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.
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