Back In Time~

Finally, we took the time to go away for the weekend!  We'd made reservations at Hotel Greenfield - when we were in town for Mom's services.  Walking into the Hotel, is like walking back in time.  Completely restored to it's former glory - it's a real treat to stay there.  When I was little & visiting Grandpa, I used to go by.  It looked so spooky with it's boarded up windows.  A group of local investors - people who'd lived & grown up in town - purchased the property & have restored it.

 Now, it's such fun to stay & enjoy the quaint & quiet small town rural life, that Greenfield typifies.  I'm happy we're close enough -  we can visit the place where I have so many wonderful childhood memories.

We knew the annual Parade would be on Friday night.  The chairs in the lobby were moved so patrons could see the parade go by out the windows.  This, while enjoying a hot drink in the comfort of their overstuffed chairs!

Tree in the lobby~

 The night was so mild - especially when you remember we're at the end of November!  Butch & I went out to stand on the street & watch as the floats went by.  We were tossed a popcorn ball, candy & "The Worlds Best Pizza Cutter" from the local hardware store :-)

Santa comes by!

The crowd was small - at least by our standards!  Friendly, fun & what a great way to bring in the Christmas holiday season.

Our Favorite~

I took photos & gave copies to the Hotel.  Afterward, we returned to the lobby & bar to finally partake of one of those promised hot drinks!  Yum!  Welcome Christmas Season!

What Do You Do?

 With small acreages hard to come by & both of us ready to enjoy life in town - what do we do?  We decide to pay to board Farah.  Starting out with a stall in the barn - our mare was gaining weight & certainly not getting enough exercise.  She made friends with the horse next to her & seems totally relaxed & comfortable.  Since we've been busy with the remodel of our new-to-us home - my ride time has been limited & the holidays are upon us.

Hard at it :-)

Now that a run has opened up - with a place inside to get out of the weather - we decided we'd move Farah from the stall this afternoon.  Horse ownership in Iowa is somewhat different than it was in Washington.  Horses here are definitely treated more as livestock & not pampered to the extent most of the horses in WA are.  I - of course - have pampered the gold girl for many years & it's been tough to not be able to walk out my door & see her.

When we arrived today to check out the run - we found it needed a lot of clean-up work.  Nothing like paying to do - what we used to do for free :-)  I'd gotten carried away last week & decided to do some cleaning in the feed room.  I left it way better than I'd found it - but hadn't carried off all the trash.  Today - the trash was gone!  I think the young couple in charge of feeding & cleaning the barn removed it.  I also did some sweeping & cleaning in the tack room.  I think this means I'm actually missing barn chores!

Farah on the move!

Farah seemed thrilled to be out again!  She hit the enclosure at a full trot & in seconds had taken down the lower line of rope hot wire - managing to wrap her tail around it & then drag it around the tree!  Butch was Not happy!  We could find no insulators, so my husband had to adapt the broken ones with baling twine & electrical tape.  Since the poor gelding on that side had been put in his place...  She started checking out the gelding on the other side - at least that didn't result in any more damage!

Checking out the view~

By the time we had her feed bag & grain bucket in place, she'd finally calmed down.  She stood at the top of the hill - looking out over the countryside.  Such a different view from the one she was used to.  Hopefully, she'll like being out better than being in!  I do not want to end up with fat mare :-)  After all - there's got to enough riding trails to keep us busy next season :-)

& The Train Came!

We started out walking our property this morning - trying to figure out where our corners are!  The fence company was sending out an estimator. We'd hoped to get a rough idea of just what we want to fence!  Since there seems to be a discrepancy between the legal description on the deed & what's on file with the county - we're going to go ahead with a survey.

If we have what the deed says - we'd have enough space.  Otherwise, we've spoken to the neighbor who owns the adjacent piece about purchasing it.  Nika is so tired of being on her cable - she complains about the squirrels every day :-)

Nika watching for those squirrels!

 As we were finishing up, my neighbor Clara, stopped by to invite me to a Garden Club meeting at the new Senior Center.  I had to accept!  This time of year - with the holidays coming & our kids & grand-kids so far away- it was so nice to be thought of.  This Senior Center is the only one in the state that doesn't use outside funding sources & is completely run by volunteers.  A very nice building - in a perfect corner location on the town square.

I really enjoyed meeting other ladies from town.  We had a super presentation on easy ways to design table centerpieces & other Christmas decorations.  That was followed by tea & lemon cake!  Afterward - Clara asked if I'd like a tour of the town.

The old Train Station~

 I was so surprised when we started up a big hill & at the top was the old train station!  What an amazing building.  I could just imagine it way back when - in it's prime.  Clara is a photographer & as the two of us were taking photos, I heard Clara exclaim;  "The train is coming!"

Here it comes!

 In a matter of seconds the train was upon us - the Engineer blowing his horn as it swept by!  An empty coal train - on it's return & moving fast!

It had been years since I'd been that close to a fast moving train!  What a rush!  Clara was busy taking photos the entire time!   Next, we headed over to the buildings that loom over the town, known as the Glenwood State Hospital.  With a colorful history - the grounds are amazingly beautiful & very private. 

Deer roaming the grounds~

 We drove over to the lake on the large grounds, complete with a picnic area.   Clara turned back toward down, making a few more stops on our way.  It was a really fun tour & interesting afternoon.  Butch was working on the kitchen all day.  Tomorrow - finally - counter tops are scheduled for installation!

Ridin' Time Again~

What can we say about sunshine, perfect days?  Cool & crisp we've had only one blustery day during our time here so far.  Even that was amazing - experiencing the different weather patterns of a new place.

Saturday, we were invited to a private farm for some arena riding.  As I started to unload Farah - using an old halter & trying to hold on to the large trailer door - she decided to jump out before the lead was clipped!  (With a brisk, chill wind blowing, it was a fresh kind of afternoon.)  Taking off at a trot, after weeks of confinement in a stall with only occasional turn-out, she's gained weight & was feeling fresh.  Lucky for me - she's still my good girl & after taking me on a tour of the yard - she stopped :-) 

Butch & Farah~

Butch took over, while I put my gloves on.  There's just no way you can't be distracted from the amazing views on this farm!  Omaha in the distance - even more beautiful at night.

View of Omaha to the west~

We're looking forward to exploring more of the Loess Hills area before we head too far afield :-) No pun intended!  We've found our proximity to Omaha & Eppley Field to come in handy.  It's an easy drive to pick up or drop off family.

Here we are!

I was bundled up!  Thermal pants, North Face thermoball vest & Carhart jacket.  Once we were trotting, I warmed up quick.  Farah did too - since this arena has a deep sandy footing perfect for the reining horses who train here.

We work on collection~

It was great fun to watch as a couple of the horses did their Quarter Horse spins, stops & turns.  Late afternoon, as the sun sat over the wooded hills, we went in to warm up & enjoy a hot meal.

Later, as we loaded Farah - the sky was so black, the stars so bright & the quiet so complete.  We could have been in the middle of nowhere - but instead - have found ourselves somewhere that's feeling more like home each day.

When The Time Comes~

You are never ready for the call...
When it came - when I heard the words - time suddenly stopped.  My thoughts a swirling vortex of emotion...
My mother had lost her battle with COPD...  None of us expected the end would come so quickly.  Just a few days before, I'd received a call from my aunt; Mom was in the hospital & on a ventilator.  Unable to speak, she was still fully alert, responding to the hospital staff & writing notes to communicate.  Within a day, she was breathing again on her own.  When I spoke to her, she sounded stronger than she had in weeks.  With her usual tone, she was unhappy to be there & not excited at the prospect of having to go to a nursing home, rather than return to her home.  I made calls & she was moved to one of Boulder's nicest facilities.  During our last conversation, two days before, she was looking forward to a meeting with the Doctor & staff.   Mom wanted to know the date she'd be released & what type of in-home care she would need.

When the call came - I was caught totally off-guard.  (We'd been working non-stop for two days to empty the last of our things out of storage & move them to the house.)  Butch took one look at me & realized what had happened.  As he wrapped me in his arms, all I could do was stand there as the grief washed over me...   A feeling of emptiness so complete, words can't begin to describe it.  Both of my parents now gone...

I called both daughter's & spoke to my other Aunt before we drove home.  We worked into the night to unload the truck, close the house & pack to leave.  (It would be a shorter trip than if we'd still been in Washington.)  Late the following day, we were in Boulder.  My sister flew in from AZ & met us at Mom's.  As it was when we lost Dad, walking into the house that had been Mom's home for so many years without her there - was awful.

Mom's Home 1-8-2016 Boulder, CO

 Mom grew up in a time when smoking was "in".  Starting with corn husks - behind the barn - she was hooked at an early age.  Dad tried to get her to quit over the years, but as we know now, it's an addiction hard to give up.  Almost 20-years ago, after she passed out at the wheel of the car, narrowly avoiding an accident, she gave the habit up completely.  We were so proud of her!

Mom loved to drive & loved to take long distance road-trips.  While her health was good, she visited family & friends in Iowa several times.  She made the drive to Washington too, by herself on several occasions & loved the state.  With my sister Laurie & her family in AZ, Mom made that trip as often as she could.  She loved the area enough she'd considered moving there.

Mom at the Leaning Tree - 8-1-2008

 Her home & yard were always immaculate!  During our visits over the years - we were still hauling squares of flagstone for new & improved walkways :-) She loved her five granddaughters & grandson.  With three great grandsons & four great granddaughters, she always remembered to send birthday cards.  She spent several years collecting historical information on our family's genealogy & compiled several notebooks full of family lineage & old photos.  Each of her four children had an album of photos she'd complied from both old & newer photos over the years.

Me & Mom - at Dad's 10-2012

Every time I called & talked to Mom, I felt so lucky, to have her in my life.  When Dad passed, our shared sorrow made us closer.  Now, I work to accept her loss as I assimilate yet another major change in my life...  I'm thankful for the family & friends who've provided me with their love & support during this difficult time.  Daughter Courtney is flying in to accompany us on our trek back to Iowa this coming week.  Services will be held at the Greenfield Cemetery on November 11th.

Rest in Peace Mom - know your family will always love you.  We will cherish our memories of the happy times & will remember & appreciate the great gifts you've given us~

Waubonsie State Park!

I was looking forward to my first ride in Iowa!  Our days have been so full - working on the remodel of our new place.  We were both happy to have an excuse for a day off.  After picking up Farah, we drove south for about 40-min. to arrive at the park.

Sunshine day~

What a beautiful place it is! 

Waubonsie State Park

The Equestrian Area is separate from the people side & is pretty much a horseman's paradise.  Today was the Spooktacular Poker Ride, hosted by the Pony Express Riders of Iowa.  This group, coming up on their fifty-year anniversary - donates the proceeds of their rides to a variety of charities.  Well organized, it reminded me very much of a BCH ride.

Juanita, Gina & Connie

After becoming friends on Facebook - Juanita & I finally had the opportunity to ride together.  Gina joined us. The members of the Club were all friendly & the ride was very well organized.  We enjoyed meeting such a great group of people.

In the woods~

Even if the woodland forest of deciduous trees was just past it's prime, the colors were so strong & striking!  Such a change from the Evergreen Forest of the Pacific Northwest.

Trees!

I was a stranger in a strange land!  I must have asked 100 questions!  :-)  It's going to be so much fun to learn about all the trees & plants that are new to me!  I was so surprised & happy to see some that were familiar - like the Maidenhair Fern below!

Maidenhair Fern~

The Paw Paw Trees were really the most interesting so far.  Their striking yellow leaves, even though most had fallen, were easy to pick out.

Paw Paw Trees, with the larger leaves~

 I'm told that they taste like a combination of a banana & pear!   You need to be quick when the fruit ripens, to beat the wildlife to the sweet treat!  I can't wait!

Juanita & Connie

The day was just slightly overcast & the weather warm, but not hot, for late October.  I was surprised at the good sweat the horses worked up. This has been the longest I've not ridden Farah in years!

Farah enjoying the views~

She was still Farah - wanting to lead & her usual ornery self the first few miles, but more mellow that she has ever been.  One spook - at what I think was the only piece of cut log in the forest was almost a joke :-)  These are not easy trails - the hills are much shorter & steeper than what we're used to.  The footing though, is incredible.  Mostly a packed dirt surface with no rock.  No shoes needed here.

What we'd call a wetland in WA!

There was a beautiful pond area & small  creek running.

Rest Area!

Three different Rest Area's, complete with hitching posts & picnic tables were great!  Something I'd not ever seen in Western WA.

Coming back to camp~

This large grassy camp boasts corrals, hitching posts & plenty of parking!  Everyone parked wherever they wished.  Clean & green - it was obvious that even with heavy use, everyone loves & cares for this great park.

Asian Beetles

Farah & I did get an education regarding what I thought were ladybugs, before they started biting!  Even a heavy spray with repellent did little to keep them off!  Thankfully, there was a hose, so after washing the sweat off & giving Farah a fresh spray - they subsided.

Post ride~

 It was such fun to kick back & enjoy the late afternoon sunshine.  The Pony Express Riders had a super dinner with chili, cream of potato soup, rolls, deserts - yummy!  I spent some one-on-one time with my mare, while Butch went up with friends for the prize drawing.  We won a $50. gift certificate to Bronco Billy's tack store in Council Bluffs!

It took just about a week to finish off the hay from home, cutting it 50/50 with the hay here, which is high in alfalfa.  We've cut Farah's supplement in half - since she isn't being ridden as often.  Her weight has stayed about the same & her appetite hasn't diminished!  When I tacked her up & gradually tightened the cinch, I did not get her usual dirty look.  She seemed to have no problem with cinching - a departure that makes me wonder if the alfalfa has helped her digestion?

We headed back toward home just as the sun was setting to the west.  I'm enjoying the wide-open spaces & territorial views so much!  We're both enjoying the new friends we've met & all are so friendly & welcoming!  So much to write about & so little time!  :-)

GREAT ride!

Settling In~

Once the decision was made to tear everything out & re-do the house, the next two weeks were busy ones.  Butch stayed ahead of the flooring installer, moving furnace floor vents - all of them were out in the middle of the rooms.  He tore out leaking toilets, doors, cupboards & even a couple small pony walls in the master bath.  For a while, it looked like a war zone!

Besides all the work, we made several trips to Council Bluffs - to find what we needed.  We spent time shopping, purchasing & when necessary, ordering. Home Depot was our go-to place!  Courtney's flair for decorating was put to use, between the three of us, we made decisions on appliances, cabinets, etc.

Kelly's Carpet & Furniture~

 Jim at Kelly's was great to work with.  He'd helped me to pick the flooring long-distance.  It was fun to finally meet him in person.

Courtney never stopped - cleaning, scrubbing & helping her dad with the heavy stuff.  We did take one afternoon off to tour some of the surrounding countryside.  We ended up at what's become our favorite place - Tobey Jacks in Mineola.  It was super sad when Thursday rolled around...  The drive to Omaha was so short & easy - Courtney had to catch her flight back to Washington. :-(  It brought home to us - our kids & grandkids were no longer going to be close enough to visit :-(

Craft Room~

  One of the goals for the first week, was to get the flooring down in the far end of the house.  That would give us the space to move in things from the U-Haul, rather than rent another storage.  I realized how nice it was going to be to have a larger house with two more bedrooms!

Both the U-Hauls ~

The two of us unloaded the 22ft. truck & returned it on the 23rd to the dealer.  The 26-ft. truck that Butch & David had driven out was still there.

27th - Nika supervises - Flooring down, cupboards going in~

The flooring installer was nice enough to help with my railroad desk!  Drew was super to work with.  Kelly's best installer & it was obvious why!  Once he'd finished - our next goal was to get two of our three storage spaces emptied before the end of the month.

What a job That was!  Again, just the two of us - Butch figured out amazing ways to help get the biggest & heaviest stuff loaded into the truck - then unloaded at the  house.  The weather throughout the move was great & stayed nice the entire time.

Evening view~

November first - we'd just finished loading the last of our things from the final storage space - when my phone rang.  Hearing my aunt's voice, I knew why she was calling...  My Mother had passed away...  Time stood still...

When I think of all the changes - in such a short amount of time...  

I'm thankful Mom knew we were safe, happy & settling in~