Bad, Bad, Bad

I realize that I've been bad lately and not posted to my blog. In Blogger Land, that is a sin... I think. The thing is... really... it is sometimes hard to do all that posting. Once in awhile, things happen and the last thing you think about is the blog. Then someone comes up to you and gives you a critical eye. They mention that they've checked every day and seen nothing new. Oh, the shame of it all.

So... for those who are concerned and must get a little update... my faithful readers, whom I really do appreciate, I'll post a little... and I do mean little... update.

This past week I took off to visit Daughter I-Needa. I also managed to get a haircut in her town. It seems silly to drive out of town to get my hair cut, but sometimes a gal has to do what a gal has to do. The end result is worth the means. It is true with my hair. I could be normal or snazzy. I opted for snazzy.

So... I-Needa and I played awhile and did a little shopping. Kohl's is up the street from her place, and there are always sales. SALE is my favorite word... almost. They had them and we took advantage of them. I like how they print out at the bottom of the receipt how much you saved. It gets to the point where you don't look at how much you spent, just how much you saved. Works for me! Tah Dah.

Then there is dancing with Ranch Man. Ah, sweet dancing. I love dancing and Ranch Man is a dancer. Where has he been all my life?! Anyhoo... it has been partying and dancing time. I learned one thing: I need to exercise more and sit at the computer less. Ah, where did the energy of my youth go? My mind is sometimes on the fast track, and my body is dragging behind. I did not say my behind is dragging. I just meant that I'd probably be in better shape and feel better if I'd start getting more exercise and stop bending my elbow to my mouth as often. I'm sure I'm not alone with that one.

Well... there you have it. It is a small and unimportant update to my existence. It is now time to practice a little self discipline (a word I don't like) and clean the house. I have a friend coming for a visit this week, and I need to spiffy things up around here. I plan on cleaning out the science experiments from the refrigerator. That is a joke we have. However, the refrigerator does need cleaning.

I-Needa Needed Windows

Daughter I-Needa woke up one fine day and decided that she just needed a few new windows. Yes, she had seen someone else in the neighborhood getting them, and she began to see the issues with her own windows. Of course... I-Needa needed something.... windows.

Today the man from Window World arrived to install a new window in her bedroom and two new windows in her kitchen.

He began by hanging around to take the current window out. Gee... that looks like a torch. Yep... going to be cutting that window away.





He really was tidy. I'm glad he hasn't been around Master Carpenter Man. These Window Man droppings aren't too bad... really.




Don't you like that little stool with storage in it? Handy, huh?





Now comes the exciting moment with the new bedroom window in place... Of course.. double hung. She will be able to lean them inside and wash them. Such joy!


She said when he put the new window up, she couldn't even hear the air conditioning noise from outside. She was amazed. Oh... she is going to love her new window.










Here we have the final picture after I-Needa wrestled new mini-blinds into place and rehung the valance. She confessed to me that she had read the directions for putting up the mini blinds and that it was a mistake. I think I must have hung the last ones as she didn't seem to remember such an experience.

I told her that I always throw out the screws that come with the blinds and go to the lumber yard to get new good ones. The screws that come with them strip out easily. She thanked me for giving her that good piece of advice after the fact.








Now to the kitchen. These windows have lost their seal and it is really hard, if not impossible, to see through them. The one on the right looks like some kind of monster. Actually, you can see Mr. Window Man through the one on the right, but he does look a little scary.







Let's take a closer look at that window. Ah, perhaps I-Needa really did need a new window. She calls it her 'Monster' window. I'm thinking I can see a monster if I look really close.






Yep... I think it was time for a new window.







So, here is Mr. Window Man caulking in the new windows. Yea!!!


I-Needa really does love them.









Now she can see her fence and flowers outside. I know she was worn out after having the noise and doings going on today. I reminded her that I'd suffered almost seven months of construction noise and droppings. She had sympathy for me. Yes, she did.

Mad At One's Self

A recent incident which involved a cell phone and a swimming pool reminded me of something from my past. I shall not elaborate on the cell phone and the swimming pool as it is too fresh and painful for the person involved to be seen with humor. However, it did remind me of another story from years gone by.

Once upon a time... years ago... I had those hard contact lenses that you paid a ton of money for and kept forever... or until you killed them. Each night I was to put the contact lenses in a case, put them in a little sterilizer and heat them. One day the nifty little unit died. So, I went to Plan B and began putting the contact lens case in a pan of water, bringing it to a boil, then turning off the flame and letting the water cool with the case in it. I did that for awhile rather than buy a new sterilizer unit.

As the law of averages would have it, one night I was awakened in the wee hours by a putrid smell... sickeningly sweet. When I finally surfaced enough to realize what was going on, I knew I'd not returned to turn off the fire under the pan of water that contained the contact lens case.

I remember jumping from the bed and thinking that I hoped I hadn't killed my kids with fumes from melting plastic. It really was a strong smell. After seeing that they were breathing... seriously... I was scared...., I ran in and turned off the flame. There was a puddle of melted, burned, almost charred in places, plastic containing my expensive contact lenses in the bottom of a very dry burned pan.

I couldn't believe I'd been so careless. I remembered well getting sidetracked and leaving the pan on the stove. I was thankful I hadn't killed the kids with fumes... or me either. I was also a tad peeved at my own careless act and the fact that it was costly and totally preventable.

It was then I had a stroke of genius. The next morning, after the glob of plastic cooled and I was able to retrieve it from the bottom of the pan, I carried it to Daughter I-Needa and carefully placed it into her hands. I told her what I'd done and how careless and costly that mistake had been. I told her that she was to hang on to it, to place it somewhere safe, and that she might need it in the future. I told her that one day when she did something really careless and costly, she was to simply had me the glob of melted plastic. It was her safety key. It would be an instant reminder that I had no right to blame her for a careless and costly mistake.

I knew that at some point in time I-Needa would redeem herself with that glob of plastic. I was right.

I was away at an evening meeting. A sitter had been here taking care of the kids. When I returned, I found the glob of melted plastic carefully placed on my bed pillow. I stared at it for awhile, then laughed. I went to I-Needa's room carrying the glob and asked what had happened.

She remembers lying there afraid of really getting in trouble. She had taken out her lenses and accidentally filled the case too full of cleaning solution. When she screwed on the top, she hadn't realized that the lens had floated too near the edge. It was smashed to smithereens. That's when she had remembered the glob of plastic so carefully hidden in her underwear drawer.

I just smiled and told her that I really did understand how she felt. We talked about the time I'd melted that glob and how I'd felt when I did it. I told I-Needa that I really did understand how she felt and that it was okay.

I think my actions with the glob of plastic was a result of something my father had done years before. He liked to refinish furniture as a hobby. He had refinished a lovely round walnut table and planned on using it for a breakfast table. Mother and Dad left for a nearby town to deliver our old breakfast table to someone who wished to buy it. I was left alone in the house and came up with a splendid plan to be helpful and surprise them when they returned.

I decided to move the table into the breakfast area and get it set up before they returned. To get the table through a door, I would have to turn it on its side and work it through the doorway. What I didn't think about was the fact that it had a lock on the underside to keep it from sliding apart. I didn't know about that. Plus... the lock wasn't locked. As I tilted the table, the parts slid and the table edge crashed into the concrete porch floor. Not good! I remember even today how sick my stomach felt at that moment. I would have given anything to take back those few seconds in time. I looked at the edge of the round table and saw the broken mess. This meant that my father would have to redo the table to repair it. All my good plans for a surprise were shot all to heck and back.

I remember that afternoon as one of the longest in my life. I went to a friend's house to share the horrid thing I'd done and seek some comfort. I considered packing my bags and just never returning. I just felt sick. The few hours that my folks were gone seemed to stretch into an eternity. I knew that I'd have to tell what a careless thing I'd done as soon as they returned.

I remember so well what happened when I faced my father to tell him what I'd done. He just looked at the table and said it could be fixed. There was not one word spoken about it. He didn't get after me about it at all. I remember the relief I felt at the time. I think that is what drove me to give that glob of plastic to I-Needa. It reminded me of how my father had reacted without condemnation. I wanted a reminder so that I'd remember to treat I-Needa the same way if it was ever needed.

I realize I've babbled on today about something that happened years ago, but I hope I never forget those things. It is important to remember that we all mess up. Some messes are bigger than others, but getting mad at one's self, or others, doesn't help the situation. We are all going to do careless and costly things at some point in our lives. We should respond with forgiveness and a realization that we are human and just do things like that.

Pie

I might well name this picture 'Portrait in Gold Tones'. I even read suggestions from Ree's Pioneer Woman blog about how to take food pictures. It just didn't work for me. I could have continued trying to adjust lighting, etc, but the pie would be long past consumed by the time I got it right.

So, dear blog reader, consider this a picture of pie and continue.

To be specific, it is peach pie... fresh peach pie.. baked my me. For your information, I'm not a pie baker. I also hate the feel of peach fuzz. It is almost like running fingers down an old fashioned chalk board. It gives me the shivers. It just feels yucky.

So when Ranch Man deposited a sack of peaches on my counter and mentioned that word 'pie', I paled. I knew that I was being challenged once again. The fact that these were special peaches from Porter, a town that holds a festival for peaches each year, didn't help. I was responsible for making the supreme pie with perfect taste.

As I saw it, I had three choices: (A) Ignore it (B) Explore it, or (C) Go for it. As Ranch Man saw it I had one choice... Just guess which one.

I searched out a recipe and found one in a Southern Living Annual Cookbook that was lurking in my new over the computer desk cabinet. I hoped all the money I'd spent on cookbooks would pay off and I'd find something there. I did. (Little dance of joy!)

While I was in the middle of slicing those fuzzy little peaches, Son Right Back called. He asked what I was doing. I told him. Twenty minutes later he stopped laughing. I continued slicing peaches and just rolled my eyes a bit. I figured he would quit at some point. He did. Then he picked up the dialogue as to my pie making history and my squeamishness concerning peach fuzz. He said that I just had to know it was funny. I didn't admit it right away, but I knew he was right.

The story has a happy ending. The pie was quite tasty. Ranch Man gave his approval. He was smart enough to do a little raving about it as I'd certainly dropped enough hints about my sacrifice of peach fuzz handling. Of course, I'm sure he will expect more pie in the future. I'm not sure that's happy news for me. Once again, I'm amazed at what we will do for others when the incentive is there. Tah Dah

The Finish

I've been quietly celebrating the end of the kitchen remodel and the fact that Master Carpenter Man has taken away all the droppings he left in a little storage building. He has been paid his final check, and I am free of all that chaos in my house.

I don't want to seem ungrateful at all. Really. I'd do this all again if I had to. Seven months is a long time to be living in the middle of a mess. I'm one of those 'visual' people who like things to look nice. I want things in their place. Stepping over and around packed boxes and carpenter droppings for seven months will wear on a visual person.

I realize that this post isn't really exciting to my reader. Please understand that I'm just kicked back breathing in and out slowly. I'm trying to arrive at the point where I'll be able to pull myself up and accomplish something else. I have managed to let my mind wander to a few other projects that I could do. The key here is the word 'I'. That means me... myself... the big I. I want to paint the guest bedroom. I need to paint the bathroom woodwork. I can do that, too. I just need to get out of the chair and get started. Actually, I think I'll just give myself a little more recovery time. Then I'll get after it.

Today you are blessed with no picture. You'll just have to imagine me sitting in my chair with a happy smile on my face. At times I do a little happy dance. I'm just happy to have survived the seven month carpenter mess. I'm happy with the new look to my kitchen, hall, and dining room. It is nice to have things looking good. I'm happy with all of it, especially arriving at the finish.

Before and After

These are the new cabinets above the washer and dryer area.

A few months ago..... What am I saying??? Few nothing!! It was all the way back to the first full week of January... this year. Yes... a long time ago, I started out to do a few FEW things to my kitchen. I wanted an update. I wanted to refinish or paint the cabinets, do something about the flooring, and definitely a new ceiling.

Then reality took over and the complete update began. For all these months, I've lived in carpenter droppings and boxes. I kept my sanity. I haven't had that certified yet, but I think I did okay... considering.





This is what the washer/dryer area looked like before. It was okay, but I sure do like my new cabinets.



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Back in October, before the kitchen mess, Master Carpenter Man arrived to work on the living and dining room ceilings. I took this picture in the kitchen... which is complete with droppings from that job. It only takes him thirty minutes to leave things around. You can see the tile, counters, and flooring. Everything has been replaced.

Do keep going.





Here is a photo taken last Thanksgiving. You can see my stove area. There are cabinets against the wall into the dining room. The lower one was virtually useless as I couldn't get to the pans in the bottom. It really was a wasted space. I hadn't designed it... it was just there when I bought the house. You might also check out the flooring... gone now.



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Master Carpenter Man moved the door to the pantry and made more room for the cabinet to sit so the drawers and shelving was usable. I replaced the white ceramic tile with glazed stone. Also... no wallpaper... I like this shade of green paint, and there is some fleck of the green in the counter top. I know everyone thinks that granite counter tops are the way to go, but I still opted for a good laminate with a waterfall edge and backsplash. I like it.

I also talked him into custom making new solid oak cabinets. They are wonderful.


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This was the corner of the kitchen used for my computer work. It was homey, but I really didn't like all the rolling carts and bookshelf that I needed.


We solved that...



Oh, I love my new work space...




I now have all the storage space I need with wall cabinets.

I also have built in file drawers and shelving that slides all the way out to hold my printer and my dedicated photo scanner. Loving it!!!


You might also note that the linoleum flooring has been replaced with solid oak nail down flooring. Loving that too.

I'm really grateful to Master Carpenter Man for all his hard work. I've said it before, but this perfectionist man is great to have around. When things are worth doing, they are worth doing right.

It is nice to have my kitchen back! I may still be in recovery mode as far as getting over all the wear and tear on my sanity. I'm not going to say it was easy. It wasn't, but it was worth it.

Not My Comfort Zone

I'm here to confess this morning that sometimes I'm just out of my comfort zone. Maybe that's a good thing and will keep me youthful. I'm not sure. I know that I'm frequently rolling my eyes toward heaven wondering what is next.

It's shipping time on the ranches. Yes, I shared that before on my first outing to see shipping first hand. It really was a neat experience and one that I said I'd do again just for fun. That's true. I would... really.

So.... there has been a discussion with Ranch Man about driving his feed truck. Hum.... You see, the feed truck is NOT one of those nice little automatic shift numbers. Of course not! The feed truck is not even nice. It is what it is: a useful piece of equipment to rattle around in pastures. It doesn't have to be pretty... or automatic. The problem: I don't drive a standard shift. I do know how in my head, but that is a far stretch from being able to do it in reality.

The need arose to have a feed truck driver to lead the cattle while Ranch Man herded them with a 4-wheeler. He posed the question: Do you suppose you could lead the cattle? Funny Ranch Man! Do 'I' suppose I could? I absolutely know I'd be better off running in front of them throwing feed from a basket then trying to drive that stick shift feed truck up the drive.

Being the supportive woman that I am, my mind flipped into gear to help be a problem solver. Actually, I'd do anything to get out of driving that feed truck... especially since I can't drive the feed truck. (Oh... I see lessons on that in my future) I did the next best thing... I volunteered son Right Back. I knew he could do it. He can drive anything and doesn't mind working around the cattle either. I was a little concerned about his foot as he has been recovering from that 'jumping out of a perfectly good plane' injury. He said he could do it, so off he went this morning to help Ranch Man. Good ole Right Back!!!

In the meantime, I'm going to ponder this whole comfort zone thing. Besides the standard transmission problem, I also have the 4-wheelers. Ranch Man has coaxed me on the back of one twice now. He has driven me across the creek bottom and into the back pastures. Oh, mercy! This is another comfort zone that I'm having to work on. It's different. I'm a city gal. I've been a city gal. Now I'm working on learning about the country life. One thing is for sure and certain.... it keeps life interesting. I hope I live through it.

The Annual Poop Parade

This morning I got around and walked a few blocks to get a good place to stand and take pictures of this annual parade. Of course, it isn't officially called the Poop Parade. Who would do such a thing?

I'm afraid I'm borrowing the name from Daughter I-Needa. She always calls it that. Just use your imagination a little, and you will understand why.

Normally it is super hot on Poop Parade Day. Seriously... it is hot. Today it wasn't hot, and I'm thinking that was a blessing for both the horses and riders as well as all the watchers. Personally, I was delighted.

I was stationed on one of the streets that is used for access to the parade. There were only three or four of us here, but I loved it. People in the parade waved at us and we even carried on a conversation with some as they passed.

The parade is always colorful, and the roundup clubs around always take pride in riding down our streets carrying their club banners. It is a long tradition in our fair community.




Would you just look at this boy! He waved, then climbed into the saddle for me to take his picture. Wasn't that sweet? Loved it. I can't imagine being able to stand up on a horse. Actually, I'm not sure at this point if I could get on a horse. I may find out one day, but not today.




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There are a number of horse drawn vehicles in the parade every year.


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Showing off the colors.. national and state.


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Girls like to show off too! You go, girl!!! Go!

I might have to try that. Not really... ever.


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You are catching on... more horses and riders.
They are smiling because the humidity and temperatures are down. The horses are happy too. I can tell. Don't ask how. I just think they are.


The finale is coming up soon... keep looking.





Last, but not least in the parade, the giant pooper scooper arrives. It follows behind and quickly picks up any reminders left by the horses. They are forgiven as just don't know any better.

Small town living is great. This little parade has been going on since way before I was born. I have fond memories, and many pictures through the years of horses and riders.... the crowd too. There was no crowd today around me. I loved my new vantage point and plan on reserving it for next year.

A little note from me, the editor: No, I haven't gotten my kitchen pictures on yet. I've been busy otherwise with cleaning house and watching the parade. It will happen. Seriously.

Pictures?

Where are those up to date pictures of the kitchen? Sorry... I've been running here and there taking my mother to appointments. It has left a shortage of time to get posted here. I'm going to rummage in my before and after pictures and will post them soon... hopefully before the day is over. Right now I must run for another trip to an appointment. I shall return... shortly.

Ordering Pictures

Today you are being treated to an old picture of Daughter I-Needa's upstairs guest bathroom. We were talking about ordering pictures on the Internet and she brought up a funny thing that happened to her about four years ago. We laughed, and I suggested she send the picture to me to share with you.

I-Needa started taking pictures of her living spaces years ago. She has pictures of her bedroom and the house when she was growing up. She has pictures of her dorm and then apartments in college. She has pictures of her apartments since entering the working world, and she started another picture album when she purchased her home.

When I-Needa changes anything, she takes pictures. She said that she doesn't know why she does this, but she just does. I believe I understand.

About four years ago I-Needa was excited about moving into her newly purchased townhouse condo. Of course, she took pictures. She decided to upload them to Kodak and have them printed. It sounds like a good plan.

If you've ever purchased pictures this way, you know that you must check boxes to indicate what size pictures you want. For some strange reason, I-Needa's hand slipped and when the printed pictures arrived, she had a lovely 8 X 10 of the guest bathroom toilet. Ha!!!

We've laughed about that occasionally. Almost any other picture might have made a lovely 8 X 10, but certainly not the toilet. Perhaps you are thinking of something funny in your own life when trying to order prints of your photos. It is one of those humorous moments that one just doesn't forget.

I Live For Sales

Alas, a post without the main focus of a kitchen remodel or even Ranch Man. This is about loving a bargain.

I have to admit that my little heart soars with joy when I find those precious words 'On Sale' attached to something I'd really like to buy.

It happened yesterday at Hobby Lobby. I didn't need anything, but decided to stop in and wander around soaking in the ambiance of one of my favorite places.

I'd entered the front door and started down the aisle when a very perky smiling clerk waved her hand by the pottery and said that it wasn't marked, but everything on this particular set up was ninety percent off. She was just getting ready to mark it, and it would be taken off at the register.

Well, I had to browse there... most definitely. I wasn't sure if anything was going to call my name or not. That sense of heightened awareness that comes with the call to sales took off. I knew I had to look fast as others were hearing of the sale and starting to line up baskets. One woman started pulling things off the shelves with both hands and putting them into her basket. Hurry... hurry... look fast!

Sure enough, this little pottery piece found its way into my heart. I turned it over to discover that it had been priced $59.95. I wouldn't have paid that price for it. I would have put it back and sailed on up the aisle. However, my little noggin was doing the math, and I quickly decided that I could afford to throw caution to the wind and spend a whole $6 for this little treasure. Yahoo!

The six dollar pottery piece now sits upon my new kitchen cabinet. Ranch Man mentioned that he likes oatmeal cookies best. Guess what is inside the new jar. Yep... oatmeal cookies.

Son Right Back paid me a visit this evening. He headed right for the new pottery piece, hefted the lid and peered inside. 'Well', he said as he plucked an oatmeal cookie from the jar, 'I don't remember you having a cookie jar on the counter before.'

'Well', I replied rather weakly... 'Oatmeal cookies are Ranch Man's favorites.' Son Right Back looked at me, took a second cookie, and carefully replaced the lid.

I'm thrilled with finding such a bargain, and Ranch Man will love the contents. He doesn't know about that yet, and I hope he finds out before Right Back eats it all. Tah Dah

I Know What You Weigh Now

'I know what you weigh now!' is what he said. Those hastily spoken words escaped the lips of New Man, Ranch Man, and hung in the air between us. I was taken totally off guard and couldn't believe what he had said. Those six words were not what I wanted to hear. I leveled my teacher gaze at him and locked him in it. I've practiced and perfected the teacher look. Thirty-seven years of practice has perfected 'the look' which can render the speaker or doer motionless at a single glance.

It started with my trip to the cattle pens. I'd wanted to take a look around before the time I actually had to drive there and take pictures. Son Right Back had business in the area, so he had taken me with him, and we happened upon Ranch Man at the site. As I had been given instructions about climbing up high to get a better view for pictures, I'd had to walk across the scales.... big things.... hello!... weighing cattle twenty or so at a time.... I refused. It wasn't that I was afraid of the scales, but Ranch Man was inside the scale house trying to coax me onto the scales and carrying on about finding out what I weigh. I absolutely refused to be weighed on that cattle scale. It is the principle of the thing. No man in his right mind should try to coax a woman onto a cattle scale to help check the weight. I don't think so!! Absolutely not!! I was a tad miffed at Ranch Man for even suggesting such a thing. I refused in no uncertain terms. It just wasn't right.

Son Right Back finally got on them for the test run. He had heard enough of my vehement refusal. He was ready to move forward and get the deed done.

I believed this was the end of the story. I really did. It was only when those words were spoken by Ranch Man... those six ugly words.. that I knew he had been Sneaky Man. He was stopped dead with 'the look' for a bit, then threw his head back and roared in laughter. He said that he had gone inside the scale house while I was climbing down from my viewing place, and he had weighed me. I'm sure at this point that my eyes narrowed. I can't put on my blog what I was actually thinking. I don't want to be flagged for bad behavior here, but I had a few thoughts concerning Ranch Man's actions. Again, let's review: it is the principle of the thing! I've filed that away in my memory files of the lengths Ranch Man will go to get his way. Hum.... I don't think this is the end of it. I believe the game is afoot. This woman will not be bested, and his day will come. Tah Dah.

Unobstructed View

This most definitely isn't the best photograph in the world. I realize it wouldn't win any contests, but as I was sorting through a ton of photos, it occurred to me once again how much I love living in an area where there are far more open areas than ones with tall buildings.

I snapped this picture as we were headed across a pasture. You can see two cattle trucks as they made their way to the shipping pens. There are some other cattle that will be shipped later on the distant hills. That is pretty much it. Lots of grass, and no buildings.

I know I've remarked in an earlier blog... sometime... somewhere... of the fact that I love this country. People around here refer to it as God's Country. This one little picture doesn't do it justice, but I can look at it and appreciate the fact that it is open, green, and spacious. I'm so glad I've not been put on this earth to live in some city with tall buildings and lots of concrete. My short stay in Dallas many years ago was enough. I remember driving for a good half hour to get to a park. I remember all the houses close together and concrete everywhere. Ah...for me this is God's country.

A Whole New World

Yesterday I whined about having to get up and out of here before the sun came up. I wondered about my sanity and confessed apprehension of what lay in store for me. So... I now confess that it was really fun. I'm glad I got out of my comfort zone and headed for the cattle pens before daylight.

This is the first picture I took yesterday. I just want you to see that it really wasn't daylight yet. It is amazing what a man can get you to do. Yet... here I was at the shipping pens with cowboys on horses just waiting for the arrival of New Man... the Ranch Man.

Actually, I took about a hundred and fifty pictures during my adventure. I have some really good ones, but just going to post a few this morning for you to see.



After New Man, Ranch Man, arrived, we got into his feeding truck and headed for the pasture where he had put all the cattle that were to be shipped.

He turned on the siren to call the cattle, and they started coming from all directions. Pretty soon we had about four hundred critters following along behind, beside, and coming in from the distant hills. It was amazing...a sea of cattle. The sun wasn't really up yet, but I was thinking that it was a pretty good time to get going. The summer heat gets pretty intense fairly quickly.

The poor little critters followed along after the truck in great expectation. Little did they know what awaited them. They were going to be rounded up and loaded into the shipping trucks and off to 'you know where'. I considered hollering out the window, 'Run, Babies, run!' Common sense told me that wouldn't be a good idea.

When Ranch Man had the cattle close to the pens, the cowboys started driving them into the pens. I took this as we stopped for awhile to let the last of the cattle into the area. Some looked at me, and I kept thinking they were going to ask when that promised feed would be delivered. I could see it in their eyes.




Now I feel I must state, being the perfectly honest person that I am, that watching cowboys on horseback doing their job is pretty easy on the eyes. I'm thinking they were looking good in the saddle, and are certainly interesting to watch.

Somehow I began to feel sorry for all those who were home in bed missing out on this delightful event. Yep... I was actually enjoying the whole thing. I took tons and tons of pictures of the cowboys doing their cowboy thing. Such fun!




At last the cowboys herded a few at a time up the chute and into the waiting cattle truck while the driver watched and did his thing too. Poor babies.

I'm really grateful to New Man, Rancher Man, for sharing this little slice of ranching life with me. I've lived in cattle country for most of my life, and I've never been this up close and personal with what goes on as part of normal operation. Personally, I enjoyed it and I'd go do it again in a heartbeat.

Oh, I did have an opportunity to ride a horse. I opened my big mouth about how I'd ridden, but it had been years ago. When the horse was led to me, I paled. I looked at the stirrup, which seemed pretty high off the ground. No way was I going to try to hike my body off the ground and on top a horse in the presence of those cowboys. Nope... not doing it. That was just too far out of my comfort zone. So... I gave the horse a little petting and called it good. Tah Dah

I Must Be Crazy

Perhaps it is the crazies, but I'm sitting here writing this post while I wait to head out the door and out of town to go see and take pictures of shipping cattle! What sane person, who recently had absolutely no interest in a close up and personal relationship with cattle, would get up in the dark, dress, limit coffee to one cup, and go watch cowboys herd cattle into trucks?! I'm even expected to photograph this whole thing and stay out of the way doing it. Oh... there is a little roof on the scale house that I can climb to be out of the way and have a better place to view for pictures. A roof!!! Me climb on the roof?! Really, now.

I have to admit that I'm not in my comfort zone here. My stomach is thinking that I'm going to the dentist or something. It has those funny fluttery things in it, which I guess we can call nerves. Cattle are big. I am small. I'm going to have to stay out of the way. I may need to get on that roof. I have no doubt that New Man will yell at me if I'm in the wrong place at the wrong time. That might be worse than getting run over by cattle. We will see.

Daughter I-Needa reminded me that I'd spent years as an elementary teacher going on field trips. Her logic reminded me that if I could handle that, I can handle going out to watch cowboys doing their thing. My job isn't that much here... Really. I just need to calm down and enjoy this new experience. Easy for her to say: I believe she is in bed snoozing at the moment of my writing.

I'm also discovering that New Man only imparts information to me a little at a time on a need to know basis. Well, I guess that is just what men do. This whole experience is fairly vague to me. However, he did mention last night something about putting me in his truck and going out into the pastures to do something or other. I missed exactly what he is going to be doing. I have a feeling that it will be a rough ride and I'd better hang on. I'm thinking about taking a blindfold and gag along. At least I would know that they were clean if New Man entertained the idea of using them on me. I'm going to have to control myself and be quiet.... lay low, so to speak. Be quiet, stay out of the way, and don't get killed. Oh, joy!

Daughter I-Needa and Son Right Back tell me just to relax and enjoy this whole new experience. I imagine their suggestion is a good one. I'm trying. I really am. I know I have to trust New Man in this. My part should be easy. I guess time will tell and we will see. One thing is for sure, I'll have new blog fodder with accompaning pictures. Tah Dah.

Coming Together

The kitchen is finally looking like a kitchen again. The cabinets are installed, except for one little problem.

I got up this morning and decided that I'd best do something about posting some kitchen pics. I certainly do love the new look and will share these hurriedly taken pictures. It was still dark outside when I took them.











This is my new computer work area. It has taken the clutter away, for which I'll be eternally grateful.

I love the new storage above it!!














I'm going to get something new for the windows at some point soon. Also... see the one cabinet without a door. Master Carpenter Man had some problems with that one and is remaking it. It should be finished soon. Then I'll be able to put this kitchen remodel behind me. Of course I have some other things to do, but I'll be doing those myself.

I'm going to try to get organized here and give you some before and after pictures, but that is going to have to wait until another post.

A Country Site

I have to admit that I like animals. At least I like to look at animals. I understand the commitment one makes when taking responsibility for an animal.

I can't say I want to do that again as have enjoyed that precious freedom one gets when the kids leave home and full time employment becomes a thing of the past. Animals and freedom from responsibility don't go well together.

I just had to post this cute picture that I took when out in the country. These do not belong to New Man. I just saw them while passing along the road and had to pull over and take a picture. Everyone of them stopped to see what I was doing, so I rolled the window down slowly and as quietly as possible took this picture. I just think they are sooooo cute!! Now there is something you don't see if you live in the city. Sheep. Lovely.

Consider yourself treated to a rural perk.

Here They Come and There They Go

Daughter I-Needa has been here visiting, which is always a special treat. We did a little celebrating for the Fourth of July. No... I don't have pictures. Silly me.

We've had a cooler day or two, and I suggested that we go to New Man's garden and pick a few green beans. He then decided that we needed to experience feeding cattle.

It wasn't until later that he admitted driving through the pasture a tad faster than he normally would. Perhaps he just thought it was funny hearing us squeal. Who knows!

First he drove into the pasture area and turned on this deafening siren to call the cattle. It didn't take them long to come from far in the distance. One thing is for sure in this life: the promise of food brings us all to the table. It works for humans and animals alike. I stuck my camera out the window and took a picture as we mooooved along.

I-Needa took this picture as they passed by the truck and headed through the gate area into the next pasture. New Man headed them in with the truck, then put feed down, and they were happy little creatures.

I have to say that since New Man has come into my life, I'm having some new adventures. I'd never expected to be up close and personal with cattle, or even considering what I might do with garden vegetables.

I must say that both I-Needa and myself enjoyed the ride and getting a closer look into what goes on in the world of ranching.

P.S. I haven't figured out another name for New Man yet. I guess someone asked him why I call him 'New Man' and he replied that it rhymes with Tuna Can... one of my posts about him. He does have a sense of humor!

He's Back!

Master Carpenter Man has returned. He's HERE! He's BACK! He has returned with twenty-one handmade doors, ten drawer fronts and thingies that go in the sink area. Anyhoo... he is back.

The first thing he did was lay all the above ALL over the floor of the house... kitchen, dining room, and living room. Then he started emptying the drawers to put on the fronts. He just put stuff everywhere. I complained that there wasn't enough room in the house to keep adding piles and said he would have to put on handles as he goes so I could put stuff back.

I'm really happy that the operation is in progress and I will soon have everything back in order. Ah, for those days when stuff is organized and in order.

Let me recap... this has been a six month kitchen redo. I just wanted a few simple things done, but it has turned into a complete makeover, and I really don't regret that. It is going to be so nice to use, and I know it is well done.

Tomorrow I hope to post FINISHED pictures! Tah Dah

Painting Class

Daughter I-Needa was here this week to attend a painting class in a nearby town. She and a friend both took the two day workshop.

The teacher is Jerry Yarnell. Both gals thought he was a fabulous teacher, and they loved the workshop. I-Needa has been wanting to get into painting, and we both have watched some of his instructional programming on PBS. We love his work, so thought his instruction would be of value.



I asked I-Needa to pose for a few pictures at the end of the two day event. I loved seeing her picture and she was so proud.

I'm thinking she looks rather happy here with her work.... ah... modest. I wish I could paint like that. It looks like a great start on her new hobby.

The girls were pretty tired at the end of the two day workshop. All that learning can be mind boggling.



I asked I-Needa just how she really felt with all that new information and working so hard for two days. This is what she did. Gee.... I'm thinking that is pretty descriptive.

The girls did love the class and plan on enrolling in another one when they can. They also have plans for some painting together before another workshop. They are going to have a fantastic time. You've got to love creative expression!
Tah Dah.

A Present

My dear friend Grace... bless her heart... (if you are Southern, you understand)... bought me a present. Such a sweet dear friend, that Grace.

I say the above with tongue in cheek and just being silly. I have to admit that I'd have done the same thing if the situation had been reversed.

You see... I've been carrying on to my friends about New Man's garden and the fact that I may be called upon to can some of those garden vegetables. This town girl hasn't spent time in the kitchen canning before. I've just never felt the need to can.

So.... here comes friend Grace with a VHS tape in her hand. As you can plainly see.... it is about canning. Of course, she couldn't resist it when she saw it. Of course, she was only thinking of helping her good friend CJ. Of course she was chuckling all the way. I can't blame her. Like I said, I would have done the same thing if roles were reversed.

I was so busy with the joy of cleaning house yesterday that I haven't gotten to watch this goodie. It is fortunate that I'm such a planner and bought a combination player for both disc and VHS. I can actually watch this little gem.

I told New Man about what Grace had done. I told him that I'd questioned what kind of friend she was. She said that she just might be more New Man's friend. Do you want to know what New Man said??? Do you??? He said that she had just made his Favorites list. I wonder if that means that she can help me can? I wonder.

Learning to Love Zucchini

When New Man first announced that he was planting a big garden, I had visions of fresh tomatoes, yellow crooked neck squash, and zucchini. I love those three fresh vegetables.

I was thrilled to find that he had planted tomatoes, lots of them. Then I asked about the yellow squash and zucchini and found that he hadn't planted any, and never intended to eat any. He strongly refused to put any of that stuff into his garden... period... end of conversation. Visions of those wonderful dishes I fix with them just faded away. He was adamant, he would not, under any circumstances, let squash pass over his lips.

Well, I can't really blame him if he doesn't like them. I'm sure there are things I don't really like to eat. I can't think of any at the moment, but there must be something I don't like to eat. I was just a tad sad as know how very good these are when I cook them. He was going to miss out. He wouldn't even know how good they are. I had to resign myself to the fact that I'd cook this for myself, and he wasn't going to eat any.

Yesterday I could stand it no longer. I went to the grocery store and brought home some zucchini. He was coming for dinner, and I would make his favorite things. I was also going to make a skillet of my summer delight. So I made the following:

I started with this wonderful pepper bacon... This wonderful stuff is some he brought me from the meat processing plant he uses. It is delicious. I'd never really gotten into eating pepper bacon, but I am hooked on it but good. He absolutely loves it.

So.... I put some in the skillet and started cooking it. Then I threw in some tomatoes, onion, a little garlic, some red and green bell pepper flakes, salt, and pepper... and zucchini. I stirred and stirred, watching it cook and smelling it... yummy.

I put a lid on it and slid it to the back of the stove. New Man arrived and dinner was almost ready. I filled his plate with his favorite foods, then lifted the lid from my zucchini mixture. He leaned over and looked at it. 'What is that?', he asked. I told him that THAT was mine... mine... mine. He wasn't getting any of it. It was just for me, me, me. I told him that I respected his wish not to eat zucchini and wasn't going to give him any of it. He said that he would try a little on his plate. I told him that it was mine, mine, mine, and he wasn't going to get any. He said that he just wanted a taste.

I finally agreed to give him a little... just a little. Remember, it's mine, mine, mine. I scraped it onto my plate and gave him a tiny sample. I have to tell you that he tried it right away. He considered its flavor and pronounced, 'Well, that is okay!' 'Okay?', I said. 'Well, it has a really good flavor', he said. 'Just what did you put in it that makes it so good?' I listed the ingredients starting with his favorite, pepper bacon. He said that he had never eaten zucchini that tasted like that and he believes he can eat that.

All that stuff that is said about the way to a man's heart is through his stomach may be true. It also helps if you add his favorite ingredients. I think I've learned a lesson here. If I season everything with pepper bacon, he will love it. So... there you have it.

I must also tell you that the picture is of the two items that New Man brought me last night. I mentioned that I didn't think he had planted any of either of those. He said that he hadn't, but he 'knew people'. So... he had brought me something that he knew I liked. Points for him!!
Tah Dah!

Crafters' Paradise

I took a little trip this week to visit Daughter I-Needa. We went to see her good friend Stamping Brenda. Brenda and her husband have finally moved into their new home. It was a work in progress for a long time. I have empathy for all that construction stuff, and I have real envy for Stamping Brenda's new craft room... a paradise deluxe.

This room was designed for Brenda's card making. She has had this driving urge to craft cards for many years and is really an expert at it. Now she has a wonderful place to work, one which she deserves.

Here is Daughter I-Needa (in blue) and Stamping Brenda (in pink) talking a bit about some of her cards.

I'm just dying to show you all of this room and am going to head on over to my other blog site, which I've sadly neglected. I thought it would be fitting to post them on the craft site. I hope you will join me there... just click and go on over... Oh, come on... you know you want to see more... especially if you have your own dreams of a place to hide away and spread out all your stuff and just play... Click on the link and away you go:

My Craft Blog

Cute Pictures

This was one of the most precious sights I saw on the Saturday Ranch Tour. The little guy on a pony was just too cute for words. I know it is hard to see him in this little picture, but I remind you that you can click on the picture and get a bigger view. Just too darn cute!

One thing is for sure... Cowboy dads get the kids started young. This little tyke will surely know his stuff when he is a tad bit older.




I've always thought horses are beautiful animals. I can't say that I'm fond of riding one, but I also haven't had much experience in that department. The times I've ridden I can count on my fingers.

I thought this scene that I snapped from our moving vehicle was a delight. Such beautiful creatures!

I'm going to leave you today with just these two pictures to think about... I think there is a sweet freedom in both. Enjoy.