Breaking In New Boots and Wheels

Queens of the Branding

Yep, there is nothing like breaking in new boots. Getting them crusted with mud and dodging cow pies (sometimes not) and trying to stay out of every one's way at Jay and Jessamyn's branding Saturday. It was touch and go for a while. All activity stopped while the clouds unleashed sleet and rain down upon our heads. Fortunately the clouds parted and the activity resumed with all hands on a mission to capture those little doggies.


Rope and Drag

Branding

The branding would have been more fun and it would have been a little easier to drink more beer if it had been a tad bit warmer. The thermometer was hovering around 48 degrees. Brrrrr!

Not only did I break my new boots in, I also broke in my new SUV. What a sweet ride, so quiet and dependable. No bucking or rearing, pretty easy to steer and just as smooth as silk on the road.

Loving it!

Along For The Ride

This past week has been a whirlwind of RSVPs to birthdays, weddings, and family reunions. Reserving food and shelter. Making my spring and summer schedule pretty busy. I also had luncheon dates and outings with friends and family. Whew!

Shooting a porcupine on the Box L Ranch

And prairie dogs



My friends and family also continue to step it up in my behalf. Giving me continued support by rototillering my garden. By inspiring me to grow a garden again even if I have to do hand to hand battle with the grasshoppers. Thank you Linda and Tom for that! Also by helping me make a very big desicion about what to do about my two very large 4x4 vehicles: the 2006 1/2 ton Lariat 5.4 Triton pickup and my 2001 Suburban. Both who are quite the gas guzzlers. Thanks to Paqui, Jessamyn, Jay, and friends like the Voss family and their very close friend Clinton (owner of the Cheverolet and Buick dealership in Chadron), I will be the proud owner soon of a 2012 Buick Enclave.

It will be a ride of a life time and I am looking forward to visiting family and friends in safety and comfort. Thank you Clint for giving me a great deal and all for steering me in the right direction.

Always Many Decisions!

Strange I have never really thought about how many decisions we all are required to make during a minute, a hour, a day, or week. It is seems endless and if I really think about it, quite overwhelming. That is where I am at these last few days. Having to make decisions at ever turn and honestly not having a clue about what decision is the best in many cases. I am flying by the seat of my pants, I must say. Yes, I call friends that I know that might have some expertise or even my accountant who can steer me in the right direction. Now I truly know the meaning of "My mind is in a muddle and I don't know why" which is right out of one of Brian's old songs. I can take solace in knowing there are family, friends and nice people like the clerk at the Box Butte Treasurers Office who will take the time to teach an old dog some new tricks.

One of the decisions I do ponder is how long to leave the pictures on the blog of Brian's celebration of life party. The pictures will remain up through this week and then I will reformat the blog. It is time to move forward in my blog and in my life. Hard as it might be, it is time to look ahead. Fortunately I have many friends and family who are keeping me busy with lunch dates, phone calls and emails. Next week a friend and I are taking a day trip to Scottsbluff to shop. Yes business as usual? No not quite yet, but soon I hope I will get use to the new silence and my own thoughts.

The Big Give Away

 

Easter turned out to be quite nice weather wise, which means no wind and sunny sky. With baby flies crawling out of the wood siding and other winter hiding places to buzz around our heads causing endless irritation. But we forgive the phenomena because it was sooo nice out!

On Easter our family attended church together. Then we sat fourteen people for Easter dinner with turkey and ham entrees. The rest of the group pitched in with side dishes. It was a great day of reminising old times and planning new adventures. It was our first holiday without Brian. It was sad for sure, but it renewed our strength by being together. You know the old saying, strength in numbers. We spent time going through Brian's clothes and everyone could take what they wanted and could use. It was like the big give aways the indians use to do. Something for all to remember Brian by.

Victory

Learning To Be Single

Margie, Nancy and Darrell
Sister-in-law, Sister, and Brother

Yes, learning to be with ones self after 39 years is a challenge. Even before that Brian and I had lived with each other on the sly. It still feels new, like Brian has left on a trip or is at a conference for a few days. The mind plays tricks to help you process the magnitude of it all. After my sister left for her home in Honolulu and I left my brother's house in Ft. Collins, I was truly on my own.

On the way home to Alliance I stopped to shop a little at the new mall on Harmony Road in Ft. Collins, stopping at the new Sprouts grocery, Lowe's and super Target. Feeling pretty pleased with my self I started to leave the parking lot and there was a strange noise and feel to F-150 pickup. To my dismay the right front tire was flat. OH my, my heart sank! I have never in my life have had to change a tire. Fortunately, I called my brother-in-law James who came to the rescue. I had ran over a bottle of some sort and ruined my tire. James gave me a lesson in changing the large truck tire and showed me where all the tools are located to fulfill the project, such as tire iron and jack. Needless to say, I don't think I could do it if I had to. Triple A might be a better option for this lady. Yes, my first big adventure and it was a flop. I still needed male assistance and support. It will be a long learning curve for me.

Thanks James!

Easter will bring more family and friends, not to mention eggs and baskets of joy. The family will be getting together to help with a few chores around the house and participate in the big clothes give away. So for now I will be hopping along the bunny trail!