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

Finding My Way

Well what can I say.... I finally know what "Friday Night Lights" is all about. The Friday paper took a 2 page highlight on the "Football players as well as the lead Cheerleaders". The people in these 2 towns are really "die hard" football fans. Everyone in the town goes. I thought that the only people who went to football games like that were "Lake Travis" fans. But guys I have to tell you these people will give you a run for the money. On Friday nights you can count on most all of the kids at the daycare being gone by 4:30/5. They pick them up to attend the "Pep Rally" prior to the game; even the whole town attends that.

As far as work goes it still is a bit "tense" every now and then. But I'm holding my own for the most part. I get up and pray for work, every morning. So I know that God is listening and it sure helps my attitude. I just go and be me. I go in and always say something "cheerful". They all like the "good morning sunshine". And I let them know that I am glad to be there. I even have the kids on the bus singing. Our favorite song is "The Wheels on The Bus go Round and Round". I told you, I will do all I can to make life fun. I believe that is what God would expect. To enjoy where I am at. To show how to live for him. To leave "positive footprints" in everyone's life. To have people look and want what you have. I want to be that person. It would take me pages to describe the many types of parents I encounter every day. And yes there are a few where you just want to ask; why.....why are you a parent? But inside the best thing I know to do, is to love those kids with all my heart. I get lots of hugs now. Even from the older ones. One of my favorite "little ones" is Jayden Doss ( and he will tell you straight up; "I am Jayden Doss"); I tell you this because despite all; he is a happy child and he brings laughter to my everyday. He has a light complexion with "rusty red" curly hair; he is from a "mixed marriage"; and a beautiful little boy. But the things he says for a 3yr. old just blow me away. He talks so "big" and yet he is this little boy. I must confess one day I did have to call Mom at work because he refused to mind. But once he knew I would go through with this threat, he was much better. He told me that I was a "hot Mama", this was said while he was doing a little dance; I fell over in laughter. There is nothing better for me than to work with kids. And to know that I get a chance to maybe make a positive difference in their lives. What a mind blowing experience. Having little ones run up to you at the "local" grocery store, just to give you a hug; I try to always be grateful for those moments. I'm sure you have all experienced that time in the store, where you have your "little ones" hand; and they break away to give that "teacher" a hug. I want to be that safety net for those children. While it is true that the parents here don't really care one way or the other; I am happy knowing that the kids are. I do miss "my parents" in Austin they are the best there is. And I always felt appreciated and needed. That part is not here. But I have my memories.

I have often felt like I have fallen into a "time" period. Anyone who knows me, knows that I love "clothes" and dressing nice. But here it doesn't seem to matter. But I still do anyway. For me. I do love coming home and changing into my "country attire" and get out there and mess around with the horses. To sit on the front porch and watch the horses and cows hang around. Dale has trained the cows to come up and eat out of our hands. They are so funny. If you don't pay any attention to them they will stand there and "moo" until you do. Even "Karen" comes up for treats. Now in the mornings and evenings you can expect to find Dale and at times me standing in the middle of a herd of cows with 3 horses feeding everyone by hand. This is everything I thought the country should be. We have not made any friends. Not the kind you hang out with. We spend allot of time by ourselves and at times with "family". I never thought I could or would be able to be happy like this. But I am. I enjoy so much all that God has provided and I just want to be the best "person" I can for God. I can't get enough of the sound of "silence". No more sirens. Or people "poking" at the dogs when they walked by. We live far enough from town that I really don't want to go. But when I do; I make a list. God is very close to where I am; and he knows what I need in order to keep on going. And I know I say this allot but Dale has really found his "nitch". He makes a great farmer. And I never tire of watching him be "happy". I hope that all of you are doing well; and you know if you ever need me just call. I love all of you.

Hugs and Blessings,

Karen

Thankfull!

Well all I can say is "man"; what a life. I would have never dreamed at this time last year that I would be coming home to feed my "horses". And to be able to sit and just pet them for as long as I want to. I love the smell of horses. And their noses are so soft; and if I yawn at mine they yawn back. All in all they make my day!

A few things this week going on. I did realize that while living in the "country" is like a world all its own; you still need to go "to town" to get groceries and to work. Speaking of work; it has gotten better. I have decided to give ALL my energies to the children. So now my life is much brighter. I laugh with them and tousle with them. We are all laughing allot more. Even the bigger kids that I take care of more often, asked me why can't I tickle them and get down on the floor with them. That statement proved to me what I already suspected; and that is that parents here are still (for the most part) into "hanging" out with friends and having fun for themselves. Yes their kids are with them; but if you listen to the kids talking; you soon learn that their weekends and week nights are filled with being switched from "parent to parent" and then to Grandparents. Having fun for them is spending time with their parents friends' kids; only. I have to wonder if anyone ever likes doing just some "one on one" with their children. A few of the women I work with, believe the same as I do about parenting and school. They put allot of their time with a few select friends; but mostly they are with their children. One of the ladies that I work with said today that sometimes work is not even "High School" level it is more like "Jr. High". I have been blessed with some pretty neat ladies to work closer with than the others. These are ones like me. Except no one is as "loony" as I am. I enjoy; enjoying life. And if I am going to spend allot of my day at a place, I am going to have fun doing it. So this week I decided to start out going in and saying to all I meet "Good Morning Sunshine"! At first they all just thought I was being annoying; but by the end of the week they all look forward to it. Not bad for a new comer. As far as the "small town" goes, you better get to town before 10; because after that everything is closed. I am still amazed at how an entire town manages to close up on a Friday night for a High School football game. I did wear my "new purple" shirt today in honor of the team. So at least I fit in. From babies up to adults all wear purple on Fridays. I am amazed at how "into" a high school one whole town is. I mean I was used to Lake Travis when I lived in Austin; but they even make them look small.

This year marks the end of Dale's 12yrs. of fighting off "Hep C". The original diagnosis was that Dale would not live past the 12th year. So far all his tests are negative for any action on Hep C. So keep him in your prayers. This is one of the main reasons that I agreed to move here. Dale deserves to be healthy and happy. For this I am so thankful to God. I think as long as his lifestyle is healthy and wholesome he will be around for a very long time. And I'm sure we all agree when it comes to loved ones, there isn't anything we won't do to make life better for them. So I personally am looking forward to a very long life here in the country with my Hubby.

Be Blessed in The Lord,

Karen