Disappointing Progress

Our church is divided into "shepherding groups" with an elder (shepherd) for each group. Our group planned a night out last night and several of us trekked a good 45 minutes to an hour to eat at an Amish kitchen. I had been to the same place a couple of years ago and knew what to expect. I warned Neal to dress cool...wear shorts...because they have no electricity, therefore no air conditioning. The lights are actually oil/propane/kerosene? lamps that add to the heat in the room. But worth it to experience life at a slower pace and go back in time. What a shock when we arrived to find they had come a long way, baby, in the last two years. Electricity AND airconditioning (Neal's knees were cold) and two SUV's in their carport. The "Elder" of their little Amish community sat with us two years ago and we grilled him on all of their traditions, rules, peculiar ways. Last night he stood for a few minutes and told us about some miracle oil for sore joints they had for sale--$10 for a 2-oz. bottle, then was interrupted by his CELL PHONE. What!??! You're kiddin' me! The whole experience would have been a complete disappointment except that the food was still as wonderful as ever!

It's a Done Deal

Today we signed the papers, handing over our beloved Tulsa home to the Hendricks. It's the easiest transition we've ever made in buying or selling a house. Basically, Jonathan did all the work. Doesn't hurt that he's a loan officer. We don't have the usual anxiety about strange people living in OUR house. It gives us great peace and comfort in knowing the loving family that will inhabit what was once our home. I can't think of anyone I'd rather have living there. The Hendricks brought a sweet "thank you" gift to the closing today. And I really mean SWEET. A box of chocolates from the famous KoKoa Chocolatiers. Didn't take me long, once in the car, to dive in and sink my teeth into a dark chocolate truffle.

I "borrowed" this photo from one of Jessica's blogs, since my hard drive crash a few months ago obliterated all my photos. I hope they enjoy many years of happiness in this house.

Stop the Madness!

Last night Neal & I attended our nephew's 6th Grade Graduation. Now, just how many graduations must we endure these days? Granted, Kindergarten graduations are kinda cute. But at this rate, by the time they finish college, no one will want to go to these monotonous rituals. Last night's event dragged on for almost two hours, sitting on bleachers in a sauna (aka gymnasium). Our nephew, Hunter, was one of three valedictorians, and gave a short speech--the main reason we attended. Awards were doled out like cupcakes....Masonic Award, American Legion Award, President's Awards, awards for straight A's in 4th, 5th & 6th grades, awards for A's & B's, awards for straight A's in a certain subject throughout 6th grade, service awards, personality awards, etc., etc., etc. I'm sure every student got at least one award. Then a video of each child--baby and present. During the video, the students presented a rose to their parents (how sweet...is someone getting married?). The principal is moving on next year to another town, another school. So we had to say 'so long, farewell, auf wiedersehen, goodbye.' The school board President as well as both 6th grade teachers had to give long speeches on the greatness of this man and how he will be missed. I think I counted 4 poems written for the occasion. Awards and plaques were presented to Principal the Great. Almost over right? Au contraire! Another video! Interviews with each student saying goodbye to their teachers and fellow students as they move on to "the next chapter in their lives--middle school." Now, this doesn't mean that I won't attend ALL my grandchildren's graduations because you know I'll be there. I may even stay for the cookies and punch.

Signs of Summer

Technically, summer is over a month away, but it's officially summer now at the Blevins' house. This afternoon I went for a dip in the pool, just up to my waist since the water is only 76 degrees. With temperatures soaring into the 90's today, the air conditioner was finally turned on. The herb garden is in full bloom as well as the potted arrangement on our new deck. Hello Summer!

Early Morning Serendipity

Yesterday, I was up at 6:00 to drive to the hospital for my stress test. I'd had a very restless night. We were in Jeremy & Trista's bed, Jacob sleeping between us. Did I mention he inherited his Great Grandpa Smith's restless leg syndrome and his Papa's teeth grinding? Plus, I did not take my sleeping pill, for fear I may have to get up with one of the kids and needed to be able to be alert on cue. Oh yeah, and Neal didn't bring his C-Pap, so he was snoring. I really dreaded the early morning appointment, but was rewarded richly for my effort. As I drove down Highway 97, I could trace the Arkansas River by the heavy fog sitting over it. What a magnificent sight, and at the same time very eery. Then, onto 412 heading east toward Tulsa, the remnants of fog were beginning to lift and hovered over the trees, creating what looked like photo enhancement. As I neared Tulsa, I saw what appeared to be something on fire coming toward me on the opposite side of the highway. Before my very eyes the radiant orange billows of fog dissipated and cleared the way for the sun to rise. It was breathtaking. I don't mean that figuratively. I literally gasped when I saw it, taking my foot off the accelerator and slowing to watch in amazement. In the words of Bruce Almighty (to God), "now you're just showing off."

Is There Such a Thing?

I've been in a funk this last week. My stress level is high, my hormones are low, and I can't seem to get enough sleep. I cry often. In April I had an episode that I thought was a heart attack. It began just before my phone call from Neal and he insisted I call Jeremy to come over. Jeremy came, Trista called in a panic, wondering if she should call 911, Kenny & JoAnn arrived shortly thereafter (Trista had called them). The symptoms subsided, but my father-in-law encouraged me to have it checked out. I've also been experiencing periods of "heart fluttering" (probably not the medical term) that Janet thinks are panic attacks. Anyway-----I had an EKG last week that was normal, but the doctor wants me to have a stress test, which will happen on Friday. Last night Neal had the audacity to say "what have you got to be stressed about?...you live a stress-free life." Grrrrrrr! Is there such a thing? Aren't we all under a lot of stress? When I started listing my stressors out loud, they didn't sound so daunting. Maybe it's just that I've been out of my hormone balancing cream for over a week. Neighbor Susan (Super Alan's wife--what would we do without them?) to the rescue. She happened to have a new bottle at home. Janet also had an extra, which she offered. What kind of Arbonne Consultant doesn't keep a reserve on hand!?!? Hope it starts working soon since we will have the grandkids Thursday afternoon through Saturday morning. Jeremy & Trista will be going to Las Vegas to attend Trista's brother's graduation. Neal has Friday off, which will make it possible for me to keep my appointment for the stress test. Speaking of Jeremy & Trista, here are some of their latest pictures:

Ahhhhh....Life on the Farm

For the past week, I have been doing a lot of work outdoors. Last Saturday, I cleaned out one of the beds and planted tomatoes. Yeah, that's me, Mrs. Farmer Brown. I also pruned the hydrangea and rose bush and pulled a few weeds. Monday I cleaned the dead leaves out of the herb garden (I know, this may be too much for your brain to process) and pulled out some of the sage that's taking over the garden. Yesterday, I dug grass out of the flower bed inside the pool fence to prepare it for planting. Throughout all this digging, weeding, etc., I was constantly alert to the fact that there may be snakes lurking about. Actually, last Saturday, I did see a few (3 or 4) of the small garden variety...more like over-sized worms. After the digging yesterday, my back was screaming for rest, I was hot (it was over 80 degrees) and thirsty. Needing to return a couple of phone calls, I took the phone and a tall glass of ice water to the front porch swing for a little relaxation. Here is what awaited me on the porch by the swing:

Now, I've heard that there are some black snakes that are actually "good" snakes, i.e. non-poisonous, eat rodents and other snakes, etc. I'm hoping someone can tell me if, in fact, these are "good" snakes. The carpenter who is working on my back porch nudged them with a piece of lumber and they didn't strike, so he thinks they're okay. Jeremy and Neal looked at this picture and confirmed my suspicions that they were mating. Oh goody, more little ones on the way.

Adjusting

We knew there would be an adjustment period when Neal moved back home. So far, things are going pretty smoothly. I give in a little...he gives in a little. I let him choose the tractor--as long as it wasn't a Kubota (Kubota's are orange which would totally clash with my red barn!). He let me choose the replacement windows. We're still trying to adjust our time schedules. He insists on getting up at 4:30 a.m. so he can go to the gym before work. I like to sleep until at least 7:00, which I do, but then he's ready for bed by 9:00. I don't wind down till at least 10:00 or 10:30. (Yes, if you add that up I need more sleep than he does.) But the biggest problem we've come up against is the Sudoku puzzles. He wants to "help" with puzzles I've started, but messes them up!! I accuse him of putting in a wrong number and he says that he put that number in because of another number I had filled in, which must have been wrong. Now we don't know who to blame. So the only solution seemed to be separate puzzles. I write my name at the top of mine and his name at the top of his. He is not allowed to interfere with my solutions. Problem solved. Some things just can't be done "together." I am having to get back into cooking. I really enjoy cooking most of the time, but the past 4-1/2 years I've done very little. It's a challenge to plan meals again and TRY to have a good dinner waiting on him after work. The good ole days of Monday Lean Cuisine, Tuesday Burrito Night, Wednesday Breakfast Night, Thursday-Saturday...whatever drive-through suited my fancy, are over. I asked him what he wanted for his lunches. Besides the typical sandwiches, he also wants fresh fruit. He laughed the first week when I brought home 4 bananas. I'm just not much of a fruit eater and typically fruit spoils before it's eaten at my house. Now I'm having to load up on grapes, apples, oranges, and bananas every trip to the store. When did he turn into such a health nut? The honeymoon continues.......

I think he's starting to understand the overwhelming and never-ending chores that must be done to keep this place going. Janet hit the nail on the head when she said, "you have to decide if you want to live like you're in the city or live like you're in the country." Problem is, I want the best of both. I want a place that well groomed and pristine, but that's not always feasible in rural Oklahoma. I want the yard I had in Tulsa, but I want it out here on our 20 acres.

Wee Ball

Last night was Jacob's first ball game. His friends, Baylor and Piersen (twins) stuck to him like glue, and Baylor (the girl) outplayed them both. Jacob rarely touched the ball, and since he was last batter, by the time he made it to 2nd base--after running there first, then redirected to 1st, then continuing to 2nd--the other team was headed for the dugout. All said, I think they had a good time. I'm sure WE had a better time watching.

Barn Occupants

Finally, something to occupy the horse barn. Both stalls are filled. Their names are "Pride" and "Joy." Hopefully Pride will make us proud by keeping our fields groomed. Joy--she's really just for fun--although Neal insists we need her to get back in the woods and haul limbs. Not exactly what I had in mind for our tax refund....maybe next year.

PRIDE

JOY

Who's the Boss?

Yep, it's my second post of the day. My new windows are being installed, so I'm trying to stay out of their way.

Thought I'd post a picture of Neal on his last day of work at BP. In case you can't read it, it say's "A Range Rider's code is to follow an order...We know who the boss is because your wife said 'Get your butt back across the Border!'" (Range Riders is the name of their Turnaround Team.)Obviously, they know who the real boss is.

Playing with Fire

Apparently it is advantageous to "burn off" your farm in the Spring. It's not only the quickest way to clean up leaves, old tall grasses and many fallen limbs and branches, but it also reduces the tick population. Of course, I couldn't begin to attempt burning without Neal here, so we're a little late, as there is already quite a bit of green growing that won't burn. It's also been a very windy Spring, so when Monday was a clear, mild day, with variable winds less than 5 mph, everything else had to be dropped to spend the day burning. Alan came over to show us city folks the proper care and handling of a farm burn. I had no idea it was so involved. After alerting the neighbors and the Rural Fire Department, the pyromania began. It was exhausting and DIRTY work. The whole day was spent lighting, re-routing, extinguishing, and re-lighting fires. I have to admit, some of it was kind of fun. I had a prayer meeting to attend at 6:00 p.m. and at 5:15 Neal said, "If you're going to pray, you'd better go get cleaned up." I took a quick bath, threw on some clean clothes and rushed to church. I had no make-up on, my face was red from occasionally getting too close to the fire, and my hair still smelled like smoke. I walked in at 6:02. Wow! I'm even impressed. That is....until...Etta commented, "Did you know you have your shirt on wrong-side-out?" Ummm....yeah....I meant to do that.

Bringing Neal Home

Thursday morning I flew to Houston to fetch my hubby. Wednesday was his last day to work for BP, and although he was relieved, he has built many good friendships in his 4-1/2 years in Texas City. So it was a little emotional for my big strong husband. They threw a big party for him at lunch and said their final good-byes. Thursday afternoon was spent deep cleaning the RV, inside and out. Late in the afternoon, we went to the home of one of Neal's JV superiors. He has a beautiful house on the water (Galveston Bay), with his bay boat docked practically at his back door. Then, one more chicken chimicanga at Gringo's, my favorite Tex-Mex restaurant in the bay area...I almost shed a tear.

We woke up early Friday morning, thinking maybe we could pull out around 7:00. Whoa...there's a lot more to unhooking the RV than I thought and we finally rolled out about 9:00. The journey back to Oklahoma was relatively uneventful, despite the strong North wind we were driving into. Four gas tank fill-ups later, we were in the home stretch. I was a little nervous about being able to turn into our drive, between the gate posts, but it was a piece of cake. That was the last of the cake. Trying to maneuver the fifth wheel into the anticipated resting spot, the truck got stuck in the south pasture. By this time it's starting to get dark, there's a biting north wind blowing, and Neal is in his shorts and t-shirt (it was 85 when we left Kemah at 9:00 a.m.). We found this to be a great way to meet neighbors, as a strange pick-up pulled in to help...chained the back of the RV to the back of his truck and pulled while Neal backed up. As this was happening, yet another strange truck pulled in to see if we needed help. Okay, so now we know Brian and Robert. Thanks guys, we've got it from here. Doh!.....weren't counting on the low-hanging tree branches. It's getting later...and colder...and Neal is on top of the RV with a tree saw, cutting branches as I'm backing up the RV. Oh, I bet the neighbors haven't had entertainment like this in a long time! Anyway, the RV is sitting in the front circle drive until we decide where to put the monster. You'd think with 20 acres, it wouldn't be a problem, but we have all these FENCES and want to be able to EASILY park and pull out whenever the camping bug hits us.

Homecoming

I can finally make public the news that Neal is coming home! Not just his 3 days off every 18 days...but home to stay. In answer to many prayers, he is being moved to the facility in Skiatook (about 20 minutes away) and will finish his four and a half year job at BP in Texas City on Thursday. Just in time for all the spring work here at the farm. In preparation for his homecoming, I've been doing some reorganizing to make room for his "stuff." I've pretty much taken over our closet and now must clear out a wee bit of room for him. Since the renovation of the house, we've left the closet in the office unfinished. Now I need room for some of our off-season clothes, so I purchased a closet organizer and assembled it today. The instructions indicated an assembly time of 45 minutes. Liars. It took me most of the afternoon, but that's okay...it's done. The only problem was that when I drilled holes to attach the hanging bar to the wall, I saw light streaming in through the hole! Walked around to the hallway and yep, two nice little holes in the wall. Hmmm....gotta find something to hang there. Mom's painting of my Grandpa's barn seems perfect.

George & Gracie

There is a bird that has claimed a hole in the pipe of our storm cellar for her Spring nesting place. I don't think she was expecting George and Gracie. They relentlessly torment this poor little bird, jumping up on the cellar door and pipe and barking ferociously into the hole. I'll be shocked if she is actually able to lay her eggs in the midst of all the commotion.

Alien Creator

I had trouble editing my previous post and couldn't upload this picture. So here is Jacob creating aliens/mermaids/gummy bears.

Why Jacob Wants to Live with Nana

Last week was Spring Break. On Thursday, Jacob decided he needed to have a "Nana Day." I think I needed a "Jacob Day." After getting our make-up on (I DID remove his before leaving the house) we made a trip to Wal-Mart. At the very mention of Wal-Mart, Jacob began asking if he could get a toy, and since I don't often buy him things, I agreed. We wandered up and down the toy aisles, trying to make the perfect choice. He was very particular and finally decided on a Play Doh Alien Maker. As I bought groceries, he had many suggestions, and I gave in to Trix, Whoppers, and Bubble Gum. Lunch was at McDonalds, then back home to make aliens. Whenever the Play Doh comes out, he insists on Nana performing major feats of sculptured art. As long as he thinks I make the best elephant in the world....I'll keep making elephants. It was a pretty warm day, so after a couple of hours of alien-creating, we spent some time in the sand box, then came inside for an afternoon snack of Trix. Jacob watched cartoons while I shoveled cereal into his open mouth. Trix are very crunchy, and Jacob said, (eyes glued to the TV) "my teeth are fast, Nana." Saturday night, Jeremy, Trista, Jacob and Lauren came for a visit. Jacob informed his Momma and Daddy that he wanted to live with Nana. Why wouldn't he?

Friendship

One of God's greatest gifts is relationship. Old friends are the best friends, and we had the pleasure of spending time with some of them last night. These friendships go back almost 30 years, to the Park Plaza days of Sunday night pizza, church softball league and summer weekend campouts. Todd and Lisa Shilts moved to Wisconsin over 20 years ago, but our friendship has never waned. We have made trips to the north, they've made trips back south and at times we've met in between. Distance has not diminished our ability to support each other through many trials. Although Jim and Martha Sullivan are still in Tulsa, we don't see them on a regular basis since we no longer attend the same church. But this year has been a double blessing in BSF as Martha and I are in the same discussion group. Now I get to see her every week! Gary and Janell Huntsman live in Edmond now, but Janell and I manage to get together quite often. We love to travel together and met in Shreveport for a girls' weekend while I was living in Baton Rouge. Once, we made a trip to San Antonio, just because there was a price war going on with the airlines and we got cheap tickets. Our most recent venture was our trip last year to Las Vegas. Last night Jim and Martha hosted us for dinner at their gorgeous home. The evening was beautiful as we sat outdoors on their patio next to a roaring fire and reminisced, laughed and caught up on all the family news until late into the night (that's about 10:30 for us now that we're all getting so much older!).

"Made of Honor"

Last night Jeff had the honor of standing up with his friend Carrie at her wedding. They've been friends since 7th grade and are more like brother and sister. She asked him to be her "Maid of Honor" promising not to make him wear a chartreuse, floor-length gown with puffy sleeves. He was a little worried that he'd have to walk down the aisle arm-in-arm with the Best Man, but instead he walked the female minister to her position, then took his place with the bridesmaids and flower girls.

Top Ten List

After being "tagged" several weeks ago, I not only listed random facts about myself, but it inspired me to also write about memories and now, the top 5 places I've seen or want to see. So I'm breaking it down into two lists.

Top Five Places I've Seen (in no particular order)

1. Niagara Falls--growing up near the Falls, I can't count how many times I've been there. But it never gets old. I began a tradition with my first niece, Heather, who we took to Canada when she was 13. When Morgan turned 13, I took her, then Chelsea when she was 13. (Stormi will be my last -- 4 years from now since my niece on MY side LIVES in Canada.) Morgan was the first to talk me into riding the Maid of the Mist to the base of the Falls. I'm so glad she did, because even though it is amazing from any perspective, the sheer power of the Falls can't be felt until you're right below them.

2. Great Britain--England/Scotland--Brighton Beach, the Castles, the Cathedrals, the history, the pubs (best fish & chips in the world), Stonehenge, Bed & Breakfasts, Bath, the Lake District, St. Andrews, the North Sea, Dunnottar Castle, Loch Ness, the English countryside, the highlands in Scotland, LONDON!, the Changing of the Guard--did we really do all that in 10 days?!?! I would love to do it all over again.

3. The Big Apple--Manhattan, Times Square, Shows on Broadway (we saw Fiddler on the Roof), Central Park, Grand Central Terminal, United Nations, Trump Tower, Rockefeller Center, Metropolitan Museum of Art, Ellis Island, Ground Zero, Empire State Building. I Heart NY!

4. Jamaica and Grand Cayman--I'll lump these together since they are my favorite destinations on a Caribbean Cruise. The beaches, the sunshine, the relaxation. Sounds really good right now. Just say the word and I'm on the boat.

5. Baton Rouge/New Orleans--we spent two years living in Baton Rouge and it was two of the best years of my life. Southern Louisiana is like a different country. History, plantations, sugar cane, cajun food, architecture, swamps, live oaks, cajun food, party atmosphere, gators, Mardi Gras, cajun food, great people, warm winter, spanish moss, cajun food. I miss it.

Top Five Places I Want to See:

1. Israel

2. Rome/Paris -- maybe in same trip?

3. Cape Cod

4. Hawaii

5. Western Canada (Vancouver) / Alaska -- same trip?