2nd Round of Winter Weather

This winter storm provided more ice than the first storm.  Fortunately, electricity did not go off!  It sure made it look like the holiday season.  Beautiful (if you don't have to be out in it)!
The Farmer's Almanac predicted a colder and wetter winter.  I do believe their prediction for this year is correct!

The Forecast

Our pine tree

What else could be in store for this winter???

Our Trip to OKC.

Mel and I went to OKC for a routine doctor's appointment.  After doing that we did some Christmas shopping.
Lunch was at P.F. Chang's - Delicious!
Next, we went to Loveless Custom Boots and Orthopedic store.  Mel ordered 2 pairs of custom made boots - one for dress and one for work.  It was very interesting and informative about how they do custom boots.  In 3 - 4 months Mel should have his new boots.

Lunch

Store for custom boots

This is one of 4 racks for selection of leathers for boots.

 Mr. Loveless visiting with Mel about boots

The Process:

Draw around the foot

Measure the foot

Make an impression of the foot

Record information on the impression box

Impressions of Mel's feet

Elephant skin for his work boots

Another style of elephant skin - for his dress boots

 Elephant skin is the most durable of leathers for boots.  We were told just to clean then, put some polish on and they will look as good as new!  That's what Mel needs!

The custom boots will be featured when completed.

Winter Weather (The First Time)

Winter weather came to visit Oklahoma bringing freezing rain, sleet, snow and very cold temperatures for an extended period of time!
Making sure the animals had plenty of hay, water and feed required more time.  It also took longer for Mel to get dressed with thermal undies, extra socks and his warm knitted cap.
He put heat lights by the pressure tanks in both barns so the water would not freeze.  The cats enjoyed staying in the barn close to the lights.  Fortunately, all the animals survived.

We experienced a "mini" ice event before the "big storm" occurred.

The "Big Storm"

A funny story:  After the temps warmed some, Mel turned off the lights by the pressure tanks.  One morning after the cats had stayed outside the barn for the night, they came running in and sat in front of the lights that were turned off.  We had to laugh at this!

The Grands and The Greats

The annual picture of the "Grands" and the "Greats"

Funny Happenings

Funny happenings occurred during our sad time.  Life does go on and these things did provide a "glimmer of light" and joy during a difficult time.

The Happenings:

We were told by the kids that the clock in the garage fell off the wall.  No one knew how or why that would happen.  Supposedly, they put it back on the wall for it to fall again and this time it slid sideways. ???

The next morning Mel and I checked - the clock was on the wall and keeping the correct time!

The toilet seat in a bathroom broke.  No ideas on this one either.

Mel woke up early and began to get dressed for the barn.  Jake had slept in the craft room where Mel's barn clothes were.  He found another pair of clothes in our bedroom closet.  After getting dressed he drove to the barn to begin his morning.  The gate was locked and he did not have his keys as they were in the pocket of the jeans where Jake was asleep.  He got out, walked to the barn for the spare key, walked back to unlock the gate, then drove to the barn.

The kids built a fort in the trees south of the house.  Many hours were spent by them moving limbs, etc. for the fort.

The first time the kids went to the trees where the fort was built, they sent McKaylea back to inform the adults where they were playing.  The walk back was rather long so she did not come all the way to tell us.

Not being able to see the kids, only hearing them, Melodi and Amberlea headed out in the mule to find them.  While looking for the kids at the barn, they called to see if we wanted them to feed the chickens and cats.  Yes, we appreciated that.  

Well the story goes:  Melodi had on her house slippers and walking in the chicken pen was not her first choice.  Amberlea began to attempt to get them into the smaller pen.  Melodi suggested that Amber just pick up the chickens and carry them into the pen.  "No way" was Amber's response.  So the girls "herded" the chickens in the pen with sticks.  (Quite a funny sight I can imagine - could our poor chickens be traumatized? 

Thin tree limbs were whittled into spears.  I think a few times someone might have gotten speared.  

Cell phones:  One phone that was in a hip pocket fell into the toilet.  I had some rice so it was used to dry out the phone.  Another phone was left at the fort overnight.  It was foggy and damp overnight.  After being found, another bag of rice was used for this phone.

I'm sure there may be other happenings of which we were not aware.  Perhaps in the years to come we will find out about them.

Love and Support

Our two precious daughters and their children came to support and help our family.  How thankful we are for loved ones during a difficult time!
I had many good helpers in the kitchen when preparing meals.

Our Wonderful Daughters

Helpers and Tasters

Setting the tables

Not only were the kids helpers, they were also so considerate and played games, did embroidery and played outside while family members were visiting.

Visiting

Working a Puzzle

Snack Time

How blessed our family is with loving and caring daughters, their spouses and grandchildren!

Remembering Rosa

November 27th was a shocking and very sad day for us as we lost a beloved family member, Rosa.

We are more aware that we should make each day special.

Life is so precious!

Preparing for Bad Weather

Since the weathermen were predicting winter weather, it was time to move hay to the Annex for the cows.

Now we are ready!

November Horse Show

This show completed the season for 2013.  Mel started entering the shows in April.  He had time to learn and practice what judges look for during the competition.
Next year he will be ready to "show them what he and Buttercup can do!"

 A cute picture of Buttercup waiting on Mel