Thursday, July 5, 2018

Independence Day on a Farm in Rural Illinois

Abby the Lab here, Mom chickened out and left the city so she didn't have to listen to fireworks for 3 solid days.
She was invited to visit her good friend, author Katie Andraski's house!  Katie is a retired professor and is married and has lots of animals around.
The chickens had to check out the new ride in the yard.
This horse is known in it's country of origin as the "Norwegian Tractor".  A Fjord horse they have been used for farming for generations. They just get spoiled and go for rides with the carriage here now though.
One of the chickens and Mom had a showdown.  She thought the bird was going to chase her but then it noticed the red hair and backed down.  Smart bird - Mom has a fry pan.
This is an old corn crib. The little farm she is on is only 20 acres but it's surrounded by thousands of acres of corn that other big farms have.
So it was REALLY quiet, just the birds in the trees for noise.
Mom's cozy room upstairs and a little stuffed dog to keep her company at night.
The view out her window.
One of two rescue cats in the house.
Mom doing "artsy fartsy" photos.


Built Fjord Tough!
The Chicken House
Lots of shade to keep cool in the evening.
I wish we had traffic jams like this in Chicago.
A view from the Porch.
A porch swing and some Peach Iced tea, a nice way to spend the afternoon.
Birdie - one of two Aussie shepherds in the house.
And his little sister who was a rescue dog.
Time for the small town parade.  The anthem was sung.
The Veterans were honored.


There were a ton of fire trucks old and new!
The high school band!
Cool 66 Mustang (I think) with a grandmother who was "citizen of the year".
The parade Queen and her court.  Grandpa was a Lion and was Secretary of his Branch for many years.
Mom loved the Shriner jets!
They were racing them around as well cherographed as the Blue Angels!
For Matilda's Mom Andrea - a little young Boxer.
Tractors!
The next door neighbor's farm.
And the view from the back yard.
God is good, and America is our home, for which I am glad.

8 comments:

  1. Momma went "awwwwww" when she saw the boxer. The little white spot on its nose is sure cute!

    ~Pigeon

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  2. Thank you for capturing what is small town America at its best. It is all too easy to forget how simple life can be and how good that feels. Too many people are so caught up in the distractions of life that they forget or at least ignore what makes up the fabric of our country.

    There is much good out there to be found. You will find it here or there in the city but when you get out into the country, you cannot miss it if your eyes are open.

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    1. Thank you Glenda. I live in a huge city but I have lived in rural areas and crafted the fictional town in my third novel around a little town such as this.

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  3. What a great place to spend some time!

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  4. That sounds like a very peaceful and still fun way to have spent the holiday. Thanks for sharing all the photos. Mom would love to sit on that swing.

    Woos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber

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  5. What a fantastic way to spend Independence Day. Thank you for sharing the photos, even the lovely artsy fartsy ones

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  6. What a great place to get away from the city!

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  7. Love your Fjord tough friend! Glad you were able to get away from the city racket. Hope it was cooler too.

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