November's End

This month has zoomed by like a rocket!  It is November 29th!  Where oh where did November go? 

We had a nice (small) Thanksgiving with my immediate family.  This was the first time in my life I've spent Thanksgiving without my grandma.  Since she is in the nursing home we didn't get together with the rest of the family.  So, for lunch it was just myself, mom, dad and Renee (my sis).  The girls (my nieces) were with their aunt this year.  The nice part about this change in tradition was we didn't have to rush around to be anywhere.  Dad and I worked on my house for the better part of the morning.  Then, when we would normally be eating lunch, we took a load of stuff to my sister's new house to start her move.  Next, came the wonderful and beautiful feast prepared by my momma!  It was yummy!!  Afterward we moved another load of stuff to Renee's new place.  All-in-all it was a good day.  I did have a couple tear moments though when thinking about grandma, but we all got through.

Friday morning we left for St. Louis for MYF 2011; Missouri Youth Fellowship otherwise known as Missouri State Youth Convention.  This year's theme was 'Think Venti' or 'Think Big'.  It was an awesome convention.  The speaker (Megan Hutchinson) was wonderful.  You held on to her every word.  Our worship leaders (Alanna Story) were equally as wonderful.  They really led us into worship!

Note:  had a great drive to/from St. Louis without getting lost!

Now onto December to-do's.  There are SO many.  I think I have something to do several nights of every week and every weekend; school Christmas program, church Christmas program, caroling, Silly Stitchers Christmas party, MOVING, and probably something I've forgotten.  If you're out and about you should try to attend one of our Christmas Cantata's:

Sunday, December 4th @ 2PM:  Lilly Ridge General Baptist Church, Gainesville
Sunday, December 4th @ 6PM:  1st Baptist Church, Gainesville
Sunday, December 11th @ 2PM:  1st Christian Church, Gainesville

Until next time . . .

Visit with my Grandma

I took some time today to go to the nursing home and visit my grandma.  It's hard to find the time to go out there since I never go to West Plains.  But, I know our days are numbered so I want to soak up as much granny-time as I can get.

Grandma is 91 and has dementia.  I think I'd be forgetful, too, at 91 years young!!  She does pretty good.  She still knows who most of us are.  Those of us she remembers, she knows our names and who we belong to.  When she sees dad she always says, "Hi Gary, that's my baby!"  He's her baby boy :)  You ask her if she loves you and she says, "UHHH HUH!"  Of course, she has her good days and bad.  Yesterday, now that was an awesome day!!  She spotted dad and I as we came down the hall and knew right off who we were.  This was a happy moment.  She was full of hugs and kisses.  We sat and chatted for a good visit.  She cut up with us, laughed, joked, smiled...all things she hadn't really done on any other visit.  She acted like the granny I grew up knowing.  Such a sweet memory added to the memory bank :) 

I'm thankful for that time with her and doubly thankful she was having a good day!

Until next time . . . 

Well Hello November!

Wow, I can hardly believe it's November 1st already!  Where did this year go?  Did anyone see it or enjoy it as the year zoomed by?!  It's strange how it feels like we were just coming into March, the fields were greening up, the leaves and flowers were budding.  Now, we're near the end of Fall, and a spectacular display of color I might add!  The leaves are turning brown and the fields and flowers are going to sleep for the winter.  Oh, the cycle of life! 

This is the time of year for hayrides, bonfires for roasting hot dogs and marshmallows, woodsy smells of Fall & Autumn.  Next to Spring, it's my favorite!  It also seems like a very busy time of year.  It's almost as if we're little ants trying to get as much done as possible before the cold of winter sets in!  haha

Even though the year has been fast, October was an enjoyable month.  Work continues on my house remodeling.  Thought sure I'd be moved by now, but still have a few weeks work.  It's hard to get things done rapidly if weekends is the only real time I have to work on it.  Hopefully I'll be in by Thanksgiving.  Mom informs me I have to cook the turkey so I best be in!!  Haha

My sis has since purchased a home and a couple acres.  She's been painting; that's all she really has to do in order to move!  So, both Collins girls will be moving around the same time. It's strange, but a good change in our lives!  She's moving about three miles north (off the C Ridge) and I'm moving one mile south (still on the C Ridge).  I'm excited for my sis.  She bought a really cute place that has so much potential. 

Christmas cantata is in the works.  It's a beautiful piece this year.  It has several Chris Tomlin and Christy Nockels songs in it!  It's AWESOME!!!  Can't wait til it all comes together.  I love to sing!! 

Somewhere in all this busyness I found the time to date.  Yes, that is what I said; date.  But that's all you're getting right now.  And don't give me a hard time about it!  I don't like people to fuss!  hahaha  We're really still just friends, but it has to start somewhere.  It's been a long time since I've been on a date (nine years!) so I've forgotten how!  I guess all I can be is my goofy self and see how it goes.  That's who I am. 

Have a wonderful November and Thanksgiving season.  More and more we have so much to be thankful for.

Until next time . . .

 

Go West young man

.....or in this case young woman! Well, using up the last of the 2011 vacation days. In approximately seven hours I along with my mom, good friends Debbie and Tammy are Colorado bound!!!! So excited! Little anxious though because they're under a winter weather watch for Saturday:/ We'll be careful though.

Expect snowy mountain pics in a few days!

Until next time . . .

Hello OcToBeR!

Wow, it's October 2011.....and already the 3rd!  Time just keeps zooming by.  It's almost been a month since my last post :( 

We've been having lovely Fall weather.  The trees are really beginning to turn brilliant hues of orange, yellow and red.  The air is filled with that autumn crispness; you country folk know what I'm talking about.  The sky is that brilliant blue that goes on forever.  And the smells, oh the smell of Fall is one I wish I could put in a jar to enjoy year round.  The sound of crunching leaves, squirrels knawing on nuts and storing for winter, the last round of frogs singing before they go silent for winter, and leaves blowing in the wind.  Beautiful, beautiful season Fall is. 

So much to do this month before winter gets here.  Leaving for Estes Park, CO in four days for a five day trip, continuing work on the house to get moved in, moving (yes, hope to move by the end of the month) still trying to sell my mobile, church events, spooky corn maze, visiting with family, and the list goes on.  Oh, and work! Can't forget that!

Hope you all have a fabulous Fall season.  Enjoy each day.  Smile.  Remember God loves you! 

Until next time . . .

Speak now or forever lose your freedom of speech?

Sure, you've heard these common phrases:

• "You have the right to remain silent"
• "Speak now or forever hold your peace"
• "Better to remain Silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt" -Abraham Lincoln

These phrases might not be as familiar, but very fitting:

• "The older I grow the more I listen to people who don't talk much" -Germain G.Glein
• "The kindest word in all the world is the unkind word, unsaid." -Author Unknown
• "The true genius shudders at incompleteness-and usually prefers silence to saying something which is not everything it should be." -Edgar Allan Poe
• and the list could go on and on and on...per Google!

So much nowadays we hear people talking about losing our freedoms.  This and that and the other violates Freedom of Speech.  Freedom of Speech this, Freedom of Speech that.   What does the US Constitution say? 

• Amendment 1 - Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression 12/15/1791

Sure this is all fine and dandy, but there should still be limits.  People should be taught when to speak and when to listen.  In other words, when to shut up!  I believe we (the people) have taken this, as with many other things, to the extreme.  There is a time and a place to speak and a time and a place to listen.  I feel this is something that is being lost through the generations. 


What does the Bible have to say about speech or lack there of? 

• Proverbs 17:28 (NIV) - Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.
• Proverbs 17:28 (NLT) - Even fools are thought wise when they keep silent; with their mouths shut, they seem intelligent....I like this one!
• Job 13:5 (NIV) - If only you wold be altogether silent!  For you, that would be wisdom.
• Job 13:5 (NLT) - If only you could be silent!  That's the wisest thing you could do.
• James 1:19 (NIV) - My dear brothers and sister, take note of this:  Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.
• and there are more...take a look at Genesis to Revelation in the good ole B-I-B-L-E

So why am I saying all this?  Sure I like my freedoms just like the next guy.  But, there is a time and a place to say or not say certain things.  One is not losing their freedom of speech just because they choose to be silent and not say anything when they so easily could blurt out something.  Is it okay for me to say someone is fat? Or someone is ugly?  Or someone is poor?  Or someone is . . . you fill in the blanks here.  Point is, sure there are overweight/underweight people.  There are (what the world calls) ugly people.  There are (what the world sees as) poor people.  How does God see us?  That's the question we need to be asking.  Genesis 1:26 says, "Then God said, "Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness. . . . . " Verse 27:  "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them."


When we speak and say someone is fat, we're calling God fat.  When we speak and say someone is ugly, we're calling God ugly.  When we speak and downgrade those less fortunate, aka (by the world's standards) poor, we're saying God is poor.  The list can go on and on. 


I'll repeat the title heading, "Speak now or forever lose your freedom of speech!"  NO way, sometimes (most of the time) it's best to just leave well enough alone and remain silent.  What do you say?  Which way are you going to go?  Speak now and be a fool?  Or are you going to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry; not caring if our 1st Amendment right is being trampled on? 


I'm choosing the latter and listen the best I can.  Remember, there is a time and and place to say certain things.  Many times things are better off left unsaid and look like a fool than run your mouth and be a complete duffas! 


Little bit of a different post that I normally do, but it's just something that was laid on my heart and running through my mind.


Until next time . . . .

FALL is in the air!

FALLLLLLL!  What a beautiful Fall-like weekend we had.  The weather was absolutely picture perfect.  The skies were crystal blue, the air had a slight crispy-coolness, and the temperature was right where I like it; 70's!


Spent all day Saturday working on my house.  Doesn't appear as such, but we did get quite a lot accomplished.  We finally were able to clean up stuff and through away the deconstruction items; i.e. old lumber, old wall covering, etc.  We brought in the cabinets so we could see where they need to be modified and placed.  Got the ceiling up in the front bedroom and some drywall mud on the wall.  Also put up ceiling fan 4 of 4 on the main level.  Had to take it down twice to get it to work.  Have to take it down one more time to tweak it so it's level.  You know in an old house NOTHING is straight or level...so tweaking is a must! This week I plan to tackle and finish the bedroom with additional drywall mud and paint.  I absolutely love, love, love the way these rooms are turning out!  Everything is finally coming together. 


Mom, dad and I headed to Silver Dollar City yesterday for some R&R.  Yesterday was the last day of the Southern Gospel Picnic.  It was perfect weather for roaming the streets of SDC.  We took in the Saloon show (hilarious!), rode Fire in the Hole, ate homemade ice cream, and ended the evening in Echo Holler listening to the Isaacs.  Great day!


On to Tuesday, September 6th!  So much going on over the next few weeks.  Birthday parties, a wedding, Hootin Hollarin, school board training and annual MSBA conference at Tan-Tar-A, sewing club begins again, trip to Colorado with friends....that's just all that's down so far.  Oh how I love FALLLL!!!


Until next time . . . have a Fall-tastic day!

Hello September!

Fall 2010 on the C Ridge

September 2011 is here!  I can hardly believe we're already nearing the end of the year.  I love Fall though.  It's one of my favorite seasons.  Seems like things slow down a little in the Fall.  I know Winter follows it, but there's so much beauty that goes will it.  Goodness; the crispy leaves, the fallish smells, changing colors, cool mornings, golden sunsets, gentle breezes, windows open, hayrides, and the list goes on. 

Wishing you all a fabulous September and Fall 2011!

Until next time . . .

The Final Count . . . Fogs in August 2011

Well, here it is, the last day of August 2011.  This is also the last day old timers quit counting those fogs in August.  Although statistics don't prove this, old timers used to count (some still do as you can see it was passed to me) the number of fogs received in the month of August.  This was done to predict the number of snows they could possibly receive in the coming winter season.  My grandpa always counted; thus my mom learned to count; thus she passed those old tales on to me :)  It's fun!

Every winter when it starts snowing one will often hear my mom saying, "Well that's one snow down only xx number to go and we're finished!"  hahaha

According to my counting I tallied 5 big thick fogs and 2 days of patchy morning fog.  I think there might be a couple more patchy foggy mornings, but I really couldn't tell if it was actual haze or fog.  So, my calculations aren't exactly accurate.  But it will still be fun counting when the snow starts falling.

One old timer, and my neighbor, has already said all indications are showing we're going to have a long, cold and snowy winter.  I guess we'll wait and see! 

Until next time . . .

Nerves of Steel . . .

I'm sure you've heard the saying "you've got nerves of steel."  Well, today I wish I had nerves of steel.  All I have are nerves of 'I wanna throw-up!'

I think I sort of have a lunch date today.  Now sit down and don't overreact girls!  It hasn't been called a date.  Just lunch with friends. But we won't mention the fact that one of these friends might be interested in me.  I said sit down! haha  I have forgotten, is it technically a date when a fella comes and picks you up for lunch? 

Goodness, why do things have to be so difficult?  I mean, I pray for that 'someone' who God has intended for me.  I pray that God has someone for me.  I know he's out there.  Not saying this person is that someone, we've only just met.  But why does it have to be so nerving trying to get to that 'someone'? 

Needless to say the saying 'nerves of steel' does not apply to me today.  I'm actually telling myself I might would rather stay single than have to deal with getting to know someone again.  Although I don't really mean that, but it's just easier being single.  Never thought I'd hear myself say that.  I think I've become way too independent over the last several years. LOL 

Until next time . . .

Fog #5

Good Monday morning!!

Just sending out an update on the Fogs in August . . . . . Fog #5 was drifting around this morning.  It was a little on the hazy side up at my place, but got really thick down by the river.  But nonetheless, it was foggy.

Note:  we had a hazy morning Friday morning, but I didn't report fog. 

That's it for now....short and sweet today.  Have a great Monday!

Until next time . . .

Note to self! Adventures of Bug Man and Girl with the Party Cube

I have a knack when it comes to opening my big mouth at the most inopportune times!  But, those times tend to turn into laughter; for the most part.

So we've had a round of rodents at the office; i.e. mice!  Just ask my dear friend Sara, she loves them! tehehehe  Anyway, the Bug Man (as I call him) comes around ever so often to spray and check party boxes; aka little black boxes filled with yummy mouse poison.  I call them a party in a box because the box is in my cube.  Yes, you know it...my cube is where the party is! haha Then they daringly take that stroll from my cube to Sara's and croak!  Again, just ask Sara.

I'm getting off track.  Wow, that is so unusual isn't it?  ANYWAY, today was bug-man day woohoo.  I got a little excited yesterday when I heard someone in the office say the Bug Man was coming in on Friday.  That meant he would be in my cube to check out the party box.  We have the best little chats when he's here.  So today, sitting in my cube chatting with Sara and I tell her someone is behind her.  IT WAS THE BUG MAN!  Immediately the giggles were upon me; not embarrassingly uncontrollable either.  Come on girls, I held it together.  We proceed to chat with Bug Man about this weeks rodent events.  Fun times.  At some point in or chats today, just after I said I was going for coffee and he told me that stuff is bad for me, he informed me coffee makes him pee.  Seriously, he said that!

He checks the party boxes and goes along his merrily little way.  Or so I thought!  After a few moments I stroll to Sara's cube and proceed to tell her I just love bug man days because he sure is a cute little thing!  It wasn't even two seconds later and there he was squatting by her cube door to refill the party box located at the back of her cube!  Oh my goodness!  Me and my big mouth! LOLOLOLOL

So, note to self:  Self, next time you say (out loud) the Bug Man is a cute little thing make sure he's not still lurking around your cube, ok!
It'll be at least 60 more days before the next bug man day :(  Oh well, until then.  What a great, fun way to end the week.  Happy Friday folks!

Until next time . . .

Fog #4

Good morning!!! 

It sure was a beautiful and peaceful morning today.  There was thunder rumbling in the distance and lightning twinkling afar.  Stepped outside and what do I see?  Fo-og!  (said in a fog horn type voice) teehehe :) Yep, Fog in August #4

Have a great day folks!

Until next time . . . 

Rise and Shine!!!!

Good morning fellow bloggers! 

It's an early morning for me!  7:45 am and I've already been up nearly three hours!  Woah, shocker I know.  Well today started my new carpool route.  I've been looking forward to it for several weeks now.  It is certainly going to be an adjustment, but one I think will have positive rewards; i.e. off work by 3:30 every day and saving about $30 a week in fuel!!  That's way positive at $3.50 a gallon (average). 

Everything was so quiet and still this morning, with exception of the thunderstorm brewing in the north.  I left the eastern windows open on the house so it'll probably rain.  But, that is quite alright as we desperately need it. 

Well, I'm going to get back to my yogurt and granola...yes, I'm still doing okay eating healthy.  Do you know how loud granola is to chew when there's absolutely no noise in a big office building?  Let me just tell you it's loud.  Sounds like a herd of people walking through the woods stepping on crunchy leaves! ha

Have a great Tuesday and week!

Until next time . . .

Fogs in August #2 and #3

First of all . . . . Happy Friday folks!  Wishing you a wonderful weekend :)

Well, fogs in August #2 and #3 have appeared.  Don't know if that's a good sign or not.  But, in keeping with tradition and remembering legends of old wives' tales I'm still counting.

I think in the old days, you know back when old wives' tales were thought of.  Before hi-tech technology and meteorological forecasts....settlers had to have some way of predicting the weather, planting seasons, etc.  I mean, even with all our technology a weather forecast is still a prediction.  So, I think folks of days gone by knew what they were talking about.  They counted the moons and their phases.  They noticed that time of year when it's blue blazing hot in the summer and wake up one morning to a dew soaked land and fog.  Probably thought, "wonder what that means?"  That set the legend into motion I'm sure.  They had to have a way to predict what their winter would be like. 

Kinda like with wooly worms.  We should start seeing them soon, if not already.  The black on them apparently tells us we're in for a harsh winter while the lighter brown means less severe.  Last year's woolly worm nailed our winter season spot on! 

Or here's another one, since we're winding up summer (THANK THE GOOD LORD!) and heading into early fall (WOOHOO!)  Tarantulas! If you'll notice, now remember what I'm about to tell you.  Tarantulas begin crossing the highway when there is a major change in temperature and weather between the summer and fall months.  Usually when you start seeing them that indicates fall-likeness or the new season is about two weeks away.  Check it out this year and see. 

Ok, back to fog; afterall that's what we started out discussing.  The number of fogs doesn't always match the number of snows, but in years past it's always been close.  Plus, it's fun to count the fogs and then count the snows.  If you're like me, it's fun to be on the countdown and predict when winter is winding down. 

I didn't see fog #2, but scouts did . . . but here's a look at #3

Fogs in August #3 - August 12, 2011

Happy fog counting!

Until next time . . . 

Another year of . . . Fogs in August #1

Good morning bloggers!!
(said the way Ty Pennington opens his Extreme Homemaker Show :)

What a beautiful day it is!  I was up and outside just before 6 AM this morning and it was absolutely gorgeous!  The sun was coming up over the horizon, there were clouds and I just knew the sunrise was going to be a beaut.  And, it did not fail me.  Just as the sun was starting to peak above the horizon the clouds took on a pink hue and blanketed the eastern sky.  Then here came the yellow and orange.  OH!  I could have stood there forever.  But, the work train would be leaving soon so onward I had to go. 


As I was walking out the door to head off to work I noticed something I hadn't seen in a long time.  You know the feeling you get when you've gone all winter with no thunder/lightning storms and then the first one of the season you think, "oh, that's thunder..haven't heard that in a while."  Well, what I was viewing was no different.  In fact, I had to stand there a moment and think real hard what month we were in.  Ok, so what did I see that caught my attention?  What did I see that made me take a step back and soak in the moment?  FOG!  It was so foggy!  It wasn't foggy when I was out at 6 AM, but my goodness how things change in 30 minutes. 


I gazed out across the pasture, the cows were still munching on their hay rolled out to them the night before, and in the stillness I said, "huh, that's fog!" Then I thought for a minute about the meaning of this fog.  I literally was saying, out loud to any critter or farm animal who was listening, "that's fog, it's foggy, isn't there something special about fog this time of year? Wait a minute, it's foggy.  Is it August?  It is August! Fogs in August equal frost in May? No, that's thunder in February frost in May.  Fogs in August predicts the winter snows!  Yes, that's it.  It's the first fog in August, oh my snow!"  hahahahaha


You ask, "Were you really having this conversation, Lindsay?"  Yes, yes I was.  I couldn't wrap my head around the fact that it was foggy and it was August.  I was so excited!  And of course I snapped a picture.  The moment wouldn't be complete without one :)

8.9.11 Fog in August #1
complete with cows munching :)

So, here's to Fog in August #1 2011 . . . . let's see how many more we get :)


Until next time . . .

Misc . . .

Happy Friday blogger friends!

Don't quite know where to begin today.  Seems like there's been a lot going on in every direction.  This 'trying to sell my house' adventure has been anything bu an adventure.  But, I'm keeping the faith that the Lord has a buyer for me; without me sacrificing too much on the value of the home.  Everybody wants something for nothing!  I tell ya, this has been a learning and growing time in my faith and patience.  We can't be given patience, we have to learn it and earn it.  Let me tell ya this has been and still is a learning and earning process!

On to Jasper news . . . . well puppy boy has been such a good pup for several weeks now.  He's 1 1/2 and so we're on the downhill run of the puppy phase chew & destroy!  I guess Tuesday night Jasper had a mean streak come over him . . . oh yes, he was very bad.  My dad took his glasses off to take a swim in the pool; laying them on the table beside the pool.  Do you know where this is going?  Sad to say, but it's true.  Jasper for some unknown reason decided at some point to grab the glasses and take off!  We searched the yard for an hour or so in the dark, no luck.  Dad searched the entire yard at dawn the next day, no luck.  Funny thing is, Jasper knew he had done something wrong and was in trouble.  Dad got home later the next evening and stuck his old glasses in Jasper's face.  He looked at Jasper and said, "find my glasses!"  Jasper turned and took off through the yard; leading dad right to his glasses!!!  WOO!  But, Jasper did leave his mark on them and break a lens.  At least we don't have to replace lenses and frames!  I have to say it . . . what a smart dog!! lol

On to remodeling news . . . remodeling is starting to pick up again.  We 86ed a door project and decided to put in a new window instead.  I think I'm going to like that better anyway.  Back bedroom is complete and ready to move in.  Bathroom is complete and ready for a good move in cleaning.  The to-do list is still long, but we're making progress.  I (hopefully) will never remodel again (an old house anyway), but this has been and is an awesome experience.  I'm getting to work with my dad and will remember forever my dad helping me.  Plus, with it being an old house I'm learning such great ideas to incorporate when I build new.  Old houses have such awesome character.  Whenever I build I hope to put the old with the new; i.e. use old ideas to make it look old and rustic in a new creation. Old with the new reminds me of my travels; that's all Rome is - old with the new! 

OHHHHH I almost forgot....you know I posted a few weeks ago that I'm working to get my life back.  Meaning I'm learning to eat healthy.  Well, since I started (July 5, 2011) I have lost 10 pounds!!!  And, that has been without taking my walks...it's been too hot to walk.  Can't wait to be eating all my fruits and veggies and start walking again!  Woohoo!!  I have a long way to go, but 10 pounds is 10 pounds and I already feel better :)

Ok, that's all for now.  Have a great August my friends and have a great weekend!

Until next time . . .

It's hotter than Blue Blazes!

Have you ever heard the expression "It's hotter than blue blazin!"  Well, that's hot!  If you have seen a fire close or seen a cutting torch you would have seen this blue fire.  It's the fire that's closest to the center.  The hot point.  The hot point beyond all hot where everything it touches melts even before contact.

Well, it's not that hot, otherwise none of us would survive.  I imagine that's what Hell is like and I want no part of it!!  If we think it's hot outside at 108 degrees . . . you fill in the blanks.

The point I'm trying to make is . . . it's HOT out there!!!!!  This has been one of the (longest) hottest summers I can ever remember.  High heat temps are expected to be broken today.  So, stay inside as much as possible.  If you must be out, stay cool as possible.  Remember to HYDRATE!!  And, don't forget about the pets :) 

Today is Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Have a great day friends!

Until next time . . . . pray for cooler temps and rain!

So close . . . yet so far!

Do you have good luck or bad luck?  Well, sometimes I tend to think I'm luckier about some things than others.  Winning things . . . . not so much luck.

 The past few weeks KTLO radio station has been registering people for a chance to win two tickets to the 2011 Goin Coastal Concert featuring none other than Kenny Chesney!  Also, Zac Brown Band, Billy Currington, and Uncle Kracker.  Earlier this week, July 19th to be exact, I boogied up to High Country Motors to enter in the drawing to be held today, Friday July 22nd.

They narrowed down all the entries by having daily drawings.  They would draw and you had xx number of minutes to call in to be put in the grand prize drawing.  Yesterday morning they drew my name....and I didn't hear it!  Luckily someone my sister works with heard it and they told me.  So, I called the station and they put me in the grand prize drawing!  I was so excited.  A rush of enthusiasm and energy just filled me!
So today was the day.  I even dressed for the occasion and wore my 2005 concert tee from the "Somewhere in the Sun" tour.  About 11:30 they drew names to go from the top 25 names to the top 10.  After a phone call from friends and family calling to say, "Lindsay, do you know you're in a drawing for some grand prize?" or "Lindsay, they're fixing to go the top 10." My niece called me and says, "You're in a drawing. Did you know that? Who's it for?" When I told her Kenny Chesney tickets I think she could have melted! haha

So I rushed to the car to hear the top 10 drawing.  My name wasn't drawn :''(  So, I wasn't so lucky.  But hey!!!  I was a little lucky and felt great being in the top 25.  How awesome it would have been to go to one of his stadium concerts.  It would be an epic concert for any true Kenny fan.  But, it was great just being in the top 25 out of hundreds of entries.

Afterall . . . . I have seen him already six times, one of those being May 1994 (his first year on a major tour..my sister got his autograph and will not give it to me. She doesn't even like him!) and the last being April 1, 2011.   I guess we'll have to try again for next year's tour!!

Until next time . . . .

via Jasper . . . I knew where I was the whole time :)

July 14th, 2011 started out just like any other day . . . with the exception it was my sister's 30-something birthday and my dad was out of town for a meeting.  I got up, drove to work, worked, drove home just like any other day.  A bit after I arrived home my mom stopped by to see if I'd seen the dogs; which I hadn't.  She checked some cows and then we went to see where the dogs usually retreat on hot summer days; beneath the porch of mom's antiques cabin.  Well, Ben and Tucker were under the porch, BUT Jasper was no where to be found.  On top of that Tucker would barely come out from beneath the porch.  You see, it is highly unlike Jasper to be away from the other dogs during the daytime.  We had just been told earlier in the day a cougar (mountain lion) had been spotted a mile down the road.  So, needless to say my heart hit my feet when I couldn't find my pup. 

Mom knew immediately I was on the verge of tears.  I think she was a little scared too of Jasper's whereabouts.  So I head out on the four wheeler going up and down the road and mom gets in the truck to take the highway route in case he followed her out to work that morning.

I drove up and down the road for about an hour stopping here and there calling for him.  Nothing.  As I continued to drive tears streamed my face as I prayed Jasper was okay.  I know he's only a dog, but he's my buddy; my baby.  So after about an hour my mom and I meet up with neither of us having any luck.  I told her I hadn't checked my other place yet so that was my last resort.  My new place, the one I'm remodeling, is a mile down the road (across the hollar) from where I live now.

As I'm driving down the road I'm still calling and praying for Jasper and I admit crying.  I continued to call for him the closer I got to my other house and no sign.  Just as i got to the corner of my yard I see Jasper standing on the porch as if he's there waiting for me to get home from work!  I was relieved, thankful, and a big ole ball baby; tears rolled!  I said over and over, "Thank you, Jesus!"  Mom pulled in the yard behind me and I just cried as Jasper ran to me.  He was so excited to see me.  He doesn't know how excited I was to see him!  My mom laughed at me for crying, but at the same time she was relieved we found him.

So, Jasper really wasn't lost after all.  He knew where he was the entire time.  We don't know why he went there exactly other than he may have followed mom out that morning.  Mom said he was sending me a message to make me hurry up and get the remodeling done and get moved into my new place.  Jasper loves that porch and yard so he's ready to live there!  At least that's what we think he would be saying if dogs could talk :)

Until next time . . .