Kansas Is Beautiful!

I love my state. I adore my home! Kansas is amazing. Today, the weather was beautiful. Its about 60 degrees outside right now. How wonderful is that? It is the perfect temperature and I love it! Kansas has some pretty special days. California is the same all year round (for the most part) but Kansas has seasons, high and low temperatures and after it being pretty cool the past few days, this weather is worth celebrating. I couldn't ask for a more beautiful day!

Cute Small Towns and Cities of Kansas

Here is a list of some of the many small towns in Kansas. Links to their websites and population stats (as of 2012) are here as well! These little gems are adorable!

Junction City, Kansas - Population: 23,353
http://www.junctioncity-ks.gov/

Independence, Kansas - Population: 9,483
http://www.independenceks.gov/

Maize, Kansas - Population: 3,420
http://cityofmaize.org/

Seneca, Kansas - Population: 1,991
http://www.seneca-kansas.us/

Kirwin, Kansas - Population: 171
http://www.cityofkirwin.com/

Elk City, Kansas - Population: 326
http://www.skyways.org/towns/ElkCity/index.html

Chanute, Kansas - Population: 9,119
http://www.chanute.org/

Homede Trail/Energy Mix Recipe

Feeds 2-4 people:

1/2 cup Cheerios
1/2 cup almonds or peanuts
1/4 cup walnuts or pecans
1/4 cup M&Ms
1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup cranberries
1/2 cup pretzel sticks

The Wizard of Oz: Kansas Mention

The mention of Kansas in the classic film The Wizard of Oz is nothing short of memorable (listed number 4 in the top 100, in 100 years of films). Everyone knows that quote, right? If you don't, here are the exact words that Dorothy speaks when she first arrives in The Land of Oz: "Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore."

Here is the link to the top 100 movie quotes in the past 100 years. Notice that this quote is listed as number 4, for obvious reasons:)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AFI%27s_100_Years..._100_Movie_Quotes

Fall in Kansas

Sorry for not posting anything in a while. I have been very busy lately! 

Fall in Kansas is very pretty. There are a lot of things about this year that are the same as always, but then there are a few things that were unusual for this season. 

Usually, the fall is pretty mild. Temperatures in the 30-50 degree range, commonly. Sometimes a little higher or lower. This year, there were several days of odd weather. We had almost a week of 70-80 degree days. It felt so nice, but so hot. I actually wore shorts, a week before Halloween. That is pretty unusual for Kansas. Now the weather is turning back to typical, as it was about 51 degrees for the high today.  

The leaves are what make the season feel real. All of the trees turning so quickly. Some have no leaves at all, while others are still half green. By the end of the week, I expect to see about 80% reds, oranges and yellows. The green will be few and far between. In less than a month, there will be no leaves on the trees. They will cover the ground and I will have to rake them. What looks like millions of leaves from the trees in my yard is actually the entire neighborhoods. Our house seems to catch each leaf that blows down the street. 

As the football season ends, basketball season will begin. The weather will only get colder, and I suspect there will be snow before the end of November. Last year we were blessed here with a mild, nearly snow free winter. This year, I have a feeling we'll not be so lucky. 

Havent posted in awhile

Sorry, I plan to post soon. I've been very busy!

Worlds of Fun: Coaster Reviews

First, some background on Worlds of Fun. I've been going to WOF for years and years and I've been so many times that I have a hard time critiquing the roller coasters. I don't see much wrong with any of them! They are perfect in my opinion, I mean, I grew up riding the TimberWolf! So each 'review' will be things that I happen to love about each coaster. There's more than I listed that I love, but there's no room for a novel. But I will tell you what I can about each coaster and paste a picture of each one so you can see (roughly) what each one is all about.
Just so you know, I'm not a real coaster critic. I just want to explain and show why the coasters are so amazing!


Patriot - Built in 2006 

The Patriot animated view. Shows most of the the complex inversions. 

Rating: 5 stars 
I love:
-The initial drop. The twist in the downhill makes it unique and it gives you a moment to see the view before you turn into the drop.
-The inversions. There are plenty and they aren't wimpy either. The feeling of being totally upside down is so intense and the Patriot makes you feel weightless. Some compare this coaster to the feeling of being able to fly, and its true.
-The coasters' cars. You will feel safe with the shoulder harness and the seat belt. Its secure and I like that my feet dangle as well. It adds to the feeling of flight. .


TimberWolf - Built in 1989

The TimeberWolf view from the side. The hill is prominent in the background. 

Rating: 4.5 stars 
I love: 
-The short lines. Usually, this ride has the shortest line out of all the coasters. Why? I dunno, some people are crazy and dislike this ride for NO reason! I love it!
-The curves. They are deep and tight, while others are wide and sloped. Either way, this roller coaster has the best curves and turns I've ever experienced.
-The long ride. It lasts around 2 minutes, and it goes by pretty slow. Its a long coaster and it is definitely worth every second of the wait.


Mamba - Built in 1998 

The Mamba with emphasis on the height of the first drop, 200 feet. 

Rating: 5 stars 
I love: 
-The bunny hills. Super fun. Hint: the camera is located in the middle (nearer to the end) of these hills so pose for a picture!
-The first drop. I always brace myself! Its extreme! The feeling is insanity, and pure desire for it to be over, but the adrenaline is fantastic and its worth the scare.
-The long, downward turn. I always put my arms up and I love it!


Prowler - Built in 2009

The Prowler's initial drop hill with a slight curve. 

Rating: 5 stars 
I love: 
-The speed. It feels like your in a movie, running through a forest. There is little to compare it to.
-The smoothness. Most wooden coasters are a little rough but this one is fairly smooth. It has gotten tougher since 2009, but, it is still the smoothest wooden roller coaster I have ever ridden.
-The initial drop hill isn't just straight down, its slightly curved to the side and unexpected. I was thrown off guard the first time I rode it, but, I love the hill.


Boomerang - Built in 2000

The Boomerang showing a train going around the loop.

Rating: 3 stars
I love:
-The uniqueness. Sure, this coaster is duplicated and renamed for many other theme parks, but, to me, its very special. I mean, what other coaster's lift hill works like this that you can name?
-The twists. This ride isn't very long, so it has to have some great features in the small space. All the inversions make up that the ride has a short duration.
-The colors. I love the colors of the track and the train. So bright and pretty.


  Spinning Dragons - Built in 2004

Spinning Dragons, side view of one train taking a plunge while twisting.

Rating: 4 stars
I love:
-The spins. Its what makes it more than just a kiddie coaster. The spinning can get pretty extreme, and its very fun.
-The curves. They cause your car to spin while your at an angle. Its very fun.
-The train's design. You can see the people who your riding with sitting across from you. Very fun during the ride.