July 2018 14 The Pony 2nd Hand Store We Collect & Deliver Your Merchandise FREE LOCAL DELIVERY AVAILABLE 662 W. Wickenburg Way Wickenburg • Open Monday–Saturday thepony2ndhandstore.com 928-231-2730 • 928-232-2019 We Carry Quality 2nd Hand & New Merchandise Your Home Furniture Supplies Store Specializing in Appliances Jane and Peter Kibble pony2ndhandstore@outlook.com The Rustic Lifestyle When the pool water begins to boil in the Valley, my family seeks cooler weather. We hop in the Ford Flex, which my husband incessantly calls a mini-van to annoy me, and hit the road. He's a pre-planner. He tries to think of every possible thing we might do, like to do, or someday, may encounter in a zombie apocalypse and pack accordingly. Me, on the other hand, I'm a free spirit. My biological parents may very well be Sonny and Cher. As an event producer, I plan 24/7. So when it comes to my personal life, I like to operate in cruise control. THE BEST PART of summer is family time! My husband is off, my kids are home from school, and we have the freedom to do as we please between events. My husband and kids kicked off the summer without me this year, with a trip to Williams, AZ. Most people know Williams as it is home to the Grand Canyon Railroad. My in-laws have property there, and we visit it regularly. My husband has a huge family. They all go there to camp, hunt, fish, ATV, shoot guns, build campfires, and do all things manly like scratch and spit. I am NOT a camper. I've tried it multiple times and am convinced that the word camp in its original cave painting form was depicted by several flames representing hell. Perhaps I am too high-maintenance to enjoy it? Once my kids and husband returned from the Wilderness, we drove to Balboa Island off Newport Beach in California. I had a luxury car auction to run, and my family spent time at the beach for a few days. The beach is so wonderful. It's one of the few places in nature that I can soak in for days. The waves are relaxing, the surfers are entertaining, and as my sweet daughter innocently pointed out, one of the few places you can see abs in real life (outside of movies)! The joy my kids had playing in the sand, watching the waves inch closer and closer, was incomparable. It warms my heart and brings an immediate smile to my face just thinking about it. Because we're adrenaline junkies, we committed to visiting four major California attractions in our last four days here. I'm going to tell you all about that in my next column. And you know, we have to visit the Midwest again. My daughter believes it is the actually the happiest place on earth! Watch out, Disney! Not to mention that I still haven't told you about how I met the Vice President. Yes, THE Vice President of the United States. So much to share! Until next time, go make memories with your family! It's the greatest adventure you'll have this summer! By Desiree’ Byrne, Founder of Front Porch Pickins The Rustic Lifestyle column is dedicated to sharing about all things related to country living: home décor, travel, fashion, family, faith, and more. Jim Byrne, SurrealMediaAZ.com “On the road again, goin' places that I've never been. Seein' things that I may never see again, and I can't wait to get on the road again.”  Willie Nelson