Random Acts of Living


Monday, May 25, 2009

Exciting Night

When you live in a quiet, small town, hearing a siren is enough reason to look outside to see what it is and where it's headed. But when you hear several sirens and see their red lights flashing in your windows and they don't seem to be going far, well you might get a bit excited. I stepped outside and looked down the street to where all the commotion seemed to be centering and then I saw flames. So I ran back into the house and grabbed my camera and asked the grandson if he'd like to go check this out with me.
We walked the couple blocks to the park and there was a truck on fire IN the park.
I asked someone else that was watching what had happened and they said that the police had been chasing the vehicle up from a town south of us when it drove through the park and hit a pole.
The driver had baled and now was on the loose.
At this point I returned home to let my husband know what was going on and I called my son. I took my grandson and a couple flashlights and we went out and checked my yard and outbuildings since the driver had run in our direction. When my son and K-Monster came over we walked back to the park.
The fire was out and now the concern was the electric pole with the live wire attached to it.

We have a wonderful group of volunteer firefighters that I've seen in action many times over the years. They're a well trained group of dedicated people.
We had a variety of law enforcement also, representing two counties.
With the fire out it was time to document the scene.

Next the power company arrives with their bucket.
They get it positioned right were they want it and secure the legs to keep it from tipping.
Up in the bucket the lineman looks it over first...
...then he attaches a couple of ropes to the pole.
Back on the ground, out of the bucket, the extended is secured to the pole...
...the ropes are secured on either side of the pole.
Now that the power line is secured the fireman come back over to check it all out.
Next the tow truck comes in.
The bed is lower behind the burnt out truck.
Chains are attached to the frame.
And the wench starts pulling it up on the trailer with ease.
The lineman are looking over the broken pole.
The truck is hauled away.
And the busted pole and burn spots on the ground are all that are left of all the excitement.
I had a feeling that I needed to be over there tonight if I wanted pictures. The runaway driver probably took off across a wheat field. I wonder if he was carrying a cell phone?

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Adventures in the Magic Kingdom

In the Magic Kingdom live a brother and sister, Royal Prince and Princess of the kingdom. Together they reign, each in their own castles, but share equally in the duties keeping their whole kingdom happy and healthy...

It was a beautiful spring day after many days of rain and storm so the Princess and Prince decide to invite everyone out to enjoy the sunshine at the tournament grounds. There the Royal pair are approached by a Squire in good standing that has been sent by the Royal Guard with high praise of deeds done in battle that honor the kingdom.
In gratitude, having proved himself worthy, the Prince dubs him K-Knight the Bold.
Across the field there is the sound of horse hooves quickly approaching...
...It is Princess Knight having been gone on high adventures herself. Hearing of the gathering at the tournament grounds she hurried home to join in the fun.

In the spirit of tournament the newly knighted K-Knight challenges Princess Knight to do battle.
And the mock battle begins...
Tournaments provided a means for knights to practice warfare and build their strength in times of peace. Good block Princess Knight!
The Prince and Princess are pleased by the skills of their knights.
You managed to dodge that one K-Knight!
But Princess Knight's weaponry and experience far outweigh yours...
...and the Princess Knight is victorious again.
The Princess and Prince thank everyone for attending and call the tournaments over for the day.
The Princess hopes that there are many more beautiful days to enjoy during the coming season.
Princess Knight leaves with the Prince to journey to his castle since she has not had one built yet. With all her traveling and going on adventures she has not had time to think about setting up housekeeping. So for now she will be a guest of her brother and be his protectorate while she's there.
K-Knight the Bold accompanies the Princess on her journey to her castle to ensure her safety.
As they lose sight of one another there is a screeching in the sky...
...what is this? Could it be a harbinger? Or maybe even a messenger?
...to be continued on another nice sunny day.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Happy Mother's Day 2009

I hope all mothers out there had a wonderful Mother's Day. I spent the afternoon with my daughter helping my son's children make a tissue flower bouquet for their mother who was at work.
They also made cards...
...with stickers and colors.
The grandson made a couple flowers then decided to go play outside, the younger granddaughter stuck around a little while longer. The Princess did the most work on it from start to finish. The flowers have skewer stems wrapped in green tissue and the vase is two plastic cups papier mache tissue covered.
I had flowers delivered to MY mother before Mother's day and she took pictures of the bouquet so I could see it.