Goodbye For Now

Today I will be sending my most beloved Toby back to Heaven. He is full of cancerous tumors all around his heart and airway, causing him labored breathing and coughing. He has not been "right" for a long time now, but I thought it was just aging. I kept him over the weekend so the family could say goodbye, and all three of my children came to see him.  I am going to miss him more than I can imagine right now. I always knew he wouldn't have a long life because he is a big guy. I didn't think it would be this early, though. He is one of the best dogs I have ever had- a once in a lifetime dog. This is going to be a very tough day for me and Dale. Our little Emmy is with us, and she will not understand all our crying and distress. I will just tell her Nana and Papa are sad, but it's alright. She is so precious! This is the first time we have had her overnight without Bryce. She has done just great. We played in the little kiddie pool together yesterday in the summer heat. We had a ball! Heather told me she was asking to come to our house, and I couldn't resist. I will look forward to seeing Toby again on the other side of the veil. For now, we will mourn as we bury him under some trees in the yard. Goodbye for now, precious Tobe. I wuvs you very, very much.

Steven's BMT Graduation- Last Hug

I have been WAAAAY too busy lately. Mostly, I need to feel better so I can get it all together. Problem is, once I get it together, I'll forget where I put it.... Went down to Lackland AFB in San Antonio for Steven's BMT graduation, courtesy of Michael (thanks, Mike!). Took tons of pics, and haven't had time to edit and post. So here is the one photo that is my absolute favorite. Michael snapped it when we were saying goodbye to Steven the night before he shipped out to Sheppard AFB for his technical training in Aircraft Hydraulics. I am very proud of him! I will post more photos later.

"Weeds" From the Barnyard

We have the most beautiful "weeds" growing in our barnyard. They made such a cheerful bouquet. I also found this pretty chicken feather while out in the barnyard a week or two ago. And HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my son Michael!

Garden Photo Fun

Just some flower photos I have been playing around with. It keeps me out of trouble...

Butterfly Frenzy!

I am very late in this posting- I've been very busy! So here it is, late and all. This actually occurred April 28, 2012.

Today while working outside, I noticed we have zillions of flutterbyes all around our yard. All the really sweet-smelling stuff is in bloom right now ( absolutely horrible for us allergy sufferers!). The yard smells fantastic. I wish it would stay like this longer. I have purposely planted flowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds, and it is paying off well this spring. We have been blessed with plentiful rain. But not too much, like two springs ago, when lots of things rotted from too much rain. Or last summer, when we had none and burned up.

Picture taking was difficult. Butterflies don't stay still very long! That, coupled with the Oklahoma winds blowing. But some decent photos did come out of my photography session. Editing them and digital scrap booking has taken quite a bit of time, but I have enjoyed it immensely and have learned several new techniques in the process. I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

Bunny in the Yard May 12, 2012

My hubby spied this cute little guy a couple of days ago. He kept watch for me while I ran to get the camera. Fortunately, the bunny stayed around until I got back!

Truman, the Donkey

We purchased (I HATE to use that word for animals, it makes them sound like a commodity, a possession. Our animals are part of our family!) a "guard" donkey to keep coyotes from killing our goats. He has earned his keep; we haven't lost any since we got him. His name was already Truman, and we saw no need to change it. Rather funny, when you make the connection to the Democratic Party. (teehee!) I would never have guessed that donkeys could be so affectionate! Especially a six year old, un-neutered jack. But this guy is the SWEETEST ever! Watch out, Dale, you may have some serious competition here! Just joking, of course. He loves, loves, LOVES carrots, and if you hold pieces of them out in your opened hand, he will gently take them and look for more. He doesn't mind my hugs, and will follow you all about the barnyard, like the dogs and cats follow me around the yard. And he likes his head scratched. I feel bad that I didn't go out and visit him yesterday-had some business in town ( doctors appointment, grocery shopping, etc.) and just didn't get a "round tuit". Shame on me! I will be sure to go out to the barnyard today when it gets light. It's still dark outside now. We sure have to buy a lot of carrots......

My Son Steven

Steven has been on my mind a lot lately. I wonder how boot camp is going for him? I know he can do this! We are all so very proud of him. This post is a tribute to him. I chose pictures that show some of the different sides of him, and one baby picture, just to embarrass him!

New Chickies

We got a new batch of chicks last week on the farm. There are 2 with bare necks- anyone know what breed they are? They look so odd!

Medieval Fair Day, 3/30/2012.

Every year, my husband and I go to the Medieval Fair in Norman, Oklahoma. We both had been going to it for a long time before we even met, but I had never worn the Olde England style of dress that a lot of people wear for the fair. When we got married, Hubby ordered me a costume to wear along with him. It's really fun dressing up- sometimes people ask to take our picture, and we get comments about it. A few will say, "Oh, I remember you from last year!". So Dale is the Pirate, and I am the wench. How fun! Unfortunately, the weather was unseasonably HOT, so it felt good to get home and change clothes. But we still had a great time. We bought the biggest funnel cake I have ever seen and shared it with my son Steven and grandson Bryce, and it was plenty for all! It was also the best one I have ever tasted. I hadn't had one in years (deep-fat fried and covered with powdered sugar, yum!).

Me, Medieval Fair Day, 3-30-2012.

Dale on Medieval Fair Day, 3-30-2012.

Bluebird Blessings

Well, it's raining, so I won't get to work outside much today. I got out early and planted lobelia, a blue columbine, and a wonderful mint- the best one I've ever smelled! It's called "Kentucky Colonel". I know it will spread all over, but that's fine with me. More to give away.

We are so blessed to have a bluebird nest in our yard. There were 5 eggs in the nest, then something got them all. Don't know just what it was. But now the pair have layed 5 more! I know it's silly to get so excited, but I LOVE nature. Always have.

I saw my son Steven off to the USAF on Monday afternoon. I cried like on his first day of kindergarten! On the one hand, happy that he is doing something good with himself, and on the other hand- sad to see him go. Always we mothers worry about our babies. It never stops, no matter how old they- and we- get.

I was in a nursery last week, and shopping for a wisteria IN BLOOM, I talked with some of the employees about a huge one we have in the yard that has never bloomed. Never! They told me, "Beat it with a broom". WHAT????? They told me that sometimes you have to stress these buggars out some to get them to bloom. My hubby has threatened to video me doing this. I will absolutely wait until he is not home! The reason- because then people would think I am crazier that I really am! Well, off to the treadmill.....

Post-Easter: I should have posted this yesterday. A day late and a dollar short, that's me. ALL my friends who are Christian- grab a box of tissues, go to a quiet place where you will not be disturbed, and watch this video. It is absolutely beautiful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnQ71NyzLew

Early Sunday Morning, April 8, 2012.

Woke up too early and have been playing in PSE- here is what I have been dawdling on. A gorgeous "Oriental Beauty" Dutch Iris photo, taken last week. Now off to the shower to get ready for church.  I suspect there will be a crowd there since it is Easter Sunday. Wow, I miss waking up to an Easter basket filled with goodies... Maybe we should adopt that as a tradition for adults as well as children! In mine would be seeds and plants to plant, a new narrow hand rake, and the energy to clean up the yard. It's a big job that will take Dale and me all Spring to finish. What would be in your basket?

Morning In the Garden, April 6, 2012.

Going about my work in the yard this morning, I noticed dew drops clinging to the points of the leaves on a rose bush. It was as though someone had placed them there, very carefully and deliberately. I'm sure the tedious work was done by the faeries; who else could have done this? I had to run and get my camera. One of Nature's wonders, right there in front of me. I could so easily have passed it by. I'm so glad I noticed these little diamonds of the garden!