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 the day. I spent most of it cooking, and preparing the egg hunt that would entertain the children before dinner. I raced against the clock and Mother Nature, who had a thunderstorm planned for our area late afternoon. It is sometimes good to fool Mother Nature, who held off the rain until the last egg was found. It was a nice way to remember my dad, who would have found great joy in the laughter and delight of his great-grandchildren.

Through the eyes of a child life looks differently. Though my heart was saddened by loss, it was also grateful for another year of life and joyful because of the hope I see in my grandchildren. Dad never met them, though I sent him pictures so he could follow their life as they grew.

I am a child of Spring, and therefore eternally optimistic about life. My homage to the life I have been given by God and my parents, is to take the road less traveled and celebrate each day.

I pray that you have things to celebrate in your corner of the world today.

God bless you,
Becky
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If it hadn't been for the whole Haloscan deal I most likely would have been archived and faded from the blogging scene.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 thought I would send out a greeting and see what happens.

Smalltown hasn't changed much since my last post, but I do have a new grandbaby. Brady has a new little sister, who actually isn't even little anymore. She turned 1 this past July and her name is Chloe. While I hope she will one day become the lady every little girl has the potential to be, right now she is quite a pistol. Although my daughter-in-law dresses her like a little girl and she sports pierced earrings and a purse, Brady is turning her into a tomboy. Of course she is beautiful. What grand-daughter isn't?

Last March I lost my dad. It was a journey that was not welcome. I tried very hard to wade through the shock and pain in order to help make arrangements. That is what is expected and what has to be done at such times. It didn't change the fact that my dad had died and I felt like I had a hole in my heart. In this year of "firsts", I still feel that way. Most of you know what I am talking about as you have traveled the same road.

Today I am home in observance of President's Day. I woke at 5 a.m. to the big woods surrounding the house being blanketed with fluffy snow. There is nothing more comforting than being snuggled on the couch with a cup of hot coffee, snow falling softly, and a day off stretching out before me.

The past couple of years have been gut wrenching. Like everyone else I know, each day has been difficult and laced with challenges. While I have strong faith and belief that I will endure and succeed on a personal level, our country is facing difficult days. That is why I am so happy to drive down my country road to my little house in the big woods each day. Here I know peace and love the world can't touch or take away. I hope you know the same peace, and that there is hope of better days ahead.

Until next time,
Becky
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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 weather.

Mom and I had about three different plans for Thanksgiving, none of which turned out. Since we didn't want to cook the traditional meal for just the two of us, we opted for something easy. Those plans were also up-ended when my son Jonathan called and invited us out to their new home for the evening meal. He and his wife Aimee bought her grandfather's house, and they moved in the last of September. I was thrilled, as I wanted to be with family, and especially my little grandson Brady. We celebrated his second birthday the twenty-first day of October, as well as the one year anniversary of his brain surgery. We had much to be thankful for, but were thrilled to find out that Brady will be welcoming a new little brother or sister next summer. What joyous news! Hopefully things will go more smoothly this time around.

I still have one tree down at the back of the house, but I guess since it is down it can't hurt anything now. Jonathan will get it taken care of when he can. I passed the first year anniversary of my promotion. It is still such a thrill to know that I have achieved the highest position I can without relocating to the state capital. I am very happy to live here and travel there to teach or train. I have the very best of both worlds.

I do miss all of you good blogging friends. For the life of me I can't figure out how I posted every day for so long. It seems that my days never have enough hours in them, as many of you also experience in your lives. There is much to be thankful for however, most of all for the health and life I have. As we move into the Christmas season, I wish you a very happy month. May the days be filled with loved ones, friends, and family. Make some memories and remember the old ones. We will be welcoming my two brothers and their families in for Christmas. It should be a very happy time.

I hope this finds you well and happy.
God bless you,
Becky
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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 to the bottom portion with one of his silk climbing ropes. He assured me if indeed it did fall before he could get it down it wouldn't fall on the house but across the lines for the cable. Fifteen minutes later I heard the terrible and frightening sound of the branches of the tree supporting the damaged one giving way under the weight. It was a huge relief to hear the mighty tree hit the ground. While I knew the cable would be out come morning it was almost a relief to have it down so I didn't have to wonder where it would fall if it did.

This morning I made the trip out back with the flashlight. No morning news for Shady Lane today. I spent the rest of the day calling various entities to take care of the problem. When the tree finally went down, the force of it snapped two other poles next to my property. It will take them a while to repair the damages, but at least I have TV this evening. Thank goodness for folks who know how to deal with the aftermath of destruction.

As for my car, it will be fixed on Thursday, compliments of my mother. The insurance only covered the garage roof, but hopefully there will be enough to take care of everything. Our local collision center will come pick it up, fix it in one day and deliver it back home again. God really comes through when the mess is larger than you know how to deal with. Thank you all for your comments, thoughts and prayers. My son will have a much easier go of getting the tree taken care of now. I was really worried as a mom to have him working on it while it was still so unstable.

I do ask your prayers on behalf of my mother. She took a tumble yesterday afternoon, a tangle of her overjoyed dog and cat welcoming her home from our shopping trip. Upon hearing the rattling of the bags, everyone went down in a heap, and mom came out the loser. She is sore and bruised, and sporting terrible cuts from little and big paws. Life in Smalltown is a real hoot at times. It is a wonderful thing that our family has a very large sense of humor. Now that we are all on the mend and the storms have passed, we can laugh about it.

Hoping this finds you well and happy in your little corner of the world,

God bless you,

Becky

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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 the tree across my car and the garage roof, I hurried over to mom's to see if she was okay.

Suffice to say that we survived with less damage than others. While the damage to my car won't be covered, at least it wasn't destroyed. Truly I am blessed, and I know that mom feels the same. I will keep you posted on the cleanup.

I pray you are well in your corner of the world.
Becky
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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 the beauty of summer's fading glory and the coming of the fall season in peace and with gratitude.

My country road is much the same, with the critters and cats still in residence. Chicky is the reigning outside kitty. She still loves to chase Napoleon, but he doesn't run from her as quickly. It seems to be a game they like to play when they want to. Many times I come home and they are both perched on the porch rail, surveying their domain, which is my front yard. After losing all of his glorious tail feathers, Napoleon's tail is beginning to grow back in. Next spring it should be in excess of 5 feet. The whole neighborhood now has bouquets of his beautiful eye feathers. He has become quite the mascot, but he still considers my tree his home base. Mom has become his mama, and spoils him terribly with sweet treats and bragging about his beautiful plumage. He really loves the attention, and preens just like his namesake when talked to.

Several weeks ago I had a run in with a skunk who had taken up residence in my garage. I knew he had to be in there, I just never could see him. Chicky was always hesitant when I wanted to lock her in the garage at night, and she always perched as high off the floor as she could. The skunk went through two pounds of cat food per day, the little bugger. Once I finally spotted him I called upon my son Jonathan's abilities to remove him from the premises. Since skunks are nocturnal animals it was a challenge to roust him from his hiding place during the day. After a full morning of trial and error, it came down to a silver bullet. The bad thing about that is I am afraid he left a parting gift that will last a long time. The whole neighborhood smells like skunk, and it still makes my eyes water to go into the garage. Chicky however is oblivious to the smell, and seems very happy just to have the whole incident behind her. I will be reminded of the whole ordeal for months to come.

On a sad note, Bob (my neighbor across the field) lost his youngest daughter Donna in a terrible and tragic car accident a month ago. She leaves a husband, three children, and one grandchild. It has been so sad, as I used to play with her and her two siblings on summer vacations when we came to visit my grandparents. Just a moment, and life is gone. The family is still grappling with their loss, which still seems so unbelievable. The lesson here is to always buckle your seat belt no matter how big a hurry you seem to be in, for she would have survived had she taken the time to buckle hers. I believe that there is a season for all things under heaven, and while we still miss her we will surely see her again.

Mom and I are still working to finish the settling of Dale's estate, prepare for the first Rocky memorial Strongman competition in two weeks, and find time for our chores and obligations. While we are busy, it gives me joy to behold the beauty of the coming autumn. The leaves are beginning to fall, pumpkins are beginning to show up in yard decorations, and the air has a crisp chill to it in the morning hours. Last night a gorgeous harvest moon graced the night sky and bathed the earth with silver moonbeams. Just as I was falling asleep I heard the first drops of a gentle rain that fell all during the night. I woke to dense fog and gray sky, and had the sudden urge to plant mums.

Earth is preparing for a long winter's sleep. It is both comforting and alarming to see nature slowing down and getting ready for rest. I long for crisp autumn days with a canopy of azure sky to get ready for the change of seasons. If I just had time to pick apples for an apple pie life would be perfect. I hope that in your corner of the world you also see the gentle turn of nature toward fall. As the leaves begin to change color and birds fly south I hope you have the time to behold the glory.

Until next time,
Becky
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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 thoughts about my busy and getting busier life. I know I felt like I was on a merry-go-round to nowhere. I no longer had the time I like to devote to more heartfelt posts about the beauty surrounding me and the wonders of God.

I will post from time to time and hope that there are still readers out there who will check in. My blogging family is just that, family. I haven't heard comments in these numbers for some time, and I suppose I thought no one was still out there. I will say to myself what I often tell my mom when she is too weary to press on. Do not grow weary in well doing. Of course that is elementary, but so true.

One thing of note....here on my country road. Napoleon has given up calling a mate to share his life and is now shedding his beautiful tail feathers. I run around and gather them up, as we may not always have such a noble and beautiful peacock among us. It won't be long until he is back to looking much as he did when he first came into my life. I am going to frame a couple of the brilliant eye feathers in case he ever wanders away from us.

Thank you for your kind words, and your kindness. I am hoping to recharge and rest to regain the energy my writing once had. I miss it already.

Until next time,
Becky
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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 know I can use words to express myself as well as to reach people. I have met wonderful caring people from all over the world, and consider them friends. The blogging community is a special family and brotherhood, and it is with some sadness that I take a final stroll down my country road. I have been encouraged and enriched by the blogging experience, and I shall miss all of you terribly.

There are two things a person knows. When to begin something and when to end it. Life has taken some amazing twists and turns for me this past year. I no longer have the time it takes to blog the way it should be done, or rather the way I like to do it. I am not saying I will stop writing, for writers write. Always. I just will not be blogging.

Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the world and sharing life with me for a time....May God richly bless all who have who traveled with me.....Down my country road.......

Becky
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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 job.

Mom and I had a good few days in Illinois. I can't remember when I was so tired and dirty, but we got a lot done. When you go to the home of a loved one you haven't seen for a long time and begin sifting through their things it is an odd feeling. I found it sad. However we are home again and can rest before our next trip up.

Like so much of the country we are soggy with more rain predicted. Normally we have rain in June and drought the rest of the summer, but not this year. I hope that since today is kick butt Monday you are up and ready to get started. It is good to be home. Have a wonderful day- someone out there is in need of a smile and a kind word. Be the person that provides that kindness today.

Until next time,
Becky
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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 have a full moon on the first and last days of the month. Enjoy Mother Nature at her best.

Until next time,
Becky
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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 bedroom window. This morning I watched him for quite a while. The happy energetic way that nature lifts its voice in song to the Creator is humbling.

Today is kick butt Monday. I have a stressful day in store for me, but I will remember the morning serenade of the papa wren and the joy in which he sang. Everything fell back into perspective. Have a wonderful day...I am sure there are birds singing for you where you live if you only listen.

Until next time,
Becky
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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 don't respond or react to life going on around us.

This morning as I left the house for work, I again heard the tinkle of that little chime. Though it still didn't register, I smiled and walked down the walk talking to Chicky. It is a morning ritual for us, and the last thing I do is pat her on the head and tell her to be good while I am working. As I came up the sidewalk this evening, again the chime sounded, and the little birdhouse danced. Only then did I finally realize that a new wren couple had taken up residence to raise another brood. What a blessing. That means that the male will sing his beautiful song each morning and evening to his mate. I will see him flutter around the house, checking on the progress of the little mother. With everything wrong in the world, things suddenly righted. It is a reminder of who is in charge and that if His eye is on the little sparrow- or wren in this case, He watches over me as well.

I wish you a sign of hope tonight. A sunset, the song of a beautiful bird, a child's laugh, the love of someone special, a blanket of stars, or a moonbeam. God bless and keep you, and when your heart grows heavy with the weight of the world and its cares, look up. Something beautifully unexpected is about to happen. I'll keep you posted on the progress of the newest wren family.

Until next time,
Becky
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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 first time I had not been able to travel with her to help handle things, so it was good to hear that all went well. Bless Rocky's brother Richard and his wife Helen for being there to help mom. It was a great relief for me to know she was with family. I was able to relax and dig into the class without worrying.

Saturday morning we left for St. Louis to pick up mom's vehicle and visit with Rocky's sister and brother-in-law. I was very happy to get home again. After being gone all week, six more hours of driving was the last thing I would have chosen to do. However, as is usually the case, I was blessed for my efforts.

Yesterday mom and I attended church. We were just finishing lunch when my son Jonathan came by, and we enjoyed the visit. Since the weather was so hot and humid, mom and I stayed inside sorting through things and visiting after he left. A late afternoon storm came through while we ate a bite of supper, but we needed the rain. I left shortly after to unpack my bags and do some laundry. As I was getting my briefcase ready to go for work today I quickly went through my purse to empty it of what I might need. In the process of doing that simple chore, I noticed a lip pencil I had been looking for in the side pocket of the bag. Finding that was a blessing, so I reached into the pocket to retrieve it. When I widened the pocket the light hit something shiny. It took me a couple of seconds to register what I had found. My diamond earring!! Immediately I thanked God for the blessing and called mom. We had just listened to a sermon on TV about how God blesses us when we are faithful over what he gives us. That is so true. Today I am still rejoicing.

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement when I reported it lost. I am happy to report that the lost is found. This is going to be a wonderful day. Wherever you are today and whatever your plans, I pray you are blessed.

Until next time,
Becky
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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 strategic plans.

I have my bags all packed and after breakfast we will be leaving. Have a great week, and I will see you right back here, good Lord willing, this weekend.

God bless,
Becky
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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 computer. I printed my post and took it down the hill to her. I know that at least Ellen and I can see it as she left a comment. Do the rest of you see my post written Wednesday the 6th?

While I am sure there must be some technical explination, some things always remain a mystery. Happy TGIF!

Until next time,
Becky
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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 we have to watch out for Blossom, who lives in one of the new houses across our country road. She is really old and has poor eyesight, but a love of cat food. Her owners told us that is all they feed her as she won't eat dog food. The other problems are birds. Blue jays and black birds carry half of it off before the cats realize it is there.

Normally mom and I take turns watching the food so it doesn't disappear before the strays come. Other well fed neighborhood cats stroll by, smell the food, and help themselves. Mom doesn't like to shoo them away as she loves all cats. I will usually go out and bring the dish inside. After a few minutes they move on.

Last night the smallest and thinnest of the cats was eating when Napoleon spied her. He had been perched on the fence preening his feathers and didn't notice her at first. It didn't take him two shakes of his long beautiful tail to run over and scare the wits out of the scared, hungry cat. She ran down the fence line and when the dogs started barking she ran for her life into the big woods.

Trying to help little critters is hard. They are scared of us and at the mercy of the other critters in the area. However....on the rare occasion when the hungry little ones get to eat without being interrupted, it is rewarding. They are always so happy to have the food all to themselves, but they are ever watchful. Mom and I feel that God must have the same pleasure when we notice something He has provided for us.

All in all, we are trying to help the little critters who need it and not get angry at our other adopted critters. It takes lots of patience, but worth the effort. Chucky and Old Yellow are fixtures here along with Chicky now. If you want to help you can't be partial to one over the others. I'm sure sometimes we all look like starlings and grackles to God when we take and never thank Him.

Have a wonderful Wednesday, everyone. Offer a helping hand today. It makes your heart grow.

Until next time,
Becky
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