A Snake in the Driveway

When the girls and I came home from 4-H yesterday, we found this little guy in our driveway. At first, we thought it might be a rattlesnake but upon closer inspection we found it wasn't. We are not really sure what kind it is but he was fun to watch. As long as it is not a rattler, it is welcome to stay around and eat mice, bugs, etc.

A Friend from South Africa

The driver from Machinery Link got here this afternoon to pick up the John Deere combine. Leon visited with him while he was loading the machine and found out he is from South Africa. He comes over here on a work visa for a couple years at a time. He was a police officer over there and retired. Then he went to night school and became a certified electrician. With the way their country has become, he can make 3 times more driving a truck in the United States than he can as an electrician in South Africa. He talked about the health care over there which is the same as what was passed over here. He said if he was in a car accident over there he would fight the paramedics with every ounce he had if they tried to take him to a hospital in South Africa. They are nothing but slaughter houses and if you end up in one, you don't make it out.

He had the combine loaded up and ready to go when we had supper ready. Leon grilled pork chops and corn on the cob and Lorena made mashed potatoes and gravy. Lorena went out and invited him in for supper. He gladly accepted and we all had a great time visiting over the meal. He told us a bit about the history of South Africa and what has gone on over there. It was really interesting hearing it from someone who has lived through it. We have it so good here in the USA and take it all for granted. For those who don't think this is a great country, you can pack your bags at any time and leave. Yes, we have some problems right now and there are a lot of things that need fixing but we are free. We need to remember that freedom is something we need to protect and it is being eroded away bit by bit. I really don't want the government telling me what kind of light bulbs to use, what kind of car to drive, what food to eat, etc. In fact, if people want to ride a motorcycle without a helmet, or drive around without a seat belt, then why shouldn't they be able to? Yes, I think it a lot safer with a helmet or a seat belt and I wear my seat belt always. But why should the government tell us what to do? If I choose not to and get hurt then I am responsible for my actions. Just something to think about.

I am really glad our new friend accepted the invitation to eat with us. I pray that he has a safe trip hauling those green beasts to different places for harvest. I hope we see him again someday, maybe next year before wheat harvest!

First Sunday in June

Today was the last Sunday for Herb to be our pastor. He is officially retiring and we will have a new pastor next week. Luckily we know the new one, Max Whipple. He is our Farm Bureau insurance agent. Herb and Leora have been such a blessing to our church. They are great examples for us to follow and have become part of our church family.
Lorena taught Emily and Katie a song in sign language and they did that for special music today. Lorena played the piano and sang while they signed. It was really pretty! We plan on learning sign language this year in school. They are excited to get started.
Herb then had an excellent message. He talked about how stories of faith help people in tough circumstances. Those stories that have been passed down are sources of strength and hope. What kind of stories are we telling our children? Are we letting the TV or society tell the stories or are we directing them to the truths of God? Something to think about.
Since it was the first Sunday of the month, we had dinner after church. We had a great meal and even better fellowship with Herb and Leora.
It was a wonderful day!

Women of Joy Conference

My mom, Lorena, and I attended the WOJ conference in OKC this weekend. Wow! It was fantastic! Friday evening started with praise music from Charles Billingsley then Governor Mary Fallin spoke. The night was topped off with Sarah Palin. Sarah spoke mostly about her family and how she doesn't let the critics and the haters get to her. She is truly an inspiration.
Saturday morning we enjoyed the comedy of Anita Renfroe. She is hilarious! We had free time in the afternoon so we hit the mall. That evening we were blessed with a concert from Michael W. Smith. I saw him in concert many, many years ago with Amy Grant. He is even better now!
Sunday morning they honored those who died in the OKC bombing and gave a donation to a jail ministry the sheriff is working with and a donation to an officer who was injured trying to keep the peace while he was off-duty. Here is a website that tells Officer Peery's story. http://chadpeeryfund.org
Karen Kingsbury spoke to us. She has such a positive outlook. I love her books too! She also announced that she is starting up a project to help raise money for the officer that was injured. I will post more on that when she gets it put on her website.
This was the first time they have had a Women of Joy conference in OKC. Lorena and I preregistered for next year. I don't know who is going to be there but I know it will be great! If you get a chance to go, take it. You will be blessed, inspired, and refreshed! Check out the website for more information. Women of Joy

The End of March

Started this morning helping Leon get the sprayer loaded. He got a couple of fields finished before the wind came up.

I made a batch of roll dough to make bierocks. I cooked the filling last night. I use my grandma's recipe but substitute freshly ground white wheat flour for part of the flour. The girls love to run the hand-cranked grain mill. I ordered an electric motor for it, but they are back-ordered for now.

I made some pastry puffs last night. Amanda told me about a recipe on the Martha Stewart website that I tried. They are so easy! I may make another batch and keep some in the freezer for a quick dessert or appetizer.

Leon went to go get our new bull. Before he could go, we had to go get the other pickup, come back for the trailer, change a tire, air up the other tires...

The girls went through some clothes of Amanda's and Lorena's. They were excited to discover a whole new wardrobe. :)