Nate, Cori and the grandkids have enjoyed their time at the farm. We have gotten into all kinds of activities but the boys seem content to roam about freely outside catching grasshoppers and throwing dirt clods. Victoria took the Florida crew fishing on Monday morning and they caught quite a few bass. The real fun was catching grasshoppers in the field at the pond to put on the hooks as bait. Many of the fish were big enough to keep but all were returned to the pond. I am about the only one that likes to eat them.
We have been back almost daily and have now caught bass, catfish and several kinds of perch. Grant spends almost all of his time trying to catch frogs – which we have in abundance. Although he killed several by exercising too tight a grip on them he was not willing for us to use them as bait. So I bought some worms, which proved far more efficient bait than grasshoppers.
Grandpa has been very busy through this week; cutting and baling hay, grading for the foundation on the shop building, disking the meadow for reseeding and spreading gravel. He has been a part of almost everything farm related we have done. He is pretty worn out. Grandma has gotten involved in as much as she can, but has been most diligent in preaching her interpretation of sin and salvation to Nate and Cori; mostly in quiet conversation to avoid any input from me or Mama.
Yesterday Wes showed up to help us get the horses saddled and ready to ride. Nate had never been on a horse before and was not overly comfortable but Mama, Cori, Victoria and I had fun switching out horses. Cori and Victoria went for a good distance in a quiet ride. Cori had Mykenzie behind her for much of the time. She seemed to enjoy being on a horse more that either of her brothers. Wes even left his saddle and bridle so we could ride again this evening.
Today is the last day of their visit. They will head home in the morning. We are giving them our little van in the hopes it will last a couple of years for them. We do not need it as badly as they do. In preparation for handing it over we had the power steering pump replaced. The replacement pump sounded worse than the old one so Mama scheduled the van for another replacement at a shop in Wichita Falls. She and Cori took the van in on Wednesday and we picked it up yesterday. This shop did a great job on the repair. It is at least one thing Cori and Nate will not have to work on.
All of the grandkids have done well adapting to the dogs whose moist muzzle is right in their faces every morning. Once the initial greeting is over, they all seem to be okay – both kids and dogs. Mykenzie loves dealing with the chickens, one of which is friendly enough to be picked up and carried about. On Tuesday evening the kids even decided they would save Grammy the trouble and collected the eggs. Five of the eight even made it back to the house. It took some effort to get the chickens put back up but, all in all, they cooperate well with us.
It seemed God had His own timing on releasing the guineas. When we got up Wednesday morning they were all roaming about. The donkeys use the coop door that faces the west to scratch themselves (it is a frame covered with chicken wire.) and knocked it loose enough that the guineas were able to get out. The dogs always check them out when they see them, but mostly they are left alone to eat bugs and make noise. We will all get the routine down eventually. They have stayed close by. We were watching them make their way across the meadow last night to roost in their coop.
If they are happy, I am happy.
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Friday, August 31, 2012
Monday, August 27, 2012
Kids on the farm, repair work, caged birds and answered prayers, Joshua
Nate, Cori and the kids arrived safety on Friday evening. It had been a long day for them. It took over two hours just to get through the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. When we knew they were only a few minutes from the farm Mama and Grandma went to the intersection of Mac Donald Loop and Hwy 59 to meet them and guide them the farm. Since our property is only a few hundred feet from that intersection it was a very short part of their trip, but it was the best part for the two grandmothers.
We walked around a while before going into the mobile home. Cori and Nate were glad to be there. The kids were happy to be out of the vehicle. We looked at the horses and collected the eggs. Grant helped Mama with the evenings feeding and watering. It was pretty late when we finally went inside. The kids got down pretty late. We were much later.
Saturday Grandpa and Nate worked on the tiller. We had been unable to get it started last week. Turns out the carburetor was fouled and had to be taken apart to get a small plug out of the tiniest part of the pathway of the gas to the engine. After one attempt to clean it, it still would not work so Grandpa will pull it apart again today. I am glad he and Grandma are back. I think both of them are glad to be back also.
On Saturday morning while Nate, Grandpa and I were blowing out the carburetor the guineas decided to come home. Grandpa was working on the tiller and Nate and I had gone into the farm house so I could show him the materials and tools to build a swing for the kids. When I got back over to help Grandpa he told me to look in the coop where we had kept the guineas and all four of them we were in there.
I closed the door and got them some food and water. Mama and Victoria told me to just open the door let them go about as they pleased, but I would like the chance to do it correctly this time. I have been given a second chance to try this out. Maybe it will end up in the dogs killing them one at a time as I turn them out. Time will tell but it is a rare opportunity for a take two. I would like to be able to use this particular answer to prayer wisely.
Mama, Cori, Mykenzie and I spent the better part of the day in Dallas at IKEA. Cori had her heart set on getting some items there for her home and for gifts. We were in the store for about three hours. Mykenzie was content to ride along and look at all the items we were showing each other. Cori found everything she was looking for and Mama and I got a few ideas on how we can do the kitchen and bath in the apartment we are planning to build.
No work has been done to the shop since I cut away the piping that needed to be removed. I am hoping to get started leveling the area so we can move forward with our plans to begin construction. There is a lot that needs to happen before we can pour any concrete or put up any wood to attach the metal siding and roof. I am getting a little anxious to get started but Grandpa is still getting over the trip to West Virginia. We will get there, but it is slow going. (Grandpa is more interested in getting the hay put up; which is as it should be.)
Joshua did not make it up on Saturday. Part of the reason for our trip to Dallas was to use the time shopping to be there for his arrival later in the afternoon. He called late in the morning and told us that he would not be making the trip because he did not feel the bus company was treating his case fairly and the cost to change his ticket ($50) was more than he was willing to pay at this time. He managed to catch Russell before he got too far away so he could get a ride back to Victoria, TX.
It was disappointing, but not totally unexpected.
We walked around a while before going into the mobile home. Cori and Nate were glad to be there. The kids were happy to be out of the vehicle. We looked at the horses and collected the eggs. Grant helped Mama with the evenings feeding and watering. It was pretty late when we finally went inside. The kids got down pretty late. We were much later.
Saturday Grandpa and Nate worked on the tiller. We had been unable to get it started last week. Turns out the carburetor was fouled and had to be taken apart to get a small plug out of the tiniest part of the pathway of the gas to the engine. After one attempt to clean it, it still would not work so Grandpa will pull it apart again today. I am glad he and Grandma are back. I think both of them are glad to be back also.
On Saturday morning while Nate, Grandpa and I were blowing out the carburetor the guineas decided to come home. Grandpa was working on the tiller and Nate and I had gone into the farm house so I could show him the materials and tools to build a swing for the kids. When I got back over to help Grandpa he told me to look in the coop where we had kept the guineas and all four of them we were in there.
I closed the door and got them some food and water. Mama and Victoria told me to just open the door let them go about as they pleased, but I would like the chance to do it correctly this time. I have been given a second chance to try this out. Maybe it will end up in the dogs killing them one at a time as I turn them out. Time will tell but it is a rare opportunity for a take two. I would like to be able to use this particular answer to prayer wisely.
Mama, Cori, Mykenzie and I spent the better part of the day in Dallas at IKEA. Cori had her heart set on getting some items there for her home and for gifts. We were in the store for about three hours. Mykenzie was content to ride along and look at all the items we were showing each other. Cori found everything she was looking for and Mama and I got a few ideas on how we can do the kitchen and bath in the apartment we are planning to build.
No work has been done to the shop since I cut away the piping that needed to be removed. I am hoping to get started leveling the area so we can move forward with our plans to begin construction. There is a lot that needs to happen before we can pour any concrete or put up any wood to attach the metal siding and roof. I am getting a little anxious to get started but Grandpa is still getting over the trip to West Virginia. We will get there, but it is slow going. (Grandpa is more interested in getting the hay put up; which is as it should be.)
Joshua did not make it up on Saturday. Part of the reason for our trip to Dallas was to use the time shopping to be there for his arrival later in the afternoon. He called late in the morning and told us that he would not be making the trip because he did not feel the bus company was treating his case fairly and the cost to change his ticket ($50) was more than he was willing to pay at this time. He managed to catch Russell before he got too far away so he could get a ride back to Victoria, TX.
It was disappointing, but not totally unexpected.
Friday, August 24, 2012
Safe returns for all, more travel, Chase
Mama and I arrived at the farm about an hour after Grandma and Grandpa. I was surprised to see only the baler on the trailer but after really looking, it is about all that would fit. The good news is that it is here. We can bale hay; such as it is.
Mama and I got there in time for me to set up our bed. I was done before 10 p.m. but I was a sweaty mess from the activity. It was really good to have our own bed to sleep in. Victoria helped me and Mama unload the couch and she and Mama rearranged the living room to accommodate the entertainment center we managed to squeeze in the little van. We are going to miss that vehicle when it goes home with Nate and Cori.
Mama and I were a little disappointed with the repair of the power steering pump. Even though it has been replaced Mama says it still groans. Not as badly as before but it still can be heard. Maybe Grandpa and I can flush the system and at least lessen the noise. After $400 worth of repairs, it is frustrating to still have to work on the system we thought was fully fixed. It should still work well for Cori and Nate. I am praying so.
As we were coming through Wichita Falls last night Mama called me to tell me that Victoria had just called to tell her the guineas were back. They were roosting in the cedar tree in the back yard of the farm house; right outside her bedroom window. She found them as Dodger chased them into the tree and at first report she thought there were only three. Last night she and Mama found that all four were there. They spent six days walk about. Only God knows if they will stay. I am praying they will.
I told Mama earlier that I was praying for them to come back. It was a “fun miracle” kind of prayer. One that God never really needed to answer but one that would be fun to tell about for years to come. In light of that answer to prayer, I am continuing to pray for the sale or trade of our log home package. It would be more significant than God bringing back the guineas, but it would not be nearly as miraculous.
Cori, Nate and the kids should be on their way this morning. I understand that Grant is disappointed we no longer have the range of animals we used to. When we reassigned the pigs from the farm yard to the freezer, Cori took the pictures of them off of Grant’s door. He noticed immediately. Even though the pigs are no longer among the living their memory lives on on his door. I hope he is not too disappointed by the stock we do have.
We may have to go to Dallas tonight to get Joshua. It will be like driving to Bowie from Amarillo in terms of time on the road, but it will be worth it. Mama and I have not heard from Joshua this week so we are not sure if he is coming. I am still not completely sure but we should know sometime today. It looks like another long night.
Chase and Makaila are planning to come over sometime later next week. Chase hates to miss the weekend in the electronics department. He says it is usually enough to make the whole work week worthwhile. He was groaning yesterday about a man wanting seven 60 inch TV’s for a business presentation he had to do. Sears had only five in stock so the buyer went to Wal-Mart instead. Later, a couple had him ring up an 80 inch with all the accessories only to tell him they would have to think about it some more.
The life of a salesman is fraught with such disappointments.
Mama and I got there in time for me to set up our bed. I was done before 10 p.m. but I was a sweaty mess from the activity. It was really good to have our own bed to sleep in. Victoria helped me and Mama unload the couch and she and Mama rearranged the living room to accommodate the entertainment center we managed to squeeze in the little van. We are going to miss that vehicle when it goes home with Nate and Cori.
Mama and I were a little disappointed with the repair of the power steering pump. Even though it has been replaced Mama says it still groans. Not as badly as before but it still can be heard. Maybe Grandpa and I can flush the system and at least lessen the noise. After $400 worth of repairs, it is frustrating to still have to work on the system we thought was fully fixed. It should still work well for Cori and Nate. I am praying so.
As we were coming through Wichita Falls last night Mama called me to tell me that Victoria had just called to tell her the guineas were back. They were roosting in the cedar tree in the back yard of the farm house; right outside her bedroom window. She found them as Dodger chased them into the tree and at first report she thought there were only three. Last night she and Mama found that all four were there. They spent six days walk about. Only God knows if they will stay. I am praying they will.
I told Mama earlier that I was praying for them to come back. It was a “fun miracle” kind of prayer. One that God never really needed to answer but one that would be fun to tell about for years to come. In light of that answer to prayer, I am continuing to pray for the sale or trade of our log home package. It would be more significant than God bringing back the guineas, but it would not be nearly as miraculous.
Cori, Nate and the kids should be on their way this morning. I understand that Grant is disappointed we no longer have the range of animals we used to. When we reassigned the pigs from the farm yard to the freezer, Cori took the pictures of them off of Grant’s door. He noticed immediately. Even though the pigs are no longer among the living their memory lives on on his door. I hope he is not too disappointed by the stock we do have.
We may have to go to Dallas tonight to get Joshua. It will be like driving to Bowie from Amarillo in terms of time on the road, but it will be worth it. Mama and I have not heard from Joshua this week so we are not sure if he is coming. I am still not completely sure but we should know sometime today. It looks like another long night.
Chase and Makaila are planning to come over sometime later next week. Chase hates to miss the weekend in the electronics department. He says it is usually enough to make the whole work week worthwhile. He was groaning yesterday about a man wanting seven 60 inch TV’s for a business presentation he had to do. Sears had only five in stock so the buyer went to Wal-Mart instead. Later, a couple had him ring up an 80 inch with all the accessories only to tell him they would have to think about it some more.
The life of a salesman is fraught with such disappointments.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Travel safety, Joe West, Chase news
Today Mama and I will pack up our bed and head back to the farm. I elected not to take the day off so I could get a few things done in the Borger office and collect some items from that office to take with me. I will not have my own office in Decatur for several more weeks but there is a place I can put my things temporarily. Hopefully we will be on our way before the predicted rains hit. I really will miss this office and the people here.
Grandma and Grandpa are almost halfway home as of last night. They called as they were stopping for the night so we could pray with them about the safety of the equipment they have loaded on the trailer – there is no way to lock it up or secure it against theft. It is a legitimate concern but God is able to take of that pretty easily. If we could see into the heavenly realm it would be interesting to see how many angels are posted on the trailer.
We should arrive at the farm about the same time this evening. (Victoria will be elated to have her roommates back.) There will be very little time to unload anything tonight but it will be a blessing to see everything arrive safely. Maybe that is one of the first things Grandpa will need help with after everyone else arrives tomorrow. At any rate, Saturday should be very busy and if Grandpa deems the fields ready, we should be baling hay early next week; depending on the weather.
Mama and I went to hear Joe West preach at Central Baptist last night. As we talked with Joe and Doris before the service we counted twelve years since we have seen them. They look very much the same in every way. They have been married for over 62 years now and Joe says it just keeps getting better. We love the way he speaks. Last night is the only service we will get to attend but at least we made that one.
He talked about having unreasonable faith. One illustration he used was the woman who cast her two mites into the offering at the temple. Jesus said she had cast in all she had; her entire life’s savings. Joe West asked, “Don’t you imagine that if she had asked her friends about the decision to give the money they would have told her she was foolish?” But it was something God had asked her to do. The Bible says she cast it in (Mark 12:42), rather, threw it in (Luke 21:2).
He went on to say that it can be imagined she struggled with the decision right up until the moment she got there but at the last minute cast it away from her into the temple treasury. She walked away in great victory. Jesus saw and recognized the sacrifice and the Word of God bears a permanent record of the event in her life. Although we cannot know the heart, only the action, it is not hard to imagine that God took care of her in honor of her obedience. It was an exercise of unreasonable faith.
One young couple at Central went to the altar last night and committed themselves to full time mission’s service. They are the least likely of almost any couple in Central Baptist but God does the calling to suit his purpose and we will pray for them as they begin to arrange their lives to answer that call. It will not be easy, but if God is in it, it will be best. It always makes me wonder if he has the best working in my life; not good (because it really is good), but best.
Chase got a call on an apartment last night. It is the complex where Makaila’s father has the painting and repair contract. The manager offered to meet the price Chase was given on a smaller apartment with less amenities. Chase was excited. It topped off the raise in earning potential he was given by Sears yesterday. He was moved to a lower hourly rate but a higher commission rate.
He is seeing dollar signs on everything in the electronics department.
Grandma and Grandpa are almost halfway home as of last night. They called as they were stopping for the night so we could pray with them about the safety of the equipment they have loaded on the trailer – there is no way to lock it up or secure it against theft. It is a legitimate concern but God is able to take of that pretty easily. If we could see into the heavenly realm it would be interesting to see how many angels are posted on the trailer.
We should arrive at the farm about the same time this evening. (Victoria will be elated to have her roommates back.) There will be very little time to unload anything tonight but it will be a blessing to see everything arrive safely. Maybe that is one of the first things Grandpa will need help with after everyone else arrives tomorrow. At any rate, Saturday should be very busy and if Grandpa deems the fields ready, we should be baling hay early next week; depending on the weather.
Mama and I went to hear Joe West preach at Central Baptist last night. As we talked with Joe and Doris before the service we counted twelve years since we have seen them. They look very much the same in every way. They have been married for over 62 years now and Joe says it just keeps getting better. We love the way he speaks. Last night is the only service we will get to attend but at least we made that one.
He talked about having unreasonable faith. One illustration he used was the woman who cast her two mites into the offering at the temple. Jesus said she had cast in all she had; her entire life’s savings. Joe West asked, “Don’t you imagine that if she had asked her friends about the decision to give the money they would have told her she was foolish?” But it was something God had asked her to do. The Bible says she cast it in (Mark 12:42), rather, threw it in (Luke 21:2).
He went on to say that it can be imagined she struggled with the decision right up until the moment she got there but at the last minute cast it away from her into the temple treasury. She walked away in great victory. Jesus saw and recognized the sacrifice and the Word of God bears a permanent record of the event in her life. Although we cannot know the heart, only the action, it is not hard to imagine that God took care of her in honor of her obedience. It was an exercise of unreasonable faith.
One young couple at Central went to the altar last night and committed themselves to full time mission’s service. They are the least likely of almost any couple in Central Baptist but God does the calling to suit his purpose and we will pray for them as they begin to arrange their lives to answer that call. It will not be easy, but if God is in it, it will be best. It always makes me wonder if he has the best working in my life; not good (because it really is good), but best.
Chase got a call on an apartment last night. It is the complex where Makaila’s father has the painting and repair contract. The manager offered to meet the price Chase was given on a smaller apartment with less amenities. Chase was excited. It topped off the raise in earning potential he was given by Sears yesterday. He was moved to a lower hourly rate but a higher commission rate.
He is seeing dollar signs on everything in the electronics department.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Being numb, Aaron, Becky news
Mama and I both survived our dental appointments yesterday. She had three fillings and I had two. Both of us were numb for most of the evening. After the appointment we went to Lowe’s to get some prices on bathroom and kitchen items as well as slab reinforcement items. We were each laughing at the other for the way we were talking – or rather the way our mouth was moving differently due to the numbing. It has always struck me how profound the effect of dental numbing is yet no one around you can see it other than very small changes in the lip movement.
Grandma and Grandpa will be pulling out today hoping to arrive home late tomorrow. As it happens, Mama and I will be getting home tomorrow also. We plan on leaving in the afternoon so we can arrive in time to set up our bed before we have to be in it. I will be taking it down after I get back to Amarillo from the office. Several other items will be going with us on this trip but the bed is the main concern.
I did not hear if Mama and Chase got to look at any apartments. Chase has not spent much time with us in the evenings – preferring Makaila’s company to ours; go figure. As you can imagine this is a cause for concern to Mama but there is little we can do to change it; nor would I necessarily want to. Besides, who would deny them their one year anniversary celebration?
Aaron is going back to work today. It seems odd timing for resuming work but the Coast Guard has an odd schedule. I think Maggie is getting used to it overall, but she likes to have her mini-meltdowns on occasion. She is still worried about Aaron’s health. He still has several lymph glands that are swollen and he is running a low grade fever. To date, all that has been recommended is rest and fluids. That is not a bad prescription. I just may not be the right one for this instance.
Becky called to update us on some of the strange things going on in her life. Most of the “stranger than fiction” happenings center around her mother-in-law; who, thankfully is no longer living with them. Hearing the incidents through the prism of Becky’s view of life, it is difficult to be certain, but it would seem that that Charles’s mom needs some medical supervision.
The woman claims she has only six weeks to live. That is down from the two years she originally claimed when Charles and Becky took her in two or three months ago. Becky was questioning whether or not her mother-in-law ought to be hospitalized with such a short life expectancy. My only question to her was whether or not a woman in that poor a mental health condition really knows how long she has got to live? It is a moot point.
Charles had a job for two days but has not been called since. Becky said he has been at home waiting for a call to return to work for over a week. I suggested that she tell him to go get another job. That long a delay spells trouble and there was no need to wait. I would not want to work for someone who will not call and talk to me. On the other hand, it is a good excuse to feign loyalty while sitting at home. I am not sure what will happen, I only sense what should happen while Becky continues to go to school and works as many hours as she can. What did the Apostle Paul say, “If a man will not work…?”
The little van goes in the shop this morning to have the power steering pump replaced. Mama will be stuck at the house for the day. At least, that is the presumption. There are things she could do while there and I do not think the car repair work will take more than three or four hours.
By noon she should be mobile again.
Grandma and Grandpa will be pulling out today hoping to arrive home late tomorrow. As it happens, Mama and I will be getting home tomorrow also. We plan on leaving in the afternoon so we can arrive in time to set up our bed before we have to be in it. I will be taking it down after I get back to Amarillo from the office. Several other items will be going with us on this trip but the bed is the main concern.
I did not hear if Mama and Chase got to look at any apartments. Chase has not spent much time with us in the evenings – preferring Makaila’s company to ours; go figure. As you can imagine this is a cause for concern to Mama but there is little we can do to change it; nor would I necessarily want to. Besides, who would deny them their one year anniversary celebration?
Aaron is going back to work today. It seems odd timing for resuming work but the Coast Guard has an odd schedule. I think Maggie is getting used to it overall, but she likes to have her mini-meltdowns on occasion. She is still worried about Aaron’s health. He still has several lymph glands that are swollen and he is running a low grade fever. To date, all that has been recommended is rest and fluids. That is not a bad prescription. I just may not be the right one for this instance.
Becky called to update us on some of the strange things going on in her life. Most of the “stranger than fiction” happenings center around her mother-in-law; who, thankfully is no longer living with them. Hearing the incidents through the prism of Becky’s view of life, it is difficult to be certain, but it would seem that that Charles’s mom needs some medical supervision.
The woman claims she has only six weeks to live. That is down from the two years she originally claimed when Charles and Becky took her in two or three months ago. Becky was questioning whether or not her mother-in-law ought to be hospitalized with such a short life expectancy. My only question to her was whether or not a woman in that poor a mental health condition really knows how long she has got to live? It is a moot point.
Charles had a job for two days but has not been called since. Becky said he has been at home waiting for a call to return to work for over a week. I suggested that she tell him to go get another job. That long a delay spells trouble and there was no need to wait. I would not want to work for someone who will not call and talk to me. On the other hand, it is a good excuse to feign loyalty while sitting at home. I am not sure what will happen, I only sense what should happen while Becky continues to go to school and works as many hours as she can. What did the Apostle Paul say, “If a man will not work…?”
The little van goes in the shop this morning to have the power steering pump replaced. Mama will be stuck at the house for the day. At least, that is the presumption. There are things she could do while there and I do not think the car repair work will take more than three or four hours.
By noon she should be mobile again.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Travel mercies, salvation news, the storm, more travel mercies
Mama and I both got over to Amarillo safely yesterday – separately. She called me soon after I left the farm on my way to Amarillo to tell me how the Lord had spared her from a very bad accident. She nearly rear ended a truck that had stopped to make a left hand turn from the fast lane of the highway. She was going to pass a semi when she saw the stopped vehicle. Somehow she was able to make an emergency lane change and very narrowly avoid the collision. She was going 75 mph at the time. God is good!
I had her drive the little van to Amarillo so we could get the power steering pump replaced as well as have it to take some items back to Bowie when we return on Thursday. At least I will be going back on Thursday. She may wait until Friday. We thought it best with Nate and Cori coming over on Friday to get the van done at a shop rather than put the repair on Grandpa who will be getting home on either Wednesday or Thursday.
As we were sitting together last night Chase told us that Makaila got saved either last Sunday or the Sunday before. I did not get a clear date but the event is what is important. It is an answer to prayer. She said she remembers praying with her dad when she was very young but she was not sure if she really understood. She understands now and wanted to make that known.
Mrs. Chadwick is going to talk to her about baptism this week. We are still praying about her dress standards but that will come with growth in the Lord. We do know that in Central Baptist she will get a healthy dose of Christian growth and incredible training in prayer. Again, God is good!
While we sat and watched some recorded programming a storm blew in to Amarillo. It looked pretty dark as Mama and I went for a walk around the block but when the storm really hit the winds were impressive. Limbs began to break and fall as the rain slammed the city. The road in front of our house looked like a river. It was at least eight inches deep. I regretted parking the truck at the curb. Chase took some pictures and videos in the waning part of the storm. I am not sure if he will post them but the event was impressive. I am guessing that two inches fell on us in less than half an hour.
Grandpa and Grandma are getting ready to leave West Virginia this week. I have not heard if it is to be today or tomorrow but it should be this week. Both of them are dreading the trip back. Grandpa is dreading hauling the loaded trailer and the risk it represents – as well as the fuel cost it requires. But it is filled with things we desperately need at the farm. Grandma is dreading the time in the vehicle. She does not have the expectation on fun events she had on the trip over. Pray for their safety in transit.
I am not entirely sure at this point what is coming back with him other than a baler. I am not sure how he loaded that on the trailer but I know there was a plan in place to get it done. I do know that he was finally able to recover many items he had in storage there. Those items, many of them are electrical parts, will be put to use in the shop and the house. Hopefully we will at least be able to use the help we have coming to bale hay – although we have no good place to store it yet.
I am quickly running short on time to get things done to prepare the shop for a work crew. Mama is insisting that we have it ready (concrete poured and the building totally enclosed) to house all of our things when we empty the house in Amarillo. I am beginning to sense that I will not have the time to get that far in the construction project – even if I had the money to hire all the work out. Oh, well. Storage is plentiful in several rental places in Bowie.
The idea does not appeal to Mama.
I had her drive the little van to Amarillo so we could get the power steering pump replaced as well as have it to take some items back to Bowie when we return on Thursday. At least I will be going back on Thursday. She may wait until Friday. We thought it best with Nate and Cori coming over on Friday to get the van done at a shop rather than put the repair on Grandpa who will be getting home on either Wednesday or Thursday.
As we were sitting together last night Chase told us that Makaila got saved either last Sunday or the Sunday before. I did not get a clear date but the event is what is important. It is an answer to prayer. She said she remembers praying with her dad when she was very young but she was not sure if she really understood. She understands now and wanted to make that known.
Mrs. Chadwick is going to talk to her about baptism this week. We are still praying about her dress standards but that will come with growth in the Lord. We do know that in Central Baptist she will get a healthy dose of Christian growth and incredible training in prayer. Again, God is good!
While we sat and watched some recorded programming a storm blew in to Amarillo. It looked pretty dark as Mama and I went for a walk around the block but when the storm really hit the winds were impressive. Limbs began to break and fall as the rain slammed the city. The road in front of our house looked like a river. It was at least eight inches deep. I regretted parking the truck at the curb. Chase took some pictures and videos in the waning part of the storm. I am not sure if he will post them but the event was impressive. I am guessing that two inches fell on us in less than half an hour.
Grandpa and Grandma are getting ready to leave West Virginia this week. I have not heard if it is to be today or tomorrow but it should be this week. Both of them are dreading the trip back. Grandpa is dreading hauling the loaded trailer and the risk it represents – as well as the fuel cost it requires. But it is filled with things we desperately need at the farm. Grandma is dreading the time in the vehicle. She does not have the expectation on fun events she had on the trip over. Pray for their safety in transit.
I am not entirely sure at this point what is coming back with him other than a baler. I am not sure how he loaded that on the trailer but I know there was a plan in place to get it done. I do know that he was finally able to recover many items he had in storage there. Those items, many of them are electrical parts, will be put to use in the shop and the house. Hopefully we will at least be able to use the help we have coming to bale hay – although we have no good place to store it yet.
I am quickly running short on time to get things done to prepare the shop for a work crew. Mama is insisting that we have it ready (concrete poured and the building totally enclosed) to house all of our things when we empty the house in Amarillo. I am beginning to sense that I will not have the time to get that far in the construction project – even if I had the money to hire all the work out. Oh, well. Storage is plentiful in several rental places in Bowie.
The idea does not appeal to Mama.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Departures and arrivals, wanderers
We had a busy weekend. Mama had talked to David (a man we go to church with) on Friday about going ahead and picking up Toi and Rain. He and his family operate a horse rescue of sorts and he seemed really receptive of the idea of boarding the two horses. Mama had not allowed them to go last week because she thought there might be some value in keeping them, but that changed with the offer to board Wes’s horses.
So David came in the morning on Saturday and after we got a tire repaired on his trailer – one blew out about two miles from our farm – we moved into the calf lot to load the horses. Rain proved to be a challenge. As we struggled with her I began to pray that the Lord would send us an angel to help us get this done safely. David and I soon came to the realization that Rain did not trust either of us so we asked Mama to lead her.
We had to repark the trailer and back it up to the loading shoot but with Mama leading, Rain was soon in the trailer and David, the two horses, his wife and their two young sons – as well as the two pups he had in the back of the pick up truck – were on the road home. We found out yesterday that they made it home okay and that the horses were adapting to their new location. We will go see them some time next week.
Wes showed up in the afternoon with Jazz and Flashy, two of his horses. We unloaded the two of them with out any effort and loosed them in the lot after introducing them to the donkeys. Wes said they had never been around donkeys before and both species were leery of each other. Fortunately they are in separate paddocks so we do not have to see them fight for a pecking order.
I wish I could say the two big horses and Misty were getting along splendidly but that is not totally true. Misty is the odd-man-out but she is tolerated. Jazz, who is a gelding, seems almost protective of Misty when feeding rights are not in dispute. Flashy is a mare due to foal next spring. She is not the least tolerant of Misty - a recent weanling. Flashy wants to make it extremely clear that no nursing will be allowed.
It is a good thing that the two horses were dropped off that afternoon. Misty was noticeable lonely after her two lifelong friends were taken away. She did not venture too far from the calf lot but was constantly whinnying for her mama and Toi. Mama was worried for her. All is well now that she has company.
For some reason, I let the guineas loose on Saturday morning to see how they would do. It did not turn out well. They fed across out meadow into the neighbor’s fields and then on down the road from there. Our neighbor was quite worried about them but there was little we could do to contain or capture them. What I should have done is let them out one at a time over several weeks so they would stay nearby. Too late.
They were last spotted on the shoulder of the highway on their way to Montague. I hope they end up on a good farm somewhere. If not they will be coyote or fox food within a few weeks.
My bad.
So David came in the morning on Saturday and after we got a tire repaired on his trailer – one blew out about two miles from our farm – we moved into the calf lot to load the horses. Rain proved to be a challenge. As we struggled with her I began to pray that the Lord would send us an angel to help us get this done safely. David and I soon came to the realization that Rain did not trust either of us so we asked Mama to lead her.
We had to repark the trailer and back it up to the loading shoot but with Mama leading, Rain was soon in the trailer and David, the two horses, his wife and their two young sons – as well as the two pups he had in the back of the pick up truck – were on the road home. We found out yesterday that they made it home okay and that the horses were adapting to their new location. We will go see them some time next week.
Wes showed up in the afternoon with Jazz and Flashy, two of his horses. We unloaded the two of them with out any effort and loosed them in the lot after introducing them to the donkeys. Wes said they had never been around donkeys before and both species were leery of each other. Fortunately they are in separate paddocks so we do not have to see them fight for a pecking order.
I wish I could say the two big horses and Misty were getting along splendidly but that is not totally true. Misty is the odd-man-out but she is tolerated. Jazz, who is a gelding, seems almost protective of Misty when feeding rights are not in dispute. Flashy is a mare due to foal next spring. She is not the least tolerant of Misty - a recent weanling. Flashy wants to make it extremely clear that no nursing will be allowed.
It is a good thing that the two horses were dropped off that afternoon. Misty was noticeable lonely after her two lifelong friends were taken away. She did not venture too far from the calf lot but was constantly whinnying for her mama and Toi. Mama was worried for her. All is well now that she has company.
For some reason, I let the guineas loose on Saturday morning to see how they would do. It did not turn out well. They fed across out meadow into the neighbor’s fields and then on down the road from there. Our neighbor was quite worried about them but there was little we could do to contain or capture them. What I should have done is let them out one at a time over several weeks so they would stay nearby. Too late.
They were last spotted on the shoulder of the highway on their way to Montague. I hope they end up on a good farm somewhere. If not they will be coyote or fox food within a few weeks.
My bad.
Friday, August 17, 2012
Timing, shopping, the dogs
It began to dawn on me yesterday that if we stay the four days in Amarillo next week as we are intending, then we will not be ready at all to begin work on the shop as I had hoped. There will be plenty to do since the hay will need to be cut and baled, but the work I had hoped would be under way may not be ready. Oh, well. We will have fun and get things done that can be done. It all starts next week on Friday evening.
I have meetings all day today in Decatur. They will be some of the final meetings I will have to take over the training responsibilities. I am still pushing back on some of the duties being left by the person I am replacing but the assignment of those is still up in the air. That makes some people very nervous.
Cori was telling Mama last night that the grandkids are excited about coming to Papi’s house. I am just thankful to have something attached to me in their minds. To this point everything associated with Mama and I belonged to Grammy. Now I have an entire dwelling with my name on it. I feel rich.
Mama is going to go to the outlet malls in Gainesville today. She knows we are still limited on cash but the exercise will do her good. She told me what she is looking for but I do not really remember other than a certain style of shoes – as if she really needs another pair. She is looking for something more comfortable that is closed toed since she feels like she is hurting her feet by constantly wearing sandals and flip-flops.
When I got to the farm yesterday I was greeted by two very dirty dogs. The rain is a blessing to us and the ground. The mud it brings is less inspiring. The dogs do not mind at all being filthy dirty. The wet ground and cooler temperatures are a noticeable relief to them. However the two dogs we consider inside dogs make it a challenge to keep them clean enough to still be inside.
Dodger cannot decide whether or not he is an inside dog. He has no problem lying in the wet dirt after getting groomed and bathed. He does not see the problem in swimming in the horse’s water trough them licking himself clean while sitting on the couch. Rosie is a neat freak of sorts and would not generally resort to any attempt to bring the great outdoors inside – other than an occasional roll in something scratchy or smelly.
We have not let the guineas out yet for fear of how the dogs will react to them. Chasing the chickens is quite a game to them but the chickens do not normally fly to get away so the chase is prolonged. Neither of the big dogs has showed signs of wanting to kill a chicken – not like Dodger has – but they are still dogs and we will have to find a way to teach them to get along.
Maybe that will suffice for Grant. He wants to get a cat that will fight with our dogs then watch them become friends so he can live out a book his mommy reads to him. If we can convince him that is happening between the dogs and the birds, it could suffice. I do not want a cat.
Not until we have a barn.
I have meetings all day today in Decatur. They will be some of the final meetings I will have to take over the training responsibilities. I am still pushing back on some of the duties being left by the person I am replacing but the assignment of those is still up in the air. That makes some people very nervous.
Cori was telling Mama last night that the grandkids are excited about coming to Papi’s house. I am just thankful to have something attached to me in their minds. To this point everything associated with Mama and I belonged to Grammy. Now I have an entire dwelling with my name on it. I feel rich.
Mama is going to go to the outlet malls in Gainesville today. She knows we are still limited on cash but the exercise will do her good. She told me what she is looking for but I do not really remember other than a certain style of shoes – as if she really needs another pair. She is looking for something more comfortable that is closed toed since she feels like she is hurting her feet by constantly wearing sandals and flip-flops.
When I got to the farm yesterday I was greeted by two very dirty dogs. The rain is a blessing to us and the ground. The mud it brings is less inspiring. The dogs do not mind at all being filthy dirty. The wet ground and cooler temperatures are a noticeable relief to them. However the two dogs we consider inside dogs make it a challenge to keep them clean enough to still be inside.
Dodger cannot decide whether or not he is an inside dog. He has no problem lying in the wet dirt after getting groomed and bathed. He does not see the problem in swimming in the horse’s water trough them licking himself clean while sitting on the couch. Rosie is a neat freak of sorts and would not generally resort to any attempt to bring the great outdoors inside – other than an occasional roll in something scratchy or smelly.
We have not let the guineas out yet for fear of how the dogs will react to them. Chasing the chickens is quite a game to them but the chickens do not normally fly to get away so the chase is prolonged. Neither of the big dogs has showed signs of wanting to kill a chicken – not like Dodger has – but they are still dogs and we will have to find a way to teach them to get along.
Maybe that will suffice for Grant. He wants to get a cat that will fight with our dogs then watch them become friends so he can live out a book his mommy reads to him. If we can convince him that is happening between the dogs and the birds, it could suffice. I do not want a cat.
Not until we have a barn.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Church, a little scare, rain, apartment shopping
Church last night was fun. It has been a while since I have been at Central Baptist so the common joke was people reintroducing themselves as though I was a first time visitor. I was asked to read a mission letter almost as soon as the teasing was over so we are still welcome. Mrs. Patrick and I talked a long time about a variety of subjects but she is very sad to see us go. Mama and I will be back next week to attend a couple nights of the mission’s conference. The church is really getting geared up for it.
On the way home from church I stopped to get gas. I was still in my white shirt and tie when I went into the convenience store to buy an Arizona Green tea when I decided to call Mama. We talked for some time while I stood in the store and watched people come and go. When I got done talking to Mama and went to the register the lady working the register asked me rather sheepishly if that was all I wanted. When I told her it was, she breathed a huge sigh of relief and said, “You’re terrific!”
“Why is that?” I asked. She told me that she thought I was a constable and she was afraid she had sold cigarettes to a minor which was a $500 plus ticket. Her relief was very obvious. She said she had actually been given a ticket last month and was still working on paying it off so another one would have sunk her. I felt bad for her but I still thought it was funny.
More rain is predicted for Bowie over the next couple of days. In total about another two inches. That will put us way ahead for the summer. I do not know if it is unusual to get that amount of rainfall at this time of year but I am praising the Lord for it – normal or not. Along with the rain, the temperatures are a good bit cooler. Mornings will be in the sixties and afternoons will top out well below the century mark. Tomorrow is predicted to be only 85 degrees. That will feel good.
Mama says feeding is a mess with the ground muddy. We have an area of clay that we all try to avoid when it is wet but since it is right in the middle of the lot where all of the activity takes place, it is difficult to do. At least I will not have to water the grape vines for a few days; which is good because Mama and I will be in Amarillo most of next week.
We have decided to take our surplus of eggs to the language institute here in Bowie. We know the families that come here to study are often in great need. The semester will start soon and we are not sure how many families will be there, but it is one little thing we can do to help. We are not having much success selling them so the idea of giving them to missionary couples makes sense. When I got to Amarillo I found we had over fifty eggs in the fridge there and with the chickens laying eight to ten per day we should continue to have a surplus.
Chase is hoping Mama will look at some apartments with him when she is here next week. I am planning on going with him tonight to look at one he thinks he likes – across from the mall on Coulter. There are more to choose from in Amarillo than I was aware of. Andrew Fie told him he may have had a change of heart on taking him in as a roommate but after Chase took his truck keys and hid them through the service last night, he may have reconsidered his reconsideration. With the mess I found in the sink when I got to the house in Amarillo, I told Chase I did not think he was ready to be a roommate yet.
He took the hint and washed the several days worth of accumulation.
On the way home from church I stopped to get gas. I was still in my white shirt and tie when I went into the convenience store to buy an Arizona Green tea when I decided to call Mama. We talked for some time while I stood in the store and watched people come and go. When I got done talking to Mama and went to the register the lady working the register asked me rather sheepishly if that was all I wanted. When I told her it was, she breathed a huge sigh of relief and said, “You’re terrific!”
“Why is that?” I asked. She told me that she thought I was a constable and she was afraid she had sold cigarettes to a minor which was a $500 plus ticket. Her relief was very obvious. She said she had actually been given a ticket last month and was still working on paying it off so another one would have sunk her. I felt bad for her but I still thought it was funny.
More rain is predicted for Bowie over the next couple of days. In total about another two inches. That will put us way ahead for the summer. I do not know if it is unusual to get that amount of rainfall at this time of year but I am praising the Lord for it – normal or not. Along with the rain, the temperatures are a good bit cooler. Mornings will be in the sixties and afternoons will top out well below the century mark. Tomorrow is predicted to be only 85 degrees. That will feel good.
Mama says feeding is a mess with the ground muddy. We have an area of clay that we all try to avoid when it is wet but since it is right in the middle of the lot where all of the activity takes place, it is difficult to do. At least I will not have to water the grape vines for a few days; which is good because Mama and I will be in Amarillo most of next week.
We have decided to take our surplus of eggs to the language institute here in Bowie. We know the families that come here to study are often in great need. The semester will start soon and we are not sure how many families will be there, but it is one little thing we can do to help. We are not having much success selling them so the idea of giving them to missionary couples makes sense. When I got to Amarillo I found we had over fifty eggs in the fridge there and with the chickens laying eight to ten per day we should continue to have a surplus.
Chase is hoping Mama will look at some apartments with him when she is here next week. I am planning on going with him tonight to look at one he thinks he likes – across from the mall on Coulter. There are more to choose from in Amarillo than I was aware of. Andrew Fie told him he may have had a change of heart on taking him in as a roommate but after Chase took his truck keys and hid them through the service last night, he may have reconsidered his reconsideration. With the mess I found in the sink when I got to the house in Amarillo, I told Chase I did not think he was ready to be a roommate yet.
He took the hint and washed the several days worth of accumulation.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Travel, horses, accidents too close, short on time
I was traveling yesterday for most of the day. I left the farm at 5 a.m. and drove about four hours to Elk City, OK. After spending five hours there I drove to Amarillo – about two and one half hours. I was worn out last night. I was supposed to wait up for Chase but I did not make it. I will have to get together with him later today. I think he is working a much earlier time slot.
Mama called last night to tell me they had gotten a lot of rain. The weather app I use was predicting over an inch through the night. That should liven up our dead, parched ground. The rain is predicted to continue through Friday morning. It makes a bit of a mess for us when the ground is muddy, but the benefits far outweigh the mess. Besides, over time we will grow grass to cover the muddy spots and cover buildings to house the things we need to better protect from the wet. It’s all good. Of course, it is easier for me this morning since I am in my office in Borger.
After Mama kept the horses rather than let them go to David I have felt she regretted the decision so as we talked briefly yesterday I asked about it. I think we are back to letting them go even if Rain is pregnant and even it Toi ends up being worth something. Rain gave us Misty and Toi was given to us so we are amply paid back for the two if we let them go. If David and his family get a blessing out of the two of them, it is all the better. The current wet conditions will slow any transfers so we will continue to feed and care for the horses as we always have until they are gone.
Wes Bowman stopped by Monday evening to look over the farm because he would like to board some of his mares there. Mama is familiar with two of the three he suggested bringing and she is very excited. The two she knows are easy to ride so the hope is that she and Victoria will have opportunity to do just that. It will also put them close when the grandkids are here. They will think they are on a petting zoo/ dude ranch for their vacation.
Mama and I were supposed to look at a house in Montague that would be a good pattern for the metal home Mama has decided we want to build. We were waiting at the house for the realtor to come when Victoria called to tell us that a bad wreck on Hwy 59 had slowed her up in her drive to work. She was not involved but it had happened just before she left the farm because there were no emergency services on the scene and the traffic had only just began to work around it.
As it turned out, one of those involved in the wreck was the realtor that was on her way to meet us. We found out as we called to see if she was on her way since we had been waiting about half an hour. She was okay but the accident totaled her car. Mama and I felt a little bad since the meeting was to look at how the house was set up, not to buy it. Mama had been very honest with her about our intentions so she was aware that we were not potential buyers, but we still felt bad for her.
With this week almost over – at least, that is how I see it – I am looking to next week and all the activity that is coming at us during that time. Grandma and Grandpa will be traveling back to the farm with a loaded trailer (baler included). Mama and I will be in Amarillo for several days to participate in Central Baptist’s Missions Conference – if Grandma and Grandpa make it back as anticipated. Nate, Cori and the kids will be arriving at the end of the week. Joshua will be traveling to Dallas by bus at the same time. We will pick him up and get him to the farm for the week.
We have a lot to do in a few days. Mama and Victoria will be rearranging in the mobile home to accommodate everyone. Mama and I will be moving our bed to Bowie to help in that rearranging. I must get the building to the point that we can put everyone to work on the initial construction. We may have hay to put up in addition to the construction projects. Additionally, I have to keep hammering away at learning my new assignments while keeping up with my current ones.
We are getting short on time.
Mama called last night to tell me they had gotten a lot of rain. The weather app I use was predicting over an inch through the night. That should liven up our dead, parched ground. The rain is predicted to continue through Friday morning. It makes a bit of a mess for us when the ground is muddy, but the benefits far outweigh the mess. Besides, over time we will grow grass to cover the muddy spots and cover buildings to house the things we need to better protect from the wet. It’s all good. Of course, it is easier for me this morning since I am in my office in Borger.
After Mama kept the horses rather than let them go to David I have felt she regretted the decision so as we talked briefly yesterday I asked about it. I think we are back to letting them go even if Rain is pregnant and even it Toi ends up being worth something. Rain gave us Misty and Toi was given to us so we are amply paid back for the two if we let them go. If David and his family get a blessing out of the two of them, it is all the better. The current wet conditions will slow any transfers so we will continue to feed and care for the horses as we always have until they are gone.
Wes Bowman stopped by Monday evening to look over the farm because he would like to board some of his mares there. Mama is familiar with two of the three he suggested bringing and she is very excited. The two she knows are easy to ride so the hope is that she and Victoria will have opportunity to do just that. It will also put them close when the grandkids are here. They will think they are on a petting zoo/ dude ranch for their vacation.
Mama and I were supposed to look at a house in Montague that would be a good pattern for the metal home Mama has decided we want to build. We were waiting at the house for the realtor to come when Victoria called to tell us that a bad wreck on Hwy 59 had slowed her up in her drive to work. She was not involved but it had happened just before she left the farm because there were no emergency services on the scene and the traffic had only just began to work around it.
As it turned out, one of those involved in the wreck was the realtor that was on her way to meet us. We found out as we called to see if she was on her way since we had been waiting about half an hour. She was okay but the accident totaled her car. Mama and I felt a little bad since the meeting was to look at how the house was set up, not to buy it. Mama had been very honest with her about our intentions so she was aware that we were not potential buyers, but we still felt bad for her.
With this week almost over – at least, that is how I see it – I am looking to next week and all the activity that is coming at us during that time. Grandma and Grandpa will be traveling back to the farm with a loaded trailer (baler included). Mama and I will be in Amarillo for several days to participate in Central Baptist’s Missions Conference – if Grandma and Grandpa make it back as anticipated. Nate, Cori and the kids will be arriving at the end of the week. Joshua will be traveling to Dallas by bus at the same time. We will pick him up and get him to the farm for the week.
We have a lot to do in a few days. Mama and Victoria will be rearranging in the mobile home to accommodate everyone. Mama and I will be moving our bed to Bowie to help in that rearranging. I must get the building to the point that we can put everyone to work on the initial construction. We may have hay to put up in addition to the construction projects. Additionally, I have to keep hammering away at learning my new assignments while keeping up with my current ones.
We are getting short on time.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Chase, Toi & Rain, construction for the move
Chase and Makaila came over on Friday evening to get the little truck so he could have transportation while in Amarillo. I am still trying to get things straightened out with the wrecker service and salvage yard on the Breeze. Chase made several calls but what he was told makes absolutely no sense so I have to follow up. I am hoping to get the correct information today and get the problem solved early this week. I will be in Amarillo tomorrow afternoon.
Chase has had no luck finding a roommate. Bo was not allowed to move out and Andrew Fie, who also goes to church with us at Central Baptist, is not receptive to the idea of sharing an apartment either. Chase and I are going to look at some other apartments this week while I am there but I think Mama will also want to be involved when she is there next week. We are still praying about the arrangement but seem to have no clear directive one way of the other from the Lord. Those are the situations where it is difficult to know exactly what is best.
We had a friend come over to the farm Saturday. He goes to church with us in Decatur. He and his family do horse rescue and he was going to Trade Days in Bowie on Saturday so he came by to look at Toi. He, like the horse breeders that were at the farm on Friday, said that Toi was not really in that bad a condition. They also agreed that if she was fattened up and doctored a bit that she could carry a foal.
We found the papers that show Toi’s registration and Mama called the breeder to give him the information since he had requested it when he was here last week. He seemed familiar with the bloodline and said he would do some research and see if he could find someone interested in taking her. It is hard for us to imagine her carrying a baby in the condition she is in and at her age. She is twenty three years old.
Rain is troubling Toi pretty thoroughly. She will not let the older horse near her especially is there is food to eat. It keeps Toi on the run unless there is a lot of open pasture. With the lack of rain over the past month, there is little out there to graze on so what we feed out morning and evening is pretty much all they get. We have been told by two horse people that Rain does look pregnant so we are inclined to keep her for the duration of the gestation period – just in case. Personally, I would like to see both of them go, but I am willing to wait.
Some severe storms blew through last night but we did not get a drop of rain. I am assuming the rain will hold off until we begin to pour the slab for the shop and apartment. With the end of September yet six weeks away (our targeted move out date) things look fairly hopeful, but time is going pretty fast and I am not sure if we will even have the shop shelled in by the end of next month. Somehow we will manage regardless of where we are in construction, but I am not holding out for the building and apartment to be complete.
So far we have not sold the log package. There have been several people interested but no takers. We offered the logs for a price or for trade for cattle. At this point I am more interested in getting cattle for them. Grandpa will be coming back with a baler so we will have hay to feed and October is the normal beginning of predictable rain in our area. Timing looks good for us to get cattle, but we will watch and wait.
It has been interesting to note that the horses will not eat the hay we got in West Virginia. They push it aside and wait for the hay we got off of our meadow here. We are a little hesitant to feed out the hay we will be cutting next because we have been told that Blister Beetles infect alfalfa grown in warmer climates and ingestion of infected hay will kill a horse. I am inclined to go with what the local horse breeders think rather than to attempt to prove them wrong and end up with a dead horse.
So far we have been blessed. The hay we scraped off of the meadow was harvested before the beetles swarmed the area.
Chase has had no luck finding a roommate. Bo was not allowed to move out and Andrew Fie, who also goes to church with us at Central Baptist, is not receptive to the idea of sharing an apartment either. Chase and I are going to look at some other apartments this week while I am there but I think Mama will also want to be involved when she is there next week. We are still praying about the arrangement but seem to have no clear directive one way of the other from the Lord. Those are the situations where it is difficult to know exactly what is best.
We had a friend come over to the farm Saturday. He goes to church with us in Decatur. He and his family do horse rescue and he was going to Trade Days in Bowie on Saturday so he came by to look at Toi. He, like the horse breeders that were at the farm on Friday, said that Toi was not really in that bad a condition. They also agreed that if she was fattened up and doctored a bit that she could carry a foal.
We found the papers that show Toi’s registration and Mama called the breeder to give him the information since he had requested it when he was here last week. He seemed familiar with the bloodline and said he would do some research and see if he could find someone interested in taking her. It is hard for us to imagine her carrying a baby in the condition she is in and at her age. She is twenty three years old.
Rain is troubling Toi pretty thoroughly. She will not let the older horse near her especially is there is food to eat. It keeps Toi on the run unless there is a lot of open pasture. With the lack of rain over the past month, there is little out there to graze on so what we feed out morning and evening is pretty much all they get. We have been told by two horse people that Rain does look pregnant so we are inclined to keep her for the duration of the gestation period – just in case. Personally, I would like to see both of them go, but I am willing to wait.
Some severe storms blew through last night but we did not get a drop of rain. I am assuming the rain will hold off until we begin to pour the slab for the shop and apartment. With the end of September yet six weeks away (our targeted move out date) things look fairly hopeful, but time is going pretty fast and I am not sure if we will even have the shop shelled in by the end of next month. Somehow we will manage regardless of where we are in construction, but I am not holding out for the building and apartment to be complete.
So far we have not sold the log package. There have been several people interested but no takers. We offered the logs for a price or for trade for cattle. At this point I am more interested in getting cattle for them. Grandpa will be coming back with a baler so we will have hay to feed and October is the normal beginning of predictable rain in our area. Timing looks good for us to get cattle, but we will watch and wait.
It has been interesting to note that the horses will not eat the hay we got in West Virginia. They push it aside and wait for the hay we got off of our meadow here. We are a little hesitant to feed out the hay we will be cutting next because we have been told that Blister Beetles infect alfalfa grown in warmer climates and ingestion of infected hay will kill a horse. I am inclined to go with what the local horse breeders think rather than to attempt to prove them wrong and end up with a dead horse.
So far we have been blessed. The hay we scraped off of the meadow was harvested before the beetles swarmed the area.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Horse sense, the logs, Chase, Becky
Mama and I met with a couple last night who had come out to the farm to look at the log package we have advertized. They were not so much interested in the log as they were in the horses. They own a ranch near here and are nationally recognized for their knowledge of horses. They have obviously made a lot of money over the years buying and selling horses. They were both attracted to Toi even though we see her as an old, ailing horse they saw some great potential still yet in her. He even remarked that if she was fattened up (she is very bony at the moment) she could be bred and have one more foal. I cannot see it but he really wanted to see her breeding papers so he could know if she could still be worth some money. He seemed to think we should hold up on getting rid of her until he had a chance to advise us on who we could sell her to. It is worth looking into.
We have someone from the church coming by Saturday afternoon to look over the horses to see if they can take them as rescue horses. The couple last night seemed to think Rain is bred back. I only know of a white horse that had been kept in the field next to ours right after Misty was born. They said she looked about five months along, which would be about right. A barbed wire fence would be no obstacle for breeding we were told.
We stood around and talked about horses for most of the evening. They gave us some good advice on what to look for and offered to be available to us at any time to help with questions, purchases, care tips, etc. We may not have sold the log package but we made a great contact which I will capitalize on going forward.
We have had several more calls on the logs. A guy I talked to last night said he would be coming by today to look them over and see if he and his ranch hands could use them to assemble a line house on the back part of his ranch. I do not know if he is a serious buyer or not but I am pretty sure he will take the time to come and look. I do not know if we will end up selling the logs or not, but Mama and I have prayed about it and we hope to sell them.
It will be some time before I will be able to put them together and I do not like seeing them sitting in the heat. It cannot be good for them and they cost too much to let go to waste. We have more pressing projects at hand right now. Just in case we do not sell them, I now have an idea how to cover them to protect them for the coming months. We will let the ad run and see what will come of it. God is in control.
Chase and Makaila are planning to drive over today, spend the night and drive back tomorrow morning. He is taking the little truck back with him. Losing the Breeze was a costly experiment and hopefully the lesson the Lord was teaching got root in Chase’s heart. I do not know what that may be but I know the Lord does. Anyway, it will give Chase a chance to show Makaila the farm – just in case she is interested and he will recover his transportation.
Becky texted me yesterday to tell me that Charles had a new job. When I congratulated her in response she mentioned that they had been on vacation and gotten a “ton” of free stuff and now Charles had a job. She was pretty excited. I could not figure out if she was more excited about the free stuff or Charles working. But praise the Lord for both.
Mama is aching and sore from her little run the other day. I try not to laugh when she complains but I guess I am not trying hard enough. Dodger is back in the house and I seem to be forgiven. I guess it was all a misunderstanding – at least, he is willing to see it that way.
It will not stop me from “misunderstanding” if the same thing happens in the future.
We have someone from the church coming by Saturday afternoon to look over the horses to see if they can take them as rescue horses. The couple last night seemed to think Rain is bred back. I only know of a white horse that had been kept in the field next to ours right after Misty was born. They said she looked about five months along, which would be about right. A barbed wire fence would be no obstacle for breeding we were told.
We stood around and talked about horses for most of the evening. They gave us some good advice on what to look for and offered to be available to us at any time to help with questions, purchases, care tips, etc. We may not have sold the log package but we made a great contact which I will capitalize on going forward.
We have had several more calls on the logs. A guy I talked to last night said he would be coming by today to look them over and see if he and his ranch hands could use them to assemble a line house on the back part of his ranch. I do not know if he is a serious buyer or not but I am pretty sure he will take the time to come and look. I do not know if we will end up selling the logs or not, but Mama and I have prayed about it and we hope to sell them.
It will be some time before I will be able to put them together and I do not like seeing them sitting in the heat. It cannot be good for them and they cost too much to let go to waste. We have more pressing projects at hand right now. Just in case we do not sell them, I now have an idea how to cover them to protect them for the coming months. We will let the ad run and see what will come of it. God is in control.
Chase and Makaila are planning to drive over today, spend the night and drive back tomorrow morning. He is taking the little truck back with him. Losing the Breeze was a costly experiment and hopefully the lesson the Lord was teaching got root in Chase’s heart. I do not know what that may be but I know the Lord does. Anyway, it will give Chase a chance to show Makaila the farm – just in case she is interested and he will recover his transportation.
Becky texted me yesterday to tell me that Charles had a new job. When I congratulated her in response she mentioned that they had been on vacation and gotten a “ton” of free stuff and now Charles had a job. She was pretty excited. I could not figure out if she was more excited about the free stuff or Charles working. But praise the Lord for both.
Mama is aching and sore from her little run the other day. I try not to laugh when she complains but I guess I am not trying hard enough. Dodger is back in the house and I seem to be forgiven. I guess it was all a misunderstanding – at least, he is willing to see it that way.
It will not stop me from “misunderstanding” if the same thing happens in the future.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
VBS, yesterday, horse news, Joshua
As expected, we got home pretty late last night. It was an enjoyable evening at VBS – which replaced the regular Wednesday evening service at the church. I think we had about 125 children there, most of whom came in on busses. I believe there were four saved last night.
This church has an interesting way of evaluating the children who raise their hand for salvation. Each child is asked a series of questions, the first of which is, do you understand what sin is? If they do not, then they are sent back to the activities going on. Only the ones who have a working understanding of what they are doing are dealt with for salvation. There are two other questions that are asked as qualifiers, but I do not remember them. It is a way of limiting any false professions that will trouble the child later in life. They seem to have had good success keeping the children who do understand and get saved.
Yesterday was not a stellar day for us. If Mama had any romantic notions about what a thirty year anniversary should be, they were not met yesterday – not even close. With the event with Dodger and the chickens and Chase’s accident, it was a pretty disappointing day. Last night Chase was nursing a wounded wrist and Mama was limping on an injured foot and knee. She was complaining that she is not the runner she used to be but I explained the trying to catch a dog is not the same as running for fun and exercise.
Victoria was disappointed by the loss of the Breeze but did not take it too hard. Chase was pretty devastated. He told me that if he had been in the little truck there would not have been as great a loss. He would have still have a vehicle to drive. As it stands, he and Makaila are looking into driving to the farm this weekend and taking the little truck back to Amarillo. So much for rushing around getting the car that would save him on gas.
Wes called yesterday to ask if he could board a couple horses at our place just about the time Mama was getting ready to call him to ask if he would like to board a couple of horses with us. Mama is worried about Misty being alone once we get rid of Rain and Toi; another case of our pets needing pets.
He will have to work out what horses to bring because the geldings he needs to place would not be good company for Misty and the younger mares he owns could be worse. His intent is to provide us with a horse we can ride at any time, but it could take a lot of juggling to get us there.
Joshua and I talked on Tuesday evening. He seems to have a little more direction in his life at this moment than I have seen in a while. He and his karate instructor are starting an after school program much like he was trying to get going in Arkansas. Homework and karate will be the focus of this program rather than the emphasis being on video games. They have worked out an accounting method for the income that seems both prudent and generous. We will have to watch and see how it develops.
Cori ordered bus tickets for Joshua to come over to the farm during the time they are there. If things work out the way it looks like they may, we will be pouring a slab about the time everyone is there.
There will be plenty of work regardless of whether or not we have a baler.
This church has an interesting way of evaluating the children who raise their hand for salvation. Each child is asked a series of questions, the first of which is, do you understand what sin is? If they do not, then they are sent back to the activities going on. Only the ones who have a working understanding of what they are doing are dealt with for salvation. There are two other questions that are asked as qualifiers, but I do not remember them. It is a way of limiting any false professions that will trouble the child later in life. They seem to have had good success keeping the children who do understand and get saved.
Yesterday was not a stellar day for us. If Mama had any romantic notions about what a thirty year anniversary should be, they were not met yesterday – not even close. With the event with Dodger and the chickens and Chase’s accident, it was a pretty disappointing day. Last night Chase was nursing a wounded wrist and Mama was limping on an injured foot and knee. She was complaining that she is not the runner she used to be but I explained the trying to catch a dog is not the same as running for fun and exercise.
Victoria was disappointed by the loss of the Breeze but did not take it too hard. Chase was pretty devastated. He told me that if he had been in the little truck there would not have been as great a loss. He would have still have a vehicle to drive. As it stands, he and Makaila are looking into driving to the farm this weekend and taking the little truck back to Amarillo. So much for rushing around getting the car that would save him on gas.
Wes called yesterday to ask if he could board a couple horses at our place just about the time Mama was getting ready to call him to ask if he would like to board a couple of horses with us. Mama is worried about Misty being alone once we get rid of Rain and Toi; another case of our pets needing pets.
He will have to work out what horses to bring because the geldings he needs to place would not be good company for Misty and the younger mares he owns could be worse. His intent is to provide us with a horse we can ride at any time, but it could take a lot of juggling to get us there.
Joshua and I talked on Tuesday evening. He seems to have a little more direction in his life at this moment than I have seen in a while. He and his karate instructor are starting an after school program much like he was trying to get going in Arkansas. Homework and karate will be the focus of this program rather than the emphasis being on video games. They have worked out an accounting method for the income that seems both prudent and generous. We will have to watch and see how it develops.
Cori ordered bus tickets for Joshua to come over to the farm during the time they are there. If things work out the way it looks like they may, we will be pouring a slab about the time everyone is there.
There will be plenty of work regardless of whether or not we have a baler.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
30 years, Chase’s driving
I took the day off from work today to spend it with Mama
since this is our 30th anniversary. I did not tell her about the day
off until I got home from work yesterday. As I got home she and Victoria were
packing the cooler and getting ready for VBS at our church in Decatur. She was
so intent on what she was doing that, although she was happy I was taking the day
off in the middle of the week, she did not realize the intent.
As she and Victoria were on their way to Decatur she called
me to tell me it finally dawned on her why I had asked her what she wanted to
do with the day. As it turned out, we did not have plans, which was a good thing
since we have no money. I have spent the day finishing up the cabinet shelving,
helping her with the feeding chores and taking her out to lunch.
This evening will be full since we are to arrive at the church
with food for the bus drivers working the routes for VBS some time near 6 p.m.
We have to meet Victoria at Wal-mart at 5:30 to pick her up and head out from
there. It will be a very tight schedule when I think that we will have to be
ready for our VBS duties and for church before we leave the farm.
After we went to lunch we went to Wal-mart to get some paint
for the cabinets. I am not in favor of keeping the raw wood look since it does
not fit the décor of the kitchen, although I do like the smell it gives the
cabinets. Mama will have to do the painting another day. It is her anniversary,
after all.
While we were feeding the chickens Mama took her focus off
of Dodger and he began chasing the chickens with the intent of killing one. As I
left her at the coop and went over to refill the horses water trough I told her
to close up the chickens before she walked away to get water for them. Did she
do it? No, and we spent the next several minutes in panic mode as we tried to
intervene in the hunt.
No chickens were hurt in the afore mentioned exercise, but I
cannot say the same for the dog. It took us over an hour to get our hands on
him but when I did we had a pretty passionate talk. He left with a better
understanding of the consequences of chicken hunting and I felt better at having
put my two cents into the discussion. Will he do it again? Probably; if so, the
consequences will escalate.
Chase just called me to tell me he was involved in another
wreck. This time in Victoria’s car. He is pretty sure it is totaled. He is okay
but he said his wrist is “jacked up”, whatever that might mean. He declined
being carried to the hospital. We will have to see how this works out. To his
credit, the car did have some issues with the brakes which we found out about only
after the exchange had been made. Victoria failed to mention it to anyone.
Perhaps someone will
speak in his defense who witnessed the reckless driving (his explanation) of the
person he rear ended. But in Texas, a
rear end collision is generally the fault of the driver who is in the rear. My
insurance will definitely be adjusted. We are not sure how Victoria’s will be
affected – she was the insured on her car.
That was our anniversary.
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
Long meetings, feeding, falling away
I spent six hours of my ten in the office yesterday with the person I am taking over for. We went over one procedure and started on a second one in that time. By the time 2:45 rolled around I told him I needed a break. I spent the rest of the day answering emails and catching up on some of my older assignments.
Don’t get me wrong. It was time well spent, but the magnitude of the work and the manner of presentation is taking me a little bit to adapt to. I know I can do the job, or should I say, jobs, but I will have to do things very differently than they are now being done. I hope those around me adapt well to the changes, because I will have to push them forward if I am to get a firm grip on the work.
In the Borger office I am one of the first ones in the office every morning I am in that office. In the Decatur office I am the first on in the office with rare exception. This week and last there have been visitors in the office here who usually office out of N Guymon and Dumas – offices in the panhandle area. They are here very soon after I get here every morning. It is rare to have someone from this office here before 6:45 a.m. It gives me a little time in the morning to get a head start on the day. That helps me greatly.
Mama went to vacation Bible school last night at our church in Decatur. She had to leave shortly after I got home. I did not go because the time slot for VBS was from 7 to 9 p.m. That put Mama home just before 10 p.m. After a usual difficult Sunday night I needed the rest. I went to bed at my grandchildren’s bedtime last night. I did get a good night’s sleep when I got back to sleep after Mama woke me up on her return home. I do not know who she was talking to but she was quite animated and quite loud as she related whatever funny story she was telling. I know I will hear some of the details today. I was not in a very receptive mood last night.
With her leaving at the time she did, Mama left the evening feeding to me. I was okay with the horses and the chickens but when it came to feeding the dogs I was a little baffled. I could not find the dog food. I knew we were running low, but I could not find any residue anywhere. I called Mama to find out what I was missing and found out the dog food was in the back of the car she was driving. I fed them some left over meat from too long ago, but they did not mind the questionable smell. To them it tasted fine.
Mama told me last night about two other well known preachers who have lost their ministries. One through an affair with a very young lady, the other because of an affair his wife was having. I was told that the one preacher had been in the adulterous relationship for over two years – during which time he stayed in the pulpit. That means he got behind the pulpit over three hundred times and preached as thought the Spirit of God was still with him. It is hard to imagine. If I had not just finished reading through Kings and Chronicles, I would not understand how God would allow such a travesty, but all through those four books you see the words, “he did that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord.”
In many of those evil reigns the tenure was decades long. God is longsuffering, but His judgments will never fail. I wrote several weeks ago about a sermon I heard recently in which the major theme was that I would rather have the correction of God in my life than to suffer His judgment. The sentence on the pastor who committed adultery has not been executed by God yet. Only God knows what that judgement will be because of the many who will fall or be turned away from the Lord through his sin. We really must be very careful.
There but for the grace of God go I.
Don’t get me wrong. It was time well spent, but the magnitude of the work and the manner of presentation is taking me a little bit to adapt to. I know I can do the job, or should I say, jobs, but I will have to do things very differently than they are now being done. I hope those around me adapt well to the changes, because I will have to push them forward if I am to get a firm grip on the work.
In the Borger office I am one of the first ones in the office every morning I am in that office. In the Decatur office I am the first on in the office with rare exception. This week and last there have been visitors in the office here who usually office out of N Guymon and Dumas – offices in the panhandle area. They are here very soon after I get here every morning. It is rare to have someone from this office here before 6:45 a.m. It gives me a little time in the morning to get a head start on the day. That helps me greatly.
Mama went to vacation Bible school last night at our church in Decatur. She had to leave shortly after I got home. I did not go because the time slot for VBS was from 7 to 9 p.m. That put Mama home just before 10 p.m. After a usual difficult Sunday night I needed the rest. I went to bed at my grandchildren’s bedtime last night. I did get a good night’s sleep when I got back to sleep after Mama woke me up on her return home. I do not know who she was talking to but she was quite animated and quite loud as she related whatever funny story she was telling. I know I will hear some of the details today. I was not in a very receptive mood last night.
With her leaving at the time she did, Mama left the evening feeding to me. I was okay with the horses and the chickens but when it came to feeding the dogs I was a little baffled. I could not find the dog food. I knew we were running low, but I could not find any residue anywhere. I called Mama to find out what I was missing and found out the dog food was in the back of the car she was driving. I fed them some left over meat from too long ago, but they did not mind the questionable smell. To them it tasted fine.
Mama told me last night about two other well known preachers who have lost their ministries. One through an affair with a very young lady, the other because of an affair his wife was having. I was told that the one preacher had been in the adulterous relationship for over two years – during which time he stayed in the pulpit. That means he got behind the pulpit over three hundred times and preached as thought the Spirit of God was still with him. It is hard to imagine. If I had not just finished reading through Kings and Chronicles, I would not understand how God would allow such a travesty, but all through those four books you see the words, “he did that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord.”
In many of those evil reigns the tenure was decades long. God is longsuffering, but His judgments will never fail. I wrote several weeks ago about a sermon I heard recently in which the major theme was that I would rather have the correction of God in my life than to suffer His judgment. The sentence on the pastor who committed adultery has not been executed by God yet. Only God knows what that judgement will be because of the many who will fall or be turned away from the Lord through his sin. We really must be very careful.
There but for the grace of God go I.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Quick travel, putting placement
When I got up Friday morning to go to work I realized that Chase had made it safely to the farm because he was sleeping on the living room floor. He and Mama had worked it out to swap his truck for Victoria’s little car. Chase was so anxious to make the swap that he left after work on Thursday night to drive the 280 miles to the farm. He was due back at work the following afternoon about the same time as Victoria’s dental appointment. It is more time constrained than I would have liked, but it all worked out.
Everything seems to have gone well in the travel back and everyone made it to the required appointments. Chase even had a record day on Saturday. I forget what Mama was told he made in commissions alone. Victoria got her crown placed – inside her head rather than on top, but she is very thankful. I suppose I am thankful also even thought it will cost me over $1000 to complete the work.
Mama and Victoria made it back Saturday night with the little van and the Nissan. Victoria was teasing about how good it was to be back home. She said she felt like she had been gone forever – even though it was only one night. There was some earlier talk about the two of them staying over Saturday and Sunday nights and coming back Monday but those plans were thrown out pretty quickly. I was glad to have them home but we all would have survived another night or two.
I did get a lot of work done on Friday evening and Saturday. I cut out all of the pipe Grandpa and I had discussed so we can prepare the shop for the required ground work with the goal of pouring a slab in the next couple weeks. I am not sure how far we will be on the shop when Nate, Cori and the kids arrive but there will be plenty to do regardless.
Grandpa is a little discouraged. He and Norman have looked at several balers but have not come across the one he is willing to buy at the price being asked. He is hesitant to come back to Bowie without one but that could be the outcome we have to deal with. I am still praying he will be able to get one there, just for the encouragement it will give him and Norman, but it would not be a terrible outcome for their trip. Grandma and Grandpa have enjoyed the time around family and friends. We are all glad they were able to go.
Yesterday was a great day at church. It is wonderful to see Mama sitting with different groups of women talking about every subject under the sun. It is more gratifying to see Victoria participating in different group discussions. She is still a little quick to want to leave, but is far more involved overall than at any other church we have attended.
I get the feeling that we are well placed here.
Everything seems to have gone well in the travel back and everyone made it to the required appointments. Chase even had a record day on Saturday. I forget what Mama was told he made in commissions alone. Victoria got her crown placed – inside her head rather than on top, but she is very thankful. I suppose I am thankful also even thought it will cost me over $1000 to complete the work.
Mama and Victoria made it back Saturday night with the little van and the Nissan. Victoria was teasing about how good it was to be back home. She said she felt like she had been gone forever – even though it was only one night. There was some earlier talk about the two of them staying over Saturday and Sunday nights and coming back Monday but those plans were thrown out pretty quickly. I was glad to have them home but we all would have survived another night or two.
I did get a lot of work done on Friday evening and Saturday. I cut out all of the pipe Grandpa and I had discussed so we can prepare the shop for the required ground work with the goal of pouring a slab in the next couple weeks. I am not sure how far we will be on the shop when Nate, Cori and the kids arrive but there will be plenty to do regardless.
Grandpa is a little discouraged. He and Norman have looked at several balers but have not come across the one he is willing to buy at the price being asked. He is hesitant to come back to Bowie without one but that could be the outcome we have to deal with. I am still praying he will be able to get one there, just for the encouragement it will give him and Norman, but it would not be a terrible outcome for their trip. Grandma and Grandpa have enjoyed the time around family and friends. We are all glad they were able to go.
Yesterday was a great day at church. It is wonderful to see Mama sitting with different groups of women talking about every subject under the sun. It is more gratifying to see Victoria participating in different group discussions. She is still a little quick to want to leave, but is far more involved overall than at any other church we have attended.
I get the feeling that we are well placed here.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Meetings, moving, planning
This has been a very busy week. I have been in meetings for at least six hours each day beginning on Monday and ending on Thursday. In the sporadic free moments I have been trying to get a grip on the additional assignments I have taken on by visiting with the person I am replacing. He has been very helpful and understanding, but neither of us has had time to get much information transferred. Today there are no day long meetings so we may be able to drill down on task load in a more formal manner.
The vehicle swap has begun. Last night Chase drove the little truck to the farm. After only a few hours of sleep he, Mama and Victoria will drive Victoria’s little car as well as the Nissan back to Amarillo. Victoria has a dental appointment in the afternoon – the original motivation for the trip. Chase will keep the Breeze in Amarillo and Mama and Victoria will drive back tomorrow evening bringing the little van back along with the Nissan.
When Cori and Nate come over they will take the little van and Chase’s truck, leaving their car for Victoria to drive. That will still leave us with the Lincoln, Grandpa’s truck, the Nissan and Cori’s car at the farm. Four vehicles will be enough to meet our driving needs even if I do not get a truck assigned to me. It should also lower our insurance bill some. I am not sure by how much, but every little bit helps.
I got notice of my initial relocation advance last night and it will be enough to get us a long way on the shop with the apartment. There will not be an excess, but enough is good enough. I will not get the money for a couple weeks so we are still on a very tight budget, but hope is high with help on the way. We will make the most of the opportunity we have been given. The real increase will come in the reduction of expenses we will see by living in only one place. In other words, all Amarillo expenses will be removed from the budget allowing our singular focus to be the farm. Additionally, when the farm begins to produce an income, it will really help our finances.
It is a little frightening to have all our eggs in one basket, so to speak, but we are not alone by and means. Most people have their finances set up in the same shaky way. They have one job as their income, one house as their investment strategy, and one bank account that it all funnels through. Many do not have a savings account, a retirement account, life insurance or any long term plan by which they attempt to secure their future. We are living in frightening times.
We were talking in our meeting yesterday afternoon about the planning assessments we have as a company to track and advance our employees. One of those tools is an Individual Development Plan. My boss has been after me to update mine but I have held off in expectation of the move I am now making. With the expansion of my role and by default, the role of my group, I am going to update my plan to read: 1.) Breathe in, 2.) Breathe out, 3.) Continue repeating steps One and Two. That should suffice until I catch up.
I am sill not sure when Grandma and Grandpa will be coming back but I expect it will be when they get their monthly check – which usually comes in around the 15th of each month. Grandpa told me he and Norman have their eye on a baler but they do not yet have the money to buy it. I know there is a trailer load of other items he will be bringing back with him so maybe the baler is not there for us. It could be closer to the farm than we are giving God credit for, but we will only know as the right opportunities arise.
I am still praying for them to be successful in West Virginia for the hope that it will be an encouragement to them.
The vehicle swap has begun. Last night Chase drove the little truck to the farm. After only a few hours of sleep he, Mama and Victoria will drive Victoria’s little car as well as the Nissan back to Amarillo. Victoria has a dental appointment in the afternoon – the original motivation for the trip. Chase will keep the Breeze in Amarillo and Mama and Victoria will drive back tomorrow evening bringing the little van back along with the Nissan.
When Cori and Nate come over they will take the little van and Chase’s truck, leaving their car for Victoria to drive. That will still leave us with the Lincoln, Grandpa’s truck, the Nissan and Cori’s car at the farm. Four vehicles will be enough to meet our driving needs even if I do not get a truck assigned to me. It should also lower our insurance bill some. I am not sure by how much, but every little bit helps.
I got notice of my initial relocation advance last night and it will be enough to get us a long way on the shop with the apartment. There will not be an excess, but enough is good enough. I will not get the money for a couple weeks so we are still on a very tight budget, but hope is high with help on the way. We will make the most of the opportunity we have been given. The real increase will come in the reduction of expenses we will see by living in only one place. In other words, all Amarillo expenses will be removed from the budget allowing our singular focus to be the farm. Additionally, when the farm begins to produce an income, it will really help our finances.
It is a little frightening to have all our eggs in one basket, so to speak, but we are not alone by and means. Most people have their finances set up in the same shaky way. They have one job as their income, one house as their investment strategy, and one bank account that it all funnels through. Many do not have a savings account, a retirement account, life insurance or any long term plan by which they attempt to secure their future. We are living in frightening times.
We were talking in our meeting yesterday afternoon about the planning assessments we have as a company to track and advance our employees. One of those tools is an Individual Development Plan. My boss has been after me to update mine but I have held off in expectation of the move I am now making. With the expansion of my role and by default, the role of my group, I am going to update my plan to read: 1.) Breathe in, 2.) Breathe out, 3.) Continue repeating steps One and Two. That should suffice until I catch up.
I am sill not sure when Grandma and Grandpa will be coming back but I expect it will be when they get their monthly check – which usually comes in around the 15th of each month. Grandpa told me he and Norman have their eye on a baler but they do not yet have the money to buy it. I know there is a trailer load of other items he will be bringing back with him so maybe the baler is not there for us. It could be closer to the farm than we are giving God credit for, but we will only know as the right opportunities arise.
I am still praying for them to be successful in West Virginia for the hope that it will be an encouragement to them.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
Mama’s search, animal news, boy are we hot
As many of you know, Mama has been very reluctant to use the computer for anything. She will not type a word document, compose or read email, watch a movie online or search a question. Well, yesterday that began to change. She actually did a search all on her own. To beat it all, the subject of her search was political in nature. She wanted to know if a certain person running for local office had won their runoff race. She never did get the answer she was looking for but she did try. By the way, he did win.
I hope anyone who comes to visit us on the farm likes dogs. They at least, must be tolerant of them. Every morning as I am leaving and every evening as I arrive home, I walk the gauntlet of dogs. They are up all night barking at everything that catches their attention. Honestly, it does not bother me. For some reason I do not seem to hear it even though they may be right outside our window.
Samson is especially bad about having to make contact with the hands of anyone he approaches. It would not be so bad if the point of contact was not his wet nose, but he seems to need to plaster everyone’s palm with snot and slobbers before he is satisfied the recipient has passed muster. His height facilitates the entire exercise. I am not sure how the grandkids are going to react at first. By the time their visit is over, it will have become a welcome routine.
Speaking of their visit, I am being asked to travel to Denver for a training team meeting on the 28th and 29th of August. As much as I feel that I need to go, I will not be available. Nate, Cori and the kids will be at the farm that week. I can catch up to work some other time. I have to admit I did seriously consider making the meeting because I need the contact and the information exchange early on to get a good start on my new assignments, but I may be able to attend remotely. At any rate, I will get it all worked out. I have plenty of help.
Mama had a line on a person to come and take the two older horses but she and Victoria were out to lunch when he called so she missed the opportunity to have him come and look at the animals. I would like to have them off the farm sooner rather than later, but I will trust God’s timing. There is no danger in keeping them, nor is it particularly inconvenient. I just see a benefit in reducing our herd. I would rather be feeding the hay to some cattle, but it is a small matter.
Record heat has taken over the area but if you look at this week compared to last year, we are actually cooler by a few degrees. Cooler is probably not the right word, perhaps, not as hot would be more appropriate.
The heat we are experiencing here is not unique to the area. The oppressive heat is being felt by much of the nation. Grandpa and Norman are working in temperatures of over 100 degrees in West Virginia. We will be over 100 degrees through the remainder of this week and on through the weekend. I have some outside work planned but it will have to be done in the early morning and abandoned by noon. There is work I can do inside the house or the mobile home when the outside temperatures move past the 100 degree mark.
The poor dogs are suffering in the heat, but they dig in somewhere and lie still through the afternoon. The relative cool of the night is their only really active time. If anyone goes anywhere on the farm during the day they rouse themselves and go along, but they retreat to the shade as soon as that person gets back inside.
The donkeys seem unaffected by the heat. They may seek some shade at certain parts of the day, but for the most part they are out grazing through out the day – even in the heat of the afternoon. The horses do look for shade but it is their nature to eat constantly so they do not stay still for long. The poor chickens are enduring the heat and still laying eggs for us, but it is obvious that it is causing them in stress.
All in all, we wish we were at the beach, but the farm will have to do for now.
I hope anyone who comes to visit us on the farm likes dogs. They at least, must be tolerant of them. Every morning as I am leaving and every evening as I arrive home, I walk the gauntlet of dogs. They are up all night barking at everything that catches their attention. Honestly, it does not bother me. For some reason I do not seem to hear it even though they may be right outside our window.
Samson is especially bad about having to make contact with the hands of anyone he approaches. It would not be so bad if the point of contact was not his wet nose, but he seems to need to plaster everyone’s palm with snot and slobbers before he is satisfied the recipient has passed muster. His height facilitates the entire exercise. I am not sure how the grandkids are going to react at first. By the time their visit is over, it will have become a welcome routine.
Speaking of their visit, I am being asked to travel to Denver for a training team meeting on the 28th and 29th of August. As much as I feel that I need to go, I will not be available. Nate, Cori and the kids will be at the farm that week. I can catch up to work some other time. I have to admit I did seriously consider making the meeting because I need the contact and the information exchange early on to get a good start on my new assignments, but I may be able to attend remotely. At any rate, I will get it all worked out. I have plenty of help.
Mama had a line on a person to come and take the two older horses but she and Victoria were out to lunch when he called so she missed the opportunity to have him come and look at the animals. I would like to have them off the farm sooner rather than later, but I will trust God’s timing. There is no danger in keeping them, nor is it particularly inconvenient. I just see a benefit in reducing our herd. I would rather be feeding the hay to some cattle, but it is a small matter.
Record heat has taken over the area but if you look at this week compared to last year, we are actually cooler by a few degrees. Cooler is probably not the right word, perhaps, not as hot would be more appropriate.
The heat we are experiencing here is not unique to the area. The oppressive heat is being felt by much of the nation. Grandpa and Norman are working in temperatures of over 100 degrees in West Virginia. We will be over 100 degrees through the remainder of this week and on through the weekend. I have some outside work planned but it will have to be done in the early morning and abandoned by noon. There is work I can do inside the house or the mobile home when the outside temperatures move past the 100 degree mark.
The poor dogs are suffering in the heat, but they dig in somewhere and lie still through the afternoon. The relative cool of the night is their only really active time. If anyone goes anywhere on the farm during the day they rouse themselves and go along, but they retreat to the shade as soon as that person gets back inside.
The donkeys seem unaffected by the heat. They may seek some shade at certain parts of the day, but for the most part they are out grazing through out the day – even in the heat of the afternoon. The horses do look for shade but it is their nature to eat constantly so they do not stay still for long. The poor chickens are enduring the heat and still laying eggs for us, but it is obvious that it is causing them in stress.
All in all, we wish we were at the beach, but the farm will have to do for now.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
Getting the word out, Chase in sales, Grants pants, distracted Mama, Joshua
Today I will begin to let people know about my move to the Decatur office. I will meet with my boss and the person I am replacing and hash out some of the details about how we are going to make it happen. I have held off letting my group know until there was a little more directive from my boss but it looks like the time has finally come. With the flurry of activities this week, it will just be one of many things happening in this office.
As Mama and I dove home from Costso last night she told me she is warming up to the idea. After the initial disappointing realization that we were not going to Australia, she is seeing the benefits of remaining in Texas and moving to the farm. I am in the process of getting addresses updated with banks, credit card companies, city, county, state and federal agencies. Licenses have to be changed, voter registrations updated and a host of other little details, not the least of which may include new phone numbers. Relocating within the US is difficult. Relocating internationally is overwhelming. For the moment we will stick with the difficult task at hand.
Chase was pleased with himself yesterday due to a very high volume of sales. I think he made over $100 in commissions for the day. That is impressive. I told him that sales suit him. I do not have that talent nor am I ever likely to develop it, but it seems to work for him. He and Bo are still pursuing an apartment but I get the distinct impression that it is more of an effort on his part than that of Bo but I am not there so my opinion is strictly speculation. It will work as long as someone is driving the effort.
Cori called the other day to tell me that as she was helping Grant change for the day she found he had his underwear on inside out and backwards. I thought that idea was unique to me when I lived alone and wanted to extend the time between laundry runs. It may be that is more an attribute of the male psyche than I had originally realized.
For Blake’s birthday they bought him his first vehicle. I have not seen it yet but I am told that it is one of the powered models with the accelerator on the handlebars. Mama was telling me about what she imagined would be going through the head of one that small as bedtime came around; that they would be worried that the newest object of their affection would somehow disappear during the dark hours of the night. I gather from that that he really, really likes the little vehicle.
With Mama it is hard for me to tell if the stories are directly related. She skipped from one item of conversation to another as we drove last night. I do not know if I was more tired than she was or if it was a function of being distracted by diving, but I was having trouble following some of the conversation. We were about an hour away from the farm when she suddenly realized that she had left the chicken coop door open. She called Victoria to let her know not to let Dodger out until that was closed. Then she realized she had left Toi and Misty corralled all day in the calf lot.
She was trying to feed them separately from Rain – who is a rather piggish horse. Then she got busy with canning salsa and forgot the animals. When I got home from work and asked about going to Costco everything else was put on extended hold - until she remembered. (There were no animals hurt in this senior moment.) When we got home she discovered she had left the pan of cooked hamburger on the stovetop. Thankfully she had remembered to turn the burner off before we left.
Joshua talked to us last night and it is safe to say at this point that he will not be the target of identity theft. He has an outstanding warrant for a seriously overdue library book. I kid you not. Because of this he cannot get his drivers license reinstated. Once that got in the system as being addressed properly, the unpaid ticket in Louisiana showed up again. Mama and I thought that had been taken care of long ago, but it is still an outstanding issue. Please pray for him to get both of these resolved quickly so he can get a job and start moving forward with his life.
It is always the little things that pester us the most in this life.
As Mama and I dove home from Costso last night she told me she is warming up to the idea. After the initial disappointing realization that we were not going to Australia, she is seeing the benefits of remaining in Texas and moving to the farm. I am in the process of getting addresses updated with banks, credit card companies, city, county, state and federal agencies. Licenses have to be changed, voter registrations updated and a host of other little details, not the least of which may include new phone numbers. Relocating within the US is difficult. Relocating internationally is overwhelming. For the moment we will stick with the difficult task at hand.
Chase was pleased with himself yesterday due to a very high volume of sales. I think he made over $100 in commissions for the day. That is impressive. I told him that sales suit him. I do not have that talent nor am I ever likely to develop it, but it seems to work for him. He and Bo are still pursuing an apartment but I get the distinct impression that it is more of an effort on his part than that of Bo but I am not there so my opinion is strictly speculation. It will work as long as someone is driving the effort.
Cori called the other day to tell me that as she was helping Grant change for the day she found he had his underwear on inside out and backwards. I thought that idea was unique to me when I lived alone and wanted to extend the time between laundry runs. It may be that is more an attribute of the male psyche than I had originally realized.
For Blake’s birthday they bought him his first vehicle. I have not seen it yet but I am told that it is one of the powered models with the accelerator on the handlebars. Mama was telling me about what she imagined would be going through the head of one that small as bedtime came around; that they would be worried that the newest object of their affection would somehow disappear during the dark hours of the night. I gather from that that he really, really likes the little vehicle.
With Mama it is hard for me to tell if the stories are directly related. She skipped from one item of conversation to another as we drove last night. I do not know if I was more tired than she was or if it was a function of being distracted by diving, but I was having trouble following some of the conversation. We were about an hour away from the farm when she suddenly realized that she had left the chicken coop door open. She called Victoria to let her know not to let Dodger out until that was closed. Then she realized she had left Toi and Misty corralled all day in the calf lot.
She was trying to feed them separately from Rain – who is a rather piggish horse. Then she got busy with canning salsa and forgot the animals. When I got home from work and asked about going to Costco everything else was put on extended hold - until she remembered. (There were no animals hurt in this senior moment.) When we got home she discovered she had left the pan of cooked hamburger on the stovetop. Thankfully she had remembered to turn the burner off before we left.
Joshua talked to us last night and it is safe to say at this point that he will not be the target of identity theft. He has an outstanding warrant for a seriously overdue library book. I kid you not. Because of this he cannot get his drivers license reinstated. Once that got in the system as being addressed properly, the unpaid ticket in Louisiana showed up again. Mama and I thought that had been taken care of long ago, but it is still an outstanding issue. Please pray for him to get both of these resolved quickly so he can get a job and start moving forward with his life.
It is always the little things that pester us the most in this life.
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