"City meets the Country"

Well I think I am finally learning to relax a bit. Though this part of the country is getting to be gorgeous; I am a bit envious of a couple of very dear friends who are in the eastern part of the US. Where the colors and history are both incredible. I wonder if they remembered to bring me a souvenir? Either way I pray that their trip was ALL they were hoping it would be.

Getting back to life first the fun stuff. Dale is very entertaining to say the least. He is almost as good as the "kids" are. This past week he was trying to teach our "youngest" filly, how to behave. I needed to spray her with fly stuff and he made a makeshift halter to hold her; well she decided that was not going to happen; she tossed her head up with Dale holding on. He looked like he was doing a move from "Dancing with the Stars". When he landed on the other side ( he basically did the splits in the air) I laughed so hard I thought I was going to pass out. If thats not funny enough he then decides that the horses needed to be "lunged" city style. I was still sitting on the back porch laughing when 3 horses came running by me followed by Dale on the bike. This went on for about 30 minutes. I was still laughing all the next day and every time I think about it. You see he used our fenced in yard for the work out pen.

We have had our first experience of "true" country living. And we are surviving it. It was presented to us,by way of "Rusty"; one of our 4 legged children. He decided tonite of all nights that he was going to explore the "wildlife". See if he could maybe find a new friend to play with. And he did; it was a little "thing" black with a white stripe. Yeppers our first encounter with a skunk. Full face; and at 10:30 at night. Trip to town in a thunderstorm to retrieve items needed; back home and outside bath. Leave it to the "children" to make life a bit more adventuresome.

Work here sure does make me appreciate what I had when I was in Austin; and I miss everyone that much more. This past week I learned that one of the women I work with is trying to get me in trouble or fired; or maybe both. She is even enlisting a few of our "clients". Women that I don't even know; and that go to the same church as I do; are planning on going to complain about things I never even said to them. Try to figure that one out. But the people at the top are well aware of what is happening. Mainly because I went to them for advice. Working with these women is like nothing I have ever experienced. It makes "High School" look good. I want so badly to tell them all what I think of their attitudes. But that is not my place. I mainly stay clear of them. I guess that is why I don't understand the "attacks". I don't visit with them, I don't try to get into their little "quiet talks" amongst themselves. They have made it quite clear that I am not welcomed in their circle. So I do my job and help out with what ever else is needed. I told the Asst. Director (who has become a friend) that if it was not for her and the Director, I would have left. She and I talk allot about God and how he uses us. She said she believed that he has me here for a reason. I just wish I could figure out what the reason might be. Well at least the kids are here and they are a joy to be around. I have to keep telling myself; this is the real reason I am here. Please keep me in your prayers, for the most part life is truly great; and I really love my job without the people. And honestly it is just two or three that I have BIG problems with. Because I have to interact with them the most. Also before I forget; there is this little guy in my life; one that I was so very blessed to have in Austin. Well this weekend he was camping got 2nd degree burns on his arms and a little of his leg. Pray that his healing would go well; and not so "itchy". That he would respond well to the medicine and that his "little" body would "go fast" in the healing process. Thank you all so very much for being there for me.

Blessings and Much Love,

Karen

My life so far......

This morning I did not have to go in until around noon. We slept a bit late "8:00". Well let me tell you the cows did not feel that this was a good idea at all. Our bedroom window faces out the back pasture and the "girls" were at the back fence "mooing" their heads off. They wanted Dale to come and give them a treat. It was so funny. I woke up Dale and told him that his "girlfriends" were calling for him. We've been able to sleep at night with the window open. At night you can hear the coyote's yelping and I never tire of hearing them; even the babies sound so cute. But truthfully cute they are not. In fact the Rancher's around us are hunting them. The coyotes have been killing "babies". Not a great idea on their part. But cute they still are to me. Just not real smart. And for the first time in a very long time; I am seeing dead animals on the road; but these are better dead for the most part. It is SNAKES; mostly "cotton mouths". On these I prefer them dead. We also learned that in our surrounding area we have "cougars" and "Black Bears". So far so good for me. I have not seen hide nor hair; and I'd like to keep it that way.

The Country..... tonite coming home I was reminded of the movie "Charlotte's Web". Do you remember the ending? When all of Charlotte's babies "fly" away. Well here there are lots of "babies" in the air. It looks like mini balloons flying around. And when I was sitting in the truck facing the sun you could see the "webs" hanging off of the trees. Now I think its really cool; but Dale on the other hand could do without. He hates spiders. The air here is very crisp and does not always smell great. But one thing is for sure; it is great air. I love the road I take coming home and go really slow down this "tree covered lane". It is like a scene out of movie. Really awesome. I can't wait to learn how to work the "camcorder" so that I can download some of this and share it with everyone. Dale has really brought out the beauty in the land here. At first I was worried that he was cutting down to many trees and bushes. But now I see what "God" has brought out of the work and it is really awesome. I can see our Horses and Cattle all the time. And most any other creature that decides to cross the pastures. We now have a corral and a stable for the horse's during the really cold times. Tonite it is supposed to get down to 47. I will sleep great tonite. I wish I could bring everyone out here to experience the wonder of what God has saved for me. I am most grateful for Dales' health. And the way that he is continuing to get better. I know that he is loving living out here and his Dad and him continue to grow closer. His parents tell us continually how glad they are that we are here. And I am too. It is still taking me a bit to get used to ALL the change. I still miss my "kids" and "parents". And my crazy often busy life. Here it is very laid back. And it almost feels like a "forever" vacation. Except that when I wake I have to get ready to go to work/play with kids (most of the time). The changing of the color in the leaves and the sound of "farm" animals remind me that my life has taken a different "road". I pray blessings on all of you always.

Hugs,

Me

Change of Time

I know it has been awhile since I have sat down to let you all know what is happening in my life "In The Country". Life is certainly full of "ups and downs; ins and outs". Life is still the same between my "folks" in San Antonio and me. No words or communication. I don't know if that will ever change; but if not, then I have come to a place in my life where I can and will accept that. I pray for restoration; but in God's time and not mine. The house in Austin is finally on the "list" to sell. I hope and pray that it sells fast. We are still making the payments on it. From what I understand it is going to look fantastic. We are still awaiting "word" from IRS. We are now approaching 1yr. on this. Sure would be nice for it to be over. In our favor of course.

I am finally getting used to work and learning all the "politics" of working once again in a place filled with women. It has been over 30+ yrs. since I have been in this situation. But the children make it worth it. This past week I have been a lead Teacher, a sub in the toddler room and a floater. But I am always a bus driver. I managed the other day when throwing out the trash (into the dumpster) to toss with it my new shoes. This brought on loads of laughter for everyone; including me. But a "friend" who is quite "germaphobic" fished them out for me. Believe me I felt blessed; thank goodness they were in a bag. I had to get shoes that would help my knees and back; so I've been breaking them in a little bit at a time.

Going home everyday is quite an adventure for me. I usually take a back road home and just enjoy the "tree covered" roads. Now the leaves are beginning to turn colors and the crisp feel of "autumn" is in the air. Of course our days are shorter and that makes me want to hurry home to spend a little time with the "girls" each evening. "Birdie" the youngest is getting to where she is used to me messing around with her. The other 2 just still like being loved on.

I am still amazed that I can find so much that "fascinates" me out here. Things like, seeing an entire herd of wild hogs; hearing the "yipes" of baby coyotes; and the sounds of the owls. The smells are still very strong out here. Especially early morning and early evening. I have to admit that the ones I like best are the morning ones. Waking up and smelling the wet grasses and even the smell of the earth; like it was waking up and getting ready for a new day. The way the country says "good morning". The birds chirping and just waking. And if you are fast enough you might even see a coyote or 2 go into hiding for the day. Now is the time of year we will begin to also see more deer. The only smell I have trouble with is the "chicken farms" around the corner; and you can smell them morning and evening. They say this is the smell of MONEY; "yech". My favorite smell are the smell of horses. I love the way they come running when I call; and are eager for being loved on. All our "pets" help to lift me up when I am down. When I'm having a pity party they ALL attend. No matter what they have going on in their lives they stop and come and listen. I swear its like having a group of youngsters without human voices. They will "nicker"; "woof"; and "purr" when I am in a "downer". But it is their "nudges" that bring me back and remind me that they depend on me like I depend on them. They love unconditionally; without any strings attached. I wish I could be like that. I pray that I am for the most part. Don't think that they don't understand; because often I sense that they are the only ones who do. Rusty is my "knight" in shining armor, he is always willing to go anywhere and do anything with me; and when I am sad you will find his head on my lap. Puzzles is my cuddler, when I am still she is right by me; licking and kissing me. Bolt is our talker he will come and sit by me offer me his opinion and go find Dale. Willie, well he to is a cuddler; he often sits by me where Puzzles is not; and he likes to suck on his tail. Ms.Priss comes to me for petting, but only when I am really down. The "Girls" all come to me, when I am sitting on the back of Dale's truck. They usually will nudge me for "scratches". So as you can see I have all these loving pets that are here for me. Like I have said before; being home is like stepping back in time. There is no one that lives across the road from us; and Mr. Rigney who is the currant land owner, is running cattle on it. The land is for sale...you could all join me up here? Seriously it is for sale. It is 106.7 acres with 2 barns 2hayfields and a small house on it. I know I have told you all about this one before; just reminding you that it is still for sale. Anyway I wanted to tell you that the fields across the road are filled with "calves"; and they are so cute to watch. They frolic and head-butt one another; and they are very curious; not like their "parent" figures who are cautious. They are so so funny. Well that's it from the country for now! I miss and love all of you very much.

Hugs,

Karen