Construction Man's grandad, Grampa Charlie, was born on this day in 1905 in Gobel, AR. He has since passed away, but we always remember him come the end of February.
He says they moved his birthday to Feb. 28th so that it came around more often!
He was a hard working man of the oilfield. He and Grandma Marg had seven kids. They followed the oil booms from Texas, to Oklahoma, to Colorado, to Wyoming. They never had much, but we sure did have some great family dinners when my girls were young.
Grampa Charlie called our three daughters "Charlie's Angels!" They sure are all that!
Happy Birthday, Grampa Charlie. We miss you!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
You Say Goodbye, I Say Hello
The best selling band in history, The Beatles, formed in 1960. One year before I was born. I never listened to them as a kid. But since having kids, and they have posters, cd's, calendars, etc. I now know every song!
Also, having played guitar forever, and studying a bit of music theory, The Beatles have chord progressions that are absolute genius! Not to mention their lyrics...
"You say yes, I say no, you say stop, I say go, go, go
You say goodbye and I say Hello, Hello, Hello..."
Like I said, genius!!
A song about friction. A song about difficulty. A song about impossible. A song about disagreement.
"Yes, no
high, low
stop, go"
Whatever!!
Why? What? Who?
I always thought my dad looked just like Paul. So cute... so handsome!
Also, having played guitar forever, and studying a bit of music theory, The Beatles have chord progressions that are absolute genius! Not to mention their lyrics...
"You say yes, I say no, you say stop, I say go, go, go
You say goodbye and I say Hello, Hello, Hello..."
Like I said, genius!!
A song about friction. A song about difficulty. A song about impossible. A song about disagreement.
"Yes, no
high, low
stop, go"
Whatever!!
Why? What? Who?
I always thought my dad looked just like Paul. So cute... so handsome!
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Rollin, Rollin, Rollin...
Boy did this week go by fast.
Worked Monday and Friday with three days off in between.
Went to Billings on Thursday with Construction Man. Looking for a new axel for a trailer. Took the Beautician out for dinner. She is so cute! Love that girl.
Went to the gym once this week! Oh well...
Back out to the barn to work Addy this morning. All is as it should be.
Happy Saturday!
Worked Monday and Friday with three days off in between.
Went to Billings on Thursday with Construction Man. Looking for a new axel for a trailer. Took the Beautician out for dinner. She is so cute! Love that girl.
Went to the gym once this week! Oh well...
Back out to the barn to work Addy this morning. All is as it should be.
Happy Saturday!
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Three Months of Fifty
Three months and counting...
I was given a word this year by God.
That word was "live."
I am still trying to understand the whole essence of the meaning of the word. "Live!"
I have been fifty years old for three months.
I look good, I feel good, I am finding happiness and contentment again in the simple things such as daylight, health, sleep, food, horses, dogs and most importantly family and relationships. My children continue to flourish, my marriage continues to flourish, my heart beats steadily, rising and falling with the truth of God's Word and the lies of this world. Balance has come for a time.
I am thankful for the truth. I am thankful I know the difference!
I am thankful for love. I am thankful to have loved, and been loved, so fully thus far.
I am thankful for a faith in God... not just a faith in faith.
I am thankful for hope. There will be a place to come when we will be reunited with those we have loved and lost to this world and God Himself will wipe every tear from our eyes.
To ashes we will all return.
Lent is a time to reflect. To stand on the edge of magnificence and forget about ourselves for awhile. Whether you give something up or take on a positive, new activity to enrich your life during this Lenten season, do it remembering Who is at the center of it all. And then, when Easter Sunday comes, may your appreciation of what Christ suffered on the cross that Friday so long ago, His death and resurrection, and the dawn of that grand Sunday morning be so alive in your heart and mind.
I was given a word this year by God.
That word was "live."
I am still trying to understand the whole essence of the meaning of the word. "Live!"
I have been fifty years old for three months.
I look good, I feel good, I am finding happiness and contentment again in the simple things such as daylight, health, sleep, food, horses, dogs and most importantly family and relationships. My children continue to flourish, my marriage continues to flourish, my heart beats steadily, rising and falling with the truth of God's Word and the lies of this world. Balance has come for a time.
I am thankful for the truth. I am thankful I know the difference!
I am thankful for love. I am thankful to have loved, and been loved, so fully thus far.
I am thankful for a faith in God... not just a faith in faith.
I am thankful for hope. There will be a place to come when we will be reunited with those we have loved and lost to this world and God Himself will wipe every tear from our eyes.
To ashes we will all return.
Lent is a time to reflect. To stand on the edge of magnificence and forget about ourselves for awhile. Whether you give something up or take on a positive, new activity to enrich your life during this Lenten season, do it remembering Who is at the center of it all. And then, when Easter Sunday comes, may your appreciation of what Christ suffered on the cross that Friday so long ago, His death and resurrection, and the dawn of that grand Sunday morning be so alive in your heart and mind.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Cowgirls of the old West
I just love these gals that used to rodeo and trick ride.
I wonder if Addy would mind if I tried a few of these tricks on her! We have been line driving the last few go rounds and she is doing quite well. I have bounced up in the stirrup and am just about ready to get on. We need a little bit better stop though. She is kind and willing. So much fun!
Monday, February 20, 2012
BOB SEGER ROCKS!!
"Stood alone on a mountaintop
starin' out at the great divide.
I could go east, I could go west
it was all up to me to decide.
Just then I saw a young hawk flyin'
and my soul began to rise.
And pretty soon my heart was singin'
Roll, roll me away
gonna roll me away tonight
Gotta keep rollin'
Gotta keep ridin'
Keep searchin' till I find what's right
And as the sunset faded
I spoke to faintest first starlight
and I said next time
next time
we'll get it right."
~~"Roll Me Away" Bob Seger
I was listening to this CD on my way out to the barnyard yesterday. It made me cry.
So many good memories all wrapped up in one voice. But it isn't just Bob singing when the vinyl starts to spin... I can hear my brother Dave singin', my sister Cheri singin', my Mom singin'. Bob Seger, a Michigan boy, can write a ballad, tell a story, play the piano in the blue spot, center stage, all alone. I saw him do it at Castle Farms Theatre in Charlevoix, MI when I was a younger woman. An amazing musician that certainly deserved and earned his place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
starin' out at the great divide.
I could go east, I could go west
it was all up to me to decide.
Just then I saw a young hawk flyin'
and my soul began to rise.
And pretty soon my heart was singin'
Roll, roll me away
gonna roll me away tonight
Gotta keep rollin'
Gotta keep ridin'
Keep searchin' till I find what's right
And as the sunset faded
I spoke to faintest first starlight
and I said next time
next time
we'll get it right."
~~"Roll Me Away" Bob Seger
I was listening to this CD on my way out to the barnyard yesterday. It made me cry.
So many good memories all wrapped up in one voice. But it isn't just Bob singing when the vinyl starts to spin... I can hear my brother Dave singin', my sister Cheri singin', my Mom singin'. Bob Seger, a Michigan boy, can write a ballad, tell a story, play the piano in the blue spot, center stage, all alone. I saw him do it at Castle Farms Theatre in Charlevoix, MI when I was a younger woman. An amazing musician that certainly deserved and earned his place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Sunday Stills and Yesterday's Drive
Friday, February 17, 2012
Happy Birthday Megan and Tye
My niece's birthday was yesterday!! She is so beautiful and talented. She can crochet circles around anyone I've ever met--young or old. She is sweet in disposition, kind in word and deed, and a teenager to boot!! We love you, Meg. We are so proud of you. Keep shining!!
Meg on the right, Lily on her back!
Also, happy birthday (tomorrow) to my brother-in-law!! He is one of the most determined people I have ever met. He is one of the best dads and a pretty amazing brother too. We love you, Tye!
Uncle Tye on the right, little Tye on the left.
Also, happy birthday (tomorrow) to my brother-in-law!! He is one of the most determined people I have ever met. He is one of the best dads and a pretty amazing brother too. We love you, Tye!
Uncle Tye on the right, little Tye on the left.
the business of living....
Though winter still has time to be itself, and I am forced into winter doldrums, I am doing my damnedest to hold on. With work at the Lamplighter coming steadily each week and eating up time, I find myself thankful for the swift passing. Not that I am advocating the wasting of time as nothing is a waste in God's economy, I'm just sure and certain that I will be happier with warmer temps and birds chirpping!
I have since saddled my filly and hung a bit in her mouth. She responds laterally to the reins and will be line driven here in the next few days. She has a deathly fear of donkeys. The little jack they have at the stable is right up the alleyway from Addy's stall and we must pass him by (braying all the way) to get to the arena and the hitching post... not without great fear and trepidation. She is getting a good lesson in backing up however. Cause if we can't do this nicely going forward, we will do it excitedly going backwards. But, we will do it nonetheless.
Tonight I go to Red Lodge to see some girlfriends and simply be together. I miss all my sisters there and can't wait to hug them, share the last few months of our lives and of course eat!
Hank the Cowdog continues to grow to mammoth proportions. I knew his puppy paws looked far too big for his fluffy little body. He is smart and content to be in the Whitlock household.
All is well. Enjoy your day while it is still today.
Hanks relative!! :)
I have since saddled my filly and hung a bit in her mouth. She responds laterally to the reins and will be line driven here in the next few days. She has a deathly fear of donkeys. The little jack they have at the stable is right up the alleyway from Addy's stall and we must pass him by (braying all the way) to get to the arena and the hitching post... not without great fear and trepidation. She is getting a good lesson in backing up however. Cause if we can't do this nicely going forward, we will do it excitedly going backwards. But, we will do it nonetheless.
Tonight I go to Red Lodge to see some girlfriends and simply be together. I miss all my sisters there and can't wait to hug them, share the last few months of our lives and of course eat!
Hank the Cowdog continues to grow to mammoth proportions. I knew his puppy paws looked far too big for his fluffy little body. He is smart and content to be in the Whitlock household.
All is well. Enjoy your day while it is still today.
Hanks relative!! :)
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
One Day at a Time
Every day now, the countryman will remind you, is another day toward spring. If it is bright and sunny, it is a bonus day to weigh against the winter averages. If it is raw and blustery, full of snow or sleet or torturing wind, it is one more day of winter endured. Either way, it moves us another step toward April.
The days themselves are changing. When the year turned, the sun was in the sky only a little more than nine hours. In mid-February it will be there, visible or not, an hour and a half longer. And the night hours of darkness are losing their grip on the numbing cold. Until the middle of February, the nights will have been losing about two minutes of darkness each day, but after this period they will lose almost three.
Don't go looking for spring just down the road. All you will find is March. The vernal equinox is just weeks ahead, true; but spring isn't a date on a calendar, and it isn't an astronomical calculation set down in an almanac. Spring is a new sprout, an unfolding leaf, a blossom and a bee. It is brooks chattering across the meadows and peepers shrilling in the boglands in the dusk.
But first, winter must pass. And winter, whether it lifts you heart or tries your soul, still passes one day at a time.
~~~Editorial in New York Times
tapping the maple tree
The days themselves are changing. When the year turned, the sun was in the sky only a little more than nine hours. In mid-February it will be there, visible or not, an hour and a half longer. And the night hours of darkness are losing their grip on the numbing cold. Until the middle of February, the nights will have been losing about two minutes of darkness each day, but after this period they will lose almost three.
Don't go looking for spring just down the road. All you will find is March. The vernal equinox is just weeks ahead, true; but spring isn't a date on a calendar, and it isn't an astronomical calculation set down in an almanac. Spring is a new sprout, an unfolding leaf, a blossom and a bee. It is brooks chattering across the meadows and peepers shrilling in the boglands in the dusk.
But first, winter must pass. And winter, whether it lifts you heart or tries your soul, still passes one day at a time.
~~~Editorial in New York Times
tapping the maple tree
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
love
love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. love never ends. ~~God
these words are not just reserved for weddings. they apply in everyday living.
so get on with it! (everyday living!)
these words are not just reserved for weddings. they apply in everyday living.
so get on with it! (everyday living!)
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Sunday Stills
Construction Man got to go fishing last weekend. Here is the result.
Remnants of yesterday's snowfall
Remnants of yesterday's snowfall
Friday, February 10, 2012
Yeah, Friday!
The long week has come to an end. And I for one am glad!
I am on my way out to the barn to see my horse and then it's time to vacuum and clean and finish putting
the laundry away. Ordinary. So in love with an ordinary life.
Getting on with taking care of my family and being content in all things.
This is not easy! But a great challenge to be accomplished.
“Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale.” ~~~Anonymous
Did I say ordinary life or still life!!??
"There ain't no normal life, Wyatt, there's only life. So get on with it!" ~~ Doc Holliday
I am on my way out to the barn to see my horse and then it's time to vacuum and clean and finish putting
the laundry away. Ordinary. So in love with an ordinary life.
Getting on with taking care of my family and being content in all things.
This is not easy! But a great challenge to be accomplished.
“Once in a while, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale.” ~~~Anonymous
Did I say ordinary life or still life!!??
"There ain't no normal life, Wyatt, there's only life. So get on with it!" ~~ Doc Holliday
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Early Morning
Perhaps it was an early morning because I never really slept last night at Grandma Betty's house.
She was in and out all night and very cute trying to convey her thoughts without her dentures!
Every time I said "I love you Grammy," she inevitably smiled! Which made me smile and then cry at the thought of carrying on without her. And then I would smile at the thought of her getting to Heaven and seeing Grandpa and her daughter Jean and then all of her other family... she came from a family of thirteen kids!
And on and on it goes. The circle of life.
Who'd of thunk that death is a huge part of the circle of life. It comes to us all.
"It's the Circle of Life
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the Circle
The Circle of Life" ~~ Elton John
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven... He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." ~~Ecclesiastes 3
...a time to be born and a time to die.
She was in and out all night and very cute trying to convey her thoughts without her dentures!
Every time I said "I love you Grammy," she inevitably smiled! Which made me smile and then cry at the thought of carrying on without her. And then I would smile at the thought of her getting to Heaven and seeing Grandpa and her daughter Jean and then all of her other family... she came from a family of thirteen kids!
And on and on it goes. The circle of life.
Who'd of thunk that death is a huge part of the circle of life. It comes to us all.
"It's the Circle of Life
And it moves us all
Through despair and hope
Through faith and love
Till we find our place
On the path unwinding
In the Circle
The Circle of Life" ~~ Elton John
"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven... He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." ~~Ecclesiastes 3
...a time to be born and a time to die.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Saying Goodbye... again.
Our grandmother is 93 years old and ready to go home. She has asked me to bring my guitar to her house today when I go to spend the night with her.
She is preparing for her funeral service.
She loves the old hymns... so do I.
"In The Garden" is one of her requests.
My favorite line: "And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known."
All I know is we need to do a whole lot more "tarrying" with those we love.
She is preparing for her funeral service.
She loves the old hymns... so do I.
"In The Garden" is one of her requests.
My favorite line: "And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known."
All I know is we need to do a whole lot more "tarrying" with those we love.
Monday, February 6, 2012
Day 1 Round Pen
Yesterday was Addie's first day in the round pen at our new stable. She was quite happy to walk, trot and canter both directions with a little coaxing from the snap of the whip and the point of my finger.
When we finished the short lesson, I sat down on the mounting block with a small bucket of grain and let her come to me to be clipped back onto the lead line and taken back to her pen. She was compliant for a coming three year old filly!
She seems to be doing alright without her stablemates from whence we came, however, she is surrounded with what seems like a gazillion mules and donkeys as the owner of the stable is a mule trainer/breeder.
When we finished the short lesson, I sat down on the mounting block with a small bucket of grain and let her come to me to be clipped back onto the lead line and taken back to her pen. She was compliant for a coming three year old filly!
She seems to be doing alright without her stablemates from whence we came, however, she is surrounded with what seems like a gazillion mules and donkeys as the owner of the stable is a mule trainer/breeder.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
Worries and Cares of this Life
"Do not let the worries and cares of this life blind you..." ~~Corrie Ten Boom
I don't know about you, but this is how I have lived most of my life! Blindly... Always thinking I can make things all better for those around me. I can't. Always thinking I had the answers for those around me. I don't. Always thinking the brunt of the doing, "Get 'er done!" depended on me. It doesn't. Always thinking I should be the strong one in tough situations. I'm not. Never was.
There is One that is much greater. He is the One with all the strength, the wisdom and the power to guide us. It's His will being done--as hard as this is to understand most of the time. But, He can be trusted. We don't need to know all the answers. We are human and don't even possess such capacity anyway.
It is a relief to just let go and really begin to live and accept the good and the joy in this life. For it is all around us and we might as well get started!
All we get is today... right now. There are laughs to be had, people to tell "I love you!" and sorrows to be dealt with and left behind. We have so much to look forward to.
God is in control. He knows right where each one of us are at.
If Corrie Ten Boom could come through the worst of Hitler's atrocities and still keep her eyes on all that is good and right, so can we.
You have God's permission to go and have a great day!
I don't know about you, but this is how I have lived most of my life! Blindly... Always thinking I can make things all better for those around me. I can't. Always thinking I had the answers for those around me. I don't. Always thinking the brunt of the doing, "Get 'er done!" depended on me. It doesn't. Always thinking I should be the strong one in tough situations. I'm not. Never was.
There is One that is much greater. He is the One with all the strength, the wisdom and the power to guide us. It's His will being done--as hard as this is to understand most of the time. But, He can be trusted. We don't need to know all the answers. We are human and don't even possess such capacity anyway.
It is a relief to just let go and really begin to live and accept the good and the joy in this life. For it is all around us and we might as well get started!
All we get is today... right now. There are laughs to be had, people to tell "I love you!" and sorrows to be dealt with and left behind. We have so much to look forward to.
God is in control. He knows right where each one of us are at.
If Corrie Ten Boom could come through the worst of Hitler's atrocities and still keep her eyes on all that is good and right, so can we.
You have God's permission to go and have a great day!
Friday, February 3, 2012
Log house up the North Fork
Today we put in a bid on a house up the North Fork.
It would be very beautiful with lots of elbow grease.
Our realtor is amazing and works very hard for us.
We'll see what happens. How exciting!
North Fork Scenery
It would be very beautiful with lots of elbow grease.
Our realtor is amazing and works very hard for us.
We'll see what happens. How exciting!
North Fork Scenery
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Enough
Everything points to this today. My emails sent by loving friends, my devotional, and even the music that came to my heart today. ENOUGH.
No matter our resources, we will fail unless we use them according to God's plan.
~~Dave Branon
"I will say of the Lord, 'He is my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.'"
~~~Psalm 91:2
Lately we've been scheming to get our farm sold on Road 8, (which might be a done deal,) trying to find work as we are too young to retire, and figure out how and where we will live out the rest of our days.
I know God has the plan. Plans to prosper us, plans for a hope and a future. We just need to rest in this. We really need to put our expressions of trust in Him to the test!
He is all we need. What Jesus did on the cross is enough.
I wish you enough today.
Construction Man doing something that makes him happy!
No matter our resources, we will fail unless we use them according to God's plan.
~~Dave Branon
"I will say of the Lord, 'He is my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.'"
~~~Psalm 91:2
Lately we've been scheming to get our farm sold on Road 8, (which might be a done deal,) trying to find work as we are too young to retire, and figure out how and where we will live out the rest of our days.
I know God has the plan. Plans to prosper us, plans for a hope and a future. We just need to rest in this. We really need to put our expressions of trust in Him to the test!
He is all we need. What Jesus did on the cross is enough.
I wish you enough today.
Construction Man doing something that makes him happy!
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Chopped Champion
"Chopped Champion." That's what they call me at my house!! Since it's my favorite show and since I am really enjoying my new job as top lettuce chopper at The Lamplighter I have acquired a new nickname!!
Oh well. I have been called worse!! :) :0
Proof of my skills. Celery...
Oh well. I have been called worse!! :) :0
Proof of my skills. Celery...
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