Hillsboro, Kansas

You may wonder if tornadoes frequent Kansas and apparently they don’t. Instead, communities prepare for weekend fairs where young bakers, horticulturalists, livestock handlers and textile artisans display their wares for adjudication and fun. Today is fair day in Hillsboro and our day has been spent in preparation for it, amidst 106 degree temperatures.

The local paper showed up this morning to gather information on Isaac’s rockets (which won blue ribbons) so there was the interview then the launch. David also entered a rocket in the fair that won red, which he said was because of the imperfect paint job. I was still impressed. Jessie’s veggies won first in every category and in my opinion her gorgeous red satin dress should have won blues too. She’s competing in next weekend’s fair so took her horse, Babe, out to race the barrels and practice pole bending. Hannah’s forte is sewing so her projects needed no further prep and it’s no surprise that she also won top spot. Go Perry kids!

Their amazing mom, Tam, coordinates all this and sets the tone for the sense of warmth and joy in their lovely home. Sadly, dad Tom, was away for work and we are sorry we missed him.

It’s been a country time here in farmland and there have been several country joys for me. I rode in a pony and cart with Jessie, I got to ride Hannah’s horse around the property, I picked tomatoes and jalapeño peppers, we had a lovely afternoon siesta, we were spectators at a pre-fair parade where we drank fresh squeezed lemonade and checked out chickens with wild hairdos among other things…

had a crazy fast ride in Isaac’s go-cart, attended a little country church and immersed ourselves in Heartland.

We want to extend our biggest thanks and much love to the Perry family for their generous country hospitality. It’s been just delightful.