Mama and I got to the farm in time to unload the things we had carried over with us and to sit down for a few minutes to watch the sun set. It is amazing how quickly it happens. Once the sun nears the horizon it is only a matter of minutes before it disappears behind it. The colors were spectacular and the sun seemed to squish flat onto the horizon as it disappeared. It was worth the time.
Yesterday the farm had a significant amount of rain so everything will be wet for at least today and possibly through tomorrow. It is a good thing that the work we can do right now is limited because we have no money to do anything other than day to day chores. Even buying diesel for the tractor will have to be carefully planned out. A week or two of respite will be a good thing. There are things I need Mama to do inside the home so we can begin to set up our bedroom.
As you can imagine, she does not look for opportunities to stay inside right now. She even went out last Sunday morning to feed and water the pigs and chickens in her pajamas. It was hot that morning and she was a mess by the time I got out there to help - I got dressed first – but the only thing she needed my help with was watering the horses and donkeys. We have an arrangement of hoses that have to be swapped around to get water to various places – the garden, the calf lot, the spigot for filling buckets, etc. She had the valve opened to water the horses but did not have the hose attached to deliver water to that line. It was an easy fix.
I do not know if she will go out in her PJ’s this morning. It is about 54 degrees; at least right now it is. By the time everyone at the farm gets up and out it will be closer to 70 degrees. It is quite wet with dew and there was a heavy fog, but we are happy for the moisture in any form.
I wish I had a few days off now while the weather is pleasant but I have to save that time for later in the summer so I can help put up hay – Lord willing. All the rest of my considerable time off is being spent for other family obligations. I am just hoping to have some time I can take during hunting season this fall. We will see.
Maggie calls Mama or me several times per week to give us an update on her aches and pains. I think what is happening is that her body is catching up on all the normal wear it should have had over the past decade as she exercises and settles into a working routine. It is all new for her. She was not our most physically active child and now that she has discovered the benefits of activity, she is paying the price with slightly older parts that should have been strengthened years ago. It is better late than never. It is still painful but I know she can hear the smile in my voice as we talk.
I do not know when Aaron deploys again but I know they are enjoying the time together while they have it. She talked about renting a boat Aaron had available for use through his Coast Guard ties and taking an older couple out onto the bay. That would be great fun. We never had much opportunity to get out onto the water as the kids were growing up. There were not too many people willing to take a family of nine for an outing onto the water. It was not until Steve Whidden got his boat going that we were able to do any activities on the water; although we did take a canoe trip down the Guadalupe River that got most of the kids involved. That was fun.
I am looking for a canoe to have available to use on our big pond at the farm. I had thought of getting kayaks but Mama is more in favor of a canoe so we can get up to three in at a time. It would not be a very long trip, but for the grandkids it would be a memorable one and I would be fun to fish from a canoe.
Cori and Nate are tentatively planning on bringing the kids over in the fall, but no dates have been set yet – and that is a good thing. Once Mama gets something set on her calendar there is no painless way of rearranging the event- especially when it relates to the grandkids.
Cori is in the process of teaching Mykenzie that Grammy does not have to buy everything she needs. Every phone or Skype conversation Mykenzie has with her Grammy she lists the things she needs at that moment so Cori thought it was time to let her know it is mommy and daddy’s responsibility to get things for her that she needs. Grammy can then get her the things that come at special times like birthdays and Christmas; that translates into Mommy, Daddy and Grammy buying things for her.
I could almost hear my granddaughter saying to herself, “Cha ching!”
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Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Unmet goals, Becky’s success, Brittany
One of my friends from New Jersey (now residing in California) emailed me yesterday to get an updated address. He has written a book and wanted to get me a copy of it. It contains some of the ideas he bounced off of me during our long hours of night shifts. I can not be credited with the contents of his book but I thought it was a very nice gesture to send me a copy. I told him I was jealous because he was published first, but it is no surprise. He is a much more focused person than I am.
I have often thought about how I could work out the time needed to complete any one of the stories I have in progress, but I am at a loss. There is so much work to do aside from writing and all of it seems to be far more critical than spending time at a keyboard. I do not think there would be any time at the farm and I am equally short of time while in Amarillo. I have to give Mama credit; she can leave me alone while I do computer work – especially if she knows I am trying to write. I cannot say the same for Grandma. I fear if she knew anyone was in the house with her she would feel obliged to talk to them.
It is one of my many unmet goals that I fail to put enough emphasis on to get done. I have to admit to it being one of the more difficult goals to accomplish, but it could be done. It is not a lack of ability. It is a lack of focus. My sincere congratulations to my friend on his success.
Becky left me a message last night that she had passed all he local tests to become a certified EMT. She now must pass the national registry test to fully certify, but having two difficult tests safely behind her, she has reason to celebrate. She called yesterday very early in the morning to express her concerns. At that point she had no idea if she had passed the written test. Passing that was the ticket to taking the practical test. Now it is done. It is a significant accomplishment. If I understand correctly, Charles is also working so the two of them should be okay financially very soon; as financially sound as is possible for them.
Mama and I will be leaving for Bowie this afternoon. I am almost caught up on sleep, almost. I need a few days in the Decatur office this month and the following three days are all I have. Next week is pretty full with safety meetings and training and the following week Mama and I will be leaving to go to Andrew’s graduation. Right after that Mama will be going to New Jersey and when she returns we will be going to Brittany and Andrew’s wedding.
Speaking of Brittany’s wedding, Brittany called last night with some concerns about the wedding so be praying for her and Andrew as they finalize those plans and make their plans going forward from the wedding. Brittany wants to go back and finish her degree at Champion; timing is the issue. She really regrets not having finished her course of study. I think the real regret is leaving in a huff when she left Champion. Being there for her friend Paige’s graduation really struck Brittany hard.
Andrew is in favor of the idea so I do not see a huge issue, but I asked Brittany to call Pastor Miller and get his counsel on it – preferable with Andrew’s participation. To date they have had no pre-marital counseling and I think that is important. Be in prayer for them.
They are on the verge of learning that in life there are thousands of little disappointments and hundreds of major disappointments over the course of years. This becomes more obvious as your life gains in depth and breadth – marriage, children, grandchildren, jobs, etc. The key to happiness is to set well thought out goals and realize Romans 8:28 is still in the Bible. See also Phil 4:5-6. Learning to make practical adjustments is how God’s plan plays out in our lives.
Mother’s Day is coming. Thank you all for the preparations you have made for Mama. I hope I will do my part well.
I have often thought about how I could work out the time needed to complete any one of the stories I have in progress, but I am at a loss. There is so much work to do aside from writing and all of it seems to be far more critical than spending time at a keyboard. I do not think there would be any time at the farm and I am equally short of time while in Amarillo. I have to give Mama credit; she can leave me alone while I do computer work – especially if she knows I am trying to write. I cannot say the same for Grandma. I fear if she knew anyone was in the house with her she would feel obliged to talk to them.
It is one of my many unmet goals that I fail to put enough emphasis on to get done. I have to admit to it being one of the more difficult goals to accomplish, but it could be done. It is not a lack of ability. It is a lack of focus. My sincere congratulations to my friend on his success.
Becky left me a message last night that she had passed all he local tests to become a certified EMT. She now must pass the national registry test to fully certify, but having two difficult tests safely behind her, she has reason to celebrate. She called yesterday very early in the morning to express her concerns. At that point she had no idea if she had passed the written test. Passing that was the ticket to taking the practical test. Now it is done. It is a significant accomplishment. If I understand correctly, Charles is also working so the two of them should be okay financially very soon; as financially sound as is possible for them.
Mama and I will be leaving for Bowie this afternoon. I am almost caught up on sleep, almost. I need a few days in the Decatur office this month and the following three days are all I have. Next week is pretty full with safety meetings and training and the following week Mama and I will be leaving to go to Andrew’s graduation. Right after that Mama will be going to New Jersey and when she returns we will be going to Brittany and Andrew’s wedding.
Speaking of Brittany’s wedding, Brittany called last night with some concerns about the wedding so be praying for her and Andrew as they finalize those plans and make their plans going forward from the wedding. Brittany wants to go back and finish her degree at Champion; timing is the issue. She really regrets not having finished her course of study. I think the real regret is leaving in a huff when she left Champion. Being there for her friend Paige’s graduation really struck Brittany hard.
Andrew is in favor of the idea so I do not see a huge issue, but I asked Brittany to call Pastor Miller and get his counsel on it – preferable with Andrew’s participation. To date they have had no pre-marital counseling and I think that is important. Be in prayer for them.
They are on the verge of learning that in life there are thousands of little disappointments and hundreds of major disappointments over the course of years. This becomes more obvious as your life gains in depth and breadth – marriage, children, grandchildren, jobs, etc. The key to happiness is to set well thought out goals and realize Romans 8:28 is still in the Bible. See also Phil 4:5-6. Learning to make practical adjustments is how God’s plan plays out in our lives.
Mother’s Day is coming. Thank you all for the preparations you have made for Mama. I hope I will do my part well.
Monday, May 7, 2012
A tiring trip, a good church, help, Lucy
Making the day trip to the farm wore Mama and me out more than we had thought it would. We got home late yesterday and just sat for a while before going to bed. We were too late for church here and very tired but we did enjoy the church in Bowie yesterday morning. Since I was dressed in a suit I was asked several times if I was a missionary or a preacher. The man who heads the language institute there was the last of several to ask and when I explained that I was not either but only a layman, he remarked that it appeared my mother-in-law would get to preaching if we were not careful. Very insightful.
Since the pastor mentioned that he had worked as a cowboy in his earlier years I asked Mama to see if he would be willing to help Victoria and her with the horse issues we were having – training, saddling, riding, etc. He told Mama that he would not be the best person to take care of that but he introduced us to a local man in the church that made his living as a cowboy. We got his name and number and will probably get him to come over this week. Mama and Victoria were very excited.
We brought the saddle back with us so Mama could take it to the saddle shop and have them help her outfit it. We may actually need it very soon. Tio has been ridden extensively in the past but I have a feeling it has been several years since she has been ridden regularly so there may be a few surprises waiting for us as we attempt to put her back in service. Rain will not be ridden. I am still pressing to have her sent down the road as soon as the filly is weaned. We will see how that plays out.
We are trying to get Vonage for the farm so Grandma does not have to sit outside the mobile home to talk on the phone. I think we got all the questions answered and all the necessary information submitted to get the service ordered. Otherwise, Grandpa and I will have to set up a chair on top of one of the sheds so we can sit and talk on the phone. Not quite as bad as “Green Acres” but crowding it closely.
I will have a very busy day today with a new contractor starting here in Borger. I am hoping the natural tendency for women to congregate and talk will fill in many of the details for her because I am not sure where to begin. The one particular person I have here who has taken on the variety of tasks that she will need to take over will be busy for the next several days so the lot will fall to me to get her started.
Mama and I are planning on going back Tuesday evening and spending the rest of the week t the farm. We are already invited to the graduation at the language institute on Saturday afternoon. I am not sure how it will work out. I still have to confer with my boss who is returning from a two week vacation today. He may have other plans for my work week.
We left Rosie at the farm but we did bring Lucy (Brittany and Andrew’s dog) back with us. We were too afraid of her being stepped on while no one was looking. When we introduced her to the big dogs they were noticeably excited about the new play toy. The Great Pyrenees pups stand about 40” tall. Lucy stands about 4” tall. Lucy was not too excited about the introduction and kept trying to find protection under mine or Mama’s feet. As the day wore on Dodger kind of adopted Lucy and would run interference every time the large dogs got too playful. It was fun to watch.
Lucy slept very well that night.
Since the pastor mentioned that he had worked as a cowboy in his earlier years I asked Mama to see if he would be willing to help Victoria and her with the horse issues we were having – training, saddling, riding, etc. He told Mama that he would not be the best person to take care of that but he introduced us to a local man in the church that made his living as a cowboy. We got his name and number and will probably get him to come over this week. Mama and Victoria were very excited.
We brought the saddle back with us so Mama could take it to the saddle shop and have them help her outfit it. We may actually need it very soon. Tio has been ridden extensively in the past but I have a feeling it has been several years since she has been ridden regularly so there may be a few surprises waiting for us as we attempt to put her back in service. Rain will not be ridden. I am still pressing to have her sent down the road as soon as the filly is weaned. We will see how that plays out.
We are trying to get Vonage for the farm so Grandma does not have to sit outside the mobile home to talk on the phone. I think we got all the questions answered and all the necessary information submitted to get the service ordered. Otherwise, Grandpa and I will have to set up a chair on top of one of the sheds so we can sit and talk on the phone. Not quite as bad as “Green Acres” but crowding it closely.
I will have a very busy day today with a new contractor starting here in Borger. I am hoping the natural tendency for women to congregate and talk will fill in many of the details for her because I am not sure where to begin. The one particular person I have here who has taken on the variety of tasks that she will need to take over will be busy for the next several days so the lot will fall to me to get her started.
Mama and I are planning on going back Tuesday evening and spending the rest of the week t the farm. We are already invited to the graduation at the language institute on Saturday afternoon. I am not sure how it will work out. I still have to confer with my boss who is returning from a two week vacation today. He may have other plans for my work week.
We left Rosie at the farm but we did bring Lucy (Brittany and Andrew’s dog) back with us. We were too afraid of her being stepped on while no one was looking. When we introduced her to the big dogs they were noticeably excited about the new play toy. The Great Pyrenees pups stand about 40” tall. Lucy stands about 4” tall. Lucy was not too excited about the introduction and kept trying to find protection under mine or Mama’s feet. As the day wore on Dodger kind of adopted Lucy and would run interference every time the large dogs got too playful. It was fun to watch.
Lucy slept very well that night.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Radio options, dogs, our weekend trip
I took my car to a shop near the house that specializes in tinting and stereos. I have not had reception on the radio and I had assumed the antenna was not hooked up. What they found is that I was half right. The antenna was hooked up – just not properly. It was plugged into the back of the radio with the proper adapter but the antenna in this particular make of car requires a separate power line to tell it when the radio is in use. I suppose since it has five or six different inputs, the antenna is only active when the tuner is in use. It almost makes sense.
While I was in the store waiting I got a long look at their displays of radios and multi media players. There was one in particular that caught my eye. For $299 I could put a DVD player with a 7” screen in the place of my radio. For cars that have a smaller opening for the radio there is a flip screen model to fit the opening. The unit still serves as an AM/FM radio and a CD player while allowing you to watch DVD’s when selected. I thought that was pretty awesome. I am not sure how safe it is, but the concept caught my attention.
Now there is no need to pay the outlandish price for having a factory installed DVD player. For about half that amount you can put an after market player to fit almost any make and model of car. They can do the same with an in-dash GPS, backup cameras, etc. It does cost, just not as much as having the dealer or factory do the installation. And the work they do is just as good. I will probably schedule my car to have the windows tinted after we get back from Brittany and Andrew’s wedding. Summers here almost require some tinting on car windows.
Mama is starting to enjoy this little rat dog. In the evenings I do too. She is constantly at my heels throughout the evening which presents a problem. Mama is worried about keeping her rugs free of pee and poop – especially in our bedroom. Getting into the room without allowing the pup access is a real challenge. She seems very smart and has quickly adapted to Mama’s routine. She responds fairly well to Mama, especially the scolding sound Mama makes when the dogs are out of bounds in something they are doing. She knows which door to go out of to relieve herself and will stay out and play each time she does go out.
The neighbor’s dog is not quite sure how to treat her. I don’t think the older Golden Retriever knows if Lucy is a canine or a rodent – so she barks and chases her away whenever Brittany’s little runt is in our yard. I thought it was frightening the pup at first, but once she recovers from the first startling bark of the neighbor’s dog she begins taunting the older dog. We have a good fence between us so there is no danger to the pup – and I think she is aware of that fact. Maybe it is a game for both of them. I really don’t know.
We have three dogs at the farm already and Mama and I are taking two more for the weekend. I will ask Mama and Victoria to be very careful with the pup around the larger dogs. I am not sure how they will react to the “almost dog”. I am hoping they will recognize the canine familiarity but with the size difference and their propensity to hunt rats and mice, we could be in for a problem.
Since it is only a weekend trip we are taking the little car to save on gas. With a trunk full of scrap plywood and limited space in the back seat because we are taking two dogs and all their paraphernalia, we will not be taking a lot of extra items to the farm on this trip. I am still not sure if it is even worth the trip, but I made the offer and I will follow through on it.
At least I will get a full day on the farm out of it.
While I was in the store waiting I got a long look at their displays of radios and multi media players. There was one in particular that caught my eye. For $299 I could put a DVD player with a 7” screen in the place of my radio. For cars that have a smaller opening for the radio there is a flip screen model to fit the opening. The unit still serves as an AM/FM radio and a CD player while allowing you to watch DVD’s when selected. I thought that was pretty awesome. I am not sure how safe it is, but the concept caught my attention.
Now there is no need to pay the outlandish price for having a factory installed DVD player. For about half that amount you can put an after market player to fit almost any make and model of car. They can do the same with an in-dash GPS, backup cameras, etc. It does cost, just not as much as having the dealer or factory do the installation. And the work they do is just as good. I will probably schedule my car to have the windows tinted after we get back from Brittany and Andrew’s wedding. Summers here almost require some tinting on car windows.
Mama is starting to enjoy this little rat dog. In the evenings I do too. She is constantly at my heels throughout the evening which presents a problem. Mama is worried about keeping her rugs free of pee and poop – especially in our bedroom. Getting into the room without allowing the pup access is a real challenge. She seems very smart and has quickly adapted to Mama’s routine. She responds fairly well to Mama, especially the scolding sound Mama makes when the dogs are out of bounds in something they are doing. She knows which door to go out of to relieve herself and will stay out and play each time she does go out.
The neighbor’s dog is not quite sure how to treat her. I don’t think the older Golden Retriever knows if Lucy is a canine or a rodent – so she barks and chases her away whenever Brittany’s little runt is in our yard. I thought it was frightening the pup at first, but once she recovers from the first startling bark of the neighbor’s dog she begins taunting the older dog. We have a good fence between us so there is no danger to the pup – and I think she is aware of that fact. Maybe it is a game for both of them. I really don’t know.
We have three dogs at the farm already and Mama and I are taking two more for the weekend. I will ask Mama and Victoria to be very careful with the pup around the larger dogs. I am not sure how they will react to the “almost dog”. I am hoping they will recognize the canine familiarity but with the size difference and their propensity to hunt rats and mice, we could be in for a problem.
Since it is only a weekend trip we are taking the little car to save on gas. With a trunk full of scrap plywood and limited space in the back seat because we are taking two dogs and all their paraphernalia, we will not be taking a lot of extra items to the farm on this trip. I am still not sure if it is even worth the trip, but I made the offer and I will follow through on it.
At least I will get a full day on the farm out of it.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
The pup, dumpster diving, bite counts
I have to admit to being a little upset at the pup we are keeping for Brittany. I thought there might be a problem with my mornings but I did not expect it to be as bad as it is. I get up at 4 a.m. every weekday morning so I can do me Bible reading before I leave for work. Unfortunately the pup wants to get up with me. I do not enjoy the distraction or the frustration. I have a limited time set aside to go through my morning routine and I have not made it one morning this week without the whining and barking for attention.
Yesterday morning I let her out to go potty and though I am sure she enjoyed the relief, it was no fun for me. She was ready to begin her day – regardless of the hour. I put her on the couch with me and Rosie. Rosie immediately snapped and growled at her, so I put her back in her little wire crate. That was obviously not what she wanted and the protests began.
Rosie was so traumatized by the disruption that she got off the couch (four hours early) and nosed open the bedroom door hoping to get in bed with Mama so I had to go get her out of our bedroom before she woke Mama. I did not enjoy the morning. Today was no better even though Mama put the pup in the second bedroom. I left the house at 4:15 without doing my devotional reading because the whining started as soon as I was out of bed. I will get my reading done, but it is not the manner in which I had hoped to accomplish it.
One of my fears is that on the farm it will be far worse. Grandma and Grandpa are both light sleepers and I can usually move about the house without disturbing them. The noises from a protesting pup will cut right through their sleep. It is a disruption I hope to avoid but I am not sure how to go about it. Saturday and Sunday mornings will be a test run, but the real test will come the first morning I get up to go to work while we are staying there. I enjoy the little thing well enough when everyone is awake; not so much when there are those in the household still in bed.
I had been debating our overnight trip to the farm this weekend but the weather predictions for next week sealed the deal. Rain is predicted for Tuesday through Friday so what we are able to get done during that time may be seriously limited by the weather. Saturday is predicted to be dry, windy and hot; much more conducive to getting gardening and outdoor construction projects done.
Mama and I stopped by a pallet making company after church last night and went dumpster diving. Their dumpster is usually filled with pieces of plywood which are too small to be of any use to them, but perfect for some of the projects we are working on. We got enough plywood pieces to make several shelves as well as some scrap pieces we will use in the garden as stakes for various plants. We were limited in how far we could go into the dumpster because we were in our church cloths so next time I will take a pair of coveralls along…Not! (Although Mama might go for that idea.) Seriously, if Mama has a flashlight; I probably would need to do that.
Last night Cori was telling us about a meal they had just finished. The fare was not the favorite of our grandchildren and they were asked to complete the meal by eating a set number of bites of food. Mykenzie and Grant got into discussion about who had eaten the most of a particular item on their plate and the numerating concept word, several, was offered by mommy to reckon how many bites Grant had already taken from his portion.
Mykenzie was satisfied with the assigned bite request and was pacing herself through the exercise of finalizing her dinner. Grant was curious. He held up three fingers and said, “Mommy, this is three.” Once acknowledged he switched to four fingers and offered, “This is four.” Correct again, he opened up his hand and said, “This is five.” Not sure where this was going his parents acknowledged that he was correct.
Having laid the proper foundation for his question, he asked, “How do you do several?”
Yesterday morning I let her out to go potty and though I am sure she enjoyed the relief, it was no fun for me. She was ready to begin her day – regardless of the hour. I put her on the couch with me and Rosie. Rosie immediately snapped and growled at her, so I put her back in her little wire crate. That was obviously not what she wanted and the protests began.
Rosie was so traumatized by the disruption that she got off the couch (four hours early) and nosed open the bedroom door hoping to get in bed with Mama so I had to go get her out of our bedroom before she woke Mama. I did not enjoy the morning. Today was no better even though Mama put the pup in the second bedroom. I left the house at 4:15 without doing my devotional reading because the whining started as soon as I was out of bed. I will get my reading done, but it is not the manner in which I had hoped to accomplish it.
One of my fears is that on the farm it will be far worse. Grandma and Grandpa are both light sleepers and I can usually move about the house without disturbing them. The noises from a protesting pup will cut right through their sleep. It is a disruption I hope to avoid but I am not sure how to go about it. Saturday and Sunday mornings will be a test run, but the real test will come the first morning I get up to go to work while we are staying there. I enjoy the little thing well enough when everyone is awake; not so much when there are those in the household still in bed.
I had been debating our overnight trip to the farm this weekend but the weather predictions for next week sealed the deal. Rain is predicted for Tuesday through Friday so what we are able to get done during that time may be seriously limited by the weather. Saturday is predicted to be dry, windy and hot; much more conducive to getting gardening and outdoor construction projects done.
Mama and I stopped by a pallet making company after church last night and went dumpster diving. Their dumpster is usually filled with pieces of plywood which are too small to be of any use to them, but perfect for some of the projects we are working on. We got enough plywood pieces to make several shelves as well as some scrap pieces we will use in the garden as stakes for various plants. We were limited in how far we could go into the dumpster because we were in our church cloths so next time I will take a pair of coveralls along…Not! (Although Mama might go for that idea.) Seriously, if Mama has a flashlight; I probably would need to do that.
Last night Cori was telling us about a meal they had just finished. The fare was not the favorite of our grandchildren and they were asked to complete the meal by eating a set number of bites of food. Mykenzie and Grant got into discussion about who had eaten the most of a particular item on their plate and the numerating concept word, several, was offered by mommy to reckon how many bites Grant had already taken from his portion.
Mykenzie was satisfied with the assigned bite request and was pacing herself through the exercise of finalizing her dinner. Grant was curious. He held up three fingers and said, “Mommy, this is three.” Once acknowledged he switched to four fingers and offered, “This is four.” Correct again, he opened up his hand and said, “This is five.” Not sure where this was going his parents acknowledged that he was correct.
Having laid the proper foundation for his question, he asked, “How do you do several?”
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Working out, a run to the farm, storms
Mama and I went to the gym last night. She has been going regularly while in Amarillo but I usually do not. It tends to be more crowded in the evenings when I have opportunity and you know how I live a crowd. But there was one particular machine that she wanted me to see, one designed to work out the lower back, so we went over after dinner. We were there only about forty five minutes trying out the machine we went to use plus exploring several others so Mama could decide on a routine for her mornings, but we were both sore from the little that we did while there.
After we got home we took the dogs for a walk. That was interesting. Brittany’s little dog about chokes herself to death as she kicks it into four legged drive and drags along whoever is holding the leash. The only reason Rosie is not choking herself in the same manner is that Mama has her outfitted with a halter. At one point the pup laid herself flat in the grass. She was worn out. Both of them strain at the restraints as though there was something life critical just up ahead. It is not a pleasant experience to take them out since we are constantly restraining them.
I think Mama and I are going to the farm Friday evening to spend Saturday working there. We will still go next week so I can spend some time in the Decatur office but the need seems almost urgent – at least to Grandma, but what isn’t. The weather looks like it is going to continue to be dry this weekend so we would actually be able to get some of the little chores done. Next week, rain is predicted for much of the middle of the week – about the same time we were planning to be there. We need the rain, but we need to help also. So, in spite of limited funds, we will make the extra trip.
I am planning on bringing the saddle back to Amarillo to get it outfitted for use. We may not be able to get it done before we return to the farm next week, but at least it will be here for us to work on. I am hoping that is the best way to get it done. There were casual promises made by an elderly gentleman in Bowie but he has been taken off of Grandpa’s list when he changed his mind about letting us put lime on his fields. It left me holding the bag for about $850 worth of Aggrand Lime but we will eventually use it. I am still confident that once people see its benefits we will get the business Grandpa and Victoria are praying for; although I cannot imagine two worse sales people to market the product.
Hail hit in Dumas, TX Monday night and the damage was extensive. One person in the Borger office who lives there lost all the glass in both his company and personal vehicles. His RV was severely damaged also. There are reports of animal deaths from the baseball sized hail. I cannot imagine. Mama and I saw pea sized hail in Amarillo but the storm was short lived. When I got to Borger Tuesday morning there were remnants of hail that had fallen there, piled in the grass near the office building. These severe thunderstorms and weird weather patterns will continue into late August according to the locals.
What fun!
After we got home we took the dogs for a walk. That was interesting. Brittany’s little dog about chokes herself to death as she kicks it into four legged drive and drags along whoever is holding the leash. The only reason Rosie is not choking herself in the same manner is that Mama has her outfitted with a halter. At one point the pup laid herself flat in the grass. She was worn out. Both of them strain at the restraints as though there was something life critical just up ahead. It is not a pleasant experience to take them out since we are constantly restraining them.
I think Mama and I are going to the farm Friday evening to spend Saturday working there. We will still go next week so I can spend some time in the Decatur office but the need seems almost urgent – at least to Grandma, but what isn’t. The weather looks like it is going to continue to be dry this weekend so we would actually be able to get some of the little chores done. Next week, rain is predicted for much of the middle of the week – about the same time we were planning to be there. We need the rain, but we need to help also. So, in spite of limited funds, we will make the extra trip.
I am planning on bringing the saddle back to Amarillo to get it outfitted for use. We may not be able to get it done before we return to the farm next week, but at least it will be here for us to work on. I am hoping that is the best way to get it done. There were casual promises made by an elderly gentleman in Bowie but he has been taken off of Grandpa’s list when he changed his mind about letting us put lime on his fields. It left me holding the bag for about $850 worth of Aggrand Lime but we will eventually use it. I am still confident that once people see its benefits we will get the business Grandpa and Victoria are praying for; although I cannot imagine two worse sales people to market the product.
Hail hit in Dumas, TX Monday night and the damage was extensive. One person in the Borger office who lives there lost all the glass in both his company and personal vehicles. His RV was severely damaged also. There are reports of animal deaths from the baseball sized hail. I cannot imagine. Mama and I saw pea sized hail in Amarillo but the storm was short lived. When I got to Borger Tuesday morning there were remnants of hail that had fallen there, piled in the grass near the office building. These severe thunderstorms and weird weather patterns will continue into late August according to the locals.
What fun!
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Work news, timing and money issue, preparatory play
Today is the day the company I am working for splits into two distinct companies. I am not sure how everything will pan out but I still have a job. I am still working for ConocoPhillips but many of the people I used to work with in New Jersey are now working for Phillips 66. We have a big luncheon today to mark the celebration. Since I am the highest ranking person in this office I get to officiate and pay.
Mama and I are anxious to get back to the farm; not only because the news from Victoria and Grandma of what is happening there but the need for additional help keeps the pressure on us. I am sure everything that needs to get done will eventually get done but Mama is worried that it is too much for Grandpa. Somehow he manages.
We talked last night about going over this evening but I am not sure I can work it out. With all the additional tasks associated with the company split and the loss of my office person here I am pretty well covered up. Maybe we can get over there next Tuesday evening. At least then, my boss would be back from vacation and we could cover some of the items of business he has me working on.
Mama went to the saddle shop yesterday to buy a saddle blanket and to see what else we needed to complete the saddle we bought several weeks ago. She found out that the setup will not be too expensive. They told her to bring in the saddle and they would put everything in place on the saddle to fully equip it. It would be a good teaching experience for Mama. It has been a very long time since any of us saddled a horse – and it is easy to forget the mistakes we once learned to overcome. She is anxious to have things ready for Jake when they get back in June.
I took time to show Mama our finances last night. Putting it down on paper is a worthwhile exercise. I have been cautioning her for several months that we are running very close to living paycheck to paycheck. With the recent expenditures for the mobile home and its set up we spent most of my reserves and even with that it was going to be tough to make the obligations I have for travel these next two months. I have also had to make some drastic changes to our taxes being withheld on each paycheck to meet the tax debt we owe for last year.
The only reason we can even consider the trips for graduations and a wedding is because we will be staying with our children at the destinations and each trip is a day trip – not requiring an overnight stay in a motel. In New Jersey, when Mama goes up to attend Chase’s graduation, she will be staying with friends but I do not think she is fully aware of how limited her spending power will be. Time will tell and time will heal our finances. If we stay the course, by the end of next year we will be in very good shape.
Cori tells us that Grant and Mykenzie were playing house the other day and Grant became quite frustrated with his sister/wife who is much further along on the manipulation curve that he is. Each of them carrying a baby, they exited the kitchen. Mykenzie instructed Grant that they needed to go the way she was going. He did not want to go that way. She was intransigent. In frustration, he threw the baby doll to the floor and marched off to his room. Unphased, Mykenzie continued on her way while issuing the threat of vey limited play for her brother in an ‘Oh, by the way” manner. Later, beaten and remorseful, Grant sidled up to his sister and said, “Mykenzie, you’re driving me crazy.”
Oh, how I echo the sentiment.
Mama and I are anxious to get back to the farm; not only because the news from Victoria and Grandma of what is happening there but the need for additional help keeps the pressure on us. I am sure everything that needs to get done will eventually get done but Mama is worried that it is too much for Grandpa. Somehow he manages.
We talked last night about going over this evening but I am not sure I can work it out. With all the additional tasks associated with the company split and the loss of my office person here I am pretty well covered up. Maybe we can get over there next Tuesday evening. At least then, my boss would be back from vacation and we could cover some of the items of business he has me working on.
Mama went to the saddle shop yesterday to buy a saddle blanket and to see what else we needed to complete the saddle we bought several weeks ago. She found out that the setup will not be too expensive. They told her to bring in the saddle and they would put everything in place on the saddle to fully equip it. It would be a good teaching experience for Mama. It has been a very long time since any of us saddled a horse – and it is easy to forget the mistakes we once learned to overcome. She is anxious to have things ready for Jake when they get back in June.
I took time to show Mama our finances last night. Putting it down on paper is a worthwhile exercise. I have been cautioning her for several months that we are running very close to living paycheck to paycheck. With the recent expenditures for the mobile home and its set up we spent most of my reserves and even with that it was going to be tough to make the obligations I have for travel these next two months. I have also had to make some drastic changes to our taxes being withheld on each paycheck to meet the tax debt we owe for last year.
The only reason we can even consider the trips for graduations and a wedding is because we will be staying with our children at the destinations and each trip is a day trip – not requiring an overnight stay in a motel. In New Jersey, when Mama goes up to attend Chase’s graduation, she will be staying with friends but I do not think she is fully aware of how limited her spending power will be. Time will tell and time will heal our finances. If we stay the course, by the end of next year we will be in very good shape.
Cori tells us that Grant and Mykenzie were playing house the other day and Grant became quite frustrated with his sister/wife who is much further along on the manipulation curve that he is. Each of them carrying a baby, they exited the kitchen. Mykenzie instructed Grant that they needed to go the way she was going. He did not want to go that way. She was intransigent. In frustration, he threw the baby doll to the floor and marched off to his room. Unphased, Mykenzie continued on her way while issuing the threat of vey limited play for her brother in an ‘Oh, by the way” manner. Later, beaten and remorseful, Grant sidled up to his sister and said, “Mykenzie, you’re driving me crazy.”
Oh, how I echo the sentiment.
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