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.
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