I use two potholders (the pan is hot!) and two spoons to slowly lift the pan off. I tip the pan back and forth a few times to allow any chips in the pan to fall onto the cake.

It is delicious served with vanilla ice cream, and Jonathan thinks it's better the second day. It's a very simple cake with delicious results.

Matthew added candles, 2 and 6 for 26 years old, in John Deere colors.

Matthew, Riley, and Haleigh helped with the singing. Then they helped with the eating!