Thought for the day

"I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright.


I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun more.

I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive.

I wish you enough pain so that the smallest joys in life appear much bigger.

I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.

I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.

I wish enough "Hello's" to get you through the final "Good-bye.."



written by Bob Perks

Frost Flower

A frost flower is a name commonly given to a condition in which thin layers of ice are extruded from long-stemmed plants in autumn or early winter. The thin layers of ice are often formed into exquisite patterns that curl into "petals" that resemble flowers

 I saw these an the web and thought they were pretty. Imagine my surprise and delight at finding some down by the Buffalo River today.

Christmas 2013

 

This is my Grandson Xander talking to Santa for the very first time. He wasn't scared but was impressed that Santa gave away candy canes (reminded me of Paul Schuller at that age). Later he decided that Santa's hat needed to come off.

The kids came up on the Sunday before Christmas to celebrate with us. It was great seeing everyone even for a short time. I really enjoyed seeing everyone visit. Seeing Shane and Xander play. Watching Beth and Lauren and Ashley talk and share experiences. Watching Xander with Melly and Loki (don't know who loved who more). Paul, Heath, and Ralph were perfect gentlemen. I am so proud of all of the kids. I know that everything I do is not perfect, but when I look at the adults they have become. I know I did something perfectly right. My darling husband bought me a shiny new ring too-when I am old (like I am now). I will wear purple.

Christmas isn't easy-don't make it harder

Christmas isn't easy for everyone. I know it's not. This year my kids will be missing a grandma that was very dear to them. Many, many years ago my grandmother went into the hospital on Christmas eve never to return to her home or loved ones. Once upon a time Dwight lost his grandpa that meant the world to him at Christmas time. When his family has the annual family Christmas party, and people talk about "Grandma and Grandpa" Dwight's eyes aren't smiling. I would do anything I could just to erase that glimpse of hurt that I see in his eyes, but I can't. That's one of the hardest things I've ever learned about myself-I can't fix everything. I've asked God and Santa for help on this one, but neither one is being very cooperative. There are so many people that need some help. I've tried so many times to have the "perfect" Christmas- and it doesn't exist. Christmas is just like happiness-it's what you make it. You can gripe about all the people you don't get to see, but why not celebrate the ones that you do? I can't see Lee this year, but I know Robyn will. I could be sad about missing out on this "sister" time, but I keep hearing them giggle as children. Goodness, they could really get into some messes. Now it's scarier but they've got wisdom and experience to help them out. I can only imagine what the two of them will do. I won't get to see Beth on Christmas Day, but I know she'll wake up in her husband's arms. I hope they remember to kiss under the mistletoe.  I'll get to celebrate with most of my kids early and my parents late, but I'll get to see them.  Everything won't be perfect-it never will be but snowballs don't have to be round to fly. Angels don't have to be seen to be felt.

Toy Run #1

 Today we (Dwight and myself) complete a toy run from the square in Harrison to the VFW in Jasper. This was the first toy run we have done. There were between thirty and forty bikes. I stopped counting at 31 and I'm sure I missed some because like little kids, bikers can't stay still for five minutes. We pulled off the square at exactly one o'clock because the bells on the square where ringing. Everyone lined up in staggered procession- and there were guards that blocked the stop signs and red lights so the group could stay together. All the toys couldn't fit under the tree- and I have no idea how much cash was collected, but it was a fun afternoon for a worthy cause.

Can I get an Amen?

I'm not knocking any religion. Really I'm not. But, at what point do the missionaries-soldiers of God-sharers of faith-get the point? No, I am not interested in joining your church. I have one that has currently disowned me because of a divorce. But, this new pope has the church rethinking its views on homosexuals and I figure divorcees aren't too far behind. Not holding my breath you understand. Does it not say something to  you that every three weeks when you stop to share your faith that I am in my pajamas? Yes, you can leave your literature. Let's discuss it after I've had a cup of coffee and am thinking straight-let's say sometime between midnight and one am. Put your number on the programs and I'll be sure to call then or maybe at my break sometime around 4 am. I really do admire the courage it takes to share your faith with strangers, but at this point in time- you know my name, where I live, and the colors of my slippers. How is it that the fact that I work all night continually slips your mind? That's right Sister, while you're all snug and comfy in your warm bed I'm out earning a pay check.

Bambi down

I got my first deer this season. A doe shot on the first day in modern gun. Fluffy was really impressed.

Fall 2013

If some of these seem a little off center, chalk it up to the fact that they were taken from the back of a Harley. This is part of the reason I love living in the Boston Mountains, but I did a terrible job of capturing all of the colors.

Kate on Kate

Doctors tell Dwight it is not a good idea for him to go horse back riding for an extended period of time due to the blood clots he has had in his leg. For me that means, I have to be willing to ride by myself on a horse that I can control in all situations. Sassy has been a wonderful horse and will always be my first-but it takes a strong hand to control her-and sometimes I don't think it's wise for me to ride her alone. So the decision was made for me to retire Sassy. I unexpectedly got a call to come look at a horse. She's shorter than Sassy. She's very gentle. I went to ride her and she responds well. I can climb on her, make her speed up and slow down, calm her when she acts up, and I can make her figure 8 and back up. The trainer that had her needed a younger horse. One with a little more pep in her step. Sassy was exactly what she was looking for. Did I mention the horse she wanted to get rid of was named "Kate"?  The trainer was very excited to get Sassy and I'm equally excited about having Kate join us.

Halloween

Halloween is fast approaching so I've been cruising pinterest. I think my Dracula gord might have been a miss, but the ghosts are nailed. Next year I'm trying the floating dresses out of chicken wire that look like ghosts. I honestly haven't decided if I'm dressing up for work this year. I work with a bunch of people that may or may not get into the spirit, but they have no problem scarfing down 3 dozen popcorn balls at 2 am. That's right good old popcorn balls made with corn syrup and sugar. Messy as all get out to make but oh so good. Another tradition-burning my fingers on the syrup trying to get the balls formed before the syrup hardens-nailed it again. Don't know why I've stocked up on toilet paper. 48 may be a little old to go rolling (may be). Have fun and hand out the good candy.

The Wedding

I can honestly say it's been a really long time since I've enjoyed a wedding this much. Beth started to hyperventilate before the bride's maids walked down the aisle and I know Jody had lost all of his color. She kept saying she had a surprise in store and I never could quite figure it out until I heard the first few strands of  "Ave Maria"-it has always been one of my favorites-and a favorite of my mother-in-law's too. I had it played for her at my wedding-and Beth had it sang at hers-maybe her daughter could have it played too? I hope so and I hope it ruins Beth's mascara too. I loved watching Beth and Jody dance together-that and the sparklers and the wonderful red velvet and all of the family around. I don't think it could have gotten any better-

A letter to the Bride (given to her the day of the Wedding)

My dearest Beth,




You know as I addressed this letter, it occurred to me that this will probably be the very last time I address something to Beth Schuller. That makes me smile and I remember when I walked down that aisle. I remember too my dad telling me all the way down the aisle “that it’s not too late. We can still make a run for it”. I won’t be walking you down the aisle, but I can still make the same offer. Seriously, if you change your mind-just scratch your nose and we’ll head for the hills. All the way up until the time that you say you do-we can still make a run for it. I’ve always loved you, but in the past few years I’ve come to love Jody too. He’s a very fine man that loves you as much as any man can love a woman. He deserves the very best. 100% of the very best-so if you’re not 100% sure-just scratch that nose. I want you to be as sure as the nose on your face that you want to do this.

Marriage isn’t always easy and it’s not always fun (no matter what there will always be whiskers in the sink) and good luck getting him to put the toilet seat down, but there’s no better feeling in the whole world than going to sleep with your best friend. Don’t take this love for granted. Not everyone finds someone that special. Just because you’re young doesn’t guarantee that there will be lots of tomorrows. Show him every day that you love him. Don’t just say the words-live them. Make him proud of you. He already thinks you’re the greatest thing since video games-let him keep thinking that and believing it.

Hold hands every chance you get. You can’t ever kiss him enough-and make each kiss count. Don’t ever go to bed angry (you won’t sleep anyway) and don’t argue about stupid things. It’s much more fun to cuddle and kiss than worry about whose turn it is to take out the garbage. Marriage is about being happy.

I wish you both all the happiness in the world. And my offer still stands-if you can’t promise him forever-just scratch. I’ll take it from there.

I love you and I know you will make the right decision because you’ve been taught well.

Toast

I'm writing this down so I can practice ahead of time-and try not to cry and not speak too fast and try to speak clearly. This is what is supposed to come out of my mouth tonight:

First of all, I'd like to thank everyone for taking time out of their busy lives to help Beth and Jody start theirs. Your presence and time is precious to them.
Secondly, I 'd like to thank the Carsons for an outstanding rehearsal dinner and an even more perfect groom. You've raised him well. He has excellent taste.
I'd also like to thank Mike Schuller. It wasn't easy raising a daughter to be this wonderful-I couldn't have done it without him. A special thanks to Patty and Dwight-for being the  step parents that they didn't have to be.
When Beth first asked me to be her matron of honor-after I finished crying-I thought about the beautiful young women that would stand beside her today. To all of the single men, I'm sorry but they're already spoken for.  So young and beautiful. I asked her to reconsider and she told me that there's no one else she'd have as her matron of honor-besides I wouldn't be the oldest one up there.But I am. You see there's a reason Jody has 2 boutoneier's on his lapel. His dad and his best man is watching from heaven.
I think it's really wonderful that Jody's dad has a special place in his heart and I have the same space in Beth's. I'm so glad that they have something in common other than their love of books, starbucks, and Zombies. Jody-please don't let her become a crazy cat lady-the vegetarian thing is bad enough.
This comes from an unknown author but "It is wriiten when Children find true love, parents find true joy. (Raise glass) Beth and Jody-"Here's to your love and our joy from this day forward" Congratulations.....!!!!!!!

Deer Season 2013 Day One

Yesterday was the very first day of Modern gun for doe in our zone which I believe is Zone 2. This means nothing to me except I know I need to read the book before I shoot. Apparently, different deer are legal at different times and the time also dictates what gun you can use. I'm at an extreme disadvantage because the hubster won't let me climb a stand with his bow-that AND  he has to pull it back for me. That and it's his bow. So this weekend, it's on. I can use my very own gun and shoot doe aka females and no horns. Walking to the stand, about a mile away, we scared one up. I didn't see it but it sounded like an elephant tearing through the brush. How in the devil it can make that much noise and not be seen is one of life's mysteries. I made it to my stand (the hubster even calls it MY stand) and climbed the 16 ft ladder to get inside. Where the bugs decided to feast on me for the next three hours. I swear the squirrels were making fun of me. The leaves and brush are still very full up here so it's hard to see anything moving through the brush. After staring at every twitching leaf for two hours, I finally saw a twitch of white tail and moved to put my gun into position. Unfortunately, the deer saw me at the same time-so deer 1 Kate 0.
But today, the sun doesn't come up for 2 more hours. I've had a good breakfast with lots of coffee. Packing the thermocell today (it's a device that repells bugs with no scent). Remembering to spray myself with the scent repellent.

Made it

So it's finally my Friday. Finally

and in other news. I would like to take the bike through Italy for purely religious reasons....

it seems Pope Francis will bless Harleys!

Second Childhood? I'm going there

I guess it all started with my hatred of shoes especially in the hot months. I went without shoes so much that the hillbillys were making fun of me. Then I started agreeing with people on facebook-yes, taking the bra off at the end of the day was one of the best feelings ever. And on the weekends-why bother? So on my day off, I consider it a major accomplishment that I put on something other than pjs before noon. I had to go to the store and it wasn't Walmart so pjs are kinda frowned upon. Once home, I started to change back into pjs and it occurred to me that I really didn't want to put them on either. Where is it written you have to clothes on? I brushed my teeth and my hair -shouldn't that be enough?  Relax-I put pjs back on (Lauren's coming over after work). Excuse me while I  go take my nap.

Dwight's Bday gift

Ok I'm a little a late posting this, but he has the fuel cap and drive cover to match.

Just sayin' this is easy to sing to

Bikes, Blues, and BBQ

This past weekend Fayetteville hosted their annual Bikes, Blues, and BBQ. Last year there were over 100,000 bikes-and this year topped even that. I can't believe the number of bikes and the rumbling of Harleys. You see lots of interesting people. The Lone Ranger and his side kick Tonto showed up on Dickson Street. The vibration from the noise was enough that I couldn't feel my phone go off. There was a man with a purple goatee that matched his bike. I didn't realize that they made motorcycle helments for dogs. The weather was wonderful and I got my first pin for my leather vest. There was a photographer set up in Eureka Springs taking pictures of bikes as they went by-after looking at several thousand pictures of bikes-I finally found ours...

Happy Birthday Robyn

 Happy Birthday to my younger sister Robyn. You see I have a younger sister and a baby sister and today is "younger's" birthday. Of course, I hope she has the best birthday ever-with lots of cake and fun. I kinda/sorta talked to her via social media, and I did tell her I loved her, but not how much. I didn't tell her how proud I am of her-she does so much juggling a career and family(kids that are really hers and those she adopts). I love that my kids call me with questions and tell me to call and ask "Aunt Robyn" what she thinks. I love that she takes good care of herself and those around her. May she have the best day ever !

Twerking to Beth and Lauren

  I've really tried to understand the whole concept of "Twerking" and I just don't get it. It's not sexy. It's not attractive. It doesn't look fun, but I think having the "Bell Butt" just might make it something I could do-if I am forced -that is. So please don't make me girls.

Letting go-been there

Someone asked me the other day if I was ready to let my oldest daughter go-because she's getting married. Truth is I let her go awhile back. It's not as if I had a choice or anything. She joined the military and moved on with her life. Sure, I get to take part ever so often but by the time she was 18 she was an adult-all of my kids were. So when she's "given" away at the wedding- it will mean that's really becoming part of another family. Starting her own. I guess I could be nervous for her-but really I think she has a good head on her shoulders in spite of her upbringing. When I cry (not even an if), it will be tears of joy. That she loves someone enough to want to spend the rest of her life with him-and he feels the same way. I hope the day is perfect. I hope the couple feels how much they are loved. My little girl has been gone a long time now. I've watched her become a woman. Now, I get to watch her become a wife. Nothing I can say can prepare her, but what a wonderful crazy ride.

Argument for Assault guns

OK.OK. I know the ordinary person doesn't need an assault weapon, but there are exceptions to every rule. Let's say a person wanted to kill a large number of coyotes that had killed a dozen chickens and a couple of precious turkeys and were around her horses. Realistically, you couldn't reload fast enough if they decided to charge. They are pack animals-wild and unpredictable. Kinda like a mildly, irrational female.

Happy Anniversary Dwight

Three years today.... I married one of my best friends. Hard to believe it's just been three years when I can't imagine my life without you. Thanks for trusting, believing, and loving me the way that you do...

Weekend!!!

O.k. so technically I have to work one more night before I can start my weekend, but it's jeans Friday and Marshall's Junkfest starts today so I'm already celebrating. After I work tonight, then it's a four day weekend with the hubster. That's right four whole days of freedom. We are  packing the bags on the Harley and going where the wind takes us. Hopefully, I'll be brave enough to wear my "leather" out in public, but you won't catch me texting while he drives down the road-just not coordinated enough to hold onto the phone and text and stay still-I think I may talk too much with my hands. Anyway, I ran across this today and it makes me laugh, because I will take something for a headache and no-I'm not giving up my beer.

Grand Champion

Yes this the Grand Champion  for the 2013 Newton County fair. Congratulations Dwight on Grand
Champ two years in a row!!

In remembrance

I'm still upset at the loss of my hens and chicks. When entering things in the fair, I entered some of the last eggs I got. These were particularly special because they are light green in color and the hen that layed these eggs are from a chicken that hatched out of the incubator. She was silver in color and I got to watch her grow up. The ribbon is Reserve Grand Champion.

on the road again

Normally, I'm right behind him-but I had to get off to take the picture(and more honestly to stretch my legs). You wouldn't think holding your legs in just one position would be very hard, but it is really hard. The cramps start in your toes around 60 miles then creep up to your calves around mile 80. Then about mile 100 or so your butt gets the cramp. When I can't feel anything, I ask him to pull over and he's pretty good about it so far. I just stand and start to dismount-which is really fun with a numb butt and no feeling in your toes. I know the ground will break my fall and it's there. We've put one thousand miles on the Harley in two weeks. No wonder my butt feels the way it does. It's been a lot of fun and I've learned a ton of valuable information. Let me share:
1. It's perfectly acceptable to answer questions with your mouth closed.
2. Dwight can swallow a bug and not gag. I prefer my protein to come from red meat.
3. You're supposed to wave at other bikers-and I truly hope they understand that at times, I'm hanging on for dear life-and that requires both of my hands. Sorry, no wave.
4.Temperatures can drop 20 to 30 degrees in seconds-just try crossing the White River.
5.Dead skunks are terrible when you drive by them in a car-on a motor cycle they are a wonderful appetite suppressant. (sweet Jesus please don't let him run over a snake)
6. Live squirrels are terrifying little bastards
7. Do not braid your hair to fall over your ears-it makes your helmet fit funny.
8. Do not squeeze the driver full force-even when he takes hair pin turns quickly. He must breathe to drive.
9.Rain at 50 mph hurts.
10. Never, never, ever fully trust the weather forecast.

Sometimes life isn't fair

Sometimes life isn't fair and if you're past the age of ten-you already know this. I know you shouldn't get too close to farm animals. I know this, but it doesn't stop me. We returned from Little Rock to find Alpha, Betta, and Charlie gone-not even a feather left. My chickens too-my roosters are ok, but no hens left. Geri's eggs were all destroyed. Poor girl-two nests and not one little turkey to show for all of her trouble. I wonder if she'll know what to do with a little one. Aflac and Huey are fine-quacking like crazy (they may have been tramatized). After all this, I haven't ventured out to look at the puppies. I know they're here and that Bailey is doing fine. She's eating everything in sight and looking like a million bucks. Pictures to come soon.

http://youtu.be/NLxknJKZV28

Chick update

So Alpha, Beta, and Charlie are growing. This is the last picture of them in the house. They have been moved to a "chick" pen outside after they escaped and went walking after midnight. Charlie is a little camera shy-she's hiding behind the water container. And else where on the farm,

if you look closely, you can see Geri's eggs. We may have little turkeys before long...it's a race to see if we have puppies or turkeys first. Sorry Bailey just looks too pitiful to take a picture of her-she looks like she swallowed a basketball.

Have you ever wondered?

Mental Pause

Ever wonder what it's like to live with someone going through the great change of life?
It's a barrel of monkeys. Wild, crazy unpredictable monkeys. Just ask Dwight. And here are a few samples...just a few mind you

Letting go of fear

I read a blog the other day of a girl losing her friend. About how important it is to live each day to the fullest because tomorrow isn't a given and it occurred to me that I've been holding back. There are several things I just haven't done because they scare me or they're a little inconvenient so I'm kicking things up a notch. I'm getting out of my comfort zone and doing some things that I haven't in the past-hopefully, I can blog about it later and let you know, but for now I'm posting some words of wisdom from pinterest..

Time ain't in a bottle

I wish I could put time in a bottle and save it-or make things last a little longer. But I can't.
So I'm doing this every chance I get...

Because before I know it this little man will be like this one

I swear he was just a baby yesterday....

Auto correct

 I'm getting used to the smart phone. I was really impressed with the way Beth used hers to gps directions-and I've seriously committed to doing this after watching her. It's been a couple of days since I've called someone between the hours of midnight and five am or hung up accidently using the blue tooth in the car. With all of these advancements, Auto correct is still getting my goat.  "Aw shit" has become "Aw shirt" which is probably not a bad thing, but then I was texting Paul. He was on a date with a girl named "Katherine" and I meant to say-yea she even spells good. It came out "she even smells good". Seriously, I am not in the habit of smelling my son's dates. Not yet anyway.

Tonight's gambling game

Tonight the gas station didn't have any of my favorite scratchers and so I divided my efforts between these two:

and I will have to finish my shift and comeback next week, but the $5.00 won will allow me to buy a powerball ticket for tonight.

My funny for today

So I'm trying not to offend anyone on facebook or show my true colors, but this is just too damn funny not to pass on...

Ahead of the game

Remember when I put my eggs in the incubator? They are supposed to start hatching on the 29th, but these little girls are early birds. Not quite old enough for worms yet.

Waking up

Me waking up in the middle of the night(before my alarm goes off) is never really a good thing. Sometimes, I have night mares-and I can never recall any of them unless they were induced by cold medicine. The one where I jumped on my unicorn to get away from the mushrooms that were chasing me was brought about by a combination of Niquil and vitamin c. I woke up the other night and got scared. It all started when I looked at the snoring creature next to me and it occurred to me that I love him as much as anything  that I haven't given birth to. And that alarms me-seven years ago at this time, I didn't even know he existed. How completely my world has changed. And it can stop now. I'm in a good place. I don't want anything to change. The kids are all doing well-following their dreams and making them realities. I have a grandchild-which makes me immortal. I know that I am loved every single day. I know things can get better-but they can get much, much worse and that's a gamble I don't want to take. Can I just push the pause button on life?

Day 6

So today is my sixth day of working. Sixty glorious hours of my life gone. For fun this week, I've make jam, fed the animals, and dusted. All that will change tonight, but today I'm like....

Planning

 Unfortunately, a lot of very special people won't be able to attend the nuptials in October.
Beth is playing with the idea of using this

and I really like it. Don't know if I can look at it without the appropriate mascara, but I like it.
And then I saw this...

and it just ruined any makeup I had left on my face.

Dumb people

 This for the lady in the drive thru that refuses to give me straws when the only thing I have ordered is a drink. And for the man who asks if I want help with a hundred pounds of horse feed. And the driver that is broke down on Hwy 5 in California but has no idea what town he's near(or what mile marker) but he knows he's on 5.