The Big 5-0

We celebrated Neal's 50th birthday on with a cookout, horseshoes and football. Several of Neal's friends from work were there to get their jabs in. Thought we'd never get all those candles lit!

Rocky the Squirrel

Jacob and I love to watch the squirrels and birds in our backyard. We have taken great pains to feed the birds while keeping the squirrels out of the bird seed. We even stopped putting seed into one of our bird feeders because it was too close to the bird bath and limbs, which allowed the squirrels easy access. A few days ago, Jacob began pointing and gasping and saying, "uh-oh". To my surprise, this very talented and agile squirrel had managed to climb the skinny, slippery pole to enjoy a feast of seeds. Jacob was delighted!

Budding Artist

Hunting Scene in Green and Brown

by Jacob Blevins

Jacob's first abstract drawing is awesome. Notice the use of movement and color. You can almost see the massive buck hiding among the twigs and leaves.

Sippy Cup Master

My grandson, Jacob, is the cutest, sweetest, strongest, smartest, most talented 17-month-old I know. But the one thing he had not mastered was the sippy cup. Oh, sure, he's been drinking from one since he went off the bottle at 12 months, but he insisted that someone else hold it for him. Today he did it himself and I am soooo proud!

Christmas

We were blessed this Christmas with the presence of family, as my parents, sister Linda, and good friend Marcia made the trip from Canada to spend the holidays with us. Our grandson, Jacob kept us entertained on Christmas Eve. As tradition dictates, we hosted a get-together with Trista's parents. Plenty of food, and gift exchange with Jeremy and his family. The day after Christmas we travelled to western Okla. to see my grandmother in Erick. Neal did some quail hunting and despite the strong winds, harvested 51 quail. Jeff and my family left for home yesterday (Friday) so it was time to take down the decorations and get back into the old routine. Neal and I celebrated our 29th wedding anniversary last night and plan to spend a quiet evening at home tonight to ring in the New Year.

Birthday Dinner

We enjoyed a birthday dinner at Red Lobster last night with Bruce & Dena and Kenny & JoAnn. We celebrated the birthdays of JoAnn (12/22), Bruce (12/27) and Kenny (1/2). Great food, great conversation and great company!

Master Baker

Because of my braces, I was very limited to what holiday treats I could eat last Christmas. So of course, I was salivating at the mere thought of English Toffee, Fudge with Nuts, Naneimo Bars, etc., etc. Anxious to get the holidays started, I began with English Toffee--one of my very favorites. Now, you have to know, I have made this recipe almost every year of my married life (29 years next week). I stood over the hot stove, stirring and stirring and stirring, for what seemed like an eternity. The toffee is supposed to turn from pale yellow to a beautiful carmel color, then you know it's done. After a good 25 to 30 minutes...still yellow. At this point, the candy is beginning to follow the spoon around the pan and I'm positive that it must be done. Alas, undercooked! It's not crunchy. On to the next delectable treat. Determined NOT to undercook the fudge, I give it a few extra minutes for good measure. Alas, overcooked! Not creamy, more or less crystalized. Mind you, I am still going to eat these flops, because I can! (No braces, woohoo!) I'm happy to report that the Naneimo Bars turned out perfectly. There is still hope for my culinary skills. I always think of my good friend, Joe, when I make Naneimo Bars. Joe, if you're in the area for the holidays, stop by and I'll give you a Naneimo Bar!

Ahhhh The Great Outdoors

We finally had a good day to go outside. It's been so cold/windy here lately, we've stayed cooped up in the house. Jacob was thrilled to get to go outside again. He promptly poured water out of the watering can, then proceeded to splash in it with his mittens. He has just recently agreed to wear the mittens, as he had quite a mitten-phobia at first. Guess he wasn't quite sure what happened to all his fingers. After the puddle splashing, he found a big stick (the next best thing to puddles) and began the attack on the only flowers I have left. Oh well, we did get some fresh air and sunshine.

Vacation Home

On Dec. 10, 2005, we purchased our "new" vacation home. Actually it will be Neal's "work" home-away from-home. On Dec. 11, Neal took the 5th wheel to Kemah, TX where he will keep it during his never-ending contract at BP/Amoco. I was a little anxious about his journey, pulling our new home behind him. But he arrived safely and everything seemed to be sound. He is getting adjusted to his new home and I can't wait to go down there and set up housekeeping! This means we are officially trailer trash (or as my sister, Linda, informed me..."senior citizens"). Our financial advisor, Travis, says that now we've met one of our retirement goals--a lake house!