cowboy boot roller skates

Only once during my Fourth of July trip did I wish I had brought my laptop to catch up with my bloggidy friends. Although I’m not certain my Sprint broadband card would allow for internet access in such remote location as the farm I was at. This was around midnight when all other party guests had gone home to bed and only musicians and significant others remained. As I am not a musician, nor do I try to be in any manner other than occasionally singing along with the crowd, I sat in my camping chair feet propped up on second camping chair staring into space and wishing for my laptop. Luckily this period only lasted an hour or so…

Prior to this was a pot luck dinner with approximately eight different potato salads…pretty sure these folks grow their own potatoes. There were lots of veggie and fruit options. The hosts asked their son what vegetarians eat and he replied, “Vegetables?” I devoured a plate full of yummy homemade salads…all types in addition to more dessert than I should have.

After meeting and visiting with many of the locals, the band set up and the party goers pulled their chairs over for ample seating to hear the tunes that we had all been looking forward to! As I have had the pleasure of hearing the band play several dozen, make that hundred, times before…after just a few songs, I was up and strolling the property snapping photos of the gorgeous land. Earlier in the week I pulled my Canon Rebel SLR out of storage, dusted it off, replaced the battery, purchased new film and was ready and stoked to capture some quality photos that required focusing, shutter speed, aperture, etc. Unfortunately, I had some technical difficulties with the film and used my trusty digital point and shoot instead. Yes, I have a Bachelors degree in Film Studies and I could not successfully load the film into my camera. How embarrassing.

The neighboring landowners hang on to their empty beer cans all year long. Come early July, they trade the empties in for cash.

They must drink a lot of beer, because the proceeds go towards this:

And it was a spectacle! Really. With three guys down by the pond, firing the explosions from three different set ups, one right after the other, it was amazing! The best part was hearing the guests shout out after a particularly impressive firework, “That must have been the Michelob Ultra!” “Ooohhh, that one was Natural Light for sure!”

Then back to the host’s home down the road. Bonfire plus graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows = happy ladies! Love S’mores!

We really did sleep in the back of a horse trailer. It was hosed out, and furnished with an inflatable queen sized mattress. With two sleeping bags, two pillows, and a blanket for the dog to sleep on…we actually were quite comfortable. The trailer was just wide enough to fit the mattress with room for the dog to sleep at our heads. The back door left hanging open, allowed for a slight breeze as well as an early morning wake up call from several friendly bird species.

Last Friday, June 19th, was my 31st birthday. Boyfriend had been planning a secret surprise trip for us all week. I had packed the insect repellent, toilet paper, and prepared foods because i presumed we would be roughing it as we have been attempting to save money and we do enjoy the outdoors. “We won’t be needing that stuff where we’re going,” he said.

Boyfriend shocked the hell out of me! He took me to the nicest resort on the cleanest lake in the region…Table Rock Lake.

We enjoyed the privacy of our own cabin.

With kitchen, fireplace, jacuzzi tub, king sized bed, and deck with wooded view.

A birthday cake, card, and balloon were awaiting our arrival. Did I mention that I LOVE surprises!!!

I am pretty sure this was the nicest birthday surprise I have ever received. In fact, I told Boyfriend that this was probably the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me! I absolutely loved it! We ate dinner while watching the sunset over the lake. We relaxed around a lazy river, took the boat for a ride on the lake, lounged around the cabin, strolled the property, and ate a yummy Sunday brunch buffet! Very enjoyable weekend.

In addition to the trip, I also was surprised with a very stylish Jessica Steele apron and a large bottle of Mexican vanilla! Both of these items were on my birthday email wish list that I sent to Boyfriend in a timely manner approximately six weeks before my birthday. I have learned that due to his tendency to procrastinate, he isn’t able to purchase gifts online because he does not allow for shipping time. Man, did he plan ahead this year!!!

What are some of your most memorable birthday surprises?

We went to the lake for the long Memorial Day weekend.  Took Friday and Tuesday off work for an extra long, relaxing weekend.  First full day I was unfortunate to receive the worst flippin’ sunburn ever!  Stupid!  Painful!   I used the Neutrogena SPF 45 spray sunscreen, but due to a windy day and my carelessness, I would say 75% of SPF blew twelve inches to the left of my skin.  After four hours of zip sledding, swimming, and boat riding I suspected sunburn.  Later that night my legs were on fire!  My right lower leg was severely burned.  The next day I felt a shooting pain straight up my leg when I stood or when I put any weight on my right leg at all.  I made it out of bed eventually and continued on with my day…with a not-so-slight limp and grunts to accompany.  Five days later my right ankle was still swollen to where I couldn’t find my ankle bone to save my life.  It’s finally getting better.  I think I will stay away from those new spray sunscreens in the future and stick to the old fashion lotion.  The pain, unsightliness, and risk of cancer is not worth the convenience.

swollen right ankle

Other than the sunburn…weekend was great!  Took the two nephews zip sledding behind the boat.  They had a blast!  They were like the Energizer Bunny on that thing…we could have pulled them all day!

And then there was cliff jumping for the older boys…

Like uncle, like nephew.

I fixed homemade waffles for Boyfriend’s birthday breakfast.  They were delish!  

After breakfast, Boyfriend made his way to the couch where he enjoyed a lazy rainy afternoon.

Right next to our little girl.

All in all, it was a very enjoyable weekend.  I blame no one but myself for the stupid sunburn.  I haven’t been able to work out for a week now and I am sure feeling it.