Junk Drawer - July 2026.

I took my dad the the World Center for Birds of Prey.  He had not been there before.  They had a short demonstration in the ampi-theater, then we took a walk around the facility.  They had one of the owls out for some education.  Look at those amazing eyes.

While I was out of town for a work trip, the girls were both in town - which is quite a feat considering how much they both have going on this summer.  They met up for a pedicure.

No pedicure here.  As you can see, from my perma sock tan, I am in dire need of a pedicure.  These feet have not seen much sunlight this year.

I spied this squirrel taking a drink from the bird bath.  These little guys have been planting peanuts everywhere in my yard.  Thankfully, they are very easy to pluck out.

I saw this tik tok trend that encouraged parents to hold their teenage daughters one last time, because we likely did not know the last time we held them that it would be the last time.  The girls and I decided that might  not go well for me, so we improvised!

Of course, they had to show off that they could still pick up one another!  Of course, I am quite mighty, but quite small.

I got stung (by a wasp likely), for the third time this summer.  This is crazy!  I do not believe I have been stung for at least 20 years prior to this.  The latest one happened on the golf course.  My dad and I were driving down the fairway.  The bugger bounced off him and stung me in the neck.  Oh it hurt, bad!  Thankfully Jimmy had some ice cubes.  He gave me one to numb the sting, so we could finish the round.

I have been scanning in some old photos and came across this one.  Proof that I went skydiving.  In fact, I was the OG skydiver in the family.  This was before tandem was even a thing.  I took my eight hour course and went diving the next day, solo.  In New Zealand, no less.

These cute horses greeting me at the gate.

Levi is such a cutie.  I have been relishing every minute with him, as change is on the horizon.

Peek a Boo.

I set one of the dog pads on top of Bailey's kennel.  Willow like to sleep there most nights.  I love how much she interacts with the dogs.  She is very playful.

She has finally figured out how to climb to the top of her scratching poll.

Lazy kitty.

We took her for her annual check up.  It was her first time visiting our vet.  She was amazing.  They were in love with her and marveled at how we had won the cat lottery with her.  I would agree.  She has made having our first cat a very fun experience.

Watching the Sun Rise.

For the July jump show, it was touch and go.  First, the heat was insane.  They moved the start time up to try and beat the heat.  We loaded Pigeon up before the sun had even risen and drove out to the show.  As we were unloading and getting ready, we watch the sun rising.

It truly was a beautiful and peaceful morning.  The other thing working against the show was the smoke.  They were monitoring the AQI closely.  In fact, the Sunday show was largely cancelled due to the heavy smoke.  Thankfully, we were able to get through Saturday without too much trouble.

Warming up.

These two are truly amazing.  I hold my breath every time they are out there.  They both love the thrill and technical part of jumping and make it look effortless, though it is far from effortless.

Water Time.

With the weather being warm, I pulled out the doggy pool.  The dogs had an excellent time splashing around in it.  

Unfortunately, the pool got a crack in the side.  I remembered that we had a water trough at the ranch we were no longer using.  I brought it home and the dogs were equally happy with it.  Even Bella got in it.  This reminds me of the times when I was younger and I used to fill my dads wheel barrow with water and sit in it on hot summer days.

With the warm weather, I have been giving the horses some baths.  Pigeon was downright muddy, but now he is fresh and clean.  I think the appreciate the cool water on the hot days.

Levi is truly such a sweet boy.  He just loves getting his baths.

Look at that big booty.

The hard part is the drying.  Sidney bought a squeegee to help get some of the excess water off.  We always try to let them dry good before setting them free.  Inevitably, the very first thing they will do is roll in the sand.

I have some more Levi news coming up, but until then....

Dutch Prom.

The day arrived, for the Dutch Bros Prom.  This was such a fun evening.  Diego made it very special.  He bought Kendall a beautiful corsage for the occasion.

They looked absolutely beautiful.

They danced and ate and had a lovely evening.  The crew at Dutch enjoyed the opportunity to get all dolled up for a fun evening.

Harper and Her Posse.

Sweet, sweet Harper.  Hallie has been sending me lots of picture updates.  She is such a sweet little baby and already starting to develop a happy personality.  I laugh because from here on out it is about Harper and then 'everyone else'.  Here is Harper with her parents:).

Hallie is such a beautiful and relaxed mom.

Four generations of women,  Great Grandma Karen, Grandma Stephanie, Mom Hallie and of course, the star of the show, Sweet Harper!

Belated Birthday Gift for Me!

For my birthday this year, one of Kendall's gifts for me was a dinner date.  We connected for a lovely meal at Andrades. 

Of course, I stuck with my usually.  Anytime I have strayed from the delicious tamales, I have been sad about it.  Kendall went for something a little different this time.  She ordered the taco salad.  This thing was huge and delicious and amazing.  It is always a good time to get together and catch up with her.