I can hardly believe that August is here. And that we have been here for almost 3mos. And I still don't have all the boxes unpacked. I have so much to be thankful for. I have a beautiful home with lots of room for animals. We are going to be getting a horse with in the next few weeks. And Dale's health is better than ever. There are still things in my personal life that I wish were better; but hopefully that will mend itself in due time. I have learned allot since we have moved here. I've learned how to cook fresh foods in so many great ways; I've learned that if you ask for help,people are almost always willing to lend a hand; I've learned that even "spandex" stretches only so far; most of all I'm learning to be happy with where I am at in my life. People here would rather barter than get money; that is something I have not seen in a while. I have also seen people reach out to help others and not worry about the cost. I have seen others go out of their way to go help a neighbor clean their house; and even cook for them; all because their friend was hurting. I hope I get the chance to be like that. When I was coming back my "Mother In-law" helped Dale to clean the house because I was bringing home "guests". It reminded me of the "friends" I have back in Austin. I'm learning all about being patient and waiting to see what God has planned for me. Job hunting is not for the "impatient or faint of heat". There are days when I feel like the "energizer bunny" ran me over. The days are so hot; and here lately they have been humid. But the evenings are the best. About every other evening we go for a ride in the country, complete with dogs. They absolutely love it. Bolt gets out as far as he can with out actually falling out the window. He likes to sniff all the "country air" smells. Jack well he likes to put his neck out but he and Bolt fight over Dales' lap. Puzzles likes to sit behind my neck and let the wind blow on her face. And Rusty, well he gets the whole back seat and likes to just sit back and chill. I love the drive and all the different scents going through the air. Now especially around here they are bailing hay; and that smells so good. I also like the different "wildlife" families I have gotten to see in the open. I came across a Raccoon and her babies the other day and was able to watch her as she rushed them all into the tree. She was behind them, to make sure they all got in. And last night on our way home Dale and I saw an entire "skunk" family. We thought at first it was a fox or some other critter; then when we slowed down we discovered that this particular wildlife was not one we wanted to pause and watch. At least not closely. The tree covered lanes offer a very nice cool ride on a summer evening; especially when a breeze is kicking up. The sunsets are continually amazing and breath taking. Slowly but surely Dale and I are getting the front porch to where we can sit out and enjoy watching "life". We got a "bull" and he is so sweet. I'm hoping eventually he will let me pet him. We still have not gone and gotten our "heifers" from neighbors. No one around here is in a hurry.
I do miss Austin; the kids, and running them around. But soon enough they are all going to have their own licenses and be taking one another to places. I'm sitting here watching my four legged "kids" snooze out. Bolt snores as bad as I do. Puzzles is laying on top of Bolt and Jack is on a pillow looking out the window. Rusty is asleep on the cool tile floor. How at peace they all are, they sleep deeply knowing that Dale and I will be here for them. That they are well loved. Isn't this how we should be feeling knowing that we are children of God. I so want to have that "deep" feeling of peace. And believe me I am working on it. I am going out later to pick berries off of the vines in back of our house. I hope I don't meet any wildlife. On second thought I'll just wait for Dale to get back and he can help me. One of the neatest things about our new home is all the windows we have. I absolutely love it. I can see out just about anywhere. Tomorrow I go out again in search of a job. Please keep me in your prayers. I have had people buying MonaVie. But that is about it for now. Well I gotta go finish dinner. There is nothing like the smell of home cooking.

Blessings,
Karen