tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56710202011-07-09T17:06:32.661-05:00Thoughts, Stories and Reflections of My Journey Beckynoreply@blogger.comBlogger9991100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-29731005041431815882010-03-29T19:57:00.002-05:002010-03-29T20:18:00.133-05:00

March 27 I turned 56. One year ago March 27 we buried my dad. I wanted to celebrate my dad's life instead of marking my birthday with the anniversary of the day we paid our final tributes to him. So, I planned a celebration for his life, my birthday, and an Easter egg hunt for my two grandchildren. The day was for the most part beautiful. Though cold in the morning, glorious sunshine warmed

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-88973617863995246772010-02-15T11:20:00.003-06:002010-02-15T12:04:50.732-06:00

If it hadn't been for the whole Haloscan deal I most likely would have been archived and faded from the blogging scene. Who's to know? I was shocked to know when I visited my blogsite to add the new Echo commenting thing to see I hadn't posted in a long time. OK. A very long time. With all of the new technology I am not sure anyone is out there anymore that I knew from the blogging community, but

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-33114400992680419872007-12-02T18:41:00.002-06:002007-12-02T19:08:40.358-06:00

I cannot believe that Thanksgiving has come and gone. I meant to post before the holiday and wish you all a blessed and happy Thanksgiving. Things here are much the same as always. Small towns in general and Smalltown in particular are like that. While those from the city and urban areas find it irritating, it is a comfort to me. Life is quiet and peaceful here, and not much changes except the

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-29490810011130418762007-10-23T19:10:00.000-05:002007-10-23T19:36:40.940-05:00

Here's your update from storm central. This tree is back of my little home. It is the one my son didn't have time to get down as we took time out to celebrate little Brady's second birthday instead. Rain and wind moved in last night with a vengeance, and about midnight last night when I heard the wind whipping through the trees yet again I began praying. Jonathan had tied the top part of the tree

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-66025436341868584912007-10-18T18:54:00.000-05:002007-10-18T19:08:35.850-05:00

Last night Smalltown was caught up in a terrible storm, or what I believe to have been a tornado. I was awakened by the sheer force of it around 11p.m. The sound of the wind was horrific, the trees whipping around and finally losing the battle. While I wasn't sure how bad the damage was until first light, I did go out with a flashlight at 5:30a.m. to see if anything had been harmed. When I saw

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-9257512797487810732007-09-27T19:35:00.000-05:002007-09-27T20:23:26.966-05:00

It has been a long time since I last posted, as I have been reminded often by many of you. I haven't been lazing around taking in the sights of late summer I can assure you. I have faced many challenges both personal and at work, which are much more settled than when I last wrote. In fact, a few of the biggest issues came to resolution just this week. Now, I can really take a step back and enjoy

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-56407757783669408342007-07-08T20:48:00.000-05:002007-07-08T21:04:23.222-05:00

I so appreciate all of you who have been so faithful to read my blog over the years. I know I will not totally stop writing. It is a wonderful outlet for the many thoughts and musings that constantly run through my mind. Writing is as necessary as breathing to a writer, and I am no different. My concern was that those of you who did stop by to read my posts were growing weary of my hurried

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-80010199358361576832007-07-02T20:19:00.000-05:002007-07-02T20:37:28.014-05:00

For nearly four years I have written stories about life in Smalltown and the life I live here on my country road. It has been a joy. My thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and imaginings have filled a thousand posts. I wrote my life story for my children and as therapy for myself. For several years blogging and writing have been both my passion and driving force in my life. One thing is for certain, I

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-74351006563336866992007-07-02T05:49:00.000-05:002007-07-02T06:02:38.958-05:00

Here we are again. Mondays seem to roll around quicker than any other day of the week, and after being off since last Wednesday I am ready for it. I guess I am a person of routine. While I would much rather be independently wealthy so I could travel, write, and visit loved ones, I have to work for a living. That being said I have work to catch up on and things to do. When I am gone nobody does my

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-15825448609673295832007-06-28T06:21:00.001-05:002007-06-28T06:26:23.679-05:00

Good morning from Smalltown. I am packing my bags to accompany mom to Illinois, so I will be gone a few days. Things have been very hectic for me, but I finally got my spring flowers planted last night. At least I will have beauty to behold as I come and go from my country road.Good Lord willing I will write when we return. I am looking forward to seeing the blue moon Saturday night. Not often we

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-87236050879722091132007-06-25T06:07:00.000-05:002007-06-25T06:20:36.324-05:00

The wren has such a beautiful melodious song. I have had many generations of wrens in my little birdhouse windchime over the years, and the daddy wren always sang to his mate from the big white birch tree next to the porch. For the past several mornings I have been awakened before dawn with the beautiful sound of the proud daddy. He has moved his stage to the baby white birch right outside my

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-64993053008199007002007-06-20T20:07:00.000-05:002007-06-20T20:27:02.743-05:00

Those of you who follow my blog are familiar with the wrens who raise little ones in my bird house windchime. I have been preoccupied of late with some weighty issues at work and so much illness and death in our family. Last evening I came home, heard the tinkle of the chimes and smiled. When your heart is heavy life is many times just moving through the motions. We hear, see, do, but many times

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-28681128182389438612007-06-18T05:35:00.000-05:002007-06-18T06:11:49.939-05:00

It is good to be home again. After a long week in Jefferson City I got home Friday evening, a successful graduate of Management Development school. I enjoyed the week, and the other thirty-nine people in the class were great. Once home, I had supper with mom. We caught up with all that had transpired since she had left Smalltown June tenth to travel to Illinois for family business. It is the

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-82873092016957261022007-06-11T05:43:00.000-05:002007-06-11T05:58:32.530-05:00

Today I am leaving Smalltown for a week in Jefferson City. Instead of teaching this time I will be the student. It should be a good course, Management Development. At least I am rooming with someone I know, so there won't be that get to know someone chit chat. This is usually a good week to exchange ideas, learn new techniques for the situation you are in, and ways to develop and implement

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-36743354270327515152007-06-08T06:39:00.000-05:002007-06-08T06:50:35.535-05:00

I was talking to mom about my latest post, Critter Comforts posted on June 6th. She said all she had on her computer was my post about the APA meet posted on Sunday. While we were talking on the phone, I went to my blog site to check out the mystery. Sure enough my post about the critters was there. I am not sure what happened out there in cyberspace, but for some reason she can't see it on her

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-84258813974669190182007-06-06T05:36:00.000-05:002007-06-06T06:11:58.644-05:00

Mom and I have several small stray cats we try to feed between her house and mine. Actually it is pretty hard to get any relaxation in after work for watching the dish we put out. The cats that are so thin and really need the food are usually the last ones who get it. Napoleon is very protective of his cat food and takes offense when another critter horns in on his dinner. Before Napoleon comes

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-84143448860406047132007-06-03T20:25:00.000-05:002007-06-03T20:58:41.563-05:00

Saturday morning mom and I loaded up and drove to Rolla where the State APA Championship meet was being held. In spite of wanting to get an early start, we arrived just twenty minutes early. I had Rocky's memorial portrait that will hang on the memorial wall in our gym, The Firm. Rocky's coach asked us to bring it to the meet, as all of his powerlifting friends learned of his death prior to our

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-74952484203870891952007-06-01T05:44:00.000-05:002007-06-01T06:00:17.764-05:00

Tomorrow is the state powerlifting meet in Rolla, and mom and I will be traveling to that. There will be a memorial for Rocky and I will be giving a short talk about the annual memorial meet in his honor. Rodney, Rocky's coach, asked mom and I to present the four grand champion awards in the various age categories. This will be really special for us.I will take some pictures to post later this

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-49503544533143710232007-05-30T05:43:00.000-05:002007-05-30T06:15:09.747-05:00

Once again I am looking for something I have put in a safe place. I left a diamond earring with my brother George to have repaired at our jeweler in Kansas City a year ago. It has been a while, but I think he returned it to me when he came for Christmas. I remember him giving it to me, and I remember bringing it home. That is where the trail goes cold. As you have guessed, I can't find it.Sunday

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-69887299891732869492007-05-28T11:55:00.000-05:002007-05-28T12:03:49.437-05:00

Today is my mom's 75th birthday. It isn't every woman who can say that her mother is also her best friend, so of course I am spending my day with her. Since Rocky so recently passed away, it didn't seem right to have a big milestone birthday celebration like we did for her 70th, so she will just have to hang around for her 80th.God bless you on your special day mom, and as your only daughter, I

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-42163429312232286542007-05-23T05:51:00.000-05:002007-05-23T21:27:09.978-05:00

For many years I have marveled at the old homeplaces along the countryside. Once full of love and families they now sit abandoned and neglected. Weeds have grown up around the houses and outbuildings, the roofs sag, and the windows are broken. It always makes me sad. When I began flower gardening years ago I began watching for the spots of blooming color that adorn the morning and evening commute

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-40517129968510331422007-05-21T05:44:00.000-05:002007-05-21T06:25:45.275-05:00

There is a saying, ''If you aim at nothing, you're going to hit it.'' Since Rocky died I have added quite a bit to my already full plate. Success will depend on good planning. We have the annual memorial powermeet to plan as well as a scholarship fund to set up. In themselves, those two things aren't such a lot to plan, and once the initial planning is over it will just be a matter of keeping

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-66603768740501895232007-05-17T05:53:00.000-05:002007-05-17T06:37:56.119-05:00

Many of us have wondered if anyone would attend our funeral or service when we die. One of our pastors years ago said at the funeral of one of our church members, "A dead man has already preached his own funeral." As I have traveled through this life, I have found this to be true. Rocky was an unassuming, humble, tender hearted man. He enjoyed people, and had a way of drawing them into

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-5642003597792646252007-05-14T06:09:00.000-05:002007-05-14T07:20:42.356-05:00

After two weeks of planning, long distance phone calls to coordinate efforts, and hours of brainstorming to implement everyones' wishes, friends and family gathered at The Firm Saturday afternoon for Rocky's memorial service. It was amazing. From the time my brother John, his wife Barbara and I entered the gym three hours before the service I could feel the change. The owner, Craig Harrison, and

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-64464031046107267912007-05-10T05:47:00.000-05:002007-05-10T06:09:38.838-05:00

Saturday is fast approaching. So many plans are still in the works for Rocky's memorial service, and time is ticking. Today I will be taking off at noon to finish some of the last minute details. Tomorrow I will be free to clean and handle any unforeseen problems and loose ends.Mom has been sorting and cleaning, and basically getting ready for the dozens of people who will be traveling to

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-59234658512670629952007-05-07T05:52:00.000-05:002007-05-07T06:21:19.844-05:00

Three days last week I was in Jefferson City, which seemed to pass slowly. The weekend, on the other hand passed too quickly. This morning a blanket of darkness holds dawn at bay, but Napoleon has been awake for hours. He calls plaintively into the night, whether for a mate or for daylight I am not sure. Napoleon is highly independent, but loves company. Without a mate to share his life, he waits

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-18142201518038105392007-04-29T20:41:00.000-05:002007-05-01T20:30:12.090-05:00

It has been a privilege to share Rocky's life and an honor to know him. One of the greatest gifts a loved one can give to another is caring for them in the last days, hours, and seconds of their life. Knowing Rocky's feelings, my mom, Rocky's daughter Holly, and I took care of him as lovingly as possible, giving consideration to the pride he possessed and his desire not to be a burden, while

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-19515518979763608962007-04-27T07:12:00.000-05:002007-04-27T07:16:35.121-05:00

The date for Rocky's memorial service is Saturday May 12 at 3:00pm.It will be held at The Firm, 1610 Freedom Drive, West Plains, MO 65775. The owner's name is Craig Harrison.In lieu of flowers, we have set up the Rocky Memorial Power Meet Fund at Great Southern Bank in West Plains. There will be an annual memorial powerlifting meet held at The Firm in his honor, with the Rockstar Award being

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-7699069093897387332007-04-26T07:08:00.000-05:002007-04-26T07:21:25.830-05:00

Rocky's earthly journey ended Tuesday evening. Mom, his daughter Holly, and I were with him as he stepped from this life into Heaven. He never complained. There is much to take care of, but I will try to collect my thoughts and post something more detailed later.God bless and keep all of you who emailed, called, and prayed. We continue to feel the strength of your thoughts and prayers, and that

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-19483522060533671482007-04-23T05:32:00.000-05:002007-04-23T05:49:47.429-05:00

Life is going on all around us. The birds sing, the sun shines, and the night sky is a brilliant canopy with the moon as a guiding light. It seems odd that the circle of life continues...and yet Rocky is slipping away. This weekend we cared for him as we always do, yet the reality of his situation became clear. All we can do now is keep him clean and at rest. I will let mom express her thoughts

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-5278311179515061532007-04-18T19:59:00.000-05:002007-05-01T20:24:46.197-05:00

I know that you all have been following Rocky's story. We have been waging a battle against the hated foe...CANCER...for fifteen months now. We have laughed together, cried together, encouraged each other, and supported each other in spite of the prognosis. One must always leave room for a miracle, and we most assuredly have faith that in God's time Rocky's journey will be completed to His glory

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-61724986358557331422007-04-16T05:57:00.000-05:002007-04-16T06:35:44.537-05:00

For months I have been spending all the time I can with mom and Rocky. This was a choice I made for several reasons. Rocky was diagnosed with colon cancer fourteen months ago. In our family we may deal with things differently than others, because we are close. When good times come we share it together. When bad times come we close ranks even tighter and walk through the valley arm in arm. It

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-21809654819494899812007-04-12T05:36:00.000-05:002007-04-12T06:15:10.586-05:00

Good Thursday morning. I had to leave the house early yesterday to travel to Jefferson City, as I will be helping instruct another school end of the month and first week in May. The sky grew more ominous as I drove, with rain starting at the halfway point. Since the last time I was there we had tornado warnings, I kept my eye on the sky. It was a good day, but another twelve hour workday. Suffice

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-62073191573367931102007-04-10T05:49:00.000-05:002007-04-10T06:07:39.571-05:00

Thursday afternoon I was driving home from work when I had a phone call from my son-in-law Marc. He had made plans for a weekend visit and was calling to tell me that he was bringing my daughter in from Connecticut and would be arriving the next afternoon. They haven't been here since Brady was born eighteen months ago, so I was excited. I wanted to surprise my mom and Rocky so I kept the news to

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-22789254806707892132007-04-05T05:44:00.000-05:002007-04-05T06:29:07.970-05:00

My trip to Jefferson City started out normal enough. I had watched the weather before I left and knew that a strong line of severe weather was moving through KC toward the east. Bright sunshine and balmy spring temperatures belied the severe weather threat for the afternoon, and the drive was enjoyable. The closer I got to Jeff City the darker it got. As I parked my car I took a good look at the

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-62559943082233144152007-04-03T05:32:00.000-05:002007-04-03T05:43:29.072-05:00

You won't believe this, but today I am driving to Jefferson City for another meeting. It is okay, as this particular meeting is only scheduled every two months now. Once I am done with this one I will be working out in the field with the other examiners for a while. It will be a nice change of pace. I sat on the deck with mom and Rocky last night, and enjoyed her lilac bushes. She has three of

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-15772026774507644452007-04-02T05:34:00.000-05:002007-04-02T05:54:19.579-05:00

After a whirlwind trip to Jefferson City and KC Friday, I had a wonderful visit with family and friends before coming home yesterday afternoon. These fast trips are tiring but necessary when distance separates loved ones. It is always fun to finally get there and I hate leaving because I never know when I will be able to make the trip again.Coming back into Smalltown is always a joy. For almost

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-81993511056094835032007-03-30T05:37:00.000-05:002007-03-30T06:13:09.544-05:00

Today is the last of the Fraudulent Document classes I have been teaching in Jefferson City. It has been a very good experience, but I am glad that I will have a break before the next round of classes begins in May.This evening I will travel to KC to visit my brother George, my good friend Diane and her family, and my dad. I have been trying to make this trip since fall, but events and the

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-37619537106769928022007-03-29T05:31:00.000-05:002007-03-29T06:01:56.302-05:00

I had a working birthday this year. Tuesday was a beautiful spring day, beginning with a breakfast party at work. The part time housekeeper at the office cooks breakfast for the person who is celebrating a birthday, and the honoree pays the tab. At least I didn't have to bake my own cake! At noon I left for Jefferson City for my last week of teaching. Of course I had cards and gifts from my

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-27581109857437108492007-03-26T05:53:00.000-05:002007-03-26T06:06:18.597-05:00

I think that my little home is enchanted. Two years ago a peacock appeared and set up house. Of course Napoleon still lives among us, and is beautiful. It is still amazing to all of us that he is here. For the past two nights he has begun the lonely mating call we experience each spring. While we know this is most likely a futile effort, if you had told me two years ago a peacock would wander

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-64107979649041287982007-03-23T05:41:00.000-05:002007-03-23T06:02:32.426-05:00

After ten weeks of being gone three days per work week, I am down to four more days. Today will finish this week, which will leave only next week. It has been a good experience, but at my age the travel has been difficult. Driving when you are tired is not a good thing. Also at issue was the fact that my eyes have been bothering me. That was easily taken care of with a trip to the eye doctor, and

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-58408673282516484132007-03-19T05:35:00.000-05:002007-03-19T06:27:37.425-05:00

When you hear the words March Madness what comes to mind? I daresay most of us would say they think immediately of the NCAA Tournament. I am sure that there are other strange, odd, and different things going on if we just look around.Typically March is the month that should come in like a lion and leave like a lamb, at least according to legend. When I was growing up it was fun each year to see

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-33522673086825476092007-03-15T05:51:00.000-05:002007-03-15T06:15:04.929-05:00

I was walking out of the office last night and heard the sound of a lawn mower. The sound combined with the smell of freshly cut grass brought back memories of childhood. Many times I would be swinging in the back yard after supper while dad or my brother George mowed the grass. I could see mom in the kitchen window washing dishes and putting the kitchen in order. My little brother John and I

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-58670068087118978702007-03-12T05:43:00.000-05:002007-03-12T06:01:43.951-05:00

Temperatures have continued to climb here in the Ozarks. It is welcome after the cold winter months, and yesterday I noticed the sure sign of spring. Each year I write of my daughter's love of picking flowers. Since daffodils are the first noticeable flowers here, she always picked me a bouquet of sunny yellow blooms for the kitchen table. When we moved back here twenty years ago it didn't take

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-66639461611719650792007-03-08T05:37:00.000-06:002007-03-08T06:10:05.837-06:00

I hesitated to say this too early, but we are enjoying a touch of Spring weather here in the Ozarks. The strong North winds have given way to gentler warmth from the South. Gray skies and dreary days have been replaced with sunshine and a bright blue sky.The Ozarks is a fickle region. One can never count on the weather this early in the season, and as I have written many times before you only

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-59895932801993462672007-03-05T05:16:00.000-06:002007-03-05T05:33:49.857-06:00

Mom and I had a girls weekend while Rocky was gone to his powerlifting meet. It was good just to relax and talk about the things we are interested in, family, and shopping a bit online. Having completed the afghan I had been working on for some time I was just happy to sit and relax.The whole weekend was bitter cold, winds blowing at 30-40 miles per hour, and dreary. It snowed off and on Sunday

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-58648169655153431582007-03-02T05:43:00.000-06:002007-03-02T06:11:05.622-06:00

This is a picture of one of the hats we gave my brother John for his 50th birthday party when he and his wife Barbara visited a couple of weeks ago. It is a drunk-o-meter cap with a spinner that you can point to your current condition. He was a good sport as always, and should have a fair amount of fun with it. Today is actually his 50th, and I wanted to give my blog space to him this morning. He

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-46395260044833572202007-02-27T05:47:00.000-06:002007-02-27T06:04:45.059-06:00

Well it is Tuesday. The day I take out the trash and pack my bag for Jefferson City. My weeks just seem to fly by, traveling to the Academy three days a week. The good thing is I am never bored. I have had time to finish an afghan for a friend's birthday, study the course material, and do research to improve it. The trick is keeping everything at work in line and running smoothly. So far, so good

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-71630197454464568042007-02-26T05:40:00.000-06:002007-02-26T06:03:35.783-06:00

Good Monday morning from Smalltown! We were to have the equivalent of hurricane winds with lots of rain over the weekend, but I don't think the strength of the wind was quite as strong here as expected. There was a concern about damage from sustained straight line winds as well as flash flooding, neither one presenting the scale of what meteorologists were concerned about. Had the temperatures

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-43505054771104608822007-02-22T05:33:00.000-06:002007-02-22T05:54:16.650-06:00

My mom took these pictures at the 50th birthday party we had for my brother John. He is using the ol' guy cane we gave him, complete with horn, fuzzy dice, rear view mirror, etc. John in his dapper new hat. I loaned John the tiara I wore for my 50th in New Orleans. He was having fun with the boa too! The happy couple on their 24th anniversary. Still happy after all these years.During John and

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-58848551566913649722007-02-20T05:18:00.000-06:002007-02-20T05:53:01.173-06:00

I am sorry to be so long in writing, but we have been busy here in Smalltown! Those of you who read my brother John's blog http://johnstrain.blogspot.com, or my mom's blog http://essentiallyesther.blogspot.com will know that we have had a house full of company. John, Barb, their dog Bear, my brother George and his dog Murphy, arrived Saturday.Mom prepared the food, George brought one of John's

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-55961996721996598052007-02-15T05:33:00.000-06:002007-02-15T06:19:07.665-06:00

Yesterday morning was cold and the sky was a leaden gray. Snow was falling. With the green pines and barren trees of the big woods as a backdrop, the scene looked like something on a beautiful Christmas card. I love the sound of the falling snow as it wafts through the trees and comes to rest after a long journey.As I came out of the house in a rush to get to work, the peace and the hush stopped

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-80289541370303940582007-02-13T05:26:00.000-06:002007-02-09T06:03:42.966-06:00

Since we were off for Lincoln's birthday yesterday, my Monday falls on a Tuesday this week. I got a lot of rest this weekend just being home and at mom and Rocky's house.While I was visiting at mom and Rocky's I took down some movies I thought Rocky would like to see. We watched March Of The Penguins first. I was thinking it would be a lighthearted look at the life of the funny little penguin.

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-43943352020243802822007-02-09T05:40:00.000-06:002007-02-06T06:07:59.490-06:00

Here I am at Friday again not sure how it is the end of the workweek already. It seems I am meeting myself coming and going these days. The classes in Jefferson City are going great. They are fun to teach and it is good that the students are finding something useful they can use in the course of their job. The only challenge for me is staying awake on the drive home. When I am tired it is

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-16401382922985303022007-02-06T05:49:00.000-06:002007-02-06T06:07:59.675-06:00

My bags are packed and I am off to the Academy at Jeff City this morning. Once I get my inbox emptied and the last minute chores done I can start north. The trip gives me down time where my mind can just wander. Usually I am so focused that there is no time to just ''be''. One of my favorite bible verses is ''Be still and know that I am God''. How many of us are ever really still?Most of us are

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-57350050825786225222007-02-05T05:54:00.000-06:002007-02-05T06:11:14.440-06:00

Yesterday morning I woke to white fluffy snow. As I walked the short distance to mom and Rocky's house it was still early enough that no one was stirring. Nothing had disturbed the freshly fallen snow except for a few birds and a rabbit. I could see where they had hopped through the snow, but all was quiet. The wind had laid after several days of constant blowing. While the temperatures were in

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-64188513372162785682007-02-01T06:36:00.000-06:002007-02-01T06:43:11.237-06:00

Well, I am thankfully home again after a very successful trip to the Capital City. The class went great. Thanks for your good thoughts and prayers on my behalf. Now I only have to teach it twelve more weeks!As I drove home yesterday afternoon it was through blowing snow. Conditions deteriorated and now we have several inches. Thank goodness I don't think it will be a problem although schools are

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-48516342058623553232007-01-29T20:10:00.000-06:002007-01-29T20:26:17.083-06:00

Today was the retirement reception for one of our staff Lieutenants. It was both a happy and sad occasion, as those things usually are. Even those who had retired long past and had worked with this man, struggled to maintain composure. For those of us who have many years to work yet it was sad, as his absence, sense of humor, and wise counsel will be missed. Long after everyone else had gone I

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-54733887369081961642007-01-29T05:21:00.000-06:002007-01-29T05:31:26.466-06:00

Mom captured this picture of Napoleon this weekend. We can't believe how quickly his tail is growing! Even from just a few weeks ago it is longer and more full. It is amazing to all of us that a peacock just magically appeared one day and has made a life here for two years. It is a wonderful lesson in adaptation and resilience.We will keep you posted on Napoleon and his adventures.....here on

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-719399979332180662007-01-26T05:52:00.000-06:002007-01-26T06:05:01.994-06:00

My son Jonathan called me yesterday morning after I got to work. He was shouting orders at the same time he was telling me they were packing up to come home. They had accomplished the mission they were given in half the time expected to complete it. I promised to go out for a visit when I got home from work.Jonathan greeted me at the door when I arrived, and I had a good two hours with them.

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-92019544436762839352007-01-25T05:48:00.000-06:002007-01-25T06:02:58.448-06:00

Good morning from my country road. It is great to be home again! There is simply no place better than your own bed. When we go up for meetings or training, accomodations are made at the academy. While it is wonderful not to have to worry about finding a place to stay, the beds and pillows aren't like home.My son called yesterday while I was eating lunch to tell me he still has two more weeks away

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-54796000888140632722007-01-23T05:52:00.000-06:002007-01-23T05:57:50.784-06:00

Today I am off to Jefferson City. I have a couple of days to help put together the course I will be teaching for the next couple of months. It should be interesting and challenging, but three hours from my little home. I will miss it and all of the critters here, as well as running over to mom and Rocky's house.Mom is going to take care of Chicky and Chucky while I am gone, and look in on Paddy.

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-44889346391267043802007-01-21T18:23:00.000-06:002007-01-21T18:45:26.053-06:00

The weekend came in like a lamb. I enjoyed Friday night pizza and beer at mom and Rocky's house just like we do each Friday we are able. Our power and creature comforts haven't been interrupted like so many other people in the aftermath of the ice storm last week, but while we were eating dinner the weather report came on, placing us in a winter storm advisory.The weather wasn't supposed to

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-66734177828759881742007-01-18T05:47:00.000-06:002007-01-19T05:22:40.286-06:00

Last night I was happy to get a phone call from my son Jonathan. He wanted me to know where he was working in the efforts to restore power in the aftermath of the ice storms last weekend, and I was able to talk to him for ten minutes.He told me how devastating the storm had been, describing the conditions and the situation. Words often failed him, but the tone of his voice spoke volumes of the

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-9373914283640577302007-01-16T05:24:00.000-06:002007-01-16T05:50:55.022-06:00

Our area has been in a winter storm warning and on the edge of an ice storm disaster since Friday. While we only got enough heavy rain to cause flash flood warnings over the weekend, beginning twenty miles to our north and west the story is quite different. Whole communities and towns are out of power and have been since Friday evening. In the first of three waves of ice, over an inch of ice and

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-28631384125784939032007-01-12T06:03:00.000-06:002007-01-12T06:34:35.640-06:00

Patience is a virtue. Since writing about the quiet kindness of my coworker, I decided to just let go of the situation and see what happened. Although my plan may have worked, it would have been me that did it. I wanted guidance, and patience is essential. God doesn't work on our timetable, unfortunately. Taking a page from grandma's book, I quietly went about my business, heaping kindness on the

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-62994956371424939362007-01-10T05:45:00.000-06:002007-01-10T06:21:14.604-06:00

Sometimes in the middle of a bad day, a stressful situation and disappointment in people can take our eyes off the ball. Though I know who is in charge and trust Him to work out the details I don't always have totally unbiased perspective. Yesterday presented such a challenge.One of my coworkers gave me a bit of knowledge about a personnel problem I am dealing with. While helpful to know, I was

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-4953783878245893562007-01-09T06:10:00.000-06:002007-01-09T06:31:19.099-06:00

Our little country road has gone through many transitions in the almost thirty-five years I have lived here, not to mention the many years before that we visited grandma and grandpa Andersen here on summer vacations. I have written about this before, and for those of you who are new to my blog am including the post that describes it.....When I was a child no great thought was given to the country

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-81322016527871999192007-01-08T05:48:00.000-06:002007-01-08T06:18:42.436-06:00

The saying is, "A funny thing happened on my way to...." (fill in the blank). This weekend those words crossed my mind a dozen times. As usual I had put something up so I wouldn't lose it and lost it. My daughter-in-law Aimee had given me two pictures of Brady taken on his first birthday at the photographer, and since they were also taken a few days before the surgery on his head they were even

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-41342958640453695422007-01-05T05:46:00.000-06:002007-01-05T06:18:37.645-06:00

Last week we had a retirement coffee for our radio chief who had 33 years of service. The picture below is of my friend Pennie and me. I am the one on the right.This is the first Friday of the New Year! Something more to celebrate as we come into TGIF. Although the week has been a short one, it is good to have a weekend pending. People have been difficult, I suppose the after effects of the

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-66335887709594610512007-01-04T05:51:00.000-06:002007-01-04T06:19:41.412-06:00

For the past several days I have watched the coverage of President Ford's funeral. What impressed me more than anything else were the many people who commented on his faith, his life as a family man, his life of dedicated public service, and his friendship. His life left a deep and abiding impression on all who knew him.As is always the case when someone dies, I contemplate my own life. Like many

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-70520150232741548892007-01-02T05:25:00.000-06:002007-01-02T05:46:39.881-06:00

I spent the first day of the new year trying to make some headway with household chores. After two weeks of sickness and holidays my house looked more like a war zone than the peaceful haven I love. It is a labor of love, and the most selfish thing I do for myself. I like order and being surrounded with the many things I have collected from antique shops and flea markets that make my home unique.

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-45020553969573662832006-12-28T06:38:00.000-06:002006-12-28T06:45:51.148-06:00

I am sorry to have been absent lately, but the stomach flu has had me sidelined, and now mom and my brother George have it. I was home yesterday but had to go with Rocky to the chemo lab since mom was too sick to get out of bed to go with him.I hope that you escape the evil flu. It is a violent and terrible thing. Brady has had it for over a week, and is also battling ear infections, bronchitis,

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-51359143515420035702006-12-26T06:01:00.000-06:002006-12-26T06:17:06.296-06:00

My Christmas holiday began well enough. I worked Friday, leaving in the early afternoon for two reasons. The first because I wanted to start Christmas vacation early, the second due to a terrible headache. It was a portend of things to come.Saturday morning I woke early without the headache and went to WalMart. By seven I had everything I needed to stuff stockings and a few other things for Brady

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-29137228157217579732006-12-21T05:32:00.000-06:002006-12-21T05:56:30.286-06:00

As I wrote yesterday, I have been a little tense that the gifts I had ordered to finish out my list wouldn't arrive as promised. In the past I have used the same process, but the gifts didn't get here in time for Christmas eve. The target date was Friday, but I had hoped that it would be before that.Last night was a cold miserable rainy night. As I came home from work I was weary and ready for a

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-44810390984941035722006-12-20T05:17:00.000-06:002006-12-20T05:35:39.194-06:00

Technology is a wonderful thing. I wasn't able to get out and finish my shopping for the little stocking stuffers and last minute gifts I like to give for Christmas as I was baby sitting Brady last weekend. I resorted to online and QVC shopping to rush me the things they ''guaranteed'' to arrive Friday. Color me suspicious, but I will have to hope that Santa helps them fulfill their

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-40880683766950364562006-12-18T05:27:00.000-06:002006-12-18T06:01:56.954-06:00

This weekend I had planned to finish my Christmas shopping, mail my out of state packages, and write my Christmas cards. However, as is usually the case for me my weekend and my plans got redirected. I had walked down to mom's for a cup of coffee Saturday morning, as I have been doing since Rocky began this second round of chemo. He sleeps late, and mom and I enjoy a cup of coffee and visit. She

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-57143237449540429152006-12-15T05:14:00.000-06:002006-12-15T05:50:14.138-06:00

Many of you have wondered how much the surgery changed Brady's looks. The first picture is Brady on his first birthday, three days prior to the surgery. The ridge in the middle of his forehead is from the pressure on the skull and brain, as is the rounded and elongated head. One month post surgery there is still some swelling, but you can see the pointed shape of his little head and forehead is

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-53310364307050741402006-12-13T06:01:00.000-06:002006-12-13T06:07:39.746-06:00

NOT MY JOB CONEST WINNER FOR 2006I received this from Rocky's daughter Holly last week and have so enjoyed it. Since this is hump day I wanted to share it with you. Hopefully it will give you a laugh to get you through the day. I think I work with some of these people!!! Do you work with folks like this? Until tomorrow,Becky

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-64949398888534116282006-12-12T05:15:00.000-06:002006-12-12T05:27:19.175-06:00

Since he is used to all of us now, we don't often see Napoleon's newly grown tail, but mom was able to snap these pictures last weekend. As you can see, he is beginning to look just like a grown up peacock. When the sun shines on his feathers, the brilliance is almost blinding. I can see why the saying "Proud as a peacock" came to be. Napoleon is quite the character, and he struts around like

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-1165837933723661612006-12-11T05:13:00.000-06:002006-12-11T05:52:14.596-06:00

We were happy to have Brady, my son Jonathan and wife Aimee, and her mother Lena join us for Thanksgiving dinner. While Brady was tired, cutting jaw teeth and fighting a cold, he is always a joy. I gave him this baby Tad to keep him occupied until dinner and keep his mind off his teeth. As you can see, there is nothing wrong with his head now. The doctors pronounced the surgery and Brady's new

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-1165491588412694242006-12-07T05:20:00.000-06:002006-12-07T05:39:48.436-06:00

A couple of days ago I received an email from a man named Don who had done a search for Raleigh's Ointment and my blog site came up, as I have written about it before. He told me that his father was the Raleigh Man, one of many that sold door to door to folks who lived in rural areas. This practice was part of the fabric of country/rural life in days gone by.I had written in previous blog entries

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-1165320342738628192006-12-05T05:34:00.000-06:002006-12-05T06:05:43.010-06:00

They say a picture says a thousand words. These pictures tell the story of the ice storm that hit my country road last Thursday night. I listened to the creaking and breaking of the limbs in the mighty white pines my grandpa planted for my grandmother when they moved here in the early 1960's. Each ice storm takes a little more away, but they still stand. The big white birch also lost several big

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-1165232866785013352006-12-04T05:14:00.000-06:002006-12-04T05:47:48.223-06:00

We have been very worried about Napoleon, as we hadn't seen him since the big ice storm. He finally came strolling up to mom's porch, where she feeds him his bread and treats Friday afternoon. I took these pictures for you when I went down to her house for coffee Saturday morning. We were very glad to see him. Napoleon never passes up an opportunity to admire himself! Even his shadow is handsome.

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-1164888421522040872006-11-30T05:58:00.000-06:002006-11-30T06:07:01.550-06:00

We had a variety of weather situations here in the Ozarks last night. With the cold front moving in there was a tornado warning one county west of us, and we had flash flood warnings. I listened to the rain all through the night, but no ice as yet. It has just reached the freezing mark, so the sleet and ice will be starting about the time for morning commute. My big white pines are what I watch,

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-1164799941486903612006-11-29T05:19:00.000-06:002006-11-29T05:32:24.926-06:00

If you can believe the bluster and excitement of the local weathermen, we are bracing for the big snow and ice event of the season. Since I am leaving shortly for a meeting in Jefferson City this was not good news. If all goes as they predict, and it rarely does, I will most likely make it home before things get too bad. The bulk of the freezing rain and ice should begin late this afternoon. We

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-1164716778758414972006-11-28T05:23:00.000-06:002006-11-28T06:26:20.740-06:00

Over the Thanksgiving break I had a lot of time to help down at mom's house. While she was cooking I took Mandy out for her walks, which gave me a lot of quality time with Napoleon. He is such a curious fellow, as are her outside cats. They followed me around in a line just like the pied piper. Every now and again Napoleon would chase off after a bug, as he is a tenacious hunter. His tail is

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-1164628096764919932006-11-27T05:25:00.000-06:002006-11-27T05:48:17.156-06:00

I know how the turkey feels. After four days of eating food I am not used to, and in quantities that should tip the scales this morning, it is back on plan. It's beyond me why I didn't get the memo reminding me to approach the holiday table in a sensible and responsible way. Ugh.Since we have arrived at kick butt Monday I can just double my effort and kick myself. When I eat what I am supposed to

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-1164291533790758872006-11-23T07:58:00.000-06:002006-11-23T08:18:54.836-06:00

As always on Thanksgiving my thoughts turn to the many blessings in my life. God has blessed me so abundantly it is hard to express the enormity of my gratitude, but I will try.My heart is so full today. I have family and friends I love and who love me in return, and we have an unbroken circle of faith. Brady is of course such a joy, and today he will be eating his first Thanksgiving dinner at

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-1164196317943433652006-11-22T05:33:00.000-06:002006-11-22T05:56:31.236-06:00

I have been looking for over a week for my cat's special toy. It is a little gray McDonalds kitty that Davey got with a happy meal one time and left here. Paddy stole is and it has been hers ever since. That was two years ago, and is the only toy I can throw and she will chase and bring back to me. She has always hid it from me, but there are just two places she tucks it away so I could always

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-1164023257959421222006-11-20T05:28:00.000-06:002006-11-20T05:47:37.980-06:00

I am up early to get ready for the boards today for the Supervisor position I vacated when I was promoted to Chief. There are four people testing and interviewing, and our Division people will be coming down from Jefferson City. It was a good reason to bake a cake and put together a snack basket.It is in the low twenties this morning, so I had to allow time to thaw the windshield before I could

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-1163763679609604862006-11-17T05:21:00.000-06:002006-11-17T05:43:41.793-06:00

Friends and family gathered yesterday afternoon for Vicky's memorial service. From the beginning it was a celebration of her life, her concern and caring for others, and her faith.I once attended a funeral where the pastor said that a dead man has already preached his own funeral. That is so true. Vicky had a tremendous influence on all who knew her simply because she never complained, had a

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-1163677218281156002006-11-16T05:24:00.000-06:002006-11-16T05:40:18.320-06:00

After several days of not having to wear my coat to work, yesterday temps took a nose dive and winds blew 45 miles per hour. Rain poured all day long, the strong wind blowing it horizontally, thus making umbrellas virtually ineffective. It was one of those days that just made you want to go home and pull the covers over your head. While I was waiting for one of my coworkers to come out of a store

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-1163590520620885802006-11-15T05:24:00.000-06:002006-11-15T05:37:07.266-06:00

With all of the sadness and turmoil of the past few days, I joined the millions of Americans who tuned in last night to see the Dancing With The Stars finale. It was an hour and a half of pure entertainment. I know that Emmett is the underdog and everyone wants to see him make the transition from football star to dancing champion, but Mario has been my favorite from the beginning.Tonight the

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-1163504668320803212006-11-14T05:30:00.000-06:002006-11-14T05:44:28.343-06:00

Yesterday afternoon Vicky made the final leg of her long journey. She passed away about three o'clock. After battling the so called ''old man's disease'' all of her life, and beating the odds dozens of times, her body simply couldn't fight anymore.While she lived twenty years past what the doctors told her she would, and having both a marriage and a little girl, she had a fierce will to live.

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-1163417932504343942006-11-13T05:22:00.000-06:002006-11-13T05:38:52.530-06:00

This weekend deer season began here in the Ozarks. Brady's mama had to work and my son went deer hunting, so I got to watch Brady. We had a wonderful time, and as you can see he is doing just fine. His jaw muscles are still a little weak, which affects his swallowing. It is hard for him to eat, so he is doing a lot of milk drinking. As you can see, he is thriving. He is walking pretty well, until

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-1163164100361413922006-11-10T06:57:00.001-06:002006-11-10T07:08:20.363-06:00

Three years ago I stood in the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor. It was one of the most moving experiences of my life. Once the tourists boarded the boat that took us out to the memorial, a hush fell. People from all cultures and races watched as the stark white memorial drew nearer. Members of the US Navy guarded the front and rear gates of the boat, and helped us disembark once we docked at

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-1163072327243296252006-11-09T05:22:00.000-06:002006-11-09T05:38:47.266-06:00

It is good to be home again.No matter where I go there is just no place like home. The cats met me at the driveway, as I got home at the regular time. Once I got them fed and unpacked I went to mom and Rocky's to see what had gone on in my absence.We are enjoying a return to summer here in the Ozarks. Temperatures have been in the high 70-80 range. It won't last, as there is a cold front coming

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-1162898908490158692006-11-07T05:23:00.000-06:002006-11-07T05:28:28.510-06:00

Good morning from my country road. Again it is a travel day for me, as I am off to Jeff City for a training class. Computers this time. Finally something I can use!For the past two hours I have been snuggled in my warm bed listening to rain drip from the trees and a hoot owl who is unhappy about it. I finally gave up and got out of bed, as I have to pack anyway.I will be back here Thursday

Beckynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5671020.post-1162813843354088952006-11-06T05:33:00.000-06:002006-11-06T05:50:46.650-06:00

Good morning from the Ozarks. We have had three straight days of cold rain and foggy gray conditions. While it is yucky to deal with, we are thrilled that the water will restore the balance upset by the droughts this summer. It was a great weekend just to stay in and catch up on housework and bake.I do have a wonderful window to the front yard. It is a hoot to watch all of the critters fight over

Beckynoreply@blogger.com