A Farewell To Farms

On Wednesday we woke up early and ate a good breakfast.  We fed the animals, and then got cleaned up.  Dianne, Lori, the boys and I  decided to go to Jonesborough, Tennessee.  Jonesborough is a small town of approx 6000 people that was established in 1779.  It's Tennessee's oldest town.  It has a touristy feel, because of it's historical significance, and is lined with quaint shops of all kinds.  We got there in the early afternoon, and had lunch at a small restaurant called The Creekside Restaurant.  It was located on the courthouse square, and the food was southern home cooking.  Yummy!

After we ate lunch we decided to walk down main street to visit some of the shops.  Umm....next time we do this, please let it be much, much warmer.  The wind was whipping around 25 mph, and the temperature was around 40, so it was COLD!

The first place we ducked into was This wonderful Candy Store The owner was a super nice older man, and once he saw my Texas A&M shirt, we hit it off.  While the rest of the crew was frolicking in sugary heaven, he and I talked about the recent football season, and the current basketball season.  He of course was a huge Tennessee Volunteer fan, but he was quite welcoming to the new kids to the conference. We talked for a long time, and then we all purchased some great treats.

From there is was art shops, and import shops and general stores........you get the idea.  If it wasn't so cold, we would have visited many more, plus some really great looking museums.  As it stood, everyone was freezing their collective rear ends off, so we made a break for the car.  We all piled in, started to thaw out, and headed back to the farm.

We played around the farm the rest of the afternoon, and for dinner, I cooked some delicious Hawaiian and Caribbean Jerk chicken with grilled pineapple.   Mmmmm....Mmmmm....it was good!

After some challenging games of dominoes, we hit the hay around 11:00pm, all very tired. 

Thursday came too soon.  It was the day before we were leaving, and also Lori and my 15th anniversary.  I want to stop for a minute and say a little bit about that.

Lori and I have had a very memorable 15 years.  Most of it has been wonderful and joyous, and just like other couples,  some bumps along the way.  I would not trade a minute of my time with my beautiful wife, and all of the wonderful things that have come to fruition during our marriage have been a dream come true.

The 15th anniversary is the crystal anniversary.  With that theme, I sat out to find the perfect gift.  After much searching, I found a artist in Malaras, Sweden that produced just what I was looking for.   His name is Mats Jonasson, and I purchased his Tree of Life sculpture, and had it imported.  It came to the house back in December, and I had been hiding it with anticipation ever since.  I snuck it in the luggage, bubble wrapped of course, before we left.  I surprised Lori with it on Thursday, and she loved it.

She surprised me with a new Garmin running watch when we got home.  I love it, and now track all my runs.

Thank you Lori for saying "I DO" 15 years ago.  With apologies to Robert Frost.....It has made all the difference.

Anyway,  back to the farm.

Steve and I got up early on Thursday and went out on a quest for hay.  He had made previous arrangements to purchase 50 large rolls of hay from a dentist friend he knew, and we took the goose neck trailer to Greeneville, Tennessee to pick up the first 14 rolls.  Everything was going fairly smoothly until we reached the farm to pick up the hay, and discovered that the keys to the tractor that were supposed to be left for us, were no where to be found.  Grrrrr....... We ended up dropping off the trailer, and heading back to the farm.  A wasted trip.

After we got home, we piled into Dianne's SUV, and headed over to "Rocky Top Mountain" to observe the scenery.  It was stunning.

Creek waterfall

Small spring fed waterfall, complete with icicles.

View of the French Broad River.

Spring water seeping from the side of the mountain.

Beautiful Dead Tree on the side of the mountain standing guard.

It was simply beautiful up on the mountain, and I am really happy Dianne took us to see it.

After we got back to the farm, the boys and I went to the playground, while Dianne and Lori went to check on the horses.  It did not take the boys long to come up with a new game to play.  SWING SET KICK WAR!

Check out that playground view.......best ever????

We made our way over to the horse barn just in time for feeding.

As the feeding was going on, the boys decided it was a good time for......A LIGHTSABER WAR!!! (boys are so fun!)

We avoided any lightsaber limb adjustments, and made our way back to the house.  Steve cooked us some wonderful steaks for our anniversary dinner, and we shared a good bottle of wine with Steve and Dianne.  Our meal was topped off with this stunning sunset.

Wow.  Perfect.

Friday we got up and had to start getting ready for the airport.  We were all very sad to go.  We all had a great time.  Such fantastic memories.

William

PS.  Steve and Dianne are wonderful hosts, and I am really grateful for everything they do, and have done for us.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

40 Is The New 20

Happy 40th Birthday Lori!  Wow 40 years young.....seems like only yesterday I was being accused of robbing the cradle when you were 23.  My how time flies. 

I hope you have a wonderful birthday.  Thanks for staying so young, and especially for keeping me so young. 

I love you.
William

Wet and Wild

Ahhh....that break I took was just like the one that we had on Monday.  We woke up not so bright, but early on Monday morning to the sight of snow flurries.  Ughhh.....after the snow came the hard rain, and other than sneaking out for short trips to feed the animals, we were home bound for the day. 

Tuesday also had some snow flurries to start the morning, but it was nice enough to get out and about.  We ate a good breakfast, dressed warmly, and headed down to feed the animals.

If you have ever been lucky (or unlucky depending on their attitude at the time) enough to spend much time around 5 year old boys, you would know that each and every one of them suffer from an unquenchable urge.  They do not fight this urge, but welcome it with open arms (and flies).  What is this affliction I speak of........well.......

Why, peeing in the outdoors of course!  They think that is the coolest thing ever, and even if they can't squeeze out a drop.....well by God, the're going to drop those pants and try.  Christopher has mastered this art as Di Vinci mastered drawing.  He is a true prodigy.

After getting his business out of the way, Christopher joined Aidan and me as we watched Lori take her turn giving the young calf his daily bottle.

Aidan and Christopher lasted all of about 3 seconds before they got bored with that, and they went to the barn to see about investing in some mischief.  "Hey, wanna sit on these bales of Hay?" The oldest said innocently enough.  "Sure" responded the youngest as a wry grin spread across his red cheeks.   You could almost hear the clicking sounds emanating from their devious heads, as they both hatch their sinister plans. 

Hmmm.................so sweet and loving............just like good brothers should be..............dum de dum de dum..........................."HAY FIGHT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

I believe if left to their own policing, they would have destroyed and thrown every bale of hay in that barn.  I of course stepped in before that could happen, and saved them from the terrifying consequences of such action.

I quickly diverted their attention to one of the tractors in the barn.  Before I could even ask them to jump up for a picture, they were already up there acting out the final scene from Thelma and Louis.

Now it was Christopher's turn..

It was tough getting them away from their barnyard playground, but we needed to head back up the the house.  On our way, I noticed that the water from the heavy rain the day before had started flowing over the road.  I thought it would make a pretty picture.

We stopped at the chicken coup so Christopher could get in his daily "petting" of a chicken.  He loves that, and he has now gotten where he can catch his own chicken to pet.  The youngest is all boy, and he may just be a farmer too.

While we were at the chicken house, I spotted a polar bear stalking us.

We got some loving from big ole bear, and headed back up to the house.

We spent the day playing around the house and on the playground, and looked forward to our trip to Jonesboro, TN we had planned for the following day.  As the evening came, I snapped a pick of a beautiful sunset.

Man, is that majestic.........


To be continued

William

Life's Grandeur

Last week was kind of a blur.  It went by so quickly, it seemed strange when we were heading to the airport to fly home.  "6 days....really...it's been 6 days already"?

Life in the country can do that to you.  You get lulled into such a sense of calm, where time just melts away.  You listen to the mountain streams gurgling in the crisp morning air, as the sun tries to peek over the mountain top.  You feel the warmth of the sun's rays as they finally crest over the poplar and chestnut trees still awash in the "smokey" mist.  You relish each breath as that clean, thin mountain air grasp and tickles your lungs.  Yep, it can certainly be intoxicating.

I'll try to share the experience as best I can.  It will be long, so I will have to break it up a bit.  You can click on each picture to get the full size version.  I hope you like it.  

We woke up early Saturday morning, and the whole family went to McKinney, Texas to participate in the Lucky Leprecan 1K and 5K race.

First up was Christopher and Lori running the 1k race along with approximately 50 other kids ranging from ages 4-10.  Christopher did fantastic as mom jogged along offering encouragement.  I believe he finished around 10th out of the group.  Pretty stinking good if you ask me.  It was certainly fun watching he and his mom sprinting for the finish.

Next up was Aidan and me running the 5K.  We started out pretty quickly.  In hindsight, it was probably too quickly, for Aidan started fading a bit just shy of the 1 mile mark.  We stopped and walked a bit to allow him to catch his breath.  This starting and stopping pattern continued for the rest of the run.  Our time was not the greatest, but you know what.........that did not matter one bit.  I got to run the race with my son, and I had a blast.  It was really fun and I can't wait to do it again.

After the races, we traveled home and started packing for our trip to Tennessee.  Everyone was really excited for our Spring Break family trip.

Our flight to Tennessee was uneventful, and we were met at the airport by Dianne about 8:30pm Saturday evening.    We were all pretty tired when we got to the farm, so bedtime came for all of us pretty quickly.

We woke up bright and early on Sunday........thanks Christopher....  While Aidan, Lori, Dianne and Christopher went to feed the horses and the Chickens, I went for a walk in the cool morning air.  It was beautiful, and I brought along the camera.

Lori, Dianne and the boys were through feeding the horses and chickens, so they headed for the cows.  Lori was nice enough to come pick me up.  We met the others at the implement barn, where cowboy Christopher was ready for action.

Just across from the barn, Dianne had separated a momma cow and her twin calves.

Because one of the new calves was getting more milk from momma that the other, Dianne and Lori had to bottle feed the other.  Christopher....well...he just wanted out!

The better fed sister looked on with fear and amazement.

After we left the momma and her calves, we headed over to another pasture to lay out hay for the herd.  Lori quickly got out and went to take a closeup of another new born calf.

We left the cows to their hay, and headed back to the house.  On the way up, I noticed the horses, and couldn't help but think "the grass is always greener.......".

We got back to the house and all got cleaned up.  Shortly after, Steve, Dianne and the rest of us headed to Hot Springs, NC for a late lunch.  We ate at a great little restaurant called The Iron Station.  While we were there, I got a great picture of Steve and Dianne with their grandchildren.

We shopped for a little while at some of the quaint little stores in town, and then headed home.  We spent the rest of the day and evening enjoying each others company, and playing some heated games of dominoes.  It was good fun, and a wonderful day. 

To be continued

William

Let's Roll

It's just after midnight and I'm looking forward to a wonderful day.  It should start at 7:45am with Lori and Christopher running a 1K race, to be immediately followed by me and Aidan running a 5K race.  Yep, you read that right.....I'm running a my first 5K and I'm STOKED about it.  It's going to especially memorable since I get to run it with my oldest Monkeyboy, and I get to be cheered on by my two other most favorite people in the world....Christopher and Lori. Wow!!

After the races, we will be going home to pack for our Spring Break family vacation to see Steve and Dianne at the farm in the Smokey Mountains.  Woo Hoo......doesn't that sound like fun!!!!!!

I will take tons of pictures, and of course blog about it when we get home.  See you soon

William

A Light At The End Of The Tunnel

Have you ever woken up and just felt good about yourself?  I mean before coffee, before anything, just open your eyes and think "I feel great".  Well, I can assure you that it has been a very long time since that has happened to me, until this morning.

When I woke up this morning, I had a wonderful, positive outlook and felt better about myself than I have in as long as I can remember.  I had a good night's sleep, but that's not it.  The secret you ask?  Exercise......Yep, plain, simple, exercise.

I have been working my body harder in the last month, than I have in the last 10 years.  I am eating right, working out hard, and getting plenty of rest.  It's really starting to pay off.  I am wearing clothes that I have not fit into in 8 years, and I have more energy now than I did when I turned 40.  It's amazing what fitness can do for you.   

I used to have heart burn every night, and purchased Alka-Seltzer by the truckload.  I used to get out of breath just running up and down the stairs.  Believe me, that is no way to live.  It is unproductive, and dangerous. 

I am happy to say that I have not had heart burn in over a month, and I ran 1.5 miles this morning averaging 9:43 per mile.  Sub 10 minute miles are nothing for some, but for me, it's wonderful.  Lori signed up to run my first 5K on March 9th, and I can't wait.

I am getting excited to see what changes my body has in store in the near future.  It's fun to be excited and happy about how you look.  It's been a long time coming.

William

Happiness is not achieved by the conscious pursuit of happiness; it is generally the by-product of other activities.
Aldous Huxley

Having A Ball

Last week, I told you about how disappointed I was about not being able to attend Christopher's first soccer game.  I'm still kicking (no pun intended) myself over that, but I made sure we would be there in full force for his second game.

Aidan once again had baseball practice from 1-3 on Saturday.  Since Christopher's game was not scheduled to start until 4:00pm, Aidan and I had plenty of time to get there.  Lori took Christopher to have his team pictures made, and then met us at the field about 15 minutes before game time.  How exciting!

I had a blast watching Christopher play.  I can assure you that there was no father more proud to be there than I was.  I love our children, and I get so excited to see them compete.  I'm sure my father felt the same way about me when I was a kid.  It's a magical feeling.

Christopher had a great game, and hustled the entire time he was out there.  He got to experience his first "side stitch" from all of the running, and it was almost funny watching him trying to figure out why his side hurt.  I was screaming and hollering so much I almost forgot to snap any pictures.  Here he is on the sideline about to throw in the ball.



Here he is at half time resting his "stitch" and replenishing some lost fluids.



Christopher seems to be picking up the rules pretty quickly, and really is really showing great effort.  I can't wait to see him playing again next weekend. 

Speaking of weekends, Sunday was also pretty special.  I told you last week about Christopher's bike riding skills.......well......this week I have video to prove it.  Without further adieu....I present....THE AMAZING CHRISTOPHER!!!!!!!!

What a great age.

I would like to say thanks to Lori and the boys for keeping me so young.

William

Who, being loved, is poor? ~Oscar Wilde

Sail On Down The Road

Milestone:

A significant event or stage in the life, progress, development, or the like of a person, nation, etc....

It seems that everyday around here we are experiencing some type of milestone.   One day it might be losing a first tooth, the next day it might be playing in a first game.   With time going by so quickly, and our beautiful children growing up so fast, you can't rest for a minute or you might miss out.  

Sunday's milestone was brought to us via Christopher.  Our youngest decided to break out the big boy pants and join the ranks of the "non training wheel" riders of the world.  Yep, he got on his new bike that Santa gave him for Christmas, and decided to give "adult" riding a try.  After a few early spills and one big handle bar bruise on his chest, he picked it up like a champ.  

Way to go Christopher!!!  You Rock!!!

I love every minute of being a dad.  Sure, there are times where I get really frustrated with the kids, and I have to do everything in my power to keep my cool, but it's times like Sunday that makes all those other problems seem trivial.  

I will never forget the feeling I had while watching Christopher glide along the pavement with an ear to ear smile on his face.  Simply priceless.  
 
I hope and pray that I am around to experience all of the wondrous milestones that this family has in store.  It's going to be a fun ride.

William

We take greater pains to persuade others we are happy than in trying to think so ourselves. -Confucius

Bittersweet

Yesterday was a difficult day for me.  I was both excited and terribly sad at the same time.  You see, yesterday marked the beginning of Christopher's sporting life.  Yep, his very first game in an organized sport.  As a father, there are very few things that get the pride and the tears flowing more than watching your sons' compete for the first time.  It was something that I had looked forward to from the day he was born.

When Christopher's soccer schedule was sent out last week, I was heartbroken.  His first game was scheduled for 1:00pm at one of the local soccer complexes.  Normally, that would be a perfect time.  A later start like that gives the day time to warm up.  That's important as a player and a spectator during early spring.  Yesterday however, a 1:00pm start time meant that his game would be starting at almost the exact same time as Aidan's baseball practice would start across town.  Uh...oh...

Baseball "practice" you say.  Usually, the first practice is not that important, so missing it for Christopher's game would be no problem.  Unfortunately, Aidan is playing with a brand new team this season, and we were scheduled to meet the coaches and the team for the first time yesterday.  So, that first "practice" suddenly became very important.

What this meant was Lori and I had to divide and conquer.  While she took Christopher to his soccer game, I took Aidan to his baseball practice.  What a terrible feeling that was.  I was heartbroken.  I was excited for Aidan to meet and practice with his new teammates, but there is only one "first" game.......and I missed it.  

From what I am told by Lori, Christopher had a great time playing his first game.  He is still very new to soccer, so much of the game was spent figuring out what exactly he was supposed to do.  He will get better as he becomes more familiar with the game, but he is having fun, and that is all that matters right now.



Aidan had a great time meeting his new teammates, and knocking the rust off his baseball skills.  Like always, I love watching Aidan play baseball, but it did not make up for missing Christopher's game.   I will have to live with that guilt for the remainder of my life.

William



“To put the world right in order, we must first put the nation in order; to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; to put the family in order, we must first cultivate our personal life; we must first set our hearts right.” - Confucius

Time or Fate

At Last
by Elizabeth Akers Allen
At last, when all the summer shine That warmed life's early hours is past, Your loving fingers seek for mine And hold them close-at last-at last! Not oft the robin comes to build Its nest upon the leafless bough By autumn robbed, by winter chilled, But you, dear heart, you love me now. Though there are shadows on my brow And furrows on my cheek, in truth, The marks where Time's remorseless plough Broke up the blooming sward of Youth, Though fled is every girlish grace Might win or hold a lover's vow, Despite my sad and faded face, And darkened heart, you love me now! I count no more my wasted tears; They left no echo of their fall; I mourn no more my lonesome years; This blessed hour atones for all. I fear not all that Time or Fate May bring to burden heart or brow, Strong in the love that came so late, Our souls shall keep it always now!

I hope that love finds each and everyone one of you. Bask my friends.....Bask.

William

Out Of This World

Christopher is fascinated with all things outer space.  He has a nice star mini planetarium in his room, along with a really cool electronic lighted moon mounted to his wall.  He loves to turn them on when he goes to bed.  The starts shine and rotate on all the walls and ceiling, and the moon goes through it's phases.  Each are controlled by remote, and at night he puts them on the 15 minute timer, and he falls to sleep amongst the stars.

On Sunday, Christopher's ceiling fan quit working.  We went to Lowes in search of a new one that would be suitable for a kid's bedroom.  They had absolutely nothing in stock that I thought would look cool in his room, so we went to Home Depot to check out their stock.  The kids were being a bit restless, so I had them wait in the car with Lori, while I went in to shop.  I found an absolutely perfect addition to his room.

I brought it out to Lori's vehicle and put it in the back.  After we got home, Lori and the kids went to their running group class.  While they were out, I decided that I would surprise Christopher, and install his new ceiling fan while he was gone.

I took down the old one, and installed the new one in about and hour and a half.  I finished mounting the globe, just as rest of the family unit got home.  I called for Christopher to come upstairs, and this is what he saw as he entered........

and this is what he saw after we turned on his light.......

..

Needless to say, he was SUPER excited about the new really cool addition to his room.  

There is nothing better in the world than seeing your children with huge smiles on their faces.  Christopher's was ear to ear!

William 

I Get Such A Kick Out Of You

Today, Christopher finally reached the age that he could participate in organized sports.  Yep, our little baby started soccer today, and we had a blast watching him at practice.  Right now he lacks the knowledge of the game, but he certainly has the determination.  Let's hope he has as much fun playing, as Lori and I have watching.

You go little buddy!

 William