Ramblings From The Reservation

MOVED

2006-10-29T18:31:00.000-06:00

I am thru with blogger. It deleted my last 3 posts, then when I finally got around to re-doing them, they were posted hours later. Heres the new address for The Reservation:
Ramblings From The Reservation

or

http://ramblingsfromthereservation.wordpress.com/

I hope y'all do not get as confused as I am about the whole moving thing.......

Amazingly fast, incredibly strong, tirelessly proud, fantastically gentle, he is a huge dark beast that touches the hearts of all who meet him. He has known joy and violence. Felt the warmth of children and the cruelty of abuse. He has nearly died saving lives and merely been killed by a drunken act. He has known the finery of grand estates and the filth of stinking slums. He has survived fire and flood, starvation and torment. And nothing could break his spirit-or his great love. This is HIS life. He is called the horse - Anna Sewell

The Cat's Meow

2006-10-29T10:08:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was a great day! Wee One had a blast Trick or Treating. He looked so cute in his 'kitty' costume. He called himself a 'puma' because he is a Dora The Explorer fan. I like the fact that he can count to 8 in Spanish but I realy want him to count to 8 in English...okay, that is a whole other post/rant.

We could not have had better weather for Trick or Treat. It was a gorgeous warm and sunny day, the evening did not even get chilly until after dark. When I was a kid Trick or Treating in N.MI, temperatures over 32 degrees and no snow was perfect weather. Many Halloweens I remember Trick or Treating in my winter coat, which always covered the best parts of my costumes.

Wee One made a haul, especially at Grandma and Grandpa's house. We only went to about 1/3 of the houses in our tiny community but he still filled 2 huge bags. Since our itty bitty town doesnt have a whole lot of trick or treaters, the kind citizens tend to give out huge handfuls of candy, good candy too. Not icky, stale, cheap, dollar store stuff either........were talking Reese Cups, M&M's, Sweetarts (my fave) stuff like that....Son #1 was a big helper! He walked Wee One to many doors. After about 45 minutes, he wanted to go over to his friend's Grandma's house and scare the other Trick or Treaters (they had a graveyard, prison, scary forest set up) I let him stay there until 8:30 (they had a small party afterwards) then I picked him up.

Wee One and I hit Auntie Alicias, Auntie S's, and G's. All 3 go all out for every Holiday decorating and Halloween was especially good this year at all 3 houses.

The BBQ/Roping was a huge party. A big success for the hosts. We did not stay long at all, barely an hour. I would have loved to have partied and roped long into the night but Trick or Treat took precedent over my fun.

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If your wondering why our pumpkin was not carved.....long story there. Anyhow, I didnt trust my hurried self the last couple of days to be carving anything up......

The Cats Meow

2006-10-29T09:10:00.000-06:00

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If your wondering why our pumpkin was not carved.....long story there. Anyhow, I didnt trust my hurried self the last couple of days to be carving anything up......

Sunny Saturday!

2006-10-28T08:10:00.000-05:00

The Halloween horoscopes looked interesting. I checked my Halloween Candy by Sign . This is what it said for Taurus:

Taurus Candy (April 20 to May 20)Taurus likes candy that will last and last. Maybe that's why Gobstoppers are such a big hit with this crowd. Bulls also enjoy gnawing their way through a Mary Jane or two. When it comes to getting a chocolate fix, Goldenberg Peanut Chews are often the candy of choice, as they can't be gulped all at once.

Okayyyyyy. I like Gobstoppers and I know what they are. But I am unsure on what the heck a Mary Jane is. I always thought of it as a code-name for weed.......is it some kind of lollipop? And........what is a Goldenberg Peanut Chew?

Yesterday afternoon I caught some of Oprah's show with Bill O'Reilly. I do not watch Oprah much at all, but I did watch so I could see why Bill O'Reilly was on her show. I am an O'Reilly fan. Yep, I am. I think he is obnoxious, conceited, pushy, and so on. But, I still like the man. I would probably be labeled as a Right Wing Conservative Republican (RWCR) in many people's eyes. I hate labels by the way. I am not a die hard RWCR. I do have a few liberal views but not many.

I have a feeling that some of my blogger friends are quite a lot more liberal than I. Which is cool. I have no problem with that, in fact, I love hearing others views on things in general. It gives me a chance to see things thru others eyes. "How we perceive our world around us is our reality." Everyone's perception is different, just like experiences, ect. I welcome that as a chance for me to broaden my thinking avenues. Once or twice, my own views may have changed, just thru seeing something, someone, or a situation in a different light.

O'Reilly has a test, Culture Warrior Test , I took it. It said I have traditional values but I am undecided. Hmmm. That sounds about right. I dont think O'Reilly gets a fair shake, but then I am sure there are a lot of people who think he is biased. One thing I know for sure, is I support our troops 100%. It is wrong for Americans (like Sheenan, Moore,ect.) to think we(Americans) are the terrorists. If they did not live in America, they would never have the opportunity to freely voice their opinions.........instead, they would have been shot on sight under Saddam's Regime.

I will leave it at that for today because I feel an all our rant coming on..............it could get ugly.

Bang!
Holy cow! Nope, not a cow, a big buck! It would be great if son #1 could get a nice deer this weekend. He is hunting this morning with his favorite Uncle and Cousin, I hope all of them get a deer! Then my jerky seasonings wouldnt be sitting in the pantry waiting.....

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The Fall Carnival lastnight was fun! Wee one LOVED the 'pick a duck out of the water' game. He played that about 8 times. We also did the cake walk, he and I both, about 8 times with no luck. We came soooo close too! Son #1 did the Apple Bob as soon as we walked in the doors, getting himself soaked but winning. Ack! Every once in a great while I wish I had a couple of prissy girls instead of macho-roughhousing boys!

I have not accomplished one damn thing yet this morning.........except feeding the Old Guy and drinking 1 cup of coffee. I am taking 2 big dishes of Dip with chips to the BBQ/Roping we are going to later today. I need to get them made and chilled soon. We wont be staying too long at the BBQ/Roping, tonite is trick or treat.

Busy,Busy..

2006-10-27T09:45:00.000-05:00

Storm clouds to the NW coming my way yesterday.

Yesterday's weather made it feel like April n Oklahoma. Warm, humid, with unstable air.

I took this picture in the middle of the afternoon yesterday. It was so dark outside-yuck!

The rain is suppose to end soon (Before noon I hope!) The sun might peek out but it is cold and blustery-more yuck!

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Today has started out crazy and most likely will remain that way until long after dark.

Hubby's good friend of many years Father passed away and the funeral is today. Hubby and B. have been friends since elementary school. So hubby is going to try to make it to the funeral this afternoon, work might not cooperate tho. If he misses the funeral, he can try to make graveside or the gathering afterwards. I did press and starch a pair of his good Levis and a dress shirt. He rarely gets fancied up so I thought I had better re-iron, re-freshen, a set of his dress clothes.

I have an afternoon MD appointment, the boys and I have a Fall Carnival to attend at school this evening. Tomorrow is our communities trick or treat night, and also son #1's church's Fall Festival.

I'll be making my favorite blog rounds very slowly but surely in between running up and down the highway, chasing Toddler Terror around, doing laundry, cleaning my AGAIN dirty floors, and cooking.........sigh, I am tired just typing all that crap.

On a good note, I did get all of Scooters cockleburs removed lastnite. Baby oil and a big strong hair pick made it easier this 3rd time around. He hasnt came out of his stall much since it turned nasty outside, I am not too worried about him getting back into the burs today but tomorrow, hubby and I will be getting rid of those nasty cocklebur bushes! No excuses......

Another One Bites The Dust

2006-10-26T09:13:00.000-05:00

Last nite I let hubby read my post about the The House . He was not suprised I went and took a picture. He woke me up about 3:10 am this morning and said he had a nightmare about the house. I asked him if he wanted me to get one of the boy's nightlights and put it in our room for him. He didnt answer but I know he was giving me a dirty look in the dark. Hubby hated that house, he was always in a hurry to get away from it when he stayed there with me. He doesnt even like scary movies, I guess I should not have let him read the post!

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Yesterday we woke up to a dreary and damp day. This morning it is the same but worse, with thick FOG. The weatherman said a cold front is headed our way with severe storms this afternoon and much colder tomorrow.

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The Old Guy is muddy. I have no idea how he gets so dirty since he prefers to stay inside the barn when the weather is nasty (like the past 2 days). These pictures I took yesterday afternoon. It was so dark out that my flash worked on my camera. I need some sunshine! I am tired of this gray weather. The weekend is supposed to be great weather, I am very much looking forward to it!

I am sooo p*ssed. More cockleburs!

And in his tail, ack! This is the 3rd time I have had to get them out.

I thought we had gotten rid of those nasty cocklebur bushes, guess we missed one or two.

Achoooo! Scooter was running around and bucking when he finally came out of the barn. He skidded to a stop and gave a big sneeze.

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Ya just gotta love Florida.

Florida has executed another form of human sewege, Danny Harold Rolling.

"There are some things you just can't run from, this being one of those,'' Rolling told the judge.

The 'some things' Rolling is referring to:

5 college students were found murdered and mutilated over 3 days in late August of 1990, just as the University of Florida's fall semester was beginning in Gainsville FL. Every one of them had been killed with a hunting knife. Some had been mutilated, sexually assaulted, put in shocking poses. One girl's severed head had been placed on a shelf, her body posed as if seated.

Definately crimes that should be punishable by the Death Penalty and nothing else. Just because this creep confessed to the awful things he did does NOT mean he should have been spared death. In my opinion, put Rolling's confession and the DNA that proves he committed these atrocities, together.......and there should be NO DOUBT this creep deserved nothing less than death.

People will do anything to make a buck. I was not at all suprised when I came across this site where some idiot was selling Rolling's Artwork. I do not think anyone should be able to capitalize from someone's murder. I can't imagine how Rolling's victims families feel about this. I would be furious.

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Blogger has been awful lately, I am close to switching to typepad or something similar if it doesnt straighten up. I would have done it already but I am worried I might lose my archives. Ive made the decision, when my next insomnia attack hits, Ill use it productively and switch over....

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okay, I am done with my mini-rant.

Y'all have a super Thursday, we are 1 day closer to the weekend!

The House

2006-10-25T08:14:00.000-05:00

I could not get a decent picture of the house. This was the only one I took. There was a man in the front yard unloading wood out of a truck and cars everywhere. Junk cars, it looked like to me. I was suprised at how rundown the place was. There was junk and trash everywhere.

I removed the picture of the house , you'll see why in the comments section.

Too see a picture of the house go here:house

This is the West side of the house. Both bedrooms are on this end. The bathroom as well. The windows in the picture are the bedroom windows. The closest windows are to the room that was my bedroom. This porch faces South. Part of the porch's door can be seen (it also has another door, the one I talked about later in this post), this door leads into a living room.There is a cellar in the far left. The place has 3 cellars. The tree on the right is one of the big cedars.

Best friend L . and I could not believe our good fortune to have snagged a great house, small barn, and garage when we first moved to Oklahoma. It was recently bought then rented out. We were the 2nd people to have ever rented the place. The house was at the end of the long dirt driveway, it could not be seen from the highway. It was surrounded by huge, old cedar trees. It was built by a wealthy Osage man back in the 1940's. It had been kept up and was in great shape.

When best friend L. and I first looked at it. We both liked it but at the same time, felt a creepy feeling. When the owner went outside to give a chance to check the place out alone, we both agreed it had a weird feeling. It was what we needed.....we would deal with all the negativities later.

We got ourselves moved in, horses and hounds all settled. Best friend L.'s coon dog Pepper stayed inside, but at our 'new' house, she preferred to sleep outside with the other dogs. She rarely wanted to come indoors anymore. We decided she didnt like our 3rd roommate the 'ghost'.

We had a king size bed and a twin bed. We set up the big bed in best friend L.'s room. We put the twin bed in my bedroom. It was early winter when we had moved and to save on heating, we only lit the furnace in best friend L.'s bedroom because it was near the bathroom. Propane was a big cost on our single girls budget. Since we had slept in the same bed millions of times growing up, we did not think anything of sleeping in the king size bed at the same time. Much to some of our 'new' male friend's disappointment, we were not lesbians or bisexual. What is it with guys thinking that way anyhow?

We dismissed people's comments about our house being haunted and such. As a Native American, I believe there are Earthbound Spirits but I was skeptical of 'haunted houses'. Sometimes people tend to exaggerate about stuff like that, so I took other people's statements with a grain of salt.

We had only been living there for about 3-4 days when we came home from work one sunny afternoon and our friend Bobby was sitting in the driveway. He said when he pulled up, he swore he saw someone walking around inside and thought one of us was home playing a trick on him or just hiding out. When he knocked, Bobby said he heard someone walking, he thought. We were suprised as he was. So, we all went inside together. The house was locked and no one was inside. We just laughed and told Bobby to lay off the wacky tobacco. This was not the first time our friends reported coming by daytime OR nighttime and saw 'someone' inside our house, only to realize we werent home and no one was inside. This happened to hubby once. I told him it was probably his headlights making a shadow, he disagreed.

Often best friend L. and I would hear dishes and silverware clanking in the kitchen, similar to people eating. The first couple of times we heard this, we snuck out of bed thinking we were going to catch an intruder raiding our kitchen, only to flip on the light and see nothing. We just shrugged and told our 'ghost' to keep it down a bit, we had to work for a living. The dish sounds in the kitchen and the old time music playing were 2 things that happened quite regularly and they only happened at night. There were a lot of cold spots but that could have been from the house being old or drafts from outside. Batteries never stayed charged inside the house. Our coon hunting halogen lights we wore on our heads always lost their battery charge, same with our flashlights. Our smoke detector battery was always dead.

We both felt like we were not alone in the house. Best friend L. and I got used to our 'ghost'. Many times when one of us was inside the house alone and in the shower, we heard sounds coming from the other parts of the house.

We partied every minute we were not working or coon hunting or riding hell bent for leather. We used to blame the 'ghost' feeling on being drunk or on being sober or staying up too long without sleep, things like that. It was weird, whenever we had a party, which was often, someone always brought up the 'ghost' subject. At first, best friend L. and I were excited to talk about our 'ghost' and share the things we had experienced. But we soon learned our 'ghost' didnt like us discussing it with strangers. Usually after we had company or guests, the 'ghost' activity would pick up. It often retaliated by locking us out when we purposefully left a door or window open (we had 1 key and the house had 4 outside doors). It would turn on lights in the middle of the night. It would turn on the TV. It opened doors. Our TV turned on early one morning when best friend L.'s parents were visiting from N.Michigan. I was sleeping in the living room on the couch and her little brother (hes 2 years younger than us) was on air mattress on the floor near me. The 'ghost' would hide things, like a favorite hairbrush, car keys, reins or the hair-dryer. So many things happened in that house, I am only recalling maybe half of some of the experiences we had.

When The Bullrider Johnny and I were on the downhill slide of our relationship, it was a bit intense. I only lived in the house about 2 and 1/2 months while we dated. The last week Johnnie stayed at the house, before he left for another rodeo and we split up for good, he had 3 flat tires in my driveway. The air was let out of the tires, no damage. It was a different tire each time. One time Johnny set his copenhagen on my nightstand and the next morning it was gone. I found it about 3 months later on a top shelf in my closet. My closet door never stayed shut. It was a walk-in, cedar lined and the door latch never stuck when it was closed.

Once, we had a local handyman come out to set up a new waterbed. He was an Osage man in his middle 30's, very nice and polite, he came well recommended from the furniture store. He got busy working my bedroom but he kept coming out of the double doors that lead to my bedroom and looking around. Best friend L. and I were standing around in the kitchen with friends killing time. We were drinking a few beers before leaving to go to a roping. The handyman fussed around for about 10 minutes. I had asked him earlier what was wrong the first time he came out of the bedroom, thinking he needed a hand, he just said, "nothing." Eventually, the handyman came into the kitchen and said,"he couldnt work, there were spirits in the house and he was not welcome." Then he went outside and left. It was like something out of the Twilight Zone, I am not joking. We all stood there speechless. I believed him, I could tell he was serious and telling the truth. One of those friends present that day is my best guy friend D. He still mentions how spooky the house was and the day the handyman was there. A little over a year after that happened, best friend L. and I were at the (Osage)Dances in Hominy OK (we had since moved into our own houses) we ran into the Handyman who was dancing at the ceremonies. He told us how the house was filled with spirits and that he was overwhelmed by the intensity of them that day. He said the feeling was so strong it made him physically ill for a whole day. Best friend L. and I both told him, "we believe you." We did.

Best friend L.'s asshole boyfriend (Ill call him ABF) was dropped off at our house one night when we were working late. He had been gone off on some job and had the people he was working with drop him off at our house instead of taking him out to his parents place where he stayed in their bunkhouse and had his truck parked. I remember this well because it was one of the rare times he actually worked. As we pulled into our driveway coming home from work, I almost drove over ABF who was trotting down our driveway in the dark, half dressed, carrying his gear. He was all wild eyed and I thought to myself "lookee whos been on a big time drinking/drugging bender." No, I never gave ABF the benefit of any doubt. I never trusted him or ever liked him or believed a word that came out of his mouth. I just tolerated him because of best friend L. Anyhow, ABF jumped into my car and started telling us how he got into town, went by Sonic Drive Inn and got himself some dinner because he knew we wouldnt have any food. His co-worker dropped him off, he tried the side porch door we usually left unlocked (it appeared to be locked if it was tried by someone unfamiliar, it had a secret way to open it) he let himself in the house, ate, then took a shower. He heard someone call his name when he was in the shower. He said he got out of the shower 2X and checked to see if we were home. ABF said he was spooked but thought it was not any big deal. After his shower, he turned on the TV and laid down on the couch and fell asleep. He woke up because he heard his name again. He said he laid there for a few minutes trying to hear it again. Not hearing anything he sat up and looked towards the back of the house near the bathroom because something got his attention. He saw the hallway light was on, he never turned it on, it was off when he got out of the shower. Then, as he was sitting up thinking about hightailing it out of there, a small breeze of cold air blew by him. This was too much for ABF, he was scared and was not staying there. He took off walking (more like running). We went to the house after hearing his story, the hallway light was off and nothing seemed odd. ABF swore the hallway light was on when he left our house in his big hurry. ABF wanted me to drive him out to his parents house that night, I refused. I was late for a date, I was meeting hubby at the local bar. Best friend L. stayed home with ABF and they slept with the lights on that night. Too bad the 'ghost' didnt keep ABF away permanently......

Best friend L. and I never felt like we were threatened or in danger, except that one time....

We had lived in the house for about 7 or 8 months. I was seeing hubby and he refused to spend the night alone in my house, he disliked staying there even with me. The house creeped him out. Nothing really ever happened to hubby except seeing someone inside the house when no one was home. He heard the kitchen dishes and music plenty of times. Hubby was gone working for a few days with his Uncle the weekend the 'scary' incident took place. ABF was on the outs with best friend L. We had worked all weekend, long shifts, we needed the money and also a break from our hard partying schedule. We got home from work, it was late, after 11 pm (we worked in B-ville). We were dead, dog tired. We both got into our pajamas and crashed for a good sleep in best friend L.s kingsize bed. I went to sleep right away. Best friend L. woke me up. She was whispering to me. She said she heard someone almost yelling behind the double glass doors that led from her room to the hallway that led to the laundry room and back door. The bathroom was to the immediate left of those doors. It was a dark night but the yard light shown thru the windows so we could see. Then something hollered again but it sounded more like a loud growl, very hard to describe. She asked me if I had heard that. Yep, I sure did and it scared me, my heart was in my throat. We both were laying there under our covers wondering why the dogs were NOT barking. We heard the loud sound again. The dogs always barked when someone or some animal came around. I told her, lets look and see. But first, our guns were in her closet, and the light switch was right next to the closet door. She said she'd flip the switch while I grabbed a shotgun. We'd run at the same time. We thought maybe someone was breaking in or messing around. Our hearts were pounding. As we were counting down to make our run for the closet, the double doors swung with such force, they hit off the walls and broke one small glass window in the doors. At the same time, something blocked out the yard light shining in, then it moved and we both saw a pair of legs and nothing else, just blackness. We both hollered and ran into the closet, slammed the door, and turned on the closet light. I grabbed the loaded 12 gauge. After a couple of terrified minutes, we ventured out and turned on the bedroom light. No one was there. Nothing. All the doors were still dead-bolted from the inside and locked. No windows were open to blow the doors against the walls, even if it was windy that night and a window was open, those doors were hard to push open because they would drag on the plush carpet. We were totally freaked out. We left and spent the night at Bobbys house. When we returned the next day, the inside of the house felt heavy, very stuffy.

That was the only time either one of us was terrified of something inside the house. We tried debunking the glass doors swinging open a hundred times, we could not nor could anyone else. Our 'ghost' went from being no big deal to something awful. When hubby heard what happened, he said " Y'all need to move." This incident threw me for a loop. I wanted to know what the big black shape was and who's legs we saw. Were they legs? I kept asking myself. I know best friend L. and I saw the same thing. That was one time I remember the cold, hard feeling of absolute terror taking over my entire body. Neither one of us ever stayed alone in the house at night after that. The 'ghost' activity slowed a bit except for the music and the kitchen dishes. Maybe those sounds were 'imprints' and had nothing to do with the 'ghost'.

I think it would be easier for me to accept if it had been a psycho, escaped, mental patient killer that was after us instead of something I cannot explain.......

Ghostly Tales

2006-10-24T07:47:00.000-05:00

When best friend L. and I first moved to Oklahoma. We lived in an Old Native American built home. It is located out in the country but not too far from town. It is surrounded by huge ancient cedar trees. When people from my area realized where we lived, they always said "Hey, that place is supposed to be haunted ya know." Best friend L. and I being fearless in our young and dumb early years, always answered, "yeah, we know." If we had a dollar for every time someone said that to us, we wouldnt have had to work.

One thing that happened like clockwork was we heard music. We did not hear it until we had already lived in the house for a week or two. It was old style dancing music. At first we thought it was the toilet running, so we investigated it. It wasnt the toilet. Then we thought maybe it was sounds carrying in the wind or something explainable like that. Nope, that was not it either. We never did find out where it came from. The people who moved in after us also said they heard music every night. I think something like this is less like a haunting and more of an imprint. Now, do not get me wrong, the place is haunted. We experienced some very weird stuff there, so did others.

Once I experienced something that scared me like nothing else, it happened in that house and best friend L. was right there with me. I'll tell y'all about that story tomorrow........I wrote the story this morning. Today I am going to get a picture of the actual house I used to live in.

I was over at The Shadowlands looking for more scary Urban Legends. I read some pretty interesting 'true' ghost stories submitted by people.
Here is one I liked:

Chased after Florida Hunting Trip

By: paul.e.wilson@navy.mil

A friend of mine told me about something strange that happened to him after a hunting trip in Florida. It happened on a dirt road coming out of the everglades. It was late in the evening, between 9:30 and 10:00pm. My friend was riding in the back of a pick-up truck with three of his buddies. It was a 4x4 pick-up and they were driving at a fast pace, with everyone in the back bouncing around all over the place. You know, a crazy, typical teenage outing. About twenty yards back behind the truck, something came out of the dense foliage onto the shoulder of the dirt road. whatever it was, it was big, muscular, and was on all fours. It was so dark in color that it was hard to see it, and It was facing away from their truck. Someone decided to throw an empty beer bottle at it, which shattered upon the ground at its feet. This seemed to startle it and made it quite mad. It then turned and started to run after the pick-up truck. At this point they noticed that it had glowing red eyes, and to everyone's dismay, it was rapidly gaining on the moving 4x4 vehicle. It finally got close enough that it appeared to reach out and grab the rear bumper of the vehicle. At exactly that same moment, the truck sharply turned to the right, off of the dirt road, and onto highway U.S. 41. The momentum of the turning vehicle flung whatever it was into the air, where it came down and tumbled across the higway into the brush on the left hand side, where it disappeared. At no point in time were any of the witnesses clearly able to make out just what this thing was. It was as if the shadows were chasing them.

This next one is for butterflychic26 .

Kansas Home

By: JennH201@aol.com

When I was about 10 years old my family rented a house in Oskaloosa, Ks. This is a small town that has a population of about 1074. We moved in the summer of 1992 or '93. Oskaloosa has a lake and this is where I would spend most of my days fishing mostly because I did not like spending time in the house that my family had moved to because it was haunted. It was haunted by an older man that only I could see. The first time I noticed that something strange was going on was when I was laying in my bed trying to go to sleep. I thought I saw my dad look into my bedroom than he just went back out without saying anything. I thought it was weird so I opened my door and asked him what he wanted (the only way to get to my bedrroom was through my parents room.) My dad said that he had not come into my room and told me to go back to bed. I didn't really know what was going on but I soon found out. Another night not long after, I was laying in my bed again trying to go to sleep when I heard a man's voice say "Get out" when I looked up I saw an angry old man at the foot of my bed. I was very scared after this happened and I kept telling my parents about the man that I saw but no one else in my family could ever see what I could. Then one day my mom, sister, brother, and I were in the livingroom watching TV when I saw the man going toward my brother. I yelled at my mom and told her that I saw the man going toward my brother and I knew that he was going to hurt him. When I saw the man get to my brother my brother stared yelling that his back was hurting but still no one else could see what I saw. My mom went over to my brother and more to humor me than anything she put out her hand to smack the invisible hands away from my brother, but she was shocked when she felt her hand hit something that she could not see. After that she told as all to get into the car when we were all in the car getting ready to drive off I saw the old man circling the house. We moved shortly after that last event and I have not ever had the desire to go back.

Tomorrow, I will post about the haunted house I once lived in. Not much creeps me out or rattles me, but there are a few things that will give me that 'creepy' feeling. Usually it is a place, an object, or even sometimes, a certain person. I call it 'gut instinct' and believe everyone has it, some people just listen more closely than others.

I was not much of a believer in ghosts. I guess I sorta believed, but at the same time I believed 'thats not gonna happen to me'. At least not until I experienced the real thing.... myself.

The Speed Of Light

2006-10-23T07:25:00.000-05:00

Monday has arrived with the speed of light. It seems like it was just Wednesday afternoon, I was picking son #1 up from school, and we were excited it was Fall Break.........now it's back to school. Son #1 has decided against wrestling and did not change his Athletics Schedule like we had talked about. He is sticking with basketball. So, today his basketball season starts. Football is my favorite and I am still mourning the end of the season. Geesh, nothing like rushing my mourning process.

Son #1 also stole my K-Swiss tennis shoes for his basketball shoes. I am NOT happy about that! I told him I wanted them back, we'd buy him a pair of basketball shoes. He said "Mom, you never wear them, you always wear your boots or those slip on Keds." So, I still like to have a pair of nice tennis shoes just incase I need to wear them sometime.

Yesterday was NOT a good day 'round here. We all got up about 6:30 am. I cooked breakfast so hubby could get son#1 into the woods and to his deer blind early. Hubby was coming into the kitchen to fix his breakfast plate and Wee One (who hadnt ate anything except grape juice) hurled all over hubby. Ack! Grape juice was everywhere. Anyhow, hubby handled it much better than I had expected..........he doesnt do very well with gross stuff like that. It seems Wee One contacted a 24/hr stomach type virus. The poor thing was so sick. Both times he puked he said "Im sorry, I made a mess." Hubby and I kept telling him he didnt do anything wrong, he didnt need to be sorry. It was so sad. So, I spent yesterday tending to Wee One and washing the carpets.

No one else has had a stomach bug. I am not sure where Wee One caught it from. Maybe his pediatricians appointment on Tuesday. I am highly suspicious of the playland at Burger King he played in with 4 other toddlers on Thursday. We were shopping in Bartlesville and I let Toddler Terror (with son #1's help) burn off some energy playing at the playland. He rarely gets to play in them. They are so filthy. And, I did not have my Germ-X in my car. I took it out when Wee One squirted it everywhere and didnt put it back. I did wash him up in the bathroom before we left, but that didnt appear the cleanest place either.

So far today Wee One has kept all of his 7UP down and seems a bit better, kinda puny but better. He is going to have a warm bath in about 30 minutes, that always makes him feel better.

My trail ride I was so very much looking forward to with best friend L. was cancelled. I think even the Old Guy was disappointed we didnt get to ride. He has been full of himself in the cooler weather, running, bucking, and snorting in the early mornings.

Yesterday was a perfect day for it to. Sigh, oh well....there will be other ones.

These are the 3 books Wee One wanted read to him while he was sick. Over and over. The Dinosaur book is kinda neat, it has all kinds of easy to understand facts for kids. When I was a kid, I was fascinated with dinosaurs. I can remember my mom taking me to our usual library visits. I read every dinosaur book the county library had, along with every Black Stallion book ever written.

Wee One loves deer. Whenever he sees one, he says "Bambi or Feline." The deer book was his favorite book all summer, now it is in the catagory of his top 3. His Aunt J. bought son #1 "Stranger In The Woods" book when he was a lot younger, son #1 loved it back then, now it its Wee One's favorite.

Son #1 saw a good sized 6pt yesterday when he was hunting. He could not get a good, clear shot at it. The buck was moving thru the woods at a fast trot. He is hopeful tho. I am glad he listened and didnt take a shot when he was not sure he could hit and kill the deer.

My house isint cleaning itself, and that maid I wished for has not showed up yet.....so I guess that means I had better get my ass off the computer and to work.

Have a fast and painless Monday.

Blah

2006-10-21T16:55:00.000-05:00

Blah. Thats how I feel. I hope I am over this stupid sickness tomorrow. I am so tired. I was vegging on the couch until I felt guilty, then I got up and did my usual..... pick up the house, sort laundry, load the dishwasher. Oh, and I took a shower.................... in peace, a long, steamy , hot, shower in no hurry shaving my legs, it was heaven.

Hubby took Wee One with him to drop son #1 off at his deer blind this morning. Then they checked on some wells and stayed gone for a couple of hours. Today is the 1st day of 'youth rifle' season. It is windy and chilly, very windy. Ill be suprised if son #1 sees anything, but there is always hope.........

Son #1 mentioned the other day that we should take a short road trip to the Tallgrass Praire Reserve. The area is owned by the The Nature Conservancy in Oklahoma . 2,000+ free roaming bison and lots of wildlife live there. It also has a great hiking trail.

"The largest protected area is 52,000-acre Tallgrass Prairie Preserve near Pawhuska in north-central Oklahoma. The area is owned by the Oklahoma Nature Conservancy. Illinois is developing about 19,000 acres of a former federal arsenal near Chicago as a National Grassland. It would be the largest prairie reserve east of the Mississippi River."

We used to go up there all the time when hubby had oil leases he weekend pumped as a relief pumper for extra money. I can even remember when they first introduced the bison up there. We cant go next weekend. It's trick or treat here and we've been invited to a huge BBQ/roping . Im not sure how we'll juggle trick or treat and the BBQ.....

Catch ya later..........couldnt resist. The movie " Dazed and Confused " is on WGN tonite.

Tonsils, What Purpose Do We Have Them For?

2006-10-20T08:38:00.000-05:00

This morning I woke up with a sore throat. My tonsils are swelled up bigger than Dallas. Grrrr. All I want to do is veg on the couch because I feel awful. I am so dang mad! And, why do we even have them, tonsils? I learned it in an anatomy class I took about 100 years ago, they catch germs or something like that. But, really, they have no important purpose to our well being.

Son #1 has an outing this afternoon with his church youth group, hubby is working up near KS until dark or shortly after, Toddler Terror and I had planned on riding The Old Guy to the goat farm and getting TT some goat cheese,then running errands in town. I hope I have a miraculous recovery soon. If not, TT and I will be staying home.

Remember TT's favorite toy "Brown Cow"? Now he has a new favorite one "Brown Goat". He LOVES these animals that Atwoods in B-ville sells. He wants them all. I bought him the big goat, a baby calf, and a long horned steer for his birthday which will be here in a couple of weeks.

Y'all have a super Friday......I think I'll take another cough drop and lay down in front of the TV for a bit.

Jerky

2006-10-19T08:42:00.000-05:00

The Easy Jerky recipe I use:

2 lbs deer sliced thin ( it is easier to make it in 2lbs at a time )
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tbsp Worcestershire
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp whole black pepper
3 large dashes liquid smoke sometimes I substitute liquid smoke w/ honey for a different flavor

Combine all of the ingrediants, marinate strips overnight in refrigerator (I like to use the quart size plastic baggies to marinate the meat in). Bake in the oven at 150º until dry or put in dehydrator until the meat will snap went bent. Ive cooked it both ways. Its tastes great either way.

Deer jerky has a short life around here. I make as much as I can. This year Iam hoping we all are able fill our deer tags, that'll give us each 1 deer for sure. Wishful thinking. My hunting days are always limited because of Wee One, son #1's are limited because of school (he goes after school), hubby's because of work. Each of us may not get a chance to shoot a buck, but we will be able to each shoot a doe eventually the way Oklahoma laws go. Anyhow, I am counting on 3 deer to be tagged from all of us this Fall, I better get atleast 3 deer.....

Wee One at the Homecoming parade last Friday(wearing his favorite shirt, its almost threadbare). He has chocolate on his face.

I took a good one of son #1 riding on their float with his face painted up but he said I did not have his permission to 'put it all over the internet for just anyone to look at'. A while back he said I had to get his permission to post any pictures of him. He said one day he might be famous and doesnt want to be embarassed.

I must continue to respect his wishes, even tho I want to say 'I am your mother, Ill do as I please' but that wouldnt be a very good example.......

Ha! like I am a good example setter. Now, that is too funny.

*********************

School is out for Fall Break. It is going to be chilly today but I am still going to try to get a short ride in. Son #1 already said he'd keep an eye on Wee One when he is napping, of course it will cost me. Like the saying goes or something like that.... " Nothing is ever free."

Mean Momma

2006-10-18T09:16:00.000-05:00

Warning: more boring stuff.....

It rained Sunday and Monday, yesterday was beautiful but it is cloudy, damp, and dreary today. Cleaning house on Monday seemed like it took forever or I was moving slow. It didnt make it any easier with Toddler Terror following behind me creating new messes. I even gave him his own cleaning tools and encouraged him to help me clean. He was excited about helping for about 3 minutes......then it got old.

One chore I really detest-putting away the clean dishes from the dishwasher. I should be thankful I have a dishwasher and do not have to wash them by hand-but I still hate unloading the darn thing.

I like the new Tom Petty song "Saving Grace" . Wee One likes it also, he knows a lot of the words, he dances and sings along. Ive been searching for the HTML code. I am not having any luck finding it.

Wee One's pediatrician appointment was resceduled to yesterday from last week. His MD wanted to get his blood drawn again and there was a wait for lab so instead of waiting we have to go back to the clinic today.....not looking forward to that.

Last nite was son #1's last football game. We won 20-0. I am glad I was able to make it, it was out of town, only an hour away. I took Toddler Terror, he was a complete and total Angel. Who woulda thought!?!!

Sunday afternoon, Wee One and I did his favorite thing. We baked a cake. It was a chocolate, non-dairy, non-wheat one with non-dairy fluffy chocolate frosting. It tasted pretty darn good too for not having dairy or wheat in it. I wished I had bought more mixes on my last Adkins shopping trip.

When you see pictures of Wee One, do you notice that he often wears the same 2 outfits? They are his favorite. He likes to pick out his clothes and dress himself. I always suggest something different but his mind wont be swayed. Son #1 did this too when he was a toddler, except he had about 6 favorite outfits, mostly all camo.

I am losing my edge.

I felt a twinge of guilt. It was a tiny, bad feeling in the back of my mind, it was very short and very brief, but nonetheless it was there.

Last nite driving home from the game, a big fat coon ran into the road. I hit it, hard. Killed it. It was loud. It was at dusk but we saw it clearly. Wee One was turned around as far as he could in his car seat and said "awwww, mean momma."

Son #1, living up to his true DNA, acting like his mother's son, said "cool mom, it hardly even thrashed around! You must have really smacked it!"

I felt badly for it dying needlessly.....what a waste. If I were hunting it, Id never have felt guilt. When I see deer, my first thought is, " that would be a good shot, it would drop right there easily" or "couldnt take a shot at that one, if he'd just move a bit more sideways." but then I start thinking "wow, that would be a great picture, where's my camera".

Ack! I am becoming wimpy as I get older......nah, I am still looking forward to deer season and filling our freezers with some tastey venison. We have none left, we've been out since spring. I have all my jerky seasonings stocked and ready, the meat grinder is shiney and clean just waiting to be used, I have plenty of freezer wrap and freezer baggies, and my butchering knives are sharp. We always butcher our own deer. We eat a lot of venison, everyone here loves it.

Im looking for another jerky recipe to try out this year. Ive used the same simple one for the last 8 years and it tastes great, but Id like to try out a new one. If anyone has one they like and can pass it on, I would like to try it.

The Truth And Nothing But The Truth..

2006-10-17T05:41:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, Hope had a very good post about deceit and lies. It does happen in the blogging world, just like it happens in the real world. I found Fumbling for Words on Hope's blog list and came across these questions.:

1.Why did you start blogging? Im not sure. For quite awhile I was a regular reader of a popular true crime blog. One day there was a post offering a link to blogspot for anyone who wanted to start their own blog. My blog is my very own thing, I have complete control over it, I do it because I want to, and it is something I enjoy doing.

2. Do you feel that you've developed meaningful relationships on your blog? If so, tell a story or two of a relationship that made a difference to you. How are these relationships different and/or similar to your in-person relationships? Ive met some very interesting, kind, smart, and funny people thru blogging. People I would never have gone out of my way in the 'real world' to meet. They are very much like my in-person friends, I feel at ease with them and I want to hear what they have to say. One special blogging friend is very different from any friend Ive ever had. He is very open with his feelings and more complex as a person than I am used to. He challenges my emotional barren but comfortable existence.

3. Have you used your blog as a place to work out tough situations in your life? If so, what was the situation/challenge, and how did the blog help? Yes. Not any one tough situation in particular. Just everyday problems that happen to everyone else. My blog is a safe place for me to rant and use 4-letter words. It is a safe place for me to say exactly how I feel or talk about a certain subject. Sometimes, just typing out a rant or a problem will make me feel better-free psychological therapy.

4. Were there people you met through blogging who helped you through those tough situations? What did they do that helped? Never under-estimate a comment left, it may just help you work thru a tough situation or solve a dilemma. A blogging friend is less likely to sugar coat what I may need to hear.

5. Were there ever things that you felt you could talk about on your blog to "strangers" that you couldn't tell your flesh-and-blood friends and family? No.

6. Do your family and "in-person" friends read your blog? Why or why not? Yes. My family reads my blog. My sister J. is a regular reader. She never comments in the comment section, I showed her how to this summer but she doesnt use it, she usually emails or IM's me. My niece Kelly reads sometimes. I send her posts I think she may find interesting. She is a police officer and a mother to a toddler (like me). My best friend reads when she gets around to it (she usually has already heard what Ive had to say that day). My husband does not, he isint even sure what it is I am doing when I am 'blogging'. I am glad he doesnt read it, it contains a few not-so-nice rants about him. But, if he wanted to read it, I would not tell him no.

7. Have you ever regretted admitting really personal things on your blog? Why or why not? no, Ive never revealed anything or said anything in writing that I would never say outloud.

8. Have you come into conflict with anyone on your blog? Did it destroy a relationship that you valued, or was it someone you didn't care about? Recently, I wrote a post about Wiccan spells and VooDoo dolls, this woman left a comment with scriptures about how it was evil, deny satan, this was a crossroads in life to choose God or Satan.......I was like, WTF? I am not turning into a devil worshipper or going to run around casting Spells! My post was just about something I found interesting and I had a story behind it. I respected her opinion, but gee wiz.......I read this woman's blog daily, she lives in my state, she seems like a neat person, we have a lot of things in common, except the fanatical religion thing..........
She thinks I am the devil now, hasnt been back for a visit since that post.

9. Do you ever think about quitting blogging? Why or why not? Yes. Sometimes I just get the feeling "I do not want to do this anymore." it usually passes, but if one day it doesnt, Ill quit blogging.

10. Any other interesting stories that might be applicable? One thing I get from my blog, it is an easy way for me to communicate and share. Sometimes it is easier to write thoughts, feelings, ideas down........it is clearer than actually speaking the words. Sometimes I find it difficult to express myself in conversations, writing the words down is my way of saying exactly what I want to be heard.

This is HOPE 's blog disclaimer (I hope she doesnt mind I borrowed it and adopted it as my own, she said it perfectly). I agree with it 100%:

"The things I write in my blog are small, very small, snippets of my life, the absolute truth, to the best of my recollection, as seen through my eyes , experience, biases and perception. That is my disclaimer."

I do have some confessions tho, some of these things you may or may not know:

1.I am not a natural blonde, I choose to be one
2.I am kinda fat but I like myself when I look into a mirror
3.I am not a 'people person'
4.I know how to spell correctly and how to use proper grammar, even tho it may not appear that way

How we perceive the world around us is our reality. I share my world as I see it, with pictures too. When people read The Res, they get it straightforward.

Anyhow, thats about it...

The Dead Girl Part II

2006-10-16T07:18:00.000-05:00

This post is the follow up to The Dead Girl. I am the kind of blogger who cant plan posts. I wrote The Dead Girl Part II the same day I wrote Part I. I was afraid I'd lose the 'urge'. Does that make sense? Anyhow, it felt wrong to not publish it after I was immediately done writing it.

The rest of the story I can only remember bits and pieces of. I didnt feel right about asking my dad about the details he remembered, not sure why, I guess because we never talk about the dead girl. Most of what I remember after finding the dead girl came from being present at the murder trial. I was allowed into the court room when I was no longer needed as a witness to testify. My Uncle Frank was the only one called to the stand to tell our story, even tho the rest of us were all subpoenaed to the trial. It was my first time ever being inside a court room and to a real trial of any sort. I was distracted with all of the people present and the procedures, the jury, as well as the killer.

Here is what my 10 yo mind remembers from way back in 1978-79:

The Dead Girl had a name, her name was Victoria Lynn(Iam not 100% sure of her lastname's spelling but it was something like this: Wickersham). She was from the lower part of Michigan. When I try to recall the city she hailed from, Rose City stands out, altho I am not certain this was her hometown. The day she disappeared, she was riding with her brother in his car, they had a fight, Victoria Lynn insisted he pull over, she jumped out of his vehicle and refused to get back inside.

17 yo Victoria Lynn hitched a ride from a small time, loser criminal Raymond (Iam not sure of the lastname's spelling but it went similar to:Sloane). Raymond drove Victoria far North to my part of Michigan. His parents owned a summer cottage near the area where we found Victoria's body. Raymond and Victoria went to the summer house, smoked weed, had consensual sex. Somewhere in their meeting, they got into a fight. I think it was over money for either the drugs or something to do with sex or both. Raymond blugeoned Victoria in the face with the claw of a hammer until she was not only dead, but beyond resembling a human being. Then he wrapped her dead body in the sofa slip-cover that she was murdered on, loaded her into the trunk of his car, drove a few miles from his parent's summer cottage, and dumped her in the woods. She had only been laying in the woods about 5-7 days before we found her. Then Raymond went back to the summer house, cleaned up best he could and then drove back down state to his home. Luckily for the prosecution, Raymond was a bad housekeeper....he left blood spatter, the murder weapon, and hairs belonging to Victoria Lynn behind to incriminate him.

Raymond was already under Law Enforcement's radar for stealing, something about riding lawn mowers and snow-blowers. Raymond was very paranoid and his friends picked up on it immediately. He also had blood inside his car's trunk he was unable to get cleaned up . One of his friends became suspicious after noticing Raymond became obsessedwith watching the news and asking others about the dead girl, and what was reported in the news. When the suspicious friend asked Raymond about the blood in the trunk, Raymond told him it was from a deer he had poached. The friend didnt buy his story. I can vividly remember the friend testifying about the trunk and the blood inside it. I can also remember he stated he asked Raymond if he had hurt that girl, where Raymond answered him "no way."

Raymond's parents also became suspicious. They drove North to their summer cottage and discovered all was not well. The sofa was missing the slip-cover and the house itself showed signs of no good. Raymond's parents notified police with their suspicions. The police contacted Raymond's friends and questioned them. The murder weapon was found, the victims blood in the car's trunk, and Raymond was arrested.

Victoria Lynn's family was seated 2 rows in front of us during the trial. Her brother sobbed openly thru out the trial. I was amazed at the resemblence between Victoria Lynn and her brother. I always wondered if they were twins. I do not remember if it was a fact or not, but I am almost certain that they were very close in age. They both had long, silky, dark blonde hair and narrow faces. Victoria Lynn's parents were sitting in silence. Her mother was a regal, coiffed looking lady, she dabbed her eyes with a hanky. Victoria's silver-haired, father sat like a statue staring stonily ahead.

The killer, Raymond, had enough balls to actually plead not guilty. He did not resemble the scary, crazed killer my young mind had conjured up-he wasnt even scary, he was just dirty looking. He was wearing a blue striped shirt and corduroy dress pants. He was dirty and greasy looking. He had long, sparse, stringy, black hair, beady eyes, and a thin build. He had some teeth missing, I am sure of that. My mother was a big teeth freak and as a kid, I was reminded daily of how my pearly whites would look if I neglected their hygiene. Yes, really-murder trial or not. Mouth care was never far from my mother's mind, bless her.

A few days after the last day we attended the trial, State Police Trooper and friend of the family, Ken came over and told us about the guilty verdict. To this day I am still not sure of exactly what the killer was convicted of. Which degree of murder or what kind of murder charge it was. I do know for a fact he was paroled the year I graduated from high school, 1987. I read it in the local paper close to the time I was getting ready to graduate.

That would mean, Victoria Lynn's murderer spent less than a decade in prison for killing her viciously and dumping her body in the woods like garbage......

I do not see any justice in that.

2006-10-14T20:00:00.000-05:00

My friend didnt make her horse show. ET was having truck problems, something about a tire. She has a new truck so I have no idea why her tire would be bad. Hubby offered me his truck to drive so she could still go but ET had her panties in a wad. She was angry with her parents and I was not about to put up with her drama...so I never really got the whole story.

The Old Guy was making a lot of noise in these trees. Crunch, crunch.crunch on the dead leaves.....geesh, he sounded like a whole herd of horses instead of just himself.

He saw me outside and wanted some attention. You cant see them in this picture, but he had gobs of cockleburs in his tail and forelock. It took me forever to comb, pull, pick them out. My fingers hurt. My good leather gloves seemed to have disappeared.......the cotton ones did not protect much so I just took them off, they were cumbersome anyhow.

At least The Old Guy stood still while I groomed. Well, not really still.....more like ASLEEP. I woke him up tho-I rode him for a good hour while Toddler Terror was sleeping, His big brother was actually home all day. Son #1 listened for Wee One napping so I could give Scooter some exercise. We also took a 30 minute trail ride at a walk to cool down.

Scooter was a little rusty on his lead changes again....getting lazy, he is. I rode him in a light 3 piece o-ring snaffle, no roller. Scooter is a horse that constantly works at the bit, he likes a copper roller. I usually ride him in long shanked ported snaffle with a small roller. But if I am just exercising him, I use a light o-ring snaffle as much as possible.

This cooler weather has The Old Guy in good spirits, his joints are stiffer, it takes longer to get him supple and warmed up. I am giving him his daily arthritis supplements which help tremendously and I also gave him a dose of Bute paste(anti-inflammatory) about 7:30 am with his breakfast. He was not sore-just stiff. He had another dose of Bute with his Equine Senior dinner last night. The paste is easier than an injection. Bute hasnt upset his stomach which it is famously known for. I use it sparingly just in case.

Yesterday evening, hubby and Wee One finished up winterizing the riding lawn mower, and weed eating some straggly weeds. They put a new door on Elvis's doghouse so when it gets really cold, no wind or precipitation can get inside. Elvis liked it, altho it is kinda heavy for the little bugger but he can get inside. I finally broke down and gave him a bath yesterday morning. He is fresh smelling and freshly Frontlined. So he got to come inside and hang out in the laundry room and inside his crate. Wee One doesnt have any pet allergies but I am not taking any chances until we get more test results.

I cleaned both of the outside run in stalls. The Old Guy has been spending more time inside at night. Scooter is actually a clean horse as far as horses go.....he doesnt make too big of a mess inside his stalls unless he is given too much hay, then he wallers it.

Son #1's last football game is Tuesday, an away game. I am waiting for babysitter B to call me back. If she cant keep Toddler Terror that game nite, we will take him with us and hope to heck he behaves.....

Doesnt it get exciting around here? Always something goin' on........not always exciting either.

Brian

2006-10-14T07:09:00.000-05:00

My bestest and oldest blogging buddy, Brian over at truth is freedom wrote a very nice post about me yesterday. Brian is my best blogging buddy,hes very smart, very talented, and a compassionate guy.

In an email Brian had stated this (I hope he doesnt mind me sharing with you):

" I remember I lurked for a while and read through your posts. I was intimidated a little bit by your passion and love of horses because I didn't know if you would like someone who didn't know about them."

Luckily, on 4/24/06 Brian commented here at the Res, all I can say is, the Spirits were smiling down at us that day, we formed a bond.

Horses have been my passion since I started having memories as a small child. Horses are a part of me. Occassionally people ask me to explain my connection with horses. It is hard to put it into words. I am at my best in the company of horses. I feel that is where I belong, I understand them, I find happiness and peace. Like I said, very hard to put into words..... Brian intimidates me with his passion and love for words. Brian also intimidates me with his strength to face down his inner demons.

In yesterday's post he included his poetry that he has written and given to me. Please give Brian's post a read, I am very honored to be his friend: truth is freedom: "BarnGoddess" .

I have always thought of Brian's poetry that he has given me as diamonds. They are precious, and they last forever.

Thank you for the wonderful words Brian!

This poem reminds me of Brian.

Smiles!

Smiling is infectious,
you catch it like the flu.
when someone smiled at me today,
I started smiling too.

I passed around the corner,
and someone saw my grin.
when he smiled I realized.
I’d passed it on to him!

I thought about that smile,
then I realized it's worth.
a single smile just like mine,
could travel round the Earth!

Unknown

*****************************************

Monday, I will post Part II of The Dead Girl. The followup and ending of The Dead Girl .

The Dead Girl

2006-10-13T08:04:00.000-05:00

It was mid-May in Northern Michigan. It had been a long, cold winter. The spring thaw was well under way. I do not remember any snow on the ground. The ground was soaked, cold, and very, very damp. Earlier in the week we had 1 or 2 days of sunny warmer weather, maybe reaching the mid-60's. It gave us Morel Mushrooms hunters hope that some had sprung up from the ground.

It was a cold, gray, dreary Sunday afternoon. I was 10 yo and in the 4th grade at St. Mary's Elementary School. My mother's brother, my Uncle frank came over for Sunday dinner with my cousin Stevie. I have nothing but great memories of Uncle Frank. He is a fun guy, a great Uncle, a decent man. When I was younger, he always came by and picked me up taking a bunch of us kids to the lakes or rivers for swimming or fishing or camping or hunting or any kind of outdoor adventure. He always had patience for us kids and was good about teaching us things like fishing, hunting, stuff like that. He had the BEST rabbit dog named Charlie....okay getting sidetracked here, back to the story.

My mom had cooked a roast with all the trimmings for dinner. Thinking back, I can smell the roast cooking and see my parents house back in those days, the late 70's. My sister K., her husband G. and their baby daughter Kel were over for dinner too. My Grandmother made some of her famous homemade cinnamon rolls for desert. After dinner, Uncle Frank suggested we all go mushroom hunting to a place he deer hunted last fall on State Land. Of course we were all game...except my mother who was never the outdoorsy type, nor my sister who is like our mother-scared of the 'woods', nor was Grandma, she was too frail.

We loaded up in Uncle Frank's car and headed out(Uncle Frank,me, Stevie, my Father, and bro-in-law G.). We went to his suggested spot on State Land, in an area that I was not familiar with as a child. We were a very long ways from town or home. Stevie and I took off on our own, I have always been comfortable in the woods, so was Stevie(he is 1 year older than I). At our tender ages we had hunted lots and were very capable of being alone in the swamps or woods.

It didnt take long for Stevie and I to give up the shroom hunt. It was too early in the season for any to be out. We started hunting for some salamandars but didnt find any, we didnt find anything. We didnt even see any birds, we even talked about how weird that was. We finally caught up with the adults, they were ready to go home. On our way walking out of the woods, we came across a deer carcass. It had obviously been there for the entire winter, it was well scavenged but still had a bit of a stink to it. We tried to stay clear of it and got into our car that was parked on a 2-track road.

We had driven in about 2 miles off the highway on this 2-track road.We turned around and headed out to the highway. We were about a mile from the road when we smelled a horrible, awful dead smell. It came across us so sudden, we stopped the car and all of us got out gagging at the smell. We all checked our boots thinking we had some of the dead deer stuck to us when..this is what is weird... it seemed like all of us looked in the same direction at the very same time. We looked towards a clearing in the pines, and there she was. She was about 25-30 feet away, laying on her side facing us. We had no idea if it were a he or a she because her face had been blugeoned to a bloody mess. Her skin was an icky greenish/brown color and she didnt have on any shoes. She was clothed in jeans, and a red/black hunting vest. The smell, it was unlike any other awful smell I can describe. Ive encountered lots of dead things in my life, but nothing has ever smelled as horribly as the dead girl.

My Father and Uncle Frank immediately recognized what we were gazing at and ushered us into the car and out onto the highway. We were in search of a phone to call the Michigan State Police. Let me give you a little background of where I come from. It is a huge tourist place. But, in the winter months, it is like a ghost town, nothing. Nowadays, the ski resorts have built fancy accomodations and the snow-mobilers have the city and county plowed trails, but back then.....there was nothing or no one around that time of year.

We drove for about 45 minutes trying to find someone home to use their phone, we couldnt get too far away from the area, but we still needed a phone. It seemed all the homes in the area were summer cottages. Uncle Frank and my Father finally found someone home, they made the call and to our suprise, the Michigan State Police were already on their way to the area because the 17 yo dead girl had been reported missing days prior to us finding her body. Her purse was found the exact same time we found her body. The purse was found by a gentleman about 3 miles from where her body was. This guy got out of his car to take a leak and found her purse and took it into the police station. Funny how things like that play out.

So, it was nearing dark, we met the State Police and led them to her body. My parent's best friends, the kind that you spend Holidays with, baptisms and such, Ken was a State Trooper and he was the first officer to meet us. I remember he set Stevie and I inside his patrol car, then got out his camera equipment from his trunk. The only thing he said to us was "stay put." Ken went quickly to work taking pictures of the dead girl. Then more officers arrived, Stevie and I were seperated. I was taken to another patrol car, set in the front seat and asked my statement. The older, grandfatherly officer didnt quiz me too hard, he called me 'Madame X' (my 10 yo mind had no friggin idea what that meant) and was nice enough to explain to me what the officers were doing and what all the gadgets inside his cop car were for. I remember he asked me if I had seen anything, anything at all when Stevie and I were trampling thru the woods on our own. I guess we had came the closet in proximity to the dead girl, we just didnt know it because of the way the wind was blowing. I told him "nope, not even a bird, no living things we saw." when the officers compared Stevies statement to mine, Stevie also had commented on not seeing even 1 bird or anything. Odd how young minds work.

That night I vaguely remember dreaming of the dead girl, not horrible nightmarish dreams, but just unsettling, restless dreams. I think I may have ended up in my parents bed sometime that night. I was allowed to stay home from school the next day, which I was happy about. Of course, the police had kept me way out past my bedtime.

There is a lot more to this story.....so stay tuned for Part 2 of 'The Dead Girl'. She has a name and a family who loved her.

And a killer............

Hotel Urban Legend

2006-10-11T17:55:00.000-05:00

We've definately have some cooler weather here in Oklahoma. Not freezing cold, but a bit chilly. Not what we've been used to. It is refreshing!

There is a horse show this weekend. I think I'll take Wee One and go. One of my friends is showing her horse in Western Pleasure, Halter, and Hunter under Saddle. When I spoke with her at the beginning of the week she hinted about needing some grooming help because she was showing all alone this weekend. Hubby has to work 4 hours on Saturday and I declined to assist him since that would include minding Wee One while we were out in the middle of no-where checking leadlines. Umm, no thanks! I'd rather make an hour and a half road trip and gaze at some equine beauties while catching up with my friend. Wee One is usually behaved in his car seat...usually...

In honor of Halloween, I am posting an Urban Legend story.........it'll make you check under your bed the next time you check into a Hotel.

Urban Legend: A couple check into a remote hotel and smell a strange, rotting smell coming from the bed. After complaining to the desk clerk, they discover that a dead body has been stashed in the box springs. Unfortunately, this tale has true roots.

The Story:
Most of these stories take place at a Las Vegas, Nevada hotel either in the city or in the desert in a remote location. They have been around since the early 1990s. There have been cases like this actually happen around the country. Under the bed or in the pedestal for a mattress makes a great quick hiding place for a dead body that needs to be stashed out of the way. In each case, it wasn't until the smell brought attention to the body, that it was discovered.

Some Examples:
On June 10th 1999, the rapidly decomposing body of a 64yo man was discovered inside the bed in Room 112 at the Burgundy Motor Inn in Atlantic City, New Jersey. A German couple on vacation had spent the night sleeping over the man's remains and had put up with a rank smell all night. It was their complaint to the manager about the smell which led to the discovery of the corpse.

In July of 1996, a woman's body was found under a mattress in the Colorado Boulevard Travelodge in Pasadena, CA. The motel's staff discovered her 10days after her death after a guest had complained for several days of a foul odor coming from that room.

In Virginia in 1989, a man, disposed of the remains of his 2 murder victims this way: the first was a 27yo woman, who was discovered in May under the floor of a motel room on Route 1, the second was a 29yo woman, who turned up in June under a bed in the Alexandria Econo Lodge. In the first case, the killer first kept her body partially hidden under his bed for 2 days, then subsequently placed it in the crawl space under the carpeted floor. Her presence seemingly didn't bother him, because he didn't move out of that room until 3 or 4 weeks later. Both girls' bodies were eventually found after other guests complained about the stink.

Sick f*cker! I say this because, when I was 10 yo I found a 5 day old decomposing body of a 17yo girl who has been murdered while mushroom picking with some of my family, that smell is the worse ungodly thing you can imagine. Once you smell it, you never, ever forget it, it is burned into your memory and senses forever.

In Mineola, New York, motel in 1988, a body turned up in a box spring. The remains of a 29yo woman were found at the Oceanside Motel. Again, the body was discovered days later and only after other patrons complained about the smell. At least 2 other guests unknowingly co-habited with the body before it was found, and at least 1 guest refused to stay in that room because of the smell.

This legend was used in the 1995 Quentin Tarantino film "Four Rooms"

P.S. I'll write about the murdered girl I found when I was 10 yo. I am a spur of the moment type writer and its hard for me to 'plan' post. I just type whatever comes at me when I have time to blog.....soon, I promise Ill tell ya about 'The Dead Girl"

Motivation, Please!

2006-10-11T09:48:00.000-05:00

Ive had the hardest time getting motivated today. Nothing has helped me get my *ss into gear except the thought of having to do more work tomorrow. I am not getting nearly enough sleep, that is a fact. I wake up feeling as tired as I did went I went to bed. My eyes still fly open at 7am to get son #1 and hubby up and ready for their day, even tho I want to languish in bed for another 4 hours.

One happy note today, Wee One went poop in the potty, ALL BY HIMSELF!! Woohoo!!!!!! I was outdoors talking to the heating/cooling technician man who hubby had called to check out central heating and filters, to make sure we do not get carbon monoxide poisoned when we turn the heat on ect... AND Wee One got on the potty all by himself and went.....but he didnt wipe too good and put his pants back on....ack! I didnt scold him tho, he did his best, I just threw him in the shower for a scrubbing (which he is always in need of!)

Here is Wee One showing off his new toy his Daddy bought for him when they went to town yesterday evening. He calls it "boobies" I have no idea why......

Trail riding in the fall is the best! Best friend L. and I are trying to plan a ride next weekend when the kids are on their school's fall break. I bought some new shoe/boots for the Old Guy to cover his barefeet. I had his shoes pulled off a few weeks ago and just kept him barefoot for up coming winter. He has always had excellent feet. My farrier suggested I try the rubber form fitting shoe/boots that mold to his hooves for longer trail rides if I wanted to keep Scooter barefoot, Ive only used them once before and I was impressed with the duration they lasted! The first one I put on came off, but that one was kinda like an experimantal one. I am a lot better at doing it now.

Instant Voodoo

I still WANT a Voodoo doll! A real one!~

But since that isint likely to happen soon, I got a virtual one here at Instant Voodoo...........

Drizzle

2006-10-10T20:28:00.000-05:00

Rain and drizzle fell from the sky most of today, thankfully. It has been horribly dry in Oklahoma. This is the driest year Ive ever seen. The Old Guy spent a lot of time inside his stalls today. He demanded to eat all his meals inside. Now he is tucked safely in for the night with a flake of hay(which he'll probably waller, then sleep in it). Tomorrow Ill have to clean his stall-grrrrrrr.

Son #1 won his game lastnight. 28-0. He had a great game- 3 sacks. He also ran the ball for 15 yards (I think). Wee One has a doctors appointment with his pediatrician tomorrow. I think he needs a shot. Ouch.

My best guy friend D. has not called me in a week. I finally called him 2X and left messages. He is really starting to p*ss me off.....I am also a bit concerned, he always calls me back. We hardly ever go this long without checking in with eachother. I hope he calls soon.

Today has been a long day. Toddler Terror did not cut me any slack and I had to do all my chores in the rain. A happy rain tho! Elvis is inside his doghouse with an extras blankie. Yesterday he rolled in something very nasty and is NOT allowed indoors until he gets a bath.His regular groomer cant fit Elvis in until next Wednesday. That about wraps up things around here....

The Money Candle

2006-10-09T14:39:00.000-05:00

For 6 years I worked next to a woman named Alafreda. She was a self proclaimed Wiccan, or a white witch. Really, this gal was very much into practicing spells, superstitions, and magic type stuff. Me, being the nosey, want to know everything about anything type of person, I asked her endless questions about her practices. She was a good sport about answering them.

Alafreda was very odd. On a few occassions, I witnessed her 'chanting' to herself. I'd glance over at one of our mutual co-workers named Judy and we'd both kinda shrug, then back to our work. I always wished Alafreda was chanting "make this work day end soon" but I never knew what it was she was uttering under her breath. In the place that we worked, a politically correct environment, management and other 'uptight' employees frowned upon such behaviors. More than once, Alafreda was called into the boss's office over her 'work performance'. There was nothing wrong with Alafreda's work quality, she just did not fit into the management's idea of what an employee should be. You know: Southern Baptist, God-fearing, conservative, republican, not into the occult, that kinda stuff. Don't get me wrong, I am a Republican, on the conservative side but not to the extreme, I have nothing againsts baptists either. Myself, and most others didnt give a hoot what Alafreda or anyone else did, just leave us alone and let us get our jobs done.

We had a supervisor who was nasty tempered and a first class b*tch. She pranced around our workplace like she was some kind of royalty.....she was royalty all right-a ROYAL b*tch. Luckily, she didnt venture into our department much....too much work going on there for her to be around. Anyhow, she disliked Alafreda with a passion. I think bosslady was jealous because Alafreda is a small, slender, beautiful woman who is just gorgeous naturally. The bosslady had to really, really work at keeping herself up. Weekly salon visits, Weight Watchers, 4 inch think Merle Norman cake makeup...you know the type.

One day, bosslady was on the rampage. She was mad about a missed deadline and everyone inside the building was paying for it whether they were at fault or not. She stopped at Alafreda's desk and made her put away some Occult artwork that was displayed, then berated her about some work. She tried her best to humiliate Alafreda in front of the rest of us. I spoke up and told bosslady she was out of line, then Judy backed me up, then 2 other employees came to our aid as well. I figured I'd get shit-canned for my big mouth, but I was not. It seems that very evening, bosslady had a 'nervous breakdown'. That was all we were told by the big wig in charge. Bosslady was gone for good. The building was buzzing about what happened in our department the day before. When Judy and I asked Alafreda if she had anything to do with bosslady's affliction, Alafreda said"No." with a smile and a barely noticable wink.

If Alafreda did or didnt have anything to do with bosslady's mind fracture, it was kinda neat how the whole thing fell into place those 2 days. Shortly after that happened. I was complaining to Alafreda about my money woes I had back in those days. A couple of days after our conversation, I had all but forgot about whining to Alafreda about my sad financial state, she approached my truck on lunch hour where Judy and I were smoking one last cigarette before we went back to work. Alafreda handed me a small package containing a green candle, crystals, some leafy stuff, and homemade rope. Inside the package she had written instructions on how I should I burn the candle, place the rope, leaves, and to put it in the West window of my home. I was kinda shocked. But, I am one of those people who is game for anything, occult or not......well, non-scary non-devil worshipping occult stuff. I went home that evening, burned the candle. Then promptly forgot about it.

Saturday, 2 days after the candle burning spell, hubby and I were nearly dead-broke after paying all of our bills and purchasing groceries/household stuff. We went into town to rent a movie. I had badly wanted to go to out to the movie theatre, but we could not even afford that. Hubby and I went inside the movie rental, we picked out a movie, then walked back to our truck. As we approached our pick up, hubby and I both looked down at the front passenger's side tire and there lay a big wad of crumpled up money! Hubby picked it up, no one was parked near us. He got inside the truck and we counted it. It was $175.00 in dirty ones, fives, and tens. Guess where we went? Out to the movies! I do not know if that was just pure luck or if Alafreda's spell helped. I like to think it was Alafreda's spell........

I googled something about Halloween and somehow I ended up reading about witchcraft and stuff like that. Kinda got side-tracked from looking at Halloween jack-o-lantern designs and found myself at a cool spell site, Free Spells and Spellcasting. I immediately thought of Alafreda. I wanted to share some of those spells with y'all.

Cleansing the Body of Negative Energies
From: White Raven
You will need the following: 1 White Candle 1 Black Candle 1 Green Candle

The White candle is for Positive Energy. The Black Candle is for Negative Energy. The Green Candle is for Healing.

Clear your mind and Light the White Candle and say the following: Mother Earth, Fire, Wind, Water and Spirit; I ask thee to Cleanse my body of all negative energies. Light the Black Candle and repeat the same words as before. Then after that Light the Green Candle and say the following: Mother Earth, Fire, Wind, Water and Spirit; I ask the to Free and heal my body from all negative forces. Blessed be!! You must do this in a quiet room somewhere that you will not be disturbed. After doing this sit back, keep your mind clear and relax for 15 minutes. Afterwards you will feel fresh and renewed.

***********************************

Simple Wishing Spell
Submitted by Paige

First light a candle of your choice, one that goes with your wish would be more appropriate. Then write your wish on a clean piece of paper. Fold the paper four times and then burn it in the candle. Scatter the ashes in your back garden.

********************************

Simple Money Spell
Submitted by Meghan

Light a green candle at night and concentrate on it. then repeat the following phrase over and over until you feel it starting to work

"I will the energy contained within this candle to heal, harmonize, and balance my being.
may the magic of money flow freely through my life.
I attract money like a magnet.
I am open and receptive to all prosperity.
may light and love surround and protect me in all of me.
endeavors"

"as I will it........
so mote it be.........."

*********************************

Remove Misfortune
Submitted by Jareb

Take three good jars and nine garlic clover and a number of thorns from a white rose. Place thorns with clovers put three clovers in each jar each jar should be buried within sight of a church while you say the Lords Prayer.

Voodoo dolls are used to represent the spirit of a specific person. You can address the doll as if you are talking to that person, requesting a change in attitude, influencing the person to act in accordance with your wishes, your desires. You can request the doll to call upon powerful forces known as Loa. You can perform a simple but effective ritual to fulfill a specific dream, an urgent desire. This timeless ceremony is carried out to persuade the spirits to exert their influence in this world. Voodoo means "Spirit of God." It's a system of beliefs originating in Africa. It is estimated that Voodoo has over 50 million followers worldwide. 50 million is A LOT of people! I like Voodoo dolls. I want one......

And So On

2006-10-09T08:44:00.000-05:00

"Life is a journey not a destination."

I read the above quote somewhere the other day. When I read it, I thought to myself:

"Why am I in such a rush to get from point A to point B

so I can hurry and get to point C

because I need to be at point D at a certain time?"

I am missing out on a whole lot in between point A and point D.

Today is cloudy and overcast. I glanced at the radar and we have rain headed our way, maybe. It is going to get down right chilly Thursday morning-brrrrrrrrrrr.

I've been busy. I missed some good NFL games. My favorite QB- Donovan McNabb was on fire against Dallas, and I missed it. From what I've read of the game's highlights, TO had a pretty shitty game-he even dropped a pass. I think Dallas made a mistake by adding the dramamama-TO to their team. He is an over-rated, over-payed, over-coddled jerk. I wonder just how long TO's career will last.......

Son #1's game is away, an hour and 20 minute drive. He had informed hubby and I last week that he was riding the bus home from the game. All of the 7th grade players are planning on riding the game bus home. Of course, I am instantly suspicious-ideas form inside my motherly mind like: the cheerleaders are probably riding in the bus, the boys have something planned, they might be up to no-good, and so on.....

Happy Day

2006-10-08T08:29:00.000-05:00

Eyes of an Angel

Children at play on merrygorounds, happy
and laughing no pushing no fighting not
kicking one to the ground.

Children on their knees side of their
beds asking for peace and stop the
bloodshed.

Parents tucking their children in for the
night with their teddy bears at their side.

Angels see how precious children are,
their desire to learn and grow with love.

patricia merritt

Saturday's weather was perfect. Wee One and I went to the playground and had ourselves a lot of fun (as you can see). We also visited Grandma and Grandpa.

My shrimp, veggie, and steak teriyaki kabobs turned out perfect. My margaritas were even better.

Today is promising another super weather day. Hubby has a laundry list of outdoor chores for us to accomplish today. He is already trying to Drill-Sergeant us outside to get busy......

Dance Me Outside...

2006-10-06T16:48:00.000-05:00

"Dance Me Outside " is one of my favorite movies.

"A Story set on a modern-day Native Canadian reservation; things get shaken up when a young Indian woman brings her new white husband to a dance. Her former boyfriend returns that same weekend and trouble ensues. One of the friends of the woman's brother, Silas, gets killed and everything changes forever. "

"A story of life on an Indian reservation in Ontario: Silas and Frank Fencepost are trying to get into college to train to be mechanics but they find themselves having to deal with girls, family ... and murder."

It is a very good movie from 1995 about life on the reservation in Ontario. It is full of laughs, drama, real life scenarios, and how real life is for Natives. Every time Ive watched it, Ive felt like it has taken a piece from my life's story and put it into this movie. From the families involved, to the 'social club/dance hall' the characters meet up at. Odd how we can find such strong familiarity with a movie....

Lake Superior in the Fall.

Northern Michigan in the Fall. This road would be called a 2-track. When I first said that word to someone in Oklahoma, they just looked at me liked I had spoken a foreign language. Needless to say, I do not use that word much anymore.

I really miss my home state and the gorgeous color show it puts on during the fall. Oklahoma is pretty but no other place compares to N.MI Fall foliage.

Well, the cooler weather has my equine friends kicking up their heels in enjoyment. We need rain badly, it is so awfully dry. We have a burn ban in my county right now...does that mean I cannot cook on my grill? I was planning on some tastey kabobs this weekend and getting sauced on some Jose Quervo.....hmmmmm.....maybe I had better ask one of my law enforcement friends before I fire up the grill (not about my friend Jose tho).

The Old Guy likes the cooler weather during the daytime but at night, when the Oklahoma temps drop, and the fog rolls in, he is tucked safely away inside his barn.

TGIF..almost

2006-10-05T10:28:00.000-05:00

TGIF. I am thankful Friday has nearly made it here.

I cleaned my house extremely well on Monday and it looks like crap already.....sigh

I gave Wee One my old phone. He really liked it until he realized it didnt work...

My sweetie, hes lovin' the cooler weather. Isint he gorgeous? okay, I know I say that all the time....but I just love my old horse. Hes kinda fat, huh?

Son #1's last home football game was tonite. It was rescheduled from Monday, the opposing team didnt show because they did not know they were supposed to. Monday, I had a babysitter for Wee One. Tonite, our babysitter couldnt make it, she had to work at her other job. So, I met hubby at the ball field and was able to watch about 2 minutes of the game before Toddler Terror became unmanagable and I had to leave. Last year I told myself, TT will be better next year at the games......well it is next year, and it is only worse...

Anyhow, it was a super close game. But, we lost....by only a couple of points too. I heard son #1 played a great game. 1 QB sack and lots of tackles, and good blocks. I always miss the good stuff....

Wee One and I have to be in Tulsa early Friday morning for his post-op doctors appointment.

I really dont have anything interesting or witty to write today. I feel brain-dead, brain-fog, brain-exhausted, or something along that line. I really, really, need a break from my life......with some adult or equine conversation/interaction, adult or equine activities, anything other than pre-school, being a parent, and domestic related...

Midwestern Serial Killer?

2006-10-04T13:19:00.000-05:00

For murder, though it have no tongue, will speak
With most miraculous organ.
- William Shakespeare, Hamlet Prince of Denmark
(Hamlet at II, ii)

A Midwestern serial killer who preys on young, attractive, athletic men? Is this possible? I very well think so. However, many in law Enforcement do not think so-maybe they are right, but how can they be so sure? I am not the only one who agrees these deaths are highly suspicious, not coincidental, and have more than one thing in common other than alcohol. These young college men are disappearing only during school session months. And, why hasnt any young women fallen victim to the "drunk and fell into the river scenario? " I once was a big partier, guys arent the only ones who 'step outside for a fresh of breath air' when they are intoxicated. Sure, I understand things are different these days from when I lived in a college dorm away from home almost 20 years ago (wow, thats a long time ago, how depressing!) We didnt have internet, we didnt have cell phones, we didnt have a lot of the neat things we have today.

Why is very little water found in some of these victims lungs if they drowned? Most of the missing young men, then found dead in water have been along an area that follows highways 94, 494 and the Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana tollway. Many of these young men are found clothes/shoes intact, very much unlike drowning victims. Some of these young men were found upstream from their last location.

These victims are athletic, handsome, responsible, college attending, young men. They were out drinking and hanging with their friends, just like normal college students do.....then somehow they either totally disappear, or are found dead in water.

I borrowed the coincidences listed below this paragraph from this site: Missing Drowning Students Mystery coincidence or serial killer?. It has TONS more information on this 'coincidence'. Please give this site a look, it'll be worth your time, I promise.

Mostly White males between the ages of 17-27

Lived in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Indiana or Chicago the area surrounding Lake Michigan

Mostly students or recent graduates

Most were high-achieving

Most were in good physical condition or athletes

Last seen drinking at a local bar with friends, or at a party

Were under the influence of alcohol

Became separated from the friends with whom they started the evening

All disappeared between the hours of 10 PM and 4 AM

All disappeared between the months of September and April

The closed cases were all determined to be accidental drownings or possible suicides

Many of the apparently drowned were found in the Mississippi River, Red Cedar River or Lake Michigan

When recovered, victim's body has no signs of strangulation, gunshots, stabbing, or other obvious mechanism of death

Victims were immediately reported oddly missing by friends or family

It seems this 'coincidence' has already happened this school session, Courttv.com Message Boards - Lucas G. Homan 21 Wisconisin,9-30-06 [BODY FOUND] . Homan is the 8th young man pulled from the cold,dark waters of the Mississippi River since 1997.

Here's some of the missing or dead young men:

Missing Med Student, Brian Shaffer 4/2/06

Scot Radel found in the Mississippi River 3/1/06

Chris Jenkins disappeared 10/31/02. His body was recovered in the Mississippi River 4 months later

11/5/00 Ryan Knatcher goes missing

Josh Guimond, student, still missing

Patrick Kycia, 19 body found 9/27/05 in the Red River Minnesota

6/9/05 Joshua Snell goes missing then found 4 days later in the Chippewa River

Adam Falcon, 11/13/04 goes missing, found 11/18/04 in the Grasse River

Chris Olberding found 10/6/04 in the Ohio river

The young men listed here are not the entire list. Please go to this site: Missing Drowning Student Mystery Vance Holmes Poetic Justice . It is the SAME one as I listed above, you will be suprised as to all of the information listed at this ONE site.

Amazing that Law Enforcement and the FBI are continuing to see these drownings as a coincidence. The parents and friends of the missing and dead deserve this to be looked into more. If it were one of my sons, Id be hollering for a larger more detailed investigation. Coincidences? I am not so sure I am buying into that idea.....

A serial killer is someone who commits 3 or more murders over an extended period of time with cooling-off periods in between. In between their crimes, they appear to be normal, a state which Hervey Cleckley and Robert Hare call the "mask of sanity." There is often — but not always — a sexual element to the murders.

There have been conflicting reports as to the extent of serial murder. The FBI claimed in the 1980's that at any particular time there were roughly 35 active serial killers in the USA, meaning that the serial killers in question have committed their first murders but have not yet been apprehended or stopped by other means (suicide, incarceration, or a natural death).

Serial Killer Statistics:

The USA has 76% of the worlds serial killers.
Europe in second, has 17%.

England has produced 28% of the European total; Germany produces 27%, and France produces 13%.

California leads in the US with the most Serial Homicide cases that have occured. Texas, New York, Illinois, and Florida follow shortly behind.
Maine has the lowest occurence of serial murders - none. Hawaii, Montana, North Dakota, Delaware, and Vermont each have had only one case of a serial murder.

84% of American killers are caucasian.
16% are black.
Men make up at least 90% of the world wide total of serial killers.
65% of victims are female.
89% of victims are white.
44% of all killers start in their twenties.
26% start in their teens.
24% start in their thirties.
Out of all the killers, 86% are heterosexual.

Barbie At DB

2006-10-04T08:58:00.000-05:00

I was wondering about my monthly horror-scope, since this week has been so crappy. I was shocked, it wasnt as bad as I had thought....

"An exceptional New Moon is bound to bring excitement to relationships, Taurus. This could trigger memories of past hopes and dreams about partnership, as you compare where you are now to those earlier aspirations...........
October 13: It's a day of innocence, Taurus, so you're allowed to love, play, touch, feel and spend without guilt...........
October 27:An exact conjunction of the Sun and Venus aligns your will with what you desire, making you open to receiving today. Your personality will make you attractive to others, no matter how you think you look..... "

Here's the link for anyone else interested in thier own. The other signs are at the bottom of the page. October Horoscopes.

I received an email from Dooney & Bourke informing me about the new DB Barbie. How cool is that? If I get an email from Coach publicizing their new doll, I am going to have to spend a lot more money and switch to Louis Vuitton. What is up over at DB? I LOVE their handbags, nearly as much as I love my Coach bags........but Barbie? c'mon!

Okay my gal pals who've had babies before. Let me know what you think about this subject: do you think a woman can be in hard labor and NOT know they are about to deliver a baby? do you think a woman can be preggers and NOT have a clue? Me....hell no. I read this yesterday, "I Didn't Even Know I Was Pregnant!" and I thought, "this woman is crazy!" Of course there were excuses listed as to why she may have not known, but really....both of my boys kicked me half to death, literally knocking the wind out of me....what did she think was moving in her belly? aliens?gas? Wasnt she concerned when her tummy got hard, instead of squishy fat? Theres a BIG difference between 'belly fat' and 'a pregnant belly'. In my tiny community, there is a woman, not much younger than I. She has 4 kids by 4 different fathers. 3 of her pregnancies, she claims to not have known she was even pregnant(altho everyone else was suspicious). She continued to squeeze herself into super-tight jeans and clothes, she went to work, she partied. While at work one day, she got a belly ache, it hurt badly, she thought she had food poisoning, she went to the ER, she delivered a healthy baby girl. Baby labor mistaken for food poisoning?!!?? Crazy! She didnt try this just once but 3X. I guess I may be more in tune to things, but I knew almost immediately when I was preggers, definately NOT something to be ignored....What is your opinions on the "geez, I didnt even know I was preggers.." idea?.

Double Tagged!

2006-10-03T09:08:00.000-05:00

I've been doubled tagged. MS.L from way up North, the Canadian way, tagged me with 7 songs. Here's how it goes:

List seven songs you are into right now. No matter what the genre, whether they have words or even if they’re not any good, but they must be songs you’re really enjoying now. Post these instructions in your Live Journal/blog along with your seven songs. Then tag seven other people to see what they’re listening to.

I listen to all kinds of music. I enjoy rock,metal, classical, and even an occassional opera, I listed my favorites. So here goes.

1. Hinder: Lips of An Angel

Honey why are you calling me so late
It's kinda hard to talk right now
Honey why are you crying is everything okay
I gotta whisper cause I can't be too loud
Well, my girls in the next room
Sometimes I wish she was you
I guess we never really moved on
It's really good to hear your voice saying my name
It sounds so sweet
Coming from the lips of an angel
Hearing those words it makes me weak.....

2. Metallica: Enter Sandman

Say your prayers little one
don't forget, my son
to include everyone
tuck you in, warm within
keep you free from sin
till the sandman he comes
sleep with one eye open
gripping your pillow tight
exit light
enter night
take my hand
off to never never land ....

3. 3 Doors Down: Kryptonite

I took a walk around the world
To ease my troubled mind
I left my body laying somewhere
In the sands of time
I watched the world float
To the dark side of the moon
I feel there is nothing I can do, yeah
I watched the world float
To the dark side of the moon
After all I knew it had to be
Something to do with you
I really don’t mind what happens now and then
As long as you’ll be my friend at the end.....

4. Godsmack: Voodoo

I'm not the one who's so far away
When I feel the snake bite enter my veins
Never did I wanna be here again
And I don't remember why I came
Candles raise my desire
Why I'm so far away
No more meaning to my life
No more reason to stay
Freezing feeling,
Breathe in, breathe in
I'm coming back again...

5. Steve Earle: Copperhead Road

well my names John Lee Pettimore
same as my daddy and his daddy before,
you hardly ever saw grandaddy down here
he only came to town about twice a year,
hed buy a hundred pound a yeast and some copper line everybody knew that he made moon shine
now the revenue man wanted grandaddy bad, he headed up the haulier with everything he had,
its before my time but ive been told, he never came back from copperhead road ....

6. Marilyn Manson: The Beautiful People

don't want you and I don't need you
don't bother to resist, I'll beat you
It's not your fault that you're always wrong
the weak ones are there to justify the strong
the beautiful people, the beautiful people
it's all relative to the size of your steeple
you can't see the forest for the trees

7. Garth Brooks: The Beaches Of Cheyenne

They packed up all his buckles
And shipped his saddle to his dad
And by the way the house looked
She must have took it bad
The workers come on Monday
To fix the door and patch the wall
They say she just went crazy
The night she got the call
He was up in Wyoming
And drew a bull no man could ride
He promised her he'd turn out
Well it turned out that he lied
And their dreams that they'd been livin'
In the California sand
Died right there beside him in Cheyenne
They she just went crazy
Screamin' out his name
She ran out into the ocean
And to this day they claim.....

Tag #2 by KathleenMarie It's something about 5's!

1) Five Minutes to yourself. How would you spend them ideally? taking an uninterrupted shower without an audience.

2)Five Dollars to spend right now. How and where would you spend it? At Sonic Drive Inn on more french Fries for Wee One.

3)Five Items in your house you could part with right now. 2 TV's, one ugly desk, and half of my coffee mugs

4)Five Items in your house you positively, absolutely could never part with. My pictures (family photos and albums), my saddle, my favorite boots, my blankie, my puter

5)Five Words you love. my boys (is that 2 words?) horses, Scooter, Elvis, and happy

okay, I am done with the tags............shall I tag others? yes, if you read these, then consider yourselves a big fat tagged(only if you want to tho)!

Harmony

2006-10-02T13:33:00.000-05:00

"Harmony"

slate colored waters ruffled waves
silent gliding boat of hunters
flashing light twisting scales
woven cordage flinging true

fertile soil yields rows of maize
gather fallen bounty of oaks
harvest berries thickets full
tubers collected lifting loam

quiet stalk in heavy woods
wary deer proud antlers tall
red life returns to earth
blessings and hope today

starlight rings roaring fire
dancers in timeless motions
voices singing to the dark
drums echo souls delight

by brian

Brian wrote this sestina for me a few months ago. He has an incredibile talent and ability to put thoughts and ideas into beautiful words.

This poem reminds me of Fall. Since we are just barely standing on the threshhold of Fall (at least on Oklahoma we are), I wanted to share Harmony.....I have the Fall bug. I am anxiously looking forward to deer hunting, we are in our football season, the cooler weather is enjoyable, and Halloween is just a few weeks away. The green pastures are turning gold, the trees are shedding their leaves, and my old horse has a good start on his winter coat. Yes, I am happy to say, Fall has finally arrived!

**********************

A side note here:

I know I tend to brag about my boys. Thanks for still coming around the Res to hear about them.....its not like I run around in real time bragging and gushing about them to anyone who'll listen.

Burnt Carpet And Bike Rodeos

2006-10-01T14:00:00.000-05:00

I never made it to Bartlesville on Saturday. Instead, I went early this morning. I tried going to Wal-Mart early while everyone was at church. brian and diane said Wal-mart is not as busy at that time, that is when they like to do their shopping(early Sunday morning).......I guess Bartlesville is filled with a bunch of heathens, because Wal-Mart was BUSY at 8:30 am!

Yesterday I stayed busy around the house. I washed and detailed my car. It looks and smells brand new! I am quite happy with the job I did. I also scrubbed the water tank and set out a new mineral block for The Old Guy. I rode him for about 30 minutes when Wee One was napping. He was being lazy in the heat, it did not take him long to work up into a sweat.

Son #1 went to a dance Friday night. I asked him if he had a good time. He said, "yeah." I asked him if he danced, he said "yeah." I asked him if he danced with any girls he liked, he said "yeah." Wow, talk about too much information at one time! He is turning into such a man.

Son #1 and the few Gifted and Talented group kids had to take the IQ Test thingy over (I forgot the nameof the test!) because it seems 1 kid wasnt suppose to be in the GT group and someone's mother (a real witch) was making a huge issue of re-testing.....so I gave the okay for my son to re-take the test to ensure his placement in the GT group. The new kid who was in the GT group didnt score high enough, the school did not disclose his score but the kid in question is ineligible. Son #1 has not taken this test since 5th grade. Tuesday of this week they all took the test, he scored the highest out of 7th, 8th, and 9th grade! He got a 99%. He is guaranteed to be a member of the elite group until 12th grade, unless he has bad issues with his grades, attendance, or behavior. I am very proud of him.

I felt bad for the new kid who's transferring school set him up for this let down. Sometimes, I really dislike some of the other school kid's parents.They can be just horrible. I also feel badly for their child/children. Sometimes, the kids behave a lot better than the parents-sad!

Son #1 participated in a bike rodeo/bike jump contest Saturday evening. He rode his homemade 'trick' bike. Toddler Terror and I went to watch when it started. There were a lot of kids there. I had my camera out ready to take pictures when son #1 came speeding up to us on his bike. He said, "mom, put away the camera, your embarrassing me." His friend, K., who is a great kid and the same one who spent last saturday nite, rode up to us with him and was sitting on his bike. He said, " geez N. who cares if your ma takes pictures." Son #1, "Please mom, no pictures, okay?"

So, not to cramp cool son #1's style, Wee One and I left the festivities. We went to the park and played for awhile, then home to feed and brush the Old Guy, and take the pictures I posted.

Elvis suprised Wee One and I when he jumped into Wee One's gator for a ride. He quickly changed his mind when TT took off.

Saturday was hot, 90 degrees, no breeze. In the evening when I took these pictures, it was still hot outside. Elvis has some BAD breath going on. Its time for another teeth brushing. Back in 2002 I had him sedated and the vet cleaned his teeth, he had minty fresh breath (sorta) for a long time. It didnt cost all that much either, it was money well spent. He doesnt have a lot of build up on his teeth, so I think a brushing might cure it for awhile.

Saturday's sunset.

Saturday evening about 8:30 pm I decided to take a shower. I was feeling grungy from all of the outdoor activities. Hubby ran to town to fill up my car and get his 'ice cream fix". He was craving strawberry ice cream. Son #1 and Wee One were enthralled with America's Most Wanted with John Walsh and catching the bad guys. I told son #1 to watch his brother then I snuck off into my bathroom and got into the shower. Just as I was soaping my hair, I heard Wee One come inside my bathroom. (he picked the lock, yes, he really did, he actually picked 2 locks, bedroom door AND bathroom door, yep- hes that clever) I hear him climbing up the cabinet where I hid all of my make up, perfume, hair dryer, hair rollers. He got my hair dryer down and ran off into my bedroom with it. I hurried in the shower..no sign of son #1 to see what no good his little brother is up to. I can hear the blow dryer in my bedroom, then Toddler Terror comes into the bathroom, grabs my hair brush, brushes his hair and looks at himself in the hand mirror, he sees me watching, he says "Im fixin' my hair." I say " put the dryer away." Wee One says "No." and takes off. I can hear the dryer going in my bedroom as I exit the shower, I am headed into my room when I meet TT running at me with the dryer. He hurries and shoves it in a bottom drawer in the bathroom, then he says " Ummm, I made a mess, I am in trouble, smoking!" When Toddler Terror gets his hands on the hair dryer, he NEVER voluntarily puts it away, so I am alarmed. I smell burnt carpet. I see a perfect circle melted/scorched into my bedroom carpet. Ack! It just burnt/melted the carpet, none of it stuck to my hair dryer-I was thankful about that. Now hubby is complaining about fixing the carpet, it bothers him. I think I'll just put a throw rug over it for now.......

A thousand horse and none to ride! -
With flowing tail, and flying mane,
Wide nostrils never stretched by pain,
Mouths bloodless to the bit or rein,
And feet that iron never shod,
And flanks unscarred by spur or rod,
A thousand horse, the wild, the free,
Like waves that follow o'er the sea,
Came thickly thundering on,...
~Lord Byron, XVII, Mazeppa, 1818

The Tulsa State Fair Or Not....

2006-09-29T16:27:00.000-05:00

Best friend L. mentioned we should go to the Tulsa State Fair . It started yesterday. We usually go if we can manage it. When son #1 and her daughter were in grade school, we went every year. We are thinking about going next weekend. I'm not sure if she will be able to get away, she is supposed to find out tomorrow....my work-a-holic best friend. If she cant get away, thats okay, I am not really sure I even want to go!

Tomorrow I need to go to Bartlesville,we have no weekend plans. Maybe I'll get more good pictures of the BLM mustangs. I have some shopping to do and I also need to see my jeweler. I dropped my good watch off to get fixed and it is ready.....I hope he doesnt charge me thru the *ss to fix it. It was still under warranty but I was afraid to send it off...silly, I know.

I took this picture about 24 hours post-surgery. Toddler Terror is in fine form. Why is it necessary to jump on every chair, bed, couch in our house?

I think the Old Guy is irritated with me again. Earlier today, he was in the far back of his pasture. Wee One and I were leaving to pick up son #1 from school and I whistled at him, he whinnied back and came running up to the barn. He thought he was going to get a treat of some kind, instead he watched us drive off. When I rode him later in the evening, he acted fine...guess hes over it.

***********

Brother, you say there is but one way to worship and serve the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why not all agreed, as you can all read the Book?

Sogoyewhapha, "Red jacket" - Senaca

Thank You!

2006-09-29T07:55:00.000-05:00

Thank you to everyone for the well wishes! Wee One's surgery went well and he is doing good. I am glad that is over. Stressful! His poor Father was a wreck at the hosptial, worried and annoying. I wanted to beat him over the head with the 2004 May issue of Field and Stream I found in the waiting lobby to read. Men-Ack!

By the time late afternoon rolled around yesterday, Wee One was back to his Toddler Terror Self and feeling great....terrorizing his poor mother.

This is Wednesday evening's sunset. It was a gorgeous evening!

Wee One drove his gator around Wednesday night while son #1 and I stacked hay bales and filled the horse feed tubs. Then we all went for a long walk. We saw lots of squirrels, Elvis was happy 'bout that!

I am so happy Friday is here. Sometimes I feel like I am wishing my life away, but I LOVE Fridays, my favorite day of the week!

"What is life? It is the flash of a firefly in the night. It is the breath of a buffalo in the wintertime. It is the little shadow which runs across the grass and loses itself in the sunset."
Crowfoot, Blackfoot warrior and orator

Prison Justice...

2006-09-27T20:57:00.000-05:00

Since I am restless and cant sleep, I thought I'd share something with you folks. Earlier I was over at CrimeBlog.US, reading a post by Steve Huff: Revenge for Katie . Lilo at Lost In Lima Ohio- The Blog first wrote about this story and obtained the picture of the no-good child killer below. Attractive Tattoo, huh? I think all child rapists and murderers should have one on their forehead....done as tasteful as this one here that Stockelman received from his prison peers.

In March of 2006, Anthony Stockelman pleaded guilty to the molestation and murder of 10yo Kaitlyn Collman in Crothersville, Indiana. Kaitlyn's murder happened in January 2005. Her body was found dumped in a creek.

The Tattoo story goes something like this: Stockelman's (he is a confessed childkiller/rapist) cell block roomies came together against Stockelman and gave him a daily reminder (the new tattoo) on his forehead of the little girl he molested, then killed.

I hope Stockelman lives every single minute of every day he has left in his worthless life in horrible, bone-chilling fear. What comes around goes around....

Vigilantism usually just creates more violence, but in this case.....in my opinion, I feel it is a good thing.

The Look

2006-09-27T08:10:00.000-05:00

Son #1 won his game Monday evening. 16-0. It was a great game!!! Hubby and I were so proud of him. He played exceptionally well, the whole team did a good job. Son #1 had a great QB sack, he's 'known' for his QB sacks. He also had 2 fumble recoveries from the opposing team and a lot of good tackles. The opponents announcer did a very good job narrating the game plays. My son's name was mentioned in a lot of plays, I lost count after 7 or eight! I think it was very good sportsmanship of the opposing team knowing the name's of their contender's players and giving them credit for a great play. In fact, I noticed the team we played lastnite had good sportsmanship and my son said "they were 'pretty cool, not talking trash, or cheap-shotting'."

Son #1 is #53 I took this just before he took the running back down with help from one of his team-mates.

**********************

Monday afternoon, hubby finished work early( 4pm) so we could go to the game together. Babysitter B. stayed with Wee One. He was cranky and tired, and I did not want him out in the wind with his ears, surgery is ON for Thursday.

The game started at 5pm straight up, it was over an hour drive. I told hubby to 'step on it' so we would not miss much of the game. Hubby was concerned because one of the highways we travelled was frequented by the highway patrol. I told him I would watch for them, it was all praire, you can see for miles, literally. We made good time-no hypos or any cops or anything for that matter. When we pulled into the little town, we spotted the football field and turned in, just about then, a city cop did a u-turn. He was a short, midget, dough-boy looking cop(we got a good look thru the cop's open window as he drove past us). Hubby gives me the 'why do I let you talk me into doing stupid stuff, like speeding?' look. Well, dough-boy wasnt after us, but someone in a red hotrod in front of us. Whew, I thought I was going to have to pay a ticket (not really).

Monday while I was cleaning, Toddler Terror set a trap for me. Yikes!

Last nite, best guy friend D. came out to visit. He and his girlfriend are 'officially over'. or so he says....The drama, I'll spare y'all the drama. Anyhow, it was nice to visit with him and get caught up on the local news (gossip). He always hears something interesting! And, who says men do not gossip? They are worse than women!

Wee One's surgery is offically on for 9/28. Early yesterday morning we drove to Tulsa and registered for his surgery. He saw his MD, he is good to go. I'll be back around when I can.

Scented

2006-09-25T22:03:00.000-05:00

Sunday morning during my blog rounds, I swung by one of my favorite Canadian's place. I could not resist linking her. Kyahgirl- Practical Perfume Procurement Pointers . Kyahgirl is an endless resource on this subject...she knows a thing or two.

I like perfume, always have. I only love a few fragrances but I just like perfume in general. I think my love affair with scents started when I was a small girl. My oldest sister J. gave me a delicately wrapped bottle of LOVE'S BABY SOFT perfume as a birthday present. I treasured that bottle, it lasted until my next birthday when she bought me another bottle...but that bottle came inside a giftset, along with body powder and lotion. I was hooked.

When I was in my teens, I wore Coty Wild Musk and Chanel N°5. I still keep Chanel #5 on hand, it is a classic fragrance, good for all occassions. I also keep (yes, I know this is kinda cheesy) a bottle of White Diamonds by Elizabeth Taylor in supply as well. The White Diamonds scent is clean and fresh to me. I like to wear it in the daytime. But............my absolute favorite fragrance is Clean Perfume By Dlish which, by the way, is expensive and I am officially OUT of it...sigh.

Last spring when I was in St.Louis, I discovered Blonde. It's a Perfume by Versace, launched By The Design House Of Gianni Versace In 1995. It is what I call a luxurious, subtle, flowery fragrance. It has a Blend of Neroli, Orange flower, India absolute tuberose, and Egyptian jasmine absolute. It's more of a romantic, nite-time fragrance, but I really like it. It lasts a long time and requires only a tiny spritz to apply.

My Blonde bottle was nearly full until recently. When one morning, while I was in the shower, Toddler Terror decided to test out all of my fragrances. Needless to say, when I was done showering, my Wee One smelled like a french whore and my perfume supply depleted to half. I have since relocated my stash to a top shelf cabinet and out of his sight.

I think a person's scent says a lot about them. My best friend L. wears 2 kinds perfumes, Estee Lauder's White Linen and Vanilla Fields. Best friend L. is always well put together but loves the outdoors, especially the sun.

I am interested in what kinds of perfume y'all like to wear....so? What kinds do my blogger friends like?

Monday, Already...

2006-09-25T08:14:00.000-05:00

Our weather for the upcoming week, it looks GOOD!

8am Sunday morning picture. This is facing North. We had a small cold front come in. The weather was perfect.

Another one, but guess who was mad cuz it wasnt 'all about him!'

Wee One and I stopped to check out these steers. We took a Sunday drive and went visiting for a couple of hours.

The creek is dried up.....we need rain.

On the way home, we saw these 2 hounds in the road. Lost, skinny, and scared. I tried to get a look at this one's collar to read it's brass nameplate but he was not letting me near. The closest I got to him was about 4 ft with Wee One's corn chips, when I ran out of food, he took off. The whiter hound did not even approach me, he/she was very skittish. Both dogs were wearing collars and radio collars (which was odd: the tracking collars let them get lost?) , they also look like they have been lost for quite awhile considering their physical state. I contacted a few people. I hope they are able to find their owner soon.

Today is cleaning day-ick! I did get a good start on things...so it's not looking too bad. Son #1's game is away tonite, about an hour and a half drive one way. Wish us luck!

Achoo!

2006-09-24T07:36:00.000-05:00

This morning I woke up bright and early at 5:45 am. I am not complaining tho, I did get a solid, uninterrupted 6 hours of sleep. But, the cold Ive been holding at bay, has finally sunk it's nasty claws into me. Just typing these few sentences, I sneezed at least 4 times. I took more Zicam, Ill let y'all know if it worked or not.

Yesterday was an A+ weather day-it couldnt have been any better. About an hour before dark, I was able to escape outside, all alone. I had already exercised the Old Guy earlier, so after I did a few chores around the barn, the Old Guy, Elvis, and I went for a walk. Hubby said we looked cute walking off into the trees. Elvis in the front, me in the middle, and the Old Guy's head next to my shoulder. It was such a gorgeous evening!

Elvis and Scooter looking for a crumb.

Elvis, my protector.

Before I headed inside for the night, Elvis was giving me that look, he was wanting indoors for the night too. So, after I checked him over for any ticks, he was allowed inside but slept inside his crate (door unlocked of course!) I use Frontline Plus on him to keep ticks/fleas away-that stuff works! I swear by it. His stinky skunk smell has dissipated. I hope he learned his lesson and leaves skunks alone in the future!

**********************

If y'all want to see a photo of me. You can view me HERE, thats as good as your gonna get today........

A Hint of Fall

Shadows shifting
Fleeting across
The ground

Leaves falling
Floating softly,
Floating down

Wind blowing
Speaking in
Silent tones

Streams murmuring,
Rippling, gurgling
Over stones

Clouds blowing
Tumbling past
The falling sun

Fading light
On sparkling
Waters run

Trees swaying
A hint of fall
In golden color

The season changes
Crowned with
Glowing splendor

Ivy Schex

2006-09-23T08:59:00.000-05:00

Yesterday afternoon, I snapped this picture of the Old Guy when I was saddling him to exercise. He has his winter coat coming in strong. Bad winter ahead? I hope not ( I have yet to see a BAD winter in Oklahoma-maybe someday I will). He usually gets his coat early and keeps it late, so I am not predicting any future weather by my Old Horse....

Here he is when I called him up to saddle him-looking a little annoyed with me. He slowly strolled up to where I was waiting with my saddle. It was warm, but very nice outside. He rode like a dream. A little bit rusty and stiff on his flying lead changes at first, then he was smooth as silk.

Cranky Elvis when I woke him up from his afternoon nap-brat! His head looks HUGE in this picture angle.

Now he is wanting a treat. Too bad, all I had was apple slices for the Old Guy....

Uh ohhhhh. Toddler Terror's horse has been injured. We tried to fix it 5 different ways without success.....his horse had to be put down....sigh.

Well, I am off to put my house back together. Son #1 has a friend over who spent the night lastnight. Hubby, Toddler Terror, son #1, and his friend acted like a bunch of frat boys yesterday evening. I think today, I may have to make a trip to the liquor store....

Your Linguistic Profile:

50% General American English

15% Upper Midwestern

10% Dixie

10% Midwestern

10% Yankee

What Kind of American English Do You Speak?

I took an Aura test:

Your Aura is Green
You're very driven, competitive, and even a bit jealous.However, you seek out balance in your life - and you usually achieve it!The purpose of your life: inspiring others to be betterFamous greens include: Tony Robbins, Donald Trump, Martha StewartCareers for you to try: Guru, CEO, Talk Show Host
What Color Is Your Aura?

I took a Karma test too:

You Have Good Karma
In general, you like to do the right thing when it comes to others.Your caring personality really shines through.Sure, you have your moments of weakness - and occasionally act out.But, all in all, you're karma is good... even with those few dark spots.
How's Your Karma?

Parent/Teacher Conference Reports & It's Friday!

2006-09-22T07:56:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I went to my 12 yo's parent/teacher conferences. I drove up to town in the 40+ mph winds, I am so thankful I have a nice car. I felt bad for some of the drivers going about 50mph, white knuckles gripping their steering wheels.

At 4:30 p.m. there were not too many parents roaming about the Junior High's halls. Thus, making my conferences lasting about 10 minutes with each of his 6 teachers and hardly no waiting for my turn, if any waiting at all. Son #1 has all A's. Every one of his teachers reported he is very smart, helps his peers, and is an excellent student but he likes to socialize, so he talks a bit much.....altho he has cut his socializing in half since school started over a months ago. The best report I received came from his math teacher. Ms. Y said my 12 yo is a 'thinker'. She said he knows how to think, how to analyze, and he is very, very smart. She also asked my permission for son #1 to join a special Math Club that meets after school on Fridays. They do these National Educational exercises and compete in Math Tournaments out of town. I was soooo happy, Math was never my strong subject, altho I did okay, it was the only subject I ever had to apply myself-making me hate math forever. Son #1 is a happy kid today. Since his school reports were outstanding, we have allowed his TV in his bedroom to be hooked up to the satellite. He is pleased with his reward. He doesnt have school today and he went to work with his Father. While working, they were also going to check out our deer hunting blinds.

While I was at conferences, I visited with son #1's best friend's elderly Osage Grandmother. She has sole custody of son #1's best friend. When she finally gained custody of son #1's best friend, he became such a happy and different child. I honestly think she saved this boys life, literally. It is too long of a story to get into what and where this boy had been thru. He is a good kid thru and thru, suprisingly after what his previous years were like. When he stayed weekends at our house and it was time to take him home, he used to ask to stay longer and cry. More than once, he just stayed days on end. Hubby would never take him home and always made me do it - making me feel just awful taking him home, I always took him to his grandmothers tho, I never once took him to where he was supposed to go ( a drunk/drug den). I would have happily kept him at our house but with all the legal troubles regarding his family, I could not-his grandmothers home was a 'common legal ground' for the boy's family-now it is his happy home. He is thriving, both he AND his grandmother are great for eachother. They are so cute to see together. When they were leaving the school yesterday, I glanced out the doors after our goodbyes, and I saw son #1's best friend grab his frail, little, grandmother's arm and steady her in the wind as they strolled down the sidewalk to their car. What a great picture it made.

A picture yesterday of the weather whipping up a storm before sunset.

Another picture.

This picture I took about 6 pm off the front porch looking straight upwards.

I took this shot the same way.

Wee One is feeling better but I am still keeping him out of the wind, for his ears. No trail ride today. I tried packing both ears with cotton but he isint too hot on the idea or the feeling, he yanks it out. So now I have to wait until his nap time to exercise the Old Guy. Today, I think I'll ride him about 30 minutes in the round pen I set up with my stock panels, (yep still waiting on my round pen to get built!)He didnt get exercised yesterday, the weather was too rainy and way too windy, he did a good job exercising himself tho. After the rain stopped, he ran around the pasture, snorting, bucking, hopping, and jumping like he was a colt again.

TGIF!

Shocked You

2006-09-21T09:56:00.000-05:00

The top 2 pictures I took this late this morning, again from the safety of my back porch. It is windy, rainy, a chilly 65 degrees. We did not have any severe weather, much to my relief! But, the winds howled last night, they were strong. I woke up wide awake before 4 am....I am so lucky to have insomnia, not really. About 2 seconds after the storms hit with the rain, I heard the old guy galloping up to the safety of his stall. Where, he has been ever since!

My mother-in-law (bless her, she is the sweetest person!) sent the boys a bunch of candy and goodies home. Inside the sack of goodies was a bag of these Sponge Bob gummy candies shaped like, Krabbie Patties, I guess. I am the only one here that is eating them. They really arent that great, but not too bad if your starving. Its what I had for breakfast, now I am having some for lunch. I am happy that Wee One seems to be feeling more like his old self. He still looks sickly but his appetite is good today, and his Toddler Terror antics are back to near normal. His latest thing to do is run up to you, touch your arm or some exposed skin on your body, the say "zzzzzzzzzzzzztttt, shocked you!" He hates getting shocked but thinks its funny at the same time.

Someone I know was killed in a car accident yesterday. It happened on the same exact highway Wee One and I travelled part of the way home from Tulsa on yesterday. We were driving just a few hours earlier. The guy that was killed was someone I know, we used to be sorta friends thru mutual friends at one time. He made some notsogood choices but lately I heard he was working and making his life better. He is a father and I know he has family who will miss him. A tragic reminder how quickly things can change.

The Horses in My Dream

In my sleep, I hear the galloping of hooves

It seems a hundred thousand horses run

Across the prairie in my mind as I sleep

Those painted ponies kick and rear in fun

In my sleep, I hear the screaming of the stallion

As he paws at the dreamy turf of moonlight

He leaps and races ahead of the tumbling herd

As they ride to the edge of this phantom night

Ivy Schex

I enjoyed this poem. I dream of horses very often.....big suprise there, huh? Anyhow, I was suprised someone else does too...atleast someone else who is an adult!

One day while I was at one of my horsey websites I read faithfully, I happened to click on a link of poetry. After reading, then going to more sites that I do not remember, I stumbled upon Ivy Schex. I really like her poetry. Schex writes about horses, which is something I can easily understand and relate to.

Rescheduled

2006-09-20T15:49:00.000-05:00

La Grange
By ZZ Top
BestAudioCodes.com

Wee One and I made it to Tulsa to his pre-op appointment. The entire drive over and down to T-town, I just knew without a doubt, he was too sick for his surgery tomorrow. Last night he was up/down with sniffling, sneezing, coughing, and a fever. So when we saw his surgeon and he looked over Wee One, his decision to reschedule the surgery for 1 week was not a suprise. Wee One was prescribed a $90 bottle of potent antibiotics, we hit Burger King for some fries and a slushy, then drove back home. Right now he is parked on the couch watching his Tarzan movie for the 50th time, drinking some 7-up mixed with orange juice (his favorite when hes feeling puny) and munching on a handful of hot-tamale candies. When he's done, we'll brush our teeth, wash up, and get our PJ's on. I am as whipped as Wee One.

Son #1 went to his church Youth Group activities and hubby called, he is on his way home. Hubby already came home and ate dinner with us (jambalaya) but had to go back out to where he had a rig working at one of his leases. The weather is blowing up a storm, severe weather is maybe on the agenda, or so the weatherman warns, for tomorrow. It is best if the rig is finished working and out of there if/incase/when the rain starts.

The Old Guy was not happy with not getting much attention today and has made no bones about letting me know. I took all 4 of these pictures from the comfort of my porches.....How lazy I am!!

Tomorrow I have parent/teacher conferences, already. Son #1 said he is not worried-he says Ill get a good report........guess I'll see tomorrow.

Free Bird.....

2006-09-19T14:28:00.000-05:00

Free Bird
By Lynyrd Skynyrd
BestAudioCodes.com

I made a homemade Italian sausage lasagne from scratch for dinner. It was sooo good! My family loved it. I let Wee one have a small piece, even tho he isint supposed to have dairy or wheat.....I felt bad telling him no. I gave him his piece of the end with no cheese I fixed especially for him. Also, he has come down with either a cold or it is his allergies are still acting up..sigh...we've waited this long to get his surgery approval, now I am wondering when he goes to see the surgeon for his pre-op tomorrow if he'll even be well enough to have the procedure-grrrr. He started not feeling good last Friday, I thought on Sunday he was feeling better, but now he has a scratchy cough this evening and a low-grade fever. Why is it sometimes I feel like I am taking one step forward, then 2 steps back? I have lots of sherbert and pedialite drinks on hand for him after his surgery (I hope he is okay to have it-but I am very doubtful!).

Wee One with his brother's old remote controlled Jeep he inherited. He has been driving it all over the house. In the picture, the batteries were starting to go dead and he informed his Father, who promptly replaced the dying ones.

Is it just me? Lately, some of Oprah's antics or some of the stuff that comes out of her mouth annoys the heck outta me. My favorite brother-in-law dislikes her with a passion, he cracks me up when he talks about her. Me, I neither like her or hate her.....I did not see Orpah's season premeire, sniffle sniffle (joking!) but from what Ive read on the net, it was not much. I do remember reading in the Tulsa paper awhile back, about Orpah and her friend Gayle crashing a wedding in Tulsa, they were not all that welcomed. The wedding party (the bride especially) felt that Oprah and her entourage were upstaging the whole wedding event-well, HELL YEAH!! Who isint going to forget about 'ole cousin Jane's wedding to Henry whatshisname when Oprah and her gang show up outta no-where bearing awesome presents?!?!! I would have NOT been happy either...unless one of the presents was a new car or something of that nature. The picture at the top of this meandering paragraph is of Oprah and her best friend Gayle attempting to pump gas in the car they supposedly drove across the USA. It appears that Oprah did not know how to pump gas and was quoted as saying " I havent pumped gas since 1983!" I guess since her first million hit the bank, then she hired herself a driver. When I read her statement and saw the picture, I thought to myself "OMG, could she be any stupider?" Not nice, I know, I know......but for someone always preaching about bettering yourself and women's rights, she has A LONG ways to go herself. Anyhow, she must be doing something right, she is one of the richest people in America, no to mention powerful......

***********************************

These are photos from tonites game. My son is #53 out in the field playing in those pictures. Best friend L. came with me. Hubby had Toddler Terror duty so he missed most of the game. They lost tonite 16-6. Our team just did not have their sh*t together.....

***************************

I Ride My Horse

I feel the wind, I hear the birds

I ride my horse, As I sing words

I see the grass, I feel the leather

I ride my horse Upon the heather

I taste the dust, I see the heat

I ride my horse, To his own beat

I feel the joy,I taste the fun

I ride my horse, Into the yellow sun

Ivy Schex

Tis The Haunting Season

2006-09-18T13:15:00.000-05:00

Living Dead Girl
By Rob Zombie
BestAudioCodes.com

Okay, maybe I am sorta getting ahead start on Halloween, but I like this Holiday. It falls during my favorite season. I am fascinated by the paranormal kinda stuff, so naturally, Halloween is one of my favorite holidays. I have all of my Halloween decorations out already. No scary ones tho-much to my 12 yo's disappointment, all of our Halloween decorations are cute because of Wee One. I'll take my 12 yo to atleast 3 'famed' Charity put-on Haunted Houses next month. I'll even go thru them with him. I like a good scare-also, they are charitable events, so it is money well spent.

Do I believe in the paranormal? Yes, I am not quite sure what exactly IT is, but I believe it exists. My family (especially my 12 yo and I) love to watch Ghosthunters on Scifi(TAPS) on Wednesdays nights, even hubby watches it with us, and he doesnt like anything scary.

Here are a few haunted places (or maybe haunted) in Oklahoma I have either visited first-hand or want to:

Ponca City - Poncan Theatre. This theatre is one of the oldest buildings in Ponca City. People have reported hearing footsteps when nobody else is present, seeing people who disappear quickly afterwards, and classic ghost stuff like that. In the basement, some people have reported hearing the beating of an Indian drum nearby. Also, there is a stain in the ceiling that closely resembles blood. People have made every effort to remove it: washing it, painting over it, etc. But it always comes back after a few days. Personally, I have never been inside the Theatre, so I cannot form an opinion....sigh.

Pawhuska - Bird Creek School. There is a school off in the woods behind lake bluestem it is an old one room school house that was used for Native American children in the early 1900's but the chalk board was still in-tact(for awhile) and it is said that if you enter and write you name on the board and come back at a later time that your name will be scratched off the board. I am not sure about the chalk board instance, but I did know an Old Osage Indian(he's passed away) who attended school back when it was open, he said it was haunted then. I have been inside, just had an uncomfortable, very cold feeling(it was about 92 degrees out that day).

Sand Springs - Postok Cemetery. Balls of light move about in the cemetery and in the woods behind. Warm and very cold spots all over. This is an old cemetary, I have not had the opportunity to visit but when I do, I am taking my camera because others have told me orbs are in every picture you take here.

Pawhuska - Green Eyes. The story behind green eyes is unclear, nobody really knows what happened but it is rumored that a man went crazy and drove his car that had his 2 children and his wife over the bridge and they drowned. Also, Ive heard an Osage Woman who was a witch was killed in this area of the creek for being evil. If you go over green eyes bride at midnight and turn off your lights you will see two green eyes and when you turn on your lights to see what it is there is nothing there. My friend L. and I might have witnessed something strange(it wasnt green eyes tho)-but we are not sure because we had just left a party (we were just recently 21 and whooping it up) so it might have been Jose Quervo playing a trick on us! Regardless, this is right near the Bird Creek School and the whole area in itself gives off a creepy feeling-daylight OR dark!

Skiatook - Witch's Grave. This location is an old late 1800's and early 1900's grave yard called Hillside cemetery marked by an historical site marker. It is known that a witch in the early 1900's is buried there. Many disturbing things have happened on and near this location. Talk of demonic possessions and alternately the destruction of lives to those who disturb the witch's grave. The Death of a young teen-age boy in the mid 70's that wrecked his car at a very near by bridge is known to walk the roads around the cemetery. From Skiatook take Hwy 11 north to Hillside Rd. Turn east stay on the road it will be on the east side of the road just past the curves. I have driven past this place once, I was not comfortable stopping, a bad feeling-like a sense of dread. I was not stopping for anything.

I took the pictures below back in June. It is an old cemetary. I drive to it occassionally to check the grave of my Old Osage Friend. I think I am the only one left around who cares for it. I feel it is my responsibility to pull the weeds growing up around the headstone, brush off the grass trimmings, and make sure all is right at my Friend's grave.

This is a little bit off my haunted topic, but it was fun. Do you believe in past lives? Me? I'm not-so-sure.....but I went here anyhow: Free Past Life Analysis - Who Were You?

This is what it said:

Diagnosis:
I do not know how you feel about it, but you were female in your last earthly incarnation.

You were born somewhere around territory of modern Tailand approximately on 1575.

Your profession was sailor, shoemaker.

Your brief psychological profile in that past life: Inquisitive, inventive, liked to get to the very bottom of things and to rummage in books. Talent for drama, natural born actor.

Lesson, that your last past life brought to present: Your lesson -- to learn discretion and reasonability and then teach others to do that. Your life will be happier, when you help those who lack reasoning.

Now you remember?

Nope, I dont remember a damn thing.....

More Halloween Posts coming.......(I think!)

Baby Blue

2006-09-17T20:33:00.000-05:00

Baby Blue
By George Strait
BestAudioCodes.com

Yesterday afternoon best friend L. and her 15 yo daughter (R) came over to visit. We had a good time. They both enjoyed a late lunch of my homemade chicken and noodles with spiced apple cobbler for desert. (son #1 gave me the ultimate compliment, he said my chicken and noodles were the best I ever made/the best he ever ate-even better than the ones I make usually at Thanksgiving. I think its cuz I baked the chicken this time instead of boiling it) I had R's birthday card (about 1 week overdue!) but nonetheless, I was able to give it to her. The envelope was starting to get dirty around the edges from me hauling it all over thinking I might catch one of them. Geesh, I can remember bringing tiny, R home from the hospital in her pink/white outfit with matching soft, fuzzy booties I bought for her. She was a lovely baby and she is turning into a beautiful young woman. When Wee One woke from his nap, he was ecstatic to see best friend L. He turned on his charm and behaved like a little gentleman. When son #1 finally came home from his busy social schedule, he and R. sat around talking about school and sports and things like that. Best friend L. and I wandered outside to the barn. We sat on hay bales, drank 2 budweisers each, and discussed our horses,then fussed over the Old Guy. I took him a small bowl of spiced apple cobbler. He gobbled that up in about 2 gulps. The sun did not come out until sunset, then it peeked out blinding bright thru the clouds, only to set minutes later.

I received Let's Say Thanks in an email from my sister J. Some of you may have already gotten it from me, but I think it is something good.

1. go to this web site, www.letssaythanks.com

2. pick out a thank you card, personalize it.

3. Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a (USA) soldier that is serving in Iraq .

You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to some member of our Armed Services. I think it is important to Thank them for their sacrifices and hard work, regardless of everyone's opinion on the war.

Now, something that has been bugging me. I am angered and worried about Al Qaeda threats over Pope's speech . Even tho I am no longer a practicing Catholic (you can read about that here: Lost Faith) I think it is wrong to threaten the Pope's life over something he quoted from a medieval writing. I have read what he stated in his speech. I have formed an opinion, Ill keep it to myself for now but regardless if he was right or wrong, he is a man, not a God, there is no reason to threaten the Pope's life and the Vatican over something like that. I will never understand why people (like Al Qaeda) have the need to act like a bunch of barbarians, with killing, threats, and such. You dont see a bunch of Buddhists or Lutherans running around threatening anyone who says something not-so-nice about their Faith. I suppose I have just had my fill of Muslims and their martyrdom.

Well, y'all know what day Monday is 'round the homestead....cleaning day-ack! I already have a good headstart. At daybreak when I went outside to the barn, the air was fresh, chilly, and invigorating. Even with this feeling that I may be coming down with a cold, I came back indoors from my early morning chores feeling very good. Toddler Terror has been very well-behaved this morning. I know it is not going to last so I am off to finish my cleaning. Y'all have a great Monday, may it pass fast and painless!

Lazy Sunday

2006-09-17T08:14:00.000-05:00

Keep On Loving You
By REO Speedwagon
BestAudioCodes.com

When I was at the Mall yesterday, I browsed thru the latest PostSecret book. I was a bit curious if any of my postcards were in the book. I want this book. I do not know why I did not buy it. Driving home yesterday from Bartlesville, I regretted not buying the book, again. I think I'll look online for this book today. I'll be already looking on Ebay and Amazon for Wee One's b-day gifts. His 3 yo birthday is coming up in just under 2 months. I am going to buy him a couple Backyardigans themed t-shirts and a Buzz Lightyear action figure from Wee One's favorite movie, Toy Story . Son #1 also loved Toy Story and had ALL of the characters (I thought we still had them packed away but I could not find them anywhere when we moved to our new home).

While in N.MI this summer, sister J. and I hit a few good garage sales and I picked up a Woody Doll for Wee One. I took this picture the day I purchased it for him, he still loves that doll. There was also a Buzz Lightyear figure I did not buy because son #1 had 2 when he was a toddler (I did not yet know they had disappeared). Now, I am kicking myself for not buying the garage sale one!

Today is gray and rainy. A small cold front has moved thru, it is only supposed to be near 80 degrees today. I am debating between homemade chicken and noodles or Jambalaya for tonite's supper. Both are usually a big hit around here.

Last night hubby went to bed at 9:10 pm, just after America's Most Wanted with John Walsh was over. Here's our conversation when I commented on how tired he seemed to be.

me "going to bed already? It's early, have one of these Bacardi Green Apple drinks, they are good."

hubby " I am tired, I am going to bed. Wee one did not cut me any slack today."

me "what? Wee One is an angel."

hubby " I am going to bed.."

me " I do not know why you are so tired, you slept in this morning a bit, did not have to work, didnt even pick up after you and Toddler Terror. Plus, you took an hour nap."

hubby " Toddler Terror did not let me rest for hardly a minute. Good nite!"

me, saying around the corner at him as he goes into our bedroom, " I rarely get a nap during the daytime, and then you come home from work every nite and wonder why I am exhausted.....are you wiser now?"

hubby : no answer, then about 2 minutes later loud snoring is heard coming from the open bedroom door....

I have not accomplished a lot this morning. I did get up early before the rain hit. It was thundering and lightening something fierce, Scooter was inside his outdoor run-in stalls. I fed him his breakfast in there and gave him a good fly-spraying, fussed over him a bit. When he was dry and done eating, I let him go do his thing, which was stand inside out of the rain. I filled up his stall's water bucket with fresh water so he would not have to venture out into the rain to drink. He is the most spoiled horse!

If you have been wondering why I do not post many pics of son #1 it is because he has informed me, I must get an OKAY from him directly of any and all pictures of him I post on the net. He said, he is almost 13 yo and it is his right. So, I am respecting his wishes. Until I get his approval on some pictures I have of him I am pending to post, I cannot put anymore into my blog.

Oops, I Did It Again...

2006-09-16T18:58:00.000-05:00

Oops, I over spent my monthly budget again. Hubby did not even b*tch about it and he has kept Toddler Terror all day long. I cut out of here about 10 am after a 30 minute, windy, morning ride on the old guy. I rode over to the 'goat keeper' neighbors at sunrise and bought more goat cheese curds from them. Those things are YUMMY! Then, I came home, took a long, hot shower, and told hubby I needed out, alone, no time restraints. I also had a lot of shopping to do. He just handed over the extra cash I asked for, not one complaint. I guess he knew better since my sanity has been tested by my family here of late. I like to shop. Especially when I am in the mood to shop, like today.

I went to Bartlesville and hit a lot of stores. I think I was in Hobby Lobby and Wal-Mart the longest. I went to the Mall, Walgreens, K-Mart, Atwoods, Big Lots, and even 1 garage sale.

Fall is my favorite season. Nothing beats Fall weather in Oklahoma. The weather is usually perfect, 'cept for today, it was HOT-but its going to be cooler starting tomorrow night or Monday. Anyhow, I bought some new house decor for Halloween and Thanksgiving. I have not put them all out yet. I need to be home alone, or atleast put them all out when Toddler Terror is napping. Toddler Terror helped me put out our yard scarecrows yesterday, I thought they might blow away. I hammered them in the ground pretty good tho. Here are a few I set out this evening. ( Iam no Martha Stewart, good thing too, I dont think Id do all that well in the penn!)

Now I am relaxing having a few of these Bacardi Apple malt beverages. They are quite tasty. Son #1 went with his friend and his father to a popular dirt bike/atv trail park this afternoon. He just called and they are on their way home. He is spending the night over at their house but the are going to drive out here to drop off his dirt bike, get clothes, and eat some BBQ ribs and cowboy beans I picked up. They said they were starving!

*******************************

Between My Horse's Wings

Is this real, or is this fantasy?
The wind rushing forcefully
Through my long dark hair
The feel of the cool air
Beneath the horse’s wings

Is this real, or is this fantasy
The muscles work powerfully
To drive us into the night
The stars wink like little lights
Above the horse’s wings

Is this real, or is this fantasy?
As I ride over the ocean and sea
My muscles tense as I hold
My skin red from the windy cold
Flowing past the horse’s wings

Is this real, or is this fantasy?
I revel in this dangerous ecstasy
A silvery mane blows in my face
Blown back, by the wind we race
Born on by the horse’s wings

Is this real, or is this fantasy?
As we fly through the air swiftly
My face is lifted toward the sky
Arms outstretched, wind rushing by
The beating of the horse’s wings

Is this real, or is this fantasy?
Faster and faster, we seem to fly
The wind tugging at my body
As I look to the heavenly bodies
Shining on the horse’s wings

Is this real, or is this fantasy?
My horse flies gracefully
Over the fields and streams
Are these things only my dreams?
Sitting between the horse’s wings

Horse Poet

Short Day

2006-09-15T09:16:00.000-05:00

Today was a short day. It was sunny but very windy. Warm wind out of the South. The temperatures have warmed up too, going to be near 90 degrees and hot this weekend. Not quite Fall yet, but close, very close. We started sorting the steers early. The trucks (semis) were about 3 hours away. So we had the choice of either going to another range about 2 miles away and driving more steers or going home until noon. My choice was home. I would have liked to stay and worked the whole day (especially since I was riding Joe again) but Wee One woke up feeling puny with a bad runny nose and not feeling good at all. I just didnt have the heart to make him stay at his mean Aunties until late afternoon(I also has son#1 to pick up at school). So, before noon, we were both home, I had already showered off the cattle dust, and we had PB&J with plain chips for lunch. Toddler Terror's rice bread isint too bad-I kinda like it myself. I have a quick trip down to AKiN'S Natural Foods Market in Tulsa this weekend to get more non-dairy, wheat-free goodies for Toddler Terror. Since his surgery is Thursday, we'll be down there Wednesday for his pre-op and paper signing, we might go by Akins, but one never knows how Toddler Terror will behave....so I am going this weekend too so he has a variety of his foods especially when he wont be feeling well at all the end of next week.

I took a picture of this scary spider last night. Son #1 wanted me to get closer so I could zoom right in but I told him "no way!" and zoomed from a safe, very faraway distance. I hate spiders. I was going to dispose of it but I was distracted. If it is still there today, I'll get rid of it with the raid spider spray and the shovel. Wee One is always playing all over outside, I do not want him to get bit by it. I dont think these kinds are poisonous or usually come indoors...but I still do not like it hanging around....

Our tiny little hamlet's water tower. I am not the best picture taker while driving 1-handed on a dirt road....I'll try to get a better picture in the daylight. Up higher on the hill, the view is tons better.

My stinky neighbors, for all you cow lovers..

More dusk pictures of my stinky neighbors.

This big white-faced heifer stopped and let me take all kinds of pictures of her. Then, when I turned around to chase after Toddler Terror who was slinging horse feed around in the barn, she ran at me from behind- sneaky heifer! I was in my horse pasture at our fence line when I took the pictures. Just one more reason I like 'em med-rare with A1 sauce. No offense to my cow lover friends...but sneaky bovines suck.

Dirty horse Scooter after Toddler Terror rode him around bareback. He was not too thrilled but tolerant, such a good horse. The Old Guy isint too thrilled about his new exercise regime either.

I was over at An Audience of One the other day and went to this link: Parenting Advice for Toddlers through Teenagers. They had this little questionnaire. Kinda neat.

How many of these questions can you answer right now?

Who is your child's best friend? son #1-T and C wee one-me or his daddy

Who is his greatest hero? son #1- some football player, I do not know the name but I know his face wee one-Woody from Toy Story

What are his heartfelt dreams? son #1-to play pro-football someday wee one-to be like his brother

What is his favorite activity? son #1-football wee one-outside, any activity outdoors

What is your child's most precious possession? son #1-dirtbike or MP3 player (not sure) wee one-his Woody Doll or his stuffed snakey(its s tie)

Which talent would he hope to have? not sure about this question...

What attributes of his personality does he consider unique? son #1-makes and keeps friends very easily wee one-well...hes just 2 yo so Im not too sure what exactly he is thinking some of the time...

When was the last time he got really angry, and has he gotten over the incident yet? son #1- 2 weeks ago, grounded from his dirtbike, yep hes over it wee one- this afternoon when he wanted to play in the kitchen sink with water running and I said NO, yep hes over it.

Who is his favorite teacher, and what is his best subject in school? son#1- math and geography. Mr. T (who also happens to be his defensive plays football coach) wee one-he loves reading, since I am the only one who reads to him, I suppose that makes me his fave teacher?...

At the end of the survey it said not to fret if you could not answer some of the questions. I am a nosey parent and always give my 12 yo the '3rd degree' as he so lovingly calls it.

TGIF

BadAss

2006-09-14T15:55:00.000-05:00

Mules are strange creatures. They are hybrid offspring from a male donkey(jack) bred to a female horse(mare). They are sterile, almost homely animals but are known for their endurance, surefootedness, and the ability to with-stand hard work in hot weather. Most mules are easily kept and handled in places where horses cannot be. Most mules are steady and not nervous. Many mules Ive encountered were easily handled by inexperienced riders without any incidents.

When I first moved to Oklahoma in '89, I had the opportunity for an entire coon season to hunt off the back of a mule named Jasper behind our hounds. He was fearless and smart. As sure footed as any goat or cat Ive ever seen. I doubted many times some of the terrain I rode across. Terrain I wouldnt cross on my own 2 feet. Jasper's owner, Tom, who hunted off his snow-white mule just taught me from his saddle, that mules are totally different than horses in a lot of ways. One thing about 'ole Jasper that made me a huge fan, when we had to cross barb-wire fencing (which on cattleland, 6 strand tight wire is a bitch to get thru/across) Jasper would jump these fences with the ease of a housecat. I carried an extra saddle blanket in the front of my saddle, when it was time to get across the fence, I'd drape the blanket over the wire fence and Jasper (like the other mules) from a couple of steps back, he would spring over the fence with ease. Amazing, I had never encountered such amazing creatures growing up in N.Michigan-I encountered some beautiful and talented horses but never anything like those hunting mules. After that hunting season, I seriously considered buying a mule, but I got more involved in roping and sort of lost the 'want'. Occassionally, best friend L. and I talk about our first coon season in Oklahoma..the suprise rattlers we stumbled on, the suprise rare bobcat we'd scare up, and even the suprising rare panther (mt.lion) we encountered. We never talk about the good 'ole days without mentioning Jasper and Leroy (she rode Leroy, a spotted mule). Yep, those were some good days indeed.

This was sent to me in an email and I thought it was too cool not to share. I am seriously doubting the actual story behind the pictures. I do not know how long these pictures have been around and I also may be totally wrong in my theory. But here are some thoughts:

1. It appears to be winter-time in the pictures which is mountain lion season.

2. The saddle seems to be outfitted for hunting and packing.

3. The 2 hounds in the background give me serious suspicion that this was an actual hunt and not the 'stalking' story that was sent behind the pictures. I do not doubt the mule was finishing off the big cat, mules can be excellent protectors(in the 1st pic, the lion is still alive).

Walker hounds are specifically bred for hunting/running bigger game. Ive covered many miles behind some very good Walker hounds on coon hunts, a few big cat hunts, and in N.MI before I moved to Oklahoma, a few black bear.

Anyhow, I wanted to share the pictures with you because,as a hunter, I thought they were neat...sorry if someone finds them offensive, all I can say is DONT LOOK.

Heres the story forwarded with the pictures....

A couple from Montana were out riding on the range, he with his rifle and she (fortunately) with her camera. Their dogs always followed them, but on this occasion a Mountain Lion decided that he wanted to stalk the dogs (you'll see the dogs in the background watching). Very, very bad decision... The hunter got off the mule with his rifle and decided to shoot in the air to scare away the lion, but before he could get off a shot, the lion charged in and decided he wanted a piece of those dogs. With that, the mule took off and decided he wanted a piece of that lion. That's when all hell broke loose... for the lion.As the lion approached the dogs the mule snatched him up by the tail and started whirling him around. Banging its head on the ground on every pass. Then he dropped it, stomped on it and held it to the ground by the throat. The mule then got down on his knees and bit the thing all over a couple of dozen times to make sure it was dead, then whipped it into the air again, walked back over to the couple (that were stunned in silence) and stood there ready to continue his ride... as if nothing had just happened. Fortunately even though the hunter didn't get off a shot, his wife got off these 4. "

This story below just so happened to be in the Oklahoma local news today:

Mountain Lion Killed In Panhandle KOTV.com
AP - 9/14/2006 8:52 AM
KENTON, Okla. (AP) -- A state game warden has killed a mountain lion that was attacking livestock in the Oklahoma Panhandle. Wildlife officials believe this is the first confirmed case of a lion killing livestock in Oklahoma this year.
Wildlife Department spokesman Micah Holmes says a farmer near Kenton in far western Cimarron County has complained of a lion killing his goats. Holmes says the man called last week and said he was watching the lion kill a goat.
A game warden went to the farm Friday and killed the lion after seeing it return to the goat pen. There have been other reports of mountain lions attacking livestock in the state but Holmes says it usually turns out to be coyotes or dogs.

***************************

Son#1 attendeds our tiny town's Assembly of God Youth Group activities. He really enjoys it but isint too sure about some of their beliefs. Anyhow, I am happy that he is interested in the Youth Group, they do all kinds of neat activities and he is able to take away some values that make his character stronger. So, I was not too upset with him when he volunteered me to bake some goodies for their bake-sale to help fund the Fall Festival. I figure it is the least I can do. The Church sends the van out to pick him up/drop him off if he wants a ride, and altho we are not members, he is treated just like anyone else in their congregation. It's not the kind of 'faith ' for me(y'all know my stance on that whole topic:Lost Faith). I am just glad son #1 is participating in any kind of Christian activities!

Today was a good day. The weather couldnt have been any better. I rode a short-legged bay gelding named "Joe" who was as weathered at cattle shipping as the oldest cowboy on board. That alone in itself means the Spirits were smiling down on me today-you see, most cowboys take along an extra horse. This horse is usually very green and has not been ridden alot. So, by the luck of the draw, Joe fell into my hands......

I am tired and sore in a good way. Very MUCH looking forward to tomorrow morning. Wee One wasnt all that happy at Auntie's but I cannot imagine any kid that would be. Just one more morning, I promised him...hubby said maybe he can drop him off later in the morning tomorrow, like around 9:30 am instead of this morning, he dropped him off at 8am before he took son #1 to school. Hubby had a meeting with the Natural Gas people who buy his lease's natural gas.

AOL has been messing up my emails the last 2 days. They are getting sent a day later than when I send them or not sending at all. If anyone was expecting an email from me and didnt get it or received something at the wrong time, let me know. AOL is supposed to be fixing it-grrrrrrr. While they are at it they should get rid of their stupid pop-ups! I do not pay $25 a month for their pop-ups~

On a happy note, when I drove by town, I saw gas is down to $2.19 a gallon and when I checked last, oil was $66 a barrel. Not too shabby....I hope our economy stays steady-if thats what ya want to call it. Also, this evening Scooters 'pecker'problem was looking the best it ever has.....I guess the meds have worked so far, its not completely healed but the swelling was nearly gone.

Half Full

2006-09-13T19:07:00.000-05:00

Hunger Strike
By Temple Of The Dog
BestAudioCodes.com

Nearly the last 4 months I have felt very unlike myself. I have caught myself wondering, is it possible to have a mid-life crisis at the young age of 37? For some reason I find this very unlikely. Then the idea runs thru my mind, could I have a chemical imbalance? Quite possible, is the answer I come up with. Lurking in the nether-regions of my fractured mind I think I can hear a whisper which holds the answer to my question, WTF is my problem exactly? I feel it has a lot to do with the fact that I am so close to earning my BA in Biology, so very close, I can almost touch it. But, I am not working at it right now. I want to, so badly want to. As an individual, I need stimulation, I need to be busy, I need to work towards something. This gray cloud that I occassionally feel hovering over me is caused from idleness, feeling taken for granted, and being 'expected' to be someone I honestly think I cannot be. Everyday I get the feeling that I am not cut out to be a stay-at-home mom or a housewife.....I think about those perfect 50's housewives or Beaver Cleavers moms and I get nauseated. The only thing I have in common with them is I like a clean, clutter-free home, and I enjoy cooking (sometimes). Thats about it.

So, I mentioned to hubby, since I have not enough money to enroll this Fall semester for the labs/classes I need at the University's Tulsa Campus(I am too late to enroll anyhow for the Oct. semester) I think I will take on a part-time job. Hubby just stood there with this look on his face like I just told him "I was kidnapped by Aliens and was converting to Scientology." He said, " you cannot be serious?" Me, "umm, hell yes, I am serious." hubby, " where, when,? I dont think its a good idea." Remember, hubby thinks mothers should not work outside of the home, ever. Really. His redneck self actually thinks that is the right thing. (sometimes, his old-fashioned beliefs make me want to choke the living cr*p outta him) His mother never worked outside of his childhood home, except for charity work. Writing these things about him kinda makes it look like I am throwing him under the bus...maybe so-he does work hard, he is a pretty good father but I am sure y'all can see where I am coming from.

So, you can imagine my position here. I have felt since the day he talked me out of working full-time, that he has finally won. Won what? I am not sure how to describe it but nonetheless, I feel like Ive lost in a huge way but then Ive gained in a huge way more freedom and time with my kids. I definately do not miss my old job, but I miss the satisfaction of a daily job well-done...I hope I am making sense. One would think I should be happy, but I am not. Some people would even go so far to say "I'd bitch if I was hung with a new rope." Hell yes I would, especially if it was my new Smith Bros. rope. Those things arent cheap!

Hubby's last words on the subject, "well, you can always get more horses to ride, bring them here like you used to, that always keeps you busy." There are only so many horses in our area that need training, many people want me to come to them, I understand that-but with Toddler Terror it is not easy. Yes, riding other people's horses always keeps me busy, Toddler Terror keeps me busy, running to and from town to school and football practices/games keeps me busy too. Once in awhile, I want to ride my own horse when I want to, not when I can squeeze in 30 minutes or an hour in between everyone else's schedule. Yep, I definately am sounding like a whiney spoiled brat....oh well. One thing I did do, was schedule an appointment next tuesday with a headstart type daycare center in the community South of mine, the opposite way I take son #1 to school. But, Ive heard good stuff about this place, it is also an Indian Nation ran outfit and if they have an opening, I can send TT there for a few hours a day 2-3X a week! I hope he his eligible and his upcoming surgery doesnt hurt his chances for a spot in the program. Geesh, those kind of good daycare places are few and far between, not to mention in high demand. Also, my pickiness doesnt help...

My cup is half full why cant I just be satisfied with that? Is it wrong to ask for more? That is the BIG question...

No more whining from me. I promise. I'll be too busy and too tired from working cattle shipping to feel like complaining. I am only working 2 half days but heck, its spent in the saddle, outside, doing something I love and getting paid to do it. TT is going to his Aunties from 8 am-11 am in the mornings....poor Wee One, the mean Auntie too. But, she runs an in-home daycare and she is trustworthy, and I need this in order to keep my sanity. Not to mention the money...Its only for 2 days, TT can handle it, I hope. Just 2 days at the mean Aunties..

My friend brian wrote this poem.
"Lonesome Rider"

alone she rides with her thoughts
the horizon always beyond her reach
a future there that cannot be caught
all around her bright colors leach
change of seasons blowing through
soon to come from northern skies
life a struggle must try to renew
alone she rides with heavy sighs.

Thank you brian.

Changes Are Coming

2006-09-13T04:38:00.000-05:00

Changes
By Ozzy Osbourne
BestAudioCodes.com

Gray day Tuesday. I took this picture Tuesday morning. Toddler Terror and I drove out to D.'s ranch. I collected my payment for riding the paint filly in the late morning yesterday. Cookie was already gone. I didnt ask where to, I do not want to know. I was paid more than I expected, more than the usual going rate, more than I asked for. I was suprised because L.D. isint known for his generosity. Later in the day yesterday, the sun finally came out to shine.

Sometimes I feel like Elvis and the Old Guy are the only 2 beings who would really miss me if I dropped off the face of the Earth. Of course, unless it was dinner time. Then, my family would all be standing around the kitchen wondering where the heck I was and why the heck dinner was not ready.

Horse and Rider

The prairie blows the grasses
And whips the horse’s mane.
They travel, horse and rider,
Through the sea of amber grain

Hills roll by, and clouds pass
But steady are the horse’s hooves
Upon the wind blown grass
As they travel, horse and rider

There is no trail that they follow
No path that can be seen
There they travel, horse and rider
Upon the endless blowing green

Ivy Schex

MEMEMEME

2006-09-12T11:50:00.000-05:00

Redneckgirl tagged me. So I must write 8 things/habits/facts about me.

I've been a crazy about horses since I can remember, when I was about 4 yo.
I am addicted to coca-cola classic in a can.
I like to drink Mikes Hard Lemonade for an alcoholic beverage.
I worked outside of my home until 2002. I handled insurance the world's largest retailer. It was a very stressful position that I had to travel out of state in. It sucked. I have NEVER missed it for a second. Not even the paycheck.
I hate clutter, I am constantly picking up my house and putting things in their proper place..if it does not have a proper place or looks suspiciously like trash, then I usually throw it in the trashcan.
I have a lot of friends, but only a few are 'close friends'.
I am very moody.
I am a republican.

Crazy

2006-09-12T07:45:00.000-05:00

Crazy Train
By Ozzy Osbourne
BestAudioCodes.com

Saturday night's sunset. It was so peaceful outside. But, that all ended when I went indoors. My home is like a circus minus the ringmaster. I like my family but they are ever so diligently chipping away at my sanity. I did not have much to begin with either. I cant afford to be an alcoholic, unless I drink Mad Dog 20/20.......ack! No thanks! They haven't legalized marijuana yet so that is out of the question..sigh. I am so close to going back to my personal MD and getting some kind of medicine...lithium is good stuff I hear, or some prozac. Does that kind of medicine have side affects?

Sunday evening, just before bed time, Toddler Terror just had to have a PB & J on his rice bread.

Now I know why my computer is running crappy lately!

The weather here in Oklahoma has been quite nice. Toddler Terror and I have been spending a lot of the days outdoors. Fall in Oklahoma is my absolute favorite season of the entire year. Hubby and son #1 went out Saturday while Wee One and I were at the Fair and sighted in deer rifles, except mine of course. Who knows when I'll get to sight mine in. Last year I only got to hunt a few days. Then towards the end of the season the weather turned nasty. Best friend L. gave me a phone number for a daycare that is going to be opening up. I am going to call them and see about sending Toddler Terror there during the day when deer season starts.

Oklahoma has had some very odd news here lately. Very odd indeed. Well, you know we recently had the "Penis Pump" Judge who was sentenced to prison time. I bet he isint treated all too nicely in the joint. He should have been thinking about that when he was getting his rocks off under his judge's robe while presiding over court. One word comes to my mind when I see pictures of that nasty old man, PERVERT.

Then we have Snyder, Oklahoma's Police Chief Quits Over Nude INTERNET Photos of Wife . Here is a snippet from Chief Tod Ozmun's interview:

"People in this country do what she does on a daily basis," he said. "It's absolutely ludicrous. Makes no sense at all."
He said he has had lengthy discussions with his wife about the photos but does not tell her what to do.
"My wife is 6-foot-3 and weighs 300 pounds," he said. "If there is somebody that thinks they can control her, have at it. I have tried for 11 years and haven't been able to."

OMG, I'd rather not even think about what those pictures looked like. If I were in Chief Ozmun's shoes, I'd not only resign but take my 20 grand compensation pay and leave town...poor guy.

The Old Guy was not happy when he wanted attention and did not get it. I was cooking dinner when I took this picture.

Son #1 had his first offical babysitting job yesterday afternoon. He babysat an almost 4 yo and a 7 yo. He said it was fun. He watched NFL, played playstation, and played doh all day. He also cooked 'easymac' in the microwave and microwave popcorn, and made koolaide for his little charges to drink. He made some good cash! When I asked him this morning on his way to school if he would watch Toddler Terror for me for 1 hour Wednesday so I could go out to the CB Ranch and talk to the ranch-hand foreman about working this upcoming cattle shippings, son #1 said "it'll cost ya." Me, "wft?! cost me? what?" Son #1, "well, I figure I should get about $5 an hour, its the going rate ya know." Me, "okay, sure, no problem. And you can wash your own clothes and drive your self home from football practice too." I suppose that was kind of mean of me.....I'll end up paying him and not making him do his laundry or bum a ride...

*****************

It was my turn to have Toddler Terror duty for son #1's home football game last night. It was another good game. We won 16-0. Son #1 played excellent. He played starting offense center position the whole game until the last half when he played both offense and defense (not sure which defense position he played) he had 1 QB sack and recovered a fumble from the opposing team. Son #1's game was on fire last night! I didnt get any pictures because I do not trust hubby with my camera and he takes crappy pictures anyhow. TT and I arrived late and left early. We came home and we all hung out outside until just after dark. I missed Monday Night football so now I have to go check the scoreboards...

9/11

2006-09-11T07:45:00.000-05:00

I was at work dressed in a tan/khaki skirt, a dark green polo shirt, and my Birkenstocks. It was a busy day. I had received a Court Petition and was on the phone with my truck driver's dispatch in Iowa getting as much information I could about a employee who had filed a law suit. I had only been back to work for a few days since my near fatal car accident. My fractured jaw was healed but it was still difficult doing the simplest things, like chew food, talk. I was reclined back in my chair with my left leg encased in a plastic/metal/plaster cast going over DOT information with the Manager. JE peered over our cubicle wall and just stared at me. I remember mouthing "what?" She said, "hang up." I told my dispatch manager I had to go and as I hung up on his line, another line rang and it was hubby. JE said, " the trade centers in NY, bombed or a plane was flown into them, I dont know, its bad. Security is bringing us a TV." I didnt quite understand the depth of what she was saying until I spoke to hubby. I answered hubby's line, he had jury duty that morning and was at home waiting to go to the courthouse when he saw the news coverage. He told me what he was watching on TV. The office was quiet, silent. very unusual, it was always humming with people on the phones, keyboards, faxes....but instead everyone was glued to their computer or to the TV's which security brought in for us to watch. I called my Father in N.MI on my cell phone while watching the news coverage. I finished out the day, made my 35 minute drive home, even tho I wanted nothing more than to go pick up son#1 from school and be at home with him and hubby. When I arrived home, hubby had dinner fixed (hamburger helper) and he and son #1 were watching the news coverage.

What were YOU doing that day? Please respond in the comments. I know every American remembers exactly what they were doing and where they were at on 9/11.

Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American)
By Toby Keith
BestAudioCodes.com

Please read the amazing tributes by bloggers : remembering the 2,996

A Fair Day

2006-09-10T07:22:00.000-05:00

Someday
By Steve Earle
BestAudioCodes.com

It is official. The 1 stop-light town that son #1 attends school in no longer has a stop-light. It has been converted to a 4-way red flashing stop. Guess the town's officials thought the stop-light was just too much for the tiny community.

I took this picture of the Old Guy out the back door. He was wanting some attention.

Son #1 and Toddler Terror at 8:30 am Saturday morning. Son #1 made the bike he is riding on out of parts from his old bikes. He calls it his 'trick bike'. He has a chopper bike and a Mongoose bike. I asked him why he could not do tricks on his Mongoose bike, which is made specifically for such things, he said he didnt want to tear it up, it was his good bike....? huh?

Son #1 is grounded from his dirt-bike for 2 weeks. I caught him on the county road riding without his helmet. A BIG no-no, which he knows. 1 more week to go, too bad for him! I'll be glad when he tears it up again and it is broke down....I am such a mean mother.

Sometimes, the testosterone level in my house is just too much for me. Can it reach a toxic level? Because, me being surrounded by all this maleness is really starting to get on my nerves.....Ithink Ill get a fish, a female fish. Then maybe I wont feel so out-numbered.

Last week hubby and I discussed what kind of landscaping ideas each of us had for our new yard. Spring is a long ways off so we have a lot of time to plan and do a little bit of research about a variety of shrubs, trees, ect. We are planning on planting a lot of SUCCULENTS (near the house) and some Trees of Rapid Growth. I grew up in N.Michigan where apple trees are abundant. I am thinking about planting a few of them too, along with some hardy pines. Nothing beats the smell of pines....

TT doing one of his favorite things.

More jumping and bouncing...all before 9 am. The fun never stops at my house. Yipeeeee..............

*****************************

Saturday Wee One and I went to the Fair.

Toddler Terror had fun doing more jumping.

The we visited the animals. Goats! Toddler Terror loves goats!

Wee One watched a sheep being sheared before the livestock shows.

Pet Cemetary steers.....

**********************

My life is so exciting, I better go pinch myself just to make sure it's the real deal......sigh

Where is Trenton Duckett?

2006-09-09T08:36:00.000-05:00

Nancy Grace is the kind of person most people either love her or hate her. I am neither. Sometimes I do not agree with her. Sometimes she is totally annoying. But, I think she is brilliant. NG is one smart lady, no one can deny her that. Occassionally, hubby and I enjoy watching her TV program on Headline News. Last night we caught part of it and she was discussing 2 yo Trenton Duckett .

Ive been known to frequent message boards and the internet sleuthing communities often. Lately, I have not had the time so I had not kept up to date on the news regarding Ducketts case. Since the little guy is 2 yo, like my Wee One, his case struck a chord inside my heart. I cannot imagine putting him to sleep at night only to discover him missing 2 hours later. Frantic, scared, and desperate. Those are the only words I could describe how I would feel. Desperate, not the kind of desperation that would make me put a gun to my head tho....

I want to thank my bestest and one of my oldest blogger friends, brian over at truth is freedom for sending me the latest news link. This case is in his area and he knew it was on my mind. Last night I just did not have the energy to cover Trenton Duckett's case. After catching NG's program, I think we need an all out effort now to locate little 2 yo trenton Duckett.

Orlando Sentinel gave the best background on Trenton's case.

Neighbors said they saw little of Trenton, described last week by his mother as a friendly, outgoing and intelligent toddler. He rarely came outside to play, Inglis said.Police have spent the past few days trying to confirm the whereabouts of Trenton and his mother 48 hours before the toddler's reported disappearance.Eubank has told the Orlando Sentinel that Melinda Duckett and Trenton were at her home all day Aug. 26 -- 24 hours before police received a 911 call about the boy's abduction.Investigators arrived at Melinda Duckett's apartment shortly after 9 p.m. two Sundays ago and found the boy's bedroom-window screen ripped 10 inches.Melinda Duckett told police that she had put her son to bed around 7 p.m. and invited two men over to watch the movie Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.When she went to check on him after the movie, he was gone, she told investigators. Both men in the apartment told police they did not see Trenton while visiting.Several hours later, police issued a statewide Amber Alert. The next day investigators from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the FBI and several Central Florida agencies began canvassing Lake County and interviewing relatives, neighbors and nearby registered sex offenders.When asked last week whether she was involved in her son's disappearance, Melinda Duckett told the Orlando Sentinel: "There's no one I know who could be that malicious."

Melinda Duckett dead from a self inflicted gunshot wound.This is not of the norm. Suicide by firearm is not common among women. This is a fact. MD had prior mental problems. She was admitted into psych help thru the Bakers Act prior to the disappearence of TD. Duckett's suicide is a huge setback in the search for Trenton. What kind of mother kills herself when her 2 yo toddler has been allegedly kidnapped? That would not even cross my mind as a mother. Here is a great timeline that was in the above news article.

Trenton Duckett Timeline
Aug. 10, 2004: Trenton Duckett born to Melinda Eubank and Joshua Duckett.
April 6, 2005: Joshua Duckett calls Bushnell Police Department with concerns about Trenton's welfare. Melinda Eubank (maiden name) is investigated on child neglect and endangerment allegations, but DCF investigators find no evidence that Trenton is in danger.
April 16, 2005: Joshua Duckett complains to the Bushnell Police Department that Melinda Eubank, his ex-girlfriend, has been entering his truck and moving his belongings. Duckett tells police he is concerned that Eubank may hurt their child if he does not rekindle their relationship. The investigating officer notes that he has been to to the couple's home in the past in response to verbal domestic disputes.
April 27, 2005: Joshua Duckett's workplace, Love's Creation in Bushnell, burns in an arson fire. Love's is owned by Joshua Duckett's mother, Carla Massero. Two friends of Melinda Eubank are later named as possible suspects.
July 3, 2005: Joshua Duckett and Melinda Eubank marry. Lake County Court records list their address in Leesburg.
Dec. 25, 2005: Melinda Duckett calls the Bushnell Police Department for a well-being check on Trenton. He is at Massero's house with Joshua Duckett, who is living in Croom-a-Coochee. Police tell Melinda Duckett the boy is fine. She later calls for another well-being check. She is again told he is fine, and police warn her not to make unfounded complaints.
June 14, 2006: Melinda Duckett files for divorce.
July 5, 2006: Melinda Duckett requests an injunction against Joshua Duckett for protection against domestic violence.
July 13, 2006: Melinda Duckett is granted temporary custody of Trenton and Joshua Duckett is ordered to have no contact with the child until the case is heard.
Aug. 4, 2006: The request for injunction case is continued in Lake County Court.
Aug, 27, 2006: Melinda Duckett reportedly discovers Trenton missing from his bedroom.
Sept. 8, 2006: Melinda Duckett is found dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in her grandparents' Villages home.

NG's program had been taped earlier. While it aired, it showed that MD's body was discovered at her Grandparent's house, she was dead form a self-inflicted gunshot wound. After watching NG, then reading NG's Transcripts,, I am not shocked by MD's actions. Some snippets below.
"GRACE: Out to Trenton`s father, Josh Duckett. Have you taken a polygraph?JOSH DUCKETT: Yes.
GRACE: You pass it?
JOSH DUCKETT: They didn`t say whether you pass or fail, but the response was favorable, they said."
GRACE: Who was there?
JOSH DUCKETT: FBI agents.
GRACE: Did you have a lawyer with you?JOSH DUCKETT: No.
GRACE: Did you feel like you needed a lawyer?
JOSH DUCKETT: No, not at all.
GRACE: Do you currently have lawyer?
JOSH DUCKETT: No.

GRACE: Out to Melinda Duckett. This is Trenton`s mom. Melinda, have you taken a polygraph?
MELINDA DUCKETT: I`ve spoken to the investigators, and Joshua is on the outside loop of it, and as far as the investigative techniques are concerned with polygraph, stress test, physical searches, interviews, et cetera, my family and I have fully cooperated with local law enforcement and...
GRACE: Have you taken a polygraph?
MELINDA DUCKETT: ... the federal and everything...(CROSSTALK)
MELINDA DUCKETT: And locally, they don`t have enough necessary experience, and that`s why the FBI was called in to begin with. I`ve been instructed to only speak with them, with their unit, and anything that they release to the media or public is up to them. Now, as far as...
GRACE: Have you taken a polygraph?
MELINDA DUCKETT: ... or anything -- like I said, I mean, anything that I do or anything is in cooperation with them. I`m doing everything they want me to. But as far as details and everything, I mean, I`m leaving everything up to them.
GRACE: Right. Have you taken a polygraph?
MELINDA DUCKETT: I`ve done everything they`ve asked me to.
GRACE: Melinda, my producers tell me police say they offered you a polygraph and you haven`t taken it yet.
MELINDA DUCKETT: Well, I`m not sure what the police are doing. I`m not working with the police. But everything with the FBI is being handled.
GRACE: Have the FBI offered you a polygraph?
MELINDA DUCKETT: I beg your pardon?
GRACE: Have the FBI offered you a polygraph?
MELINDA DUCKETT: Everything that they have done (INAUDIBLE) and asked and everything, we`ve cooperated with. Just like with my husband, obviously, you know, there`s nothing coming up with anything.
GRACE: To Josh Duckett. That`s Trenton`s father. You say the FBI poly-ed you?
JOSH DUCKETT: Yes.
GRACE: Did they offer it to you or tell you you had to do it?
JOSH DUCKETT: They offered it to me. They asked if I`d do it voluntarily, that they couldn`t make me do it, and I voluntarily done it.
DAVID SCHWARTZ, DEFENSE ATTORNEY: Yeah I`m very surprised. Especially I`m very surprised that Melinda hasn`t lawyered up. I mean her answers to your questions are elusive at times and one in particular is that she`s not working with local police. You know you`re in this situation, it`s a horrible tragic situation, now you`re going to pick and choose what law enforcement agencies you`re going to work with and what you`re not going to work with? This is a desperate situation for desperate measures. You`re going to be working with everybody. That answer makes absolutely no sense to me, Nancy.
GRACE: Explain, Melinda. I`m sure you have an answer. Melinda Duckett, Trenton`s mom.
MELINDA DUCKETT: All four of those agencies, Leesburg Police, Lake County Sheriff, the FBI from Quantico and the FBI from Ocala, none of them are on the same page. The FBI out of Ocala specifically told me to only speak to them and to deal with them so that all of them could be on the same page with everything. And it was ridiculous because people were getting their facts wrong, they were misinterpreting things and they weren`t getting the information across correctly. That was their fault.
GRACE: Did you also get that same lecture, Josh Duckett, to only deal with one entity?
JOSH DUCKETT: No, not at all.
GRACE: Have you been working with local police, as well?
JOSH DUCKETT: I`ve been working with local police, FDLE and the FBI. GRACE: So Melinda, do you feel that you are being given different instructions than your husband?
MELINDA DUCKETT: Well obviously that is the case, but I mean, I`m all hands in the pot with this whole deal. I`m not sitting down either crying my eyes out in my house not doing anything or gluing myself to the police department door. I`m actually physically doing things.
GRACE: Tell me what you`re doing?
MELINDA DUCKETT: In addition to all the flyers and everything, we`ve done -- we`ve dealt with the media many, many, many times, with the FBI on this case, with obviously the chain letters that are going through across the internet and everything trying to spread it out as far as we possible can. Not only that, but with our local churches, there`s prayer groups and everything like that. Also, one other thing, as far as the lawyers go, we have been ongoing for two years with this. Joshua does have a lawyer and I also have one.
GRACE: For your divorce?
MELINDA DUCKETT: No, for the entire thing. For the custody and everything and for the injunction.
GRACE: Ok. Josh, it`s my understanding you guys have had a very, very bitter split but I`m talking about lawyers as they relate to the disappearance of your son. You don`t have a lawyer for that, right, Josh?
JOSH DUCKETT: No. I don`t have a lawyer for anything to do with the disappearance of my son.
GRACE: Right, why aren`t you telling us and giving us a clear picture of where you were before your son was kidnapped?
MELINDA DUCKETT: Because I`m not going to put those kind of details out? GRACE: Why?
MELINDA DUCKETT: Because I was told not to.
GRACE: Ms. Duckett, you are not telling us for a reason. What is the reason? You refuse to give even the simplest facts of where you were with your son before he went missing. It is day 12.

*********as Toddler Terror's mother, I know we do not go about shopping, to the Post Office, ect WITHOUT being noticed...NO WAY NO HOW!*********

One thing that bothers me is MD's statement in NG's interview, MD said "he" was STILL alive when she put Trenton to bed or checked on him. WTF??!!?!! This gal had my hinky meter on high alert even before I realized she had prior mental problems, then offed herself. The wires are burning up with accusations against NG for in an indirect way 'causing' the suicide. That is total BULLSHIT. No one forced Melinda to go on NG's show. Everyone knows NG is straight up and hard-edged. She may tough and pushy, but she asks IMPORTANT questions. NG would be the FIRST national media person I contacted if I ever needed help.

Some interesting things:

Melinda Duckett moved to Florida in 2002 to live with her paternal grandparents and finish high school. She had since moved on to college, where Eubank said she had a 4.0 grade point average and was interested in pursuing a career in criminal psychology.

JAMES_DUCKETT, Trenton's grandfather is on death row in Florida. He is a former Mascotte police officer convicted in 1988 of raping, strangling and drowning an 11-year-old girl. James Duckett claims he is innocent......

Josh Duckett (Trenton's father) was worried MD would harm their son. MD said if the relationship was not rekindled she would hurt their son. He reported this to law enforcement.

Josh Duckett is not a suspect in his son's disappearence....

As you can imagine lots of amatuer internet sleuthers have their ideas as to what has happened to Trenton. Investigators are still searching for him, hoping he is live somewhere, possibly with family out of the State of Florida. But, I am not inclined to think so. It's obvious, MD was not close with her out-of-state kin. It is obvious, MD has some sort of psychotic or what ever the hell you want to call it mental issue going on. As someone who can put 2 + 2 together, I think MD did something awful to that little boy and then she killed her-selfish-self because she did not want to deal with it.

I hope with all my heart, I am proved WRONG and Trenton is found alive and safe soon.....

Falling

2006-09-08T20:25:00.000-05:00

Free Fallin'
By Tom Petty
BestAudioCodes.com

"... He doth nothing but talk of his horse."
--William Shakespeare. The Merchant of Venice.

Early this morning I went for a ride. The Moon was setting.

Scooter after our early ride. I rode him bareback down the old railroad tracks. It was a bit nippy outside. We startled some deer, a bunch of does. You can see, he did not even break a sweat and he is impatiently waiting for his morning chow. The other pictures are from when I was outdoors during the afternoon doing some chores while Wee One was napping.

dirty horse!

********************************
I've been on the cranky side today. I think it is from lack of sleep. Wee One's surgery has been scheduled for 9/21 in Tulsa. We'll have to be down in Tulsa Wednesday for the pre-op and Thursday for the procedure. Hubby is worried even tho it is simple tubes put into his ears. Any surgery has risks, I am not dwelling on that. He suggested we stay the night down there before his early morning surgery. I do not think it is a good idea, Toddler Terror sleeps TONS better at home. At hotels, all he wants to do is play and act like his 2 yo self. Which I cannot blame him there. Remember how fun hotels were when you were a kid? We have football games/practices/University training for son #1 to arrange rides, ect... I think I have it almost taken care of...

Man In The Moon

2006-09-08T04:18:00.000-05:00

Cat's In The Cradle
By Harry Chapin
BestAudioCodes.com

The U.S. House on Thursday voted 263-146 in favor of the American Horse Slaughter Prevention ACT , which bans the slaughter of horses for human consumption. I've stated how I feel about this here and here . It is inhumane, the methods used to kill these lovely creatures. It is just wrong to slaughter horses for food.

******************************

Son #1 played a great game. We won lastnite 24-16. I was on the edge of my rock-hard, bleacher seat about to have a heart-attack until I stood up to get a better view and take some video. Maybe during football season my MD should give me heart meds......I think I need 'em. A couple of mothers are very loud, with their hollering and cheering. Geesh, once they were standing behind me and nearly scared me half to death. It was HOT and as the 'visitors', our bleachers are directly in the sun. My pictures didnt turn out all that well...but my videos did. Mostly my fault because I was watching the game, it was very fast paced, and trying to chat. A friend I had not visited with in a couple of months was there. She sat with me for quite awhile, in between chasing her 3yo girl around and getting her husband concession food. We visited at the end of the quarters and half-time. Someday, Ill tell you about T. but not today.....

In the game picture below son#1 is kind of in the middle.

In the next 2 pictures, son#1 has his hand on the ball.

Tuesday's game is a home game, I should have a lot better pictures...maybe Ill even remember to use my zoom!

*************

It was a beautiful Full moon last night. It was so bright outside, lots of stars too. After everyone went to bed, I found myself up all alone waiting to watch Letterman after the local news. I decided to go out to the barn and give Scooter a couple of carrots. It was so nice outside! I was sorely tempted to take a night ride on the Ole Guy like we used to..........but then, I thought with the way my luck has been running lately, I'd probably fall off and conk my head or something stupid. Plus, I was starting to get tired, but the itch to ride was so strong. After Scooter ate all his treats and let me fuss over him a bit, I decided to get my camera and take a moon picture. I took 2, my camera needs new batteries I think, or it could just be me. Anyhow, I was on the front porch when I took the pictures and damn near busted my ass tripping over a lawn chair, I decided at that moment, it was not a good nite for a solo midnight ride. I am not sure what happened to make that one picture red. I do not think my hand was in the way..hmmmm.

While I was star gazing, I decided to come indoors and check my Taurus September Horoscope . Something I rarely do anymore. When I was in high school, my friends and I would run to the School library every morning before class and check our horoscopes in the newspaper. If only Sister Maria had known we were up to no good occult stuff....she thought we were just keeping up on our current events. Not to get off track but is Astrology occult or what? I know I learned about this but Ive killed off too many brain cells since that lesson. I am not too sure I believe in Astrology either...but I am superstitious about certain things.....

This is why I rarely check my horrorscope. It usually sucks. Here are a few snippets from my September scope:

"The first, a Lunar Eclipse in Pisces on September 7 makes for an unpredictable environment where plans change without warning." Ohh, that sounds like a fun suprise....cant wait.

"You could find yourself scrambling to find a rhythm." I have enough trouble with this, I do not need any extra.

"An intense Solar Eclipse on September 22 is hooked up with Venus and Pluto, which can push relationships to the limit." Like they arent already?

"No matter how much you give to some people it's not enough." Ive known this my whole life, I do not expect it to change.

"Disappointment can stir resentments that keep you entangled with someone. Let go instead of trying to get even." Uhoh, this could mean a lot of things.

I am going back to bed. Will someone wake me on October 1st?

Game Day

2006-09-07T05:05:00.000-05:00

Mas Tequila
By Sammy Hagar
BestAudioCodes.com

"Horses change lives. They give our young people confidence and self-esteem. They provide peace and tranquillity to troubled souls-they give us hope!"

--Toni Robinson

WooHoo!! Today is game day. I'll let y'all know how it goes tomorrow. I hope I am able to get some decent pictures. I also hope Hubby gets in from work at a decent time to give me hand with Toddler Terror at the ball game..... he said it shouldnt be any problem, but you know how that can be.

Son #1 brought home his grade check paper from his math class. His teacher wrote "Very smart boy, no troubles learning and grasping math at any angle. But, he talks too much and occassionally disturbs class." Imagine that! Not my kid, disrupting class? never...yeah right! So, I wrote back on the grade check paper, "If N. continues to talk and disrupt your class, please speak with Coach P. about N.'s annoying behavior and have him reprimanded thru his favorite thing in the whole world-Football. If this does not solve the problem, please call me and I will deal with N." I am hoping this does the trick, because son #1 saw me write that and said, "Not fair, mom. That is just wrong" So, I am thinking this might nip the bratty behavior in the bud early on.....lets hope so. Football is son #1's all time favorite thing in the whole entire world, seriously, he lives, eats, breathes football 24/7. So, this is something very tangible in my effort to make him behave and be a better student....mean, yeah probly, but dammit, it works! or I could administer the ultimate torture and make him watch "Little House on the Praire." like mommy kel

how yummy does that look?

Scooter says, "you cannot be serious, I am supposed to eat this crap? you ruined good feed."

Then he said, "ack! no way in hell am I eating this crap, I'll starve first or eat grass!"

Toddler Terror yesterday. He said the black trampoline was HOT! Well, I tried to tell him but he just had to jump. After about 5 minutes, he was ready to go indoors. It was nap time anyhow.

Elvis, Protector of the Homestead. He has been spending more time tied up or indoors. He tried to bite the vet and her assistant the other day when they were here. Acted all growly, giving his best guard dog impression, hair standing up and all. So, I tied him up and he sat over on the lawn chair growling and yapping every so often, it was very bothersome to me. He also acted like he was going to take off one of the rural route garbage men's legs when they were at the end of the driveway yesterday. I am not sure what his deal is. Getting too big for his little britches I think. He better watch out or I'll take him in and get his little hiney neutered....then we'll see just how tough he is with out his cajones.

Busy day ahead and I so conveniently woke up wide awake at 4:01 am. I need more sleep, dammit! I am not near ready for today as I should be. I have to lunge the Ole guy this morning before it warms up. I am trying to ride/or exercise him more. I lunged him last nite, he did his usual 2 or 3 misbehaved stunts until he realized he was not going to get away with such behavior and straightened up. I even put on my good saddle and let Wee One trot around while I lunged Scooter. He was too tired/lazy to act up at the end of his workout and Wee One got a kick out of riding solo in the saddle, hanging on for dear life. One thing about Toddler Terror, he can sit a horse. He has never fell off, ever. He has never even came close. Son #1, is a decent rider, but does not sit like Toddler Terror. I think TT has inherited the trait. When my cowboy friend R. first saw TT riding, he said " that kid has velcro, wherever he is touching that horse, he is stuck to him." And, that about sums it up too.

Cheyenne

2006-09-06T07:39:00.000-05:00

I Can Still Make Cheyenne
By George Strait
BestAudioCodes.com

"He is pure air and fire; and the dull elements of earth and water never appear in
him, but only in patient stillness while his rider mounts him: he is indeed a horse:
and all other jades you may call beasts."
--William Shakespeare. King Henry V.

Yesterday's vet visit went exceptionally well. I was not pleased we had to drug the Old Guy to get him to drop his pecker to be examined....but it worked for a very short time. He was not happy about being drugged either-poor fellow. Luckily, for about 75% of the visit Toddler Terror was napping. Just before we finished, he must have woken up and snuck into my bathroom, then decorated himself in mama's makeup. About $50 worth! So add that to my $200 and sumodd dollar vet bill.....a very expensive day at the homestead. Anyhow, nothing serious was wrong. I have to crush up 14 pills, mix them in cinnamon flavored applesauce, and try to slip them into Ole Guy's feed.......yeah, right. Scooter is a BRAT to give meds to. The Vet did not leave any injectable antibiotics. I'll need to drive about 25 minutes South to her offfice today because The Old Guy is NOT eating his meds.....I should have done something about that when she was here, but TT had woken up, destroyed 1/3 of my make-up, I had to bring him outside and mind him half the time she was finishing up-grrrr. Anyhow, Scooter is in excellent health for his elderly age of 27, new-vet said, she has never seen a horse of his age in such great shape and health. Altho, he needs to lose weight and needs more exercise. Those 2 things I already knew, those 2 things never change. Wee One and I are going to take a short ride on him to the little creek and back about 9am. Its a beautiful morning.

After our ride, TT and I are headed into town to pick up his meds and send son #1 a gatorade bouquet for his first football game tomorrow. A tradition I started back in the 4th grade, I see no reason to stop now at 7th grade. Our tiny town's IGA delivers them on game day(tomorrow).

Ive been on a George Strait kick the last 2 days-not at all normal for me, either. I saw him in concert once and actually met him at the Tulsa State fair years ago. He is a very nice gentleman and just as handsome in real person as he is on stage/TV/the movies. He also has some nice cutting horses, very nice horses.

I saw The Bullrider.. yesterday at the feed store. I didnt stop, I was driving by going around the block. I had passed my friend Mischa on Main Street. She waved me over, I had to go around the block because of the traffic, yeah-traffic in my teeny town! imagine that! Anyhow, he was standing outside talking with the owner in his long-legged, spurs and boots handsomeness. He was naturally wearing his trademark sunglasses, but I know he knew who I was when I drove past. JR waved, so did Johnny. I heard he was back in town for awhile. I wonder how long awhile is and if I'll see him this Fall shipping cattle?......

Cookie

2006-09-05T07:13:00.000-05:00

The horses paw and prance and neigh,Fillies and colts like kittens play,And dance and toss their rippled manes, Shining and soft as silken skeins;...

~Oliver Wendell Holmes

I rode the little paint filly yesterday afternoon. She is such a sweet horse. I reckon only 1 more week and she'll be about where Mr. D. wants her. I hope he isint planning on taking her to some huge dispersal sale. They are common here in Oklahoma during the Fall. What a waste that would be. She is just a nice and trusting animal, not one ounce of orneriness in her. Ive finally named her. Ive been calling her Cookie. The other day, I had packed some of Wee One's wheat-free/dairy-free chocolate chip cookies in an open sandwich baggie. He was sitting on the pipe fence munching on them while I saddle her, she was interested in Wee One's cookies and I had to make him go sit inside the barn with the barn cats and the baby bottle fed goat (he loves the baby goat!) to finish his cookies. He didnt mind, but the filly did. After that, I just started calling her 'Cookie". Plus, she is sweet like a cookie. I wish I had a sh*t-load of cash right now, because I'd offer to buy this filly. If I mentioned it to Mr. D. I am pretty sure he'd cut me a deal, allow payments, that sort of thing. But right now, I just cannot afford to drop 5 grand on a horse. I'd be hard pressed to afford 1/2 of that today. And, I rather have a gelding but, Sigh.......she is such a sweetie tho. I didnt even mention it to hubby. I am sure he'd say that was over my spending limit...........jerk.

This morning when I woke up, it was 60 degrees!! Elvis was left outside after the yard work was finished at dark. He was holed up inside his doghouse until he heard me stirring about, then ran up onto the porch, scratched, then gave a little yelp to come inside. He is such a sissy! I let him in, and picked him up. He was still all warm from the inside of his doghouse. What a pain in the *ss he can be sometimes.

The 3-day weekend wrecked havoc on my house. I had better get my housecleaning started early so I finish early. I want to be done when the vet gets here this afternoon. Ive tried for 2 days to find someone to keep Toddler Terror for me for 1 hour. No one is available, our regular babysitter is in school until 3 pm. I hate not having any of my close family nearby. It is so hard to find someone trustworthy and dependable- even for a freakin' hour!!! I envy the people with kids who have parents (Grandparents) that will come over and sit with them and such. My MIL is a wonderful lady, but she is older with rhuematoid arthritis bad. No way, can she babysit TT even for an hour, that would be a nightmare! She walks with a cane all the time now. My FIL is funky about coming over and just visiting....see why my hubby is such a homebody? It's genetic!!

I hope I can squeeze in a afternoon training session on Cookie today. Maybe sometime after the vet visit and before picking up son #1 from football practice. TT is usually very well behaved while I am at the ranch, he's been hanging out with the bottle-fed baby goat and Old Lady D. who has to be near 70 years old. Old Lady D. spends a lot of time in the horse barn brushing a certain buckskin horse, I havent gotten the story on that just yet...but Im planning on asking one of the hands as soon as an opportunity arises. She has a nurse, not quite what I picture as a nurse, but that is what they call her. More like a maid/babysitter because as far as I can tell, Old Lady D. is in great shape for her age, and very quick witted, altho, I think I heard her cussing out on the ranch house's back porch....I wasnt quite sure. The nurse's name is Felicia and she lives at the ranch. She always comes out to greet me in the yard if no one else is around. TT likes her. She is a short, tiny, white-headed woman with an undistinguishable accent. The Nurse and Old Lady D. spend a lot of time playing cards inside the screened-in porch. I hope like heck, if/when I get elderly, I can live a nice, peaceful life out in the country brushing horses, bottle feeding orphaned goats, and relaxing outside in the screened-in porch. Really, old age does not get any better than that!

Whole Lotta Trouble
By Stevie Nicks
BestAudioCodes.com

Gray Labor Day...

2006-09-04T09:51:00.000-05:00

Labor Day dawned dreary and gray this morning. The whole holiday weekend has been a bit cloudy, but today it is sprinkling a little bit. We need rain badly, I am not complaining.

Yesterday morning, it was chilly. When I went outside at daybreak to feed the Old Guy. A feeling that Fall is near came over me. Seeing more whitetails moving about and yes, those nasty coyotes. The tree's leaves in Oklahoma do turn bright colors in the Fall, but they are no comparision for the brilliant purples, reds, oranges, and yellows, the trees in Northern Michigan Fall Colors turn. Growing up, I took it for granted. Now, I look back and remember those Sunday drives as a kid, looking at the stunning and various colors, seeing the deer in velvet and hearing the rare bugling Elk searching for it's mate. Yes, I'd say Fall is near but I would not go so far to say it was right around the corner.

Fitting todays bleak weather, I awoke to seeing one of my absolute favorite TV personalities in the world, Steve Irwin, the 'Crocodile Hunter' is dead at 44 yo.
"He came on top of the stingray and the stingray's barb went up and into his chest and put a hole into his heart," said Stainton, who was on board Irwin's boat at the time.
Irwin was at Batt Reef, off the coast of Northeastern Queensland state, filming a segment for a series called "Ocean's Deadliest" when he swam too close to one of the animals, which have a poisonous barb on their tails. Apparently it jabbed him underneath his ribcage, penetrating into his heart. This accident is called freakish and not likely to occur. Y'all know his American wife Terry, but they also have 2 children, an 8yo girl and a 2 yo son (almost the same age as my Toddler Terror). This is such a tragedy! Son #1 has grown up watching the Crocodile Hunter Series. This is one of our favorite shows. It teaches about animals and respect for nature. Irwin's death is such a huge loss, not only to his family, but to the world who liked and admired him for who and what he is. I know this story has been all over the net, but at our house, Irwin was a regular on the TV screen.......

Since today is Monday, house cleaning day, I am only poking at it ever so lightly. Just making it presentable. I cant do any real heavy-duty cleaning when the whole entire messy family is present-grrr. My family is driving me crazy today. These 3 day weekends aren't as pleasurable for me as they seem to them....It feels like Sunday doesnt it? Mr. D. told me I didnt have to ride his filly today, it being a holiday and all..........I think I'll go ride her anyhow.

Sunday Wino

2006-09-03T21:10:00.000-05:00

Earlier to day, I was able to have a good visit with best friend L. We talked mostly about our horses and dogs! She has some wonderful puppies. The one who stole my heart was a tiny chocolate female. This little one reminded me of Elvis when he was a pup. Best friend L. is always trying to give me another mini-doxie so Elvis will have a friend. No thanks! Elvis is all I can handle right now...maybe when Toddler Terror starts pre-school. She listed her pups in the Sunday papers here and I bet the little female is the first one bought...

I went to confessionjunkie.com again and read some more confessions. I thought I'd post some for you. If you really want a laugh read the comments that people left...

I tell everyone that I'm trying to eat healthy. the truth is i barely eat at all. I have convinced everyone I love that I eat,and they just never see. I think im becoming anerexic, and im scared. but I dont to be fat..

I killed my friend's guinea pig. I loved squeezing it as hard as I could in my hands, and when my friend asked me to put away her guinea pig, I would stuff him into the very corner of the cage and just SQUEEZE him until I was satisfied. I also banged and smashed him around in that cage whenever my friend was out of the room. This wild joy came over me--even now, years later, I feel licks of that pleasaure in my chest--and all I wanted to do was make that thing suffer. I don't even hate guinea pigs. When my friend found him dead the next morning, I was terrified of being found guilty of his death. Her parents asked me if I was careful with the animal, and I nodded yes immediatly. A few weeks ago I felt that same pleasure of wanting to squeeze the life out of my other friend's kitten--it startled me so much, I immedialty got away from the kitten and had to breath deeply. I LOVE kittens. I don't EVER want to do anything like that again. Am I crazy or something? ;_;

Last night I went to the bar and got very drunk. I had a black out and I really don't know how I made my way back to my house. The problem is I came home with more money in my bill fold than I had originally. Like $20.00 or more. I think I might have taken money off the bar and I called my bartender. He told me not to worry about it and laughed. But it bothers me. I know I need to stop drinking, but I like it and it helps me open up.

I had a one night stand a couple of years ago and he fell asleep on me. So when I got up to leave I stole his watch. I have carried the guilt of that for years.

I am normally so happy when my friends get into fights, they cling to me more and more, and I can finnaly let out all of the other friends dirty secrets! I know it's bad, but I'll feel bad about it later.

These were the not-so-bad ones too. Some people are just strange!

Tonite our dinner turned out so good. Nothing left. When son #1 came in from the lake a bit ago, he polished off the beef kabobs and all the veggies. Shishkabobs are so easy. The next time I cook out for people, Ill cook the same things again. It seems everyone likes them and preparation was fast and simple. I think I drank a whole bottle of the blush wine......yes, I am serious. I am tired and going to bed very soon. I bet I sleep good tonite!

Last night, I was at the roping arena helping pen steers and my horse stumbled. Nearly jarred me halfway out of the saddle. My hip popped and now its sore. I hope it feels better tomorrow. Geesh, I hate getting old. It sucks.

Call Me

2006-09-03T07:28:00.000-05:00

Call Me
By Blondie
BestAudioCodes.com

This holiday weekend is shaping up into a good one, tiring, but decent. Tonite we are having friends over for dinner. I am going to grill shishkabobs, with lots of exotic fruits and veggies. Ive stocked our little extra drink fridge/freezer with tons of ice, beer, Mike's Hard Lemonade, pop, sweet tea, vodka, and a few bottles of Turning Leaf wines, 1 blush, 2 red. It is a great wine for the low price..I hope the rain holds off, we need more rain, but after dark would be better.

When we drove past the BLM refuge on our way to the movie theatre, I snapped some quick pics of the mustangs. The bay with the extremely long mane was off down the road further on the edge of a canyon.

After I dropped son #1 and his best friend off at the movies, I sped over to US Cellular and finally got a new phone. When we left for B-ville, hubby said, "get a damn phone while your over there, whenever I need to call you I cant!" Me,"do I have a price/plan range limit?" Hubs," just get whatever works for you, and is not outrageously priced." Okay, that did not make one ounce of sense to me, our ideas of low/high priced items vary in a huge degree...oh well!

I have had the same plan for about 3 years and never upgraded my phone, even when my old one broke and was under warranty, I just got the same ole one. So, I was like "overwhelmed" when new phone shopping. Hubs has a razor (sp?) and he loves it. But I think it is BIG and BULKY! I almost bought one of them, but then the excellent sales girl, who by the way did an excellent job, informed me she has 2 phones, a razor and a motorolaV323. She likes her V323 better and it does everything the razor does and just as good, maybe even better reception. So, I went with that one. Now, I have to figure it out, like read the manual and stuff. I have 30 days to decide if I like it or not, if not, I can get a different one. I cannot get into my old phone to get my contacts because the stupid POS is dead from no charge-grrr. I really hated that phone. Maybe now I'll be better at taking my phone with me now that I have one I like.

Last nite before I went to sleep, I was reading a bit, then just before I crashed for the night, I did some random reading of the voyeur kind. I stumbled across ConfessionJunkie and read for a few minutes. OMG! most of that sh*t cannot be real. Some people are so gross-ack!

Update on the Old Guy, the vet is coming out thursday afternoon. My regular vet is short-handed, under-staffed and just kept trying to fit me into her schedule but it seemed like too much effort for a non-emergancy. Even tho I think J. is a superb horse vet, I called a new gal from a few communities away. She is a fairly new horse vet but Ive spoken to at least 5 people who use her on a regular basis and this little gal comes highly recommended. Not to mention, she made a huge effort to get here Tuesday(I called thursday!). Scooter is a new patient, and in the horse world, new patients do not get the best treatment until they are an established patient, I know it sucks but thats how it can be with a lot of vets. Its easier to have a farm call instead of hauling the old guy to another town, with Toddler Terror. I could if it was a last resort, but very inconvenient for me. I'll give y'all a report on her after she visits.

Armageddon

2006-09-02T07:25:00.000-05:00

Armageddon It
By Def Leppard
BestAudioCodes.com

Wee One can be so darn funny. I let him out of his car seat and into the front passenger seat while we were waiting at the Junior High for his brother to get dismissed from school. Of course, Wee One had to play with the car's stereo, AC/HEAT, automatic car locks. He pressed the automatic window up/down button and nothing happened. He looked at it, tried it again. Still, nothing. Then he looks over at me, in a serious voice he says, "Batteries are dead, needs new ones." It was too funny. I keep the windows locked just for occassions like that.

Yesterday was crazy. I was at Wal-Mart by 8:30 am(fri) and I did not lay my head down to go to sleep intil 12:15 am(sat.). Friday evening was the first High School football game.I was asked to work in the concession stand. I had picked lastnite to work because I was going to the game anyways-taking son #1 and his best friend, who spent the night. OMG! what a horrible mistake!! It was crazy, crazy, crazy. We ran out of everything, I never saw the playing field because people were constantly lined up at the food windows 3 deep. At about 1 minute left in the 4th quarter, people were still trying to get more food. I left smelling like a big, greasy, chili-cheese-nacho....Ack! Ummmm, I told the scatter-brained woman, who by the way really gets on my nerves, I offered to buy some chili and bottled water, and give a small money donation, because until she had things under control, I was not working again. I also wanted to add, she needs to be asking the other junior high football player's mothers who have never worked a concession, ever. When I was 7 and 8 months preggers with Wee One and was put on bed-rest, hubby worked 3X at home game concessions. Every year I buy 5 huge cans of chili and donate. I have already done that this year, I'll give more if needed but I am not working again....atleast until ms. scatterbrain gets her shit together.......
kinda bitchy of me, I know...but right now I do not need the added aggravation

If your bored, you can make your own personalized Tarot Card . Of course, at 5:30 am I woke up and was unable to get back to sleep, so I went over to Bridlepath because Doe has an awesome google link for you book-nuts like me. It's Google Offers Free Book Downloads and it has tons of books, no longer under copyright. I've been reading some good stuff over there. Anyhow, Doe also had this cool Tarot card maker, I couldnt resist.

I thought it was cool, but then again I am a crazy, over-worked, over-stressed, under-medicated, sleep deprived 37 yo woman, I might think Armageddon was cool too.....

Today is another fun-packed, action-filled day. I promised son #1 and his best-friend I'd take them to the movies over in B-ville and then some go-cart riding. Yippeeee....cant wait! Hubby has Toddler Terror duty, they are going to hang out in the kiddie pool if it is nice outside, then go to Grandma's house. Instead of going to B-ville for a movie, I'd rather go to the cool reining horse show at Tulsa and then go look at a Paint gelding that is for sale in Bixby. A nice black/white overo, 4 yo, 15.2 hands, 1200lbs, 1 blue eye and 1 brown eye. I am impatiently awaiting a picture to be emailed from the seller. But no, movie it is...maybe I can gather best friend L. up tomorrow and head to Bixby, that would be a fun road trip.

Counting Crows

2006-08-31T21:58:00.000-05:00

Daylight Fading
By Counting Crows
BestAudioCodes.com

One crow means sorrow,

Two crows mean joy,

Three crows a wedding,

Four crows a boy,

Five crows mean silver,

Six crows mean gold,

Seven crows, a story thats never been told.

When I was a little girl, I'd guess about 6 or 7 yo, my Grandmother taught me this poem. She also gave me a small book of poems and the Crow poem was inside of it. I have no idea who wrote it. Ever since I first learned this poem, I cannot see a crow (or a raven) without reciting the poem. Alittle bit OCD huh? Anyhow, today I saw 5 crows 2X. Maybe Ill be winning the lottery this Saturday! As far as I am concerned, it is a GOOD omen.

Today, I had some whitetails in my pasture.....dont they know it is deer season soon? I smell venison.............

Earlier today while I was at Indian Health Services (IHS) with Wee One waiting to give his MD's nurse some medical and insurance papers, I over heard a young woman's mother lecturing about her and her husband allowing their toddler, who I guess as the same age as Wee One, sleep in their bed. The young woman finally explained to her mother that after their daughter was asleep, that either she or her husband put their toddler into her own bed for the night. And, sometimes their daughter fell asleep in their recliner, then was put into her proper bed for the night. She stated this in a a-matter-of-fact tone of voice and her mother shut up, thankfully. Both of my boys as infants slept in my bed, a lot. It made it easier for middle of the night feedings because both of my boys had hearty appetites as babies, they ate A LOT. They were both bottle fed, so hubby shared in the middle of the night feedings sometimes. We never had any trouble getting either one of them to sleep in their own room. Wee One still needs to be asleep, but he'll sleep in his bed until morning. He sometimes also will voluntarily on a rare occassion to take his afternoon nap in his bed too, those times, he just lays down and goes fast to sleep (of course Elvis is at the foot of his bed all cozy in a blanket!).

I woke up this morning not feeling well at all. So tomorrow in between my many things to do, I have to see my personal MD. I hope it is nothing serious and tomorrow I can eat and drink. I am worried about my sugar, I had gestational diabetes with both pregnancies but it left as soon as I delivered, ack! I hope that is NOT what it is.....diabetes runs rampant in my family, good ole genes...

I cant quite get myself to sleep tonite so Ive been watching livecams, not sex-cams but horse Barn Cam 1 and Jimmy-Jam-Cam(Utahwildhorses) cool stuff I found over at Bridlepath. I am a horse crazy nut, arent I? Oh well, it could be a lot worse, right?

While browsing Oklahoma's news, I see we Oklahomas put to death another no-good, piece of human sewege early this evening. I just LOVE capital punishment. A Chickasha Man has been Executed For beating Death Of 13monthold Daughter . Now this IS THE REASON we have the death penalty.

I'd have liked to serve him some ground up glass in his last meal of mashed potatoes as a goodbye present............