Katie Erdman
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Turn troubles into triumphs It is pretty rare to sail through life without any problems. To never encounter difficulties or troubles. AIt's even more rare to always feel on top of the world and ready to take on any challenge. Life just isn't that easy. It is sometimes easy to feel down and out when faced with problems. You may have a serious illness or the death of a loved one to cause distress. An argument, job loss, financial problems, stress at home or work or even trouble with children or parents can bring on a feeling of depression.
Clearing off the garden is not as much fun as planting it. Tuesday night I braved the semi-muddy conditions in my garden to clean off the rest of the plants and produce. It was a sad time, not just because of the work and time spent on this process but because it meant the end of another growing season. It is always so much fun and even exciting to plant the garden in the spring. The newly tilled soil is warm and ready for the tiny plants fresh from a nursery. There seems to be endless room as you plot the rows and predict how each thing will grow and spread.
There is a common phrase - it is the thought that counts. Something said quite often, especially when you don't really like the action that was taken, gift given or words stated. It is a good statement to make as long as it is true. I have often wondered when someone makes that statement if they realize what they are saying.
It is back-to time again. Back-to-school, back-to-college, back-to-work, back-to-fall, back to reality! For some, back-to time can be difficult. Young parents sending their child to his or her first day of school may shed a few tears. Parents sending their child to his or her first day of college may have the same sentiment. School employees and others who have the summer off may be ready to get back to work but also sad that the summer break is over. This time of year can also be of mixed emotions for students.
After a warm and rocky start, the Stevens County Fair ended up being a very nice weekend. Entry days on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday were quite warm but the storm that brought heavy rain and strong winds not only scared those present at the fair, but also managed to cool things down again for the remaining days. As one who was caught at the fair during the storm, I certainly wouldn't want to go through something like that again. Fortunately everything turned out okay and no one was hurt. I enjoy the fair for so many reasons and this year was no different.
There are several special days and weeks in August that tie together. One of those weeks, National Smile Week, could actually be the result of some of the other themes. The first week in August was designated as Clown Week and that always makes you smile, which is a good way to start National Smile Week. Then, in the third week it is Air Conditioning Appreciation time. During these hot humid days, AC really makes me smile. However mixed in with all these fun weeks is another special day.
As we get older our bodies seem to start working against us. I have noticed a lot of changes over the last few years in how I can and cannot make my body work and I really don't like them. It seems like my body just doesn't want to listen to my mind any more. There have been times when I have decided to do some things that I used to do without any trouble. For example, I have tried to ride a bike, run around the yard with grandkids or get down to mop the floor, all things I did at one time without any problems.
It sometimes feels like life just flies along with us on board. The days, weeks, months and years seem to be in fast mode and nothing we do can slow them down. I think I understand why life has taken the fast lane. Everything we do today is at high speed. For those of us who have been on this earth for more than two decades you just have to think back to how we did things in the past. In most cases the time spent on one task has been cut dramatically.
Picnics, reunions, parades and fireworks are the most common events associated with the Fourth of July. It just wouldn't be a Fourth of July without at least one or two of these events taking place. I know over the years, I have been present at a great deal of these events and always look forward to more. Growing up in Hancock means you attend many picnics, parades and fireworks displays. My grandmother lived in Hancock, so the Fourth of July was also a time when all her children and grandchildren would gather at her house for a huge pot luck and reunion.
Summer is a fun time of year. There are so many great things you can do no matter if you want to be active or passive. Either way summer is the perfect season. For those who choose to be more active in the summer you can go biking, walking, swimming, and hiking. There are many types of water and competitive sports you could also participate in.