From Drought to Floods

It's hard to complain about the flooding when we have been praying for rain for so long, but in some areas it has really been devastating.
Personally, the floods are limited to an area in my back yard.

Couldn't resist some pictures of my little
 sweet pea!

Recently I visited an area of the Brazos River that is not far from me.

 Hard to believe is was dry in areas only 2 months ago.

Now it is over it's banks

The water is flowing with a very heavy current.

This is an old bridge that John and I occasionally went over on our way home from Fort Worth.

This time I walked across it and found this dedication plate.

 

 

 

I can't count the times I drove over this bridge and never knew that it was put there is 1934. I guess we just never took the time to look at the dedication plate. How many times have you passed something but never really stopped to look at it-check out the historical information. Like the historical markers on the side of the road?
I have decided to begin taking the time to REALLY see things. Take time to read the markers. If it was important enough to document, then it is important enough for me to know about. I love the history of things. Understanding what is behind things. I look at old buildings and wish their walls could talk. Like the bridge, in my mind I think there was a day that men gathered to erect this massive steal figure and they may have taken pride it that job. Knowing it would be there for years and years beyond their lives.

So I challenge you-take the time to REALLY notice the things around you. Slow down a little. Don't be so quick to get to the next thing and enjoy what is in front of you.

God beauty is everywhere.

It's Raining-It's Pouring

Central and West Texas has been praying for rain so long, we don't know when to stop! That's the joke around here. If you've been praying for rain-you can stop. So as I write this post, know I am in no way complaining about the rain-just making an account of it. This year we have received approximately-are you ready because this is very impressive-30 INCHES!!! That is incredible. Sounds like I am talking about Hawaii not Texas, but it is true. That was in the paper last week and it has rained more or less every day since, so actually I should add at least 4 more inches to that.

I am beginning to realize I could never live in Seattle-I miss the sun. Yes, I said that. I am missing the hot Texas sun! It's the end of May and I am wearing sweat pants. My electric bill is loving it.

The end of April I barely completed the cover for my garden when the storms began. I created somewhat of a frame of chicken wire to protect my vegetables against birds and the hundreds of squirrels in my neighborhood. I got everything planted just 6 days before the first hail storm. I didn't know I was protecting the vegetables against hail too. But as it turned out, all would have been lost without it.

 

With all of the rain, hail and flooding, this what it looks like now

 

Thank goodness the bed are raised.

One day the sun peeked out for a bit and I took a drive to the ranch.
 The new owners are such wonderful people. We have become friends and I cherish them. It warms my heart to see the love and care they give to a place that John and I also loved. I truly believe God had a hand in that entire situation. Bringing me not only a buyer but a friend. Their last name also begins with an "M" so the changes they made to the front gate really makes me smile.

The rain has brought such growth and lush green to an area that had been in drought for years.

I brought these roses from Tyler Texas (where my mother grew up) in 2007. After being transplanted last year, they are thriving once again. Tyler is the rose capital of the world and produce the most hearty and beautiful roses-in my opinion. What do you think?

 

 

I really miss the hummingbirds ....

 



 
And the cows



I transplanted some wild flowers from the ranch to Brenda's B& B!



 

Even put a few under my new windmill. The "in town" windmill. You might have guessed that I have a thing for windmills. :)

 

 

And last, I didn't take this photo but it is of the lake nearby the ranch. Proctor Lake.

It has been literally drying up for years and now it is FULL. Full and overflowing.

 

GOD IS GREAT

 

Texas Weather-Spring style!

I lived in Texas all my life, but the tornado sirens still give me chills!
This Spring has been very active. It has been a couple of years since I have gathered up the "emergency kit" and headed to my safe spot. This time seemed so different. Different house, different town and all alone. Well except for my dogs!

Even Yogi (all 96 pounds of her) had no problem stepping into the tub to join the rest!

Two very powerful storms within two days of each other, reminded me I live in tornado alley. When my kids were in grade school, Michele came home one day telling me about what she had learned that day. All about tornado safety. Even learned about "tornado alley". She said, Momma why would anybody live there on purpose? I guess she missed the fact that WE were living there...on purpose.
Having an emergency storm plan has always been a part of our lives. Choose the room. It should be a small interior room with a lot of support. Usually a bathroom, specifically in the tub. Always have an emergency kit. I keep mine in the very top shelf in the bathroom in a baggie. Things like candles, matches, first aide kit, medication, flashlight, etc. When the weather begins to turn nasty-put your shoes on. If things are bad and there is broken glass and debris-you should have your shoes on. Put a pillow, blanket and jacket in the tub. If you have pets, put their leashes in the tub too. Yes it will be crowded but cozy. :)
On a Friday evening as the sky turned orange, I remembered what I needed to do. With smart phones around now, the weather information is so much easier to keep up with. We had 70 mph winds and things were looking very scary. When I heard the sirens in town, I knew it was time to get things moving. Then the hail began.

 

Then the pouring rain

 

As I sat there with the dogs and the blanket over us, I could hear so much crazy noise outside. I have been in a tornado before and will never forget the pressure and my ears popping, that was not happening this time. No tornado-thank goodness. I heard a very loud bang. It turned out being the transformer down the street.



Then the electricity went out.

Quiet, dark and still. The storm has passed.

Now the emergency sirens were going all around.

Later I found out there were many trees and power lines down. Some fires too. But no serious injuries reported.

With no power, I had a picnic type supper.

 

 

If I hadn't been alone, it may have been romantic.

 

At bedtime, I opened the windows and lay there listening to the absolute silence. I think we are all a bit spoiled to everything that electricity gives us. Go without it for just one hour and you will know what I mean. My power did not come back on till the next day around 8am. 

 

 

Two days later, another serious storm. A tornado very close and even bigger hail!

 

This is a picture of the house at the corner of my street.

 

I am blessed to have nothing near that bad in damages, but I will be getting new roof and a damaged tree cut down.

 

The next day the sun shined. Yogi and I took a walk.

 

While storms are scary, the rainbow afterwards reminds us of God's mercy.









 

 

Spring is here!

Flowers are blooming and we have even had a little rain.

Although west Texas is still in a very sad drought, there is water in some of the ponds around here. As spring begins, I am excited about projects and getting outside. Sitting on in the porch swing. This swing has been in my family for 4 generations!

I like lists so I have been getting to put a check by a few lately.
One was a small interior remodel. My new home was built in 1958 and has a gloriously large kitchen/dining room.

I love it but wanted more of an open concept to bring in more natural light from the windows

I miss John doing these type projects, but I am learning how to get things done on my own. I found a very reputable handy man and he did a great job.

I had a "pass through" done in the wall between the living and dining room.

There is a large picture window in the living room and dining room so with the wall partially gone, the light is so much better in both rooms.

Next on the list- a new couch!

Easter was a wonderful day. Brad and family were here for the day. Since it was raining we had an egg hunt inside the house! Fun

 

More projects to follow....

 

Do you have projects?

 I would love to hear about them.

Texas Weather

Born in Fort Worth Texas in 1958 and (so far) lived within a 150 mile radius my entire life which gives me a lot of experience with this weather. So unpredictable. It must be a meteorologist nightmare to work here. Unlike some states, we don't really have seasons. Well, maybe for a day or two. So storing seasonal clothes away has never been a good idea.

Last week a day in the 70's. Beautiful. Made me think of my garden. Yogi, Amy and I went for a walk. Amy was determined to hold the leash. Honestly, Yogi stayed right with her.

 

 

 

Fast forward 4 days and an ice storm hits.

 

It's white and pretty, but solid ice. So 2 days of school closures and the town all but shut down as the temp didn't get above freezing.

 



Day 3 and we get 2 inches of snow!

Soft wet snow. So so beautiful. Sadly, by 10am the sun is out and all is gone. The temp is supposed to be in the low 50's.

I think of friends in northern states and wonder how yall manage. I know you are more equipped than us, but it must be tough. I think you are amazing and I hope you are staying safe till spring shows up.

As for Texas, we have a saying:
If you don't like the weather today-hold on-chances are tomorrow will be totally different.

So I'm holding on......