A blurb about The Critter and I. Our horse paradise of 10 acres in a very small town. The Struggles and Triumps of everyday life, of our farm equipment (that was state of the art during the FDR administration) along with all the amazing things Critter can build. and all the things that the horses , cats and dog can do to bring joy and insanity to our lives. Two adults from the city into the country. Living in a barn that Critter built all by himself! and my ramblings :-)
Friday, January 30, 2009
Honey, can you go up and down?
Flashback to 2005 I was racing a friend when the horse bucked and I took flight like Superman but, crashed down like the skier from the Wide World of Sports. Laying in the dirt telling my friend "Go catch my horse but, light me a cig first" I knew I was in a bit of a pickle. I found when you can't move your lower body and you are laying in some strangers plowed up field, you got time to kill. I called my boss told her I didn't think I would be in that week and patiently waited for the sound of the siren that I knew where coming for me. The brave men from the volunteer fire department came rushing to my side and proceeded to cut off my brand new riding boots. I also learned that day that IV Morphine makes me evil. To get to the point I broke my back. FYI- Helicopter ride for the distance of 30 miles will set ya back 12 grand. I ended up having surgery to fix a ruptured disk this past year. I am walking and healthy by the grace of GOD but I have lost my nerve. I am petrified of falling and hurting my back. I am overcautious.
Back to the chore. Critter wanted to know if I felt comfortable going up the ladder and painting all the pipe. The barn is 16 feet tall. I am going to try and do it. Critter is very patient with me. I use to run my horse and I loved to ride. Now, when I ride I wear my "toddler gear" and I have a hard time riding far from the farm. Perhaps, one day. If not Critter will let me know it's OK and we will walk back to the farm with the horses in tow.
Sad note: Kitty is still not back and her twin I think knows something bad happened. She is her usual self. I still holding out hope. The horses all look like they are in a regee band. playing in the mud must have been the big activity for the day. Manes and Tails are a wreck. You can bet I gave them a good talking to about staying clean. Guess after I paint I will be grooming horses.
So tonight we are sitting her watching TV and thanks to a commercial he wants to know what a vaginal ring is and where would a lady put such a thing. Come on summer when we have daylight at night and we are not home watching TV.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
I was a Virgin until today
no longer am I innocent. I got my first award. Kimber at http://justclosemyeyesnbreathe.blogspot.com/ made me a woman of the world.\ All day I thought about my acceptance speech, but I kept getting to choked up. I must say Thank You and heart felt gratitude abounds. Well the award comes with the promise I shall bestow accolades on the others. I must answer a few questions first so here goes-
1.Say something nice about a man in your life: This is difficult because I have 3 men I think the world of (I know dont ya hate when people dont follow the rules)
a) Critter please refer to this entire blog and you will find what a great guy he is
b) My brother he is the oldest and I am the baby of the 5 kids. Well, my Bubba just rocks. I can't think of a time he wasn't there for me and cannot imagine my life without him.
c) My boss please refer to this blog to learn about him He is incredible and the impression he has made on me is all for the better. by the way he got out of the hospital Mon. He is struggling and needs every ones prayers.
2. List 6 ways you measure success in your life :
1. Critter wants to come home to me each night and greets me with a smile
2. We are able to pay our bills on time each month
3. I bring enough money to cover the budget, plus some at work
4. I forgive a little more each day
5. A pound drops off in a 30 day period. Slimfast, Baby!
6. All are animals are healthy
now I must find 5 more to bestow this award on. Who will it be?
ok I know of 5 blogs I am addicited to. I am still new to blogger and when I find one I read the entire thing so these 5 are must and Kimber I would also shoot this right back at ya, but is this allowed in the blog world?
http://frediemikeal.blogspot.com/2009/01/truth-whole-truth-and-nothing-but-truth.html
http://pearl-whyyoulittle.blogspot.com/
http://stopcallingmethat.blogspot.com/
http://plotthickens.blogspot.com/
http://scaryswest.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Critter wanted to know if I wanted some tail..
Catfish. Critter eats the tail( Hes swears other people do it, I have my doubts) and anything else he could deep-fry. We are so health conscience here in the Critter/Scrappy household. I declined the catfish tail and ate hush pups. So he was off today and drove me to work because I'm not gonna dent my Big Dog (3500 Ram) attempting to drive on ice. He did a whole list of house chores including changing light bulbs . I just got to tell ya I am blessed in our relationship and wouldn't change a thing.
Yes, I am getting all mushy but I just love him and to make it sweeter it is our anniversary.
Farm Update: One of the barn cats has not been home in 2 days and I am worried about her she is an identical twin and she is never without her sis and has never strayed far from the barn. The kittens are doing good. They all stayed in the hay last night and Critter said it looked like the horses stayed in the middle of the barn last night during the sleet storm because he shoveled manure and he never does that so must have been quite the night out there. I hate not being out there all the time. The farm is about a mile from the house in town but, it seems like a million miles away on stormy nights when I can't just look out the window and make sure all the babies are OK.
I am looking at lighting fixtures for the barn. I want Shaker style I think. I have decided I want a dark hardwood floor,it will hide the dirt I hope and I don't think carpet would have a chance. I would love to be out there by the end of summer. Anybody want to buy a house in Italy ,Texas
I like the idea of these lights surrounding the outside of the barn
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
I caught Critter home alone and
We are home as many others waiting on the streets to freeze over. I hate the cold. I want summer!! I want to open the windows in the house. I want to release my inner "Lawn Nazi".
Separation of duties (cont.)
I do all the lawn work and love it. Drive down Main St. any summer evening and you can find me working in the yard in my boxer shorts and happy as a clam. Critter and my mom think it's crazy to run around in men's boxers but I have to tell ya on the comfort level ya can't beat em. If you are wondering if I wear something underneath Yes, I do.
This year I get to re-do the yard due to the fact it is going on the market. and I will be planting like a mad woman at the farm. I am going to do a small yard/seating area just outside the door of the barn.
Come on already, Summer!




Sunday, January 25, 2009
How big is it? Oh it's Huge!

Can u see my bedroom or kitchen? Keep in mind only half is living space the other half is for the horse stalls.
I need your help and space saving ideas.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
On the menu tonight
Can of Chef-Boy-Ardee Ravioli
10 double stuff Oreos
bread
Fudge Sickle
Dr.Pepper
Drop by for dinner anytime.
The subject of food came up alot today. I spent most of my day in Waco. I went to lunch with the boss and two coworkers. We went to a really good Mexican restaurant. I was trying to explain my theory on how you know you are overweight when... Now, my view is not one of a radical nature. I am really laid back on the weight issue. I figure as long as you can still fit in a booth at a restaurant your doing good. I also think that you are o.k. when you look at your self in the mirror and your legs in jeans and don't look like sausage casings about to rupture, your good.
I just think being healthy is great and all, but what is wrong going through life with a little less unwarranted stress. Having said that though, I also think Lycra tights are not a good idea for anyone who weighs more than the Olsen twins put together.
Please don't send hate email this is just my opinion.
Hey, good news I lost 2 pounds on Slim Fast this week:-)
There was another lesson today. When at a Mexican restaurant in Waco Do not order the 8 dollar nacho appetizer after saying you are really not hungry. The result of placing such an order will result in an a plate of nachos as big as the dining room table ending up in front of you. I bet, Hammertoe doesn't fall for that again.

Update on my boss. I saw him today and it was great seeing him and hearing his voice. He is still on an uphill battle and needs every ones prayers. He won't be getting out if the hospital this weekend. We pray he can come home soon. Y'all have no idea just how much this man means. We were talking today that he had about 16 visitors yesterday and that does not include family and about a million calls checking on him.( I don't even think I know 16 people)
Him and his wife needs your prayers.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Oh the Humanity!
Today was an up and down roller coaster ride. The job is getting a new computer system which means no work can be done and you are at the mercy of some IT guy who speaks a language so foreign, it sounds like English but the words are so unfamiliar that I must keep reminding him to speak a more familiar form of English with a word I might recognize. gig, file path, blah, blah,blah He might has well have been a barking dog. Well, IT guy managed to get himself some lunch and I got the pleasure of walking past the after effects of his lunch hour consumption. The men's room is one door down from my office and guess who had been in the room moments before I walked by and mistakenly took in air. Son of a Monkey! I even went on a ramble about how anyone could leave such a foul smell and walk away. He even agreed with me. Well, guess who after some interrogation admitted to the criminal offensive act.

Yes, this is said IT ozone offender. I shall not name him because frankly, I don't recall it but, this is the guy. Watch out people. This brings me to a point why do most men love to claim such things and think it's funny? and why do they not utilize the can of air freshener? IT guy will return tomorrow and I am gonna put a note of "out of order" on the mens room door so this ugly incident wont repeat itself. Hey IT guy I told ya I was gonna blog about ya :-)
I didn't get to the farm tonight because of my being held hostage by IT guy and didn't get home till 7:30. but, Critter said all the babies were good.
I have told you about my bosses. I need to explain the man I speak about that is ill is married to my other boss. I also need to ask a favor of everyone who reads this blog. Even though you don't know him ,say a prayer for him and his wife. He had a set back today and he is in the hospital and the point of me feeling helpless gets stronger every day so, maybe if everyone prays for him as I know he would you that God will give them all the courage, peace and understanding to fight this. I do know miracles can happen and if anyone deserves on it is the two of them.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Critter loves roadkill
Go to a happy place,Go to a happy place................I got new jammies today. My bosses got them for me, you know you got a good boss and friend when they think enough of you to buy you something for no reason and for the gift to be jammies well that just rocks. I really do care for them and continue to pray for them. No, I wont say to much more about them tonight for fears that my tears will short out the Critters laptop.
Today was gorgeous out and tomorrow it is supposed to be 80 degrees. I would love to spend the entire day in the saddle.
Update on Tuffy she is doing good. Her sister was limping yesterday and I got all worked up and today she is fine. I named her Tuffer.
Well me and the Critter are in bed watching Joy Luck Club our favorite flick. I love having a hubby that watches chick movies with me. 7 days till our anniversary. We are going to Fort Worth for dinner to one of my favorite places Texas De la Brazil YUMMY .
Only a few more months till were off the hook on child support YEA!!!
I know that vacation this May will be so good! Just the two of us. I can't wait. the only draw back is finding a sitter for the kids. I mean its not so easy when 3 of your kids weigh 1200 pounds each. Northwest Coastline were coming for ya.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Anger Management
To keep peoples lives private I must skirt the issue but someone I care very much about, is in a situation no one wants to be in and some uncaring people who are clueless and think only of themselves like to open their mouths when they should remain closed.
I know that with life there is death and no matter how bad I want the world to stop and the clocks not to chime so everyone could focus all their prayers and good thoughts to this man so he could somehow be well. I know this is not reality no matter how hard I pray.
I had just got angry today at how people can just seem so careless and not think about what they say maybe, it's not them I got mad at, but the situation. I don't know. I do know I hate feeling helpless. I do be believe in prayer. I am ashamed for how angry I got today. I let my anger get to me so bad that I came home from work early and just wanted to be alone.
I spent 45 min on the phone with Mom on the way home and I don't think during the whole conversation I let her get in 5 words. She listened with patience and empathy and let me know that she loved me and that no matter how unfair it is and how I see things God does have a plan that I must trust. I know in my heart she is right.
I think the only reason I am blogging now is to get my mind to stop racing.
What does tomorrow bring?
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Just a few pics to share
He is our paint jack that I named after my Dad. He was less than 8 hours old when we took this pic. Ain't he cute?
I love this picture. The Critter showing his soft side. Joe has grown since this pic and is now more of a dog than a jackassThe way life is. can't save them all
ked her up. You go, Tuffy! She is the little black one in the pic.Saturday, January 17, 2009
The Kitty lives!!! Her name will be TUFFY , Shop at Hobbs Feed


Thursday, January 15, 2009
cold nights and a loptop
Don't think that Critter isn't getting his due attention because I assure you, he is.
I talked to someone last night and they are interested in our house on Main St. I would love for them to buy it and we could have a more defined time frame for moving. Critter keeps trying to convince me how big 700 sq. feet is and I still can't fathom us in what I think is about as big as the total area of my dually. I am trying to be positive a remind myself that I am the one who always claims to be a minimalists.
Living out on the farm is something that I really want. The donkeys braying is the best kind of alarm clock and I have always hated anything close to a zero lot homestead. Living on the farm will require a brush cutter and tractor to mow the front yard and as a famous ex con always says"It's a good thing".
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Feeling helpless
This post is about something that has been weighing on my mind for awhile and it has nothing to do with the Critter or the horses, barn or any of those things.
This is about life. I should tell you I have a full time job in accounting and I have been at my current place for 3 years. When I accepted this job I never knew I would find myself in the situation I am in. I have found myself in a place where I see my bosses as friends. One of my friends is in dire straights and I feel helpless. I see this man as a role model. I have so much admiration for him I can't begin to tell you. This is a man that faced situations that most people would have given up or drown in their own self pity. I love hearing his stories of all his travels around the world. I just really enjoy talking to him and hearing his views on life. He is a man that you are better off for having met him. This is a man that is in the battle for his life due to that dreaded of most words-Cancer. I am not his family but I know them. I do not know him as well as others. I have only known him a short time. I have only known him during work hours of the week. This is a man that to me we all can learn a lesson from. A man to me that is fair and very giving, wise and strong but will melt you heart when you see this man with his puppy. This is a man that is amazing! This man has been in a wheelchair for as long as I have been alive but has never stopped. He has traveled the world, been a civic leader, athlete and so much more. Its strange how the more I got to know him the wheelchair wasn't something I saw. I think that people know others on so many different levels that one person can be described by others in completely different ways. My description of him is of a insightful, kind,strong,intelligent,giving, humorous,hardworking,admirable and unstoppable!!!!!!
In talking to him lately I see a vulnerability in him. His seems so weak. I have never seen before and it make me so scared for him. His doctors have given him a timeline. He has fought this with such courage and I want to believe that he will be here for many years to come and this is my prayer for him and his family.
What do you say to someone who is facing this kind of illness? How can you let them know that if they need something, anything that all they have to do is ask? How do you let them know that they have made a profound impact on you? How do you let them know that you will be forever grateful for having known them?
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
That's your job. Sharing is wonderful!

The babies finally got their hooves done tonight. They were over due by 3 weeks so took awhile for the farrier to get done. It was 37 degrees out tonight and I bailed early on the farrier and Critter. I had to give Critter the ole' big sad eye routine about how cold I was and to please release me from my frozen state to come home. Graciously, he allowed me to escape to the warmth of my bed. Thank You, Baby.
I said earlier that I would explain separation of duties. Truth, I am a fair weather feeder and farm chore performer. See it's like this I bought Critter the best of rain gear and Carhart coveralls, scarves, etc.. but there was none of the above mentioned apparel in my size. I am about as tall as an Ompaloompa and trying to wear his gear to do the farm chores really doesn't work out to well. so fair weather is when I usually feed. 65 degrees and above and not to muddy under these conditions you will find me at the farm workin hard. I must also explain that throwing hay and hauling feed are no longer possible for me. In 2005 I was racing my horse and I took the worst of falls and broke my back. I also had surgery on my back in Feb. 08 so, somethings I can just no longer do. Grooming of all the horses and any kind of treating of illness are mine. So it works out fair.
The litter box chores are also his because I was NEVER a fan of the cat until about 6 years ago he had to have a kitten named Boo and promised to clean up after it if I agreed to becoming a feline owner. Flash forward to today. Boo has gone to heaven and we have 3 special needs cats that live in the house. ( Little Dude-has seizures Bitty Kitty-has joint contractures to the point she looks and hops like a rabbit.Dash- is emotionally unstable) All the cats after Boo were mutual aggrements. and about 5 months ago he brings home a Chihuahua puppy,Twinkie that you would swear is on crack! but here is the funny part the A.D.D. pup Twinkie won't go near him. So, I guess that's how all the dog chores are mine.
Well, I have to cut this short for the evening to do laundy. Yes, house chores are mine including all lawn work. with the exception that Critter has to start all the equipment for me.
Monday, January 12, 2009
What if the cable snaps????

Now some will ask "Why?" May of this yr. we will be free from a financial obligation that is sizeable and If we can sell the house we will be doing pretty good so with no mortgage or child support the Critter and I can have some breathing room and just "live on luv baby" and it is really hard maintain two places with just the two of us. I would like just one place I have to fight weeds and mow.
This might sound crazy but living with my horses right across from me sounds like heaven. I will have to sell most of the furniture and other things. We have a yard sale in our future.
Scrappy: "WHAT?!!!!!"
As you can see we got them up and my buttchecks were clenched so tight the whole time we were doing this that my butt still hurts!
So the great thing is no one was lifted out by air ambulance (The only mode of emergency transport around these parts. (I speak from experience on that one) God watched over us. Thank You, Jesus!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
I helped the Critter put up trusses on the barn today and I had another moment where I caught myself looking a him while he wasn't watching and just almost melting in the thoughts of how much in love I am with him. We celebrate our anniversary at the end of this month.Yes, I do love him more everyday and we are truly blessed.
Talked to the realtor the other day about putting the house on the market. looks like the downturn economy has come to our little town. She told me that the avg house stays on the market nine to twelve months.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Weekend in Metropolis
So what does one do in a town of 3,000 and a mere scattering of business? Well, you go to the Drive-in 20 miles away. Yes, a drive-in. I love it! I was raised on the drive-in. I am youngest of 5 kids and Mom would pack us all in the International Travelall (The first real suburban) and off to the Belknap where I saw such first runs as Jaws and the Omen. Yes, drag the 8 yr old to the Omen which after watching all these scary movies I was tortured by my older siblings. The one I recall with the most vivid horror was a movie called The Hand when I went to bed that night my older sis hid under the bed and creeped her hand on the side and grabbed me from below. I can still recall the terror and yes I slept with the light on for many years. Thanks for the memories sis. Mom always came to my rescue and I did always beg her to let me go to see the next horror flick.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Not old till we get our AARP cards!!!

So last night after a hard day of workin were home in our jammies at 7pm and the neighbors come a knockin to see if we wanna go dancin. Now mind you I wanted to go but cant go without the Critter. and not 5 min before the knock on the door we were laughin because he was fightin the urge to go to bed at 7pm. So alas no dancin for me but another time perhaps and the Critter made it till 8pm before the sleep monster got him. O how youth is wasted on the young!!!
He and the roomie worked on the barn all day yesterday and I cleaned horses, treated swollen joints and got The Pic in the round pen for a good workout. Hopefully we will be out at the farm on a full time basis soon and be able to sell the house in town. The weather was great all except for the hurricane force winds but only in Texas. Yesterday 80 degrees and today 40 and Carhart gear required.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Living the dream in a one stoplight town

I spent the day watching movies and napping on and off. Critter took care of the horses so I was just lazy and I loved it!
An idea came to me today for date night tonight. "Bowling" Yes, I typed out the dirtest of all words and I suggested to the Critter we go give the ole ball a roll tonight. Now, I think that if I am the one who came up with this idea I am really losing it or there really isn't much to do in a one stoplight town and we have to go 20 miles down the road to participate in this activity that I have only done one time in my entire life. So why bowling you ask? my answer "Hell I don't know"
I will be cleaning and working my mare tomorow the weatherman promises a perfect day. O how I yearn for summer and days skinny dippin with the Critter!
Family picture day was great pictures will be ready in two weeks. Funny how when you see yourself its kinda like hearing your own recorded voice. I am always amazed.
OK so Im gonna get this blog thing going and will be putting up some pics soon.
Have a safe weekend yall
Scrappy






