Ready, Set, Garden

It’s finally here! The time to get back into the gardens and grow. Today we pulled the old plants and burned the grass. Rex is picking up the new tiller this week. It’s going to be a dandy. I couldn’t tell you about all the features, but I do know it has an electric start. 

Okra stalks

Yank em up.

Everybody had to play in the fire.

I don't know what Rexypoo is doing but Newts excited.

(Clicking on photos will make them full size.)

Stress and Relief

Today was one of the most intense days I can remember. I took a test. Not just any test. This one was administered at a testing facility, cost 130 dollars, and affects my future teaching certificate. The Praxis is well known among future educators. Initially I didn’t have any concerns, a basic test of reading, mathematics, and writing, I’m an A student. No problem. To be on the safe side, I ordered a study book from Amazon. Whoa. Humility is good for everyone every once in a while. Obviously I’m not as competent as I thought. I squeezed studying for the Praxis in amongst studying for my other college courses.

I arrived at the testing center at 7:50 this morning.  My rights were read (well pretty close to it), ID carefully scanned, and signature tested for comparison to the signature on my ID. Luckily I didn’t have to be fingerprinted like some test takers. I was issued a locker for my purse and other belongings. No jewelry, paper, tissue, etc., were allowed beyond the “door.” After exposing the inside of my pockets, I was ready to begin.

One 5 minute break and 4.5 hours later I was finished. My brain was mush. My scores revealed I had passed 2 out of the 3 sections. The 3rd section, writing, will be graded and posted in a few weeks. 

Groceries were next on the list.  I drove to Wal-Mart in a daze. The nail salon located in the front area of the store caused me to pause, “Spa Pedicure-$25.00.” I took a few minutes to battle the idea: yes, no, yes, no, YES! The second pedicure I have had in my lifetime, yet the more enjoyable. I sat in the pulsating chair a glorious hour and dulled my brain with Hollywood gossip magazines while Kay massaged  my feet.  

  

Snap back to reality. Groceries. No way was I going to ruin my new nude, yet shimmering polish. "Yes, I will gladly wear the foam, disposable flip flops through the food aisles."

Shuffle, shuffle, shuffle.

Sunday Service

At church this morning, the attendance was 1. Me. Living remotely, I have learned to make the most of what I have, to be creative, and to enjoy solitude.

The radar showed rain coming and fast. Perfect, I love the rain. I grabbed my umbrella and camera and walked down to church. 

I sang a special in service, a cappella. The applause of rain hitting the water made me smile.

I smelled the perfume of the attendants, Witch Hazel Blossom.

The sermon was directed strictly for me.

I walked home in the rain.

Boys

We are having a rare occurrence here this weekend. No girls, just boys. Savannah has joined her sisters and Silas has come to stay at Pappy and Jammy's with Blake. The guns and swords have been in combat most the evening. Robots and Star Wars figures are lined for battle. I am thankful I don't have to worry about those bothersome dragons over the next two days.

Stepping Out

Today I prescribed myself a walk outside. We've had the coldest and snowiest (is that a word?) winter since we moved here 5 1/2 years ago. I have loved it, until a week ago. So, although the temperature was hovering at 32 and the wind was biting out of the north, the skies were blue and I needed a reminder of the reasons why I love living in the Ozarks.

Because we can have free range chickens, that eat bugs, provide entertainment, and most importantly provide eggs.

Because there are four distinct seasons. Just when the current season has out lived it's charm the promises for change are found if you look carefully.