Thunder Over the Heartland
“Thunder Over the Heartland”… it didn’t disappoint!
That was the name of the air show held recently out at Forbes Field here in Topeka, and I got to attend for the first time since I was a kid. And like a kid, I was excited all week!
I’ve always been into planes. Growing up, I had numerous books on aircraft of all types and I would pour over them for hours on end, memorizing the pictures and reading all about the various airframes they documented. I loved to build model airplanes too. I could spend hours gluing and painting my aeronautical projects. My model airplane display filled that corner of the basement for many years. I even enrolled in a History of Aviation class in college. One of the projects was building a model airplane. That homework assignment made my roommate a little jealous!
Needless to say, I was looking forward to the show, and like I said, it didn’t disappoint. It was thrilling! I convinced one of my daughters to go with me and she had a great time too.
Walking around and checking out all the aircraft on display was pretty cool. We got to see a variety of different airframes, from tiny little aerobatic planes to large air-refueling tankers and a lot of things in between.
We actually got to walk through those tankers and a large helicopter to check them out up close and in detail. A few years ago, I got to experience a ride-along flight on one of our local KC-135 tankers out at the 190th Air Refueling Wing. That was an amazing experience. Walking through that aircraft the other day took me right back to that flight.
While the aircraft on display were impressive, the real show was in the air.
For several hours, we got to witness rolls and dives and climbs and all the rest of the aerial acrobatics, They were impressive! I was in awe.
I’m not a fan of amusement parks. I shy away from roller coasters and any kind of ride that goes round and round in circles, forget about it. I don’t have the stomach for them and I say clear! This body of mine likes to move through the world gently.
That wasn’t the case for the pilots we got to watch!
I think it’s safe to say, they were the kids that did those rides and then ran right back into line as soon as they got off. Maverick said it best in Top Gun... “I feel the need for speed!” I think these folks are wired the same.
Cameron Rees, General Manager
After several hours of loops, rolls, climbs, and dives, we’d thought we’d see it all. But then, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds took the stage. Their precision performance was incredible! Their choreographed show was amazing and their high-speed fly-bys let you know just what kind of power we were witnessing.
I had a great time!
But now, it’s back to work.
Fall color is starting to show up all over town, so it’s starting to look a lot more like the fall season that we are solidly in. The recent drop below freezing should help spur a little more of that along.
Our nursery is still pretty full, the greenhouse is still loaded with mums and there are still plenty of pumpkins and gourds to choose from. There is a lot of fall yet to enjoy, so if you’re still in the planting or decoration mood, come see us!
—Cameron Rees
Got Skinner buck$!
FALL REDEMPTION ALERT!
Our fall Skinner Buck$ Redemption Period is underway! You have from now until October 31st to redeem your buck$ for big savings! See full details in the image below!
It’s time to plant bulbs!
Who doesn’t love to look out the window upon rows and rows of the most beautiful colors?
Now is the time to add those colors. Tulips, daffodils, alliums, and all the other spring flowering bulbs need to be planted now if you’re hoping to enjoy them next spring.
We’ve got many varieties to choose from, from your brightest reds to your favorite purple, and even some with a little flare.
Once you choose your bulbs, we can walk you through the steps to ensure that you have the best success possible. Whether that means adding some nutrients to your soil or simply which ones will look the best for you, our staff can help.
Dig, drop, done... it’s that easy!
Get in the Habit of Growing Cover Crops
Austrian Winter Peas
Did you know that there are many benefits to growing cover crops throughout your garden both during and after growing seasons?
Cover crops are things like annual ryegrass, radishes, turnips, oats, clover, hairy vetch, and winter peas.
Cover crops benefit the garden by improving soil quality. They can increase soil fertility, increase organic matter, and reduce compaction making it easier to grow larger crops. Cover crops can fix nitrogen from the atmosphere or recycle nutrients from deep within the soil.
Cover crops also can be a great way to control pests and diseases. They can create an environment that is inhospitable for soilborne diseases and help encourage beneficial insects. They are also great ways to control weed growth in and around your rows during the growing season and after crop cycles by filling in the spaces where weeds like to grow.
However, you look at it, cover crops can have many benefits and we encourage you to come in and take a look at what we have to offer!
More EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS: Winter Porch Pot Workshops are back!
It's time for a popular Skinner holiday tradition! It's time for our WINTER PORCH POT WORKSHOPS! That's right, the holidays are on their way, and what better way to spark joy than with a beautiful arrangement infused with your own personal style? Porch pots are a great way to decorate the welcome areas of your home, be it the front porch, walkway, or holiday table. They also make great gifts! And brighten up spaces through the winter months. We provide all the materials you'll need to create your pot - containers, cut greenery, pinecones, berries, and add-ons. Join a session on your own, or sign up with friends and family. Our workshops fill up fast! Registration is required, and space is limited, so don't miss out! Get signed up today!!
WORKSHOP DATES AND DETAILS:
Thursday, November 21st - 1 pm & 3 pm
Friday, November 22nd - 1 pm & 3 pm
Saturday, November 23rd - 11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm
Sunday, November 24th - 12 pm & 2 pm
Cost: $69.99/person
Time: Each workshop takes 30-45 minutes.
Registration: Call the store at 785-233-9657 or email Misty at mistyb@skinnergardenstore.com to register.
