Tuesday, January 19, 2010

You Tube on Blog & Healthy living

Ok, well, I tried to put a YouTube video watcher on my blog. It was SUPPOSED to play my favorite videos I have saved in my YouTube account. Well, it doesn't. I was on my blog today...obviously because I'm posting a new post! Anyway, I looked at the list and didn't think any were familiar so I opened one. WOAH!!! It was a sceamo mess of a song. So sorry if any of you played them. The list was supposed to include, oh you know, Chris Tomlin!

Not much going on right now. I am two weeks into getting fit and living healthy. Oh, I could lie and say I've been completely good, but I haven't. I've had a couple pops and a burger. But, I'm getting better. Totally loving making my salads most evenings. And water...I'm becoming a fish again. I love water. Speaking of which, my bottle is empty again! I've had about 40 oz so far and it's only 2:30. That may not be spectacular, but it's a great start. My natural thirst is already back and I can't get enough of the stuff.

I haven't weighed again since I started this journey, but need to. I don't feel as if pound wise I've done anything yet. I'm just working right now primarily on getting the water down me and working on my menu. Can't wait until the sun is still up when I get home of an evening so I can get back to walking.

That's all for now. Hope my fellow blogger buddies are having an exceptional week in the Lord.

Until next time . . .

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Wowsers! It's 2010 already

I can't believe it is 2010 already. Seems like yesterday we were all preparing, or at least hearing about, the Y2K scare. Now, 10 years later, we are 13 days into a new decade. Where does the time go? I grew up hearing adults around me saying just that, "Where does the time go?" Time seemed to move at a glacier pace back then, but boy does that change. It's weird for me to say, "I remember twenty years ago.....or twenty-five years ago...." And now some 30 years later I recall so much from years past and can see those years when time seemed to stand still and the years when time was a flash. The flash was turned on almost overnight...one day time was turtle speed and the next it was lightning. It's stayed lightning ever since. But, I guess as long as one is enjoying life and doing what God wants then it is all worth it.

I know I'm several days into the new year, 13 to be exact, but I want to wish all my fellow bloggers a very Happy 2010. I hope it is a great year for all of you and you grow in the desires of the Lord. I'm not big on new year's resolutions, but if I were my top one would be to grow closer to God; remembering where I am right now with God and seeing where I am on 12/31/10 with God. I love God, love growing with Him, and want to pass that love around because His love is abundant!!

In 2010 I'm also promising myself to lose 100 pounds by the end of the year. I know it is a very reachable goal with hard work, dedication, and will power from those potato chips! I balled like a baby last night while watching this season's The Biggest Loser. Dr. H was talking to the people about how old the inside of their body was. There is a girl on there about my age and size who's internal body was 25 years older than her age. That was a real eye opener for me and very frightening thinking about what I'm doing to my body. You know I'm no better than a drunk; we just have different addictions. Dr. H was also talking about how being overweight effects ones family and loved ones. I know my parents are proud of me, but I also know they ache for me because the don't want to out live me or see me suffer from weight related problems. I just have to get up and get moving. I lost 45 pounds in 2008 and I am sorry to say I gained it back in 2009. Before I lost those pounds I thought I felt good. I didn't know just how bad I felt, physically and mentally, until I gained it back. My self esteem is in the gutter and I am having trouble picking it up. I know how I see myself and it terrifies me wondering how others see me. I am usually a pretty happy and upbeat person, but my limitations just snowballed me and brought me to my knees. So, blogger buddies, I'm asking you all to say a little prayer for me. Pray for my esteem and that I stick to it this time! You all are so wonderful!

Until next time . . .

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Merry Christmas

Well hello all...it has been such a long time since my last post. So sorry for that. It's a busy time of year; being one of Santa's lovely elves and all. hehehe No really, have been super busy with work and church to do's that I've neglected my blog. Well, hopefully I can get back in the swing of things for the new year...and the new decade! I can't believe 2010 is knocking on our doorstep and a new decade is on the horizon. Many exciting things planned and going on with the new year. My biggest plan/goal/to-do is to pledge to myself, my family and my friends that I am working to lose 100 lbs in 2010....!! Yeah, go me!! But, I'm getting ahead of myself because this is supposed to be a Christmas post, not a New Year post...


Anyway.......I want to wish all you blogger buddies a very Merry Christmas. I pray that you remember the 'real' meaning of the season and not get wrapped up in all those gifts. hehe..'wrapped up' in gifts! LOL..I'm probably the only one who thought that was funny.

Merry Christmas all!

Until next time . . .

Lindsay

Friday, November 13, 2009

Introducing Celeste

No, I'm not talking about a person or animal....referring to my new ride. People have been after to me to post pictures, so here she is. I know it's just wheels and a payment, but I'm tickled. You know what vehicles and purses have in common? They get bigger as time goes on. So I guess that means when I get older at some point my vehicles will get smaller and smaller because there's a point in a woman's life that her purses start getting smaller. Finally, they carry no purse so I guess that's the time I'll have to surrender my license because I'll be too blind to see. Bad joke I know! My last vehicle, my beloved Pontiac G6, was my first 4-door. Now, my 2010 Chevy Equinox is a crossover SUV (with exceptional gas mileage).

At the time I started writing this post my rig didn't have a name. But with the wonderful help of my cube neighbor & friend (Becky) I think she has a name. You see, I love the starts, planets, meteor showers; things like that. Since my rig is an Equinox (fall, spring, autumn, winter equinox) I wanted to name her something to do with that, but was coming up short. Becky did what I didn't think of...she googled 'equinox' and found the meaning:

equinoctial point, equinox

(astronomy) either of the two celestial points at which the celestial equator intersects the ecliptic





Love the name that comes from the definition and it is so fitting for my love of astronomy. So, without further a due, meet Celeste the Bombshell...aka Celeste. She's a hottie like the sun-this was Becky's line. Thanks Becky for the name help and the fun!!



Celeste

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Introducing Maude

Hey folks!! I have exciting and wonderful news...for my sister! As many of you know, if you've read my past blog posts, my sister-Renee had a bad day on 10/7/09 and totaled her van (Goldie).

Well, the Lord works fast!!! Aside from the fact that our father LOVES to wheel and deal when it comes to buying a car (yes, he's a jewer and excellent at it), God sent her to the right place at the right time. Many calls and 2 trips to Melbourne, AR later, there is a new set of wheels residing in Dora. Meet Maude. "Maude?" you may ask. Why Maude? From Goldie to Maude; poor thing! You may even ask, "Why name your vehicle?" It's just something that me and my family have always done. We even name some of our cattle. Maude gets her name because she is muddy in color and it just fit. Also, Renee has graduated from having a Momma Wagon (Goldie) to having a Momma Express (Maude). You see Maude is a Chrysler Town and Country EX (this is where I get Express) Sport.

Anyway.....da da da...introducing Maude!! Please pray that Maude will be a great vehicle for my sister and last her a good long time.

She looks a lot like Goldie, but is a slightly different color and different trim line. She is a Chrysler Town and Country EX Sport. So dubbed Maude the Momma Express!

Cozy, comfy leather interior!


Here's another gander at her. Different from Goldie, both of Maude's side doors are automatic.

Until next time . . .

Friday, October 9, 2009

Diagnosis of Goldie

Well, as expected, the diagnosis of Goldie (my sister's momma wagon) is not good. Goldie will never see her home in Dora again. She is now making residence as a junk yard beauty. So very sad. Goldie was an awesome momma wagon for my sister. I absolutely loved going for a drive with Goldie; every other day to be exact. She will forever be remember as my sister's first ever momma wagon. Here's a few more shots of Goldie:
Goldie's good side. Ain't she a beaut?!




Goldie's not so good side.

Now the hunt is on for a new momma wagon for my sis. She got lucky finding Goldie after much prayer. I'm calling on all my blogger buddies to be in prayer that Renee will find something affordable, dependable, low mileage, etc. We drive many miles every day to work so these qualities are a must. We trust that God's plan is at work and that He has something waiting for her around the corner.

Thanks friends for all your prayers.

Until next time . . .
The momma wagon motto!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

10/07/09...Not a good day

What started out as an already crazy day only got worse, but still thankful.

Let me back up a second. Tuesday my sister got a call that Jasmine (the youngest) was sick and the school thought it was swine (H1N1)...report=it's not! So a little after 10 am Tuesday my sister and I were leaving work to go get Jasmine at school. Then, Jasmine needed to be taken to Gainesville to the clinic to get medicine. So, crazy day.

Ok, so Wednesday is rolling around and Renee, my sister, planned to go to work early (like 7:30 am) so she could do some work and leave once that was finished in the morning. I was to stay with Jasmine while Renee was away. Fine and dandy. Renee called a little after 9 am Wednesday saying she was finished at work and heading to Wal-Mart to get Tylenol and a thermometer and then she'd be home. No problem. I was going to come in to work as soon as she got back. About 45 minutes later, I think because everything went crazy from there, I get a phone call and thought it was Renee but really couldn't tell because she was so upset. I remember her saying "I need some help! You're going to have to come help me!" I said, "Who is this? Is this Renee?" She told me yes and that she had been in a wreck. Oh my goodness!!!! She told me she may be able to drive her van home but didn't know yet because she hadn't made it out of the vehicle. Then a man's voice came up to the vehicle and I could hear him say no, that it was no driveable. So off to Mountain Home I go, with sick child in tow. Needless to say I didn't go get my sister then turn around and go back to work.

What a day. Renee doing the good thing by going in extra early to work so she could come home and care for her sick child. She is the most giving person I know and has the worst luck. Sometimes I think it followers her to get her down.

Here's what happened: She was making a left turn and a beverage truck stopped in the outside lane to let her out because the truck needed to turn into where she was pulling out from. The beverage truck motioned her out. Note: she knows and would never pull out into a blind lane because someone motions her out. Anyhow, the truck motioned so he could pull into the road where she was so she proceeded to pull out ever so slowly, peaking around the beverage truck. Out of know where a truck came into the inside lane and smack!!!

Nay's once pretty momma wagon that I dubbed Goldie isn't feeling to well. It is unknown at this time if she is going to be repairable. Sad....sad!


Well, you know who got the ticket and charged with the 'at fault'. You got it, Renee did. Funny, the beverage truck skedattled out of there and was never to be seen again; even thougth they were the direct cause of the accident. I'm not just saying this and taking sides because it's my sister either. The beverage truck was the cause of the accident but Renee got the blame.

We are praying and have faith that everything will work out. We are thankful that no party was hurt, just a little banged up and sore. Metal is replaceable but skin isn't.

Monday, October 5, 2009

A Two Post Monday

This is one of those rare occasions when I make my post day a 2-post day. But, I feel I need to mention this.

I truly believe and have faith in the power of prayer. I believe that when God's children are praying for the same thing that great things happen. So with that being said...

This is Felecia with our dog and her pal Tucker in early 2008. This is one of the last times I really saw her truly smile and have fun. I treasure all our memories.

I want to bring a special prayer request to you. Please be in prayer for Felecia and her family. This little girl has gone through and seen many things in her young life. Those things are now being reflected in her. I can't and won't go into any detail other than she needs A LOT of prayer. Please pray that God will protect her as she deals with choices she makes. Please pray that the eyes of her care givers are opened. She needs guidance, direction, love, and discipline. Please pray.

I know God will bring her out of this and make her a stronger person.

Thank you for your friendship and prayers being lifted up for this sweet little girl who means so much to me and my family.

Until next time . . .

Busy Weekend, but good times

Happy Monday everyone!! It seems as if I was just sitting in front of this computer. I woke up this morning saying, "One more day, just one more day." But, gotta get up and at em and go to work. So, here I am. I am so thankful to have a job...thank you Jesus.

Well, this was a super busy, fast, yet fun weekend. Saturday I actually managed to get to all three planned destinations. First, at Willow Springs, MO for their Oz Fest. My mom and I along with Jill Busby (she works with mom) sang gospel/contemporary Christian music at 9:30 am. It was absolutely freezing, but so much fun. We took Jasmine and dad came up as well. I love those community festivals like that. There were so many people there too. It was great. After Willow, dad, myself, and Jasmine headed to Mountain Grove, MO while mom stayed and visited with people she grew up with. My NEW washer and dryer was waiting for me at Sears. When I set out on the look for a new set; by the way-this is my first ever in my life new set of washer and dryer...so excited!!!-anyway, I wasn't looking for what I got. I got and excellent buy on a set of Wirlpool Duet (stackable) front loader washer and dryer. They're so pretty!!! And, I'm loving the fact that now I can have ceiling to floor shelving on the side where the old dryer used to set. After getting home around 2 pm Jasmine and I grabbed a bit to eat and then back to town we went. Only this time we went to West Plains, MO. The teens were sacking groceries at Country Mart as a fundraiser. There were more kids there than there were seats in the church van to come home. So, I had to go to town to pick part of them up.

My aunt and uncle didn't think I'd make it to all three locations in time, but I did. Then, here comes the fun part....get the old washer and dryer out and get the new in. Let's just say my house is still a bit of a wreck; complete with a dryer sitting in my kitchen. Installing these is a project for me and my dad. Hoping to get them in by tomorrow. I have now decided to put a coat of paint in the laundry area while there's nothing in there. But that's an extra step I don't mind. Will have pictures once their fully operational.

Yesterday was Jasmine's birthday party. It was fun and I think she had a good time with her family. Dad and I had to cut the party short because rain was coming in and we had round bales to get off the field. So, off down the road he went in the truck and trailer and I in the tractor. I was driving down the road remembering being a little kid thinking, "I will never be able to drive the tractor long distances on the highway like my daddy." He has taught me so much! Love my dad!!!

Well, I better get back to this fabulous, beautiful day. Have a wonderful week!!!

Until next time . . .

Friday, October 2, 2009

Happy Birthday Jazzy Belle

Today is my niece's 12th birthday. Happy Birthday Jasmine aka Jazzy Belle!

Until next time . . .

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Fellow Christians-ACT NOW

Good day all. I am choosing to post a different type of post today. It regards a subject that so many seem to dodge, but I believe dodging the subject partly what has gotten us (our country) in the shape it's in. That subject would be religion. Folks, regardless of what we think or believe about Christianity, religion, or God...HE is coming back for His people! He may not come back in our lifetime, but He will come back. We don't know the year, month, week, day, hour, or second of His return so the time is now to get things right with Him and follow Him. I don't know about you, but I want to be on His team and no one else's. I may be ridiculed along the way, but I don't care. I fear the Lord to know that He will do what He says He will do. Many people in life fill us with hopes and empty promises; even our family and loved ones. I'm here to tell you that God is the only one in the world who will never break a promise and tell us something that won't happen. This notion of a 'One World' economy and system that our lawmakers and President are trying for...straight from scripture in Revelation regarding the End Times and end of the world. Not trying to scare, but if you don't believe me read the Book of Revelation for yourselves. Now there have been regulations applied to the can and can not for the decorations being made for the 2009 White House CHRISTMAS tree. See link for article: http://alliancedefensefund.org/news/story.aspx?cid=5079. Kids aren't allowed to depict anything regarding religion or government in the ornament. Without religion there would be no sence of Christmas. So let's call it a Winter Holiday ornament. I DON'T THINK SO!!! The day I shun God and Jesus Christ is the day my life ends. I'd rather go to jail for the day than deny God.

Friends, you might be saying, "What can I do, I'm in Missouri or Arkansas or California?" What we can do first and foremost is get on our knees and talk to the Father. If you don't know Him, meet Him. The promise I will make that will never be empty is that you will never regret knowing God and living for Him. Knowing/Believing/Following Him is the best descision anyone will ever make. Believers, what we can do is tell everyone about the love and sacrifices of Jesus Christ. We can guide others to knowing Him. We can get off the fence and not be afraid of speaking His name and spreading His teachings. WE CAN and need to TAKE A STAND for this country so that all our freedoms for beliefs don't continue to go down the drain. So ask yourself, "Do I know God today? Do I need to get things right with Him? Am I hungry for the the only filling and satisfying thing in this world? Am I in need of a revival in my soul?"

Have you prayed today? Have you talked to the Father today? Even though you might be going through hard times, aren't you glad you can have God to get you through? The time is now to know and follow the Lord for we don't know if we'll get tomorrow. We need to pray harder now than ever before for the world in which we live, not just our country; although our country leaders need MUCH prayer! We need to pray like there's no tomorrow!

Until next time . . .

Monday, September 28, 2009

Now there's 3

Well, it is official...my sister is now a single mother to three girls. She has been legal guardian to all three girls (sisters) since early 2007 and the two oldest girls have lived with her since December 06. But now all three sisters are back under the same roof. The youngest of the three wasn't to move in with my sister until her oldest sister graduates from high school in the spring. But, my sister prayed hard about everything and the time had come that the sisters needed to be together. So, over the weekend we had an addition to the family. Oh, she's been apart since the day my sister took the oldest two into her home while the youngest lived with someone else in our church. But, it's nice having them all together. And, it's nice claiming I have three nieces!

I don't tell her (because she would tell me I'm being dramatic), but my sister is really a hero to me. I don't think I could never have done or be strong enough to take in three children (now ages 12, 15, & 17) and raise them by myself. She willfully put her life on hold for someone else who desperately needed help. She has definitely taken to these girls like a momma wolf does her young. I suggest no one cross her if they know what's good for them. ha ha ha No, seriously...she is very protective and won't let anyone harm these girls ever again.

Love my sister and commend her for the unselfish sacrifices she has been willing to make. Family Rocks!!!

Until next time . . .

Friday, September 25, 2009

Mediterranean Journey - March 2011

Colosseum in Rome, Italy


Pantheon in Rome, Italy


This pictures is me at the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy. I threw three coins in; one being to ensure a return visit to Rome. That wish is going to come true......


Italy and Spain here I come! I just found out today that the wonderful group my group was paired with for London, Paris and the Alps 2009 will be tag teaming it again for a Mediterranean Journey in March 2011. This is so awesome to me. So, with this awesome news the tour is definitely a go!!! Now I just need to get on the ball advertising the tour so people will sign up. Flat Brians, be thinking of your Mediterranean Journey attire!!!!!

Mediterranean Journey 2011 Highlights will include the following and much more:
Rome, Italy
Florence, Italy
Pisa, Italy
1 day cruise across the Mediterranean Sea from Italy to Spain
Barcelona, Spain

Wonderful news to end a long week.

Happy Friday and weekend to all.

Until next time . . .

Thursday, September 24, 2009

It's my 2nd Anniversary

I just realized that 2 years ago today I began my career with Evalulogix. Wow, 2 years already! I simply can't believe it. It is amazing how time flies, especially when you're having fun. It's funny, even though it's been 2 years people still have no clue what I do. I guess in a way I like that because I'm somewhat of a private person and don't always like people knowing my business. Not that what I do is a secret, it's just not my center of conversation.

For a quick rundown.....Evalulogix is the company and ScoreandReport is the product. We offer a reporting tool for members of the school psychology and special education industry for schools and individuals. It's a tool which helps them put their assessment information together in a professional manner for students' IEP reports. What I do is a wide range of things: data processing of the assessment info, training, customer service, bid proposals and invoicing, social media networking (yes this includes Twitter). I simply love it. I feel that I'm involved in something that helps people...helping people is a great feeling.

I can honestly say most days of my job are fun. This has been the first job ever in my life that I have never dreaded coming to work. Believe me I have been in some situations I dreaded too. But this is different. For the first time I am doing something that I love and enjoy; every aspect of it. Don't get me wrong, not every day is great because business will be business, but I never dread the tasks at hand.

So, here's to 2 great years...and many more to come!

Until next time . . .
That's me...duh!! It was so bright that day, I remember being squinty eyed. This was my first work trip a few weeks after I started. I went to San Francisco, CA and met up with one of my bosses for training. First time to fly somewhere all by myself, not knowing a sole, and not have someone I know meeting me at the airport. My dad had to take me to the departing airport...he was terrified for his baby girl! But, I admit I was a tad nervous and excited all in one.

Happy Fall

Hi All! I didn't get a chance to post on the first day of Fall; Tuesday-September 22, 2009.

I love Fall. I love the smell to the air, the crispness in the air, the sound of geese as they head south, and the changing colors. We have had such unusual and rainy weather this year things are sure to give us a beautiful show as the colors change. I can already see a pinch of color to the trees and weeds. Some of my favorites are the dogwoods and sassafras as they turn red! That mixed with the yellow hue of the hickory tree is simply beautiful.

I gave my teen class at church an object lesson and fall challenge for the changing season. You see, most people are visual so we have to see something to believe it. Teenagers are no different. So, to help the kids see that God exists I challenged them to take a fall journal of the changing season and note the differences of each day (or however often they write). The main challenge was to get them to spend at least 30 minutes with God in prayer and thought. Hopefully they are doing this. I am also doing the challenge. How else can I expect them to do it if I'm not willing to give at least 30 minutes of my time as well. Actually, if one thinks about it our entire day is God's, all 24 hours of it, because He gave us the day. It's what we do with it that matters. One can choose to either waste it away on worldly nonsense or give it to God. I choose to give it to God because this is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.

I hope to start taking some pictures to document the changing season. I simply love watching this season change into winter. You can just see everything going to sleep for their winter break.

Spend time with God today!

Until next time . . .

Monday, September 21, 2009

Interesting Day-Saturday was

What is normally a quiet, peaceful creek became a mad rushing river in a matter of moments.



This field bottom looked like a lake. This is the area where the creek broke it's banks and came out over the highway for about 4 hours.


What you see here is normally a hay field.


The creek runs alongside the tree line to the right of this picture.


Watching and waiting as the water recedes off the highway.


What you see here (picture above) is where the creek broke over it's banks and is coming back out into the hayfield. Several round bales of hay were seen floating down the river, too.


You can see here where the water pooled and created a whole under the highway. It took about 30 minutes or so for the water to completely recede off the highway from this point. It went down fast.


Ah, the water is down and I'm on my way home. Just a few moments prior to this picture this area was a rushing river!


Saturday, September 19th was a rather interesting day. First off, it was unusual because I went to Mountain Home, AR. I hardly ever go to Mtn. Home on a weekend, since I'm there Mon-Fri, unless something is planned. But, this particular day I had to since I was to attend my BeautiU training to become a BeautiControl Independent Consultant. I passed by the way. I am now ready to go forth with it. Spa anyone?

Well, this really wasn't the interesting part to my day; although very fun. Let me back up a bit. While at lunch this day it was raining buckets! By the time I was headed home the rain had stopped.

Ok, this brings me to the interesting part. I knew there were chances of rain for Saturday, but didn't expect what was received in some areas. The further north I drove the more I noticed washed out gravel on the highway and could see where ditches had been running full of water. As I was approaching the Lick Creek Fire Department, on J Hwy (201 in AR) I could see there was a first responder stopping traffic. All the traffic in front of me was turning around and coming back toward me. I didn't really know what was going on until . . . The first responder asked the car ahead of me if they were headed to Gainesville and they told him yes. He simply and kindly replied, "No one is getting through because there is water over the road." I was thinking "WHAT?!" Now it is my turn. I told him to not even bother telling me because I heard him tell the car in front of me. I told him I was going to Dora and if Gainesville bound folks couldn't go through I knew I couldn't. He said I could turn around and find a different way or wait for about an hour or so for the water to recede. Well, I had never seen or heard of the water being over the highway at the Lick Creek bridge so I opted to wait it out. What else did I have to do besides clean house?

I really didn't know what to expect to see, as I have never in my life heard or seen water over the road here. I came around the corner to what looked like a lake of water. What is normally a little creek that just has a trickle was now a rushing, roaring river! It was absolutely amazing to see; especially watching the water recede. In the matter of about an hour and 45 minutes the water went back down off the highway to allow cars to pass.

It was about 3:40 pm when I arrived at the bridge. The water had been up since about 1:pm ish. And, it had gone down quite a bit when I arrived. At one point it was a bit over the 3 foot water marker located on the highway.


Until next time . . .

Friday, September 18, 2009

This is becomming a habit

As I sit here and type I am about to fall over asleep. I feel like a zombie who is trying to hold on to their head. I've mentioned in several posts lately that we have cows calving on the farm. There are little 'dots' as I call them everywhere in the pasture by my house; dots are the baby calves. I call them dots because when they are snuggling tight to the ground they look just like a little 'dot' from a distance. I have this thing with my dad. One or both of us never fail to say, "Look at all those little dots!"

Back to the story...Dad keeps an extra close eye on the cows just in case they need help having their babies. Usually they don't, but sometimes we have to get involved with the birthing process. This extra close watch requires many visits to the field where the cows are; and at weird times in the day/night. Dad will check the cows first thing in the mornings-anytime between 6am-8am. He checks them again in the afternoons. Then again in the evenings. Then again anytime between 9pm-10pm. This is when I go. Then, if there is one he thinks might have a baby by morning he'll be back out there anytime between 2am-4am. Sometimes I go during these times too if I'm asleep in my recliner.

We've been watching this one particular cow, #91, for several weeks now. She has been showing signs that she is fixing to calve; bag filling with milk, dilation, etc. We just knew she would have this calf 2 weeks ago. So dad has been regularly checking her everyday at the above times. Needless to say he needs some sleep. He just knew yesterday would be the day because she was off by herself away from the other cows and not feeling good. You can normally tell a cow is going into labor or not feeling good because they won't be chewing their cud-cattle have 4 stomachs and regurgitate their food and chew on it ALL THE TIME! Anyway...after we left Hootin an Hollerin we came home to check #91-around 8pm. We could definitely tell she'd have a calf by morning. Again at 11:30 pm we checked her again; still no calf. So dad says to me, "I guess you know what I'm going to be doing in an hour or so?" I responded with, "Yep, checking on #91." About 1am this morning I woke up to hearing dad coming up the road on the four wheeler. Had no idea what time it was because I had fallen asleep; in my recliner of course. Out the door I go because I just knew she'd have a baby. Get in the field and go to where she'd been standing all evening. Guess what? NO CALF. This was a sure sign that momma needed help. We were both like, "CRAP!"

Here we go again, having to get the cow down the alley and into the corral. We really didn't have much trouble. Accept the occaisional chase of the dog, Tucker. We would loose the cow in the shadow of the four wheeler lights and she'd be coming right at us going after Tucker. But we finally got her headed in the right direction and she never looked back; right into the corral she went.

Dad thought about going to get mom, but he decided to check out how big the calf was first. As usual our flashlight was going dim on us. We got the cow in the runway of the corral and she was really patient. Wouldn't you be if you needed help? We didn't end up going and getting mom this time. I took my usual place of holding the tail back and helping to stretch the back end of the cow; I always make sure to wash the hands very well! Just as the calf was being pulled out the light went dead. Dad kept pulling and I kept tugging on the tail; hard to do when their slick with yucky stuff. Out the big lad came and hit the ground with a thud. We didn't really know if this one was dead or alive because dad felt no life when he was putting the chains around it's ankles. We think we he hit the ground the calf was jolted. I would be. I drug him under the runway fence so we could get him going; sticking hay up his nose to make him sneeze and get the gunk out of the nose and mouth so he can breathe. Sometimes you have to hit their side too.

All looked good, little lad-well a big lad-looked as though he'd be just fine. So, we let momma out of the runway so she could be introduced to her baby. She went to licking and mooing at her new baby. I just love watching that because even though a cow is not saying anything you can almost understand her moos to the baby. When the baby tries to get up her moo changes. It almost sounds like, "Set down young man until I'm finished." It's really a sensational sight all should get to experience once in their life. I just happen to be blessed with seeing it regularly since I live on a farm.

Once again I needed a blackberry so I could record to be able to post and tweet. One day I'll have one. There'll be many more calves born on the Collins Farm and I'm sure the occaisional calf that needs a tug to get into the world. So, don't be surprised to one day see my blog with a calf birthing video.

I hope you all enjoy my farm ramblings. I find that there are so many who don't understand it so I like to talk about it. Like I mentioned earlier; this is definitely something that everyone across the globe needs to experience.

So to wrap up today's long post, sorry about that-lot's going on and gotta make you feel like you're there. These late night calf pullings are becoming a habit. I walked in my house at 2:09 am today after another exciting farm moment. I sure wish these momma who need help would rearrange their birthing schedule! ha ha But, then that wouldn't be nature.

Until next time . . .

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Peacefulness...the Gulf


This is a brief video I took while in Gulf Shores, AL at the end of May. Turn your speakers up and pause my blog music to enjoy the sweet bliss of the ocean. Ah!!

What bliss. The ocean is so calming. I could set and listen/watch it for hours.

Enjoy!

It's Raining..It's Pouring

(I took this picture up in the Rockies in CO, but that's kinda what it looks like here, too)


...the old man is snoring...bumbed his head on a water bed and won't wake up till the morning! I used to sing that song all the time with my dad when I was little. Every time I say, "It's raining." I can't help but mutter the entire song in my head! Great memory.

Anyhow...as you all well know...it is RAINING! We have received much rain in the last few days. A nice, slow, soothing, calming rain; perfect for relaxing. I've even been working out in the yard in this rain. I'm soaking wet when finished, but the rain feels so good! I'll have peenemonia! ha ha

I don't recall this much rain throughout a year in a long time. The fields never really got brown this year due to the rain. But I'm not complaining a bit. Unless it just turns off cold we should be in store for a lovely fall with wonderful color. With all the spring and summer rain, and now the fall, we should have a wonderful canvas. Can't wait!

Happy Fall.

Until next time . . .

Friday, September 11, 2009

9/11, 2001: A Day in Remembrance

I remember exactly where I was the day when the first tower was hit; living in Mountain Home, AR waiting on a co-worker to pick me up as my car was in the shop. I had a few minutes so spare so I decided to wash some dishes. The TV wasn't on so I didn't know yet what was happening. But, as I was going about my day, washing dishes, peoples lives were ending and being changed forever. Just after my co-worker picked me up she got a phone call about the first tower being hit so we flipped on the radio. As soon as we walked into the office we turned on the TV and already the tube was flooded. Just as we were watching the footage of the first tower I witnessed the second tower being hit. It was all so strange; like watching a shootem up blowem up movie.

I will never forget that day. That was a history changing day in my generation. I'm amazed at some of the young people who were babies or toddlers at that time. They don't understand what went on; therefore, don't understand the price that was paid that dreadful day and the fragility of our freedoms and securities. My niece just told me she saw it as an excuse to be out of class during the school remembrance assembly. I guess this is just like people of my generation don't understand the Depression or WWI and WWII.

Anyway, I'm thinking today of the lives and families changed forever during the events of 9/11. I'm remembering the lives lost as they plummeted to the ground from the high floors of the towers, the plane hitting the Pentagon, and the one going down in a field in Pennsylvania; headed for our Nation's Capitol. I'm remembering the rescuers who lost their lives while trying to save another. I'm remembering the heroes of that day. I'm remembering how our country seemed to come together and one heard more spiritual things on tv; although only briefly. I'm remembering! Side note: it seems as though our country has went downhill in the generosity, people helping others and their neighbors; man looking out for fellow man rather than self; and Christians stepping up to the plates of evil categories since that time. I remember thinking, "Ok, this is going to get people on the right track spiritually." Sadly, that time was only being led with adrenaline rather than persistence.

I pray that our country comes together once again. Afterall, as we well learned September 11th, 2001, America is not invincible. We need to knock down our barriers of being proud and cocky and be a country of service, humanity, and fellowship rather than being out for #1 and holding our hand out.

May God richly bless all those reading this today. I pray for all the families, friends, and loved ones who's lives were changed on 9/11; seems like yesterday.

Until next time . . .