Poppy

Nanny and Poppy last Thanksgiving



On Sunday, the 24th, we five went out to our grandparents' house for our every-other week visit.  My grandpa, Poppy, wasn't feeling well.  Really, we thought he would get better because so many times he'd get sick and popped out of it in due time. 

Well, after we got home later that night, Dad couldn't sleep and something inside him knew something was different this time.

I awoke in the darkness of my room as our telephone rang out.  Instantly I knew.  Lights came on in the bedrooms down the hall and I didn't move.  Soon mumbling and low whispers came from Dad and Mom's room.  I told myself, "Either Poppy got worse and Dad's getting ready to take them to the doctor...or he died."  After what seemed like a long time, I drifted back to sleep, knowing that if it was so important, Dad or Mom would wake us up.

Monday morning came as any other day.  The sun was shining and that was actually a glorious sight since it's been so cloudy and rainy lately.  I walked outside and into the perfect weather, wondering what the plan was.  Originally we were going to move cattle on this day. 

Dad appeared near our pickup and trailer and I stepped towards him.  He told me the news.  Poppy had passed away.

Our Monday changed from fixing to move cattle to a service held near a grave.  Dad left before the rest of us and helped my grandma, Nanny, with preparations.  They assembled the coffin.  It was a plain one and had to be put together.  Poppy was made ready for the last resting place and slowly, the rest of us filtered out to their house. 

In a matter of only a few hours, (all thanks goes to God, who really set things into place!) we had supper made by some wonderful friends, had let a bunch of people know, some family members dug the grave, all of the immediate family, except for two, arrived, and when we pulled into the cemetery, over 70 people showed up.  It's just amazing how well everything went.

If you're wondering, yes, we had a "family burial."  We did the work, but that also gave us so much peace.  Poppy had wanted something simple and that's just what we did. 

The service was just right.  Dad and his brother and sister said a few words, some of my cousins spoke, our pastor led us in prayer, and there was even time for the people gathered around to say a few words.  We laughed and cried while remembering all the good things about Poppy.  And earlier that day, we cousins folded the American flag for Nanny.  (Poppy was a veteran.)

When the viewing was over, Dad, his brother, and many cousins lowered the coffin using ropes and after it was set, anyone could dump a few shovelfuls of dirt.  Many took this opportunity.  The sound of dirt hitting the lid of a wooden coffin is one that is so...so distinct. 

Some people left right after the short service, but many stayed until about dark.  

Monday evening was one that couldn't have gotten better.  The wind died down, the sunset was so brilliant, and the temperature was nice.  Even the rain had quit enough days before that the ground had dried out so it wasn't muddy.

When the sun had gone down most of the way, we headed back to Nanny's (and Poppy's) house.  Supper was eaten and well after dark we started moseying homeward.  By now Dad was tired, both emotionally and physically, so Big J. and I went with him.  Mom came home later, leaving Little J. to spend the night with Nanny and others.

Poppy was 99 1/2 years old.  He was still bright and his mind was working perfectly.  His hearing was a little off, maybe selective hearing is the right term.  He was walking with a walker, but still going.  He was in great health until Saturday or so and he passed away in the early morning of Monday, the 25th. 

We all greatly loved him and will miss him in the days to come. 

There are so many stories to tell!  One that I will always remember is when Poppy went to town for the first time.  He said that they went to a silent movie and at some store, he bought a new hat.  Sadly, on the way home the wind yanked that hat off his head and in his words, "We never found that hat." 

He was in WWII, married once, had great kids and grandchildren, and lived a good, long life. 

One of the things he'd tell me (and others) is...

"It takes a boring person to be bored."

 

So much happens in a person's life that one blog post could never get it all, not even a book can.

 

Thank you to everyone who's been there for us, said kind words, or just comforted us.  It's great to see so many caring people!  : )    

 

 

 

 

Look closer and you can see a windmill on the coffin. 
Since it was plain wood, we cousins wrote notes, signed, or drew on it.

 

 

Why a Blog

Recently we had a cardinal come to our house.  And that seems appropriate since the nearest town has a cardinal mascot for the school. 

~~~~~

Okay, so maybe some of you have wondered why I'm writing a blog.  Well, now I'll answer you.

Writing is a gift from God and I want to use it as much as I can.  I like writing!  Maybe 'love' can even be the word for how much I like it.  A person can create ANYTHING when they write and I take a bunch of pleasure in that.  I've written so many books and stories that I personally don't know how many.  Just on Sunday a girl asked how many I've written.  I truthfully answered, "I don't know."
(Maybe I should count...)

Elaine Littau is an author (and really cool, dear friend of mine) and when I was asking her all sorts of questions about writing/publishing she told me to start a blog.  At that time I was probably around 13 years old.  Well, I took her thought into consideration and decided on doing it.

I started my blog in Oct. of 2012, mainly so I could write and let people read it.  Since I live on a ranch, am homeschooled, and such, I thought a blog about those adventures would be neat.  I know that my subject is in no real genre and sometimes I wish it was, but I don't know that I'll really change it.   

This is a place I can show some of my writing style, let people from all over the world read it, and capture neat stories.  Here lately it seems it's been filled with photos, and I think I should be writing more, since that was the first reason for a blog, but then I like some of the pictures I share.

Anyway, now you know why I started it.  I hope to continue blogging and sharing more stories with you.  Thanks for reading throughout the years of this adventure.  : ) 
   

Lucky

Today Dad's horse, Lucky, turns 25 years old. 

I can't even count all of the people who have been able to ride him.  Because he's such a great horse, many people took their first rides on him.  He is the kind of horse every person should have at least once in their lives.  He's gentle, but can get things done.

We had one person say that they'd never moved cattle before, but Lucky knew just what to do, so they let him do the job while they sat on his back.
We have a lot of tamarisks on our place and some are pretty tight to ride through; however, Lucky has been one to fight through them whether you're ready or not.

Dad went to a bunch of rodeos with him, got bucked off four times (two of which were after Lucky was fully broke [ride-able] and in rodeos), roped and drug tons of calves at brandings, and more.

Though Dad never thought this horse would be a kid horse, Lucky proved to be one of the best.  My siblings and I began riding him when we were very young.  With his age, he is semi/mostly retired from riding, however.

The last winters/droughts have paid their toll on the ole' guy and he is showing some signs of aging, but thankfully with this green grass, he's getting better.  
We even got the horses up today, though Lucky got to stand at the hitching post while we rode. 

So, happy birthday, Lucky Duck.   : )

More Flowers

Because my post, April Showers Bring May Flowers appealed to some of you and I had so much fun making it, I've created another post with more flowers.  Yay! 

Well, this weather has been the best...in what seems like forever.  It's been rainy and cool, the grass is growing.  The flowers, I'm happy to say (and show you) are thriving.  Like the last post, I hardly know the names of these pretty things, but hope that you can enjoy their beauty as I have. 
And hey, if you know some of their real names, why not let me know by leaving a comment.

All of these photos were taken in our pasture surrounding our house and only one (the very first one) was edited.  The rest were untouched as far as editing goes.  So, I hope you like this post and we'll meet again next time.  : )   
 

Sunflower

 

Prickly Pear

 

 

 

 

 

Indian Blanket

 

Ladies and Gentlemen, Children of All Ages!

 

....Welcome to the circus!

 

The circus came to a town near us, so we pretty much up and went. 

My family: Big J., Little J., Dad, Mom, and me, well part of me.

The music started and these girls came out.  It instantly felt like we went back to an old western saloon.  The girls were dressed for such an occasion and the hollering men to the left of us just added to the feel. 

Thankfully it got better!
  

 
One girl had some big poodles who ran around and jumped over and through things.  Her schnauzer, however, was much more impressive.  That little dog walked around on his hind feet, and then later was dressed up as an elephant.  It acted like a wind up toy and would walk for a little ways and just fall over.  It was amazing how well that dog was on time. 
 

 
The juggling family was outstanding, in my opinion.  That sentence says enough.

 
Oh, my!  Then these two people came out.  See in this picture how that girl is holding all that man's weight and is only being held by her ankle.  Can you say PAINFUL?  Her hips look like they could pop clean out of socket. 

 
Here the man was hanging by his head while the girl hung upside down with just her feet hanging onto the man.  I was glad no one fell, for, no, there weren't nets under them.  (They had cords for if they did fall.)
   

 
The jugglers were also another part of the circus and this time, they wowed the crowd again.  One man held a heavy pole on his forehead and his twin boys climbed to the top.  They stood on their head way up there, then slid down.  
 

There was a death defying cage with motorcycles.  At first there were just two bikes in the cage at once, but by the time it ended, there were three!

Then elephants, of course.

 

 

And...wait, do those two people near the back look familiar?  Why, yes, we do!

I got Mom to ride an elephant with me, though it didn't take much twisting of the arm.  So now I can say, "I've ridden an elephant."  That feels satisfying.  I really feel like I should write a book and sometime have a elephant ride in it.  At least now I know how it feels.  It's smooth overall.  You just sit there while the beast sways left and right, slowly.  As you can see, we're near the back.  I honestly think (though I have no experience) that sitting on the neck, right behind the ears, would be more comfortable.  But, still, the opportunity to do this doesn't come often and I'm glad we snatched it.
     

 

 

I jokingly say this is our family picture.  Look closely and you can see all 5 of us.  I took this picture as we sat on the elephant's back.

 

It was a cold May day, but the fun and family time was so worth it!  Have a terrific Thursday!  : )

Post 115

Big J. working on the fence

Yesterday was dripping with rain and today is foggy.  How better can this weather get?

Happy Blog Day, readers!  : )

 

Yucca plants in bloom

 

Picture and About Me List

Hey, blog readers!  Here is the picture of the week.  I hope you like it. 

~

 

Here's a list of things about me...

 

Favorite Holiday: Thanksgiving, no doubt about it!

Favorite Foods: Chips and hot sauce and pickles.  By the way, both of those make great breakfasts--either at separate meals or together.  And stuffing at Thanksgiving.

Favorite Color: Lime green.  I like all the colors, though.

Favorite Birthday thus far: 16th.  We had a huge party at our church and I was shown that day that I'm super blessed.

Favorite Book: Through Rushing Water by Catherine Richmond.

Favorite Past Time(s): Writing, reading, stuffing dead animals, working with plants or live animals, and looking at Pinterest to name a few.  I might surprise you with what I pick to do some days.

Favorite Animal: Pretty much anything.  I don't like panda bears and sloths.

Favorite Actress: Judy Garland to name one of many.

Favorite Actor: Sean Astin to name one of many.

Favorite Movies: Little Women, Wild Hearts Can't be Broken, The Inheritance, The Easter Parade,  Do You Believe, and a lot more.  (There are so many good movies out there!)

Favorite Thing to Dust: Picture frames.

Favorite Sport: I don't play any, but I like watching baseball.

Favorite Board Game: Clue.

Favorite Music: Soundtracks and oldies.  Some Christian, but I'm picky about which songs. 

Favorite Days: Rainy ones, foggy ones, snowy ones, and sometimes sunny ones.

   

Something I think we should be better at: Getting family pictures.  That's something family members always seem to dread.
Something I have to do daily, but enjoy: Probably getting the eggs.
Something I want to do: Publish a book (hopefully soon).  
Something I've always wanted: My own house.  I'd like to be able to clean and rearrange the whole thing without worrying about what the other person was thinking.  

I'm left handed and write with that hand, yet I do everything else with my right hand. 
 
Even though I like animals and plants, I don't like Biology in school.  I know, weird...

I like trying some new things.  I'm kind of picky about what to try, now that I think about it.

People think I'm quiet and maybe shy, but I'm not anymore.  I do tend to keep my mouth shut when spending time with my friends, by doing that, I hear everything.  That can be a good thing, you know.  It depends on the day how I interact with friends.  I really like helping strangers and sometimes I feel like I get along better with them than some friends. 

I was stubborn growing up, and I guess I still am, but I control it now.  I got way more spankings than my siblings and I was by far the hardest child in our family.  But because of my parents' determination, I'm a better person.  Now, in my teen years, I have a great relationship with both Dad and Mom. 

~ 

I think I better finish this post so that I can get on with life.  So, how did you like it?  Can you think of anything I missed or you are wondering about?  Feel free to leave a comment.  Thanks for taking time to check out my blog.  Have a wonderful day.  : )    

Minnie and Pearl

 

I got Minnie and Pearl (two Hampshire pigs) last September for one of my billy goats.  The trade was so much fun and I hope the other folks did/are doing just as well with the goat. 

 

Wow.  Those pigs, Big J.'s dog, and I have been through a lot!

 

Shortly after getting the pigs, Big J.'s dog broke her leg, and after weeks in the kennel, she was permitted to take walks.  Because I had more time, I'd walk Lighting for my brother.  Lightning really liked the pigs and I figured they needed a good walk, too; therefore, Minnie and Pearl joined us in our daily walks. 

I wonder what people would have thought if they could've seen a girl taking a walk with a dog, two piglets, and some cats. 

 

Well, things grow and finally we could see some growth in the pigs.  We have some amazing friends who shared scraps and other food for the pigs and the girls ate most of it up.

 

The last time I let the girls out for a run around, they took off in the pasture and spooked our horses.  They had tasted green grass and stopped listening to me, so clearly that was the last time they were turned out.  Truth be known, it was tough to get them back in their pen that time. 

 

They knew their names and would most of the time come when I called (except the last time when they chased the horses), we took a bunch of walks together, and they gave me so much pleasure in owning them.

 

I guess now you are understanding that I'm using past-tense when I talk about Minnie and Pearl.  Yes, I no longer have them.  Dad and Mom agreed to letting me have them as long as we could eat them.  As time progressed I got more and more attached, but the time came and we only had one choice: butcher them.

We aren't set up for raising little pigs, we don't do shows, and summer is hot, so keeping pigs would be tough. 

Dad made arrangements to get them butchered and the day finally arrived.

 

It was harder than I had first thought it would be, but I knew it had to happen and I didn't cry, if you're wondering.  So, now you know.  The good ol' pigs Minnie and Pearl are no more... 

 

In fact, we are fixing to eat pork burgers.  I hope they taste good! 

 

All said and done, I would really like to get some more pigs.  Can you just imagine having a pig or two each year?  How fun!  So, we'll see what happens.  : )   

 

The girls on the first day I had them

 

Minnie has more white on her back than Pearl

 
 

The very last day I had the piggies