The Love Offering

You would think from all Mr.'s proud carrying on about his wife (me) and bean canning that I'd given birth to his first male child, heir apparent to his kingdom.  He seems to have a new lease on life, one that includes a future for his garden produce.

He has told the canning story to all of his friends, at least all of those he's seen in the last couple of days.  He's bragged about me, which is nice.  It seems I've attained some kind of special status in his world as a 'citified' woman who has now crossed over into the world of 'country'.  That's so special.

I will admit that I've had a bit of personal satisfaction looking at those five quarts of beans which still decorate the top of my kitchen counter.  I also realize, when trying to be realistic about this whole adventure, that more will be expected.  It isn't something that I can call 'completed'.  I may look at it as a small accomplishment in my life as it is certainly the first and only time that I've ever considered canning anything.   However, I do believe Mr. sees it as crossing over and becoming the woman he wants to see decorating the kitchen... one who will continue what has been started into infinity.

So... all of this pride and all these kind and caring words have resulted in a love gift.  Yes... Mr. brought me a present... really.  I'll bet you have some idea of what it is.   As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, so here it is...

Ah, doesn't that give you a warm fuzzy feeling?  I can dig that pressure cooker and all those supplies out and have another round of rip roaring fun.  Tah Dah.

The Big Day

 Mr. spent the morning around the house to give me a little help with the official start of my green bean canning career.  I think he decided this day would never come as he had all the beans snapped and ready to go when I got home from a meeting last night.  Ah, thanks Hubby!  Sweet baby.

So... I did get busy this morning and get those beans underway.  I got out the instructions that I'd gotten when attending the canning workshop last summer.  I felt much better knowing that I'd been taught how to do this and had instructions to keep me on task and doing it right.

I did manage to get them all ready and the pressure cooker ready to go.
At this point, Mr. left me on my own to deal with the pressure cooker.   However, it wasn't long until I realized that something wasn't right.  There was about as much steam coming from the handle area of the cooker as from the vent in the top.  I really questioned what to do now.  If I turned them off, then what would I do with them.   I hated to go through all of that getting them ready and then have it not work.

I called Mr. on his cell and he returned.  He's done this before, as I've heard many many times.  At this point, I was glad to know that.

As a back-up plan, or perhaps the main plan, I picked up my phone and dialed the green bean canning emergency hotline.  Yep... have one of those.  I called Janice, my wonderful OSU Extension Educator.  I knew she was the one who would have all the answers.  After all, it was Hubby and her workshop that had gotten me into this mess.  Now, it would be up to them to save me.  Save me from a canning woe!!!

The calm cool voice of experience coming over the phone line gave me hope of salvaging all this hard work.  She said that she would bring me a pressure cooker.  She would BRING me a pressure cooker... a home call.  Gotta love that!!!  Here in the middle of my canning emergency, there was help coming to my door in the way of experienced help coming from the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.  Come, Janice, come!!!

Now Mr. and Janice and I gathered around the pressure cooker, which now actually managed to pressurize.  Behold, the jiggly thing jiggled.  It was working!!   I must admit that I felt much better having Janice in the kitchen as knew she had all the answers if things started going wrong again.

I'd love to show you a nice picture of Janice grinning at me, but she yelled when I snapped her picture, so will give her a break and not post it today.  She was smiling and very patient with her new green bean canning student.

About the time Snappy took Janice's picture, he also decided to take Mr.'s picture.  Now doesn't this man look happy with that pressure cooker.  He is so proud of his wife and her venture into the world of doing something with all that garden stuff.

At last the beans are cooling on the towels.  I'm awaiting some popping sounds, but haven't heard any of those yet.  They are still pretty hot, so I imagine it will be a bit before I hear the beautiful sealing sounds.  I will say that I went to a lot of work for five quarts of beans.  

Mr. proudly told Janice that he was going to bring in more green beans tomorrow.  'Uh, Mr.!!!  What did you say??  Tomorrow?!'   Now let's not get carried away.  I'll bet I can make it through the winter with just five quarts of green beans.  Well, perhaps not.  I sure hope canning gets easier as one gains experience.  Tah Dah

Love My Men

For a number of days I've been fighting another battle with pesky squirrels.  I don't know why I seem to be blessed with critter problems every few years.  This is one of those times.  Son Right Back has been working on the problem.  I really thought I knew where they were getting in, but he didn't agree.  He did seal up one place I'd found along the bottom of the eaves, but that didn't seem to take care of the problem.  Those pesky little things managed to get another place on the edge of the siding loose, and I could actually see their little heads peaking out from the guest bedroom window.  

After church today, Mr. went outside to try to find another place where the squirrels could get in.  He announced that he had found the place.    

It was almost perfect timing that had Right Back appearing on the scene to get a 'squirrel update'.  I told him about what Mr. had found and set off to try to find it.   Mr. quickly showed up on the scene and pointed out the offending hole.   The decision was made to repair this place first, then they would move to the real problem.  I ran inside for Snappy, my sweet little camera.  We just had to get a picture of my men at work.  Men working make fine pictures.   Go, Right Back, go! 

Mr. decided that holding the ladder might be a good idea.  No objections from Right Back were heard, so I headed down into the neighbor's yard for a little more of a distance picture... down the hill.

Back up the hill I came and thought I'd pester Mr. a bit with the camera.  I don't think he wanted me to take anymore pictures.   It looks like he has been playing in the dirt.  Okay, I get the message and will retreat with Snappy.  I've done enough,

 Just so I don't leave any of my men out of the pictures, here is Man Cat Pumpkin.  He's working too, I think.   He must be on mouse patrol.  We sure don't want any of those pesky critters either.   Isn't he cute?   He has been around for years.  Sweet baby!

Green Bean Devotional

I've been searching for a devotional to give at our retired teachers' meeting today.  I normally am prepared and ready to go, but I just hadn't  found the thing in my mind that seems right for today.  I've been all over the Internet looking.  I finally threw up my hands and mentioned to God that I was going to need a little help here and would just push back from the Internet and packaged devotionals to ask if He had any plan for me.

I was trying to get around and get dressed and letting my mind be open to His ideas.  Then it hit me: My green bean struggle.

I thought about that huge box of beans still sitting in my kitchen floor.  I cooked a big pot of them last night, and you can hardly tell that I even took any out.  The bean box seems as big as ever.  Also, Mr. announced last night that he had found the little jiggly thing for the pressure cooker.  I have to tell you that I had a hard time smiling.  I'm conflicted.  I don't want to can, yet I do want to can.  That's conflicted.

I also remember what Mr. said to me about all those beans.  He said that he wanted me to tell him when I want to start on those beans.  He also said that he has done this many times before and would help me with every step all the way though.   Actually, I just smiled at him and considered if our marriage would survive him in the kitchen in my way while I try to can beans.

It hit me this morning that the big box of beans is rather like lots of other things in life.  We are sailing along happily doing our own thing when some big issue is presented to us.  It is something we have to deal with one way or the other.  Usually, we don't like it very much.  Those kind of things don't go away by themselves.  They stay, uninvited and unappreciated.

Then I remembered all of God's promises to us that He will be with us in all our troubles.  He says that He will get us through it, be with us all the way, and He knows what to do about everything.  That's really all there is to say.

Now I'm going to have to revise my perspective on this whole green bean issue.  First, I'm going to have to stop complaining about those beans and the fact that I'm going to have to take action to do something about them.  I'm going to have to trust that Mr. can help get me through this and that the outcome will be pleasing.  I'm going to have to look at the end as a goal and not the middle as a hurdle.  I will not speak any more negative words into the situation, but trust that God will be with me in all this.  He has already given me a bit of perspective and adjusted the idea of this little issue of green beans.  I think it will work.
Tah Dah

The Green Bean Fairy

I had other plans for my blog this morning, and then this happened.  It was the sight that met me when I returned home from a meeting yesterday evening.  As you can plainly see, it is a box of freshly picked green beans.  I want to state the obvious as want you to be sure and know that I consider it a BIG box of freshly picked green beans.

You may be getting near to the point of wishing I wouldn't even mention green beans.  You know how I feel and that I thought I'd escaped the possibility of canning when Mr. announced that ice had gotten them and the garden was dead.   He had told me that he could pick a few and would be bringing them in sometime.  I'd expected a FEW.   This, in my estimation, is far more than a few.

I hate to admit how I felt when I saw this box sitting on my kitchen floor.  My mind grasped at one last straw... the little jiggly thing for the pressure cooker that Mr. still hasn't found.  No jiggly thing, no canning.   However, he announced that he was going to really have to get serious and look for that jiggly thing.  I have a strong suspicion that I'm doomed.  Really.  

Mr. was so proud of this love offering.  Oh, I know it isn't a love offering to me.  It's a love of all the labor he has done and a kind of just reward thing. It's a pride and fuzzy warm feeling that he gets from seeing all that fruit of his labor.  I can relate to that.  Even picking them had to be tedious.  I can imagine tedious.  My wifely duty was to be awed and appropriately elated.  I tried.  Really.

My blog is about finding humor along the way.  Life isn't always humorous.  It is what it is, and sometimes it is difficult to find a little humor, especially when subjects get serious.  This, however, is one of those times that laughing about what is going on may help me to escape with a shred of my current sanity.  I'm sure I'll look back on this little adventure with some kind of smile.  I hope, if Mr. finds that jiggly thing, that I can take a little bit of pride in the fact that we managed to can a few vegetables.  At any rate,  I imagine I'm in for another little adventure.   Tah Dah

Apple Pie and Hearts

It may not be the most beautiful pie on the planet, but it has two things in its favor: It's made with apples from the ranch, and I made it with my own two little hands.  Both gain points in my favor.  The only thing that would make it better would be a homemade crust.  Personally, I think Pillsbury and I did fine together. It's Mr. that is all about homemade crust, and I think he can forgive a little by just getting the pie.

I actually made two of these this past week.  The first one brought such delight that I tried another one the following day.  The first pie had to be cut into six pieces.  That pretty much meant the plate was empty.  No leftovers.  Sad.  So, what is a person to do but make another one?  Trust me, that gained me more points with Mr.  Pie makes his heart happy and his taste buds dance with joy.  That's good.

Mr. is also starting to learn that using my oven is a sign of fall.  When the summer heat goes down, the kitchen oven can go on.  That means comfort food.  All those wonderful items I've avoided cooking during the summer are now possibilities.  Roast with all the trimmings!  That's one.  Pie!  That's two.  It doesn't get any better than that.  The smells fill the house.  Even when you begin not to notice them, someone (usually Mr.)  comes in the door and says, 'Boy, the house sure smells good!'  That's praise enough.  It makes the heart sing.  Perhaps I'm just easily amused, but I certainly do like it, and so does Mr.           Tah Dah.

The Buzz Around Town

Big things seem to be happening in our small town... right now.  The word is out that a movie is being filmed here.  Now that is a big something happening.   Ben Affleck has been spotted.  There has been a shoot at a local church, and another site is being readied for downtown tomorrow.

I wonder how many have wandered around  hoping to catch a glimpse of one of the stars or perhaps even be nabbed for an extra in the movie.  That might really be a fun thing to know that you had a little tiny part and to cling to hope that it wouldn't get cut.

I've asked around, but it seems the name of the movie is secret at this point.  It is simply called 'Untitled'.
I resisted the urge to go driving by the church today, but I may have to see about a little tour of town tomorrow, if that is even possible.  I'm sure this is suppose to be exciting for everyone, and it is rather a fun thing to think that your town is going to be in the movie.  It looks like only time will tell the specifics as to who, what, and the title of the movie.  Sure!  I'll go see it.

Mystery Taters

Mr. decided to dig some potatoes yesterday.   He has been talking about that garden again.  The green beans are not happy, but there are some potatoes that can be eaten, so Mr. happily brought them to the kitchen.  We have guests, and a roast is in the making.  Of course, potatoes go with roast.

A few 'wows' came with the crazy looking potato that graced the center of the pile.  I mentioned that I should  get the camera and let everyone see these funny potatoes.   It was suggested that I get a dollar bill out to use for size comparison as a dollar is about six inches I was told.  I didn't measure it, but figured it was a good idea.   MK and JR offered to help in the staging, so each took a corner to  help you see.

We aren't sure what this is, but it might qualify for some kind of suspended alien.   It certainly looks like a very strange being.   Thank you, MK, for your assistance.  Don't let it get away!

Now, this one really looks like a little alien.  Star Wars, perhaps.  We aren't sure.

Ah, a little baby tater... perhaps a cheeping chicken... maybe. 

Just in case you missed the first one, here it is again.   Lovely, isn't it?  I sure hope I haven't driven my readers to tater envy.  They certainly are mystery taters.

Conflicting Thoughts and a Freeze

I was very happy with myself earlier this morning.  You might say that I was basking in the successful feeling of getting a post ready for my blog.  I was nearing the finish line when it happened:  The dreaded blank white screen.  Oh, no!!!   Where is the edit button to undo?  There is none.  Gone is gone.  GONE.  What had I done?  I didn’t mean to hit a delete button.  I really don’t know what happened, but I do know that only blank space leered at me from my computer screen.  I saw nothing.  It was gone.

Being at times a tenacious person, I am going to begin again.  I know it won’t be the same, but I shall try my best to recreate the post I had going earlier in the morning.  So, we begin.....

I woke this morning to another chill in the house. I’d gotten up and was clutching my first cup of coffee, feeling its warmth.  Mr. was rousing from his sleep and mumbling something about checking his windshield.  It was a mystery to me why he would put that first on his ‘to do’ list, but he seemed quite anxious to see about it.  I can’t say I saw any reason for such concern.  The only time I remember worrying about the condition of my windshield was when I’d have to scrape it before going to work.  

I decided it must be another one of his country ways.  I know he believes in reading signs of things.  I figured his windshield must somehow be related to something important.  Actually, I think he has rubbed off on me a bit as I found myself listening to a persimmon report from one of his friends.  It seems they had opened a persimmon and found a shovel image on the seed.  Of course, a shovel would be needed if it was a bad winter with lots of snow.  It’s a sign.  

It was then that Mr. came though the kitchen on his way to check out his windshield.   He was on a mission.  I could see those signs:  purposeful walk, eyes forward, no hesitation, opening the back door, leaving it open....’Ah, close the door!’  I clutched my nice warm coffee and hoped the storm door would keep in the heat until Mr. returned.  

The wait wasn’t long.  He faced me and made the announcement: There is ice on the windshield.  ‘Ice?’, I said.  ‘You’re kidding me, right?’   I knew better, but I’d said it anyway.

I’m sure there are times that Mr. must find me wanting in understanding this whole sign process.  I don’t always connect the dots of realization as quickly as I might if I were a country girl.  This city girl just didn’t get it.   That’s when he made the second announcement: The garden is gone!  

With only one cup of coffee in me, I wonder in amazement how I was able to muster up the look of shock and horror followed by a deep sigh of distress at his news.  I knew he had worked hard on that garden and was expecting a fresh fall crop of green beans in a few days.  He’d mentioned them on more than one occasion.  This expectant gardener had just seen his crop and all his hard work go down the drain, so to speak.

I was feeling a little conflicted here.  I really did feel sorry for him.  It may even be a wifely duty to feel sorry for him and share his loss.  On the other hand, I knew the hunt for the little jiggly thing for the pressure cooker could be put on  hold. No jiggly thing equals no canning.  No beans (Do you see where I’m going with this?) equals no canning. 

At this point, he put on the show of accepting what life and the weather brought his way.   It’s just what happens sometimes.  He just needed ten more days and those beans would have been ready to pick.  

He left, but that conflicting feeling remained.  I was a little sad for him, but I was perhaps a little relieved that I might not be spending hours in the kitchen trying to can those beans.   I hate to admit it, but I was almost feeling a little blessed and perhaps a smidge smug.

That’s when It happened.  I’d reread my lovely post thinking it was not a bad way to start the day.   I was just a few words from the end when the screen went blank.  As I lingered in the moment, I saw the sign.  This time I didn’t need anyone to help me connect the dots.  I’d not been really ‘feeling’ his moment as he watched his hard work rendered useless. Now it was gone, as was my hour of work on my post.  Equally gone.

So, Dear Reader, I leave you with that.  Take it for what it is worth.  I’ll bet you are smiling.  I am too.

First Chill

There is a definite chill in the air this morning.  It is the thing that I can only dream about during the summer.

In a little act of celebration, I turned the central heat/air off the other day.  It has remained a silent lifeless thing.  I like that.  It isn't spending my money, and I'm quite content with the whole idea of a day without that utility cost.  It really isn't a big deal, just a little thought that makes me happy.

However, Mr. has complained that the house is cold.  I checked the thermostat reading.  He may be right as it is showing 66 degrees in the house.  I call that good sleeping.   A nice crisp temperature and a good warm bed make for a nice night.  That's my thought on the matter.   I did manage to knit my eyebrows together and give Mr. a look when he mentioned the cold house.  I told him that I didn't think ranchers minded the cold.  After all, what was all that ice chopping in the winter talk if they were at all concerned about cold.  He assured me that he had given up early morning ice chopping and elected to do his work later in the day when the sun is out.   I said that I was sorry I'd been so far off in my thinking.

The fact remains that I'm sitting here huddled up in my winter wooly robe.  It isn't really wool, but I thought that little phrase sounded warm and cozy.   I'm having to think warm thoughts as it is, I hate to admit, a tad chilly in the house.  I suppose I'm going to have to consider moving the little switch on the thermostat from off to on.  It is almost like giving up on a goal.  I don't think I'm ready.   I'm going to have to do a little mental preparation before I can do it.  Either that, or I'm going to have to get colder.

I don't think I have much more to say on the subject.  I was just sitting here thinking, you see.  I was feeling that first chill of the fall and thinking how I would have enjoyed just a little taste of this in August.  I guess it is true that we must wait for each thing in season.  Ah, there might be a good thought in that.

Stepping Into The Past

It was 1904, and the family gathered in the studio to capture a moment in time.  Portraits were a serious business, and no one would mention 'Say cheese!' to those gathered and looking appropriately serious for the occasion.  Even the baby is sitting quite still and seeming to 'feel' the moment.

I can only guess at the home activities which preceded the trip.  Getting three of the male species into suits, one girl into a dress, and the baby into his little outfit must have been interesting.   The mother, of course, would be about making herself look fresh and ready for the picture too. I wonder how much ironing she had to do with the old fashioned non electric beast of an iron.  I'm sure they were all excited at the prospect of having a family photo made.  Perhaps I shouldn't speak for the young boys.  They might not be as enthusiastic about donning those suits.

However, there they are, seated in the studio in 1904, respectfully clad in their finest.  Perhaps a few pictures were taken to ensure there was one very good photo.  Click, click, click, and the family is captured in living black and white.

I don't remember seeing this photo until recently.  It is one of those treasures found during my new genealogy quest.  I was absolutely thrilled to get it and find that the adults are my paternal grandparents.  The baby is my father.  It is almost an awesome feeling to look at the faces and realize that for one brief moment I can look at them all just as they were in that one moment in time.  It's like meeting them. It's gathering with their little group and being thankful that they took the time to make their way to the studio for that family portrait.  I'm also thankful that the picture was cared for through the years and that I can now have it.   It's like stepping into the past and sharing something quite precious with my ancestors.

Beware of Men With Gardens

I hope you look closely and see the steam rising from the hot water canner.  This simple looking scene was far from simple.  If you have canned, and I'm not sure if I should wish that on you or not, then you will appreciate the hours that happen before you can get to this point in the process.

I don't ever remember my parents telling me to beware of men with gardens.  I do remember my father having a little garden in the country with a friend.   They were both from farming backgrounds and loved to till the soil and bring home the vegetables.  I remember both Mother and Dad getting into the whole canning scene.  I thought it was nice, but looked like work to me.  I knew our eating through the winter wasn't going to depend on what they canned, which perhaps made it more enjoyable to them.  

I have to admit that I had a giant bout of guilt when I thought about all the apples on Mr.'s apple trees that were going to waste.  Sin!!!   I decided to do what I can about that and have canned four pints of apples and five pints of applesauce.  The applesauce was today's adventure.  As I sit here writing, I heard the last of the lids pop, so know they have all sealed.  Yea!

I will own up to the fact that I let Mr. know from the very onset of his canning suggestions that I was NOT going to be pressured into the kitchen.  I had no intention then or now of spending my days chained to the stove.  No, not me.   I realize it sounds like a protest, but I've got to stand my ground for my own sanity.   

I will admit that it is nice to look at the finished product and envision having a nice bit of applesauce one of the days.   It might also make the applesauce from the grocery store more enticing.  I can look at the price and think how long it took me to make mine.  I'll be able to figure out what I made per hour in canning these five, only five, pints.   

I'm a little concerned that Mr. has planted more green beans.  He announced that they should be ready in a couple of weeks.  Oh, dear.  I know what that means.  I do love eating those nice fresh beans, but haven't tried canning them yet.   So far, I've not been able to pressure cook anything as Mr. can't seem to remember to look for that little jiggly thing that goes on the top.   He said he would look for it.  I don't know if I should hope he finds it or not.   All I know is that I sure wish someone had warned me about men with gardens!  

Tired of the Choo Choo

Everyday lately I think about posting.  I know it has been awhile, and I've felt guilty once in awhile.  I really have.  Writing every day and having something to say is difficult.  So far, I've managed to break every single rule of blogging.  Perhaps saying 'every' rule is a bit of an overstatement, but I've managed to break the really big one about posting on a regular schedule.

I'm sure I've been busy.  I know I've spent a few days working in the yard.  I'm surprised someone hasn't sent a picture of my yard to the makeover show.  Without a doubt, I should be in the running for a makeover.  My yard was beyond desperate.  I had a pile of bricks by the back retaining wall that has graced the yard for over a year.  It was debris from one of the home repair items, and it was a mess.  I guess no one knew what to do with it.   Mr. took it away a couple of weeks ago.   Bless Mr.!  I was delighted, and it seemed to give me incentive to actually go out there in the yard and do something... anything.

I decided to set a goal.  It had to be reasonable and doable.  I opted for filling one yard bag a day.  Anymore than that was optional.  Just 1.  I found myself filling more, but felt free to quit at any moment and come inside.   By the end of the week, I'd collected twelve yard bags of weeds, stray vines, and shrubbery clippings.  It was a sight to see.... the bags standing in a nice little row by the curb.  I wondered if the City would take them away with the trash or leave me a pointed little note about my collection.  Thankfully, they disappeared on trash pick-up day.

I decided to apply that same idea of goal setting to work I need to do inside the house.   I've been working on cleaning.  I do clean regularly,  but had been involved in things that were more fun than cleaning.  I kept telling myself that dust on the furniture was helping to preserve it.  I knew better.  Really.

I received a nice little e-mail the other day from friend Juju.  She mentioned the blog.  She came right out and said it.  Yes, she did.   She said, 'I'm a little tired of the Choo Choo.  I think you should post something different.'   Well, there you have it.  I have to say that I understood and I imagine if you have stopped by at all that you are also tired, perhaps sick and tired, of the choo choo.

Happy weekend.

Silverton & Durango

One rainy morning on our trip to Colorado, we boarded a real honest to goodness narrow gauge steam engine driven train.... Silverton & Durango.   I've loved riding trains when I was a kid, and I think somewhere in my long ago childhood I've ridden a train with a steam locomotive.  I remember something about coal and cinders.   I was a little unhappy as we started out in heavy rain.  My concern was the fact that I desperately wanted to go back to the open car with Snappy in hand and get some pictures.  I didn't think Snappy would like rain.

After a bit of traveling, the train came to a stop.  It seems that a boulder had fallen on the track somewhere ahead of us and the rail had to be replaced before we could continue.  I didn't mind that one bit.  A nice state of the art rail seemed a good thing.   We ended up sitting on the track for somewhere close to two hours.  In that time, the rain stopped.  Yea!!  Picture taking was looking up.  We were allowed to get off the train and look around for awhile.  Then we were on our way again.

Ah, pretty pictures were in my future.  

Here is one of the open cars where we could go take pictures.  As you can see, heavy rain wouldn't have been a good thing here.

This is one of my favorite pictures from the trip.  I love the look of the whole thing and even think it has good framing.  Beautiful!!!

Leaning out just a little, I managed to get the train and engine.  See that lovely steam rising into the air!

Lots of trees, rocks, and water..  The air was crisp and cool too.  Lovely, really.

Look closely.  There is a fellow on a zip line.  He seemed to be having a fine time.  I'm going to pass on that one.  I believe I've done my due for awhile with water rafting.

I saw this and fell in love.  I do believe this might be my dream home.  I just think someplace like this would be such fun to go to and enjoy the awesome surroundings.

This is another of my favorite pictures.  I can't exactly tell you why, but I  just like it.

The Colorado Mountains are so beautiful.  The air is so clean smelling and crisp.  The temperatures were so nice there as compared with the triple digits back home.

Of course there are lots of rocks and rushing water... water noises.  Ah, beautiful scenery.
I leave you with this little look at some of my pics from the Silverton Durango Train Trip.  Such fun, and I would recommend it to anyone.   I did have to come back inside at one point as the cinders got to flying a bit and it just seemed to be better inside our enclosed car.

Water Rafting Sequel

If you have not read my previous post 'Water Rafting 101', go there quickly and read it before you start on my new post.  The whole idea of 'sequel' is that something came before.  You need to UNDERSTAND my fear and trepidation with water rafting before embarking on this new jewel of a post.

Somehow in the back of my mind, I think I'd decided that people really didn't fall out of their rafts.  I'd decided that it was just one of those things that had to be talked about so people would know what to do on the slim chance that one did exit the craft.  It wasn't likely, just possible.

It is a good thing I didn't know about this before I headed to the Arkansas River.  I'm afraid I'd been at Wal Mart with those who opted to skip all the rafting happiness.  Daughter I-Needa read my rafting post and elected to e-mail a picture of her good friend Jules who was rafting on the Deschutes River in Oregon.  She put something about a good thing Jules listened to instructions in the subject bar.  So.........

Jules was water rafting, something she had done before.  They were happily paddling along.  (I will digress just long enough to remind you of my own intent to be in Dylan's raft where my job would be to hang on.  I didn't want to paddle or be responsible for keeping away from the rocks!)

So...  Jules was in the craft...back seat... same as me.    Her hands are busy with the oars as she has a job to do.  All is well.... almost.

Oh no!!!!   Do you see what I see?  Jules isn't rowing now.  She is headed for the water for sure!  I sure hope she listened to all those instructions that they should have given her.  This isn't funny!  Nope!

                              

You can see Jule's foot, and the guide is looking too... for sure.  I wonder what he is thinking!  I know what I'm thinking.  Jules?  Not a clue!

There is Jules in the water trying to head back to the raft.  By golly, she kept her sun glasses on.  I wonder if she wished she had a helmet.  There are ROCKS out there... lots of rocks.

I e-mailed Jules and asked her what on earth happened that she ended up in the water.  She said she'd put on lots of lotion, and just slipped off the raft.  The guide managed to get to her downstream and pull her in closer with her paddle, then pull her into the raft with her life jacket.  She said it was a very scary experience and she was lucky to be alive.  She also told me that when she went overboard, all the instructions just flew out of her brain.  I can believe that.  

I went back to my 'to do' list and darkened that check mark by water rafting.  I've done it.  I enjoyed it.  I think I'll leave it at that. 

By the way... the above pictures weren't on the company website very long. I'm amazed that Jules managed to fall overboard just when the photos were being taken.  I doubt the company wanted Jules as their poster girl. I know I would have been at Wal Mart if I'd seen anything like that ahead of time.  I did use these wonderful shots with permission of Jules.  

Water Rafting 101

Although this water rafting thing was suppose to be one of the highlights of the trip, and I signed up for the trip knowing all this, I wasn't really sure I wanted to go.  Let's face it, I'm a coward in the adventure department.  If coward is too strong a word, lets go with super cautious.  I like keeping my feet on solid ground and don't often fling myself wholeheartedly into crazy unstable situations.

So, while Mr. was full speed ahead on this whole water rafting caper, having been before and having no fear, his wife (that's me) was dubious.

Some of our tour group opted to skip the water rafting and head to Wal Mart.  I was torn.  If I'd been by myself, I don't know if I would have gone or not.  I really wanted to go, and I really didn't want to go.

The tour bus pulled up to the Raft Masters area in town.  We got off the tour bus and headed to be 'outfitted'.   We lined up to get our body suits and booties, then off to select a helmet and get our life vest.  So far... lots of stuff.  A body suit!  Please!  Thankfully, the vest was a nice touch which softened some of the shape revealing of the body suit.   At this point, looks was the least of my worries.

I still wasn't sure I wanted to go.  The dressing room was a fun place to zip body suits and share the fun.  Somehow with each step, commitment to actually going rafting was drawing closer.

We were lined up and personally fitted with the life vests: arms up, arms out, arms down.  'Can you breathe?'  They needed to be secure (tight) enough to do their job just in CASE.

With trepidation I got on the bus that would take us to the river where we would be launched into the Arkansas River to raft the Big Horn Sheep Canyon.  We were to 'Experience the Thrill without the Chill'.... whatever that means.  Basically, I realized that all was lost.  Translation: Our tour bus and driver were gone, and I was left with no means of getting back to it other than that water experience.

Once on the Raft Master's bus headed to the water, the fun began.  If you've flown before, you know the drill.  Tell the worst case scenario about what to do if the airplane cabin looses pressure.  Thankfully, that doesn't last long.  Let me tell you, the information given on the pleasure ride to the water was long and involved.  We heard every possible situation and what to do.  All those 'If you are thrown out of the raft' things were mind boggling.  I had no reason to want to leave the raft, but I sure had lots of instructions for what would happen if I did.  To be fair, I'm sure this was important information.  Really.  It just didn't help me any in terms of really wanting to get in the raft in the first place.  Where was my nice tour bus and driver by now?  I wondered if the people at Wal Mart were having fun!

I can't say that Mr. was much comfort.  I think it is hard for an adventurer to understand a non-adventurer.  He kept looking at me, and I kept dreaming of Wal Mart.   Then I heard some sweet words that lifted my spirits.  They said that if you just wanted to hold on and ride along, get in Dylan's boat.  Those words gravitated me firmly in the direction of Dylan's boat... with or without Mr.... I was going in Dylan's boat... I'd push everyone else out to get to Dylan's boat.  Well... maybe not that.

Now, in all seriousness... I'm glad I went.  We had a ton of fun and the guides at Raft Masters instilled lots of confidence.  I knew from asking that Dylan has had 13 years experience just at Raft Masters, and this run was one of the easier ones.  I knew I was safe.   I did take some sage advice given by someone else who had been water rafting before (not Mr.)... I headed for the BACK of the boat.  Mr. was in the front.  I was okay with that.  Part of our instructions were to hold on to each other.  That may have been more important in the front.  I held on to the side and anchored my forward foot firmly in the little pocket in the bottom of the raft and my other in the crevice of the boat bottom and side.  I was snugly placed and didn't think I'd need any of those 'what to do if you fall out of the raft' instructions.

So... here we are.  Mr. is in the front right.  I'm on back left.

Now just look at Donna's face... front left!!  Me?  I'm smiling in the back!

Just look at that water go!!  Mr. is getting it now!!   I'm in the back smiling.  Sure... I got wet too and had a good time doing it.

See us all laugh and smile!  We really did have a great time.  I can now mark Water Rafting off my 'to do' list... Been there, done that, enjoyed it too!   I'd go again with Dylan!!   (I know these pictures are really big.  I did that so you can see the faces!)

Royal Gorge Route Railroad

Our second day of bus travel took us down Highway 12 on the 'Scenic Highway of Legends'.  Then we headed to Canyon City Depot for a ride deep into the Royal Gorge by railroad.

Here is a little hint of what we would find along the way... a very high bridge...  No, I didn't send a telegraph.   I did get out Snappy and take a picture of the sign.

Although we had a nice enclosed car for our trip through the gorge, Snappy and I headed to an open car where we could take pictures without a window.  Of course, Mr. was there too.

Ah,  there comes that very high 'World's highest bridge'.   I believe it is suppose to be the highest suspension bridge in the United States.  I did see people on it as we passed under.  I also saw daylight between the planks of the bridge.  That pretty much said that if I were standing on it, I'd be able to see below by looking at my feet through the planks.  I'd prefer to see it from here, thank you.  I'm sure those standing above had a spectacular view.  If you are scared of heights, I'd say, 'Don't go there!'

This lovely looking concrete something or another is actually the starting point to collect river water and send it through pipes to Canyon City.  It isn't used now, but was part of a water system built originally to take water to Canyon City, and was used for more than seventy years.  It was abandoned in 1974, but pieces still remain.

Redwood planks were used to form 30 inch pipes to carry the water.  They were fastened in every way, shape, and form to the boulders all the way from the collection point into Canyon City.  Often they had to drill through boulders to lay the pipe.  It looked like a very difficult and costly job.  I tried to find this information on the Internet a bit ago, but if memory serves me correctly, the project was accomplished with prison laborers.

We did see lots of rocks... lots and lots of rocks and water along the route.  It was very pretty, and everyone enjoyed the ride.   I suppose I shouldn't  mention that the air temperature was wonderful... not at all in the triple digits as it is at home now.  I'm pretty much just sitting around breathing in and out and hoping the cool days of fall come quickly.  Enough of this heat!

To The Hills And Beyond

Where would a person like to be when the temperatures are soaring?  Of course, somewhere that is cooler. I've been there this past week... to Someplace Cooler!!  Colorado called, and Mr. and I have been away on a fun filled bus trip to Colorado.  We have ridden trains and even went water rafting.  Yes, I went water rafting.  I did.  Really.

We arrived home yesterday.  We weren't able to bring the nice cool temperatures with us.  We were wearing jackets last week in the cool Colorado mountains.  Now, it is back to reality and the clinging to air-conditioning.

 I've always loved Colorado.  I love the mountains.  That started as a child when my parents headed away from the heat and to the cool.  My father always closed his office during the month of August, and we traveled around Colorado just seeing the sights and keeping cool.

I haven't lost my love for the majesty of the mountains.  They take my breath away.

I've been loading pictures into my computer today and sorting out ones that I'll upload for printing.  I've been doing this, along with laundry.   Part of me is still back in those cool mountains looking at all the beautiful sights.  I'll share some of my adventures this week.   I do have some other menial chores to do as well, but will try to get my act together and share some of the fun stuff.  For today, just feast your eyes on the glory of the land, and think about seventy degree weather.  It will make you smile.

Not Living Up to Standards

Let's face it, adjusting to new ways of living can be interesting... frustrating... interesting... funny.  It can be funny when you don't take yourself too seriously.  I think that's the key, or at least one of the keys to staying sane in times of stress.  We have got to see the humor if it is there.

I've told you about Mr. and his garden.  He is serious about his garden.  He has a BIG garden and has high expectations of not only reaping what he sows, but also having something done with it... promptly.  Gardens don't just take care of themselves.  They need tending.  I'm pretty sure it was Adam, not Eve, who was told to tend that garden.   I'm just saying that off the top of my head.  I don't intend to look at the moment as would hate to be wrong on that.  It would mean I had to change my thinking.

As a new wife, I've been trying to do a little adapting.  I expect him to do some, so I probably need to consider that I might have to work on a few things about me.  One of those things has been trying to work up a little enthusiasm about the garden and the role I should play in that.  Mr. has understood that I don't do extreme heat well, so has graciously forgiven the fact that I'm not pulling the weeds or out in the heat picking the produce.  He does it.  He puts all of it in bags... dirt and all... and hauls it to my kitchen.

It is there that the going gets rough.  The produce arrives on my kitchen counter by the sackful.  I am then expected to swing into action and do whatever needs doing to preserve and use the labor of Mr.'s hands.  Anyone who has ever had a garden knows that everything comes in all at once.  When there are beans, there are BEANS!  Tomatoes... everywhere.  Don't misunderstand me, I'm not unappreciative of all the good things to eat.   I don't have an army to feed, but I'm supplied for it.

In my zeal for becoming the wonderful little wife who cared for the garden, I took that canning class.  I will even admit that I was thinking it might actually be fun to do a little canning.  I know that Mr. appreciated my efforts and saw my attending class as a positive thing.  (One point for me)

The beans came, but no pressure cooker appeared.  Mr. had told me in no uncertain terms that he had a pressure cooker.  Some foods must be canned with a pressure cooker...period.  You can't can beans without one.  So... I quietly mentioned the need for the pressure cooker.   Finally, Mr. produced the pressure cooker, minus the little round jiggly weight on the top that is necessary for the operation of the cooker.

I've mentioned this to Mr. several times.  He thinks he knows where it is, but so far no jiggly weight, and no canned anything.  To me, it is obvious.  The fault of not having a nice supply of freshly canned green beans to look forward to in the fall and winter falls squarely upon the shoulders of Mr.

I was amazed a couple of nights ago when we were in a discussion of all the things that had to be done.  Running a ranch is a full time thing, and gardening also seems to require lots of attention.  I casually mentioned that perhaps next year he might consider cutting down the size of the garden.  After all, one can only do SO much.  I was a little afraid that might not go over well.  I knew from previous conversations that Mr. had cut the size of his garden to about half what he usually does.  I wasn't sure how he would take this suggestion.

At this point, Mr. looked over the top of his reading glasses at me and plainly stated that I certainly hadn't made as much use of his garden as his previous wife.  Ah, there it is.  I'm not living up to standards.  I'm sure my eyebrows knitted together a bit as he continued to explain that while he appreciated my attending canning class, he hasn't seen anything canned.  It was then I smiled sweetly (with effort) and reminded him of that one key thing... you know what I'm talking about... that jiggly thing.  He wasn't going to put this all on me... nope...  I'm not taking an F in wifely garden duties yet.

The pressure cooker remains on a shelf without a jiggly weight.  That means I can't can... yet.  Mr. assures me that he is going to plant more beans to be ready to can in the fall.  What luck for me!!  I'll continue to go about my business quietly and try not to remind him too often about finding that jiggly weight.  We will see how things go.  If I can't live up to standards, I may have to work hard to change the standards.  Tah Dah

Hauling Away The Past

It needed to go, really.  It has been sitting vacant for years.  The noise and bustle of years of high school students has long faded away.  This was my high school as well as the place I attended those seventh and eighth grade years.  It was a place of fond memories, fun, favorite classes as well as some not so favorite ones, and a place where we received that all important degree... our High School Diploma.  We were launched into the world as an adult from here.

                                              

Lockers:  I don't know if one of those was mine or not.  I had my share of lockers in that building.. six, I'm sure.  I can almost smell them and hear the metal clanging.  I wonder how many coats of paint they had though the years.  The double wooden and glass doors have had their share of students walking though them.  I'm thinking those might have gone into the auditorium.  I'm trying to remember.

The orange doors peeking though the debris are in Huskie orange.... Orange and black... school colors.

Someone left their mark in the corner... Some member of the class of '98'.   A few dared leave some notes on the blackboard.   How fitting that they should be revealed now.. just a little reminder of fun times and a little celebration of being given wings and set free.

 

So I watch as pieces of the building are being loaded into the truck to be hauled away.  I know it is going to look very strange when the last is gone and a vacant lot sits where our dear old high school stood.  I had to take a few pictures just to help me remember.  They are hauling the dear old thing away.   I feel a little sad, although I'll still have all those good memories.  It just seems strange.   I knew it was coming as the poor thing was more of a problem than a blessing.   I've heard for years that it was going to be torn down.  I didn't know that day would ever come.