Chim Chiminee...

October was a whirlwind.  I find myself saying that a lot... like for the last twenty years.  

My life is a whirlwind.  But a fun one!

But October truly was.  On the go a lot.  The boys (Whittaker especially..) had been hounding me about Halloween for months!  I constantly replied.  I'm not even thinking about it until after Miles leaves and even then... I don't know if we'll do Halloween.  It's a long drive to town for junk food... But last year was so sweet at the retirement center so we opted to go there again.. this time as helpers.  And in the two days between dropping Miles off and Halloween we came up with costumes. 

Costumes??

We all just wore our own clothes.  

But the literal soot we smeared on their faces and the fireplace tools they carried transformed them... 

I added a splash of colour to the ensemble and spent the evening saying lovely things, such as..

*Don't dawdle boys

*Spit spot

*Enough is as good as a feast

*You know best

*Practically Perfect in every way

*Rather inclined to giggle

*Incorrigible

While in town and waiting for the retirement center activity we ate our warm chili.  Without me the boys were mistaken for coal miners.  I think they're handsome Irish chaps.... it suits them.

We enjoyed working with the residents at the center.  We were there for three hours and missed all of trick or treating in town but the entire town paraded past us throughout the evening.  In the end... the boys went home with more candy than any other Halloween... so much for avoiding junk and doing something more meaningful.  

They boys didn't miss the traipsing all over town... the snow and ice were also a big deterrent. 

Patrick slipped on some ice in the parking lot and knocked out his crown off a tooth.  So Halloween was not uneventful.  I didn't get a photo.... but if he had a cap that would fit his noggin he'd have fit right in with the boys... just his regular attire.

October 31st, 2019

Moose encounters

Twenty eight different visitors to our home between June and mid September.

All enjoyed seeing the wildlife... the antelope sightings.. the gophers... some deer... even a bloated dead cow. 

Hawks, eagles, falcons, Canadian geese, Buffalo, badger, 

But..

Try as we did, we did not have a moose sighting at all. 

Miles apparently saw them regularly going to work and back but never did we or our visitors encounter a moose. 

Which we have completely made up for this month.

They are rather quiet creatures... and very large.

These three were taking a snooze outside the retirement center when we came to pick up Duncan.

They were tired after having wandered through town enjoying a Halloween snack.

They were not bothered by Duncan leaving the building and coming to the car.

They were content here for hours.  Still resting when we left scouts later that evening.

They apparently enjoy this location...

Since we are only here on Wednesday afternoons, I don't know if this is a daily occurrence or just for us on Wednesdays.  

They don't hesitate to return... even without enticing pumpkin treats.

Here's their apology face for 'moosing' all our visitors.

We've seen them a total of 4 Wednesdays now.  And we've some some ambling across the fields along her drive home.  There have also been some in the bushes by the creek as we enter town... the quick glimpses are always when I don't have time to stop for a photo, so I appreciated the cooperation of these three amigos... or 'amoosgos'.  

Farewell, Antelope, Nuts

Forgot to post this one... thought I had

There was a lot of getting ready for Miles departure.  From the day he opened his call we had 67 days to prepare for travel and for being apart for two years.  There were immunizations and shopping.  There was early Spanish lessons and advice to give.  Last laundry lessons and cooking tips.  There were driving records to send and travel visas to arrange.  He needed interviews and to attend the temple.  There were of course day to day, work and living and preparing for winter to see to as well.  Most importantly there was enjoying the moments that we had.  Tina arranged for a last Wyoming family supper the Sunday before his departure.

Through all the preparations I was remiss.  I took very few photos.  I regret many missed photo opportunities.  How I managed to not even think of them I can not understand.  We attended the temple in West Jordan.  no photo...  We attended the following week the Star Valley, WY temple in a snow storm... no photo.  Tina's farewell supper yielded no casual ranch photos.

We went shopping and he was fit for suits.  It was a family occasion... no photos.

We went to the clinic for shots, had a background check performed and driving record ordered.  We marked all his belongings with Miles sewing most of the markings on his clothing himself... no photos.

I did take dozens of photos of the window replacement project..

... and subsequently Caleb and Sarah visiting to say farewells!

The day before his departure we awoke to over 40 antelope on our hill.  And!!!.. They finally used our salt lick that we put out for them!!!  THAT I have photographs of.

We began the day watching the antelope as they grazed just feet from our living room window.  We sat in the new window nook and were excited to see them enjoying the salt lick and pond.  We watched as they frolicked on the hill.

Then we had a farewell breakfast of croissants and hot cocoa.  We had a relaxing day ahead of us with no where to be.  We intended to savor our moments of Miles and then... a banana chocolate chip cookie came between us and our enjoyable day.  Duncan had a cookie.

In jest, over the last year or so, Miles has claimed that he wanted to be the one on hand to stab Duncan with the epi-pen should the need arise.  Always warning him not to get into nuts unless he was around.  Well.. Miles was around.

When it came down to the moment of stabbing, we discovered that it was not as simple a task as had been joked of.  Neither Miles nor I were eager to the task.  We both knew it was needed and that time was of the essence but truth be told it was more difficult to do than we supposed.  This was Duncan's worst reaction ever.  He was wheezing, sneezing, vomiting violently and shaking terribly.  On top of that he broke out all over in hives.  He couldn't stop vomiting or shaking long enough to have been able to give himself the epi-pen as he always supposed he would be able to do.  While he was hunched over the toilet bowl, Miles and I held him as still as we could and found the location for the epi-pen and then went for it.  It was the longest 10 seconds.  (how long it has to be held in place for the medicine to go in)  Then the bundling everyone up quickly so we could make our way to the clinic while keeping an eye on Duncan to see if the epi-pen had indeed made a difference and was keeping his airway open enough.

This also... I took photos of.

We drove to the clinic.  Miles sitting beside Duncan with another epi-pen ready if needed.  After x-rays and an i.v. to administer more epinephrine and some steroids, we waited. 
The hives were causing him a great deal of discomfort and he didn't look good.  He was on the mend, but the ever present worry... each reaction increases in severity.

After hours of monitoring, we were sent home.  We stopped and picked up some more steroids for the week and noticed a sign at the bakery.  Only two days since Miles stopped working... Difficulties in re-staffing after Miles has left the town without doughnuts.

Back home again in time for supper, we noticed the antelope again... grazing on the grass by the house.  They had enjoyed the peaceful day we had planned.

We haven't seen them since that day.  It was as though they came to say farewell to Miles.  Winter migration time will see them gone again until May when they will return to have their babies in the Spring.  I have an appreciation for the native Americans and first settlers who told time more by the migration of the animals and the seasons than by the pages of calendars and hands of clocks.  Miles will return again when the antelope go to their winter home twice hence.  And even with our concerns of travel and safety and of Duncan's survival.. the animals will continue their patterns and the babies will come in the spring.  There is hope in that..   As difficult as our day may seem.  As much as we wish we could slow things down and stop the struggles.. the days continue.  The sun rises and sets, whether we see it or not, life plods along.

Children grow up and go out into the world.  It is as is should be and things continue.

Gratitude.. Canadian style

It's not every year that I am on top of celebrating Canadian thanksgiving.. It's always more simple than that November one!

We keep it fairly simple.  I had a free turkey so this year I made sure not to forget.  Plus we could celebrate before Miles left!

Since it was a Monday, Miles and Duncan's friend Liam was at our house.  He doesn't eat much of anything... but his mother's parting words were... Try everything!

He did... one tiny bite.  Then he ate mashed potatoes and turkey.

He didn't even like pie!

We had a delightful conversation with the boys though.  Although our life is nothing like we imagined it... we are very grateful for how lovely it has actually turned out.  How fortunate we have been in being able to live the tranquil and serene lifestyle.  .....

We were grateful for such little things and so utterly pleased with them. 

*we adore our new nook

*we are ecstatic to be collecting eggs and watching the chickens and geese roam

*we love the Tin House

*We are eager to start filling the bird feeders for winter and watch the finches return

*we are relieved and blessed that all the wood is chopped and stacked in the barn for winter

*the boys were proud of their newly mended jeans... 9 pair of pants with ripped out knees... now all patched.

*we were thrilled that the boys school books FINALLY arrived after postal set backs of 6 weeks

*we are simply content and grateful 

 I couldn't help adding that I'd love to see more of the sunsets... but that just got me five sets of eye rolls. 

Leftovers of course were more than welcomed.  We had a fabulous turkey soup for days.  

November is upon us and Thanksgiving is sneaking up again... The ranch has already decreed they're having Beef Brisket.  I think I'll bring the brussel sprouts.  I remember in years past all the veggies had sugar glazes on them,  and the salads have cool whip.  

Vehicular troubles.

After a quick, and incredibly productive and wonderful (and frigid) weekend, it was time for Caleb and Sarah to make their return trip.  With just one week until Miles departure it was so wonderful to have everyone even for a quick weekend.


Partings are such sweet sorrow... Bitter sweet.. to have had them all home again for the purpose of bidding Miles farewell.



All smiles and fun.

After Caleb and Sarah departed, we had a very quiet evening... The little boys played in the newly built nook and we planned an early night after our long weekend.

But..

then ....

Caleb called.  They had been on the road about an hour.  They had a flat tire.

Since the truck had to be up on a jack, Sarah and Boomer needed to be out of the truck..... in the temperatures that were plummeting.  Sarah put on extra layers and even with Caleb's coat, still she shivered.

With assistance over the phone Caleb removed the spare tire and attempted to remove the flat tire... but it wouldn't budge. With time ticking by and Caleb needing to return for work in just hours we couldn't get there in time to help and still get him to work on time.  No one was stopping... Sarah was shivering.. Boomer was barking.  I made a few calls.  Mardy and her husband lived only a few minutes from where the travelers were stranded.  They were available and happy to help.

On the road again, there were no further incidents and Caleb made it to work... no sleep to see him through his night shift but he was there.

Grateful for kind service and all being well we went to bed.  Miles worked at 2am.  Patrick at 4 am.  I work at all hours... but typically sleep through their departures.  I knew Miles was tired and may not wake so I woke to make sure he left on time.  Then when Patrick left he came in to speak to me.  I was barely coherent.   "My truck has a flat tire.  I don't have time to look at it before work.  I'll take your car, will that strand you.  Miles will be home by 7 and you'll have that car."

In my sleepy, groggy state I must have mumbled something about.. fine.. no prob.. just go and let me sleep.  And muttered incoherently... oh how I hate vehicular troubles.

The jarring ring of the telephone woke me next.  It was nearly 6am.  Nothing good comes from phone calls at the break of day. 

"Mum?"  Can you come pick me up.  It's snowed and the roads are really icy and I slid off the road."

Miles.

AWAKE!

"Where are you?  Are you okay?  And the van??"

He was okay, the van was okay just stuck and he couldn't see since there are no street lights and the sky was cloudy.

Oh.. Wait... I cannot help.  I only have daddy's truck with a flat tire.
It was 17 degrees and pitch black.  Miles was stranded a mile from home.  Oh and he didn't have a coat with him.

We had one functional vehicle left.  The 4-wheeler.  But I am not familiar with how to drive it nor can I get it out of the barn alone.  I had to wake up Duncan.  He bundled up and took off to the rescue.

They both returned and assured me the car was not in danger of being hit off the side of the road while we waited for daylight and a plan for rescuing it.

Imagine my surprise when mid morning we filled the flat tire on the truck and headed out to assess the rescue mission to find the van... truly off the road..

Off the road by over 40'.  The 's' curve as this stretch is known was indeed icy but Miles had slid straight into the sage brush field instead of making any curve at all.  He said... it's not true... turning the wheel left to go right or left even... he turned and slowed and still went straight.  The van was indeed stuck.  WEDGED among the sagebrush.  We were successful in whacking at some of the brush and pushing the van from it's tightly wedged position.

Patrick returned home and patched the truck tire.

So in less than 24 hours, we repaired two flats and pulled a car out of the brush... we already have a dying Prius that we have been unable to diagnose and have Sarah's car with a window locked in the down position.   We have teased Miles that he needs to invent teleportation... We tease no longer... GET ON IT!... or perhaps we should return to horses for transportation.  Regardless we had what we needed to survive and carry on and will be grateful that things were not worse.

Crash, Bang, Boom.. Ta Da

Kenzie may have crashed the party... and the window but it has led to the next bit of noise here.

Once the area was cleared out...

A more careful demolition took place.

Then the new sounds of crashing and banging began.  And the countdown to having the 7' x 6' gaping hole in the side of the house to be filled... as snow flurries began to fall outside and we stoked the fire and kept it roaring in attempts to keep what little warmth inside the house that we could.  

The progress was well anticipated and each step applauded  

Finally enclosed again, the temperatures began to rise again and moral was boosted.... or at least blankets and coats were no longer needed as we huddled near the fire.  

It was late at night when it began to finally take the appearance of a finished project.  Everyone was eager to try out the new nook... 

Exactly how the new alcove will be used is still unknown entirely... but it's been put to good use... even if it is still lacking a coat of paint and a few final finishing details.

I'm not certain if we have become so accustomed to tighter quarters or are simply giddy to all squeeze into our window seat and enjoy the views outside. 

But somehow the sight of the two littles enjoying a quiet evening moment was the most delightful to see.  

Monkey on the ground

Our trip to Utah this month was a whirlwind filled four days.

We took glass to the recycling.

We saw Caleb.

We took Miles shopping for all the clothing and supplies he would need for the next 2 years.

We had Sarah give the boys haircuts.

We went to the temple.

We saw Sarah.

We went to our old neighbourhood annual chili cookoff and visited with friends.

We bought a car.

We went to the library... just because we could.

We saw Jim.

We dropped things off at the thrift store and even did some very fast shopping.

We stocked up at Walmart and Costco.

We bought supplies for this winter's projects at Lowes.

We saw Channa.

We went to chuch.

We took Whittaker to his Dr. appt.

I had the flu.

We drove a LOT.

We also had some fun.

There wasn't a lot of down time but we filled it when there was some.  

We ran (literally) to the old park and played 'monkey on the ground' for old times sake.

We watched the sun set.

We tried each hour to watch the cuckoo come out of the clock at Caleb's house.
It took me coming downstairs after everyone else had gone to bed to finally see it... but I captured it.

Now the boys want a cuckoo clock... and why stop there... how about one that has a train that comes out each hour... and the train track goes all the way around the room... and each train car birds can cuckoo and move and dance...
Dream BIG!

We even raked leaves and enjoyed autumn...

...it forgot to come to Wyoming.

Drifters

Drifters usually get a bad rap.

However, I have been looking forward to the day when these drifters would come through town. 

I was in such a hurry this day, but stopped briefly to capture a photo.

Even more to my delight was to see the cowboy bringing up the rear.

We even shared the road for a moment.

After being in town for three hours, they were still drifting along.  I had traveled the 26 miles to town and back, but they had managed to travel 8 miles.  They're not a hurried bunch.

 Although it appears they follow an orderly, single file path, it is not the case.  

At times some even turn and go the wrong direction.  Still others take to wandering off the well worn path.  Some even lay down and take a nap.

It is delightful (when I'm not in any rush)  to have them cross my paths. 

The slow pace of drifters along the road of our lives under the same clear blue skies is a peaceful reminder of times gone by and the steady plodding of time going on.

Productive days

Every so often we have days that go according to our plans.  We stacked wood.  We moved the chickens into their new home even though it was not yet completed.  It had enough of the structure completed that we could introduce the ladies and hope they would find it to their liking.

We even found time to play with the kitties.

We also set out to solve our never ending dilemma of what to do eat when we are off to town for the day.  We find ourselves eating two meals away from home at times twice a week.  Other than having sandwiches or rising early to make a soup or stew that we are not always sure where we can eat it we decided to try to make handheld meals.  So we spent two precious days making them. 

We filled  them with:

Eggs, sausage and peppers

Beef and broccoli

Chicken pot pie

Meat pie (meatloaf)

Pizza

Other than the days to devote to it we have a freezer full of quick meals.  And they are nut free!

To celebrate our successful days and after having nibbled and nibbled all day long we made popcorn over the fire.  It was fun and a great end to our long days.