Tuesday, February 27, 2007
PACKING MY BAGS
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 with five more weeks to go.
The down side is that I am getting older and when I get home my motivation to do things is second to visiting with mom and Rocky or just resting. While I am away they check on my house and take care of the cats. When I am expecting packages or important mail they take care of gathering that up, and help me out by taking my uniforms to the cleaner when they go to their medical appointments each week. We all work together, which is what makes a family. Thank goodness I have a few abilities to help them out from time to time.
Well, the old clock says get up and get started. I pack at the last minute because the cat knows and gets depressed. Then I feel guilty and feel bad too. This way she doesn't know until I walk out the door. What we do for our four legged family members.
I hope you have a wonderful day, and good Lord willing I will see you here Thursday morning.
Until then,
Becky
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The down side is that I am getting older and when I get home my motivation to do things is second to visiting with mom and Rocky or just resting. While I am away they check on my house and take care of the cats. When I am expecting packages or important mail they take care of gathering that up, and help me out by taking my uniforms to the cleaner when they go to their medical appointments each week. We all work together, which is what makes a family. Thank goodness I have a few abilities to help them out from time to time.
Well, the old clock says get up and get started. I pack at the last minute because the cat knows and gets depressed. Then I feel guilty and feel bad too. This way she doesn't know until I walk out the door. What we do for our four legged family members.
I hope you have a wonderful day, and good Lord willing I will see you here Thursday morning.
Until then,
Becky
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Monday, February 26, 2007
OZARK HURRICANE
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 been warmer, their fear of a massive tornado outbreak would have been realized. All in all we got off lightly but the wind has blown nonstop since Friday.
Napoleon has been scarce. He doesn't like rain or wind, and since we had a big dose of both, we think he stayed in the old barn at the end of the lane for protection. He likes the barn as it sits back in a field and he can keep his tail dry. It is getting so long that when it is wet I'm sure it weighs him down. If he can't move quickly to get away from predators he would be a sitting duck...or peacock, in his case.
I am looking forward to Spring, as I know many of you are. The perennials have been sleeping all Winter, and are almost ready to peak though the ground in search of warm sunshine. In our area the crocus come first, followed by other spring bulbs. In my yard, it would be the little grape hyacinths grandma planted so many years ago, with creeping phlox close behind. By this time each year we are also yearning for the warmth of the sunshine. Winter is hesitant to relinquish it's grip on the Ozarks though. We have had cold and snow well into April in years past. Patience is a virtue, so we wait for the promise of Spring with hope of better days to come.
This is kick butt Monday, so as you leave the house look forward to what you can accomplish today.
Until next time,
Becky
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Napoleon has been scarce. He doesn't like rain or wind, and since we had a big dose of both, we think he stayed in the old barn at the end of the lane for protection. He likes the barn as it sits back in a field and he can keep his tail dry. It is getting so long that when it is wet I'm sure it weighs him down. If he can't move quickly to get away from predators he would be a sitting duck...or peacock, in his case.
I am looking forward to Spring, as I know many of you are. The perennials have been sleeping all Winter, and are almost ready to peak though the ground in search of warm sunshine. In our area the crocus come first, followed by other spring bulbs. In my yard, it would be the little grape hyacinths grandma planted so many years ago, with creeping phlox close behind. By this time each year we are also yearning for the warmth of the sunshine. Winter is hesitant to relinquish it's grip on the Ozarks though. We have had cold and snow well into April in years past. Patience is a virtue, so we wait for the promise of Spring with hope of better days to come.
This is kick butt Monday, so as you leave the house look forward to what you can accomplish today.
Until next time,
Becky
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Thursday, February 22, 2007
PICTURES OF JOHN'S PARTY
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 Barb's stay the wind blew very hard, but they did finally get to see Napoleon and watch him fly up to roost. I think they were properly impressed with him!
George had to leave Sunday to go back to Kansas, so he missed an awful lot of fun. I am lucky to have a family that I love and enjoy, and are my best friends. What can be better than that?
Until next time,
Becky
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Tuesday, February 20, 2007
BEAR & COMPANY
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 birthday gifts, and I took care of the old geezer basket. We had planned a surprise 50th birthday party for John, as we all most likely won't get to attend John's big bash in Covington in a couple of weeks. I enlisted Rocky to help me in making a cane for John. Hopefully he will post a picture to show you. I loaned him a boa and the tiara I was given when we met in New Orleans to celebrate my 50th three years ago. All in all it was a fun time.
As is always the case when we are all together, there is a lot of catching up and laughter. It isn't very often my brothers and I can be in the same place at the same time. It is always special. I know it is the same for mom. Bear, Murphy, Mandy, and mom's cats got along famously. They all camped around the table where treats and tidbits kept their tails wagging.
John and mom got some good pictures. My son Jonathan brought Brady over to meet his uncle John and aunt Barbara. Once he got over the shock of so many people, he had fun playing and feeding Bear his crackers.
I am sad as everyone is leaving today and I am on my way to Jefferson City. I hate the distance that separates all of us, but the times we share when we can be together are full of love. I pray it won't be another three years before we see each other again.
Until next time,
Becky
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Mom prepared the food, George brought one of John's birthday gifts, and I took care of the old geezer basket. We had planned a surprise 50th birthday party for John, as we all most likely won't get to attend John's big bash in Covington in a couple of weeks. I enlisted Rocky to help me in making a cane for John. Hopefully he will post a picture to show you. I loaned him a boa and the tiara I was given when we met in New Orleans to celebrate my 50th three years ago. All in all it was a fun time.
As is always the case when we are all together, there is a lot of catching up and laughter. It isn't very often my brothers and I can be in the same place at the same time. It is always special. I know it is the same for mom. Bear, Murphy, Mandy, and mom's cats got along famously. They all camped around the table where treats and tidbits kept their tails wagging.
John and mom got some good pictures. My son Jonathan brought Brady over to meet his uncle John and aunt Barbara. Once he got over the shock of so many people, he had fun playing and feeding Bear his crackers.
I am sad as everyone is leaving today and I am on my way to Jefferson City. I hate the distance that separates all of us, but the times we share when we can be together are full of love. I pray it won't be another three years before we see each other again.
Until next time,
Becky
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Thursday, February 15, 2007
POETRY IN MOTION
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 me in my tracks. Standing in bitter cold, my heart warmed and my spirit calmed. Not wanting to disturb the moment, I quietly started my car and drove slowly up the road. Just after I passed my garage, I saw movement off to my right in Bob's field. I stopped the car, not sure what was coming. As I sat there, a beautiful whitetail deer ran toward the fence and gracefully jumped over it and disappeared into the big woods across the street. Just as I was recovering from that another one cleared the fence and followed the first deer into the woods. In all there were six deer, each jumping one by one over the fence and fading into the heart of the big woods.
I was so overcome by the beauty of the moment that I just sat there for a minute. We hadn't been sure that our deer had survived deer season, but they obviously did and are thriving on the abundant supplies of acorns and other foodstuffs native to the Ozarks. By the time I recovered from the beauty I had witnessed and remembered I needed to get to work, all my hurry was forgotten. I worked the rest of the day with a full heart.
I hope there are unexpected blessings awaiting you today.
God Bless,
Becky
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As I came out of the house in a rush to get to work, the peace and the hush stopped me in my tracks. Standing in bitter cold, my heart warmed and my spirit calmed. Not wanting to disturb the moment, I quietly started my car and drove slowly up the road. Just after I passed my garage, I saw movement off to my right in Bob's field. I stopped the car, not sure what was coming. As I sat there, a beautiful whitetail deer ran toward the fence and gracefully jumped over it and disappeared into the big woods across the street. Just as I was recovering from that another one cleared the fence and followed the first deer into the woods. In all there were six deer, each jumping one by one over the fence and fading into the heart of the big woods.
I was so overcome by the beauty of the moment that I just sat there for a minute. We hadn't been sure that our deer had survived deer season, but they obviously did and are thriving on the abundant supplies of acorns and other foodstuffs native to the Ozarks. By the time I recovered from the beauty I had witnessed and remembered I needed to get to work, all my hurry was forgotten. I worked the rest of the day with a full heart.
I hope there are unexpected blessings awaiting you today.
God Bless,
Becky
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Tuesday, February 13, 2007
MY MONDAY
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. NOT!!!! Geez...I still can't think about it. I didn't realize what a hard life they have. We were all worn out by the time it was over. Thank goodness I can redeem myself with Happy Feet when it comes. I know it is a happy movie. While interesting, the poor penguin has a sad existence. The wonder of the whole movie is that they seem to be happy. Simply amazing. It is a miracle there are any left at all. If you are interested, it is a National Geographic movie. I also took him a movie called Eight Below. It is about dog sled dogs, and hopefully it will be a happier film.
We had a very nice visit with Rocky's brother and sister-in-law. The meal they brought for us was five star, and lovingly prepared. I love them both for doing such an unselfish and caring thing for all of us. They are both lovely people. Since I was working I missed a lot of the visiting, and one really good shopping trip, but there is always next time. I was sorry they had to leave so soon.
It is trash day here on our country road, so I am off to get that chore done. Then I have to leave for Jefferson City again. There is a winter storm warning for them, so I will be driving into a mess of snow and ice. I hope that your day is a good one, filled with wonderful things and people you love. Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, but since I will be gone, let me wish you a day of happiness.
Until next time,
Becky
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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. NOT!!!! Geez...I still can't think about it. I didn't realize what a hard life they have. We were all worn out by the time it was over. Thank goodness I can redeem myself with Happy Feet when it comes. I know it is a happy movie. While interesting, the poor penguin has a sad existence. The wonder of the whole movie is that they seem to be happy. Simply amazing. It is a miracle there are any left at all. If you are interested, it is a National Geographic movie. I also took him a movie called Eight Below. It is about dog sled dogs, and hopefully it will be a happier film.
We had a very nice visit with Rocky's brother and sister-in-law. The meal they brought for us was five star, and lovingly prepared. I love them both for doing such an unselfish and caring thing for all of us. They are both lovely people. Since I was working I missed a lot of the visiting, and one really good shopping trip, but there is always next time. I was sorry they had to leave so soon.
It is trash day here on our country road, so I am off to get that chore done. Then I have to leave for Jefferson City again. There is a winter storm warning for them, so I will be driving into a mess of snow and ice. I hope that your day is a good one, filled with wonderful things and people you love. Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, but since I will be gone, let me wish you a day of happiness.
Until next time,
Becky
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Friday, February 09, 2007
TIME FLIES
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 difficult to keep my eyes open, so I will just have to make a few stops to get some fresh air.
When I got home last night Rocky's brother and sister-in-law had arrived to visit for a few days. As I arrived for dinner I was met with the news that Anna Nicole Smith had died. While I wasn't surprised given the obvious drugged state she had been in since losing her son, it was still a shock. Such a sad thing, and now a little baby girl left alone.
With all of the sad news in the headlines it seems that the world is spinning out of control. On every hand and in every situation one wonders how it can get any worse. While I am sure that is possible, I try to look for the good news as I go through each day. There are good people doing good things that never make the news.
For me this isn't only Friday the last work day before a three day weekend. The morning drive to Jefferson City will be challenging as there is freezing drizzle falling at the half way point. Hopefully by the time I get that far they will have cleared the roads. This is my long day. I have to leave early and I get home very late. At least when I get home I will be joining mom, Rocky, and his brother and sister-in-law for a nice dinner. It will give me something to think about all the way home.
Have a great day, and I hope this finds you well and happy. TGIF!
Until next time,
Becky
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When I got home last night Rocky's brother and sister-in-law had arrived to visit for a few days. As I arrived for dinner I was met with the news that Anna Nicole Smith had died. While I wasn't surprised given the obvious drugged state she had been in since losing her son, it was still a shock. Such a sad thing, and now a little baby girl left alone.
With all of the sad news in the headlines it seems that the world is spinning out of control. On every hand and in every situation one wonders how it can get any worse. While I am sure that is possible, I try to look for the good news as I go through each day. There are good people doing good things that never make the news.
For me this isn't only Friday the last work day before a three day weekend. The morning drive to Jefferson City will be challenging as there is freezing drizzle falling at the half way point. Hopefully by the time I get that far they will have cleared the roads. This is my long day. I have to leave early and I get home very late. At least when I get home I will be joining mom, Rocky, and his brother and sister-in-law for a nice dinner. It will give me something to think about all the way home.
Have a great day, and I hope this finds you well and happy. TGIF!
Until next time,
Becky
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Tuesday, February 06, 2007
DOWN TIME
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 so busy that we rarely get down time. I can sit for hours and do nothing but read or watch TV, but my mind is engaged. Driving is really an automatic thing, so by just thinking about nothing at all I have time to listen. When I listen, I hear that still small voice. There are so many people I pray for, but a three hour drive also gives me time to pray for them in a more detailed manner. Before I know it my spirit is refreshed and I am at my destination.
Today I hope that you have time to just ''be'', and listen. Most of my biggest challenges in life have been settled by just listening and waiting for the answer to come. Take care while I am gone, and I will see you Thursday morning.....here on my country road.
Until then,
Becky
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Most of us are so busy that we rarely get down time. I can sit for hours and do nothing but read or watch TV, but my mind is engaged. Driving is really an automatic thing, so by just thinking about nothing at all I have time to listen. When I listen, I hear that still small voice. There are so many people I pray for, but a three hour drive also gives me time to pray for them in a more detailed manner. Before I know it my spirit is refreshed and I am at my destination.
Today I hope that you have time to just ''be'', and listen. Most of my biggest challenges in life have been settled by just listening and waiting for the answer to come. Take care while I am gone, and I will see you Thursday morning.....here on my country road.
Until then,
Becky
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Monday, February 05, 2007
WINTER WONDERLAND
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 the single digits, I took the time to just stand among the trees of the big woods and listen to the sound of silence.
To bring you up to date with my dizzy spells, my blood pressure was high and I went to the doctor to see about it. I left there with two new prescriptions, and so far I haven't been dizzy. When I am home for the weekend I have ceased making those to do lists, the gotta get done lists, and just rest. I am sure that the Earth will still spin on it's axis if I don't get everything done I think NEEDS to get done.
That being said, I see it is time for me to get ready for work. It is the clock on the wall that is my enemy. I know all of you can relate. However, I am blessed to have my health, a good job I love, and loving family and friends. One of these days I will be able to do just what I want to when I want to do it, and if that is nothing at all I will be thrilled. I have never met a retired person who hates their retirement.
This is kick butt Monday, so I hope that the first day of your week is a great one!
Until tomorrow,
Becky
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To bring you up to date with my dizzy spells, my blood pressure was high and I went to the doctor to see about it. I left there with two new prescriptions, and so far I haven't been dizzy. When I am home for the weekend I have ceased making those to do lists, the gotta get done lists, and just rest. I am sure that the Earth will still spin on it's axis if I don't get everything done I think NEEDS to get done.
That being said, I see it is time for me to get ready for work. It is the clock on the wall that is my enemy. I know all of you can relate. However, I am blessed to have my health, a good job I love, and loving family and friends. One of these days I will be able to do just what I want to when I want to do it, and if that is nothing at all I will be thrilled. I have never met a retired person who hates their retirement.
This is kick butt Monday, so I hope that the first day of your week is a great one!
Until tomorrow,
Becky
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Thursday, February 01, 2007
BACK ON MY HEAD
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 closed all over this part of the state.
This morning I woke up dizzy as I have been off and on for a couple of weeks. I am not sure what the problem is, but think as a precaution I will go in and have my blood pressure taken. Better to be safe than sorry, and as I have a very hectic schedule for the next few months I can't take any chances.
It is good to be home! As I come around the bend in the road, nothing looks better than my little house among the pine trees....here on my country road.
Until tomorrow,
Becky
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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 closed all over this part of the state.
This morning I woke up dizzy as I have been off and on for a couple of weeks. I am not sure what the problem is, but think as a precaution I will go in and have my blood pressure taken. Better to be safe than sorry, and as I have a very hectic schedule for the next few months I can't take any chances.
It is good to be home! As I come around the bend in the road, nothing looks better than my little house among the pine trees....here on my country road.
Until tomorrow,
Becky
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