ZZZZZZ zen?

Relax and enjoy!  That's the spirit for the rest of the holiday season.  Fort Worth is one of my favorite places to indulge the holiday senses.  I love Sundance Square with all the festive decorations and the lights at night.  This year construction is all around the cental square and the TREE...oh the poor treeee!  Rumor has it that some damage delayed it's arrival, then efforts to "repair" it left gaps not evident at night. During the day, the big bare places show and now those dismembered, reattached branches are dying.  Oh dear!  I just cannot bear to look!

We'll go east to the other side of the metroplex today to indulge a bit of Christmas spirit with daughter and her family.  Son and Daughter-in-Law made the trek North with us last night.  Traffic was awful but no road rage was erupting from either of our vehicles.  The trip may have taken an extra hour but we were none the worse for it.  Calm...that's the mood for this season.  Yep, we'll just relax and enjoy!

Chance?

I suppose it's time to go to "page 2" of the Mayan calendar.  One could wonder if that second page is hidden in the depths of a lost cave, perhaps along with the third and subsequent pages.  I've laughed and often been horrified at the serious speculative planning for the "end of the world".  My favorite comparison was a side by side photo of the calendar and an Oreo cookie.  Some clever soul determined that the Oreo stamping instructed us to Be Happy, Don't Worry...or You have nothing to fear.  My family has always suffered a fondness for this simple cookie. It's been a difficult month and focusing on the ridiculous has provided a bridge over the hectic painful days.

Dysfunction as a normal state is not pleasant.  Awful events in the news, plans at home seeming to run awry daily, items ordered and lost in transit, treasures stored so well as never to be found and a general feeling of unrest have dampened my joy.  Christmas decorations are displayed and outdoor lights are hung around the eaves of the house.  It looks festive, but under it all lies chaos.

Yesterday I strolled into a coffee shop in the neighborhood and was greeted warmly by the proprietor.  She whipped up my order with a smile and a bit of lively conversation.  I left with my warm latte and scone feeling much lighter.  The remainder of the day progressed smoothly and all my planned errands were completed easily.

This morning the urge to repeat the treat to my tastebuds was strong.  The barista greeted me with a smile and asked if I'd like my same order repeated.  She called each customer coming in by name and offered to whip up their usual morning beverage.  As she chattered away and produced wonderful aromas I talked with other customers.  It's a happening place and my sense of comfort seemed to be shared by those awaiting their order.

Next stop was the post office where I was told my long lost package was on the carriers delivery today.  Oh glory be!  A call from Ol' Abner confirmed the delivery of the package as I pulled out of the parking lot.  The package had been damaged and rewrapped.  My heart sank.  Back home, I looked at the shambles of the wrapping.  Strangely, none of the contents evidenced a trace of damage.  Relieved, no...thrilled at this twist, I headed for the mall to finish my last bit of shopping.  A full parking lot with cars circling frantically for an empty berth would normally be reason enough to turn around and go home.  I drove the first row of cars slowly almost passing a car backing out.  My car was just far enough to need to reverse if I wanted the parking spot.  Another car was a distance behind that I could have forced the issue, but for some reason I felt like being polite. I smiled as she waved after I moved forward allowing her to park.  A lady with a load of shopping bags met me at the end of the lane and motioned to me.  She told me she was about to leave and if I would circle around she would wait to get in her car until I could return.  My benefactor had provided me with a spot at the end of the row directly in front of the store entrance.  Every crowded store had an open cashier just as I approached with my purchases.  Two items on my list were the last on the shelf when I arrived to collect them.

I may stop in for another latte tomorrow!

Winter of Life

I always love the winter holidays.  From the candy dispensing of Halloween, on to the feasting in November, followed by the National Day of Shopping.  By the first week of December, I'm filled with spirit and joy and ready to hang the garlands and drape the tree.  Addressing Christmas cards by hand and including little personal missives makes me feel like I'm visiting with friends and relatives not seen in years.  Oh yes, this is a joyful time of year and I'm not anxious to see it over.  We'll soon celebrate Christmas, plan to ring in the  New Year, then love a little Valentine treat.  I'll be ready to start looking forward to spring!

Throughout the year, we remember birthdays that arrive during all seasons.  Just before we arrived at winter, Ol' Abner's mother marked her 85th birthday.  She was in "Memory Lane", the Alzheimer's unit of a nursing home.  We tried to have flowers delivered to her, but were told that leaving them in the room was not allowed as some of her "guests" often ate anything colorful.  A telephone conversation was very unsatisfying as she had difficulty talking.  Her breath was ragged and I could barely hear her whispered words.  She seemed to be in pain.  This would be her last birthday.  Our niece notified us that it was time to move her to hospice when she was hospitalized in respiratory distress.  We visited on Saturday, and said our goodbyes.  It was clear that life was slipping from her.  On Sunday, with two of her granddaughters and her eldest grandson present, she quietly passed away.

Ol' Abner was her firstborn and by law is responsible for final decisions.  Unwilling to make decisions alone, he proceeded to try to reach his three younger brothers.  The oldest granddaughter had been the primary caretaker for the last three years and he was so grateful for her input as he completed paperwork and gave necessary permissions.  She and the oldest grandson took charge of planning the memorial service. I helped with calls to other family members.

Memories of many years have been revisited by telephone these last few days.  We will honor her life with a celebration this weekend.  I will rearrange the results of the Christmas decorating to dig through some boxes and albums to find pictures of the feisty little woman who gave birth to the love of my life.

Perceptions

Moving to a new area brings exciting new places to explore, shop and visit.  New friends open our eyes and hearts as we choose to know them better.  Yesterday one of our neighbors hosted an intimate little afternoon gathering for just this purpose.  It was our first chance to talk at length with either of them.  A brief introduction followed by an occasional wave as we walked our dogs along the streets was the extent of previous encounters.  The previous occupants of our home were there.  They too,  are dealing with the challenges of down-sizing a household.  This home that seems so tiny to us was the "big one" from which they moved.  She laments the "large closets" that seem so cramped to me.  Many of the things we love about this house are the very same things they miss.  He mentioned the view from the breakfast area windows with heavy nostalgia.  They miss watching the deer frolic in the yard early in the morning.  It's early this morning and still dark outside.  I wonder if the view of the twinkling lights across the hills stirred their spirit in the night.   We discussed our plans to finish the big-boy-playhouse and addition of a pool beside it.  Landscaping challenges unique to the hill country were compared and we indulged in our host's beautiful back yard.  Sitting beside the pool on the patio overlooking the outdoor fireplace with treetops just over the fence, it was hard to imagine any neighbors nearby.  That is, until the siren from the fire station erupted just over a block away.  No view of the emergency vehicles interrupted the serenity, but the sound had broken the spell.

Lively Colors

At times I'm caught up in the daily details of life and overlook some of it's glory.  After months of political bombardment by the media, personal discussions and general unrest in the nation; the election finally was completed and we can get back to day to day life with one uncertainty resolved.  Now the media has a new story to chase and I find myself sickened by the news I hear everywhere.  It sort of makes me want to disconnect all news and find a quiet cave somewhere.

Health issues suffered by the men in my life are a constant concern.  Driving Papa to the Ozarks to spend the next couple of months with Brother and Sis-In-Law was a reminder of his fragile health and fading mental state.  A stop to overnight with a cousin demonstrated to this leg of the family that he is effectively gone from them.  Descendents from his only sister remembered the "Unk" who was always their hero.  Some old photos were passed around and his eyes were interested but failed to recognize any of the occupants posed. One photo included a proud soldier in uniform with a pretty young woman, Papa with his first wife, soon after their marriage.  He did not recognize either or remember seeing the picture.

View from screened porch

Ol' Abner did not accompany us to the Ozarks.  He traveled as far as the Arkansas Capitol City to finish his dental work.  On that visit, he arranged to transfer all his medical care to Texas.  Access to oxygen delivery is critical to his well being.  An appointment was scheduled in our new area to begin that process, and it conflicted with the planned trip to Dogpatch.

Arrival on the mountain where we lived for several years, was a joy to  my eyes.  As we crossed the Arkansas River before beginning the ascent into the mountains, I advised Papa to look closely at the foliage.  In the past, when it was in full glory there, the leaves in Dogpatch were pretty much gone.   I was thrilled to see the fall colors in full bloom throughout our journey.

A peace   enveloped my spirit when I ventured onto the screened porch of our former home on the mountain.  Something about  sitting in the treetops looking at a sunrise brings joy to my spirit. On the solitary drive home my reverie was one of gratitude for so many of the day to day blessings I enjoy.  Sadness at changes that are  predictable will not be indulged.  I will take joy in the unexpected flashes of glorious color   expected  to be long gone!      

Front yard foliage in our "former" home

Slowly Fading

We have Papa here for a few days.  At 92, with the 93rd birthday approaching, he is more childlike than ever.  When a couple of months pass between visits with him, the mental deterioration is evident.  We had lunch with Sis and Brother in Law earlier this week and retrieved Papa in the process.  He willingly uses the walker that was anathema just a year ago.  He always asks us to simply order for him at a restaurant and gets lost going from one room to the next.  Still, he is ever cheerful and appreciative of our care.

It's painful when he cannot remember many of the good times of the past.  When we discuss events from a decade or more before, he will look with a bit of a blank stare, and then pretend to remember if prompted.  He didn't recognize Son, but when introduced, he seemed to remember the person who now had little resemblance to the youngest grandson buried in his memory.  After a few moments of quiet conversation, the spark seemed to ignite.  Last night he was familiar with Son and Daughter in Law.

Sis and Brother in Law have spent many hours over the last month with photos and talks reminding him of his long and fruitful life.  I had hung pictures we brought from his home at the lake in the bedroom where he now sleeps.  Upon his arrival, I escorted him back to become acquainted with the place where he will sleep for the next week.  He stared a long time at the portraits of his three children and families, one of my mother with him when they were first married, and another taken on a trip with all the adult children after she was gone.  On another wall he looked at some landscape photos taken on the shore and grounds of the home he enjoyed for nearly fifty years.  We talked about the pictures and he interacted a little, but I cannot be sure if he was remembering or humoring me.  Sister is sure he remembers the things she discusses with him, I guess I'm not so lucky.

Will the chill last?

It was a very busy week and the next one promises more of the same.  Winter clothes in my closet feel really good now, but many of them are just a bit too large.  I'm thinking they need to head for charity before I decide to grow back into them.  I feel some shopping for light weight long sleeved tops and perhaps a pair of better fitting pants may be on the agenda.  In fact, I probably can move down one size in jeans.  If I buy them when they are just a bit snug, I will be motivated to walk briskly and remember my weight training.  (note to self: find box with free weights and resistance bands).

My sis is bringing Papa down on the first of the month to spend a week or so with us.  Because of his progressive dementia, one of us will need to be with him at all times.  Not so long ago, he could spend several hours alone if he had a good western to watch.  Now, he seems to wander around and we all fear for his safety.  Still, he is cheerful and always appreciative of all his children.  Sadly, he cannot always remember our name.

We still await the estimate for building the new garage.  The builder had promised to have his proposal to us early this last week and we are still waiting.  Ol' Abner is beginning to share my frustration.  When we moved to the Ozarks and purchased a home needing an addition, the local builders were enjoying a building boom and couldn't be bothered with our little job.  It took us six months to hire a contractor and another two months before he could begin work.  Seems we have moved into an area with another "building boom".

Halloween parties were the news we kept hearing this weekend, so the Trick or Treaters cannot be far in the future.  A check of the calendar reminds me that my cute goody baskets are all still on a shelf at Mountain Girl's new home.  I guess I'll just use any old basket to hand out candy on the designated evening.  My neighbors haven't mentioned the quantity of children we might expect to treat.  With a small bag of snickers, I  will dispense candy until it's gone, then turn out the lights and go to bed.  I do hope it's dark by then!

Changing Seasons

It's time for an oil change in my car.  Not so long ago, the date dictated the time to refresh the lubricant, more so than the mileage. The excitement of my new surroundings are stacking up miles to the next service quickly.  My car is several years older than it's miles would reflect.  Most of those miles were accumulated on the highways of Missouri with an occasional trip to Texas.  Now that we are back in Texas with the big open roads and generous speed limits, I'm racking up the miles again.  Over a year ago, Ol' Abner suggested we consider replacing my car before it aged out of warranty time.  I was resistant.  Now that's changed a little.  My problem?  What might I want to drive?  Always being fiercely loyal to American brands, those lines have blurred with all the uproar in the auto industry.  Furthermore, I hate wandering around car lots fending off the advances of sales people.  I would love to have gadget plug-ins that are more readily accessible.  I like being able to see up over the traffic ahead on the freeway, but don't know that I'm ready to sacrifice the decent gas efficiency presently enjoyed.  The ease of parking a smaller car is comfortable, although I've adapted to maneuvering large tanks into small parking spaces most of my adult life.  Oh the days of driving my Volkswagon Beetle!  That was a very long time ago and today's version of that icon are totally unacceptable to my aging body.  Maybe my current car needs one more winter in my drive!

Seasons

Autumn! Ahhh! Yes I love the cooler breezy days of autumn.  In the Texas hill country, falling leaves aren't much of a problem since the oaks here are mostly of the Live Oak variety and shed lightly year round.  I miss the spectacular views afforded by Ozark forests as they change to the fiery colors of fall.  Sitting on my screened porch watching the treetops or enjoying the morning sun from the treehouse with my first cup of coffee made this such a special season.  I wonder if Mountain Girl is over her cold and enjoying those beautiful moments as much as I did.  From my new windows, the outdoors look much like a summer morning.  The sun is bright and golfers and joggers are still wearing shorts as they make their way down my street.  A closer look reveals no apparent sweat.  It must be cooler outside.  A walk doesn't mean getting out at dawn to avoid heatstroke. Oh yes! Autumn is here.

Yawn! I wish...

This is the second morning I've awakened in the wee hours with a return to sleep elusive.  It's not unusual to find myself waking for a few moments during the night, glancing at the clock, realizing I can return to sleep with next awareness coming hours later.  It is unusual to toss and turn, remaining wide awake for an hour or more.  We are settled into our new home.  Life seems to be fairly calm for the moment.  No strange noises are going bump in the night.  Household temperature is comfortable.  Ol' Abner's sleep habits haven't changed and the dog hasn't adjusted her bedtime ritual of tucking us in then moving to another room to sleep.  So why, I wonder, am I wide awake at 3AM?

I could probably accomplish something productive.  A couple of knitting projects could be completed.  Several interesting books are at various stages, and a few moments of reading might be relaxing.  The last sleepytime teabag was used one evening last week when I felt a chill in the air and needed pre-sleep warmth. I should have replenished that supply.  Maybe I'll make a grocery list or rearrange the pantry that seems to have shrunk since we settled into the house.  Several missed programs from the last couple of weeks are waiting in the dvr to be viewed.  There was a time in my life when these were my most productive hours, but I find little satisfaction these days from nocturnal ramblings.

All I really want to do is sleep...or I think I want to sleep.  Maybe my mind and body are undergoing another evolution and three hours of sleep are all that I need.

Now I'm aggravated!  Ol' Abner left his air compressor on in the garage and it just kicked in and scared me silly!  Maybe I'll go wake him and fuss!

Limited Revelry

Last weekend we traveled to a wedding a few hours to the north.  It's never cold in North Texas until the days leading up to Halloween. This year was the exception.  An Autumn wedding long anticipating the warm autumn evenings required sweaters for most of the guests.  The ceremony and dance to follow the reception were both planned as outdoor events.  The bride and groom took their vows while the sun was still low in the sky, barely warming the cool air.  As we moved inside for the dinner, I shivered and was thankful for the sweater Ol' Abner had suggested I bring, even though it didn't exactly complement my attire.  As the dinner and cake times passed, the music warmed up outside in a large dance area.  The bridal dances were all  shortened by shivers and I retreated indoors ahead of the crowd.  It wasn't long before the tables were being cleared and the music being lured indoors.  The celebration became cozy with the guests sitting and standing around the perimeter of the makeshift dance floor.  I understand the celebrations continued well into the night, but Ol' Abner was tired and we had enjoyed the visits and views to our satisfaction.  We are now the older generation allowed to leave the party early enough to get our necessary rest.  Can our second childhood be far away?

Crawling

Getting settled in Texas Hill Country has been a busy, exhausting and exciting experience.  The manly playhouse is still not started.  The household boxes are all unpacked. Two storage units are still brimming and  we must begin planning for yet another trip back to Dogpatch.

I couldn't resist a bit of indulgence last week to assuage my longing for companionship of knitters.  Seeing  the emails updating happenings at Gabriele's reminded me of those left behind.  A visit to a yarn shop nearby sparked the need to touch some fibers and see others with similar obsessions.

Friendly owners encouraged me to join them for open knitting and mentioned the upcoming "yarn crawl", an annual event.  It sounded like a great way to locate shops where I might find touchy feely satisfaction for my fingertips, so I signed up.  I thought I might make my way to five or six of the shops closest to my comfort zone and that was the limit of my ambition.  The Hill Country Yarn Crawl is a four day event.  We were happily committed to attendance at a wedding three hours to the north in the middle of the four day weekend.  On Friday morning, after Ol' Abner had vehemently declined my invitation to drive along with me, I set out on my trek.

A beautiful drive through the hill country crossing the Pedernales River three times, the Colorado River several times and wishing I had a driver so I might stop to taste some wine along the way.  Oh yes, the hills are alive with vineyards and signs to aptly named wineries with tasting rooms.  That will probably be a day trip for another time.

 The Knitting Nest displayed a pattern for a knitted quilt using puzzle pieces as a tribute to those blessed with Autistic children.  A demonstration of needle felting was taking place and delightful bits of whimsy were forming on the felter's block.  I'm thinking a trip back to this shop may be in my plans.  The staff was friendly and fun.  They seemed to love the fibers as much as I.  It's probably not a part of town I would like venturing into at night, but an afternoon would be well spent.  I think I would love to spend a day just wondering around this part of the older area so near downtown.

On my second day, actually the last day of the yarn crawl, I hit the toll roads at the luxurious speed of 80 mph and  made my way to the remaining shops on my list.  I had managed to visit six of them on the previous Friday, so four seemed ever so manageable for my Monday drive.  The first shop was just over seventy miles from my home, but I flew by car easily out to Paige, Texas.  I am sure I've been there before.  It's along the highway between Austin and Houston and I've never noticed the little town...actually an unmarked intersection.  I turned down the listed street and found the most awesome shop and a whole flock of ladies chattering about their latest and their next projects while wearing the last one completed.

The last three shops were near central Austin.  I drove down South Congress in awe of the view of downtown I love the most, and realized I had never noticed the Hill Country Weavers on the right side of the street just as the Texas Capitol Building comes into view.  Again, this is probably not a shop for me during prime time, but daytime or weekend classes are definitely in the future here.

No doubt, a return to Wimberly, Greune and Comfort will be in the future.  I loved those shops and the views around them.  The Tinsmith's Wife in downtown Comfort was nestled among many other unique little shops and eateries.  The Old Oaks Ranch was just that...a working ranch with a yarn shop and sculpture garden amid the pastures where alpacas and other beasts grazed.  I'm thinking Ol' Abner would have enjoyed that stop, and perhaps he will one day soon!

One Home

After hiring movers to bring the majority of our belongings to the new home, we were amazed at how overloaded the truck felt as we pulled away from Dogpatch earlier this week.  Things needed to exist in the house on the mountain had been left behind with the knowledge that we would return for a couple of weeks to finish local business and await closing on the sale. Other things still in the house were destined for charity and scheduled to be picked up the day before closing.  The plan was made and seemed workable.  It was NOT.  Luckily Mountain Girl had not planned to make her move to the house until middle of next month, and she agreed to let us "store" a few odd things in a cabinet and couple of shelves in the basement.

The next stop was in the Arkansas capitol to check into a hotel for the night.  Ol' Abner had a colonoscopy scheduled and had been on clear liquids for the entire day.  We were grateful for covered secure parking for our overburdened vehicle to overnight.  A well run endoscopy clinic provided early morning coffee for me and something a little stronger for Ol' Abner.  Two polyps were removed and an admonition to return in five years was added as we made our way out of town.  An early lunch at Brown's Country Restaurant for one last indulgence in fried green tomatoes and other delicious treats, and we were finally Texas bound.

Two days later, we are finally feeling like we can breathe.  I always thought it would be nice to have two homes in different places.  It is now evident that I need one place to sink my roots.  As much as we hated to give up our sense of home on the mountain, these hills feel like home already.

The men in the neighborhood are forming a cheering section for Ol' Abner to get his "manly garage" built, and  son and daughter in law are ever near and helpful.  I've made shopping plans with one neighbor and Ol' Abner accompanied me on my trek yesterday to find new winter boots.  It's good to have great places to shop nearby.  Its also nice to know we can return to Dogpatch for a visit when the urge strikes!

Mountain Views and Visits

We have so many good friends in Dogpatch and the mountains around.  Events of the last few weeks have kept us ever aware of these friendships.  So many have offered to help load and move heavy items from the house.  Others have offered to come help us pack while some have stopped in to keep us company as we filled the boxes.  Gatherings have been hosted and it's been so nice to visit in the midst of this chaos.

Mountain Girl's Log Cabin

View from Mountain Girl's Kitchen

Mountain Girl invited us along with several friends and neighbors to her beautiful home on Pine Mountan.   We indulged in grilled goodies and  luscious beverages.  It was a delightful afternoon to relax and enjoy the views of the woods and water while laughing with  friends.  It was my birthday and cheesecake was the dessert of the day.  Of course she sent me home with copious leftovers.  We will make more friends in Texas, but the bonds forged in these mountains will always be with us.

In or Out

It would seem our days in Dogpatch are truly numbered.  A call yesterday confirmed a closing date to transfer home ownership to the new owner.  Most of the furniture has been picked up and taken to new homes.  As I sit here this morning in the quiet house, the view is pretty stark.  Empty walls and ever more sparsely furnished rooms are giving that empty-house-echo.   We are clearly on our way out of here.

Ol' Abner was to have finished his dental restoration next Thursday.  After two prosthodontists have bailed from the Veterans Administration clinic, that final step was delayed again.  He has now been "outsourced" and they have asked him not to transfer his medical care to Texas until the process (well into its third year) can be completed.  The private dentist has been given a deadline sometime in mid-November to finish the construction of nine more crowns or caps.  Concern was voiced that a move to Texas for the care would require that another dental lab prepare the crowns.  Sometimes, they tell us, the results are not a good match and less aesthetically pleasing.  Apparently this lengthy process has alerted high level providers of care.  He has been called by administrators in North Little Rock and San Antonio.  Appointments scheduled in Texas have been cancelled to allow the "tooth fairy" to revive his mouth.

So what's the big deal?  It means he will have to come back to Little Rock at least three more times in the next couple of months.  Other diagnostic tests due will necessarily be performed in Little Rock, and he will have to continue to receive his oxygen refills through the Arkansas vendor!  All his prescriptions will still come to the address in Dogpatch.  We thought we were on our way out!

Melancholy

With a touch of sadness we finish packing the unmoved items in the house in Dogpatch.  Most of the things left here will go to new owners or off to charity.  I kept most of my cooking pans and utensils in the kitchen in order to finish off the food in the freezer.  That has made for a grumpy old man around here.  I had a dozen or so chicken breasts, a couple of salmon filets and lots of frozen vegetables.  He lumps all three categories as food-of-last-resort, just before starvation.  Yesterday he ventured out and called from the grocery store to see what else I might need to fill in with bread and milk.  I suggested he bring back some yogurt, he brought home hot dogs!  This afternoon he made a special trip to the neighboring town to purchase a bake at home pizza.  I really thought it was a good idea to keep the pots and pans here for cooking, but they are being sadly neglected.

In the basement, Christmas decorations and gift wrap are being sorted for travel, donation, or discarding.  I have found little need in the past couple of years for copious amounts of gift wrap and package decor.  Tiny little remembrances for friends are often delivered in a pretty basket or special bag made to compliment the gift.  Children and grandchildren are not insulted with monetary gifts and usually only receive a couple of little cheerily wrapped packages.  It seems rather silly to haul thirty or forty rolls of paper and all sorts of ribbon.  I will continue to indulge my home in Christmas trees and all the trappings of holiday decor. The favorites have found resident storage spots in Texas.

Professionals!

The movers have delivered our treasures and gone.  The only trauma from this move was of my own making, or perhaps ignorance.  We hired professionals well trained in moving electronics and heavy but fragile furniture.  All the pieces of my favorite things were carefully removed and transported to the new house, with the plan to reset as directed.

Plasma TV 

The big television in the living room in Dogpatch was removed from the wall with all it's bolts carefully packed with the bracket.  My plan for the hill country house did not feature a wall hanging television.  Several times as he loaded our vehicles I reminded Ol' Abner to be sure to get the stand for the TV.  On my final pass through the house I noticed it sitting on the abandoned table in the living room and picked it up to wedge in a small space just the perfect fit in my fully loaded car.  On one of our telephone communications as we traveled he confessed that it had not crossed his mind until that very moment.  This proud supportive spouse assured him that I always have his back.  So much for pride of accomplishment.  I carefully packed the stand, but the supports for the television to attach it to the stand are still in Arkansas on top of the box holding the DVD player that didn't come.  Alas, the TV sits on the floor leaning against the sofa awaiting the critical component's arrival.  Guess I must rely on Son and Ol' Abner to have the expertise to mount the big television on its stand...next trip!

One Less Future Project!

The movers came today.  Watching our possessions hauled through the front door and others out the basement doors to fill two trucks without emptying the house, convinced me I am suffering from the sin of gluttony.  Right now I am overwhelmed with the sense that I probably cannot live long enough to complete all those planned quilts, finish the three cross stitch projects loaded on one of those trucks, or deftly plant those thousands of photos into scrapbooks.  Still I feel the need to hoard the supplies needed for those endeavors and many more, yes I said more.  Perhaps I'll pat myself on the back for passing along all those cake decorating tools.  Boxes of tier cake supports and the plates for them can be much better utilized elsewhere.  Oh yes, I feel better already.

Decision Not Needed

As we plan the move to Texas, concern over transporting boats or selling here and replacing when we finish moving has prompted many lively discussions.  Ol' Abner decided it would work well to just list both boats for sale.  The one that sold first would be replaced and transporting one boat to Texas didn't seem like such a daunting task.  You see, I do NOT like to pull a trailer of any kind.  These two boats are large and heavy, not my idea of a pleasant 12 hour drive with either in tow.

Our boat dock remains on top of Dock 11.

Returning from the hill country house, we made a planned stop in the capitol city for an overnight stay prior to Ol' Abner's dental appointment.  Just after a text to his phone from the electric company notifying us of a power outage, both of our phones began to ring and text messages came from several contacts.  News of a nasty storm in Dogpatch was frightening.  While over 500 homes were without power, downburst winds hit the marina lifting one dock up and scattering it's contents before dropping it down atop another.  Our pontoon boat was berthed in the midpoint of the traveling dock.  Pictures being sent assured us that loss of life and multiple bodily injury would surely be the next news. The photo above was taken early this morning, after a week of clean up.  As we awaited news of the well being of friends and family, the thought raced through each of our minds that a choice between boats would likely not be necessary.

A ride to the marina the next afternoon as we arrived in town just reinforced the belief that our boat probably didn't ride out the storm unscathed.  We were shown to the area where retrieved boats were parked awaiting identification from owners.  Some showed little damage while others barely resembled a usable craft.  Over the next few days, topsy turvy boats were righted and pulled from the water, but ours still remained among the missing.  Last night while I was at a knitting class, Ol' Abner made one last sojourn to the docks.  One of the owners mentioned a boat that was moored at the end of an inaccessible  point.  It had been in the middle of the fray and had to be towed there to make way for dock access as they worked.  A shop worker took him out on a boat and went under water to find the identifying number on the side rail.  That confirmed what Ol' Abner had already determined from the life jackets and giant tube sprawled along the other side.  Our boat had been found and it wasn't pretty.

The sad remains of a really fun boat

A fifty year collection of fishing tackle, some very expensive fishing rods and reels, several other life jackets, flotation toys and beach towels were not to be found.  I had to go down this morning to see for myself.  Looks like the other boat will make the trip to Texas and this one will become a massive paper work headache. We called the insurance adjuster and he tells us it may be weeks before the area is cleared for them to get near enough to boats not pulled from the water safely.  Because of its waterlogged state and punctured pontoon, ours may be one of the last boats out.

We didn't have time this week to be out cruising the lake much.  Boxes need to be packed and repairs must be completed on the house following the inspection.  I think I'd rather be floating.

Journey

Our constant windshield time is taking its toll on me.  Traveling with a nervous dog in the summer heat certainly takes the fun out of a roadtrip.  Searching for a shady place to walk her when we stop and finding carry out food that isn't just a greasy burger or fatty sandwich is a challenge.

In an effort to consolidate the travel needs, we try to schedule trips to Texas to follow or precede one of Ol' Abner's medical visits to Little Rock.  This either gets us three hours into the trip or within three hours of our mountain destination.  We will be back in Dogpatch tonight and I'm ready to visit with friends and enjoy the last few weeks in my home in the side of the mountain.

Cell phones and vigilant friends have kept us in touch with happenings in the town.  Yesterday a storm took out power at the house, as well as about 500 other homes.  That was the least of the problem.  Straight line winds roared through the cove where one of our boats lives in the marina and major damage ensued.  Luckily, according to our sources, no injuries have been reported.  Looking at the pictures posted by friends on social media and telephone reports from others, it's a miracle.  The dock where our boat is, or was moored, is destroyed.

I am ready to be back in Dogpatch.  I want to catch up with friends and relish the laziness of summer heat. It would seem we will be spending some time with the insurance adjustor if damage to the boat is as reported.  Packing for the movers will shake the lazy out of me and we will need to tend to any repairs needed to the house before sale can be completed.  So much for lazy hazy summer days.  We better hurry home and get busy!

Movin' On

It's been a busy week on this mountain.  Ol' Abner has been extra busy getting his boats ready to move to the other lake.  I have been sorting through treasures that may have become junk, and the junk had to go.  The basement is still filled with plastic totes that probably need to be reviewed and revised.  A recent flurry of activity in town has sparked new interest in our home, and yesterday we accepted an offer.  A mover will be here this morning to plan for a furniture move later this month, and sister and bother in law are here for one last visit to Dogpatch.  They brought PaPa back from Texas to spend some time with brother and sis-in-law.  We've enjoyed gathering around our big dining room table for a couple of family dinners.  The mid-restoration mustang convertible has been sold to a friend for completion and he will pick it up this weekend.

Everything mentioned heretofore was planned for this week with a trip to the Texas hills to follow.  Sister and Brother in law will follow with a pick-up load of treasures as we travel with a few boxes loaded in the covered back of our pick-up.  Just in case you missed it, Yes, our home in Dogpatch is now under contract for sale!  The long awaited process has begun and the interview with the mover will involve a bit more to load.

Our buyer is Mountain Girl.  She has long admired this property, but many obstacles precluded her decision to buy.  Yesterday the resolution evolved into decisive action and she contacted our mutual realtor to write an offer.  The proposed timing for the transfer of ownership was very generous and I have a sense of peace with thoughts of a future occupant in the house we have called home for several years.

Dry

Sadly the drought has reached these mountains.  The few short sprinkles seem to sizzle and dry as they hit the rocky ground.  The heat makes outdoor activities impossible unless one is sitting in the water.  Little water is being released at the dam, which makes the beautiful White River more like the lazy river.

The dog and I still enjoy our morning walks. The hike has been moved to an ever earlier hour.  Our outings at daybreak would have been a lonely sojourn only a month ago.  This week, the eight o'clock walkers seem to have all come out by six lately.  Dogpatch streets are crowded with walkers and even a few runners.  In a community crowded with retirees, it's refreshing to see a man in his seventh decade jogging along as though he's not even tired.  I am grateful my knees will function well enough to take me up and down the hills.

I do love the summer heat.  Unfortunately the naked ladies do not.  The usual displays of tall stalks of glorious pink blooms have chosen to remain underground this year.  I read an article a few years ago that mentioned "tantrums" by this species of flora.  Disturbing them at the wrong time will cause them not to bloom for a year or two.  It would seem the lack of rainfall has the same effect.

Naked Ladies--Memories of Years Past!

These will be the only blooms I'll see in the flower bed under the oak trees this year.  The dear little deer munched on the day lilies as they sprouted earlier and the lilies of the valley never bloomed.  Sigh, maybe the spring rains will come next year.

Switch

Summer heat brings out the best and the worst in me, and I've noticed the same trend in others.  Tempers seem short and time slips away at alarming speed when deadlines must be met.  I often forget to take a few minutes and just relax.  Online games pull me to the laptop a couple of times a day, and while that provides a bit of mindless relaxation under the air conditioner, some posts or non-posts there can be a bit disturbing.  I'm thinking it's better to spend my quiet time on the back porch with a good book.  Do you ever wonder about turning off all the electronic media and going dark?  These days, I do...a lot.

Up to Speed Again

A lively luncheon (actually it was snacks and drinks) with a few ladies of the mountain allowed me a chance to catch up on news in Dogpatch.  Flower Girl is on a new diet/exercise program and came to indulge in the company but ate nothing.  With a five pound weight loss behind her she explained that she must eat only protein for today.  I was surprised to see that at least five pounds appeared to have exited her waistline (note to self: do some research on this Dukan Diet)

Other news involved activities of the Dam Knitters.  I am seriously behind on the latest two projects, but it would appear I am not alone.  Summer heat encourages activities that do not involve large quantities of wool yarn on the lap and in the hands.

A Dogpatch resident long known for her walking and reading at the same time has been a dilemma for city officials and law enforcement staff for years.  She chose to traipse around the countryside on a Forest Gump kind of journey.  No running, just walking and walking and walking, all the while reading a book alongside the streets and highways, oblivious to oncoming and passing traffic.  Apparently she has reached a level of dementia that will probably require an institution soon.  For now though, her poor spouse has humored her as she looks for activities.  She arrived at open knitting last week with a duffle bag full of tangled yarn.  During another visit she brought her trash with her and deposited it in the bathroom of the shop.  In desperation, the city leaders had given her a membership to the local gym to keep her off the streets.  The fitness center had no choice but to ban her after several similar (actually much more offensive) incidents.  Oh dear, I do hope the knitters will not need to cope with her behavior much longer.  This could suck the joy out of productive gatherings.

A friend's home is nearing completion on the hill over the river.  Much of the decor has been purchased in large cities far away. Local craftsmen are disgruntled over the defection.

Mountain Girl and Ol' Taxidermist have left town for the weekend to visit Eureka Springs. They will indulge in a bit of pampering and much needed togetherness.  I do hope their suite isn't one of those sometimes revisited by past guests in the  "dead" of night.

Life goes on in our little village, and I really must get the recipe for the gaspacho, mango sangria and even that devine margarita cheesecake, Mary made.  Oh gee, I might as well just ask for the entire, light but oh so yummy, menu.   

Parallels

A few months ago, I discovered with delight that many of the classic literary works are available on Amazon for Kindle download at the lavish sum of $0.00.  Yep, they are free.  I promptly downloaded all of Thomas Hardy's works and proceeded to delve into a re-read of Tess of the d'Urbervilles.  I remembered it from my college days as a rather erotic read with heart wrenching, tragic ending.  No change there, but my older wiser psyche was touched in a different manner with this reading.   In present day culture innocence in a young woman seems neither expected or valued.  The fact that I only discussed reading this story with one friend speaks to the lack of openness of the era.  It was the beginning of the sexual revolution.

Fast forward to the present and the most often mentioned publication is the tantalizingly graphic Fifty Shades of Grey.   Imagine my surprise, when the title character gifts the protagonist valuable first editions of Hardy's tragic tale.  The current story reads a little like a "valley girl" fantasy and the plot bears none of the richness of Thomas Hardy's storytelling.  I have only read about halfway through the first book and am not yet committed to purchase the remaining two books of the trilogy.  It is a provocative bit of entertainment.  I do hope this heroine will fare better than my "Tess"!

In

Back in Dogpatch, and ready to just gel for awhile, it's time for a bit of self evaluation.  I am at a time in my life when few responsibilities weigh upon me.  No job requires my presence.  Family makes little demand of time or effort.  Friends are available but undemanding.  Introspection seems to swirl without permission.  Looking inward, I search for a new sense of purpose but it doesn't seem to erupt.  I'm not so sure that's a bad thing.  Perhaps of bit of relaxation and a day or two of simple reflection will set me on the proper path.

Stimulating the Economy

It's been a busy week in the South Texas Hills.  Arriving late Tuesday night and enjoying a July 4th holiday with kids and friends, Thursday meant hitting high gear.  We seem to be making baby steps with our hill country house.  Enough furnishings are in place to function, but a couple of rooms remain unfurnished and others are sparsely set.  Yard work must be tackled at once and again before we leave.  Mail must be retrieved and restarted for delivery.  The back of the property is changing and will soon accommodate the new garage/playhouse.  Getting plans prepared and researching supply costs requires multiple efforts for each step.  Meanwhile, we enjoy visiting with friends and attending gatherings whenever we are here.

This week I felt we were part of an economic stimulus team.  Our purchases have continued while Son and Daughter in Law have been ordering upgrades to their home.  It seems we all have a bit of a furniture itch, and of course some things must be purchased when changing houses or in our case, adding one.

Young friends, home for a break from the military, others with birthdays and holiday celebrations resulted in a marathon of shopping.  Perhaps we are the answer to the slumping economy. We certainly made our contribution this week.

Fire in the Sky

It's the first time in ten years that fireworks over Bull Shoals Lake was not part of our July 4th party.  The times, they are a-changin'.  In Dogpatch this day is always a jubilant time.  We have cooked out, cooked in, attended large gatherings and family reunions every year since discovering the joy of  this little  mountain town.  We found our favorite places to gather for a view of the much anticipated display.  Grandchildren were issued glow sticks and glow bracelets to wear.  It made it very easy to keep an eye on them and they thought they were just playing with fire!  The parties continue in Dogpatch, but we were not there to share.  I have felt a sadness most of the day with this loss.

We actually had a great day with Son and Daughter In Law and a couple of friends.  We met more of our  Texas neighbors and they have made us feel welcome and included.  By next year, I bet we will be well into planning for my favorite holiday.  The cookout hosted by Son and DIL was delightful, but we almost stayed too late to see the fireworks.  No matter where I may be, I always insist on seeing public displays of fireworks.  It's one of the major joys in my summer.  Family and friends all know they cannot be missed.

As we sat munching on the last of the watermelon, one of the friends mentioned that the fireworks should be underway in our little town on the lake.  That was our cue to make a quick race for the new hometown. We were told the display was awe inspiring from the city park.  That could have been an understatement.  As we followed the road through the hills, an occasional burst would appear.  By the time we arrived, the build up to the finale was in progress.  You can bet I will be here in time for the first light of sparklers next year.  Happy Independence Day!

Resolution

Half the year is behind us!  That is rather hard to believe since I'm not so sure I ever finished 2011.  I'm ready for the whirlwind dust to settle in our life.  Maybe it's time to make a New Year's resolution, however late it may be.

It's time to stop looking back and move to the next stage of life.  Health issues will be ongoing for Ol' Abner.  He is working hard to overcome his challenges and I applaud his determination and resilience. My health is good and for that I am thankful.  I will continue efforts to strengthen my aging body and spirit.

The travels I had hoped to enjoy have been curtailed by other priorities.  Finding and getting established in another home have been time and dollar consuming.  We made the decision to return to Texas and the decision still feels very right.  That does not take away my longing to see far away places.  I love the Ozarks and their proximity to some of those destinations I wanted to visit.  These days, even our short trips are limited to medical visits to the state capitol.  Son and Daughter In Law are dreaming about a trip to Ireland in the next year or so.  I have urged them not to postpone when the opportunity presents.

For now, I will raise my resolve to look forward while taking satisfaction in the progress made to this point in the year.  My mind still wanders often to wonder "What if?", in more ways than one!

Who stoppped the rain...oh wait, might have been me!

It would seem I've spent the last couple of years complaining about the volume of raindrops falling on this mountain.  My friends in Texas chastised me from time to time as they wished for just a bit of water on their parched landscape.  My griping has come back to haunt me.  We are experiencing a drought in the Ozarks unlike any since the dust bowl years.  The little pond around the corner with constant level of water has dried up completely.  The lake level is below pool and the anticipated spring rains were almost non-existent.  All my neighbors are complaining about the heat and dying plants.  Our morning walks have been earlier to avoid the heat.

The lesson learned here...be careful where you place your wishes, they just might come  true.  Now I hear myself wishing for rain!

Road Weary

It was a long drive back to the mountain from the Texas Hills.  Ol' Abner was really tired and the dog was a restless traveler, not a good combination for a fourteen hour ride in the summer heat.  I spent the majority of Thursday moving very slowly alternately with napping.  We weren't even pulling a trailer, so this trip should have been an easy one.  It wasn't.

The weekend prior to our departure was spent preparing the back half of the property for staking out the new garage/shop/playhouse to accommodate Ol' Abner's toys and projects.  Son has a project or two to add to the facility, so he was a willing accomplice.  Removal of multiple cedar trees even with the help of a big excavator/backhoe thing was hot dusty work.  Once they were pulled from the earth, the root balls had to be removed.  Chain saws seem to be much easier to use in chilly weather.  At least cutting logs makes more sense when prepping them for the fireplace.  These big hunks of root balls had to be removed from the downed trees so the remainder could be toted over to the "Green Center" and turned into mulch.  It's a nice service offered in our new town on the first and third Saturdays of every month.  When we need mulch, we can go back and retrieve a load of our co-mingled wood bits.  It was a very hot long day of manual labor.

The next day,  Son and Ol' Abner gathered the root balls, loaded them on the trailer and hauled them out to one of Son's jobsites where a large pile of similar refuse is being gathered for proper disposal.  Again the summer heat took it's toll on them.  Monday and Tuesday involved yard work, repair, and visits to suppliers to prepare for the new construction.  By our exit on Wednesday, exhaustion was looming.

Dog seems to sense tension and takes on the stress.  She rode well for the first couple of hours then became agitated and restless.  She whined, groped our arms and tried to climb into the front seat.  Every little thing in the back part of the cab was fair game for shredding or stirring.  When we prepared for a drive to the capitol on Friday, she showed no interest in coming along.  She seemed to enjoy her day with the house to herself.  I think Ol' Abner would have been perfectly happy to stay with her, but he couldn't quite send his mouth for insertion of crowns without the rest of his tired body.

It's good to be back to the house on the mountain.

On the Road Again!

Windshield time has stacked up fast in the last couple of weeks.  We drove home from the hill country to  pack again for a trip to West Texas.  We took PaPa to my sister's home and spent a couple of days visiting with them before checking into a motel for Ol' Abner's high school multi-school, multi-year reunion.

The Reunion was a raging success.  With over 300 registered attendees, hugs, laughter and introductions were plentiful.  I had never met most of this group, although I'd heard the names many times.  The idea sprouted during a previous high school reunion when a few folks from the same junior high gathered to delve further down memory lane.  During the sixties, the hometown was growing rapidly and students from one junior high might be split to another middle school halfway through that stage.  Those same groups were later graduates of any of four, then five possible high schools.  One man urged that a reunion must be planned, another told him to "go for it" and a co-ed from the era was recruited to help.

Ol' Abner first heard about it on a social network site and asked my opinion.  When he mentioned names already on board, I told him to absolutely make our reservation.  That was over a year ago, but the much anticipated date arrived with no less enthusiasm.  Childhood friendships and teenage acquaintances were renewed and strengthened with mature knowledge of their importance.

As the evening wound down, we faced another twelve hours of drive time, only to sleep a night and send Ol' Abner off on a six hour journey to get a tooth repaired.  One day to pack and load a trailer, then back to the Texas hills.  With several medical visits in the near future, pressure is on to do what we can now.

Son brought one of his company's backhoes out yesterday and began to remove some of the cedar trees from the empty space behind the house.  The goal is to have the monster garage (male type playhouse) ready for layout by the weekend, so plans can be prepared for requesting a building permit.

For now, we'll anticipate a bit more windshield time.  More bugs will assuredly commit suicide this week.

Nesting

The House in Texas

Dogpatch was a welcome sight earlier this week as we returned from the Texas hill country.  Having all the familiar possessions and amenities like television, internet, cooking pans and oh yes, the king size bed.  We've shared a king size bed for nearly forty years, and a queen bed allows for a little closer snuggling than we require for the duration of the night.  A labrador retriever usually inserts her presence on the bed to further crowd the quarters.  Sleep in the Dogpatch house came easily and lasted longer with the extra mattress volume.  Morning was welcomed with delivery of the daily newspaper, such as it is.

The photo displayed was taken a couple of months ago just as we made our offer on the house.  Since that time the remainder of the grass has become green and the trees have taken on summer foliage.  Weekly mowing is now necessary.  Two excursions to begin habitation are making it feel more like home.  The master bedroom and bathroom have been relieved of their burnt orange gloss walls and I am ready to begin some serious decor planning.

In the early years of our marriage, we entertained ourselves by shopping through K-Mart, Montgomery Ward, Sears and Spears Furniture.  Decorating our first couple of homes was a joint project and sometimes compromise was a bit difficult.  When children arrived and Abner (not so old then) devoted more time to career decisions than home decor, I followed my own taste in patterning a pleasing look for the home.  He noticed occasionally, and generally agreed with my choices (at least those made in the sober light of day).

We found ourselves feeling a bit like newlyweds while planning this home.  Awareness of one another's personal taste, and knowing which buttons should NOT be pushed has made shopping for items to feather the new nest a fun experience.  The additional lot that fronts on the street behind allows space for construction of his extra garage to accommodate all his toys along with space for storage of some of my treasures.

Maybe this bit of nostalgic joy is further fueled by the plan in a few short weeks to attend Ol' Abner's high school reunion.  It's been twenty years since he ventured to the last one, but with the advent of social networking, he's reconnected with many friends from school days.  I think this event will be attended by more of the folks he's really interested in seeing.  Reliving some of those times has lead us to memories of our earliest days and how they shaped our present.  We even picked out new dishes and bought them all ourselves.

Chilling Saga

Great plans do not always bear fruit.  On our first trip to the Texas hills after purchase of the new house we towed a trailer loaded with necessary items to subsist for days at a time while working through the process of Texas repatriation. The spare refrigerator from the basement (a 28 cubic foot behemoth in boring white), a queen size bed previously stored, spare stainless flatware, linens to make the bed and several wardrobe boxes of clothing.  Ol' Abner included items he considers necessary for handyman type efforts, but I won't go into that since it holds little interest for me UNLESS something really necessary should break.

Son and Daughter-In-Law were waiting at the new house when we arrived long after dark.  DIL had spent many evenings at the house preparing it for our arrival.  She had met a carpet cleaner there to have the carpets sanitized while she scrubbed and polished every surface.  The gloriously clean smell refreshed our senses despite the fatigue of a fourteen hour drive pulling a heavily loaded trailer.  Our negotiations during the home purchase had netted a large breakfast table that I coveted.  She had set the table with new place mats and coasters.  My Keurig coffeemaker was set up and ready to brew my morning coffee.

Son assisted with unloading the trailer and setting up the bed.  In less than an hour the refrigerator was plugged in and filled with items from the ice chest, our bed was made and the apprehensive canine had tested the back yard.  We gratefully settled in for a good night's sleep as the kids left for their home, knowing they had to arise early for work in a few short hours.

The morning brought the discovery that a piece of cheese had been placed in the freezer along with the kool packs for the ice chest.  We laughed that the fridge had clearly made the trip without mishap.  An hour later, everything in the interior of the appliance was lukewarm. Good thing he brought some tools. In minutes Ol' Abner had the back off the beast and all it's innards laying on the utility room floor.  He concluded hopefully that some oil might have leaked into the compressor, or from it, or something of that nature, and possibly just unplugging it and letting it all settle for a few hours would remedy the situation.  I recommended we just go purchase the primary refrigerator I planned to add in a few weeks anyway.  I don't think he heard me....

Eight or so hours later the old girl kicked in on command when plugged in.  When we left the following day for the Ozarks, she was still keeping her cool.  Our initial trip had been successful. The pickup, motorcycle and it's trailer were all registered in the Lone Star State, Ol' Abner had obtained his temporary driver's license and tax exemptions had been filed in Travis County for the newly purchased property. We had a place to sleep when in Texas, a table for eating and appliances in place for preparing and preserving our food.  Two chairs are in the living room, and two closets are filled with clothing.  Oh yes we were functional.  (or so we thought)

Our second trip included items Ol' Abner deemed necessary.  The riding lawn mower, two meat smokers, multiple boxes and totes from the storage facility and a couple of wardrobe boxes of clothing. I was lucky to get a quilt and some pillow cases included to enhance our sleeping comfort.  We ended our trip during daylight hours to view the freshly groomed landscape.  DIL had again performed her magic, this time with the help of a friend.  The yard was mowed and edged, shrubs trimmed so the new neighbors would not be ashamed.  Once inside, we unloaded the ice chest, and proceeded to unload the trailer.  The next morning, the food in the fridge was nice and warm...oh no!  More ice obtained from the convenience store, food moved to the ice chest, and the back of the fridge dismantled again.  Ol' Abners conclusion was that the fan motor need to be replaced.  We don't yet have internet in the new house, so he pulled out the trusty yellow pages and started his search.  A bit taken aback by the price of the part, he concluded he needed to get on line or find a nearby appliance repair business. Again I suggested to deaf ears that we go ahead with the purchase of that new one with the French doors and Freezer drawer.  A fruitless search for appliance repair stores in the vicinity, and an on-line search revealing even higher pricing left us looking for a small "cheap" refrigerator to keep in the utility room.  Cheap being a misnomer, we returned to the convenience store to replenish the ice supply for the ice chest.

The following day Ol' Abner and son were in the local home improvement store managed by Son's neighbor.  For some reason they wandered from their actual mission into the appliance department, when they heard about a tax free weekend coming for the Memorial Holiday weekend.  Now that eight and a quarter percent savings on top of Ol' Abner's 10%  veteran discount got his attention.  Friend further pointed out the "major appliance sale" adding an additional ten percent off.  NOW he's thinking we might need to go ahead with an appliance purchase.  He came to get me and we looked them over, chose a fridge and he agreed to go ahead with the new washer and dryer I planned for this house.

That evening when Son and DIL came out to our house with dinner in hand, we mentioned over dinner that only four more days would be endured hauling ice and storing food in a soggy ice chest.  A light went off in both their eyes.  The storage space they rent less than a mile from our house contains a small "drink fridge" that Son kept on his tool box in the garage at their old house.  Next morning, we went to the storage  area, retrieved the little chiller, wiped the dust off the outside and plugged it in on the counter.

It's perfect for keeping insulin, a bit of lunchmeat, a carton or two of yogurt and the freezer section actually makes a little tray of ice.

Don't you think it enhances the look of my kitchen.  I do plan to continue with some red accents in the kitchen.  The "chopper theme" wasn't quite what I had in mind, but the cool is very nice.  It's probably a good thing they didn't think of it til the purchase had been completed and delivery scheduled, or Ol' Abner might still be stalling for a "better deal".

Later today, I will have a new refrigerator, washer and dryer.  It's time to wash sheets, towels and a few clothes, even though the chill factor is not quite so urgent now.  I welcome the automatic ice maker.  Popping cubes out of the tray is soooo passe!

Mountain Beauty

The hills are alive with blooms (and of course the varmints that swarm around them).  A couple of weeks ago I traveled with a friend to the art museum in Bentonville.  It was her first visit and my second.  We gazed in awe of the roadside wildflowers as we made the drive in record time. The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art is well worth a stop if you are in North Central Arkansas.  Displayed art is interesting, but the grounds are amazing.  I love the spacious light of the building's design and the views are spectacular through the glass walkways.  After the tour of the art galleries, we enjoyed a wonderful lunch served in the on-site dining area.  We enjoyed the trails as we left the exit and took a leisurely stroll along the Tulip Trail where no tulips were blooming.  Streams, rocks and other flowers were candy for the eyes as we made our way back to the parking area.  We could have parked in the lot near the museum, but opted instead to indulge in the longer approach from the overflow parking area.  It was a good decision.

On the return trip the mountain views were shadowed from the opposite side and the shadows gave a totally different look to the verdant hillsides.  Roadways being expanded for better traffic flow were wider than the last visit revealed, and hope that the winding narrow roads leading to Dogpatch will soon be a memory.  While I won't miss these winding mountain roads often traveled by slow erratic drivers, the views will always remain a joyful memory.

Here, There, and Everywhere!

The days are flying by right now.  How did it already become Saturday again?  We've been busy sorting through treasures and trash, realizing at times one becomes the other.  With our next trip to the Lone Star State, ownership of a home there will become reality.  Decisions about things worth taking and other things better left behind are constant.  Friendships are recognized as particularly valuable and as much of every day as possible is spent enjoying the people that make living here so wonderful.  We will keep this house and plan several return trips to the mountain each year.  Still, it's a bit disconcerting to envision a footprint in each state.

Ol' Abner has been gathering all the parts and pieces of his projects so they can be moved en mass for future completion.  I've been furiously working to complete several things in progress. Planned projects are being stored in totes for another time.  Insurance agents in each state must be maintained.  Household maintenance must be arranged in advance instead of attending when necessary.  Plants will have to be the kind of independent sprouts that require little care, and furniture will thinned to provide comfort in two homes instead of one.

Worked into the migration schedule are Ol' Abner's medical needs.  Tests are scheduled, completion of his dental work, cardiology follow-up, and repeat attempt of the Intra-trachial oxygen port will be part of the travel for the next few months.

Special birthdays must be celebrated and important reunions will be attended.  Decisions for traveling with the dog or letting her enjoy her busy social life on the mountain will be considered with each journey.

The prospect of all that's on my plate seems overwhelming at times, but life goes on and we'll just live through the transition day by day.

Not Just Any Hill Will Do!

Last week we made another journey to the Texas Hill Country to resume our search for a home in the Lone Star State.  Timing for wildflower views could not have been better.  As we left our home on the Ozark "hill", I stressed about leaving with the dogwoods in full bloom.  Since we had to stop in the Arkansas capitol for a visit with one of Ol' Abner's doctors, it was dark thirty when we crossed into Texas.  Awakening the following morning and exiting the hotel parking lot brought a a breathless gasp, the kind that makes Ol' Abner think he needs to swerve or slam on his brakes. Sorry about that, but I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the bluebonnets draping the side of the freeway.  After a prolonged drought, blooming wildflowers are a welcome sight in Texas.  Traveling down the interstate highway revealed roadside vistas of colorful bluebonnets, buttercups, Indian paintbrush, Indian blanket and bits of lovely yellow flowers of unknown name.  It was a joyful ride for me.

Our realtor was waiting to assist us in our quest for a place to live in this hill country.  If you haven't heard the recent history, let me update you quickly.  Two home offers accepted, and two contracts revoked when additional information was disclosed.  Our plan had been to be settled into our "second" home by this time.  I am a believer that a higher power intercedes at times when we are on the path not proper for us...and always pray for guidance when making major decisions.  Several homes in three different communities were slated for tours.  We wrote another offer, it was accepted, inspection completed, returned to the Ozarks in the space of five days.  I won't talk too much about this house...but it does have a beautiful view from the hilltop.

Returning to the Ozarks, we were delighted that the blooms we left behind were still evident in the landscape.  The oaks had finished dropping all the little brown squiggles that are so offensive and our home again seems ever so private.  Dogwoods still display perky white flowers beneath the oaks and the redbuds have delicate buds among the leaves beginning to mingle with them.  Oh yes!  This is a lovely hill, but we may have found another equally satisfying.

Orphaned?

A custody battle rages in Dogpatch.  Fightin' over younguns tends to bring out the wickedness as well as maternal (or lack thereof) instincts of the female species.  A few weeks ago Flower Girl's mother innocently brought a very old baby doll to Gabriele's shop in order to better display the tiny knitted baby clothes and hats being generated by the "Dam Knitters".  Woodcarver (touting her lack of maternal longing) made a point of moving the baby around the shop to startle Flower Girl frequently.  A few days of this, and Flower Girl found sweet retribution.

A small baby doll was adorned with a tattoo, scars from recent battles on her scalp and eye, and evidence of "open heart surgery".  She was delivered by messenger without a return address to Woodcarver at her shop.  Baby was "bedded" in a small box with a noose on her neck and mousetrap on her little hand.  I should mention that Woodcarver teaches knitting classes at Gabriele's Flowers and Fibers.  The day of the baby's delivery resulted in a note sent to the shop that future knitting classes must be cancelled.  Woodcarver asserted the weighty responsibility of her new baby's need for ongoing time consuming care as cause for her inability to continue teaching anxious knitters.  Only days later, the baby doll appeared at the flower shop wearing a multicolored mohawk hairdo and missing the arm previously waving with the mousetrap.

Sometime in the ensuing passing around of the baby, she was named "Chuckie" and acquired a new stroller, a scepter, later adorned with a serpent, as additional injuries became apparent. She turned up perched in a large Easter wreath being admired by visitors to the flower shop with a note stating "I'm back".  If I failed to mention Flower Girls aversion, or downright fear, of clowns; it would have been clearly apparent when "Chuckie" appeared sitting in her office chair one day last week.

Strange happenings are attributed to Chuckie now.  When Woodcarver's just finished sweater seemed to disappear at the end of a knitting class, we were certain this wicked child had something to do with the mischief.  Tiny dolls stalked Flower girl from the windshield of her car to the water in the cooler with flowers. When the clownface version of the baby was discovered in her office, Flower Girl capitulated.  She declared Woodcarver the winner and promised no more sending the little demon back.

I've been away for a week or so now, and can  hardly wait to see if Chuckie the clown has truly found a permanent home among the blooms and fibers...or if her destiny is to be orphaned again!

Progression

This week has passed slowly and painfully.  Ol' Abner had a procedure on Tuesday to insert a port for receiving oxygen directly into his airway.  Although we were sent home with more pain medication than we anticipated EVER needing, the ensuing pain was worse than expected.  As a result I have spent these alternating rainy and beautifully sunny days staying vigilantly indoors. Most of that time is spent watching him sleep or suggesting things that might make him more comfortable.  

I did venture out one evening to a knitting class.  My skills are still not yet formed to independent interpretation of a pattern, but with a bit of coaching I have enjoyed a modicum of success.  Simple one stitch scarves completed and incorporating additional stitches to make them more interesting gave me confidence.  Project progression to include felted oven mitts, a felted hat, cable cowl and socks, oh yes SOCKS, encouraged me to enroll in the class to make a simple sweater.  

As I viewed the finished product made as an example by our instructor, excitement welled up in my heart.  I was ready to actually make a garment for myself.  The week of enforced indoor solitude has been tolerable because I am on a mission to grow the front section of my sweater to approximately sixteen inches in preparation for next Wednesday's class.  The photo above shows ten inches of progress and in the next couple of days the additional six inches will be produced.  Today's dreary weather accompanied by Ol' Abners need for rest will be the perfect opportunity.

Patch it Up

It's been a busy month at our house and doesn't appear to be slowing anytime soon.  This new month holds several birthdays surrounded by medical visits with spring clearing and cleaning.  Life goes on in Dogpatch.
A few nights ago Digger Dude and Ol' Taxidermist were trading tales at Digger Dude's house when OT walked out across the dark yard and fell flat on his face in a pile of rocks.  Shedding light on the subject, these fellows were aghast at the huge bleeding gash on OT's right palm.  That much of the story, I heard from Digger Dude the following morning as he stopped to talk and share his hope that our friend had followed through and sought stitches in the morning light.  As Belle and I returned from our walk, we alerted Ol' Abner that his friend might be in need of some assistance.  He promptly hopped in the truck and headed over to the taxidermy shop where he heard a first hand account of pain, suffering, quick thinking and follow up medical care.  Meanwhile, Mountain Girl dropped by and explained that tough guy was in some pretty serious pain and was much relieved that she had arrived in time to take him to the doctor for stitches.  Apparently super glue was used just after the injury and only a couple of stitches were required.  A healthy dose of antibiotics and they were assured he would recover fully.  Good use of his paintin' hand is critical for the success of a taxidermist.  Old men in pain can revert back to childhood quite easily.  As I said, this whole tale has come to me through second or third accounts, but all stories contain the element that both men were stone cold sober.  Given the time of evening for the mishap, that is most unusual.  Perhaps the only explanation is a return to little boy clumsiness.

Little Dramas...don't make them Traumas

I'm sitting in an almost empty hotel room killing time.  Most of my travel stuff is well organized and placed in the truck ready to travel.  We brought the dog with us and she is really sure we should be with all our stuff.  She gets a bit dramatic when she thinks we might be in danger of being left behind.

Ol' Abner is having seriously extreme dental work this week.  Half the work was done yesterday and he had to return to the prosthodontist's chair for another marathon of poking and grinding and insertion of more temporary teeth.  This process of repairing damage from years of smoking, grinding teeth while sleeping and an aversion to dental floss has taken a little over a year.  Deep scaling and surgical repair of his gums was completed by the periodontist and he's had good reports on his upkeep since.  He's learned to love the floss.  Preceding this set of appointments, prep work involved measuring and molding.  We thought he would come away with caps and crowns and implants that would last for the rest of his life.  He has temporary caps on his top teeth now and will have temporary caps on his lower teeth at the end of today.

Guess that means we'll have to make another trip to replace the temporaries.  Let's hope that can be accomplished in a one day trip.

Meanwhile, I think the dog and I may just go for a walk.  There is a lovely walking path with ponds and bridges nearby.  When we are there, she doesn't seem to care if our stuff is with us or not.