Aunt Red's Adventures

Moving

2012-02-07T20:06:00.000-06:00

This is the only moving I'll ever be doing, so it's gonna be complicated!

I'm in the process of moving this blog. I'll let y'all know when it's finished.

And I'm hoping to start posting photos. No promises there!!!

Adventures in Babysitting

2012-02-06T12:11:00.000-06:00

I've never seen that movie. But, when I was thinking about the Monday I had this week that title is all that came to mind! It was pretty quiet all morning. Nothing major happened, but just a ring of the doorbell can change everything.

I had just gotten Ruby down for her nap a few minutes before, but it took about 30 of singing, patting, and rocking to get her there. Rosie had been down for a little while already.

When the doorbell rang I was startled since it rarely happens. I could see through the window it was a high school or college age girl. So I opened it up. She says, "Your horse has his leg over the fence."

My reply, "OH GREAT!"

She went on to say he was just standing there and nothing looked bad. However, wasn't gonna get out by himself. I told her thanks and called my brother directly. Brother said just put the girls in the pickup with me, get the fence pliers out of the shop and go cut the horse out. I told him Ruby had just gone down for a nap and Rosie was still sleeping. He said just go down and cut him out, the girls would be fine. Against my better judgment I did as I was told.

I literally ran out of the house to the shop, grabbed a halter and the fence pliers, and ran as fast as my 42 year old body would go. Thankfully, Chili(the horse) didn't freak out when he saw a weirdo red headed crazy lady running his way!!!

Sure enough, the goober had gotten his left front leg over the top of the hog wire fence under a top strand of barb wire. Then at the bottom his foot was back through a couple of those squares. I started cutting at the bottom. It didn't take long. Thankfully, Chili never moved. I kinda patched the fence back up and headed back to the house. I stepped in the back door and heard quiet. They never knew I was gone!!

FYI.....that is no kind of fence for horses. It was there when brother and fam moved there. I believe it is set to be replaced as soon as possible. Meanwhile, brother and I put up panels down the fence line. Other than he trying to throw a panel on top of me and bruising up my arm it all went fine. Funny how I can go cut the horse out of the fence alone and not get hurt. Then I try to help my brother and he tries to take me out!

I think I need workman's comp insurance for babysitting!!!!!!

Wonderful Sunrise

2012-01-27T10:19:00.000-06:00

What I've noticed in my time as "the nanny" is that I don't like leaving my house in the dark every morning! i especially don't like leaving in the dark and getting home in the dark!!! I only had to do this at my previous job a few times a year. My mother has done it for years. People all over the world have done it for years. I guess I'm lucky to only have had to do this a couple months so far!

This morning I noticed small amount of orange peeking above the horizon when I started the pickup. It was lovely! I didn't realize how much I missed seeing the sun in the morning.

I'm more of a sunset and moon person to tell the truth. I think it has something to do with being a night owl. I seem to get a second wind at about 9pm. Even when I get into bed by 10 I usually lay there for at least an hour reading and trying to wind down.

So.....longer days and more sunshine are ahead. Woohoo!!!

3 Weeks Anniversary

2012-01-24T09:57:00.000-06:00

I'm sure y'all are sick and tired of hearing me talk about Dr Pepper. Sorry! It's a big part of my life. How pathetic is that????

I've been without a high fructose corn syrup DP for 3 weeks now. No Large DP with easy ice from Sonic's happy hour. No DP for breakfast. No "I'm so stressed I need a DP" I don't care how much it costs.

However, I did have a bottle of the Dublin DP variety. And I did have a fountain Dublin DP at Pops supervised by my folks.

I don't think that counts!

So.....I'm continuing on this journey. I've made it to the 21 day habit forming point before......but not beyond. This will be new territory.

Will this mean I won't hang onto the steering wheel with death grip and white knuckles every time I drive past Sonic?

I CERTAINLY HOPE SO!!!!!!!!!!!

Rough Day

2012-01-20T10:04:00.000-06:00

I knew it was coming! That's just reality. It was January 17th. I won't forget it anytime soon.

Rosi had a rough day! Therefore, Aunt Red had a rough day!

It started with her first bottle at about 9:45 when I could only get her to drink an ounce of milk. Crying soon followed and it just snowballed from there. I finally decided she had a tummy ache. That was at about 1:30. She needed a warm pack on her tummy. Oh my! What a difference. All I could think was, "Hello Stupid! Why didn't you do that sooner!!!" She went to sleep and ate and slept again.

It was after 3 when Ruby finally went down for her nap. That's about 1 hour too late. Who knew I could be on a schedule??

By the time my sis-in-law got home at 4:30 I was fried.......as in toasted.........stick a fork in me I'm done!!!

I lived to babysit another day. It was touch and go there for a while, but I survived somehow. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger....right?

God just showed me why I'm not a mom. I can't handle the truth!!!!!!

8 Days and Counting

2012-01-10T08:03:00.000-06:00

I haven't had a Dr Pepper since January 2nd.

It has been easier than I thought, but every so often I just want to drive straight to Sonic and order up my favorite......Large Dr Pepper w/easy ice!! The girls at my Sonic know the drill. I bet they are wondering what happened to me! Should I go tell them I'm not mad at them I'm just trying to live a year or two longer?

I bet they don't really care! They just miss my money!!!!!!!

"Persuasion"

2012-01-09T19:29:00.001-06:00

Last Friday night three dear friends came over for supper, cake, and a movie. Oh, and we talked a LOT!

The friends brought an amazing cake. Can't remember the name, but it was chocolate with crunchy peppermint and a whipped cream/white chocolate frosting between the layers. OH MY LANDS!!! Talk about yummy! We only ate some supper so we didn't pass out from all the sugar.

After supper and talking we had the enormous task of picking a movie to watch. Since I couldn't find the new movie I wanted to watch at Wal-Mart, we just sifted through the piles of dvd's and vhs tapes I have in my collection. We narrowed the field down to the newest version of "Jane Eyre" and an older version of "Persuasion".

"Persuasion" was the choice. I've read the Jane Austen book. I've seen this movie several times, but it always seems new to me. I do remember, however, that I love this movie! I know it's only a movie and a work of fiction of a woman who lived over a hundred years ago, but there's just something about it that hits home.

It could be the homely lead character Ann! Where's my Captain Wentworth???

HAHA

Day 2 and 3

2012-01-05T16:05:00.000-06:00

I'm not going to continually blog about my daily happenings with Ruby and Rosy, but I was asked for an update. Here it is...........So far so good!!!

How's that for excitement? We are fixin to head outside since it is a whopping 65 degrees. That could change everything!!

Probably the next big thing will be when I venture to town alone. I've not worked up the courage for that one yet!!

HAPPY 2012!

2012-01-04T10:22:00.001-06:00

I don't know if anyone else did this, and maybe it's a girl thing, but when my sisters and I were little we would figure out how old we'd be in the future. Of course we thought it would never happen it was so far away. But I distinctly remember figuring how old I would be in 2012. It seemed way better then than now!!

My first day taking care of 2 nieces instead of 1 went smashingly well. That probably means day #2 will not. But that's OK. As long as there is a smashingly good day here and there I'll be OK.

And, January 2nd found me starting a new thing in my life. Call it a resolution. Call it desperation. Call it a move to get healthy and lose weight. I'm calling it torture! OK, here it is, no Dr Pepper for Aunt Red! Now, that doesn't mean I'll never drink again(hehe), but it means I'm on the wagon indefinitely.

I haven't had the shakes or seen the little green monkeys yet. Maybe that's coming. But I have noticed there's not been as much inflammation in my hands when I get up in the morning. It's only been 3 days, but maybe it's already working. So.....I'm drinking water and tea. I've done this before, but I only made 3 weeks. Then, for whatever reason, I had a taste of that lovely sweet concoction that I love and I was back to addictive behavior.

And I'm pretty sure I will not ever, and I mean EVER try to figure out how old I'll be in 2032. Yikes!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Indy is MIA

2011-12-15T18:10:00.000-06:00

I was told the other evening that I had left some readers "hanging" about the kitty's. I have no idea if that is the plural of 2 cats!

So......here's the scoop.....Indy is gone. I have no idea if he was snatched by the hundreds of coyotes that use our place as their highway or just decided to leave. It's been over 2 months so I think it's permanent either way.

Ranger, however, is in great shape and loving every minute of his life as a cat that acts like a dog. Maybe that's why he's still here! This has never been a great place for the kitty cat. And since he acts like a dog he can live out his days here happily as a catdog or a dogcat or whatever it is that he is.

I'm just glad he's here! Our rodent population is zero and that makes me HAPPY!!!

Belated Birthday

2011-12-09T18:10:00.000-06:00

Ok, I'm a loser. I try to mention in a post if there is a member of my family having a birthday. Yesterday I forgot. I didn't forget the birthday totally. I just forgot to write about it on here.

My Dad's birthday was yesterday. He turned 66. All family members close met at El Rodeo, our favorite Mexican food spot in town, for supper and presents. The guys brought out a sombrero and we all sang the birthday song.

My Dad is probably the person who has influenced me most in my life. I'll never be able to repay all the things he's done for me or the things he's taught me.

So.....HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!! I LOVE YA!!!!!

Next year I'll remember, I hope!

Good Samaritin

2011-12-08T15:35:00.002-06:00

There are still good people in the world!

Yesterday I went with a friend to town for a house cleaning job. I always leave the keys in the pickup in case anyone needs to move it from where I park it. This friend has a lot of siblings! Anyway, when we arrived back from the job that afternoon the pickup was pointed the opposite direction. I said to friend, "They needed to move the pickup. Oops, they found out you have to roll down the window to get out!"

I went in the house for a minute to say hi to the others then headed out. I passed one of her brothers and we chatted for a minute. As I was walking away he said, " I fixed your door handle."

I was so shocked, surprised, and elated I almost jumped up and down. He said he didn't have to go get any parts and it might not last, but a straight piece was bent and caused the problem. I told him thanks, of course, and went on my way. I wouldn't have even noticed had he not said anything. I've gotten so use to rolling down the window I don't even try the handle.

As I was pulling out I wondered how he knew it wasn't working. His sister called me about getting out of the gate and I asked her. She turned to him and asked him how he knew. He replied, "I saw her roll down the window and open it from the outside." What a guy!

So, thank you friend who I've known your whole life!!! You gave me hope that there are still good and skillful people out there!!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2011-11-23T18:52:00.000-06:00

Well, things are underway for the big feed tomorrow! Two turkeys were smoked out on the back porch this afternoon. They are already looking yummy and beautiful! I will smell of mesquite smoke for days but who cares. My maternal grandfather would've been proud of those birds!!!

Sis#2 and family are headed this way. Should be here any minute. Sis#4 and family are coming early in the morning. Sis#3 is next door and might not make it due to sick kiddos. We'll see. Brother and family will be out in the morning.

It will be Rosie's first Thanksgiving and first family gathering. I think she will be ok. Ruby can squeal like any little toddler and she doesn't mind. That's a good thing because it will be noisy!!!

So.....Have a wonderfully safe and Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!!!

Miss Rosie is here!

2011-11-10T13:14:00.000-06:00

I have a new niece! She came early Monday morning and is doing wonderful. And......are you ready for this.......she has red hair!

Yes, I know, I've said they all had red hair. Rowdy and Ruby, Ruby more so than Rowdy, are strawberry blondes and that's as close to red hair as we get. But, this new little jewel's hair is dark red and I'm hoping, hoping, hoping it stays! And if it doesn't, I'll love her anyway!!!!

This little bundle of joy is going to be named Rosie her in Aunt Red land. Her big sister, Ruby, is loving her little sis and so far hasn't poked any eyes out.

I spent Sunday night on a bench outside the hospital room waiting for the big moment. Then, all of a sudden, the doc showed up and she arrived. My sis-in-law is doing great by the way. We can't forget about her! She and my brother are wonderful parents and I know little Rosie is going to have a good christian upbringing.

So.....that makes 9......3 nieces and 6 nephews. Wahoo!!!

Fall is in the Air!!

2011-10-19T11:12:00.000-05:00

As I'm writing this post Ruby is sitting at the same table looking through her Dora the Explorer coloring book and chattering away. I'm wearing a sweatshirt. This makes me happy!!!

The pumpkins are out. The leaves are falling. The air conditioner is turned off. These are all things I love!

Ruby's little sister will be making her arrival in about 3 weeks. I'm not sure I'm ready. My sis-in-law might punch me if she heard me say that! I think she's ready to get this little child carrying thing over with. I don't blame her. I'm not sure I'd have made through the hottest summer on record expecting a baby. I almost didn't make through anyway!

So....let's all enjoy this lovely time of year!

Happy Fall Y'all!!!!!!

Sis #2 is 40!!!!

2011-10-17T13:37:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday was d-day for sis#2. She turned 40! She is the mom of Buzz, Woody, and Snort, and basically, the kind of person we all want to be.

We've always called her "Switzerland". Meaning that she is even tempered and rarely gets fired up. That's not saying she never gets fired up, but when she does one should watch out!! She's not about drama. She's not about craziness. She's exactly the opposite of me which is probably why we've always gotten along so well.

So......sister.......Happy 40th Birthday and I love ya!!!

Elephant Ride

2011-10-01T17:14:00.000-05:00

Yes, friends, I rode an elephant today! The circus came to town. People do crazy things when the circus is in town!

Mamaw(my mom) and I went to pick up Little Joe this morning for a short visit. He'll go back tomorrow afternoon. We though Little Joe would love the circus. However, he didn't want to go. We found out he has a clown issue! Finally with a little talking and taunting we convinced him it would be ok.

We got there plenty early to get our tickets. There was a petting zoo with some goats, llamas, a donkey, and a mini Brahma. That was the cutest Brahma I've ever seen!!

There were also elephant rides and camel rides. Little Joe said no to the ride idea at first. I said I'd ride with him. Still no. I said he could ride the camel instead. Nope! Finally, I tried some bribery. I told him that if we rode the elephant he could have another trip down the inflated slide. That did the trick!

We got in line, mounted up, and took off. Well, not really. It was slow, and there were 2 other people on there with us! But I'm telling you this, that was the funnest thing I've done in ages!!!!!!!

So.......here's what I'm thinking........the circus doesn't leave til tomorrow. I could maybe, just maybe, sneak into one of the trailers and hitch a ride to the next town. Surely they could find a job for me somewhere! I read about a business that makes paper out of elephant manure. I could make circus stationery!!

The next time you hear from me I'll be in tim-buck-too scooping elephant poo!

Probably not.

Happy Birthday Hoss!

2011-09-16T08:28:00.000-05:00

Sunday is Hoss's birthday. I can't believe it!! He'll be 8 years old.

8 years ago on September 18th at about 7:30am my life changed. There's not doubt about it. I have a photo of the first time I held him. He was so little, and yet, so big. He weighed over 9lbs.

I dropped him off at school this morning because he missed the bus. I wasn't too far down the road when his mom called me and asked if I could drop him off. I pulled over and waited for them to get there. When he got in the truck and we started talking about stuff he mentioned how excited that Buzz, Woody, and Snort were coming over today. We discussed plans a little bit and I realized how grown up he is. It's so crazy and scary and it's a little hard to take.

I told Hoss that I hadn't been to that school in ages. My siblings and I attended 4th and 5th grade in this school house. I don't want to think how long ago that was!!! Now it holds the 2nd and 3rd grade. I remember thinking the old school was huge. I bet Hoss thinks the same thing.

And then I turned down the wrong road to get to the kid drop off side of the school and we tookt he scenic route back over there. He was plenty early. I was a little late to watch Ruby. It all worked out fine.

So......Happy 8th Birthday Hoss!! I love ya!!!

Aunt Red's Repair Shop

2011-08-31T11:52:00.000-05:00

My washing machine hasn't worked in several months. Well.....it worked......but it leaked like crazy. It wasn't bad at first, and I was able to just mop up the little bit of water for quite a while. Then about Memorial Day it was leaking more than was staying inside. Or at least it seemed that way.

I've been bringing my laundry to my brother and sis-in-law's house when I come to watch Ruby. I'm so grateful they didn't mind and had a front loading, push button, beautifully blue machine! It's the only reason I've stayed sane. Well, probably not really sane, but it's the only reason I've had anything clean to wear in the last 3 months!

One of the bro-in-laws took a look a while back and thought he knew what part was needed to fix the leak. I finally got the part ordered last week and it came on Saturday. I printed off some instructions from the internet and got with it last night about 9pm.

Thankfully, it wasn't too technical and I didn't have a whole lot of trouble. This was one time though that having bigger set of hands, or maybe just 3 instead of 2, would've been helpful. I started the water filling before I put the front back on to check for leaks. I just about did the "bug up my nose crazy dance" when there wasn't water on the floor!!!

So....if anyone needs any help with their washing machine.....call me.

However, the price is gonna be SKY HIGH!!!!

Chasing The Yellow Dog

2011-08-23T21:44:00.000-05:00

School started back up last Friday. Why would anyone schedule school to start on a Friday? Makes no sense to me!

Anyway, Hoss and Rowdy get on the school bus at the end of the south driveway.  Rowdy's bus comes first at about 6:25. Then Hoss gets on his bus at about 7.

I go to pick up Rowdy at about 6:20. He's not dressed. He's not up at all!  It doesn't take long to get him dressed and out the door so I thought we were gonna be fine timewise. One problem. As he's getting in my pickup I hear him say, "My shoe". I look down and all I see on his right foot is a white sock. I looked down on the ground and didn't see his shoe. I followed the path back to his house. No shoe. I went back in the house. No shoe. I ran back to the pickup and got my flashlight and walked the path again. No shoe. I went back to the pickup and found it under the truck. How'd that happen???

I was in a small panick by this time knowing we were late! When I made the corner around the end of the house I could see the red lights of the bus in a cloud of dust headed south. Just then sister called sayin she just saw the bus pull away. No, really?!? I was hitting our goat trail driveway at a high lope hoping to catch the bus before they got too far down the road.

I caught up with them at the next stop abot 2 1/2 miles away. I saw a kid fixin to get on the bus and was afraid they didn't see us behind them. I jumped out of the truck and ran up to the front to make sure the driver saw me. Sure enough, when I got about half way to the front it started rolling. My flailing arms must've caught somebody's eye because she stopped and opened the door. I breathlessly said, "I've got Rowdy". She nonchalantly said, "Okay."   I think she's use to my family chasing the bus down at least once a week!

Rowdy didn't act like anything weird had happened. That means he's use to it too. That's kinda scary! Come to find out, sis and Hoss had to chase his bus down also. They had to go a little further than I did though. I think my pickup might go faster than her "getaway van" on a gravel road.

That was all way more excitement than I needed before 7am. I had a chat with sis and things will be different tomorrow morning. I can't wait!!!

Guess What?????

2011-08-09T08:14:00.000-05:00

Forget the wrap!

The movie's not wrapped! What was I thinking???

Til it's really "in the can" I'll not make any more bold statements like "It's a Wrap"!!!!!!!!!!!

Now It's a Wrap.....we hope!

2011-08-06T20:25:00.000-05:00

Ok, so I jumped the gun a little yesterday!

I got home from watching Ruby last evening and found out there was another location in town to film this morning.

Sis #2 and her little herd came over from out west in time for the kids to wardrobe up.

The location was the Carnegie Library in Guthrie. I've only been inside the Carnegie in the winter so I wouldn't know there is no air conditioning! Oh my, it was a hot morning!!! It was only 108 today!!!

We wrapped about noon and headed to eat some pizza. Unless Papa comes up with another scene that should be the end.

He won't come up with another scene, will he?????

It's A Wrap

2011-08-05T12:08:00.000-05:00

The filming is over. Wahoo! Well, I say it's over. Dad is going out to Western OK to get some wild tracks, or as Hoss calls it "wild turkeys", for the last scene. For those of you not familiar with movie lingo, a wild track is basically a voice over.

Now it is in "post production". That means Dad is editing. He'll be done in a week or so. I'll be posting the link to view this summer blockbuster soon!

I know everyone is anxiously awaiting the premier of "The Archeology Kids"!!

How To Be Humble

2011-08-01T13:55:00.000-05:00

Today is Woody's 5th birthday. He's spending it in the 111 degree heat making the next epic film with his brother, cousins, Mom, and Papa.

This kid has to be one of the sweetest boys around. He may also be one of the orneriest boys around. One of these days we'll be able to put out a book of quotes from this kid. I'll give you an example. His Mom, Sis#2, shared this with me a couple days ago.

The 3 stars of the movie(Buzz, Woody, & Hoss) were standing near the back door at Papa and MaMaw's house waiting to go out to film a scene. Per usual, they were all arguing about who was going to go out first.

Woody says to Hoss, "I'll be humble and let you go first!"

Hoss says, "Thanks."

Woody says to Buzz, his older brother,"Will you be humble and let me go second?"

I'm not sure how that turned out, but we all got a laugh out of it!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY WOODY!!!!!

Movie Making With Kids

2011-07-28T14:09:00.000-05:00

I've mentioned the fact before (I think?) that my Dad, Sis#2, and the kids are making a movie this summer. It started out with just a couple scenes and wound up a short film. Hoss, Woody, and Buzz are the main characters. Little Joe, Rowdy, Snort, and Jessie Jane have small parts. Dad and Sis#2 are the director/cinematographer/wardrobe/location scouts/crafts services/transpo/kid wranglers/horse wranglers/etc.

Just to give you a little insight to working with kids I'll tell you what happened last night.

I got home about 6 from my job watching Ruby. Soon as I walked into my folks house I could tell things were happening. The camera was set up in the dining room which is being used as Buzz's office. Everything had to be set up just like a scene they shot a few weeks ago. It was decided to add Jessie Jane to the cast.

Let me tell you about Jessie Jane. She will be 3 on August 27th. She doesn't like to have barrettes or bows in her hair. However, she loves to wear dresses! And the fluffier the better. I think she might want to wear those square dancing dresses when she grows up!! But trying to get a big pink bow in her hair for the scene wasn't exactly a picnic! Sis#2 had been trying to make the bow when I got home. Somehow this got turned over to me. Probably because she needed to get 4 boys wardrobed and ready to go. Anyway, I worked on it for about 10 minutes and thought I had it perfect. I then went to show the director(my Dad). His response was, "Not exactly what I had in mind."

Needless to say I was a little frustrated. I might not have been except a comment was made that it was wardrobes job to handle such a thing. Well, I can tell you that didn't sit well with this frustrated hairdresser!!!!!!
Finally, Sis #2 showed back up and the two of us finally got it right.

Time to shoot. First take was a dud. However, second take was pretty good. We were hoping to get one more just to have a back up in case there was something wrong. One problem.......Jessie Jane sulled up! I promised ice cream. We gave her Smarties. I talked nice to her. I talked mean to her. None of it worked. In the middle of all this Snort, who is 19 months, had a meltdown in the old timey high chair and had to get out for a minute. This didn't help the situation with Jessie Jane.

Dad took the camera to the computer, plugged it in, and took a look. They got what they needed to make the scene work. I was very relieved!

So........if one is contemplating making any type of movie with kids here's my advice:

DON'T DO IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Red Ant vs Aunt Red!

2011-07-20T11:30:00.000-05:00

We have loads of red ants on our place. I'm talking big ol' hills that people are shocked to see when they come up the road by the south barn. They look like something in a sci-fi flick!

Oddly enough, however, none of us have had too much trouble with ants. Good things must always come to an end!!

Last Saturday night brother brought back dad's tractor since the haying was done. I was standing at the back of the trailer when I felt something crawling on my shoulder. I did the normal slapping and grabbing at my shirt thing. I thought whatever it was was gone. Then I felt a sting! yikes!!! If you thought the "bug up my nose dance" sounded crazy I have to say that was nothing! I tried to look for whatever was getting me but couldn't find it. So, I took off to the barn thinking I could undo a couple buttons and see it. Nope! I thought about peeling my shirt off right there but decided against it. Mom and Dad's house isn't too far away so I headed that direction and the highest rate of speed my legs could give. Let's just say one of the boys could've beat me!

Anyway, I found a red ant on the waist of my jeans! The scoundrel got me again on the stomach before I could end his hatred for mankind. Thankfully, I'm not allergic to insect stings and the pain was semi-short lived.

If anyone reading this calls PETA on the ants behalf I'll deny the whole thing!

Oh What a Beautiful Morning!

2011-07-08T11:22:00.000-05:00

My Dad is having a back issue. Apparantly, he slipped a disc, or something else, a couple weeks ago and is having a hard time getting over it. This has turned my 5'6" Dad into a 5'3" Dad at best. It's actually painful to watch him walk. However, many trips to the bone cracker in town is helping and we're hoping he'll be back to his tall self soon!!

I've been taking care of the chores while Dad is laid up. Since I go to watch Ruby in the mornings I need to be at the barn by 5:30. I don't mind this, however, if one is a night owl it is hard to get up before the dawn! Yesterday as the radio man was waking me up I heard him say it was 85 degrees! I thought I must've heard him wrong. Like, I was hoping that would be the high for the day.

Not hardly! It was a sauna out there in the pitch black dark. Not pleasant. We wound up setting the record high to this day at a whopping 108 degrees. That was a little happy birthday present to my brother who turned 34 yesterday.

I figured this morning would be the same. I stepped out of the house and felt a strange cool breeze. I couldn't believe how great it felt! As I walked to the barn I saw the sky was starting to show a little pinkish hue. By the time I got some feed divied up and went to the pasture they sky was a pinkish/orangey color that I can't describe. The horses weren't up yet since they aren't use to the new breakfast schedule. I hollered for them a couple times. I went ahead and put out the grain and waited for them to make their dash to the tubs.

That is when the magic happened! I turned back around to see 4 head loping across the pasture with the beautiful sky behind them. Wow! I wish I had a camera! I wish I could've gotten video footage!

And then the song from the musical "Oklahoma!" popped into my head.

"Oh what a beautiful morning! Oh what a beautiful day! I've got a beautiful feeling everthing's going my way!"

So far, so good!

Cleaning Tanks With Boys

2011-07-07T10:44:00.000-05:00

We had some company over the weekend. Sis#4, bro-in-law #3, and Little Joe came to visit. Bro-in-law got shanghaied into helping my brother in the hay field much to his dismay! And sis#4 got in on the action a little too.

Sunday evening I had some help down at the barn. I use the term "help" very loosely!

Little Joe, Hoss, and Rowdy needed a little outside time. It was probably only 95 by 8pm so we thought they could handle it. I guarantee they handle it better than I!

The big tank needed cleaned out and I had been waiting on the water level to drop low enough. It was almost there and I thought that with the boys help we could make it happen. Talk about a 3-ring circus! Hoss and Little Joe were on either side of me and Rowdy was observing. Actually, Rowdy was way more interested in the mule who was standing there watching all the chaos.

We finally got it together and got the tank lifted part way up. It was high enough to slide the opposite side down a little and get most of the water to that side. This is when one checks under the tank for critters. Since we've seen a snake or two under there, especially in the summer, this is definitely necessary. Little Joe thought he saw a snake. Hoss said it was a lizard. Little Joe hates snakes more than Indiana Jones! Hoss is trying to figure out how to catch the lizard and put it in his little bug catching container. I'm trying to keep the tank from rolling into the fence, and I'm not sure where Rowdy was at this point!

By the time we got done with chores and headed back to the house I felt like I'd been at the barn for 2 hours and I'm pretty sure it had only been about 30 minutes! How does one stop the arguing, wrestling, and hollering between boy cousins??? Or is it just boys??

We all headed back to MaMaw and PaPa's house. I sent them all inside and went to water at the north barn by myself. I just needed a little quiet!!!

Sweet Tea Tirimasu

2011-06-28T11:01:00.000-05:00

I'm not a food blogger. But I made a new recipe for sis#3's birthday and I wanted to tell you about it.

I get Southern Living magazine. One of the boys had a fundraiser and it was cheap. I wasn't sure if I would like it, but I'm finding it's one of my favorite publications. A couple issues ago the cover story was sweet tea. Who doesn't love a swig of ice cold sweet tea???? Well, maybe there's a lot of people, but I'm not one of them.

There were several interesting recipes in the article using sweet tea in food not just for a refreshing drink. I saw the picture of the "Sweet Tea Tirimasu" and I knew it was one to try. I love tirimasu and so do the sisters! I've never made it though. Sis#3 has gluten allergies. That makes cooking challenging sometimes, but these days there are many gluten free products on the market including lady fingers. However, I didn't know the size and texture of the GF lady fingers were not the same as the regular ol' cookies.

Let's just say it didn't turn out perfect. But, it was good enough for sis to like it since it had been years since she was able to eat this yummy dessert in a restaurant. And, I must say, the sweet tea flavor instead of coffee flavor wasn't the best. Too much sweetness. Next time we'll do the coffee version and be sure to soak those big cookies in the coffee and I think it'll be a hit.

At least it will be a hit with the girls in the family! Apparently, boys don't eat tirimasu!

The Brothers Grimm

2011-06-27T16:13:00.000-05:00

I've written about the "cat brothers" on here once or twice, maybe more. Cats are a mystery to me! We are dog people around here so our cat experience is very limited.

Since the big fight a few weeks ago the brothers are not speaking. Indy has taken up residence at the barn completely. Which is completely fine since we got them both to be barn cats! He doesn't venture away from there much these days. We were filming down by the barn with the boys a few days ago and he decided to hang with us. I noticed that he had a big swollen lump on his forhead that he wouldn't let me touch. I guessed it was a war wound. It wasn't long til I saw Ranger wandering up. Bad news. I saw them doing the big stare down and ran one of them off with my palm leaf hat. Indy was doing that growl noise that is very, very weird.

That night I took some food down to the barn and Indy was excited. The next morning I saw that the big swollen spot had broken open and drained. He seemed like his old self. But, Ranger wasn't with me.

I bet the growl would've shown up if he had!

A Bug Incident

2011-06-14T15:29:00.000-05:00

This story will not be for everyone. Proceed with CAUTION!

Summer is here. Bugs are in the air. Sometimes crazy things happen.

I was walking to Grandma's the other evening probably around 8pm.  Just about the time I got to the edge of her yard a bug flew up my nose. I'm talking this bug never slowed down til it hit the top of my sinus cavity!

I thought I might have to go to the emergency room for an extraction!!

I tried all the usual stuff.  I won't go into detail here because I'm sure you can use your imagination how I would try to get a bug out of my nose. Let's just say it wasn't pretty! And if the government really has people watching from the sky, whoever had my watch was sorry they weren't watching anyone else in these United States at that moment!

I don't know if it ever came out. The next morning I thought I felt something crawling up in there. Kinda freaked me out.  It was probably just a mental thing, heavy on the mental!

So.........everyone be careful when walking outdoors.  I'm just glad it wasn't a bird. Imagine how bad that would've been!!!

Ruby and The King

2011-06-09T12:39:00.000-05:00

Is it normal for a 16 month old baby to be able to know who George Strait is? It's not my fault! I promise!

This morning after Ruby and I was outside for a while trying to beat the heat of the afternoon, I thought I'd get on the computer and see if I could get a listen to The King's new single. I went to the website to see if it was playing in full there, it's not by the way, but a little teaser plays on the home page.

Ruby left her toys and Mickey Mouse in the living room to run and have a listen herself! She climbed up in my lap and wanted more. So.....we went to you tube to find some videos. I think her favorite was "Amarillo by Morning". There's lots of rodeo scenes playing while a very young George is singing. I asked her who was singing.

That's when it happened. She said, "George Strait" plain as day!! Since this is the first time she and I have had a talk about George I'm gonna say it's her Momma's doin.

I can't imagine George will still be on tour when Ruby get's old enough to go to a concert. I'd like to think so, but probably not. She probably wouldn't want to go with her ancient Aunt anyway. Let's see, I was 15 the first time I saw him at the Oklahoma State Fair Rodeo. George would only be in his late 60's by then.

It could happen. Maybe she wouldn't mind after all. Especially if I buy her a ticket!!!

Brother against Brother

2011-06-07T13:06:00.000-05:00

We've got cat trouble. When there's two boy cats and one girl cat I think there's no good way to fix it. Well, there's a good way, but no time for that as of now.

The cat brothers, Indy and Ranger, have been fighting over the neighbor girl. So far I think Indy is winning. I haven't seen him for several days now. Not even at supper time. Ranger looks like he's been in a cat fight! And he's hanging around looking dejected and skinny. Lucky for him Spring, the dog, doesn't seem to notice.

The other night I was up at my folks, like usual, and Aunt Cathy came in the house and said the cats were in a big fight down by sis#3's house. I headed that way with her. By the time we got there the fight was over and no cats were to be seen. Hoss comes running from the other side of their house and hollered, "Aunt Red, you missed the best fight ever!"

Typical for a 7 year old boy!

He wanted to know what they were fighting about. I don't remember what I said exactly, but I told him we'd have to take them to the vet to get them fixed. He asked, "What can the vet do to fix the fighting?"

My response, "He can just fix it!" I figure his mother can handle all those kind of questions!!!

That's not in this aunt's job description.

Hot in June

2011-06-04T14:22:00.000-05:00

Can it be June? It's feeling like mid July!!! It's always hard for me to adjust, actually I never do, to summer. I'm just not a summer person. Some people love it. They crave the water and sun!

The facts are that my skin just isn't made for summer. Nor are my perspiration glands! I put on sunscreen often. As soon as it hits my skin the perspiration glands kick in and it runs off.

What's a girl to do?

I know, AIR CONDITIONING! Whoever invented the air conditioner is my hero!!! I crave it. I love it!!! I really, really, really need it!!!!!!!

Don't know where to start!

2011-05-31T13:51:00.000-05:00

Let's just say with all the moving and babysitting and cooking and cleaning a lot has been going on!

Here's a story from yesterday.

My nephews are obsessed with movie making. I think they might've picked that up from their PaPa. All the kids were here over the weekend so it was a perfect time to get a scene filmed for Buzz's movie. We got everyone wardrobed up and headed to a spot down in the woods where the wind wouldn't be so bad. In this particular scene Woody, Hoss, and Buzz are archeologist's and wind up on some land looking for treasure. The landowner, Little Joe, comes riding up on his horse and checks them out.

It took us longer to get them outfitted and down to the location than it did to film the scene which will probably wind up being about a minute and a half long.

By the time we wrapped we were all hot, taken over by ticks, and cranky! Well, maybe I was the cranky one.
It was actually a lot of fun and the footage is great! When PaPa gets it edited and posted on his website I'll post the link.

Hope everyone had a good and safe Memorial Day weekend!!

Anger Management for Babies

2011-05-16T20:40:00.000-05:00

Well, I don't think Oprah or Dr. Phil have addressed this issue as of yet. My youngest nephew could be the first baby in history to need some help!

Snort, the biggest baby in the universe, has a temper! I'm thinking that if the situation isn't taken care of soon he could be shooting at cars on the highway when he's 2 because somebody got too close to his mom!

Mom and I went over there Sat. and Sun. to help a little bit. Sis#2 and fam are moving to the other side of the state later this week. I'm hoping he's just feeling all the pressure and will get over his hot head ways soon. He doesn't even have red hair!!!

I'm guessing he got this from his dad's side of the family.

Happy Mother's Day.........and a new baby

2011-05-08T17:57:00.001-05:00

I hope all you mother's out there are having a wonderful day today!!

A few of us celebrated with our Mom today with a roast dinner after worship services this morning. It was yummy. It wasn't the most elaborate Mother's Day we've ever spent, but I don't think anyone really cared. None of that really matters anyway.

Yesterday Mom and I made the trek to Bartlesville to visit the newest member of our extended family. My cousin and his wife had their first baby Friday evening. He's a cutie! He's the first grandchild for my Mom's sister and bro-in-law(Aunt Vicki and Uncle Allen). They were pretty happy!

We also were lucky to see sis#4 and Little Joe who is just a few days away from Kindergarten graduation. He came walking through the hospital parking lot with his Levis tucked in his tall top boots and I just about started bawling! We haven't see them since Christmas and it feels like longer than that. He's grown a lot and is quite the kid!!! We're hoping for a visit from them down this way soon.

Have a great week everyone!

A New Job

2011-05-04T20:59:00.000-05:00

Well.....I've been very lazy about this blog lately! I guess everyone knows that. I just wasn't feeling it. Ever felt that way?

I have a new job. I am now the "nanny" for my niece Ruby! My sis-in-law started a new job last Monday after being unemployed since January. She and I are on opposite ends of the job spectrum. She was overqualified for everything and I'm VERY underqualified for everything.

However, I think I've found my calling!! Ruby is such a good little girl I don't know how anyone could do a bad job with her. I'm not just saying that because she's my niece either!!

She is just shy of 16 months old and she's just a joy. Today she helped me check the air in the tires on my pickup. What else could an aunt want? I can't wait til I tell her how many times her dad wiped his nose on my sleeve or that I changed MANY of his diapers (which were cloth by the way).

I have so many stories to tell on him I won't get them all told by the time she's 10!

Anyway, I'm hoping to be a little more diligent about writing here. I have some great stories about the kids to pass along from the last couple months.

Have a great May!

Baby

2011-03-23T21:46:00.000-05:00

Well......Surprise! I'm gonna be an Aunt again!!!!

Ruby is gonna be a big sister, and she's gonna be a good one! She's already a bossy redhead. She must get that from her daddy! We're all excited and hoping for a boy or maybe a girl. Either will work. We have to wait a while though. The baby won't show til around the first of November.

I think it might be a long hot summer for my sis-in-law!!!

A Day at the Zoo

2011-03-18T15:24:00.000-05:00

This week was spring break. Sis #2 and kids came over for a visit. Our sis-in-law suggested a trip to the Zoo in OKC. This would be Ruby's first trip to see the animals. Sounds like a good idea, right?

WRONG!!!!!!

Apparently, it was a record attendance day at the OKC Zoo. In addition to our little group of 11, there were 17, 989 other poor folks! We were there 2 hours before we even saw an animal. Part of that was our own doing, but the masses helped. Any time you are in a zoo for 4 hours and can count on 2 hands the number of animals one sees it's a bad sign.

Here's the breakdown:
4 gorillas
1 aurangatane(yes, I know it's spelled wrong)
2 elephants
1 hippo
3 rhinos

It was just too crowded to try anything else!

The new elephant exhibit just opened. There's a long zig-zag ramp leading up to this big lookout area to see several pens of elephants. I saw 2 on our way up and that was it. They were on their way back inside. When we got to the top Jessie Jane lost her hat to the wind. It's now part of the exhibit. Mine would've joined it, but my hair was in a bun and it couldn't really fly off!

So...needless to say.....the zoo trip was a bust. Heed my warning....... NEVER GO TO THE ZOO ON SPRING BREAK!!!!

That's my public service announcement for this month.

The Polar Express

2011-03-04T23:17:00.000-06:00

It's kinda the wrong time of year to be watching a Christmas movie, but it's cold and windy outside, so why not???

Sis #2 brought "The Polar Express" when they came over for Christmas. Needless to say there wasn't much time for watching movies. She left it with me on Dec. 26th and told me to watch it. I'm always obedient even if it's delayed.

Hoss came down to my house this evening. We played some Go Fish. We ate some popcorn. Then we decided to watch a movie. He wanted to watch "Scooby Doo Meets Batman and Robin", again for the 100th time. I said nope. We need to watch something different. He wasn't up for "Toby Tyler" and never has been. Don't know what's up there. He didn't want to watch "The Love Bug" or "The Colt" either. I ran across the forgotten Christmas movie. It was the choice. He said this would be the 13th time for him to watch this flick. Wow, he's only 7.

Oh my! That was one good movie!!! Call me crazy, but by the time we were half way through I was ready to get out my tree and decorations! Thankfully, by the time it was over, I had come to my senses. I would officially be the "nut job" of the family if I got out the ol' tree in March!!!

So......along about December 1, I'll be wanting to watch this classic again! You should too!

Decorating on a Budget

2011-02-20T22:14:00.001-06:00

I guess I should really say NO budget! Since I'm currently working very part-time I don't really have much extra money. This would be an understatement!

However, a couple weeks ago I found myself with $20 spending money thanks for a very generous second cousin(you know who you are). Who knew twenty bucks could be so exciting?!?

I made a stop at Hobby Lobby to turn in a job application and took a peek at the dried flowers, etc. I really like the look of twigs and feathers haphazardly in a container of some sort. Here's what I came up with:

1 package of Pussy Willow, price-$7.99
2 tall peacock feathers, price-$1.00 each

Guess what? It was all half price! Gotta love a good sale. Sis #3 had some old metal flower buckets she from the owner of the flower shop where she worked years ago. I had some burlap, pine cones, and brown wire-edged ribbon we used for accents.

A couple days later I made a stop at Dollar General to get a few items for Grandma. I saw they had some dried swirly stick things for one dollar. I picked up a package of them and found out it only cost a penny! Can you believe that? Just a penny????? It was just what I needed to finish out the project. Actually, what I needed was help from creative and crafty sis#3. She whipped this thing together in about 10 minutes.

So, for about $5.01 plus tax my master bath has a whole new look. Yipeeeeee!

A Beautiful Spring Day

2011-02-13T22:24:00.000-06:00

Wow! What a difference a couple days makes!

Snow is melting. Sun is shining. Temperatures are above 60. Is it still winter???

I would imagine more cold stuff will be here, but this week is suppose to be just beautiful. I think it's the break we've all been needing. I know I'm ready to spend some time outside.

Enjoy the sun everybody!

A Snow Memory

2011-02-06T16:15:00.000-06:00

Sometimes there are moments that you really want to have a video camera going. Does that ever happen for me? Not hardly!

After the marathon Wal-Mart run yesterday evening I took a few things back up to my sister's house. That would be Sis#3. About that time Rowdy came from Mamaw and Papa's house. I asked him if he got to see the snowman Hoss and their dad built. We went over there to take a look. It was dark, but the little snowman just happened to be right near the outside light. There is still quite a bit of snow around and it was very wet!

Rowdy looked the snowman over and was kinda intrigued. I picked up a handful of snow and tossed it at him. He really didn't know what to think of that. So he did the same. Thankfully, he missed me by a mile. I threw some more snow at him. He decided he liked it. But then he just wanted to sit on his knees and make designs. I went over watched him make an A. He said, "A is for Aunt Red!"

That just made my week! Where's a Papa with his video camera when you need him????

A Momentary Thaw

2011-02-05T20:05:00.000-06:00

Well, the sun came out today and it felt like it was 70 degrees compared to what we've had the last 5 days! I'm not sure what the actual temp was, but I know it felt great!

To celebrate our break in the wonderful winter weather we've been getting Sis #3 and I made a run to Wal-Mart. Let me tell you something........there's nothing like a 4 1/2 hour trip in that store to make you want to cry for more snow! I'm talking 4 1/2 hours actually in the store, 45 minutes in the check out line, and no lunch.

More snow is coming next week. We now have enough milk and Dr. Pepper to be stranded!

Snowklahoma!

2011-02-02T10:10:00.000-06:00

Well, looks like the snow is here for a while. It's gonna be hard for it to melt when it's 5 degrees!!!! It's suppose to be -4 tonight for a new record.

I did venture out yesterday about 3:30 to head up to my folks. I was really wanting some real food. So I got all the stuff on and headed that way. I took off my glasses so I could pull my double bandannas up higher. I had to head into the north wind the whole way. Problem with taking off my glasses is I can't see! I couldn't tell where the drifts were and walked into several. I got half the way and thought my lungs were going to explode. No joke! I only fell once.

I made it to the folks back door. Dad keeps a little black stool there so he can put on his boots. I collapsed on the black stool and started peeling off the layers. About that time my Mom came around the corner. I told her I wouldn't be volunteering to help with chores!

I'm a wuss, what can I say?!?!?!

Snowmagedden 2011

2011-02-01T09:42:00.000-06:00

Did someone move me to Alaska in my sleep?????

The weather guys are calling it Snowmagedden. I think that's a little drastic, but I haven't been outside yet. I've been blackballed from feeding chores by my Dad. Evidently the wind chill is in the below zero range. Yikes!

I don't mind some snow and cold weather, but it's hard on the livestock. And the longer it's around, the harder it gets on everybody!

So much for global warming!!!!!

Buzz and Red Lobster

2011-01-29T15:12:00.000-06:00

Buzz has an uncle on his dad's side who had a birthday yesterday. Happy Birthday Uncle Ryan!

Uncle Ryan wanted to meet up with the family at Red Lobster. Buzz asked him if he was sure he wanted to go to Red Lobster. And then he said again, "Do you want to go to Red Lobster or............Burger King?"

Uncle Ryan replied, "How about you go to Burger King for your birthday?"

I guess Burger King is way more appealing to a 4 year old boy than shrimp and Boston Iced tea!!!!

That sounds really good right now!!!!!!!!!!

Very Disappointed

2011-01-23T12:39:00.000-06:00

Aunt Rudolph missed the party!

I was too sick to go. It didn't matter about the nose. I'm not that vain! It was more about running a fever and being contagious. I was so sad when I called my brother Friday around noon to tell him I wasn't coming I started crying. That doesn't happen very often. Y'all know that. My sister says I have the ol' stone heart. I don't think that's completely true! I have to admit it is true a little though. When it comes to things like missing a birthday party though, I can't handle it!!!

Sis#2 wasn't able to come over either. The bad weather in eastern OK kept her and her kiddos away. So, we are planning party #2 for Ruby. All the Aunt's who didn't get to attend the big bash will have a smaller version in a few weeks.

Ruby won't know the difference, but it'll make us feel better!!!!

Aunt Rudolph

2011-01-20T21:03:00.000-06:00

I've been sick all week. It hit me Monday afternoon and I've been in the house since. I'm starting to dislike my humble abode. The only time I'm really here is when I'm sick. Does that mean something???

Ruby's birthday was the 12th. It's rare that our family has a birthday party actually on the birthday these days. I think it's always been that way.

Tomorrow night is Ruby's birthday party. My nose is very, very red. I have been saying all week that I would be at Ruby's 1st birthday party if I have to sit in the corner all by myself with a mask on my face. I don't think I'm contagious, but I think my nose could light up the room all by it's lonesome!!!

Nobody will care, will they?

I Love Dove!

2011-01-18T18:17:00.000-06:00

Anyone heard of Dove chocolate? It's yummy!

Today I was in the house with a little sinus thing. I was checking out some websites looking for a job. What a joke! So......I thought I could use a piece of chocolate. That always makes me feel better. And then I thought, "How 'bout another!"

The little note on the inside of the Dove wrappers is always so much fun to read. The first one I unwrapped read "Believe in Yourself." I could use some help with that!

The second little note read "Happiness is in the heart, not in the circumstances."

I really needed that!!!!!!!!! The chocolate wasn't bad either!

A Monday Afternoon

2011-01-17T14:51:00.000-06:00

This afternoon Rowdy and Jessie Jane are staying with me. Hoss had a dr. appointment down in the City. Jessie Jane is napping and Rowdy is watching a cartoon older than both of us times 2! He loves those.

A little earlier I could hear him playing back in the kids room. I was wondering what was goin on so I just peeked in the door. He had all the toys out of the toy box and was inside. Next thing I know he's shutting the lid. Now, this toy box isn't that big, but it kinda looks like a camel back trunk so it has a little height in the lid. When he shut the door I called out his name. His reply was, "Nobody's home!" I just laughed. Then I knocked on the lid. He said, "Come in!" I guess someone was home after all.

Right now he has a big ol' black eye from a wrestling match with his big brother Hoss. Rowdy isn't intimidated by Hoss's giant physique in the least. Last week when it was freezing cold I wandered by their house while I was out helping with chores. I peeked in the window and it looked like a match from the WWF was going on inside. I waved and said hi and then they were at it again. Hence the big ol' black eye! Apparantly, Rowdy took a bad fall onto the bedpost. Yikes!

There won't be any wrestling matches today! Aunt Red doesn't need a black eye!!!

A Love Story

2011-01-15T23:08:00.000-06:00

No......this isn't about me!

I think that Ranger the cat is in love with Spring the dog! He follows her around all the time. If she leaves the porch, he leaves the porch. If she jumps in the back of my pick-up, he jumps in the back of my pick-up. I saw them rubbing noses on the back porch at my folks house yesterday.

I don't quite know what to think about this. I don't want Spring to think that just because I'm an old maid she has to be one also! We'll see how long it lasts. If she's anything like her owner.....it won't last long!

I do know one thing, Indy doesn't feel the same about Spring as his brother. You know there's that line that one just doesn't cross. Indy is way more into chasing mice, rats, and gophers. He'll be the old bachelor of the two I imagine.

Right now I wish Ranger would tell her to hush! Maybe she'd listen to him!!!!!

Happy Birthday Ruby!!!

2011-01-12T23:17:00.000-06:00

Today is my niece's 1st birthday. She is a very sweet little red headed girl! I can't believe it's been a year since we got that call at 2am from my brother saying he and my sis-in-law were headed to the hospital. Where does the time go?

Snort is only 28 days older than Ruby. However, he's just about double the size. He has 13 teeth. She has 2 1/2(one is trying to bust through). He started crawling at about 6 months and she didn't til 10. He weighs a good 10 pounds more. He's just a big ol' kid. Funny thing is she can out eat him like crazy! What's that about??? When we had our big family gathering at Christmas Snort kept trying to get close to Ruby and see what she was all about. She wanted no part of it! If he got within 10 feet of her she would start crying. I think she was just scared of the massive kid standing before her!!!! I know I am.

It would be great if she stayed scared of boys til she was 25. I know that's what my brother is thinking! I'm fairly certain the boys will be scared of him. He's already planning the scare tactics for the potential boyfriends like it's a military operation!

I'm sure as soon as she turns on the charm ol' dad will wilt. That never worked on my dad, but maybe she'll have better luck. I found out when I was about 25 and dateless that it wasn't my dad that the boys around here were afraid of. Apparently, the sister's and I were the one's that were scary! I guess the shooting, riding, and knife carrying stuff wasn't appealing. I would imagine Ruby will be riding and shooting better than any of her aunt's. My brother won't have anything to worry about. Ruby will be able to take care of herself!!

Happy Birthday Ruby!

The Corn Bag Lady

2011-01-11T22:38:00.000-06:00

I don't think I've done much "promoting" through this blog. I guess I'm starting now.

A friend of my brother's started this program to help people in need. She is a team roper and our family has known her and her family for about 25 years. They are good people!

My mom ordered a few of these corn bags. They are well made, cute, and work great!

You can see these items at http://www.thecornbaglady.com/

By purchasing a corn bag you will get something to sooth aches and pains and help someone in need!

Thanks!

Some Changes

2011-01-10T21:23:00.000-06:00

So.....I thought I'd try to change up the look of the ol' blog. It's going about as well as all the other changes in my life right now! Slow!!!

I'm trying to figure out the picture thing. With some help from my second cousin, who is a major computer whiz, I might eventually get it to work. If he gets sick of my computer illiteracy I may just have to skip the pics!!!

Now, a little more info about Snort and his tooth count. After the momumental 1-1-11 eleventh tooth, the following day #12 and #13 decided to bust through. Poor guy can't catch a break!

Let me know what y'all think about the changes so far. There's no going back now. I lost the old template.
No surprise there!

My Acting Debut

2011-01-07T19:06:00.000-06:00

In the months of September and October I helped my Dad and his cousin on a short film they wrote, directed, and pretty much everything else that goes along with it. It turned out pretty good we think.

My jobs on this film included the following:

Craft services (snacks)
Catering (lunch)
Props
Wardrobe
Set decoration
Soldier(yikes)
Small part as " The Receptionist"
Make-up
Horse Wrangler
Sound
Traffic director

This is how things go on a low budget film. One never knows exactly what their job will be. I will explain a couple things though.

First, I don't know anything about make-up and especially movie make-up. That was interesting!

Second, I'm not an aspiring actress. The part I played was the receptionist. I, basically, just had to ramble on mostly like I usually do on the telephone. The time period for this flick is 1959. It was kinda fun taking a step back in time.

Third, here's how the soldier thing went down. We were filming a flashback scene involving a cannon, a horse, and infantry out here at our place. Our infantry soldiers wound up having a car wreck on the way out here. They were all ok, but we had to film the scene anyway because our Teddy Roosevelt actor was only here for the afternoon. So......sis#4 and I put on the uniform and hauled the gun. Had I known how out of focus and far away I was in the finished product I wouldn't have worried so much about anyone being able to tell I'm not a male infantry soldier!!!

This was definitely a learning experience for all of us. I'm not a fan of being in front of the camera. I only did this because my Dad made me. Funny how that hasn't change too much since I was a 9 year old newbie trick roper and was told we were doing a new act and I was in it! You'd think things would change now that I'm 41!!!

If you'd like to watch our 22 minute film you may do so at:
http://saddleupcinema.com/hotr.html

Check it out!

1-1-11

2011-01-01T22:04:00.000-06:00

It's January 1st! Can you believe it? My Aunt called last night to wish us Happy New Year before they went to bed. I think it was about 8:30. I didn't make it to midnight either. That's not the point though. She said, " I was just writing the date and realized tomorrow is 1-1-11." I hadn't even realized it.

Today Sis#2 send me a text saying that Snort got his 11th tooth today. I'm wondering if 11 might be his lucky number. If I believed in that stuff I might jump on that.

So........Happy New Year! May we all have a safe, prosperous, and healthy 2011. Snort is the most prosperous and healthy of us so far.

I'd settle for 1 outta 3!!!

Ain't That a Kick in the Head!

2010-12-29T21:23:00.000-06:00

No, really, it was!

I've had a plumbing problem the last couple days. Actually, I think it's been there for a while I just didn't know it. I was headed out to my part-time job yesterday morning and I see a drip under the east end of my house.

Ok, it's not a real house, but a trailer house. I guess technically it'd be a mobile home. But it's mine and I'm gonna call it a house. Now, some of you might wonder how I could see the drip behind the skirting. Guess what, no skirting! I'm a redneck girl. What can I say???

Back to the leak. I didn't go to work. I had a small panic attack and headed straight up to my folks to discuss the issue with my dad. We went down there on the way to the barn and took a look. There wasn't much drip by then. That was slightly encouraging. Dad said he'd thing about the best way to approach it. I said ok in my calmest voice. He's be sickly and I know he didn't feel like crawling under the silly "house." Really, instead of "ok", I was thinking very quietly, "ARE YOU KIDDING ME!"

So......at about 3:30 I crawled under there just to make myself feel better. I don't know what y'all know about the underneath of a trailer house, but it's basically just black plastic stuff over insulation. I found though a board that was under the tub drain. I went to get the screwdriver so I could check it out. I was feeling better already. I pulled the board down, found a load of lady bugs, and pulled out a little wet insulation to find some water around the bottom of the drain. I crawled back out and headed back up to talk to dad.

Dad found the nut at the bottom of the drain was loose and the putty junk under the drain in the tub was cracked. Not a good product. By the time we got it all out it was nearly dark and time to feed again. Way better diagnosis than I was expecting.

Today we went to town and got new parts. In about an hour we were back in business and without leaks! We put it all back together. We noticed there were a few slits in the plastic lining. Apparantly, the dudes who took out the tongue upon delivery ripped it. We got out the trusty duct tape and took care of the slits! Remember, REDNECK!!!

Here's where things got painful. We were nearly done. We found another spot out by the back porch that needed some taping. I was sitting on the ground when all of a sudden I feel a big ol whack to the right side of my head! I guess dad was rolling under there and I was a little too close. I was fine, mostly, but I couldn't stop laughing. I think I might have a mild whiplash, but at least I'm not hurt. HAHA.

I told dad that the "Ain't that a kick in the head" saying never felt so real!!!

Wasn't that a Frank Sinatra song????

Busy, Busy!

2010-12-20T20:03:00.000-06:00

Well, I obviously was mistaken when I thought it was time to start blogging again. There's no time for blogging!

Who would've thought an unemployed person would be so busy! If being busy only paid better I wouldn't have anything to worry about. Oh well.

So.....maybe January will bring more blogging time and financial stability.

We can only hope!!!!!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Happy Anniversary Aunt and Uncle

2010-12-07T13:26:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was my Aunt and Uncle's 53rd wedding anniversary. I can't even comprehend what it would be like to be married 5 minutes much less 53 years!!!!! They got married really young and had kids young and became grandparents young. It's possible they'll get in another 20 years together. How amazing would that be?

Today I'd like to report on the cats. I guess they're too old to call kitties anymore. I should probly report on my nieces and nephews first, but that's gonna take some time. I'll get to that later.

So.....these cats are really like none I've ever seen. Not that I've seen many, but they have a few personality traits that I think are not very "catly". First, they sleep in the dog house. Spring, my dog, won't sleep in the dog house unless she's tied up and it's a freezing rain and it's the only shelter she can reach.

Second, Ranger likes to ride in the back of the pickup. I don't recall ever seeing a cat that likes to do that. Indy wants no part of it however. He bails ASAP.

The other day I mentioned to my dad I was glad the cat thing worked out ok. To my amazement he replied, "Maybe we could get a couple more." I just about dropped over!

I think we'll just stick with the two for now!

I'm Back!

2010-12-05T18:00:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone!

I've been at this very spot a couple times in the last few months and have bailed. I'm not gonna bail this time. It's not that I didn't want to write so much, as I just didn't know where to start.

So, here goes.......can you believe it's December 5, 2010???? I'm still trying to comprehend the fact that it's really December. I've been semi-unemployed for the last 3 months and haven't had time to think! I never knew not having a "real" job could be so exhausting! And the weather has been so wacked lately it hasn't felt like December either.

I'll get into what's been keeping me so busy eventually, but for now I just want to make a statement to all of you who know me as a "Scrooge."

I was the FIRST in my family to have the Christmas tree up, lit, and decorated!!!

Write it down, it could never happen again. There are more decorations up in my house than have been up since sis #2 and I lived together nearly 10 years ago. That was because she put them all up and I was the helper. I did have a little help putting the lights on the tree. Sis #3 ran down to the house for a few minutes and lit it up. I'm still adjusting to that part. Honestly, I may never adjust to that part, but she loved it and I loved her doing it.

I know a lot of it has to do with having time to get it all done. I also know that in the last 20 or so years of my life I've mostly worked in a retail setting. By the time Nov. 14th rolled around I didn't give a rip about Christmas anymore. I was sick of the music. I was sick of the trees. And I was sick of the whole thing. I'm actually looking forward to all of it this year. I'm planning all the cooking I want to get done and all the weight I'm gonna gain!

So, Happy December everybody!!!

Taking a Break

2010-10-12T17:25:00.000-05:00

I've decided that I'm going to stop blogging for a while. I'm just not feeling it right now. Not sure what the cause of the "not feeling it" would be, but I'm guessing it has something to do with all the changes that have been going on in my life these days.

I haven't found regular employment yet. Actually, I haven't looked for regular employment yet. I told a friend last night that I might be going through a mid-life crisis or a mental breakdown. Not sure which! One day I want to do one thing, the next I want to do something completely different. I was at my last job so long I'm not real sure which direction to go now. I'm not really feeling like myself. I maybe should get myself figured out!!

So.......here's the plan. I'm going to quit writing til I feel like writing again. It might be next week, it might be next year. Who knows!

Bye for now!!

Happy Fall Y'all

2010-10-01T21:41:00.000-05:00

I've not looked forward to October for many years. It's always been a very hectic month in my family. When we were in the hayride/trail ride business it was our busiest month.

For the last 13 years I've worked at the leather shop. One of the best shows of the year is the last 10 or so days of the month.

So, since I'm neither in the hayride business nor the leather business any longer, I'm going to enjoy the Fall! Actually, I've loved the weather October brings no matter what was happening at the time. Who wouldn't??

There's a pond just west of the north barn(get all that?) here on the place. The leaves always start changing there first. I saw yellow about 2 weeks ago. It's starting to show on other trees now. I'd love to take a "leaf peeping" tour somewhere here in Oklahoma!

I'm reminded of the trip last year at this time with my sister friends. I were enjoying the Fall Aspen colors in Colorado. Oh my! I've not experience that before and it was beautiful!! No Colorado leaf looking for me this time around though.

Maybe next year!

Big Changes!

2010-09-30T16:28:00.001-05:00

So, many things have happened since my last post. Let's see, where do I start? I guess kinda at the beginning.

My brother got bucked off his horse in New Mexico and broke his arm pretty bad. He had surgery out there to insert a rod in his left arm between his shoulder and elbow. Basically, they did rotater cuff surgery when he didn't need it! The doc cut into his shoulder muscles, peeled it all back, then started drilling a hole through the bone to insert the rod. All that was bad, but I think the 90 minute ride to the hospital with no pain meds was the worse part! He's recovering at home now and doing better every day. It's gonna be a long recovery time. As in it could be up to a year. Yikes!!!

I left my job at the leather shop last week after 12 1/2years. I'm not sure what I'm gonna do. I'm not sure what I want to do. What I do know is that I'm going to find something that I like and go with it. I don't want to be in retail of any kind. That I do know! I'm ready for an actual holiday weekend. I'm ready to want to get up in the morning! I'm ready to want to be who I am again! Whoever that is!!!!

The other day I saw a commercial for a 2011 Mustang. I told my sister I'd love to have one of those cars someday. She said, " Yeah right!"

I said, "Maybe in my next midlife crisis."

Her response, "Your next midlife crisis?"

I said, "I think I might be going through one right now!" Sister just laughed.

I guess we'll see what the outcome of this one!!!

Hoss's Birthday

2010-09-19T19:22:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was Hoss's 7th birthday. He was so excited! That's what happens when one is 7. Birthday's are a big deal.

I remember my 7th birthday more than most!

My parents had just bought a 1923 Model T Ford car from my dad's uncle. Uncle Clark was a rodeo clown for years and years. He turned this Model T into a bucking car in 1946 and started going down the road making a living. Dad and mom did the same thing for about 9 years.

Anyway, for my 7th birthday party, Dad gave all the girls attending my party a ride in the car. We were all so small we all fit in one trip! I'm not sure how many of us there were, probably 8 or 10. I wonder if any of them remember that ride. I haven't seen some of those girls in a long time. I would imagine that if I saw a picture I might not remember some of their names. How sad is that?

Hoss and I are going to take a trip to the Cowboy Museum gift shop down in the City so he can pick out a book for his present from Aunt Red. He'll probably want a wooden gun that shoots rubber bands instead!

Not gonna happen!

Two Confused Kitties

2010-09-17T16:34:00.000-05:00

I haven't written about Ranger and Indy for a while. They are growing like crazy!

I believe they might think they are a dogs though instead of in the feline family. Why would I think this? Well.....other than climbing the occasional tree, they act like a dog. I'm wondering if they maybe have been paying too much attention to Spring.

When I acquired these two creatures a few months ago it was with the intent that they'd be barn cats. You know, keep the rodent population down where it's the worst. They've long since taken up residence at my house. The only time they're at the barn is when they follow one of us to the barn. Do cats usually follow people around like dogs do? I'm really asking this question! I'd like to know! I'm guessing my teacher friend in Alaska would know. Please inform!

My dad even said that they follow him around like a dog.

If I leave my house to go up to my folks, they follow. If I go up to work at the old house, they follow. They always hang out there til I leave. That's what Spring does. Maybe it's Spring they're following and not me! Last night Indy followed me up to the north barn to feed. For some reason Ranger wasn't around. I thought he was gonna get clobbered by one of the horses, but he made it out of the pen.

However, last night when I went to feed the dog and cats there was only one kitty. Indy was missing! I remembered seeing him when I left the north barn in a tall patch of grass. So, up to the north barn I went witha flashlight. He came crawling out from underneath the riding mower and seemed very happy to see me.

Same thing happened last week. Sis#3 and I had been up at the old house cleaning. When we came out it was pitch dark. Sis says, "Isn't there a porch light?" I said, "Yes, but the bugs show up." While we were having this little conversation Spring tried to get into the house. We got her out and went down to my house. I went to feed the dog and kitties and Indy was missing then too. Sis said, "I wonder if he went in the house." I said, "Naw". Guess what? I found Indy sitting by the front door on the inside of the house. Oops!

Maybe I should just make sure I've got them both before I head to the house no matter what. I would save me wandering around the place after dark and after my bedtime!!!

Another European Supper

2010-09-14T12:07:00.000-05:00

Thanks to my "traveling friends" I enjoyed another wonderful supper last night! I haven't had much of a social life the last few months. Between being sickly and living with sis and kids there's not really been time. And besides, I don't really have a social life anyway.

I got there about 6. I walked in the door and asked if there were any kids there. They promptly told me there was no one under the age of 18. I decided I'd stay!

Then it was time to sit down for supper. I saw Sarah bring in a tray of a dozen or so foiled little bowl things from outside and put them on the table. I had no idea what was inside, but I was excited! We sat down, Scott said prayer, and then the foil packets were passed around. It was wild caught salmon from Alaska. Oh my! It was yummy. I'm telling you there aren't enough exclamation points that could do it justice!

In addition to the salmon there was a salad of mixed greens, apple slices, and pecans with some poppy seed dressing. There was a huge flat Italian bread. There was crackers with warm brie with cranberry chutney(which was good on bread too). I was the last one eating!

I felt like I'd just had one of the healthiest meals ever when it was over. And I'm sure my Omega-3 intake was three times what it usually is for the day!

After supper we played a game that was new to me. It's called "Speed Scrabble". Now, you have to understand I haven't played Scrabble since I was 13. Let's don't do the math on how long ago that was! My dear friends were nice enough to give me a practice run. Then they proceeded to beat me to death for the rest of the evening. My dear friend Sage must be the Scrabble guru of our county! She had already told me I didn't want to play Scrabble with her. I can see she was trying to show some mercy on me!

Even though I got beat into the tile floor, it was loads of fun! I can't wait to introduce my family to this fun game at Christmas. Course, we'll have to buy a couple Scrabble games. And we'll need a Redneck dictionary to help us.

Does anyone know where I can find the Webster's Redneck Dictionary? Surely there's one somewhere!!!

Life with Children

2010-09-08T15:46:00.000-05:00

I have now been a full time aunt for about 3 weeks. By this I mean that sis#3 and her 3 children have been in my home for that long. I've learned a lot in the last 3 weeks.

Here's a short list(Anyone remember Ruby from "Cold Mountain?"):

#1, I'm glad I'm not a mother.
#2, There's no end to the laundry.
#3, I'm glad I'm not a mother.
#4, There's no end to the dirty dishes.
#5, I'm glad I'm not a mother. Did I mention this already????

I'm learning more and more about my nephews and niece.

Hoss is a free spirit. If he is able to be outside with the cats and dog he will be.

Rowdy is, well, rowdy! He is a little bit of a control freak when it comes to toys and the tv. I just got a call from sis a little while ago. She told me Rowdy had climbed behind the couch and somehow the window got broken. Thankfully, he was ok. I've broken two of them myself so I can't really get mad.

Jessie Jane is in control! This little girl runs everything. Last night she had one of her little dolls in her hands. She walked up to the tv and pushed the off button with the doll's hand and then tattled on the doll. Sis#3 said Jessie Jane blamed Rowdy for something that she did and Rowdy wasn't even home. The poor thing was in school. How did she already get this way? I'm thinking the "terrible two's" are in full swing! And in about 12 years life is gonna be tough for her mom and dad!!!!

I think that their new home will be ready in a week or so for them to move into.

Will I miss them? Probably.

Will I enjoy the quiet? Most definitely!

Will they be back to visit often? Daily I'm sure.

But, I'll be able to walk them home and get back to my quiet spot in about 5 minutes.

WAHOO!!

I think I'm gonna make it!

2010-09-03T11:31:00.000-05:00

Ok kids, it's been a long couple weeks!

I have a few things to add to my "40" things list. I don't know if the list is even close to 40, but since I'm gonna be 41 in a few weeks time is running short. And at this point I really don't care anyway.

Last week I wound up in the Emergency Room at the small hospital in my hometown. I had flu like symptoms and broke out in a rash over most of my body that was different from the other rashes I'd had in the past. So, too town we went!

After a couple hours of tests, a shot, some pills, and a few other things I won't mention, I was sent home feeling a little better. My Mom and Dad were the lucky one's hauling me around. On the way home at 11:45 pm we ran through McDonald's to get a snack. Actually, I was starving! I'd had nothing but some crackers, Sprite, and water all day. I had a happy meal and was ready for some sleep!

The doc called it "serum sickness". Never heard of it. Apparantly, when one has too much medication in their system that doesn't agree with one, this can happen. I figured that the worst part was over. WRONG! Saturday morning I woke up after my long 2 hours sleep to find the rash was worse. My face was red and swollen. Not a pretty sight!

I hiked up to the folks house to get on the internet to find some answers. I googled "serum sickness" and found out some info. The rash was actually getting better when I thought it was getting worse. I had all the symptoms too a tee. I guess the doc was right. I'm now in the process of just getting stronger. I've noticed I need more sleep than before. There are a few faded red spots on my arms and neck, but they're not bothering me. I have lost a few pounds. WAHOO!

Now, about the "40" list. Here's the additions:

Rode in a wheel chair.

Wore a hospital gown. (not my favorite wardrobe choice!)

Got an ultrasound of my leg. Very interesting!
Ate a Happy Meal at midnight and loved it!

Got a shot of steroids. I hope the governement won't want to question me about this. I wouldn't want to wind up like Roger Clemens. Course, he lied. That's what caused his big problems!

Well, I think that's it. I hope all of you have a great Labor Day weekend and don't have to "labor"!!!

New Roomies

2010-08-23T18:21:00.000-05:00

I've got some new roommates. Sis#3, Hoss, Rowdy, and Jessie Jane are staying with me while they're getting a spot readied for them to move into out here on the place. Bro-in-law #2 is staying at their house in town while they get things moved.

I'm learning that my niece is quite the character! Until one is around a child a lot I don't think the real side is seen. I guess that's the same with grownups! She has a very vivid imagination. She is also a drama queen! And a bossy drama queen at that! She can handle herself with the big brothers also. If they're wrestling she just jumps right in the middle of it.

She also loves to get into my jewelry. It's not like I had it all put away in it's rightfull place! I have an old vanity with a huge mirror that belonged to my great grandmother. It's all just the right height for her to get into. I gave up and just moved all the stuff off and put a few thing out she could play with. I've noticed she's not in there nearly as much as before.

What's up with that????

While The Cat's Away......

2010-08-17T09:10:00.000-05:00

The sickly little mouse is doing all the work! I think I mentioned my Dad is out of town for a few days. He and brother are working on a little movie thing and went to Colorado to film. Poor babies!

So, in Dad's absence, someone has to feed the rest of the horses that didn't go with him. And since only 1 horse, Juan, went with him, that means there are plenty left. Guess who's elected? I didn't even have to put signs out in the yard!

Sunday it was tough. I was dragging myself around and when I say dragging, that isn't an understatement. I could hardly throw a flake of hay over the fence. I made it though. Thankfully, our little cool front came on down and brought some relief. I might not've made it if it had been 105 out there.

Last night sis#3, bro-in-law#2, Hoss, and Rowdy helped out. Hoss mostly played with the kitties and climbed on the hay which he found out hurts when you fall and scrape your tummy on the end of a bale!

This morning was a different story though. I almost felt normal. I'm able to get a flake over the fence a little farther. I didn't feel like I was gonna die when I was through. Maybe by tomorrow I'll be running with 3 flakes to the fence!!

Yeah right! Why would anyone do that?????

Health Report

2010-08-14T18:46:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone! Thank you for the kind notes this week!!

Here's an update: I feel like such a whimp!!!!

Actually, I am doing better. This cough thing that has been running around our family though is the pitts. I think I'm over the leg thing. I'm still a little itchy around my neck, but surely that'll go away soon!

My Dad and brother left for Colorado early this morning. So, I'm "feed girl" for the week. By the time I got done this morning I was toast. This evening I split up the north and south barns by about an hour. That helped. I guess I've lost a lot of my strength just laying around trying to get well. I bet by the end of the week I'll be back to normal!!

A cool front has moved through and given us a break from the oppressive heat. Wahoo!!

Have a great week y'all!

I'm Falling Apart!

2010-08-10T20:01:00.001-05:00

Well, I guess working 24/7 catches up with all of us eventually, right????

I'll try to make this as non-boring as possible. A few weeks ago I got bit by a chigger or mosquito. I know every Okie in the land knows about chiggers. Apparantly, people in New Mexico do not. I could explain how I know that, but it would take a lot of time.

This would've been about the second week in July. Over the course of the last few weeks the said "bite" got scratched, infected, and developed cellulitis. I finally caved and went to the doctor and got on some antibiotics. About 48 hours into the antiobiotics I realized my neck was itching. I had some mosquito bites there also so didn't think about it much. I woke up last Friday morning with a doozie of a rash. Called the doc and got on another antibiotic. Guess what? That one did the same thing!

I went back to the doc yesterday. She prescribed Prednazone, a steroid, to help battle the allergic reaction and the bad leg since it's starting to get ugly again.

How did I get so old? I remember the days when I could go non-stop for months and never think twice! Now I get a chigger bite and my leg is rotting off! What's that about?????

I will NOT put this on my 40 new things list!

I made it to work for about 3 hours today. We'll see how long I make it tomorrow!!!

Who knows, I could stub my toe and wind up in the emergency room by morning!!!!!!!!!!

Snort's First Ride

2010-08-02T17:50:00.000-05:00

Everyone's gone home. It's awfully quiet out here!!! I think they were all ready to go home. I think they needed to go home. But, I always miss them so bad when they're not here! Life is full of contradiction.

Sis #2 promised her kids they'd get to ride a horse while they were here this trip. Everything was so hectic with Grandma's birthday party and going to the Cowboy Museum and all the other stuff it was Saturday evening before we got it done.

Buzz and Woody both had their "first rides" with Papa. So, naturally, Snort should also. We got ol' Juan saddled up and the fun began. Snort loved it. He wasn't ever scared once! I'm glad Papa's arm didn't give out!! Snort's big for 8 months.

Buzz was next. He was able to get mounted by himself with just a little help from his Papa. Then he was turned loose. Juan didn't really want to move. He's kinda crazy that way. You have to understand that Juan spends his time in the "geriatric" pasture with Julio and Alberto. All of them came from Mexico if you couldn't tell already. Anyway, Juan knows how to take care of kids. Buzz finally got the hang of using the reins and kicking a little and it was all fine.

Hoss was out to play with his cousins and spend the night so he was next. He had a wild ride when a couple years ago and is usually very timid when it comes to getting horseback. Not this time. I'm guessing seeing the other boys riding and loving it helped a little. He got on, with a little help, and went right to it!

Then it was time for Woody. Oh my lands! There wasn't ever as cute of a little cowboy as this kid! I lifted him up in the saddle and Papa got him all ready to go. He started making the "kissing sound" and kicking. Nothing happened. He kicked so hard his boots started coming off. Next thing I see is Papa handing him one of the kitty cats. He's sitting up there holding this little cat with his right hand and holding onto the reins with his left and having a great time. Pretty soon kitty had all that he wanted and took off. We helped Juan get moving and Woody had a ball!

By the time we got all that done it was just about dark and I had sweat running off me! We are definitely in a heat wave!!!!!

Hopefully, next time they come over we'll saddle Juan up again and have some more fun!!!
I think they might all be addicted!

The Birthday Bash

2010-07-26T17:02:00.000-05:00

Well, the party was a huge success! Everyone seemed to have a lovely time in spite of the lack of working air conditioning. It was a little warmish in the building, but we all survived!

We saw family we don't usually get to see and some that we never see. After the cake and ice cream was devoured my Dad thought Grandma should do a little trick roping to show everyone she still has it. So, she wowed everyone wearing her dress and corsage!!!

My Dad, being the showman he is, didn't think Grandma roping was enough. All the kids were brought out and did their tricks too. All but Snort and Rowdy showed what they had. Snort was napping and Rowdy had been a little too rowdy and went home early with his dad.

And for some unknown reason he thought the five of us should do something too. So, sis#2 did some of her flat work as we call it. She was wearing little slip on shoes. That worked out ok.

Sis#3 did her 3 ropes at once ditty and it went good.

I was next. I had on these cool looking mules with bronc riders painted on the toes I got a couple years ago at the National Finals Rodeo. These are not shoes for roping! I just kicked them off and did the Texas Skip barefoot. It was a first for me. Hey, I can add that to the list! I didn't hurt myself too bad, but my right foot is a little sore even yet.

We finally talked brother into doing the 50 foot wedding ring. It's no big deal for him. He was wearing boots and jeans!

Sis#3 was feeling shy and didn't want to do anything. She should know by now that Dad doesn't let things like that go! She finally wandered out and did her part. I think the exhastion of making a beautiful yummy cake for 100 plus finally got to her actually.

What really matters is that Grandma had a good day!

Yesterday morning when I went in for worship I was a little late. I wound up sitting on the back row with 3 of the nephews. I realized before the announcements were over that Grandma was no where to be seen. I was trying to figure out how I was gonna go find her and not make a big fuss with the kids. Just about then she came in and found a seat. I found out later she was in one of the classrooms trying to write a thank you note to be read. Apparantly, she was having a problem find the words for what she was wanting to say. I think she was a little overwhelmed that so many people had come from so far for her birthday. Sis#2 was in there with one of her boys and said exactly what Grandma needed to hear. She said, "Grandma, I'm just glad everyone came together for your birthday when you could enjoy it and not your funeral."

Grandma said, "Well, you're right."

Sometimes we just need a little perspective no matter how old we are!!

Grandma's 90th Birthday

2010-07-20T10:32:00.001-05:00

Hey everybody! It's been ages since I've been on this little blog thing. It's been a long, long couple weeks filled with work, work, and work!

Now that all that is over for a minute, it's time to focus on Grandma's 90th birthday celebration. I can't believe my Grandma is 90!!! Or at least she will be next Sunday. We're having a big shindig next Saturday in town.

So the planning is on! I'm headed to town tonight to shop for cake ingredients. Sis#3 is making the big ol' birthday cake tomorrow! She makes amazing cakes and I'm not kidding! If she'd been born in New York she could've worked for that famous cake lady Sylvia Weinstock. That wasn't her calling though. She was born and raised in Oklahoma so we get to enjoy her wonderful cakes!!! Then, I'm back to town on Thursday night for the rest of the stuff.

There will be people there Saturday that I've never met. I've been getting emails from one of Grandma's cousins who lives in Florida. She won't be able to make it, but her daughter will come who lives in OKC. I didn't know about the daughter in OKC.

I think Grandma is looking forward to it. I am too. How many of us will get a 90th party? Not too many I'm guessing!!!!

Stay cool!

Kitty Update

2010-07-10T13:05:00.000-05:00

Well, we knew it would happen. Ava and Emma are actually The Lone Ranger and Indiana Jones!!! We know nothing about kitties around our place. We obviously need help!

These two little yellow and white cuties are adapting to their new life in our barn just fine. They know all the great hiding places! So far they've managed to stay out of the way of the horses and the mules. And I caught my Dad holding one and listening to him purr. I was shocked to say the least, and I had to chuckle just a little to myself!!!

So, I guess we'll see how Ranger and Indy get along when they're both full grown Tom cats. That is I guess we'll see if they hang around! I've heard Tom cats wander a lot. That could be a problem!!!

Brother's Birthday

2010-07-09T18:28:00.000-05:00

I missed writing about my brother's birthday. It's not that I forgot his birthday, I just didn't write about it. It was a couple days ago. He turned 33. That's unbelievable! How could my brother, who I took care of when he was little be 33!

Last night we gathered at our favorite local Mexican spot to celebrate. There were only a few of us, but we had a nice time. When we were leaving I told brother and dad that I didn't even remember 33. All night that bothered me. While I was doing some work I brought home I was pondering this subject. I still couldn't remember what was happening in my life at the age of 33.

Today, while at work, I was oiling some pieces of tack. This particular job gives me time to think since it's basically a no brainer. The answer to the question finally popped into my head! I was so glad! That year, the year before I became "Aunt Red", I was the caregiver for my great uncle. He moved her from Texas and lived with my Grandma who lives here on the place.

I think the reason I couldn't remember 33 was that that year is sometimes a blurr. There was a lot going on! I think it might've have been a trial run for when my parents are elderly and in need of care, which I hope is many years from now! Not that I don't want to care for them, but they are still too young for that.

Anyway, 33 seems like a long time ago now! That was 6 nephews and 2 nieces ago!!!!!

A long June

2010-07-01T13:35:00.000-05:00

Well, it's July. Half the year is over! Isn't that amazing? June seems like it has been a very long month. It could be because I've been working so much. I think I had 3 days off from work for the whole month. One of those was spent in the creek working on fence.

I wish that July was gonna be different, but it's not. August and January are my favorite months of the year. August we get to recover from the busy May through July run and January is time to recover from October through December! Funny thing is that the weather couldn't be more opposite in two months than August and January. Maybe if I work her another 13 years I'll get use to it!!!

Have a great July everybody!! Stay cool.

A Tale of 2 Kitties

2010-06-30T09:02:00.000-05:00

We are not cat people. We never had dogs that would let us have cats. My Aunt and Uncle who live here on the place tried the cat thing many times. Sometimes it ended ugly! I did have a house cat once for about 5 years. It was an experience I'll never forget.

I got a phone call a couple days ago from the guy next door to my work. I've known this guy for 25 years or so. He said he had some barn kitties and were any in my family interested. He said the momma cat was a good mouser. I'm thinking that it would be a good thing for the barn. Mice are always a problem there. I told him I had to talk to my dad since it's his barn.

Dad and I talked. He said it was fine but they'd be my cats and he didn't want anything to do with them. I wasn't gonna take them, but the neighbor man called the next morning and asked what the verdict was. I said we'd take 2.

So, I stopped by on my way home from work and got two of the cutest little yellow and white kitties you've ever seen! They are friendly, which is different than a lot of barn cats, and adorable! We put them in a cage he had and he sent me on my way with a little bag of food.

I took them down to the barn and put the cage in the back of a buckboard, gave them some food and water, and told them I'd be back later.

Sis#3 and her family were out for supper last night. At about 8 we got finished eating and I told the kids we better go check on the new kitties. Dad said, "Can y'all feed down there?" Ok, no big deal. So we all fed the horses first then let one kitty out and let it run around for a little bit. I thought that if we let one out at a time they'd stay around. However we couldn't catch the thing. I pulled the other one out of the cage and handed it to Hoss thinking maybe the first one would come closer. Nope!

In the middle of all this Dad comes down with a load of feed. He then decided that since we had some extra help we should catch one of the mules so he could trim her feet. Here's the thing, Gumdrop(that's the mule) hasn't been haltered in at least a year. She's young and a little on the wild side. We got her caught, but she didn't get her feet trimmed. It was nearly dark, the kids were running around, Hoss is still trying to catch the runaway kitty, and the mule is pulling back and trying to kick Dad. She's now in solitary confinement!

I asked Hoss what we should name them. He said Ava. I said, "What about a cowgirl name?" He said one could be a cowgirl name and the other one was Ava. Why? Apparantly, there was a girl in his class named Ava. Oh my! I told him I thought we should see if Buzz wanted to name the other one. I called Sis#2 last night to find out what Buzz might want to name the other girl kitty. He said Emma. Emma is the youth minister's daughter and Buzz says they're gonna get married. He's 6 for crying out loud!

So, Ava and Emma were glad to get out of the cage this morning and run around a little bit. Thankfully, I was able to catch both of them and put them back!!!

We'll see how it goes tonight!!!

A Generous Gift

2010-06-26T09:55:00.000-05:00

******Disclaimer: This isn't gonna be a "guy post" so y'all might wanna just skip this!******

Anyone who cooks wants and needs a Kitchen Aid mixer! I have never owned one, but use my mom's occasionally. "The Pioneer Woman" gives them away fairly often on her website. I've tried many times to win one, but the odds aren't in my favor when there are 40,000 others wanting the same mixer!

My dear friends made me a winner last evening! They gave me their wonderfully white Kitchen Aid! I'm so excited I can hardly stand it!! I just keep thinking about all the great stuff I'm gonna cook with it and how much easier it will be.

So, I thank you "Friends" for the generosity and for always making me feel at home!

Here's another note about last night. My cooking friend Sarah made a yummy dessert with blackberries and rhubarb. I think it was technically a cobbler, but I don't know if that's what she called it. The topping/crust had all kinds of interesting flavors including maple syrup, orange, and basil. It was great and very refreshing with a little bit of vanilla ice cream. YUM!!!

Thanks for a wonderful evening!!!

He's whipped!

2010-06-24T16:06:00.000-05:00

This last Sunday was my brother's first Father's Day as a father. We were hoping to all get together, but got derailed by two old steers!

Brother stopped by a couple days ago to get a couple shoes to use on one of his horses. Mom gave him his Father's Day card and a little gift. He proceeded to tell us about receiving his card from his wife.

He'd been out back doing something trying to get ready to go to worship. My sis-in-law came through the kitchen holding Ruby ready to go. Brother looks up and Ruby is holding his card in her sweet little hand and looking up at him with her big blue eyes. He said he just about lost it! I'm just about to lose it just writing this!

He asked my sis-in-law if she'd gotten her to hold the card. She said no, Ruby had taken it from her.

I knew he was in big trouble the first time I saw him holding her after she was born!!

A busted Father's Day

2010-06-21T12:50:00.000-05:00

If anyone ever tells you that having cattle and horses is all fun they've never had any!

We only have two Texas Longhorn steers left. They were born at our place and will live there til they die which will hopefully be at the same time or we're in trouble! It doesn't matter if there's only two. They still can get out and cause problems. I have to admit that this time it wasn't completely their fault.

Apparantly, our big rains last week caused the dam to break on a pond on the property north of us. All the stuff had to go somewhere! It went right down through the creek on the backside of our place wiping out a huge portion of the fence. Since we didn't know, and of course didn't go check just in case, the steers wandered out and wound up about 1/2 mile behind us sometime Saturday night. We get the call about 9am Sunday morning and start the search. By noon Dad and I had found the steers, threw them some hay so they'd stay put, gathered up the fence fixing stuff and some sweet tea and was headed out.

Because of the tin horn being washed out going to the back pasture, we had to go up through the land to the north of us and cross the fence with all the stuff, then haul it to the creek bottom to get to work. Thankfully, it was only about 95 yesterday with about 105 heat index. I can't imagine if it had been hotter!

We got finished with that section of fence at about 4:45 in the afternoon. We ran out of sweet tea at about 1:30. Big problem! I should've hiked back to the house then and gotten more. Dad said we might be drinking out of the creek before it was all over. He wasn't too far off! We were both toast!

I have to say that I don't think I've ever been hotter, sweatier, or more tired than I was last night. Dad lost 3 1/2 pounds. I can't imagine I did too, but I'd like to think so.

Hopefully, the fence at the other end of the creek isn't as bad. I guess we'll find out tonight. I hope those silly big horned steers don't decide to find out for us!!!!

So, all of our Father's day plans were cancelled. I guess we'll try again another day!

Woody's Finger

2010-06-19T11:33:00.001-05:00

Well, we've had a finger mishap. This happens with kids. No big thing.

Woody will be 4 in August and is the middle child of sis#2 and her hubby. Just a refresher in case we've all forgotten. Sometimes I get them mixed up.

Anyway, the other night Woody was taking a bath. They have a huge bathtub, but apparantly that's not good enough. He wants to get into the shower to suds and rinse off. I think the tub is just for practicing swimming and playing with the toys. So, he's in the shower and when my sis hears him crying. She thinks he's just gotten soap in his eyes. When she gets in there the shower door is open and his finger is bleeding. Woody evidently put his finger down the drain and when he pulled it out it cut his finger pretty good. His mom puts a wash rag around it and tries to stop the bleeding.

Woody just keeps crying and finally he says, "How are we gonna put it back together?" He thought he'd cut the end of his finger off! Mom had too explain that his finger was all together and was just cut. That made him feel a little better! It must've been cut pretty good because they had a hard time getting the bleeding to stop.

I'm sure he'll be good as new in no time!

Jessie Jane is Doomed!!!

2010-06-13T10:58:00.001-05:00

Ok, if you are a guy, and I think there might be one or two who read this, you won't get this at all! And it might be inappropriate for me to even be talking about this topic in mixed company, so you might want to skip this post.

A few weeks ago, maybe a couple months actually, Jessie Jane was walking into the auditorium for worship on a Springy Sunday morning with her MaMaw. She had on a yellow plaid dress, pink sweater, tights and black patton shoes. Very cute!! I started out behind them, but somehow I wound up on the other end of the pew. All that is sketchy in my mind. This part isn't however! Jessie Jane wanted to come down and sit by me. I picked her up and put her on the pew and noticed her tights wer sagging. Apparantly, the tights were too short or didn't have enough elastic because the waistband was at her knees. I figured there wasn't any point in trying to pull them up so I just took them off and put them in the bag. Her mom, which is sis # 3, was still at home. I sent her a text and asked if she could bring Jessie Jane another pair of tights or some socks. She texted back, "Yes, what happened." I replied, "Her tights fell down."
"Oh NO!" was her reply.

I told MaMaw later that if it was already happening to her at 20 months old she was in big trouble. MaMaw made a profound statement.

"There's no hope!"

FYI-I wasn't texting during services. Nothing had started yet!

Another supper with friends!

2010-06-12T10:10:00.000-05:00

I don't have much of a social life. Actually, that would be an understatement!!! So, when I get to have supper two times in one week with friends that is a major treat!

Last night I went to the home of my traveling friends. We had a smoky cheese fondue with all the goodies to dip into the yummy cheese. Oh my! Way fun.

We had some of the most interesting conversation last night!! Everyone was relaxed and we weren't in a hurry. Maybe it was just me. I was relaxed and not in a hurry. I was able to just take it easy for once. I don't do that very often. We decided we needed to adopt the "What's said here stays here" motto!!

Then we watched this nice movie called "The Inheritance" based on a book by Louisa May Alcott. It was so good. For a change we got a good one!

Then, one of the girls said, " Are we ready for dessert?" Helllllllloooooooo! I'm always ready for dessert!!!
They had made Tiramisu in beautiful wine glasses. Yummy!

Thanks girls for a wonderful evening!!!!!

A Mom Update

2010-06-09T15:58:00.000-05:00

Mom went to the cardio doc today. Doc said everything was looking good. They hooked up to the EKG machine and there weren't any of the irregular beats. The medicine must be working!!!

Thanks again for all the prayers and support!

She gets to go back to work tomorrow. Which is probably a good thing since she's spent way too much time at home! She might be wearing an orange jumpsuit if something doesn't happen soon. I don't want to go into anymore details than that!!

A European Supper

2010-06-08T19:51:00.000-05:00

I faced the fact a long time ago that I'll most likely never go to Europe. I don't really mind, but I'd like to see Ireland. Oh well.

However, I do have friends who travel the globe! A few years ago two of my closest friends went to Europe. This last April two more of my closest friends went to Europe. Last night I was able to sample a little bit of their trip in their own home. These two friends are half of the sister team I made the trek to Colorado with last fall. They would be the younger half. No offense older half!!

These two girls are beautiful, sweet, kind, and brave. I say brave because they went to Europe all by themselves for about 2 weeks back in April. Since they are both in their mid to late 20's they are definitely old enough to make such a trip alone. I will never be old enough!

Anyway, about supper last night. One of these girls is a chef. No, she hasn't been to that cooking school in Paris and gotten a certificate. She doesn't have to. She is an amazing cook and able to take something in her head and make it taste unbelievably good. I think that's amazing!!! She made a meal like one they ate in a cafe over there. Right now I can't remember which country. Sorry.

She fixed something called Fleming Stew, roasted potato wedges, fresh corn and zucchini salad, and a pear sauce on the side. You know, the pear thing might've been called something else, but that part doesn't matter. My question was, "What do we do with the pear sauce?" The girls said the stew was brought to the table in a big serving bowl. The pear sauce and potatoes were on the side. They just kinda took a spoon full of all of it and it was good. They were right! The stew was yummy. The potatoes were yummy. And the pear sauce was a lovely surprise with both!

Now about the corn and zucchini salad. She took raw corn fresh off the cob and mixed it with shredded zucchini, lime juice, and cilantro. OH MY LANDS! Very, very tasty. It was just what the meal needed to give it a summertime feel. Then I find out she just thought it up. What's that about?????

After supper we looked at pictures of their little jaunt across Europe. We only got through half of them before I was getting sleepy. We'll look at the other half soon.

See, I don't have to travel across a big batch of water in an airplane with a lot of people I don't know to get a little culture! It's just a few miles from my home!

Thank you "younger half" for being such good friends! When do I get to come over again for another culture session?????

Thank You!

2010-06-02T17:00:00.000-05:00

Thanks to everyone for your prayers and concerns for Mom!!! She's doing better. The medication seems to be helping. She's off work for a few days, which means she'll be home and going stir crazy, but maybe she'll get a little rest.

It's gotten very hot here all of a sudden. I'm glad she's inside taking it easy. I'm tired of sweating already and it's only June 2nd. I'm in big trouble!!!

Stay cool everyone!!

My Mom

2010-05-30T15:12:00.000-05:00

I haven't talked much about my Mom in the year I've been writing this lovely blog. I think it's because she's not the drama magnet of the family. The drama seems to follow my Dad and many others whether they want it or not.

A few days ago Mom felt yucky when she got to work. Later in the afternoon the nurses in her office took her down to the Emergency Room. First, she tested positive for strep. Then, second, the ER doc said her heart had irregular beats and a lot of them. We found out about this first back in early February. I kinda thought it had been lined out with some new medication. Wrong! They ran more tests and found she has a leaky valve in the middle of the heart that pumps blood from one side to the other. Apparantly, this valve can repair itself if the irregular beats will go back to normal. She started a new medication and it already seems to be helping. She spent a couple days in the hospital so they could moniter her heart and now she's home and resting. Or at least she should be resting!

Since I'm a person who is an "optimist with experience", aka pessimist, I started having thoughts of what life would be like without my Mom. I'm not liking the sound of that at all. Even though I tell her often that I love her, I don't think she could even come close to knowing how much we all need her and love her. All the "Happy Mother's Day" cards ever made couldn't say it get the point across.

She says she feels better already and I'm so glad of that!! So everyone give your mom's a hug. They deserve it!!!

I missed the one year anniversary

2010-05-26T15:00:00.000-05:00

I found out a few minutes ago that I started this blog thing on May 18th of last year. I so did not remember that! I'm a little scared to go back and read what I've written about over the last 12 months. I would imagine I've repeated myself several times about many, many things. That's what getting old will do for ya!

Not a whole lot has changed in my life in the last year. I now have another nephew and niece. I'm living in a new house, at least it's new to me. That's all the big changes I can think of.

Maybe it means I'm more settled than I have been in a while. I really like being at home. I like having central air I can tell you that!

I actually can't believe I'm still writing this crazy thing. Last night Buzz asked me how I started my blog. He said he wants to start an archeology for kids story on his own blog and tell about kids adventures. I'll link it up to this when it gets going. I'm sure it'll be interesting! He has quite the imagination. He told me the other day that it was hard to let go of kindergarten. I don't remember that, but I'm sure it's true!

So, readers, Happy First Anniversary!! Maybe by anniversary #2 I'll have figured the picture thing out!!

A long, long week!

2010-05-22T14:03:00.000-05:00

I've heard it said that what doesn't kill us makes us stronger. In my case it seems to make me very sore and tired!!!

Last week was one of the longest I've had in a long, long time. I realize all the hours are the same as they were the week before, but last week the hours were filled with sickness, storms, vet visits, and a flying trailer wheel.

I'm gonna try really hard to keep this from going on and on. So....i'm just gonna go straight to the wheel incident.

Last Saturday morning my dad and brother were going to Wichita, KS. They had to leave at 5am. I got up at 4 to get the horses and mules fed before they needed to be loaded. Friday night we got all the harness and goods loaded. All was going ok. I called brother at about 4:30 to ask him if he had any fly spray to take with them. No answer. He called right back and said his alarm didn't go off and it was a good thing I called. He wasn't very late and they got gone about 5:30. Not bad for our family!

By then the sun was trying to come up and it was a little lighter outside. I decided to go up to the north barn and feed up there and then go shower and lay down for a little bit before I had to go to work.

Then the phone rang at 6:05. It was brother saying he needed me to get in his truck and go to his place, get his trailer, and meet up with them cause they'd lost a wheel off the trailer on the highway. He started rattling off things I needed to bring. I told him to hold on a minute and I'd call him back when I got out of the shower. I was in his truck and driving off in 10 minutes.

I get to his house, hook up the truck to his trailer, give brother a call and start gathering chains and booms and whatever else he said to get. I left his house about 15 minutes later and headed across town to get to the highway. I made it to the other side of the river where they were pulled over at about 7:30. We then started moving the horses, mules, harness, etc. to the other rig. Brother started chaining up the back axle on the trailer. They first thought we'd just park the trailer somewhere off the highway and go back for it later, but after chaining up the axle they thought I could make it back home ok.

I pulled out onto the highway and they followed behind me and then got beside the trailer to check it all out. Next thing I know they blew by me giving me the thumbs up and went on. Right before we drove off I told dad that I guess I'd just call AAA if I had any trouble on the way back. I also told him that from now on I was gonna turn off my phone when they left!!

Thankfully, I didn't need to call anyone. I drove about 60mph and didn't have any trouble. I got to the exit into town and pulled into the first Sonic I could see!!! I then went on to the bank and made my deposit. That was at 8:30.

I made it back to the house, changed clothes and got to work by 10. Good thing I had several customers because I think I would've fallen asleep if I'd sat down for too long.

I guess the filming went ok in Wichita. They made it home in one piece. Sunday was quiet! I had to work, but I got home about 4:30 and took a nap before going to evening worship services.

Maybe this week will be nice and calm. I'm not holding my breath!!!

King George's Birthday!

2010-05-18T19:57:00.000-05:00

Hey everybody! It's been a hundred years since I wrote a post on this thing. I probably have lost all 9 of my readers. I'm sure it had nothing to do with the thrilling and exhilirating content of this lowly blog.

Just so no one forgets I wanted to mention that today is King George's Birthday. Y'all know who I'm talking about! Well, just in case someone doesn't know me and my infatuation with the King since I was 12, I'm talking about George Strait. It's his 58th birthday today! How can a fella who is 58 be better looking than he was 30 years ago? It's beyond me!! It reminds me of Paul Newman and Cary Grant. They were both very handsome older men. I'm sure George would be glad to know I've grouped him with those two legends.

I'm sure George doesn't give a rip what I think as long as I buy his next album, which I will. OOPS! I mean cd. Does anyone remember albums????

I just showed my, age didn't I!?!

It's May!

2010-05-05T18:33:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's May 5th!!! I'm not really a Spanish wiz just in case anyone was wondering. HAHA. I just really love Mexican food!!!!

It's so beautiful outside these days! We took a trip northwest of here to Okeene on Sunday afternoon to watch brother in a Ranch Rodeo. The wheat looks great. Everything was green and blooming. Amazing!

I've talked about these Ranch Rodeos before. This one was way different than any I've been to though. It was a small production in an outdoor arena instead of a big coliseum. It was fun. Brother's team didn't do that well, but I'm not sure any of them had competed like that before. There was still quite the variety in cowboys though. Everything from the team roper type to the punchy guy with taps on his saddle. There was one team of four guys who were really good. They looked like they could've been brothers and were somewhere in between the modern looking guy and the punchy fellas. I don't know who won, but I think it had to be them.

It was fun and Ruby got to see her dad rope for the first time. I'm not sure if she was impressed or not. She didn't say. She got to ride with dad after it was over. That was quite a site. I love seeing my brother being a dad!!

It does the heart good!!!!!

Woody's Quotes of the day

2010-04-24T09:45:00.001-05:00

Ok, I know y'all get tired of this, but what else do I have going on in my life????

A couple weekend's ago my brother, sis-in-law, and Ruby went to see sis-in-law's folks down in Texas. One big part of this trip was to get the very important photo of Ruby sitting in the lovely Bluebonnets. When they got back the photos were quickly sent out via email to all friends and family. They are adorable!!!

Sis#2 was showing Woody the pictures. He saw little Ruby sitting in the middle of the Bluebonnets and said, "Isn't that cute, she's planting seeds!"

Then sis#2 tells me later that she was looking at this blog while Woody was in the room. He saw the picture of the back of my head, the only picture on this thing, and said,"Is that Ghost Rider?"

I'm sure most of y'all don't know this, but "Ghost Rider" is a movie that came from a comic book about a daredevil motorcycle guy who turns into a flaming headed skull guy on a mission for good at night. The first thing I said was, "He's seen 'Ghost Rider'?" Apparantly, he hasn't, but the commercials must've been impressed in his little mind. That's scary!

Woody thought it looked like there was flames coming off the back of my head. Well, guess what? Sometimes there are flames coming out of my head! I just didn't think anyone could see them!!!

Quote of the Day

2010-04-22T16:26:00.000-05:00

My nephew's have given many, many things to laugh about in the last few years. It makes me remember how innocent we were as children. Too bad that doesn't last forever!

Just the other day Buzz had a school wide track meet. The town where he goes to school is small, so we're not talking about thousands of kids here. His mother, sis#2, took Buzz to the porta potty (I'm not sure I've ever written those words before!).

She opened the door to go in and Buzz said, "This is a cute little place."

Oh to be a kid again!!!

The Flashback

2010-04-19T12:50:00.000-05:00

Yesterday after worship services we went to eat dinner at the depot here in town. When we pulled up I noticed the carnival is coming in and getting set up for the celebration we have every year celebrating the land run. Does every town have a carnival at their celebrations??? Why is that?

Anyway, I had a little blast of a flashback and I had to chuckle. I got out of the pickup and went over to where Mom, Dad, and Grandma were getting out of Mom's pickup and I said to dad, "I just had a flashback."

Dad said, "What was that?" I replied, "Pasadena, 1982!" He started laughing and he said,"You carney?"

Here's the explanation. When we were kids Dad was a rodeo clown. Not a bullfighting guy so much, but a comedy act clown. We hauled down the road in a semi with a moving van trailer he'd overhauled. The front section he'd made into living quarters for all of us. The back part was where the car and the mule rode. That's where we spent weekends most of the spring, summer, and fall.

I guess we looked like we belonged with the carnival. When we pulled up to the gate to get into the fairgrounds in Pasadena, Texas the gate man hollered out, "You Carney?" Dad said, "No, Rodeo!" The man pointed us in the right direction.

Funny how things stick in our minds. We probably looked a little "Carney", but we definitely belonged with the rodeo.

Most of us get sick on carnival rides!!!

Change of Plans

2010-04-17T13:59:00.000-05:00

No allergy testing next week. Had to go to a different doctor than before. Let's just say he's not my favorite person.

I've never used the words "cheezy and jerk" in the same sentence before, but that doc was a CHEEZY JERK! He didn't want to hear my plight. He took about a .02 second look at my hands and stated his diagnosis. If he winds up being correct I'll say he was a "Smart Cheezy JERK."

Ya know how sometimes you just get a bad feeling about something? I had it the second he walked in the door. I'm sure I'll get over it. I go back in 3 weeks for a follow up. We'll see how over it I am.

Allergy Testing

2010-04-14T11:57:00.000-05:00

So, anyone remember the potato chip incident last October? This saga is never gonna end.

I may have mentioned this before. I can't remember. I finally broke down and went to a dermatologist in OKC because the swollen cracking hands thing has gotten way old! They've decided it's "contact dermititis" and I'm allergic to something I'm in contact with regularly. Many things have gone through my mind about all this. "Yikes!" might be the one that keeps screaming in my head. Next Monday the doc will put a patch on my back that has allergens inside that will help determine the problem. I wear this patch for 2 days, go back Wednesday, and they check it. I then go back again Friday for the end result, I think. It's crazy!

I realize there are much more important things in life than my little hand issue. But I'm just gonna tell you that it's been a long miserable 6 months. I've just felt some relief in the last couple weeks since they prescribed this special ointment to put on twice a day. If it was on my shins, knees, I don't know, some other place maybe I could take it. But the hands are so much in the middle of one's life.

And then I think about all the people who don't have one or both hands and it breaks my heart!

So, no more whining! We're gonna find the problem and fix it. Or we won't and I'll just go on and think of the poor people would give a million bucks for a swollen itchy hand!