Kansas Originals and Red Hat Ladies

Red Hat Society ladies are true originals they are festive and fun with names like: Red Hot Jewels (Jewel County KS group) and Red Hot Czechettes (Wilson, KS group). It is great to see a group of people out for a good time enjoying a fun day with the companionship of like minded people. On Sunday, February 13, 2010 both groups of Red Hat Ladies were visiting Kansas Originals Market in Wilson, KS.

Kansas Originals Market celebrates original Kansas craftsmen, cooks and artists. It is a non profit foundation that offers "high quality and home-grown products created with pride" and exceptional craftsmanship. The products are consigned by a majority of people over 62 yrs, low income, minorities and/or women in business for themselves.






When you walk in the door it is a feast for the senses.

The Red Hat Society display welcomed the two Red Hat Society groups that came to shop and look.






The Kansas food room is full of samples for trying before buying; wonderful mixes, jellies, jams and butters, pickles, candies and relishes. There are also recipe books, embroidered tea towels and other delightful fare to fill a shopping bag with a taste of Kansas.





The Red Hot Jewels of Jewel County stopped shopping long enough to smile for the camera: Their names in no particular order are: Clarabelle, Rosella,Martha L, Roberta, Darlene, Matha H, Twila, Sandra, Jane, Betty, JoAnn.

The Red Hot Czechettes (Wilson) also took a break to show off their beautiful red hats and attire. Their names (in no particular order) are: Jan, Sue, Vera, Alice, Zona, Fran, Rita.

Take a day off to drive to Kansas Originals Market in Central Kansas, spend time browsing the wonderful Kansas products and then drive up north around Lake Wilson, across the dam and to Lucas, KS where you will see the Garden of Eden and wonderful grass roots art. Rural Kansas has some amazing surprises in store for you. Kansas Originals Market is right off I70 about 50 miles West of Salina, KS. The map can be moved with your mouse to see where Wilson and Wilson Lake are located from other major cities in Kansas. Enjoy! :o)



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Encore Antiques Collectibles, Everything deserves a second chance

"Everything deserves a second chance" and if you are looking for nostalgia, grandma's potato masher, Evening in Paris perfume, Fiestaware or your own fond memories of wonderful treasures. You will find them at Encore Antiques and Collectables on Hwy 281 in
Russell, KS. 67665

Encore Antiques and Collectables, 590 S. Fossil (Hwy 281), Russell, KS 67665 (Bob Dole's hometown) became a new vendor mall for sellers of antiques and collectibles late in 2009. In April of 2010 they expanded the space for more vendor spaces and are rapidly filling the new spaces up too. Telephone 785-445-8480

Crystal and Ward Craig and Sheryl Krug are the owners and partners of Encore Antiques and Collectables. About a year ago the idea of opening a state-of-the-art antique mall started as a dream and became a reality in Autumn of 2009 when their building was completed. They aren't just preserving bits of history through sales but preserving the area ecology with a building designed for the least ecological impact on the environment.



The original mall spaces were filled within two months and they have expanded into a larger area for more vendor spaces.

What a pleasure to walk in the front door of this beautiful building with spacious aisles and well placed and stocked booths with everything you might want in easy reach. Come on in and browse the memories, you can touch and remember and even find a taste of Kansas made offerings. Chat with Crystal, Sheryl and Ward and maybe just revisit your your yesterdays.

Christmas Days, Christmas fun, New memories

I have to admit I was a little nervous Christmas morning. The wind was howling and threat of snow hung heavy in the clouds. By 11 A.M family was trickling in the back door with faces flushed and smiles and hugs all around. We breathed a sigh of relief at a safe journey to central Kansas. the 8 ft. tree was waiting for everyone to gather around.

The two year old boys were so excited they helped hand out the gifts and loved trying to unwrap theirs. Two year old Austin pulled hard at that ribbon and was rewarded with his first drum set. He and cousin, Corbett, really worked hard at learning to play the drums until a couple adults decided it was time for a quieter Christmas gift. Austin's mom said the drums were staying at my house. I can't imagine why. :o)

My youngest son, Michael, gave me a wonderful memory gift this year. He has been sorting through family photos. He came across one taken Tucson AZ in 1964 when he and his brother, a neighbor girl and her baby brother played out a living nativity beneath a creche of lawn chairs.







He had an ornament made of that picture and also a framed picture of the same scene. What a precious memory, what sweet, beautiful children kneeling in their own special living nativity.

Dinner was simple but good. Homemade chicken noodles, smoked ham, mashed potatoes, biscuits, fresh fruit, fresh salad, steamed veggies with cheese sauce, cranberry relish, green bean casserole, deviled eggs, pumpkin pie and applesauce cake

I had to explain to the older boys that pass the biscuits did NOT mean toss one to me!

It was a great day everyone was here, happy, healthy and fun loving. Merry Christmas from our house to your house 

The meaning of Thanks and Giving

A true warm fuzzy Thanksgiving day

Serving up the food

Trinity United Methodist Church in Russell, KS held their community Thanksgiving dinner November 26, 2009 at noon. They served over 175 meals and delivered 30 of them to anyone who requested them. That extended beyond shut-ins to the sheriff's office and Casey's on duty employees.

Dannie'll and helpers

This wonderful community dinner (a 30 year tradition) was nearly canceled two years ago when the church felt there were not enough people participating to make it worthwhile and volunteers were hard to find. Fortunately the church secretary, Danniell Heaton talked them into trying one more year. With the help of volunteers and sponsors everyone really worked hard to put it together last year serving about 125 people. This year they served 175 dinners.

"Was the food good?" "You betcha!"

What a joy it was to be there with great family food: turkey, mashed and sweet potatoes, three kinds of dressing, green bean casserole, hot rolls and covered dish goodies. Yum

What a blessing this tradition was rescued for the community. What great fun to see all the smiles and people lingering in the church hall long after dinner sharing their time with each other. When asked " was the dinner good" the reply "you betcha!"


What greater Thanksgiving pleasure than seeing children fully invested in the event through their laughter and play.









"Anyone coming?"



"I dunno, maybe we should pray or
somthin"

Rural paths took on the true meaning today in Russell, KS.

Thanks--people came together and shared dinner in a true community spirit much like the first Thanksgiving.
Giving--the cooks, bakers, servers, donations and covered dish treasures made it all happen

Have a blessed and happy holiday season and enjoy the rural lifestyle we all find so wonderful

Eating at the community dinner even left time to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade