As another year comes to an end and a new year sits on the horizon it is a time of reflection. Like looking in a mirror. 2010 was a wonderful full year for the Watson's. Many unexpected surprises.
We survived another harsh winter. And spring ushered in a weather pattern with lots of rain, rain and more rain. The creek washed out the road at the woods and made it difficult to keep everything mowed and civilized. Eddyville was under water for 80 days last summer so many crops were ruined. But what a delightful warm dry fall.
We were able to sell our home in Osky and move a modular home to the woods. That happened in 80 days as well.
We took a three week vacation up through Canada to Alaska and back home in the summer. 21 hours of sunlight was an adjustment but made lots of opportunites to see things. Our little teardrop trailer served us well. Wore out a set of car tires and trailer tires on the frost heaves in the Alaska highway. Logged 8800 miles and in two years we have travel to 25 states and western Canada and gone 25,000 miles.
But we can not live in the past. Right now as we transition to the future we live life in the present one day at a time. God knows our every need before we even ask but He wants us to come to Him and ask. He desires nothing more then a relationship with us. He is always waiting for us to strike up a conversation and give Him praise for the blessings he has bestowed upon us.
It is not with fear and trembling that we enter into the new year but with Joy and expectation of the goodness God will bring into our dailey lives. Don will continue to work at MUSCO another year. Buddy and I will continue to adjust to living in the country and enjoy all the joys of each new day.
Family will continue to inspire us to gather together in the upcoming year and love one another.
There is much work to be done next spring and summer. A front porch to build and a back deck. Don has been researching plans for southern exposure solar heating options to keep me toasty warm next winter without breaking the bank with LP costs.
By fall hopefully we will be ready for a relaxing vacation. I am dreaming of a four city three island Hawaii vacation. Only God knows what tomorrow holds but I am trusting Him fully with the new year. He holds the future and I know He holds my hand so what ever comes our way will be for our good.
Living and loving one day at a time. Living the good live in the country in the great state of Iowa.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Winter wonderland
Today was the first day since the blizzard that I thought it was warm enough to go for a walk. The first day we have seen the sun shine. So needing some vitamin D and a chance to get out of the house Buddy and I set off on a brisk walk.
We went to the bottom of the hill and deep into the woods along the creek. The snow seemed so much deeper and so white and powdery there. It was amazing to see all the different animal tracks in the fresh snow going every direction in and out of our property.
Along the side of the road was an inviting patch of powdery snow that looked like a great place to make a snow angel. I flopped down like a little kid and began moving my arms and legs thinking what a great snow angel this will be. As I was enjoying myself, Buddy must have thought I had a heart attack because he came running and jumped right on top of me trying to give me mouth to mouth. So all my artistic work was for nothing. I got up dusted myself off and headed back up the hill and home.
Another day in the country.
We went to the bottom of the hill and deep into the woods along the creek. The snow seemed so much deeper and so white and powdery there. It was amazing to see all the different animal tracks in the fresh snow going every direction in and out of our property.
Along the side of the road was an inviting patch of powdery snow that looked like a great place to make a snow angel. I flopped down like a little kid and began moving my arms and legs thinking what a great snow angel this will be. As I was enjoying myself, Buddy must have thought I had a heart attack because he came running and jumped right on top of me trying to give me mouth to mouth. So all my artistic work was for nothing. I got up dusted myself off and headed back up the hill and home.
Another day in the country.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Gold star days
Maybe one of these days I'll be able to give myself a gold star for being ordinary, and maybe one of these days I'll give myself a gold star for being extraordinary--for persisting. And maybe one day I won't need to have a star at all. _ Sue Bender
Back in the days of blackboards and chalk, gold stars came in a small cardboard boxes. You'd take off the lid to find five hundred gold,paper foil stars, stiff with dry glue backs.You could run your fingers through the possibilities. In your mind your heard the rustling of self worth. Nowadays gold stars get pulled off self sticking sheets. You don't even get the taste of success on your tongue, but I love them just the same.
Why not give yourself a gold star day today? Stick it to an empty calendar block . The star twinkles ,winks, and whispers "Good for you girl".
They are good to mark off accomplishments like taking a daily walk, or starting or finishing a project or just because I think I deserve a gold star day.
When we were young we were taught to reach for the stars. Today my goals are not so lofty, but each new day brings new possibilities of challenges to overcome and blessings to receive and pass on to others. Sounds like a good reason to add another gold star to my calendar.
Another blessed day of country living.
Back in the days of blackboards and chalk, gold stars came in a small cardboard boxes. You'd take off the lid to find five hundred gold,paper foil stars, stiff with dry glue backs.You could run your fingers through the possibilities. In your mind your heard the rustling of self worth. Nowadays gold stars get pulled off self sticking sheets. You don't even get the taste of success on your tongue, but I love them just the same.
Why not give yourself a gold star day today? Stick it to an empty calendar block . The star twinkles ,winks, and whispers "Good for you girl".
They are good to mark off accomplishments like taking a daily walk, or starting or finishing a project or just because I think I deserve a gold star day.
When we were young we were taught to reach for the stars. Today my goals are not so lofty, but each new day brings new possibilities of challenges to overcome and blessings to receive and pass on to others. Sounds like a good reason to add another gold star to my calendar.
Another blessed day of country living.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Winters first blizzard
The first snow of the season ended up being a blizzard. All the highways in the state were closed by the state patrol. Musco Christmas party got canceled and so did church services this morning.
We sat inside warm and snug and watched it unfold through our great view windows. We did not get as much snow and the wind did not start until in the evening.
Buddy was content to lay at his masters feet on the rug in front of the sofa.
When he was let outside he took the chance to run in the snow and drag the trash can in circles to exert his energy so he could come back inside and lay and enjoy the nice warm house.
We had a house full of food so nothing to stir us to want to go outside.
I quilted, Don played on the computer and watched tv.
Really it has been a great calm week end. Kind of how I see our new life in the country. No stress, just take one day at a time as it comes.
Life can't get much better then this.
We sat inside warm and snug and watched it unfold through our great view windows. We did not get as much snow and the wind did not start until in the evening.
Buddy was content to lay at his masters feet on the rug in front of the sofa.
When he was let outside he took the chance to run in the snow and drag the trash can in circles to exert his energy so he could come back inside and lay and enjoy the nice warm house.
We had a house full of food so nothing to stir us to want to go outside.
I quilted, Don played on the computer and watched tv.
Really it has been a great calm week end. Kind of how I see our new life in the country. No stress, just take one day at a time as it comes.
Life can't get much better then this.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Daily walks in the country
I have started taking daily walks in the country. It was with the hope of managing my weight and health. But I am thinking it is helping my spirits as well.
Treking down lonely country roads and deep into the woods on our acreage. The birds sing sweet songs along my route. Buddy the dog is my walking companion. Sometimes he goes ahead and keeps looking back to see how far he can go. Sometimes he stays near my side nudging me to go farther and sometimes he waits for me to get far ahead before he decides to run and catch up with me.
Walking clears the head and gives one time to meditate on what is important in my life. I bundle up and try to ignore the cold weather. And many days I return warmer then when I left the house.
God walks beside me and He likes this time of day to listen to my prayers and if I really listen I seem to hear His still small voice.
The gentleness of the country life is amazing. No rush. No time schedule.
Right now everything is dead or dormant. The leaves are off the trees and you can see the cars on highway 63 from my patio door . You can hear the train as it passes by.
Soon there will be snow and the pond will be frozen over. From my windows it will be fun to watch the 4 seasons come and go.
Retirement is so good. How can it get any better then this?
I am blessed, happy and content. Thank you Jesus for this wonderful life you have given me.
Treking down lonely country roads and deep into the woods on our acreage. The birds sing sweet songs along my route. Buddy the dog is my walking companion. Sometimes he goes ahead and keeps looking back to see how far he can go. Sometimes he stays near my side nudging me to go farther and sometimes he waits for me to get far ahead before he decides to run and catch up with me.
Walking clears the head and gives one time to meditate on what is important in my life. I bundle up and try to ignore the cold weather. And many days I return warmer then when I left the house.
God walks beside me and He likes this time of day to listen to my prayers and if I really listen I seem to hear His still small voice.
The gentleness of the country life is amazing. No rush. No time schedule.
Right now everything is dead or dormant. The leaves are off the trees and you can see the cars on highway 63 from my patio door . You can hear the train as it passes by.
Soon there will be snow and the pond will be frozen over. From my windows it will be fun to watch the 4 seasons come and go.
Retirement is so good. How can it get any better then this?
I am blessed, happy and content. Thank you Jesus for this wonderful life you have given me.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
first snow
Today winter officially arrived in Iowa. We got our first snow flurries and it is a little slick outside.
We have to adjust to winter every year. I am extra cautious when it comes to driving on the snow. And now we live in the country so driving on the snow will be more important.
I do not intend to become a hermit in the country. I like being able to go to town once or twice a week to shop and go to ladies bible study. I am a social butterfly.
Good afternoon to work on the Faux family quilts. I am warm and toasty inside Happily sewing the pretty fabrics into a treasured quilt. Lots of old family photo's stitched together with lots of love.
I am praying those who get the quilts will be blessed to have them.
I have rested enough back to the sewing machine and playing with the pieces of the quilt.
One stitch at a time to make a colorful patchwork of my life.
We have to adjust to winter every year. I am extra cautious when it comes to driving on the snow. And now we live in the country so driving on the snow will be more important.
I do not intend to become a hermit in the country. I like being able to go to town once or twice a week to shop and go to ladies bible study. I am a social butterfly.
Good afternoon to work on the Faux family quilts. I am warm and toasty inside Happily sewing the pretty fabrics into a treasured quilt. Lots of old family photo's stitched together with lots of love.
I am praying those who get the quilts will be blessed to have them.
I have rested enough back to the sewing machine and playing with the pieces of the quilt.
One stitch at a time to make a colorful patchwork of my life.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Life's adventures
We got moved into our new house one week before our children began arriving to celebrate the holidays with us.
It was a full week of family , food and fun together.
Our new home served us well. Lots of room to entertain and cook and eat together.
I love our new home. Thank you Jesus for your hand of blessings on my life.
You are a great God . You hear our every prayer. You answer even before we know what to ask for. I did not know how much I needed a home to call my own.
Don is so sweet. Thank you for bringing us together. We tread this path together one day at a time.
Help me continue to take daily walks and keep active.
Help me be content and happy in our new life in the country.
It was a full week of family , food and fun together.
Our new home served us well. Lots of room to entertain and cook and eat together.
I love our new home. Thank you Jesus for your hand of blessings on my life.
You are a great God . You hear our every prayer. You answer even before we know what to ask for. I did not know how much I needed a home to call my own.
Don is so sweet. Thank you for bringing us together. We tread this path together one day at a time.
Help me continue to take daily walks and keep active.
Help me be content and happy in our new life in the country.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Blogging
The thing I like best about blogging is I am not limited in size of my posts. And after I have said what I want to say I hit share and it can be shared with all my friends on facebook.
Blogging is like keeping a journal . Clear the air get things off your chest.
I am writing this blog for a new friends to show her how blogging works.
Monday, June 28, 2010
alaska highway
WE drove all 1390 miles of the Alaska highway from the end of the highway in Delta Junction, Al to Dawson Creek, BC. It was built in the 40's by the military. It is amazing how ever they accomplished that over such terrain.
It is either a great adventure or the logest highway and smetimes it is a little of both.
Trees, trees, and more trees, Majestic mountains,Emerald green and aqua blue lakes,creeks and rivers all rushing east or west of the continental divide. West to the Bering Sea and East to the Artic Ocean.
REmote, remote, remote. No electric, No internet and no cell phones.
But the scenery is unbelievable. You can not view it and not know there is a God.
We camped along beautiful lakes and rivers and at the bottom of tall mountains.
22 hours of sunlight make for very long days and short nights.
Saw bears, moose and Lots of buffalo plus sheep and mt goats.
WE have almost wore out thetires on the little teardrop.
We are weary but happy and anxious toget back to Watson Woods.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Fairbanks , Alaska
Started out at the North Pole. We toured downtown Fairbanks and went to the Ice Museum
Don fed the musher Dogs.
We found a beautiful RV park along the Chena River. WE ate lunch along the rivers edge.
Don is taking a nap while we wait to take our fight over the Artic circle in the land of the
MIdnight sun.
Internet is too slow to upload photo's.
Good to be back to civilization. But tonight we will be in an Eskimo village. Wanted to ride the
mail plane but it was a full load so took this flight instead.
tommorrow Denali park awaits us.
Don fed the musher Dogs.
We found a beautiful RV park along the Chena River. WE ate lunch along the rivers edge.
Don is taking a nap while we wait to take our fight over the Artic circle in the land of the
MIdnight sun.
Internet is too slow to upload photo's.
Good to be back to civilization. But tonight we will be in an Eskimo village. Wanted to ride the
mail plane but it was a full load so took this flight instead.
tommorrow Denali park awaits us.
Monday, June 21, 2010
Still headed to Alaska
WE have traveled over 3000 miles in 5 days time to slow down and start seeing more.
We have already seen so much it is hard to absorb it all. Western Canada is beautiful .
Yesterday was mile upon mile of pine trees, aqua streams and rivers all surrounded by magestic
moutains. Beautiful. Saw some black bears and a family of partridge along the way . I
missed seeing a moose. Only a small indian village at one end of hwy 37 and watson lake
one the other end. One or two gas station in between. Long day.
We saw lots of totem poles in the village. Mny wonderful deep canyons and the most beautiful
lakes and streams.
At watson lake theris a sign forest where one lonely soldier left a sign on a post and today there ar
over 60,000 signs. We added a state of Iowa with our names.
WE are headed to dawson creek today and will explore the Yukon territory. Should be close to alask border tonight. So far plenty of camp spaces available.
We have already seen so much it is hard to absorb it all. Western Canada is beautiful .
Yesterday was mile upon mile of pine trees, aqua streams and rivers all surrounded by magestic
moutains. Beautiful. Saw some black bears and a family of partridge along the way . I
missed seeing a moose. Only a small indian village at one end of hwy 37 and watson lake
one the other end. One or two gas station in between. Long day.
We saw lots of totem poles in the village. Mny wonderful deep canyons and the most beautiful
lakes and streams.
At watson lake theris a sign forest where one lonely soldier left a sign on a post and today there ar
over 60,000 signs. We added a state of Iowa with our names.
WE are headed to dawson creek today and will explore the Yukon territory. Should be close to alask border tonight. So far plenty of camp spaces available.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
alaska in two more days
Great campground last night . Chance to unwind and connect with family and friends. after a shower good nights sleep and breakfast we will soon be on our way again.
we want to explore some in smithers next town up the road. Then head to watson lake. Looks pretty remote between here and there.
Canada is very beautiful and the people all seem very friendly.
All worried about the economy.
Don just brought me breakfast in bed so off we go on another excellant adventure.
We will try to upload photo's from smithers. keep the shinny side up and the wheels on the ground.
we want to explore some in smithers next town up the road. Then head to watson lake. Looks pretty remote between here and there.
Canada is very beautiful and the people all seem very friendly.
All worried about the economy.
Don just brought me breakfast in bed so off we go on another excellant adventure.
We will try to upload photo's from smithers. keep the shinny side up and the wheels on the ground.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Telkwa, BC
We,re at Telkwa, British Columbia camped along the Telkwa river. We have traveled about 2500 miles from Oskaloose since leaving Tuesday evening. Have some more pictures but on this connection the owners do not want us sending any pictures due to their size so will post them later. It is 9:15pm Iowa time and the sun here is still about mid sky; wierd. We'll soon find out what 21hrs of sunshine is. We are taking the long way up seeing as much as we can but will scoot straight back when its time. Catch u-all later. Don
Grizzly Bear sited
Look at this cute young grizzly bear we came upon crossing the highway.We found this lovely mt lodge cafe wtih free wi fi so today we are just liesurely making our way toward Watson lake and the beginning of the Alaska highway.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Today's the Day
We packed the car last night except for the last minute stuff.
Up early this morning. Don is off to work. I have chased the dust bunnies and cob webs. Now to scrub the floors and counters.Then wait for Don to come home from work and we are off on another grand adventure.
Mom seems to have things under control and she will spend a few days with her sister and Darlene.
I think everything is ready.
Up early this morning. Don is off to work. I have chased the dust bunnies and cob webs. Now to scrub the floors and counters.Then wait for Don to come home from work and we are off on another grand adventure.
Mom seems to have things under control and she will spend a few days with her sister and Darlene.
I think everything is ready.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Waiting
I am thankful it is Friday . I shopped hopefully for the last time until we leave on vacation.
Now to play the waiting game for four more days.
I hope I have everything ready to just pack and go. Need to go to the pharmacy and do one more load of laundry.
going to Leon tomorrow to Aglow and visit Kim's and the boys. Mom will enjoy the drive.
Getting so close. It is hard to focus. One day at a time.
Now to play the waiting game for four more days.
I hope I have everything ready to just pack and go. Need to go to the pharmacy and do one more load of laundry.
going to Leon tomorrow to Aglow and visit Kim's and the boys. Mom will enjoy the drive.
Getting so close. It is hard to focus. One day at a time.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Getting ready for the Adventure of a lifetime.
North To Alaska!Don put a sign on the back of the teardrop so all will know our destination. Needless to say we are anxious to be off on a great adventure.
Don volunteered to do a tech job in a small remote town in N Dakota on our way to Alaska so we are leaving 2 days sooner.
Hopefully I have everything ready to just pack and go on Tuesday after work.
I have not blogged for a year so this takes a little getting used to after facebook. But it is suppose to flip over to my facebook account so our friends and family can keep track of us while we are gone.
Only 5 more days and we are off.
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