Last ride 2011

Today in the Ozarks temperatures were in the sixties. Dwight, Lauren, Shane, Chris, and I took a ride on Sassy, Blaze, Vegas, Roxy and Daisy. I would love to post pictures but my battery was dead.  We passed Haywood Springs-there's enough water to transform the spring into a small waterfall. Saw signs of wild hog and deer rubs. Saw some eagles-you could see the white heads when they went up against the bluffs. Until today, Lauren's horse had only crossed the Buffalo River three times-we added at least four more to that total and the horses were fine considering how icy the water was-I know because I didn't lift my feet high enough.
Here's hoping everyone has a nice new year's!

The perfect Christmas

For reasons I'm not ready to discuss, I wanted this Christmas to be perfect. I've been working hard at it for weeks..technically months. Presents were wrapped-three a day since Thanksgiving-even more if my mood and time permitted. Cards were sent on time. Menu for this weekend planned two weeks ago-and the kids arrived Thurday as planned and that's where things going as planned ended. I told Beth and Jody we would do Christmas the 23rd. I told Lauren and Shane we would do Christmas the 24th. I told Heath both dates.Chris was totally confused and Paul was in his own little world.
We ended having a nice little celebration on the 23rd with all five kids. Dwight saw the big box sometime late Thurday night and was not surprised by the tv.
Christmas Eve found us at Dwight's Dad's house for a nice dinner-again I agonized over what to get his sister,dad, neice, and nephews-and they were surprised and happy. Everyone was happy-it was nice to just sit and talk and tell stories and laugh.
Nothing went as planned but better than I hoped .

Five Days and counting

Only five more days until Christmas. Cards are sent. I am my mother's child-which means I found the books and bears meant for my nephews after I had sent the stuff to Austin. Christmas decorations are up(Dwight I'll take the ornaments off the deer antlers if you help me with some outside lights). Stockings are stuffed and hid-I'll fake those kids off yet. I have three things to buy and I can pick them up in less than 10 minutes so I'm basically DONE.I've made some kind of candy every day this week and Lauren and Beth have promised to help me make more. Mistletoe is hung. I have a real tree-that makes the house smell wonderful. Some one has hid my Elvis Christmas CD-so I'm singing with the radio-and one of our three stations has gone all Christmas. I've wanted to have all the kids together for a long,long time and it just might happen. Beth's car isn't working but Jody will bring her up for a couple of days. Paul's short on gas money-so he's hitching a ride with Beth. Lauren's boss has given her some much needed time off. Chris was supposed to go see his mom but decided to stay for Christmas. Heath will be with us until Christmas eve night so... I may actually have all five kids together at once. They want to know what I want for Christmas-I want to have them together-all my kids together at once so I'm not missing anyone. It's purely selfish and there's no rationalization for me wanting this to happen. They're not blood kin-just people that I love very dearly-and if I make them do a group hug-I hope someone gets a picture.

Thermal Pollution

If I were a better person, I'd be talking about global warming, but sometimes my life well... it revolves around me. So, I'm gonna vent a little bit about the jackass that keeps turning on the cold air at work. It's December moron-I'm not asking to turn the heat on-I'm asking to leave the air off. Yes, I understand it's hard to find a temperature comfortable for fifty people. Yes, I know I can layer-but tonight I have 2 long sleeve shirts and a jacket. The chick three desks down has an electric blanket plugged into a usb port. There's two guys that never,ever take their coats off. It's pretty sad when I have to go outside in the winter months to warm up. Pretty sad. And there's only so much coffee, tea, soup that one person can drink. Only so much.

Hunting Blog

As you may have noticed, I've changed my profile picture-and so those people sensitive to animal rights may be a little less offended(Hi-Beth), but upon doing so I feel obligated to update everyone on my hunting endeavors.You will notice that my deer picture from last year remained up the entire length of deer season this year-that's because there were no new kills from me.I tried- froze my butt off several mornings-saw brief parts of deer running away-and a hog-but nothing killed and no new pictures.BUT, I've been given a pretty nifty double-barrel shotgun-good for squirrel and the likes-and do you realize there are just two months that you aren't allowed to shoot squirrel in Arkansas(April and May).
I went squirrel hunting for the second time today-and got a shot off but I was in such a hurry to load the gun I forgot to load both barrels and only got one shot off  Such a rookie mistake..Maybe the day will come when I can shoot a squirrel with just one shot-but that day hasn't arrived yet. This evening, Dwight has promised to take me rabbit hunting if I'm careful not to shoot the beagles. Loading both barrels before I leave.

First Snow 2011

Don't Piss me Off

I'm not only putting on my big girl panties. I'm putting on my bitch bra, my shit kicker boots, and my spiked leather belt with the boy toy belt buckle. So don't tell me to "Deal with it" .. I got this covered. Now I'm ready to go shopping at Hellmart.

First Snow 2011

Today when I woke up, the ground was covered with snow. It kept snowing and we probably ended up with three inches on the ground. Hopefully, I can post some pictures of the snow-it was so pretty. Special shout out to the Newton County Road Crew-that did an outstanding job of clearing the roads. My ass is now at work.

From a Wise old bear

Always remember
 You are braver than you believe.
                                    
                               You are stronger than you seem.

                                                      You are smarter than you think.......Winnie the Pooh


                                                          

For the Girls food for thought by Bob Marley

"He's not perfect. You aren't either, and the two of you will never be perfect. But if he can make you laugh at least once, causes you to think twice, and if he admits to being human and making mistakes, hold onto him and give him the most you can. He isn't going to quote poetry, he's not thinking of you every moment, but he will give you a part of him that he knows you could break. Don't hurt him.Don't change him, and don't expect more than he can give. Don't analyze. Smile when he makes you happy . Yell when he makes you mad and miss him when he's not there. Love hard when there is love to be had because perfect guys don't exist, but there's always one guy that's perfect for you."   .... by Bob Marley

Out on the Range

So if you watch the old western movies-you've probably heard of "free range" cattle-meaning the cows aren't in any fence and can go where ever they want. Kinda quaint and you probably don't think that happens in the modern day world-and you would be wrong.
I was hunting in the National Forest-looking for squirrel and deer and got very excited when I heard leaves rustle behind me. I turned to look and behind me is a very large black cow with a white face. Fifteen minutes later this sucker gets excited again listening to the leaves behind me-and again the same cow with a grin on her face. This happened three or four more times and the further up the mountain I got-I began to get a little worried-did she think I was going to feed her? Cows don't eat meat do they? Do they like to trample people for fun? I called my dear husband on the walkie talkie and asked him what to do. He said to shoo her away-but by this time she was joined by a couple of her friends. Who just kinda laughed at me and my attempt to scare them away. Happy Trails.

Happy Thanksgiving

Where ever you are and what ever you're doing.-I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. Know that mine will be completely and utterly wonderful. I'll be roused from sleep by a wonderful man that loves me-for all of my faults and bull shit. I'll eat an early lunch with some pretty wonderful in-laws. Then, I'll get to visit with my children. Have a much anticipated glass of Sutterhome with my oldest. Squeeze my boy-and embarass him to no end. And enjoy a dinner with Lauren that neither one of us has had to cook. I'll get to talk to both of my parents and catch up on all of the family news. I'll get to see some of my beautiful nieces and nephews and end the night with some major SHOPPING. Seriously, what more could a woman want? ok-maybe a winning lottery ticket-and I am buying one!

Veterans Day

As I do most mornings, I brought up facebook and did a little reading while drinking coffee-my version of getting caught up on current events. My cuz had a bit of info for me-my Grandpa (and hers) was awarded the Bronze Star. I knew about the Purple Heart but the Bronze Star somehow escaped my notice. Harrison really went all out for Veteran's Day-parade, military ball, Wall of Honor (where my daughter was listed), and in general-an attitude of greatfulness for the sacrafices  made.
And so I've been reflecting on those sacrafices-BP made-he never saw his son hit a ball or ride a bike. He never saw his son play in the band or graduate from college. Both his boys played in the band and graduated college. I know he would have been the proud Pa. He missed out on six grandkids and a dozen great-grandchildren. His sister told me that he loved kids and playing jokes...that still continues in his family and I believe that his newest great-grandson has his eyes.

Personal Space-or lack there of

I realize that my car is really cool-and everyone wants to park beside it. But, folks, that coolness will not rub off onto your vehicle-the white paint will but the cool factor won't. I'm in a tiny Yaris-the only things smaller are Smart Cars and motorcycles (but not the Harleys). If you're crowding my Yaris in a parking spot, you really don't need to drive and seriously, seriously need to learn to park. For the love of God, stay on your side of the friggin' yellow line and our Walmart experience will be a little more pleasant. Thankyou.

Deer season

Yes, I know that I had  a post about deer season starting and I am well aware that there are no pictures of me with any deer. Apparently, they are elusive creatures unless I'm in my car doing about 50mph. No I haven't hit one yet-but I make a game out of counting them on my way home. The most in one night has been 8. Keep in mind that I'm not actually looking for them, those are the ones that want to laugh in my face because I don't have my gun and they know I won't put a bloody,dead animal into a little car with me.

My dearest Beth

Twenty three years ago today you came into my world and it's never been the same. Words can't tell you how proud I am of you-what you've done with your life, what you're doing, and your dreams for the future. I'm honored that you and I have the kind of relationship where you feel free enough to share those dreams with me. I pray they come true. I hope all your dreams come true.  You have the most beautiful smile and I hope to see it on your face always. I'm sorry that our obligations keep us apart today but know that you are in my heart.

Deer season 2011

It's begun. Though officially-it's bow season only until October 22nd when muzzle loader starts. We've been studying the trail camera-and there's two bucks coming to it. A lot of fresh scrapes around the deer stands that we have up-which brings me to my topic-how may deer stands are enough? Apparently, my husband needs one in the morning and another in the evening. So we have four up. Two deer blinds and yet another deer stand on the way. Apparently getting a new deer stand every year was a tradition that I failed to pick up on- I thought the one last year was for me-oh no-just part of the tradition. One every year. It's windy and warm today so we're not really expecting to see anything today, but next weekend it's supposed to be very cold. I've been practicing with the muzzleloader but damn it's heavy-
Dwight says it'll be much lighter after I pull the trigger-he has a sick sense of humor sometimes.

Blazin' Wildfire

I finally got to see Lauren's horse-he's beautiful. A lot of spirit. You can definitely tell he's got some mustang in him. She works with him everyday and he's come a long way. In a month or so, maybe he'll be tame enough for an old lady to ride.

In search of the perfect costume

Only 26 more days to come up with the perfect Halloween costume(if I really go through with dressing up for the occasion) and while thinking about this I remember some of the best costumes I've ever seen.

Sam Hovland as the Jolly Green Giant-complete with his own little sprout.
Lee Hovland as the chiquita banana lady.
Hopper as sushi.
Lauren as a butterfly.
Lauren as the devil(more appropriate than the butterfly).
Paul as Senior Gomez(complete with Tequila bottle)
Beth as Dracula -lying in the coffin at the Haunted House
Patrick dressed up as a housewife(eggs and tp in the purse-I think we even convinced him to shave his legs)
Juliet as a lobster (but the Parot was pretty good too)
Paul as a dalmation
and considering where I live I can't help but remember when I dressed as a hillbilly-good times ya'll

Picture perfect

I think I just wanted to look at this picture to remind myself not to blow my diet all to hell this weekend,

October

So October is finally here. While I love the summer, I hate the stage where it's not quite fall-you never know how to dress and the weather can be ninety or thirty something. The calendar says fall starts the 21st of September but by my calendar- it's October first. That's when the fall decorations come out. The mums get planted. I start hiding Halloween candy from Dwight and the kids-in the hope that I might have some for the two or three trick-or-treaters that come by. The electric blanket comes out of storage-as does the flannel pj's-is there anything better than flannel pj's in the fall?Ok maybe smores by a bonfire. Or popcorn balls made with karo syrup. In putting up my fall decorations-a wreath, some mums, bales of hay-I've decided I need a scare crow. Trying to make one-the best face I can come up with is a pumpkin.I'll post pictures if it's a respectable scare crow. This weekend brings the Harvest Festival in Harrison-people celebrating the fall Harvest.

Balloon races

Every September the balloon races go through Harrison. It was fun to watch them. Wish I could find someone locally that gives rides.

My 9-11

 The night beore 9/11 my daughter called to tell me she has officially received her orders to serve in the War on Terror. Sunday, as I watched the memorial services and listened to the bell tolls I'm reminded of why she feels it's necessary to serve her country. She's told me a million times. This war will be fought either on American soil or over there. It can't be avoided. That doesn't mean I have to like it. I have eight more months to get used to the idea if ever I can. So I'm praying for a miracle-maybe it can end in seven months-even though it's been going on ten years. Hope springs eternal. I'd even forgo my dream of winning the lottery if she got to finish her military obligation in the states. I know she understands how I feel but just in case-let me say I'm very proud of Sargent Schuller.(congrats on the promotion baby girl)

ode to the workshirt

 Some people do spring cleaning. I'm messy enough to justify spring and fall cleaning. In that chore, I try to get rid of clothes that haven't been worn in years or have material that you can see through. My eyes fell on one of Dwight's work shirts. It's a Dallas Cowboy shirt. The collar is frayed. The stains won't come out no matter how much bleach I use. No large holes-just enough to allow the shirt to breathe.
I can hear him tell me that there is nothing wrong with this shirt. Shirts don't need to breathe. I know it's soft-fabric softener is the only thing holding it together. I hate this shirt, and there's only one reason I keep it around. A DECADE ago someone threw my red and white polka dotted night gown away and I still miss it. It was quite possibly the ugliest piece of clothing that I've ever owned but I wasn't ready to say good bye. So the shirt will stay until Dwight can say good bye to it. If you see him in it-I apologize-he has much better shirts.Much better work shirts, but they're not as soft, as stained, or breathe the way that one does. There's just no explaining why we love the things we do.

Bumper sticker of the week

"Next time wave at me with all of your fingers"

Graceland

Elvis died in 1977 -when he was 42 years old. Before his death, he said " Every dream I've ever had has come true 100 times over." I don't remember much about his concerts-I remember staying up late to watch the one in Hawaii that was televised. I remember my mom crying the day he died. I think Graceland is an important part of American pop history. You can learn so much. Did you know that Elvis' first gold record was "Don't be Cruel" and  on the flip side was a little hit called "Hound Dog"?
He had 5 records go gold at once? His 1968 comeback show was supposed to be a Christmas show?
That leather jump suits can weigh as much as 70 pounds?

Memphis Day one

Today we toured Memphis and rode the Island Queen(shown above). Memphis had the humidity going on-so the breeze on the boat felt great.  Didn't hurt that you could get a cold beer on board. We walked Beale Street and "put some South on our mouth" at the Blues Street Cafe. Dwight had incredible catfish and I had mouthwatering ribs. The internet did not exaggerate on the portion size-nether of us could even think of dinner last night. Beale Street had the music going and there was plenty of entertainment.

Happy Anniversary

A year ago today I was asking Beth what my last name was to fill out a marriage liscense. Dwight and I had talked about marriage and he had warned me that marriage changes people and the relationship. He wasn't kidding. He changed and so did our relationship. He was a wonderful boyfriend-roses for Valentine's Day, unexpected surprises, breakfast in bed,...but as a husband...there's no comparison. He's the best friend I have. He's got my back and loves as hard as he works. He's on a mission to make sure my dreams come true and is doing a damn fine job. No matter what I look like or do-he's proud of me because I'm his and because of this I want to be better. I want to make him as happy as he's made me and this may just take a lifetime.

Small town life

 Sometimes living in a small town can be a royal pain in the ass. Apparently people can call the house and wake me up to ask me questions. Come to the door and interupt my day, but not speak to me in public. Because I'm an outsider and it might offend someone else. Bull shit. Lady, the next time you knock on the door be prepared to just keep walking/knocking because there's no law that says I have to answer the door or the phone. Funny thing is-your ass is probably in church congratulating yourself on what a christian you are.

Grand Champion Newton County Fair

This picture was taken by Dwight and won Grand Champion at the Newton County Fair.

Taking care of the "Bucket List"

It's no secret that seeing the Grand Canyon WAS on my bucket list-and now that I've seen it-I think everyone should brave the desert and see it at least once. The beauty is just undescribable. Pictures(and we have hundreds) don't do it justice. It's so beautiful it will bring tears to your eyes-and the words "American the Beautiful" pop into your head. A thousand different colors at once. You could look for hours and never see the same thing twice-and those hundreds of pictures bring it all back.

The Kittens

Can you guess how many kittens Vixie gave birth too?  When I got past kitten number six I started getting anxious. Seven was a loud little one, and I  was really relieved when eight was the last one. Then I started to get a little worried-how many can she feed at once?  So then I called my cat loving friend-Julie. I was very surprised to learn that she didn't automatically know how many nipples a cat had, but she googled it for me. A female cat has eight nipples. We're good. Eight nipples for eight kittens.Then she informs me that a male cat only has six nipples. Wtf. I've been looking in the wrong spot. The apparti(notice plural for a reason) that I was looking for is hard to find until the kitten reaches about six months.By then they've passed the cute,adoptable phase so when I gave the sex I was making a guess, but not anymore. I'll just count the nipples and know for sure. Unless google lies. Want a kitten?

Reliving Mesa Verde

Mesa Verde is in the southern central part of Colorado and is home to Indian cliff dwellings. They're beautiful to see-and the square one? It was four stories high. The Indians used "toe holds" to climb up and down the mountains.

Flowers

Some flowers from me to you and if you even thought of smiling-this post has been worthwhile.

RIP Mr. Jennings Osborn

 Unfortunately, I only met Jennings Osborn once, but he's not easily forgotten. He was a very down to earth person that really enjoyed making others happy. For years, I took my kids by his house on Cantrell Road to look at the lights-even when traffic was bad and his neighbors were complaining-but it was such a sight to see. Later, he sponsored the "Every Man's BBQ" down on the river-and it was something to see too. Lots of great people having a good time all because one man like to see others happy. So tonight when I get home around 2 am I'm turning on my Christmas lights in his honor and I know if I look up he'll be smiling.

More animals

Animals on the trip

The first picture is a mountain goat taken at Mount Evans.

The second is a bull Elk at Estes Park.

The third is a mormet but the picture isn't zoomed-sorry.

The fourth is the bull elk again-I'm proud of this picture (and I can't figure out how to delete the second)

The next is an elk cow at the Grand Canyon and

the last are wild horses at the Grand Canyon.

Johnny Cash... "I've been every where man...I've been every where..."

There's an old Johnny Cash song in which he tells

the truck driver that he's been everywhere and

that song has been  playing in my head all morning. In the past

seven days... I've seen the Royal Gorge, Garden of the Gods,

Pike's Peak, Mount Evans, The Independence Pass,

the beginning of the Arkansas River, Mesa Verde, Dodge City,

the four corners, the Grand Canyon, the painted

desert, the national bridges monument, Estes Park,

the Grand Canyon, the largest meteor crater,

the Valley of the Gods, countless Indian nations, and

had a short visit with my oldest friend. The following

pictures are from the National Bridges Monument

then Mesa Verde

then the Colorado River at Independence Pass

then the Grand Canyon.

Moose

Leaving a small town between Ouray and Durango, we can upon a traffic jam. Dwight said it was probably a "bear jam" meaning that people have stopped to view some sort of wildlife. It doesn't necessarily mean there's a bear. In this case, he was right. People had stopped to view two very large moose. It was my first time to see one in the wild. They make elk look like toys and the antlers are unbelievable.These particular moose were as black as night and it was funny that so many people, besides us, had stopped to take pictures.I hope to post another one soon-a little closer up but we also have good pictures of mormets, chipmunks, elk, mule deer, lizards, mountain goats, and wild horses.

First Major Tourist Attraction

The first major tourist attraction{and we stopped lots of places before this-more about them later}was the Royal Gorge. The bridge is one of the highest suspension bridges in the United States-and it's beautiful. A flag from each state flies on the bridge. The bridge itself is made of steel but the bottom is made of wood-that makes funny noises when you drive across it. The bridge sways and you can feel the swaying when you stand on it. You look down into the Gorge that seems to drop forever-people at the bottom look like ants scurrying around.We took the Incline Railway to the bottom. The railway is incredibly steep. At the bottom you get up close and personal with the Arkansas River. It's powerful. White water everywhere and so cold it will blow your mind. It's also the cleanest river at that point-so is the air. It smells like nothing and it feels good just to breathe deep.

Pike's Peak

I really like this picture because it's at the top and you can't tell that I had been shaking uncontrollably for an hour. My shivers weren't just due to the cold-forty-four degrees. 44 in July? Yeah, I didn't dress warm enough. There are hair pin turns for at least 16 of the 19 miles up. And there are no shoulders-you can see thousands of feet down. No use using seatbelts-if you go off-the best you can hope for is that they recover your body eventually. Dwight is still making fun of me saying that I missed half of it because my eyes were shut-I think if I saw half I was doing really good considering my sheer terror at those heights. So imagine being scared half to death and your oxygen supply cut in half-this is no exageration. Oxygen is very thin up there. So I moved a little slowly, thought even slower, but made my way to the counter to reward myself with a fudge (not chocalate) covered donut. I'm very proud of myself and the Yaris (aka "The Egg"). We made it up and down both in tact.

94 years

 If you were born 94 years ago-you saw America go to war with Japan, Germany, Korea, Vietnam, and Iran. You saw American win, lose, and withdrawl. You lived throught the Great Depression. Saw the invention of colored tv's, video tapes, and discs... cell phones and microwaves... nuclear bombs and the cure for polio.
I can't imagine my world in another 40 years, but I do know that time will march on and with that time-pain eases and I hope that is true for the people grieving the loss of Dan. He lived a long life and he's in a better place now. My prayers are with you.

numbers for you

I work with 35 people on the night shift. We answered 21000 phone calls last night. That's roughly 700 per hour or 70 per person per hour. While doing this, I deleted and read a little over 800 emails-and did my job of dispatching the drivers. How many days til vacation?

count down

Five more days til we leave for vacation. Yes, that's five days until we leave. The dog knows something is up-but he's not sure what. My car is clean. The oil and filters have been changed. Bills are paid up.Maps and gps are ready to go and I've packed. Ok, I've packed underwear, bathing suits, and deordorant-isn't that all we really need?

Cotter

This is the railroad bridge at Cotter. Dwight caught trout that we had for dinner-along with tomatoes and fried okra from the garden.

Conviction or lack of

I'm not going to debate Casey Anthony's innocence with anyone-it's been tried in the courts already. HOWEVER-if you have a toddler in your care that disappears and you fail to report it for three weeks-you should be found guilty of neglect. Serious parental misconduct.
That baby is in heaven, but I don't think she'll see many of her relatives there.
Now I feel better almost.

Red, White, and Blue

Millions of years ago, I spent my summer nights cheering on an American motors racecar. I wonder if my siblings remember those nights. Mom would fix pop corn and put it in a huge paper bag so we'd have something to snack on all night long. I don't remember getting bleacher butt or bugs biting, but I remember lots of bugs flying around the lights that lined the racetrack. I loved looking for the large green moths called "Lunar Moths"-they're still one of my favorite flying bugs. I remember the roar of the engines each time they passed and trying to find my dad's car. His number was 81 and it was red, white, and blue. I loved to see him race-it never occurred to me that he might get hurt or worse. He went faster and faster.Kicked butt and took names. Sometimes there was a battle for first and we'd scream for him to pass-it never dawned on me that he could never hear us. If someone had slipped Mom a beer-we'd hear her yell  "Pass the SOB"-without the abbreviations and he would. So very early in my childhood I associated Red, White, and Blue with winning and not giving up and to this day I can't shake it. I think America is number one. I think we kick butt and take names. Sure we go in circles and sometimes we live a little fast, but if you're not making dust you're eating it. God Bless the USA and you too.

Virgin Voyage

We took the rv to Sam's Throne on her maiden voyage. It drives a little bit different from the Yaris.

Guess what's new in our driveway?

Be forewarned we have a gps and can find you and it doesn't matter if you have a bed for us because ours has wheels, stove, shower, and refrigerator.

In the words of Joe Cocker

In the words of Joe Cocker: "You are so beautiful to me...."

Lauren receiving her crown for the best rookie at the Elk Pageant in the bathing suit division. I think it took a lot of guts to get on stage in bathing suit and that she looked incredible. Stupid judges just deducted too much for a little tatoo.

Weekend review

How was your weekend? Mine started early Friday with a trip to Jasper's Elkfest. Where I tasted fresh pork rinds and visited the Blue Mountian Bakery.  After, working Friday night I came home to find Beth waiting up for me to chat for a little while. Saturday, Mom and Mike and I went picking wild rasberries on a side of the mountian. We were back by 7:30 and fixed some good ol' chocalate gravy for the kids. Then I took Beth, Jodie,Shane, and Lauren to float the river between Hasty and the Blindy Hole. When I picked them up, it was warm enough to go for an unplanned swim in the river.Meaning I put my beer and book down and jumped in with my clothes on. Saturday night we had pizza and beer for supper. Then, Mom and Mike met some friends at Elkfest and Dwight helped his dad repair the tractor and got going baling some hay.Mom and Mike danced the night away at Elkfest and the kids went to a camp fire/campout down by the creek. Sunday up early to finish baling hay and haul the hay. Then blueberry pancakes for breakfast. Then we took Mom and Mike to Sam's throne(see picture above)-a place full of memories for me-where I first rapelled and the scout troop built the park there. Then fixed burgers and fries for lunch and out to the garden to pick squash and turnips. Then saw everybody off. Now after 2 loads of laundry, and putting some squash in the freezer, I'm headed to bed early.

"Like My Mother Does" by Lauren Alaina

people always say i have a laugh
like my mother does
guess that makes sense
she taught me how to smile when things get rough
i've got her spirit
and she's always got my back
when i look at her
i think i wanna be just like that
when i love, i give it all i got
like my mother does
when i'm scared, i bow my head and pray
like my mother does
when i feel weak and un-pretty
i know i'm beautiful and strong
because, i see myself
like my mother does
i never met a stranger,
i can talk to anyone
like my mother does
i let my temper fly
but she can walk away, when she's had enough
she sees everybody, for who they really are
i'm so thankful for her guidance
she's helped me get this far
when i love, i give it all i got
like my mother does
and when i'm scared, i bow my head and pray
like my mother does
when i feel weak and un-pretty
i know i'm beautiful and strong
because, i see myself
like my mother does
she's a rock
she is grace
she's an angel
she's my heart and soul
she does it all
when i love, i give it all i got
like my mother does
and when i'm scared, i bow my head and pray
like my mother does
when i feel weak and un-pretty
i know i'm beautiful and strong
because, i see myself
like my mother does
i hear people saying
i'm starting to look
like my mother does

or you can listen to the song on the radio like I did

Father's Day

I've been lucky when it comes to Dad's. My father is great and my stepdad is one of the best stepdads ever. My first father-in-law loved me as one of his own and so does my new father-in-law. And you can learn a lot from a dad- he can teach you to shoot, laugh when you shoot a deer blind, and build custom bullets to make your shooting even better. Dad can give you a ride in a motorcycle or an airplane. He can scare people with his guns. So I'm thinking about dads and what they do and I wonder Dad ... do you remember
singing CCR-"looking out my back door" til you drove us crazy?
Grounding me and making me wash the motorcycle-til it shone-even between the spokes?
Do you remember having a little bit too much to drink and bouncing on the trampoline with a noodle and the grandkids?
Teaching Lauren to drive a stick?
Teaching Paul to hunt?
Teaching Connor to widdle?
Walking me down the isle repeating over and over-it's not too late-we can still make a run for it?
Sending us from the dinner table when we couldn't quit laughing?
I remember all of those times . I'm so glad that there's so many memories and look forward to making even more.But, I don't think Lee will let you teach Hopper to widdle. Happy Father's Day Daddy!

Connor's visit

just hanging out

at the bridge at Cotter

Hi ya'll