What a day!

Mom is still in the hospital.  She will have another test tomorrow.  I am so torn wanting to be with her and knowing what is already on my plate for election stuff in trying to keep my job.  We did go out and campaign for a while after work tonight.  My was it muggy!  But the reception was good by everyone.  The sunset was gorgeous.

Thank you God for this beautiful day.  Please watch over my mom.  Amen.
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Prayer request

On the way to church this morning I received a text from my sister that my mom was in the hospital.  As soon as I got into church I went up to the priest and asked him to include her in his prayers.  I thought to myself, mom would want me in church praying for her.  Apparently her sodium level is seriously low and she is dehydrated.  She spends so much of her time and energy taking care of my dad (who has MS and is in a wheel chair) that she neglects her own care.  Anyone who has ever been a care-giver knows how easily that happens.  She should be released from St. Luke's tomorrow but in the meantime they are running other tests to make sure that this is the only problem she has.  All prayers are appreciated!
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Madison Christian Church Fundraiser

The ladies at the Madison Christian Church prepare absolutely delicious cakes to serve with the icecream at this fundraiser.  Yum!   There was a nice crowd and the weather cooperated very nicely.   However, there was a lot of hot air at the event because the politicians were speaking.  LOL  I started my speech by letting everyone know I was running on my qualifications and my achievements made over the past 15 months in the Treasurer's office.  I gave examples of how I have been able to provide better information to the other offices in the courthouse by keeping detailed spreadsheets for all of the bank accounts under my care and I have helped the local cemetery trustees by giving them the pertinent information about their checking accounts and CDs that they need.  I think it went pretty well.  I was upbeat as always.  Only one more speaking event to go.  Yea!  Coming down the home stretch!  All prayers are appreciated!!!!!
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Dog People

When I am approached by people's dogs or come to a door where people have a dog I always tell them not to worry about their pet because I am "dog people."   Sometimes people give me a strange look like they don't understand what that means so I tell them that we have a small herd of dogs at home and love all four legged, furry friends.  I even carry treats for the dogs when campaigning and hand them out where ever I can.  Most people get a big charge out of the fact that I am supplied with the dog biscuits.  My whole family is "dog people" as are Rick's.  I can't imagine my life without them and wouldn't have it any other way.   There is no love like the kind shared with a four legged friend (or in some cases three legged, they get along just fine on only three legs). 

Michelob crashed on our bed
RIP my precious angel

Marti on the couch with Mrs. Kitty

Jack and Dingo playing with visitor, Max

We love em all, big or small.

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After a successful day of campaigning...

...I usually have at least  two or three calls that are memorable.  Today there is one that I thought was a gas.  I knock on the door and this nice lady answers and the first words out of her mouth are, "Are you a Jehovah's Witness?"  (I've been called a lot of things in my years, but Jehovah's Witness has never been one of them).  I quickly replied "no ma'am, I'm your Monroe County Treasurer."  "Oh good,"  she replied, "because I was going to send you away if you were."  She smiled and asked, "You are a Christian aren't you? and I said, "Yes ma'am, born and raised Catholic."  After that we had a great conversation and she assured me that I had her vote.  I walked back to the car laughing to myself because of all the different reactions I get from people when they open the door, never in a million years did I think of myself as even remotely resembling a Jehovah's Witness.  This evening the RAIN chased us homeabout 8:00.  We had a pretty good downpour shortly after we pulled into the driveway.  The first one in months.  Yea!!! 
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See, good as new

I told you I could fix anything with duct tape and a hammer.  LOL  At least it's still drivable. 
We did go out campaigning some gravel roads tonight.  We just took the truck instead.  If it wasn't so dog gone HOT we could cover more territory.  The surprise of the eveing was coming home and when we hit the bean field just before crossing the bridge (where we see deer every night on our way home) there was a HORSE in the field eating the beans, not too far from the deer!  Talk about doing a double take.  Neither one of us ever expected to see a horse in the bean field.  We immediately called the neighbors to let them know their horse was on the loose. 
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Oh Deer!!

Yep, got nailed while we were out campaigning tonight.  The overall campaigning went well but the trip home....

It was a little buck that came running out of a corn field on 154 and ran right into the right front side of the car.  He broke his neck and was killed instantly.  The Subaru sustained damage to the right front and side.  We were able to make it home at which time I immediately called the insurance company.  We now have a claim number and can begin the process of getting it fixed.  In the meantime I duct taped it (I tell people I can fix anything with duct tape and a hammer) so nothing will rub on the tire and it is still drivable.  I'll post a duct tape picture tomorrow.  Rick and I are both fine and the air bags did not deploy.  So, major bummer.
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Yesterday was Rachael Bringer's wedding

Rachael is our 10th Circuit Judge and presides over 3 countines including Monroe.  I got to know her while working for Dick Fredrick.  She and Dick have been friends for many years.  She was always really nice when she was in the office.  Then I got to know her better when I started at the courthouse.  I have to tell you that she looked GORGEOUS on her wedding day.  Almost like a Barbie doll she was so perfect.  And the receiption was equally as elegant, complete with a sit-down lunch, linens and a string quartet. 

Me in a dress - take  a picture!

The food was delicious and did I mention how beauriful Rachael looked?  Bobby is a lucky man.  Actually, they are both very blessed for having found each other.  Rick and I wish them the very best.
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Three places at once!

Today we campaigned our way up to Monroe City for the sidewalk sale.  There were some really good deals and I got to shake some hands in every shop we stopped in.  We left with a chair and 3 bags of goodies.  Afterward we headed up to Palmyra for Judge Bringer's wedding (more on that tomorrow).  Very, very nice.  We then campaigned our way back through the county and I was able to put out a couple of signs in really good locations.  (Honestly, the sign thing just wears me out.  Going back to straighten them or replace them if one is missing.   It's the part of campaigning I really don't like.)  Later in the day we campaigned our way over to Madison for the Lion's Club tractor pull.  I was a sponsor of the event.  I like to watch the trucks pull.  I think Crystal Wolfe may have won that segment tonight.  I walked around and visited with a lot of people at the tractor pull.  And the good Lord blessed us with a beautiful sunset.


I was a sponsor of the tractor pull so I was able to hang my sign.

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Monroe County 4-H Sale



Zac and me

  4-H is one of those clubs that I always wanted to be in when I was growing up but unfortunately I was never afforded that opportunity.  I remember asking my mom, "I want to join a 4-H club, can I join 4-H please?"  So, I get an extra big kick out of supporting the kids with their projects and sales.  The Fair has been going on all week with different exhibits and animal showings every day in this HEAT.  I feel the kids pain as I have been out everyday campaigning in this HEAT.  At least we had a break today.  The sale went long, but it went well and was very well attended by a lot of the local businesses and, of course, the politicians!  Paul Quinn, Mike Whelan and I bought Blue Ribbon Hams.  I bought Zac Baladenski's ham.  I had bid on 3 other kids hams but they all went out of my price range.  

Our neighbors the Francis's were there.  Their youngest, Ally, was in the lead line.  Seems like just yesterday Barb and Tony brought her home from the hospital.  She is growing up so fast.  Where does the time go?  She looked awesome in her outfit with her hair all in curls so I snapped a pic of her and her dad, Tony.  She really looked great! 

Ally & Tony Francis

Then, for the finale, I saw these two guys laying next to each other.  I believe they were there to be sold tonight.  Anyway, the one in the front somehow had fallen asleep with a food bowl attached to each end!  Now how did it manage that?  It was so funny I busted out laughing.  Had to share a pic of that with you.

Future 4-H hams?

The Fair is always entertaining.  All in all it seemed to me the sale was a big success for the kids and 4-H.
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Sweet Corn Is In!

One of my favorite times of year!   And we got most of it picked before the coons could get it, woo hoo!  It's not quite as good as past years, but the stress on the plants has been tremendous so I am just happy to have any. 
Tonight when we were out campaigning, we ran across an impressive piece of welding work.  The flowers and a lion face are all made out of horse shoes that have been welded together and painted.  It was so unique that I had to share.

Horse shoe art

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Campaign tan

Being "fair skinned" I usually try to avoid the sun whenever I can.  But last time I did this I was darker (although on me it's hard to tell) than I had been in a long while.  We called it my Campaign Tan, complete with tan lines where you really don't want them.  I take off my shoes and it lookes like I am wearing socks my feet are so white compared to my legs.  It's hilarious.   However, I know I must have sweated off at least 5 pounds today, so the weight loss is happening.  Rick and I were out in the sun for more than 3 hours straight before getting in the A/C for a break.  WOW, HOT!   Did I say WOW, HOT?    Our clothes were soaked through.  I like going out and meeting people when we are knocking doors but the heat makes it a so much harder.   Just like last time I keep plugging away, only I'm a little browner right now.  LOL
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Still recovering from this weekend!

I love having family come to the farm.  There is so much to do here and we always have a good time.  There were 4 adults and 6 kids, 4 of which were teenage girls.  Add to that the different activities that we were running to and it made for quite the whirlwind weekend.  But none of that ever kept me from getting out and campaigning.   Tonight I met a couple of characters.  One was a German Shepard, a big one.  We pulled up and Rick and I saw it at the same time and said "Oh!" at the same time.  Actually, she was pretty cool.  And the other one, I was outside talking to a nice lady and I could hear this noise coming up behind me and I turned around to see a VERY LARGE St. Bernard.  I, of course, just started talking to him and gave him a treat and rubbed his ears and other than he couldn't keep his nose out of my butt, everything was just fine between me and him and I left with the lady's vote and a sign in her yard.  :-)
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Old Thresher's Parade

My sister Kathleen and her girls came up for the weekend.  We had a great visit and celebrated Rick's birthday on Friday.  They all helped in the parade. 

Kathleen helped decorate my Chevy.  Thanks Sissy!

Rick, Marissa, Alyssa, Me, Emily & Jennifer

Sissy and I went early to pitch in and help work the gate from 8-10, then we jumped in the truck and rode through the parade.  Afterwards we toured the surrounding festivities and bought things here and there, supporting the cause.   After campaigning all afternoon Saturday we went to see some great fireworks at a party at a friend's house and, of course, I campaigned there also.
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Swinkey Picnic

What a whirlwind weekend!   Today was the infamous Swinkey Picnic at Indian Creek.  They serve a great meal and then all the candidates speak.  Martha and Dorsey came with us and we set up a tent to hand out my information and free bottles of cold water.  Thank you friends!  The cold water was very well received.(The Swinkey Picnic always delivers on the heat and the food).  I walked around the festivities and campaigned everyone I could find and handed out candy to the kids.  When it was speech time I let everyone know how I am a watchdog over the county's money.  I explained how I have kept my promises since taking office by computerizing the office, running it full-time and I kept the candy tradition.  And by no longer purchasing the old ledger pages, I saved the county that money.   And I asked them to vote Powell by saying, "I have more progress to make but I can't do it without their vote".   My was I surprised when I got compliments about my speech from the Republican candidates!   Maybe I can get them to swing my way.  :-)



Free Ice Water provided by Friends of Mary Lynn Powell

Speaking at Swinkey

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Happy Birthday Rick

Today was my husband's birthday.  We celebrated with his daughter, Michele, and the grandkids during the day and then my sister, Kathleen, and her daughters joined us at dinner and for the rest of the weekend.  Rick told me that he had a really good day so I am happy for that.  I always enjoy having the family around for any reason. 



The birthday boy and family

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Busy weekend on the horizon

Over the past two days we have campaigned all morning, most of the afternoon and again in the evening and it has been very humbling to hear from people that they have heard how hard I have worked to get the Treasurer's office to where it is today.  I am always surprised when they tell me that they know I have been doing a good job.  I appreciate their trust and faith in me.  This evening I went to the Old Thresher's Fish Fry.  I have been going to this for years.  I always enjoy visiting with my friends there, especially Howard and Karen Ramsey.  We have been big Noodling supporters for 10+ years and have worked hard with Howard to get a Noodling season in Missouri.  Seven states adjoining Missouri and many others have a handfishing season, why is Missouri left out?   
And on a family note, Rick's daughter, the grandkids, my sister and her kids are all coming up this weekend for Rick's birthday.    :-)
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Campaiging just isn't the same...

...without Cardinal games.  I really enjoy my Cardinal baseball and I am ready for the All-Star break to be over.  Campaigning with the Cardinals on the radio is our usual thing and I can't wait for Friday when they will be back on the radio. 
We devoted the entire day and evening to knocking doors today.  I was able to get out some signs in PRIMO locations and I met a whole lot of nice people.  We are also gearing up for a house full of company this weekend for Rick's 66th birthday along with a full schedule of political activities.  Busy, busy, busy!
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Oh Deer

When we were out campaigning tonight we came across a lot of deer - all over the place.  We also had a good visit with a friend of ours that we hadn't seen in awhile.  But the funniest thing was a houseful of old english bull dogs, 4 to be exact, 3 adults and a brindle puppy that was just the cutest thing ever!  These guys had just come out of the water and were VERY friendly - immediately soiling my pants with their muddy feet and covering me in that lovely wet dog smell.  PU!  (But still very cute.)  I gave them all treats while I was winning over the owners.  It was really quite comical but I know I left with their vote.  And I was able to get a sign out in a really good spot.  All in all a very successful evening.
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Another long day and

I have 30 more to go.  After work today I had the Board meeting at the Manor.  It was fairly cut and dry but lots going on, all good.  Then I knocked doors for a little while before going home to work on more signs.  I had to glue the wires in a bunch more of them to have them ready for campaigning rigorously again.  We did get out and campaign during the heat but had to be real careful and pace ourselves whereas with the cooler weather (90s LOL) it will be easier to cover more territory. It is a busy week and weekend ahead.  Whew!
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Madison Car Show and Parade

This is a big fund raising event for the community of Madison and brings cars from the 1920s to the 1970s.  It was another very hot day so that held the parade participants to a minimum.  The parade got started a little early so there weren't a lot of kids to throw candy to but I did my best to hit the ones that I saw.  Then we went to the car show and made our way around to each booth that was selling one thing or other and we bought a bunch of 50/50 tickets.  Other than being very hot, it was a good time.  I love cars but it's really not Rick's thing.  Later in the day my friends Linda and Tim came to the farm to help me finish celebrating my 50th.  We went to church then came home and had a great steak dinner with all kinds of fresh vegs from the garden including SWEET CORN.   Yum!
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Holliday Christian Church-Politics and Icecream

After work Rick and I made it over to Holliday for the Christian Church's fundraiser.   It was another speaking event.   They had it in the church's basement due to the treamendous heat outside.  They drew a big crowd for the cake, icecream and politic-ing.  I was one of the last to speak because that's the way I fall on the ballot.  I gave a good, informative and timely speech about the many changes that I have brought to the Treasurer's office over the past year and let them know that I have more improvements planned for the future.  Everyone seemed to listen very intently.   I have a lot of support in Holliday and most of the residents are very civic minded.  I appreciate that quality in a community. 
I am still recovering from the ballgame last night, this getting older thing takes a lot of energy!  ;-)
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Happy Birthday Me!

I rolled over the big 50 on the 5th.  Rick and I spent some family time early in the day and I always try to see my mom on that day cause she's the reason I am here.  Then we went to the Cardinal Baseball game and oh my was it HOT!!!!   We sat in the Commissioner's Box seats in the front row just off to the right of the dugout.  It was really awesome.  We had our picture taken in the dugout before the game.  And the Cardinal's won the game!  What a great birthday present!  Happy 50th Birthday Me!
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A Happy 50!

 


National Anthem




My Boys




Yadi with Lance Lynn

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Happy Birthday America!!!!

 We started the day with a big parade in Monroe City.  There was lots of patriotism!  And even patriotic animals!   The patriotic pony was my favorite followed by Baxter the patriotic puppy.  We all enjoyed the day celebrating America's birthday in Monroe City. 


Decorating the truck with Marissa, Megan and my friend Anita

Patriotic pony

Both sides!

Baxter the Patriotic puppy

Can it get any hotter?

Forget I asked, it probably will.  I finished closing out the month at work today, balanced to the penny as I do every month.  Next step will be the Treasurer's 6 month recapitulation (aka summary).  I will finish that on Friday because I won't be at work on Thursday because it's my 50th Birthday so I am taking the day off to celebrate this milestone.  I am sure glad God has had plans for me and kept me around this long.  I have had a wonderful life and I am very blessed and I know it.  I am very grateful. 
I hope everyone has a happy and safe 4th of July tomorrow. 
Happy Birthday America!!!!!
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Jac's Restaurant

After church on Sunday, we went to the new restaurant in Paris called Jac's Restaurant.  It is Mexican and American and VERY good.   We had breakfast there before heading to Moscow Mills to have dinner with my family for my birthday.  We had another great meal and some even better family time.  We get together and all just start talking about anything and everything, playing catch-up with each other.  Afterward, we brought Marissa and Meghan home with us to help with the parades we have coming up.  It should be great fun!
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