older not wiser

Monday mornings

2012-01-30T08:54:00.000-08:00

It's no accident that I'm in bed until 10 am on Mondays and yes, I realize that sometimes I'm in bed at 7 pm and that calculates to fifteen hours of sleep.But let's be fair-I don't sleep straight through(most nights)-have you really tried to drink more than eight glasses of water per day? Guaranteed you can't sleep eight hours straight. I also have a small dog that thinks he must go out every three or four hours-so after Dwight leaves at three-guess who gets dog duty at 6 am. You can't just let him out-you have to let him back in too-or he will almost beat the door in trying to get your attention.
I know that I will be up until 2 or 3 am-because of work-so I try to keep my schedule the same Monday through Friday and every Monday I wake up the same way. I scoot a little bit closer to the warm spot next to me and try not to wake him up. He scoots further away and I scoot over. Some where around 3 am he deserts me for work and my brain does not register this so I keep scooting over-until I reach the floor or dog duty wakes me up.Happy Monday.

Karma courtesy of "Pinterest"

2012-01-26T18:17:00.000-08:00

A whole lotta crap on pinterest just cracks me up especially the little quotes related to Karma.
My favorite-"Karma is only a bitch if you are" and a close second "Dear Karma I have a list of people you missed"..

Dear Robyn

2012-01-23T22:36:00.000-08:00

Dear Sister-I hope you appreciate my restraint. I played 20 questions with your daughter for more than 5 hours. She wanted to know were you wild and crazy-to which I just laughed. She wanted to know if you cared about your appearance-of course! She wanted to know if you wore anything crazy-don't remember anything out of the ordinary.I should have told her about you peircing your own ears, but that might have come back to haunt me. She wanted to know what you got in trouble for(went really easy on you on this one-ha ha). She wanted to know if you really played soccer-of course-and you were a cheer leader too. I told her that I don't ever remember you wearing your hair in a pony tail until after high school but that your hair was always incredibly neat. That you were a fast runner and even faster swimmer. Do you remember when you and Lee did dives off the highest board at Willow Springs? I could never watch for very long because the sheer height scared the hell out of me. She wanted to know if we fought-I told her of course-all siblings do-and I remember that you got really pissed if someone used your eye shadow and didn't put it back in order(I think Lee got blamed once when it was me). All in all-it was a good trip down memory lane. You've got quite a little lady on your hands.

Newest Obsession (i.e.Pinterest)

2012-01-18T20:14:00.000-08:00

One of my friends from work turned me on to a truly addictive website called "Pinterest." It's got crafts-made a soap dispenser, garden rocks, coasters. It's got recipes-baked bacon,zebra cake, 7 up biscuits, cinamon cake, cowboy casserole and a few other things. It's got little motivating quotes and ideas. Lots of ideas. Directions on making laundry detergent and planting pineapple.
The next project is one for New Year's Eve-you take a jar. Write down something that made you smile or laugh on a piece of paper and place it in that jar. On New Year's Eve you get to read all of the papers that you have put into the jar(assuming there is more than one).I'm excited about this(Beth thinks she might do this too). I already have something very important to write down and put in my "Smiley Jar" but it's a secret so I'm waiting til it's safe to write it down. I can't wait to write it down and put it in that jar-but can't risk someone finding the jar and spoiling the surprise.
And then there's this weekend. Rowan's first Birthday-Casey's road trip-Hopper-and Austin. Something tells me my little piece of paper won't be lonely for long.

25 foods

2012-01-14T10:04:00.000-08:00

Playing on facebook the other day-I took a quiz on 100 foods that everyone must try -so surprised that sushi wasn't listed. Neither was Belgian chocalate or french bread. But I guess people from different places have different views on what MUST be tried so being from the 25th state to join the Union I offer up my own version of foods/drinks that must be tried-especially if you're to say you've been to Arkansas.
1. Fried Green Tomatoes (this was on their list too)
2. Chocalate Gravy
3.grits
4.Cornmeal gravy-you gotta try it-it's much better than it sounds
5.Frog legs
6.Crawdads
7.Fried venison
8.Morrel mushrooms (again this was on their list)
9.Home made hominy-I just thought the canned stuff was good-the home made version is incredible
10.Sassafras tea
11.Sun tea-made in jar-outside-in the heat
12.Moonshine
13.blackberry cobbler
14.Spiked watermellon(better not use moonshine for this)
15.Pickled okra
16.muscadine wine
17.pecan pie
18.wild plum jam
19.pawpaws
20.trout
21,crappie
22.catfish
23.polk salad
24.turnip greens
25.fried chicken gizzards-don't judge until you've eaten one-the best come from the Shell gas station on 167 S.

Nine days and counting

2012-01-10T10:28:00.000-08:00

Yes nine days til I make a road trip with my mom and neice to see Rowan the Red party his diaper off. I'm really pretty excited to see my neice for an extended period of time and then my nephews that are still small enough to spoil and love and cuddle.I'm packing clothes that don't stain-looking into some new running/walking shoes(toddlers tend to be incredibly quick) and in general staying well.How old do kids have to be before they get their own sound system? Maybe something a little quieter-that doesn't eat or poop.

Resolutions

2012-01-10T01:44:00.000-08:00

I didn't post my new year's resolutions-they're pretty typical-lose weight.
Do one thing a month to save money(why-so I can spend it on something else). My January project was to make my own laundry detergent-and I did and I love it-and so far it's working really good. Last year, I tried a new recipe every month-and that has become an obsession-now I'm actually limiting myself to one new one a week-with a promise to throw the ones that Dwight doesn't like away(Cowboy sushi goes but Cowboy casserole stays).

Last ride 2011

2011-12-31T14:40:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-24T18:34:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-20T22:37:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-15T17:15:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-11T13:36:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-10T14:13:00.000-08:00

Don't Piss me Off

2011-12-06T22:58:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-05T19:12:00.000-08:00

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

2011-12-02T16:28:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-30T22:21:00.000-08:00

"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

2011-11-30T17:16:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-23T15:53:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-11T16:21:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-08T16:52:00.000-08:00

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

2011-11-04T09:04:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-31T08:47:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-16T10:12:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-16T10:03:00.000-07:00

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

2011-10-05T21:35:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-30T02:28:00.000-07:00

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

October

2011-09-29T23:00:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-25T14:42:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-12T09:52:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-10T09:46:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-08T17:21:00.001-07:00

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

Graceland

2011-09-07T09:56:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-04T05:03:00.000-07:00

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

2011-09-03T12:25:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-28T06:43:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-27T16:29:00.000-07:00

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

Taking care of the "Bucket List"

2011-08-27T12:25:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-13T17:15:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-06T01:59:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-28T11:08:00.000-07:00

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

RIP Mr. Jennings Osborn

2011-07-27T22:14:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-26T09:48:00.000-07:00

Animals on the trip

2011-07-24T07:01:00.000-07:00

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..."

2011-07-23T09:02:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-21T05:04:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-20T05:44:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-19T05:37:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-14T21:22:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-12T21:58:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-11T17:37:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-10T17:05:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-05T17:04:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-04T01:02:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-03T16:40:00.000-07:00

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?

2011-07-02T13:48:00.000-07:00

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

2011-07-02T13:42:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-26T18:51:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-24T22:52:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-19T12:59:00.000-07:00

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

2011-06-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

just hanging out

at the bridge at Cotter

Hi ya'll

Things I've learned recently

2011-06-14T21:54:00.000-07:00

1. I'n not as young as I once was-only had 4 hours sleep last night and eternal rest sounds pretty good right now.
2. It's really not necessary to wear my glasses in the shower-they don't do much good and I should know where everything is at by now.
3.It's hard to wipe sweat from your eyes with those glasses on.
4.My arms have shrunk because it's harder to paint my toenails now.
5.I can drink eight cups of coffee long before I will ever drink eight glasses of water.

Is he the one?

2011-06-13T22:44:00.000-07:00

One of my girls asked:"Mama, think he's the ONE for me?"
I wish I was really Johnny on the spot and answered-what does your heart tell you or even better what is God telling you. But, I screwed up and just said-does he make you happy?
But then I redeemed myself just a wee bit because I told her when you find love in your twenties forever can be a really, really long time.
I wanted to tell her that you can't find the love of your life so early,but when I think of Marty and Mike and a couple of others-I just can't. There are some people that have been married over 60. years and love their spouse with every fiber of their being. It happens-not very often, but it happens. I asked Mr. Schuller if there was anything he needed-and he told me the only thing he ever needed was standing in the doorway-there stood his wife of 65 years.I still believe in love in first sight, happily ever after, and dreams come true-and if this man is her dream. Then I learn to deal with it and wish her the best, but if he breaks her heart-I'm kickin' some ass. With that said, I feel much better about the whole subject.

Back yard

2011-06-12T19:31:00.000-07:00

This the view from the back yard. Dwight has a new camera-can't wait to play with it!

Signs, signs, every where signs

2011-06-05T12:08:00.000-07:00

So, I'm at work watching the weather channel-it plays constantly. Jim Cantore is touring the bayou and drove by a sign that read (and I'm serious) "Warning Alligators are Dangerous"- this cracks me up. Bet the same sign company made signs that read "Warning River is Wet" and "Warning Volcano is Hot". Do alligators look cute and cuddly to morons?
Maybe they think the alligator has his mouth open smiling and showing off his pearly whites. Grinning for the tourist cameras. More like getting ready to eat the cameras and arms attached.

Goodbye 1983

2011-06-02T10:12:00.000-07:00

My mom brought a couple of boxes with my things in them. I started going through the boxes and have decided that my research papers from 1983 can be shredded. Same goes for the love letters and a couple of pictures best forgotten. I wish I could say I was just shredding one paper but I kept several and have no idea why. Those nuns certainly made me write a lot.

Thoughts and Prayers

2011-06-01T02:06:00.000-07:00

These are my thoughts and prayers going out to my sister as she loses her sister-in-law. I know she's hurting and I wish I could make the hurt go away. She's crying for her neice and nephew as they lose the only mother they've ever known and knowing how hard she's crying makes me cry too. I pray that her death ends the suffering for that family and that it doesn't fall on someone's birthday. I don't know how to lose a mother or a daughter and my heart breaks for these children and their grandparents. I wish there were some magic words to say to make everything better-but no words can take away the pain or grief-so I'm asking God to speed it up. Make things better for these people.Please.

Saturday's from the back portch

2011-05-28T20:23:00.000-07:00

Sat on the back portch enjoying a drink and trying to get a picture of this little guy or one of his buddies.

Happy 21st Paul

2011-05-22T04:40:00.000-07:00

Today my son is twenty-one and I would post pictures that I took of him yesterday, but I didn't take any. Sometimes, I get tired of being a nerd in his eyes so I just ate my lunch and listen to him talk and it was good.
I hope that he's ok this morning-Dickson Street was part of his plans last night and there were a few posts on facebook while he was still sober enough to push the buttons.
Sometimes it's hard to accept the fact that he would rather be out with his friends instead of being with me-but who really wants a clingy son at 21? I'm glad that he has tons of friends and has made the most of college life. There was a time when I was the first person that he saw in the morning, the last person he saw in the evening, and the only woman that he wanted to kiss but that time has passed.
Sam posted a picture of Hopper wearing nothing but boots and it made me laugh and laugh-the photo was great and it reminded me so much of pictures I had taken long ago-of a little boy in his grandma's sink, swimming naked in a wade pool-mooning mom for the camera- and so many others. I mourn the loss of my baby boy but there is so much pride and love for the man he has become.
I really don't think he has time to read his mother's blog so if you talk to him tell him that I'm thinking of him, want nothing but the best for him, and love him more than life itself.

Growing

2011-05-01T11:30:00.000-07:00

No this isn't another post about gardening-though I couldn't resist posting a picture of a zinna that I grew from seed. Our house hold has grown to include Dwight's younger son, Heath. I was worried that his being here might make me miss Paul more-nothing can make me miss him more than I do-it's just part of him living his dreams and me being strong enough to let him.Heath loves animals-good thing. He tolerates Chalupa and Vixie very well and sometimes he helps Lauren feed the horses. Which I find extremely amusing, because he says he hates horses. Lauren has yet to talk him into riding with her but I think she asks on a daily basis. I love to hear them laughing together-as long as it's not at my expense. He plays the guitar and loves an old song called "White Lightin" which is quickly becoming one of my favorites. I also learned this morning he can play keyboard. Lauren looked at me the other day and said-"You know you have five kids now, right?" to which I replied -"You're in what year of college? and you just figured that out" Ohh she got me back-she left her fishin' worms in the refrigerator with a lid not tightly secured. I've always wanted more kids so it's easy for me to let one more into my heart but God's looking out for me because Heath's heart is big enough to love his mom and stepmom too.

Dogwood tour

2011-05-01T11:09:00.000-07:00

the view from my mail box

During spring time, some of the people offer "Dogwood Tours" through mountain roads-don't waste your money. Just take Hwy 7 or come up our driveway. Sweet tea is ready.

national holiday

2011-04-29T23:07:00.000-07:00

Today is national hair ball day-seriously. Google it. Personally, I rank hairballs right up there with ticks. Now I'm wondering if ticks have their own holiday too. Which would really suck-lol- time for a beer or two.

Growing

2011-04-11T09:24:00.000-07:00

Dwight and I have been busy in the garden, green house, and yard. The pear tree is growing good. The grape vines have been trimmed and tied up. The rasberries are budding out. The blueberry bush has blooms on it. We lost some strawberries due to the late cold but we still have around 35 plants going strong. The brocolli is still green. The onions and garlic are starting to scare me. Peppers, bell and jalenpeno, are planted on the back portch and look good. The mint is expanding. We eat lettus and scallions from the green house on a weekly basis. The zinnas and marigolds started in the green house are now outside. Some of the tomatoes in the green house have made it outside. That's a lot to take care of-so I'm sure I need to go water something.

"on Star"

2011-03-24T20:54:00.000-07:00

When I told my hubby about what I do at my job,he said that I'm "onstar" for the drivers and when I think about it-he's right. Need a tow out of the ice in Kalamazoo, Michigan-I'll find the tow truck. Need a repair on a blown turbo engine in Bucksnort, Tennessee-I'm on it. Headlights out in Lake Havasu, New Mexico-I'm you're man, but I also get to answer the accident line. We counted ten deer strikes in one night. Add that to the wild hogs running the roads and you'd think armageddon was near. And everyone once in a while you get a call that sticks with you.
I answered and the driver was shook up pretty bad so I talked to the officer on the scene. The words-drunk driver-nothing could be done-brought back so many memories I almost expected him to say she's gone.
But no little girl was killed in this accident-no driver either. He was upset that his perfect safety record was gone.
The other driver? I honestly have no idea.And I've been praying a lot about this-because I don't want him out on the road again. I don't want him dead, but I don't want him driving again either. I think about my kids driving to Little Rock on winding roads. I think about Beth going home late at night. I think about my sister with her two innocent babies, and my neice and nephew that'll soon be getting their learner's permits. If a professional driver with 20 years experience can't avoid a drunk driver-what about the rest of us?

46

2011-03-18T01:19:00.000-07:00

Damnn...I'm old. That's what I keep telling myself, but I don't really feel old. What I feel is really, really blessed. I've watched my kids and my siblings grow up into wonderful adults. My siblings are great parents that have begat some great kids. My neices and nephews are really cool people in their own rights. I've been fortunate enough to watch my parents find love a second time around and I love my step parents so much I can't imagine my life without them. I've been given my own second chance-and though my stepkids have wonderful moms of their own-they have hearts big enough to love me too. All of this couldn't have come about in just one day and so I'm glad the years have been given to me..so I can see it all and experience it..and love it.

A big thank you to Lauren for making me my first confederate birthday cake ever.

Happy St. Pat's

2011-03-17T15:31:00.000-07:00

May your troubles be less
and your blessings be more
and may nothing but happiness pass through your door

Birthday Girl

2011-03-08T01:02:00.000-08:00

Nineteen years ago my baby came into this world. I don't care if she's eighty-she'll always be my baby and when I say that I think of all the ways in which she isn't a baby anymore. She's grown up so much and I'm sure she'll keep growing-experiencing all that life has to offer. On her birthday as she receives all sorts of well wishes, I think I got the best gift of all- a daughter that I'm proud of...not just for what she's done...but who she is....a real woman to be reckoned with. I hope she never changes and that her blessings outnumber the hills in the Ozarks.

Freedom of Speech-one more try

2011-03-04T06:39:00.001-08:00

ok here goes-one more blog on Freedom of Speech and maybe I won't cry or get red in the face when I read the news. The courts have ruled that the church can protest at military funerals. This is the same court system that said I couldn't say anything about a certian person on my own tiny little insignificant blog. Let's compare-I have TWO followers-either of which would bring me down in a nanosecond if I did something that needed censoring-and the protesters-hundreds at a funeral. Who can do the most damage? Why weren't these protesters out on I40 two weeks ago when the military helped hundreds of stranded motorists find snow shelters in the snow storm? Maybe cold weather isn't their thing so let's head south. All along I-95 there are soldiers fighting with firemen and local authorities to keep the wild fire under control-they could bring the signs that read "Soldiers burn in Hell" with some heat. Maybe too hot. Let's head further north-anywhere along the banks of the Ohio river where thousands of National Guardsmen are filling sandbags with sand-let them protest there.Not at a funeral. Not when someone is saying goodbye to a loved one. Come on people this is supposed to be the greatest country in the world-sometimes being good means doing something hard-like saying no and standing up for what's right and more importantly what's decent. I hope I never have to attend another military funeral. I pray that I don't and I pray just as hard that if I do I won't see any protesters there.

Daffodils

2011-02-22T23:35:00.000-08:00

I talked to Mom the other day and she happened to mention that the daffodils were up and blooming. I didn't have to ask where because for years she and I had planted some between our driveways along the road. It's a beautiful sea of yellow from her driveway to what used to be my driveway. Part of me still wishes that I could be there to see it and that it was still my driveway, but I have to smile too. I've left something beautiful behind-something that someone else will enjoy for years to come. I wonder if some little girl with brown hair will stop and pick some for her mom or grandma. I sure hope so. I've picked daffodils for years and my kids have too. There's nothing like getting your own bouquet of handpicked flowers. I remember vases of yellow everywhere-the kitchen, every bedroom, the mantel by the fireplace, and even the bathrooms. These pretty yellow flowers pop up at the very beginning of spring as if to say "hang on Spring's almost here" and by the time the flowers wilt. Spring really is here. So, they've always meant something special to me because I know something beautiful is just around the corner. One year it was my daughter. And, yes, I've planted some by the driveway again.

Redneck Woman Day

2011-02-20T11:55:00.000-08:00

Yeah, I said it. "Redneck Woman" Day in honor of my favorite Redneck Woman-Mrs. Karon Bell aka "G-K'.
She loves to fish, but can't swim a lick. Drinks beer with her boys(and girls too) and loves a man that proudly displays the Conferderate flag. Seriously, you gotta have some serious redneck in you to love a man like my dad. Hope her day is as sweet as her tea.

The other food group

2011-02-19T15:05:00.000-08:00

Every month, I'm trying a new recipe-last month, it was cornmeal gravy which I have mastered. It's pretty good and quite an accomplishment since most of my gravy has come from a mix or jar. Now this month is "Chocolate Cobbler".That's right. Instead of using fruit in a cobbler-you use chocolate. I always knew chocolate should be included in the food groups.

Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-14T07:28:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day to my sweetie. The same man that worked in excess of 60 hours and still found time to make snow ice cream and take a Sunday drive. The man that knows how I like my coffee, taters, and eight hours of sleep. The one that hates cats and hasn't killed the one that does the Indy 500 down the hallway each night after bedtime. He knows when I need a hug, kiss, or both and always finds the time to give them to me. He's proud of who I am-not who I'll be and that means the world to me. Last year he gave me his name and he has my heart. May this be the first of many, many Valentine's Day for US.

Wonderful Weekend in January

2011-01-30T14:13:00.000-08:00

There's being outdoors and enjoying being outdoors. Saturday morning, Lauren and I went for a two mile walk(trying to gear up for walking with Birdrunner). It was sunny and warm. Temperatures eventually reached over seventy degrees. After returning from our walk and drinking some much needed water. We saddled up and went for a two hour ride. Lauren's dog, Lady, tagged along and provided a little extra entertainment-first she chased an armadillo. The armadillo curled up and Lady had to see what that was all about. Then, Lady layed down in the Buffalo River. Coming back, she decided that wasn' t cool enough so she went swimming in some much deeper water. Sassy and Daisy chowed down on some fresh grass and some bamboo. Dinner was some chicken spahetti, salad, and garlic bread.
Sunday, we took Lauren's car to the shop. I did a little work at Fedex. Then we ate some chinese (yea! Sushi and mongolian grill). Then Lauren took a much needed nap while Dwight and I played "Monkey in the Middle" with Chalupa and played in the dirt in the greenhouse. I'm excited that some of my flowers are already coming up. Now to surf the internet while chilli gets done in the crockpot.

My Corporate World

2011-01-28T11:02:00.000-08:00

As you may have deducted from my lack of posts, I have a job. It's working for Fedex Freight at the Corporate Office in Harrison. We employ a little more than 1400 people. Yea, I know Harrison doesn't have that many people but the people come from all over-Bergman, Marshall, Pyatt, and other parts of Newton and Boone county. This is the headquarters. The main place. Where it all happens. The building itself is really nice-and the people aim to keep it that way. I work a ten hour shift and see the housekeepers at least three times a day. I think the lady cleaning the restroom waits for someone to leave so she can go sanitize it again. The lights are controled by sensors-they come on when someone walks into the room. You wave your hands in front of the paper towel dispenser and your towel appears. The doors have lips to open them so you don't have to touch where someone else has touched.The breakrooms are fitted with ice machines that disperse the good ice-the soft, crunchy kind like you get at Sonic. They furnish the cups too-not just any plastic cups, but biodegradable plastic cups-you can't leave them full of water over night because they'll disentergrate. These people are serious about being kind to the enviroment-everyone saves their cans or gives them to someone who does. The coffee machine will let you use your own cup (to reduce the use of paper cups). I forgot to bring my own cup to the machine and figured what the hell-and got coffee in a paper cup. I was told "Not cool Newbie". The guy was smiling when he said it but I think he was serious-later the person sitting next to me went through my trash to make sure that I had put all of the paper to be recycled into the correct trash can. Did I mention some of these people transferred from Arizona and California? Tree Huggers with a capital "T", but they seem to be a nice bunch.

Looking back

2011-01-13T05:44:00.000-08:00

While on facebook, I was looking at pictures that one of my former girl scouts has posted of her child and I was thinking how incredibly fast mine have grown up which was all kinda ironic since I had a dvd from 1983 playing in the background. That skinny kid with feathered hair is yours truly. Our class made a production of where we wanted to be in ten years...I wanted to have four kids and an engineering degree. Funny how wanting to have kids came first and being a mother is something that has made the biggest difference in my life.
Someone asked to be my friend on Facebook and it's weird to sum up your life in just a couple of sentences. I could write volumes but who would read it? Here's where I really look back-what made Dad ask Karon out the first time? More importantly why did she accept? What's mom's favorite thing about Mike? How did Ralph and Betty meet for the first time? How did my grandparents meet? What made them fall in love? Someone should have wrote this down for me so I'd know. I came across a baby book for Dwight-his Grandma made it-her handwriting is so neat and there's so many interesting facts in the book, but the most important one is how much she loved him. Write it down. Make those memory books or take the pictures and just make notes.

The Tuesday that turned into a Monday

2011-01-11T08:31:00.001-08:00

I shoulda known something was up when I awoke at three and started to fix Dwight a hot breakfast only to discover my clock is totally screwed and it was really just two am. Good thing I didn't wake him-he would not have been amused. Temperature a chilly 20 degrees.
Then I couldn't really go back into deep slumber because my stomach was in knots just thinking about going down the hill to Jasper on black ice. Got a text warning me about black ice sometime before 5. Temperature has dropped to 18 degrees.I don't know which was worse me thinking about driving on ice or me thinking about Lauren driving on ice-I decided it would be better if I took her so one of us could go for help if the situation arose. Sometime around seven my stepson informed me he was taking Lauren to work (yea-Love the kid).
So off the kids went to town and the temperature dropped to 16. The horses seem immune to the cold and wanted their grain. Immediately. And it started snowing again. I throw on some really warm, thick sweats and head out to feed the chickens and impatient horses. This usually only takes ten minutes so I didn't think about grabbing any gloves(big mistake). I throw some feed to the chickens and they look at me like I'm nuts-they aren't coming outside for anything. Then, I grab the two buckets of feed-lucky me I notice the step to the tack room is iced so I avoid it and start down the hill. This is where I fall the first time, but I don't spill any grain and the horses are not amused at my lack of progress down the hill. So I get going again and slide two or three times before I get down. I'm almost to the first feeding bucket and wham I fall the second time. This time-I do spill a little bit of grain and the horses look at me like-hurry before you spill any more. I slide to the other buckets and everybody gets fed and I start up the hill. By this time, my hands are completely numb and I'm really wet from frolicking in the snow on my butt. Then I fall going up the hill. I might have caught myself if my damn hands weren't numb, but who in the hell falls going up a hill? I think I heard the horses snicker.
I'm going back to bed with a good book.

Bucket list 2011

2011-01-08T08:23:00.000-08:00

The last time I did a bucket list was 2008. I had 5 things listed.
1. Go on a cruise (done-such a great time)
2. See all three of my kids in college (done-one is fixin' to graduate)
3. Take a hot air balloon ride.
4. See the Grand Canyon.
5.Have my passport stamped several times.

so let's do this again shall we?
1. See the Grand Canyon.
2. Ride "maid of the mist"
3. Take that hot air balloon ride.
4. Take part in a marathon.
5. Get a new passport with my married name and have it stamped at least three times.

Resolutions 2011

2011-01-05T06:05:00.000-08:00

I know that 2011 is well underway, but I'm hoping if I write these resolutions down I'll be more prone to keeping them. Coming up with 11 is hard, but I'll try.
1. Lose weight-I know, I've done this a million times before but this time I have a reward system in place. I want to lose 50 by my birthday and then I'll go see the spring butterflies at the Butterfly Palace in Branson.
2.Try one new recipe each month-I did this last year-and managed it all the way through the year-this month is already done(Cornmeal gravy once made with water and once with milk).
3. Call an old friend once a month. Not necessarily the same old friend each month, but your past has made you what you are.
4. Learn something new each month and write it down (learned to reset the odometer for oil changes on the yaris).
5. Do something special for someone once a week-if they notice or acknowledge it in any way it doesn't count and you have to start over. This is actually a lot more fun than it sounds and it can be as easy as making sweet tea.
6.Try to drink 8 glasses of water each day(I hate drinking water when it's cold outside and can't remember the last time I drank 8 glasses in one day)
7. Try to eat two servings of vegetables each day(this ought to be interesting).
8.Try to read one book a month-I used to read volumes, but since I've started wearing glasses I really don't read that much anymore.
9. Date Dwight-no really, do something fun that just involves being together which can be hard with all the chores and responsibilities of every day life.
10. Have a Christmas fund in place-you know so I can go crazy on Black Friday or Cyber Monday.
11. Redo my bucketlist.
Ha-found eleven that I think I can do.

Ten for 2010

2010-12-31T13:43:00.000-08:00

As 2010 ends, I'm sharing ten things I've learned this year so you'll already be smarter than me.

1. The best traditions aren't planned-and so I'll hang the ugliest stockings on the planet again next year-and try to snap as many pictures of kids with their hands in the air while the countdown goes on.
2. I won't die if I get thrown from a horse-I'll be in pain for days, but I won't die.
3. Just because kids are grown, doesn't mean they don't need their mommy-they still do (a little less frequently).
4. It is possible to make edible biscuits and gravy from scratch.
5. My husband can eat a lot of bad things, but sushi isn't one of them(God bless his little tummy).
6. Horses are a lot like dogs-they like to be fed at a certain time, they love to be petted, they play, they respond to a certain voice, they love treats, and will run others away from the food bowl. They also come if you yell "here doggie".
7. Some people will always cry to movies and songs on the radio-I'm one of them so don't even ask if I switch the station.
8. Learning is fun and it doesn't ever get old-I shot my first deer, made jerky for the first time, caught trout, jumped a creek on a horse.
9.Laughter really is the best medicine.
10.Just because you say goodbye, doesn't mean you forget (RIP Daddy-o)

Christmas Eve

2010-12-24T07:04:00.000-08:00

I'm watching the weather-hoping the snow will hold off so we can make a trip to Little Rock to see my family. Tonight I'll spend some time with my new father and sister-in-law and I wonder what kind of new traditions will spring.
Lauren and Chris have already gone through their stockings. Poor Heath hasn't stirred just yet.
I've decided the tree will stay up at least til New Year's.
Time to go drink some Bailey's and coffee.

Not three-Please

2010-12-22T09:38:00.000-08:00

An old superstition is that bad things happen in threes. I'm hoping it's wrong. There was this kid that worked at FedEx for a little while that took his life Monday night. His older sister is 24. I don't know what pushed him over the edge-all I can think about is his mother. She's one of the moms that would move a mountain for her child. Then, Tuesday night, my step son's friend lost his battle with cancer. That young man never saw thirty. Two deaths of very young people.
That's enough. Remember every day is a gift-not a given. Kinda reminds me of something that a very old, wise nun made me recite in Chemistry

I have only just a minute
Only sixty seconds in it
Cast upon me
Didn't see it
Didn't choose it
But it's up to me to use it
I must suffer if I lose it
Give account if I abuse it
I have only just a minute
But eternity is in it

Computer gliches

2010-12-18T11:22:00.000-08:00

For some unknown reason, I can't post pictures to my blog. This is horrible to me.I have so many cute pictures to post and it's not even Christmas yet. This SUCKS. Bigtime.
Other than not being able to post pictures on my blog, I've been keeping busy. The horses have their winter fur and are very fat. I rode for two hours the other day and have another ride planned tomorrow.
The chickens are still laying eggs and have learned to use the nesting bins inside the coop.
All of Christmas is bought. Not wrapped, but bought.
School is out for the winter break. Beth made all A's(and in her senior year too). Secretly, I'm hoping that we don't have a repeat of her high school-she was less than one tenth of a point from graduating as an honor student-right now she is less than one-tenth of a point from being an honor student. Paul was close-he made one B, but he's working hard in nursing school. Have no idea of Lauren's grades, but she never really wanted to go this semester anyway so anything is better than not going at all.
I made fudge and Dwight said it was too sweet. Honey, no such thing as too sweet when it comes to fudge. Tried to make divinity and it was a complete disaster as are my biscuits lately. On the positive side, my jerky rocks.

Love Christmas

2010-12-10T06:00:00.000-08:00

As you may have noticed, I'm counting down the days to Christmas. Why? Because I love Christmas. I love knowing that I'll get to spend some time with my family-it's a given. I love wrapping. I love the parties, the songs on the radio, the lights, the possibility of snow, eggnog and cookies.
I like waking up a little bit cool and snuggling under the covers for a couple of more minutes. I like hot cocoa with marshmellows. I love thinking about Hopper and all that my sister is explaining to him. I love thinking about my kids when they were little. I love thinking about my neices and nephews and how crazy it gets.
I love that at this time of year people are not afraid to let others know how much they are loved. I wish that it would happen all year long.

15 days

2010-12-10T05:54:00.000-08:00

That's right fifteen days til Christmas. Yikes, how do you wrap a basketball so that it doesn't look like a ball? Just a few things to get. Less than ten really.Then it's time to make CHRISTMAS COOKIES. Green ones shaped like trees, gingerbread men (and women), glittering stars, snickerdoodles, and I may even go for pinwheels-multiple colors that swirl.
Interview yesterday was great.
Gun is loaded-waiting for some help to get here so I can hunt mistletoe.

Here's Hoping Third Time is the Charm

2010-12-09T03:48:00.000-08:00

Today I go for yet another job interview. I'm not complaining-finally, I'm getting calls to come in for interviews, but I really want this job. So wish me luck and I've only got an hour to get ready which means I won't overdo the makeup.

Trying to Understand... Baby Boxes

2010-12-08T05:46:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I noticed that my daughter's eyemakeup was a little smudged and asked her if anything was wrong. She replied nothing was wrong. She had just gotten a little teary eyed going through her baby box. She obviously didn't want to talk about it so I let the matter drop and vowed to investigate.
Early this morning, after she left for exams, I got out her baby box. I don't know how many mothers have created baby boxes, but I got the idea from my mother-in-law. It's just a box with things thrown in-with hopes of organizing it one day. My kids are 22, 20, and 18 and I've never organized these boxes. They have scrap books and baby books that are somewhat organized, but the baby boxes remain unorganized chaos. I've tried.I haven't worked in three months, but nothing in those boxes will ever hit the trash with me doing the organizing.
There's finger prints courtesy of boy scout and girl scout safety days. There are report cards and progress reports. There are birthday cards. Some team pictures for basketball and softball. It holds uniforms for girl scouts, softball, and dance.
What made her cry? Was it the pictures-taken at Christmas time? She probably didn't realize those were her very first Christmas pictures. Maybe it was the baby outfit, but she wouldn't know that was what she wore home from the hospital. She was too young to remember the Baptismal candle or most of the artwork saved in the box. She might remember the stuffed fox that she held during a beauty pageant(she refused to give it up and no bribing would work).
I really don't know what made her cry, but it made me cry too. I miss my "little" babies, but part of my tears were for joy. I'm so glad that there are so many happy memories tucked away in those three boxes. I'm so glad that I was too busy living life to organize it. Let chaos reign.

21 days and Counting

2010-12-04T13:13:00.000-08:00

OK Sandy Claws-only three weeks until the big day. Are you ready? I get a little bit more ready everyday. I've even started making candy(rum balls need to sit for at least three weeks). My kids ask what I want. Well.. let me tell you and good luck on the wrapping. I want to know that all five of my kids are happy and healthy and looking forward to the upcoming year. I want my husband to enjoy good health and a little less work time. I want to hug all four of my parents. I want to kiss underneath the mistletoe. Peace on Earth would be nice too.

24 and counting

2010-12-01T05:03:00.000-08:00

24 days to Christmas and 24 things I need to do
1. finish addressing Christmas cards
2. wrap presents
3.put light on portch
4. make cocoa
5. do laundry
6.feed chickens
7.gather eggs
8. bring in wood
9.wash more dishes
10. put up the dry ones
11. hide the mesquite jerky from the kids
12. give Chalupa a bath
13.go over recipes
14. look for jobs
15.take a nap
16. redo list after nap
17.bring in mail
18.burn junk mail
19. think about cleaning car (it's 30 outside now-must warm up to wash it)
20.remind Beth about Cd
21.take vitamins
22.read email (maybe I got a job)
23. vacuum
24. fix dinner (actually it's deer and taters)

Hung by the chimney

2010-11-28T09:19:00.000-08:00

Decorating for Christmas. The tree needs a little tweeking. The manger is out. The lights are up and the stockings are hung. Now to start wrapping.

Thanksgiving

2010-11-25T08:51:00.000-08:00

Ten things I'm thankful for (not in any particular order)

1. My husband-truly a great guy that laughs at most of my stupid jokes
2. My kids-all five of them-a great source of amusement, hope, and love
3. My parents-all four of them-the older I get the cooler they are
4. My extended family-such a crazy, wild bunch that give meaning to life
5. Good health-especially for all those listed above-no one is in the hospital
6. My horse(childish I know, but you really have to meet her to understand)
7. My memories-there are so many people that I don't get to see this year-some because of distance and some because it's just impossible, but I have tons, tons, tons of happy memories
8. That God has taken very good care of me
9. I'm in a country where I can say #8 outloud
10.That I get to eat whatever I want today and the calorie fairy will make it all go away