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, as they weigh down with the ice very quickly.

I have to leave early for work this morning, as a decision will have to be made whether or not to send the crews out to work. Stay safe wherever you are, and if we have power I will update you when I get home this evening. I may be answering phone calls today, as the weather always floods the office with concerned people wanting to know road conditions.

Until later,
Becky
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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 are facing a massive amount of ice and a foot or more of snow. Temperatures are going to dive into the single digits.

I hope that if you are also in the path of this storm system you are making preparations for a long siege of being inside with no power. Be careful, and if I have power, I will see you back here in the morning.

Until then,
Becky
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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 getting so pretty again, and when he struts his stuff there must be at lease fifty or so eye feathers. We will try to get you a new picture before the winter weather sets in.

My outside critter situation is a daily thing. I am still feeding Chucky, but he has taken to feeling very possessive of his place here. I caught him sneaking up on Chicky and pouncing on her while she was napping in the morning sun. I am not sure why beggars suddenly turn on you when you show kindness, but I have seen it time and again. Old Yeller is still about, and he sneaks into the garage each morning when I let Chicky out. He favors her bed and thinks her food is better than what I feed outside, even though it is the same thing. Not that Chucky has filled out and is stronger from a regular diet Yeller is having more and more trouble staring him down. They are both tom cats, so a fight is inevitable. I am sure that while Yeller is bigger and more experienced, Chucky is younger and determined.

There are a dozen other cats who stroll by and eat what I put out for Chucky, but they keep moving. I haven't seen the fox again, but then it doesn't mean he isn't out there. The skunks have also been less visible, but I know that they are still a part of the menagerie of critters that come over from the big woods each day or night foraging for food. They are all doing very well on a diet of Special Kitty. Life is a hoot.....here on my country road.

Until tomorrow,
Becky
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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 I feel great, both physically and about myself. All that said, it is never too late, I know what to do, and in a day or two I will feel better again. The company was great and the house filled with laughter, although Brady had a cold and was cutting jaw teeth. Even at that he thought great grandma's mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie were really good.

Today it is back to work. Everyone else must be feeling the same way I do, as two people on one crew called in sick last evening. That calls for creative manpower allocation. I suppose we can do it for a day or two until everyone is back on their feet.

I hope that your holiday was all that you hoped it would be, the food wonderful, and you were surrounded by family and friends. I was able to get my Christmas shopping done, which is great. I can now enjoy the coming Christmas season without pressure. Have a great day, and I hope that you were more sensible than I was. Stuffed is always better for the turkey!

Until tomorrow,
Becky
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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 his great grandma Rockenbach's house. We are thankful for the success of the three surgeries he has undergone this past year and that he is now a healthy little boy. Holding your grandchild is a link to both the past and the future. Today we will be reminded of all the loved ones absent from our table, and we will talk to those who couldn't attend for one reason or another. Those we have lost over the years are never really gone, as we feel their presence so strongly whenever we gather. There will be laughter and tears, and most assuredly....love. Love is the tie that binds. It is stronger than life or death. Today as we gather as families I pray that you also feel that abiding love and remember the memories and traditions passed down to us. It is both a joy and a responsibility to pass those on to the next generations.

I am grateful for the life I enjoy, the beauty of the world around me, and of course all of my family and friends. Also on my mind today are the soldiers who stand in harm's way so we can gather and celebrate Thanksgiving and the freedom we enjoy. Take time to pray for their safety and thank God for their courage.

Among my many blessings are those of you in the blog family. Thank you for your love and support, and I pray that your day is filled with all you hope for.

Until next time,
Becky
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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 find it when she wanted to play. Until a week ago. Cats are funny. She evidently decided she needed to hide it in a new place.

I can't tell you how much of my precious free time I have spent looking under furniture and behind things. This has been humiliating, as Paddy watches me while batting her eyes and flipping her tail in superior feline fashion. Saturday I gave up and as I was strolling through the local flea market I found a bin of McDonald toys. While I didn't find a cat there was a little dog from the same series. I was so happy. I brought it home and made a big production of taking it out of the package and let Paddy smell it before I tossed it down the hall. She took off to retrieve it, and I haven't seen it since. She hid that one too.

Last night I decided to take matters into my own hands and try to think like a cat. I got a yard stick and a flash light and got down on my hands and knees to check out the space under the oven. No cat or dog, but every ball I have ever bought her. I gave her one and decided to watch what she did with it. She didn't waste any time carrying it off to her secret hiding place. Voila! A cat, a dog, and her ball were hidden under the laundry cart in the bathroom.

Now I wish I could find the necklace I hid from myself over a month ago. It is most likely adorning the local landfill as we speak, but I won't give up. Does your pet have you trained to fetch?

Enjoy this last working day before Thanksgiving. It will be festive, and before we know it we'll be home getting ready for that big meal. God bless,

Becky
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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 leave. My arthritis is screaming this morning, making it difficult to move my fingers, so a hot shower should help. Thank goodness for Motrin! I made a pact with myself at Vicky's funeral not to complain anymore, so I am just going to say it is good to have fingers and medicine that can help them move when they don't want to.

Since this is kick butt Monday I hope that you are looking forward to a good day. It was a restful weekend here in Smalltown. Since this is a short work week for most of us, enjoy your day. I hope that you are making plans for a wonderful Thanksgiving, and that God blesses your homes with love, family, and friends.

Until tomorrow,
Becky
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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 sunny disposition, and encouraged others. Her courage in the face of the debilitating disease she fought her entire life and the joy she felt at meeting God face to face proved to be a strength to everyone.

Thank you for your prayers and concern. Vicky was humbled and touched by your caring.

Live well,
Becky

P.S. Happy birthday to Rocky! Today is his special day.
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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 at the lunch break I watched the wind turn umbrellas inside out, breaking the metal supports and allowing the rain to drench surprised people.

We had been warned that snow could accumulate up to two inches during the night, so after being out in the weather all day long I opted to go to bed early and hope for the best. I listened to the wind blow all during the night, but when I got up this morning the snow had passed us by.

Today I will be attending Vicky's funeral. The weather isn't supposed to improve all that much, which is always a heartache for the family. As you go about your day please remember her family and little girl. It will be a long and emotional day for them.

I hope that in your corner of the world there is sunshine and warm temperatures. Poor Napoleon has to hang on to his branch in the top of a big oak tree until dawn. He takes it all in stride, though. Have a wonderful day.

Until tomorrow,
Becky
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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 winner will be announced, and I am hoping that after last night's performances Mario will be the new champion. I live in a rural area, so there is no place close for me to learn ballroom dancing, but after watching the competition each week I sure have the desire to learn.

I hope that today you have something that will bring you happiness and joy. Thank you for your prayers on behalf of Vicky's little girl and family. There is so much sadness and suffering in the world. Give someone the gift of a smile today.

Until tomorrow,
Becky
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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. She will be remembered by everyone for her deep and abiding faith and her loving spirit. It is doubly tragic that her little girl should lose both her mother and her father within three weeks, but she will be raised my her maternal grandparents who have already had a large part in her upbringing.

I thank you for your prayers on Vicky's behalf, and would ask that you remember her parents and family now. Vicky has completed her long journey from this life to Heaven, and for that we are all happy. The next few days will be hard for those of her family who are planning services and trying to go on without her.

Until tomorrow,
Becky
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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 it dawns on him that he is walking, of course!
Enjoying a cracker before a nap.

Just a little update on Vicky. She is still alive, but they have removed all life support from her and they have told the family it is just a matter of time. I will keep you informed about her situation.

Until next time,
Becky
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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 the USS Arizona Memorial complex.The day was typical of Hawaii. The sun was shining and the wind was blowing across the water. Before we were allowed to walk through to see the ship at rest below the water, there was a presentation on the events as they happened December 7, 1941. The film made you feel as though you were there. It put into perspective what we were about to see as we walked out to the memorial. Nothing can prepare you for the emotion of the moment you first see the broken ship laying below the surface of the water. Oil droplets continuously escape from the wreckage and rise to the surface of the water at regular intervals. It is an eerie reminder that 1102 bodies are still entombed in the sunken battleship. Those who survived the attack have asked to be buried with their shipmates when they pass. Their cremated remains are secured in the ship by Navy divers so they may rest with their fallen comrades. Today we are a country at war. Our support and gratitude is what Veteran's day is all about. We enjoy freedoms and safety that are hard won and bought with the ultimate sacrifice of our brave men and women. As you go about your day, take a few moments to reflect about the price of freedom, and thank those you know who have served or are serving to preserve that freedom. To those of you reading this who are veterans, thank you. I am proud to express my gratitude for your service. Our thoughts and prayers are with our nation today, and to those who have our backs.

God bless our Veterans, God bless our military, and God bless America.
Until next time,
Becky
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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 on the heels of the warmth, but at least we can enjoy beautiful warm days before winter comes to stay.

You may remember me telling you about Vicky. Many of you have prayed for her as she has hovered near death. She lost her husband two weeks ago in a boating accident, and was hospitalized two days after the funeral. Her condition has deteriorated quickly, and she is now on life support again. The situation is so sad, as she has a little girl who just turned six. I hope you will pray for Vicky and the family.

After a couple of hectic weeks, today is my Friday. We are off for Veteran's Day tomorrow, and I plan to turn off the alarm until Sunday night. Enjoy your day. It is good to be back....here on my country road.

Until tomorrow, Becky

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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 morning, and pray God keeps you safely in the palm of His hand until then.

Until then,
Becky
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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 the cat food I set out for Chucky. While I haven't seen the skunks as much as I did for a while, Napoleon loves to chase the cats away so he can have it for himself. I suppose the meat helps keep him warm during the long cold nights.

Yesterday afternoon I saw Chicky sitting in the front yard trying to make sense of Napoleon's rumba. She used to chase him out of the yard, but I suppose it is comedic entertainment for her to watch his antics. He had his tail all fanned out and was shaking it in an effort to scare her off. When that didn't work he strutted off in a huff.

Today is kick butt Monday, and I have to begin with an early meeting at work. I baked a German chocolate cake to celebrate my promotion, so at least we'll have treats!

Have a great day, and I will see you back here in the morning good Lord willing.
Until then,
Becky
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My name is Brady. Last week my mom and dad took me to the St. Louis Children's hospital for an operation. I don't remember much about it but they said it took eight hours for the doctors to fix my head. Mama and Daddy cried a lot cause they didn't want me to have to be operated on. They held me a lot and fed me ice cream. I love ice cream!
Mama has to put this gooey stuff on my head so it doesn't get infected. I wanted to say thank you for praying for my head. Grandma Becky said she would take lots of pictures of me while I am getting better so you can see how I am getting along. Now that I am home again I get to play with all the great stuff I got for my first birthday!

Grandma said that all of her blogger friends are the best and I believe her cause she's real smart. Come see me sometime and I will let you play with the little leapster computer and red wagon she got me.

Love,
Brady
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Today I am off to Jefferson City for a meeting. Five hours of driving time for a two hour meeting, but I will be seeing the other Chiefs. Since it is my first official meeting as Chief we will all eat together so it should be a fun time.

Last night was Halloween so I didn't get out to Brady's for a picture, but if I don't get back from Jeff too late I will try to get you one this evening. I need to get crackin' if I am to leave in an hour. Thank you all for your congratulations, emails, comments, and calls. It has been quite an experience.

Good Lord willing I will see you right here in the morning.....here on my country road. Have a great day!

Becky
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