July

We got three more horses, I will get pictures this weekend and post. We took one in because she is only two years old, and a little thin, wormed her and we're hoping she'll spring back. We were able to turn the baby hens loose finally, and they are still confused but loving it all the same I guess. I have to guide them a little still to make sure they are figuring out the chicken coop - some don't have a clue and sleep out on the ground - which is WAY too dangerous, so the father in law and me went out and made make shift roosts for them between the cages they grew up in and so far its working. I haven't spent the time I need with our new puppy Duke. I say every morning when I feed and water him that I will come home and play with him, and it has yet to happen. He sure is a cutie pie though - and will be a HUGE dog. Training was going well, but really need to spend this weekend working with him one on one. The husband will be 49 Saturday and seems that he is on the 'outs' with most of his friends and family at the moment, so I will forgo the cookout I planned. We generally have visitors in and out most weekends, so I will just plan to cook in abundance and if it doesn't get eaten then we will have leftovers for a few days I suppose. (Less work for me in the long run). My dad will be here soon, maybe a week or two, and I'm really looking forward to that. He's going to see to it that my daughter's van has a new transmission, so now she can look forward to all three girls going to school this fall. That should be a load off for her, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that she takes advantage of the additional time and gets a little bit more organized. I've been thinking of going back to picture blogging, and must get busy this weekend taking some new shots.

One Morning

One day at a time Shannon, that's all you can do As I watched the sunrise over the pasture this morning, I took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. Absorb this moment Shannon it is here only briefly Sipping my coffee I listened to birds gradually realizing it was time to eat and feed their young. You are here for a purpose whether you realize what that purpose is or not Soaking in the luke-warm bubble bath that was drawn for me I closed my eyes and allowed the fragrance to envelope me. Many lives have been touched by you, and many yet to come Looking out of the window watching the world go by, I realize how small my burdens are and know that I am fortunate to have my life as it is right now.

My Babies When They Were Babies

Be Careful What You Ask For

Got a phone call yesterday while on my lunch hour that floored me. Another from my past, the very one I was referring to in my last blog. Eerie feeling. But for the first time I think ever when dealing with this person I just spit it out, just asked the most blunt questions and I got the right answers. I knew the right answers, I just wanted to finally hear them from the source. So to answer myself in my last blog, be careful what you ask for, because you could actually get it. So learning - and willing to leave it behind now.

Leave the Past Or Learn From It ?

I went to a funeral today for an incredible woman. I have a past connection, a very close connection to her family, and it was strange to see them now, 7 years after the heartbreak and horrible mess we made. I tried my best to arrive unnoticed, and simply get out of the car, put on my suit jacket and slip into a back pew, but her daughter spotted me. Apparently she had to go back out to her truck for an item. She pulled me close and hugged me. Told me not to leave afterward because she really wanted to talk to me. When I managed to get inside the chapel I became overwhelmed with feelings, and shook so terribly that I clenched my purse just to steady my hands. Her granddaughter came to the back to greet me, then another, and a third. I told them it was good to see them too, and that sometime we'll visit, and that I was so sorry for their loss. I'm not understanding the sudden flood of emotion, and I can either write it off and ignore it, or I can find out what it is that needs to be dealt with and deal with it. I just need to remember how it was, and where it went wrong and understand why we did what we did.

End Of Week Sigh

Can't complain too much I suppose, its Friday finally and I can look forward to getting things done around the house at least. The husband and I stayed up half the night Wednesday night/Thursday morning discussing the kids, and their situations, and their choices, and our actions, or lack there of. Both of us woke at 5:30 am and worked all day. I came in last night and fixed supper, rinsed off our dishes, took a shower and went to bed - needless to say nothing got done. I will have the kids tomorrow night and I'd like to have everything finished so that I can enjoy them and actually play instead of rushing around everywhere. Still waiting for the word on when my surgery will be - I go Aug 5 for the final consultation and I have tried to get them to tell me the actual date so that I may plan for work and such, but they won't tell me until the consultation. Waiting is difficult, but glad to finally be able to have it done. My baby boy turned 19 today. Sounds so old.

Cooler, Slower, and Happier

This morning I got up earlier than usual and sat outside a while before time to get ready for work. There was a slight breeze blowing and the sky was overcast, making for a cool peaceful moment or two. I met my boss at the auto shop, left the keys to my car and rode in with him, this too was nice because I didn't have to worry about traffic. I am the only one at work today - most are on vacation and my boss had to go down to one of his farms to handle a problem, so its been a nice morning so far... I'm hoping it stays calm.

Works in Progress

Today I hired two boys to RE-fence the chicken pen so that I can let the hens out. I have them in four different cages, but because of predators, I have to have the fence re-run, and the guys got it done, so now just have to go around the perimeter with chicken wire/mesh. Was nice to have them anxious to work, needing cash, but they did a great job, and its finished basically. I can do the chicken wire myself. Will finally set them free to roam. I spent the morning driving through the countryside. Don't exactly know why - I headed out to the farmer's market for a bushel of corn, but all of the vendors only had sparse amounts left, so I just kept driving. When I got home, the boys had arrived and I came in and got a much needed nap. I haven't accomplished one single thing today - and I hear a bubble bath calling. Guess that's one thing I will accomplish. But - these days are rare, and I needed to chill out.

July 2010

New addition to our family.... Duke

Where I'm From

I'm from a place where Pledge on the hardwood floor made a great runway for sock-feet sliding contests ... From where the hedges around the house made great 'club houses' and hiding spots ... I am from short walks to Handy Mart for the 10 cent 7-UP Popsicles, and breaking them in half to share with sissy ... I am from giant 25 cent sodas from the machine in the parish hall after service each Sunday ... I'm from float trips on the Buffalo river with the church group ... From yellow meat watermelon with Mama and Papa Hutch ... I am from vacations at Grandmother and Granddaddy's and riding in the back of his pick up truck to his veterinary clinic to be a 'big helper' with the animals ... I am from floods and flooded ditches full of tadpoles, and the laundry room with green linoleum ... I am from freshly cut grass, perfect for 'grass houses' and "Watch out for the well, you may sink !" ... I am from fancy Christmas dresses and new housecoats ... From Grandmother's grasshopper pie and Mama Hutch's home made soup and butter beans...