There. Feel That?
Sat, Mar 6 2010 10:55
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Right there. In the exuberant flight of the robins. In the chirp of the finch sitting atop the highest branch of a red oak. In the upward push of the masses of bluebonnets. In the softening of the horizon and the movement of the stars. Spring is coming. I took a "trash walk" down 2012 with Tracy yesterday evening. We carried grocery bags and filled them up with refuse we found along the sides of the road. Mostly beer cans, which is in stark contrast to the fun-filled commercials that filled the Superbowl ad spaces. I bent down to pick up yet another beer can and saw one tiny yellow flower, growing from the rocky roadside. A springtime harbinger.
The cold air is finally relenting to warmer breezes. After such a fiercely wintry winter- four "real" snows, ones that stuck- and more cold rain than I can remember, it is salve to my soul to feel warm sunlight on my face, to see a greening of the fields and buds of new growth on the trees.
This morning I ran outside to shoo away a mud swallow that has decided to make its nest in my front entryway. I scraped away (for the 20th time) the mud and moss it was using to make its nest and was sweeping away the fruits of my labors, when Tracy came out and told me to look to my left. There in the pasture were two deer. One was an albino. I had heard about it from several of the workers here, but in five years had never laid eyes on it. And I almost didn't this time, too busy in my chores. It was a sight to see, a wonder of nature, right there in my front yard.
I'll take that as a good lesson for spring.
Dear Molly: Slow down. Sit back. Look around and take it all in. It's a beautiful world.
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100th Post from Big Hill!
Sun, Feb 7 2010 10:36
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Wow! 100 post, representing 100 weeks.
That really puts things into perspective. Some days I feel almost overwhelmed by how much there is left to do, both with the house and with the land. But if I look back at the 100 weeks- and even beyond - I can see that, like the tortoise running with the hare, even at what seems like a slow pace, with time and continued effort, I can accomplish my goals.
Another milestone today: the New Orleans Saints won the Superbowl! What a delightful and heartwarming surprise, as they were not favored to win. There is one heck of a party going on in New Orleans eight now, even though the game was played in Miami.
This was another cold, wet week. I am ready to sit outside and SWEAT.The Phase 1 front yard is in a good bit of disarray from all the rain. We have so much rain that it rained into the chimney. We caught several inches in a bucket. And there is one of the 100 things that needs to be completed in the house: a chimney cover. And a drainage system in the front yard. Make that 101 things.
Something funny happened this week. Tracy and I were watching the Eukenuba National Dog Show, and Sweet Pea, fluffly white cat, sat and watched it with us. Well, actually she sat on the coffee table and watched. I mean really watched. She followed the dogs as they did their out and back walk. You could watch her little head go back and forth. It was hilarious.
We cleared a little bit more on the back slope. I also removed as much cactus back there as I could find. I'll have to keep looking for it and dig it up as it grows- before it gets to be such a sticky problem. Tracy thinks that once we get the brush cut and the stones picked up and the stumps cut down or burned, he can keep the slope growth under control with his DR brush cutter. We are slowly making enough progress to test that theory. Running like a tortoise.
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January Slumber
Tue, Jan 26 2010 05:27
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Who says July and August are the lazy days? I can be just as lazy in January. I slow down with the cold, dry air and I cuddle up in sweaters and scarves with the cold, wet air.
The landscape is barren, the sunsets are deep amber, the days are short and the nights are long. Perfect for a wood burning fireplace and catching up on TV, or maybe a little art or music.
Tracy and I continue to clear the back terrace. We have about two thirds of it cleared now, and I can begin to see what it might look like one day as a somewhat tamed slope. I hope we didn't stomp the bluebonnets too much. I just can't tell you how happy I am when I am burning brush. If it paid I could do it for a living.
The clouds are rolling in, and it looks like we are in for another winter storm this week. Hopefully it won't interfere with our planned trip to Louisiana on Friday for Margaret and Larrie's birthdays- 48 and 50 years old, respectively.
I have been keeping a daily blog since my 49th birthday on December 29th. I am doing a 365-day count down to a half century parTAY and am trying to mark my days with some sense of the passage of time. Speaking of which, I STILL have a bit of nail polish on my big toes from sister weekend. I am doing an experiment to see how long it will take to grow all of it off from last June. The answer seems to be A LONG TIME. After seven months of experimentation, I am determined to stick it out until last year's summer color of lovely coral is all grown out. And then I will get a pedicure. I promise.
New Year, New Life
Tue, Jan 19 2010 06:14
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I spent last week in Plano with Rebecca, Ava and Shepard, while Rebecca's husband was traveling. I don't what what she would have done without me! And I don't know what I would have done without the supper delivery from her church friends and neighbors! And I reeeaaallly don't know how Mom did it at all!!!
I was going from the time I got up until the time I went to sleep (immediately upon placing my head n the pillow). Of course, I worked while I was there, there was that. I was putting out a proverbial fire one evening, and Ava told her mother that 'Molly's work sure takes a long time...'.
Shepard is a doll, or a 'cute, cute, cutie' as Ava calls him. Ten pounds of human life. Amazing.
Saturday I got nearly nothing accomplished. Except sleeping late and lazing around. We did start working again on the back terrace, clearing the overgrown grass and brush oak, or as I call it, "The Curse of The Garden of Eden plant".
The bluebonnets seem to have made it through the big freeze, so I expect a banner showing in the spring. I hope to have lots of visitors.
Walking on (Frozen) Water
Mon, Jan 11 2010 05:03
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The Arctic Blast of 2010 is finally abating, but we had some very low temperatures in the area- some in the single digits- for several days. The moisture on the roof melts off and freezes as it hits the rocks below. the pond was frozen solid, but by the time this photo was taken it had started to lose its solidness. I heard a few cracks as I walked out, so I didn't go as far as I did the first time. Hopefully the Mallards will come back now that there is a softer landing.
Everything has taken on its winter shade of gray and brown. I actually enjoy the visual rest, it is almost like my mind gets to take a break, with less color input. And I love those long lasting winter sunsets- they just go on and on, framed by the stark leafless trees, old barns and rugged cedar post fences.
I am off to Plano to help Rebecca with the two little ones while Claude travels this week. I get to hold a newborn tonight! Pure joy!
Wonder of Wonders, a White Christmas on Big Hill
Tue, Dec 29 2009 08:55
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What a way to spend Christmas Eve! "Stranded" on Big Hill, watching the snow fall fast and furiously, whipped by a strong wind, howling and tossing the flakes about before they finally settled on every surface, creating a living holiday card.
Tracy and I had plans to go to Arlington to visit with his family, but we only made it a few miles from the hill before sliding off the road and making the decision to turn back. We couldn't even make it back up 2012- we had to go all the way around to 2011 and hit 2012 on the backside. I was SO glad when we turned back onto the driveway.
By sunset on Christmas Eve, the sky began to clear up, shedding a lavender light on the landscape, but it remained very cold and the snow was still on the ground Christmas morning. A true blue, White Christmas! In fact, as I write this on the 29th, there are still patches of snow in the front yard and along the road, and we are looking at a chance of more snow today!
We were able to make the trip to Louisiana, with Ashley along this time. We had a wonderful time with my family, playing games, walking through the woods, sitting by the fire, sharing delicious meals and sipping some really expensive wine that Mike and Beth got from a generous oenophile
Today is my 49th birthday, and so I begin the 365-day countdown to a half century of living. Tracy and I were talking last night, and we both were flabbergasted to be the ages we are, since we both feel like teenagers. Hopefully we have learned a thing or two since our teens, though!
I took today off from work and plan to enjoy every minute of it! I'll let you know how it goes...
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Ice Skating Anyone?
Tue, Dec 15 2009 06:11
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The Big Hill "pond" froze over this week! This was just a few days after (and a few days before!) beautiful weather reaching into the 70s. We had a few nights that dipped into the low 20s, and that is all it took. It was only a sliver of ice cover, but it gives me hope for future ice skating. And since the pond is only a couple of feet deep, even if you fall through you can just run back to the house for a cup of hot chocolate!
Tracy has the front yard decked out for Christmas. He outlined the sidewalk and the inner circle of the driveway and then put three animated deer in the middle. He also wrapped a few tree trunks. They are by far the nicest outdoor lights I have ever had.
I decorated the "earth friendly", fake tree. It is Tracy's and is nine feet tall. It looks great in the corner window. The decorating theme is NO THEME AT ALL, and in spite of that, I am pretty darned pleased by the final result. I can see it even from my bedroom, reflected in the windows.
I mailed out my holiday cards this morning. I am afraid sister Mary is going to be a bit disappointed. I talked about them when she and Ryan visited last weekend and her interpretation is that there is something special in them. Well, not really, except the sentiment in the card is something I thought of using for over 30 years. And I used Big Hill photos to reflect the theme.
I have certainly enjoyed having a fire going lately. If it dips below 40 I am all over it.
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.....
I Came. I Gobbled. I slept.
Mon, Nov 30 2009 06:02
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Tracy and I spent Thanksgiving in Louisiana at my folks' home. We had a relatively small group of 24 people this year for dinner. There was food for more, especially in the dessert category. The All Berry Pie from the Pie Peddlers of Glen Rose was a crowd favorite. Emphasis on "was", as it is all gone.
While we were there Tracy and I went on a date to see Blindside. We never made it to the movie though, as his car had a flat. He has Run Flat tires, so we were able to drive to the car dealership in Monroe, where we sat outside sharing potato chips next to a canal. Hopefully we can have a make-up date with Sandra Bullock soon.
I realized when I got back to Big Hill that I had not taken a single photo! I was in total slouch mode, reading, playing Scrabble, going on walks. Though I did manage to get KP duty a few times.
I was hoping to ave my door handles installed when I got back, but no evidence of any effort here. Mike has a week to go before Mary and her friend Ryan come out for the weekend. He promises to get it done by then...of course I also tried this same thing before the housewarming. Speaking of chores, Glenn says "we" (meaning me, I assume) have to get that pool equipment covered by landscaping or a stone wall. I agree, but it is not even on the top 10 next things to do here. First we have to get drainage in to save the Phase One Yard, then we'll see what ranks as MOST URGENT and take it from there. Just like we have (and just Me before that) for a few years.
Tracy, Ashley and I went to the town Christmas Tree lighting this Saturday night. It was small-town quaint, with a local pastor-wife team providing musical entertainment. After about 30 minutes of Christmas music, we all gathered in a circle, which more closely resembled an amoeba, and held candles. We took turns lighting them around the circle/amoeba- and relighting and relighting due to the wind- then all went aaaaaahhhhh when the Christmas tree lights came on. They served homemade gingerbread men cookies and cider. Another fine tradition in Glen Rose.
I am looking forward to shopping around downtown when Mary and Ryan come in next weekend. I am headed to the living room to enjoy a real live fire in the fire place and a glass of lovely Merlot.
Until next week!
Where Does the Time Go?
Mon, Nov 23 2009 10:49
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In a big, metaphorical sock drawer in the sky, I suppose. I can hardly remember anything that happened this week, except that it rained and messed up my phase one yard. I don't yet have the underground drainage put in. Bass-ackwards, for sure, as it should have been done before we put anything on top of the ground. We are looking into a remedy for that as soon as possible.
On the bird poop front, though I haven't seen any live creatures on the house this week, I have seen evidence of something aviary landing on the sky deck and leaving prizes over the main deck. Little splats of evidence.
As I write this my cat Girly Man is enjoying a romp outside. He got a good dose of freedom when he escaped at the house warming party, and ever since, he tries even harder to get out. My clawless, needy cat, out in the wilderness. Having the time of his life.
Our little town had a very nice multi-church Thanksgiving service on Sunday evening. Our choir combined with the local Catholic one, bringing our total number to about 18. Pastors and singers from all across town took turns at the pulpit, and our Pastor Billy gave a lovely homily about all the reasons we have to be thankful. Quintiscential Glen Rose.
Tracy and I are looking forward to a Thanksgiving visit with all my folks in Louisiana. I can smell from turkey and dressing from here!
Fall in Bloom
Sun, Nov 15 2009 07:18
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It's hard to think I am so close to the Metroplex when I look out over the valley. The fall colors are in full bloom- just like a "real" fall somewhere in the Northeast. Soon we'll fade to the grays and browns of winter, which is always a nice rest on the eyes, but always seems a few weeks too long. Imagine how well I would tolerate living up north!
Not much to report this week. I have been on the road. Two trips for work, a dental appointment in Plano, extended choir practice for Christmas specials, city planning committee meeting...so needless to say, I didn't accomplish much on the hill. I did manage to get most of the art studio organized. Just as I can't cook in a dirty kitchen, it is hard for me to create in a disorganized art studio. Which is weird to say, since I have never actually HAD an art studio.
The deer have just made themselves at home in front of the house. On Saturday I watched a group of three hang out there for a couple of hours. They must know it is a safe haven from hunters. Of course I am writing this in full view of a deer skull hanging on my wall. I bought is last year at my church's fund raiser auction, which I am told is proof that I live deep in the heart of Texas. YeeHaw.
