The View From Big Hill

The Duke is IN THE HOUSE!

2011-11-06T16:58:00.005-06:00

Glen Rose was a bevy of activity last weekend. Trick-or-treaters of every age dressed up for the safe trick-or-treating at all the local businesses. My personal favorite were the two "nuns" outside Angels with Attitude, replete with yardsticks. I'll admit, I sat up a little straighter as I drove by....

Fossilmania was also in town. Hundreds of fossil collectors gathers to show, sell or trade their treasures at the Expo Center.

Lord's Acre at the First United Methodist Church was held to great success. The Barbecue was a big hit and the weather was picture perfect- a crisp autumn day under sunny skies with very little wind. For we Texans who just survived the hottest, driest summer in Texas history, the fall atmosphere was all the sweeter. A few of us crooners sang for the crowd during lunch, and then we all headed to the live auction. My sister Linda and her partner Karen arrived ten minutes before the silent auction and walked out of it with arms full. That is the way to get 'er done!!

The evening held a a highly anticipated event. Local artist Robert Summers' John Wayne sculpture is internationally known. It resides at the Orange County airport in California. The steel, Styrofoam and wax sculpture that served as the mold for the final bronze was brought back to Glen Rose and unveiled at the White Buffalo Art Gallery, where it will remain on permanent display.

As I stood with the crowd, I was taken back to a memory of the first time I saw the sculpture, back in 1999. I was in California for business and flew into the Orange County airport. When I spotted the John Wayne sculpture I was immediately struck by its larger than life size and spot on rendition of The Duke's walk. I stared at it in full appreciation for a good long time before heading out to grab my rental car. Here I was now in 2011, 12 years later, chatting with the artist in a crowd of many friends and acquaintances and art lovers, in the town that I have come to call home. I go to church with Robert's sister, Francis. I have met him and his wife several times and am friends with the gallery owner. I belong to the local art league, and my heart has come to belong to this town.

And now, in a small way, I feel like part of The Duke belongs to me.

Our Family is Growing

2011-09-04T08:51:00.011-05:00

Tracy and I had wonderful news recently. Jerrod Ivy, Tracy's step-son since he was just three years old, has asked Jenette Brininger to marry him. We could not be more thrilled. The wedding is set for June 30 in Mesquite, TX. The lovely couple honored me by letting me take their engagement photos. It just brought so much joy to me to see their two fresh and young faces, with their whole lives ahead of them. Both smart and sensible and clearly in love.

We took photos on a muggy August morning, in the last days of the hottest Texas summer on record. And they were still smiling! Tracy made a fine photographer's assistant, carrying props from one place to another. As he and I close in on our first wedding anniversary, being a part of this great celebration makes it all the sweeter.

More good news, it looks like the 100-plus days are for the most part gone. None are in the forseeable forecast. I rode my bicycle this morning and was ALMOST a tiny bit chilled when I first started. Almost.

Glen Rose had its second annual Neo Relix Film Festival this weekend. I was a volunteer movie screener so got a free pass for the weekend. One of the highlights for me was Child of Giants: My Journey With Maynard Dixon and Dorothea Lange, a documentary about and narrated by their son Daniel. Tom Ropelewski, Daniel's son-in-law, directed and produced. Tracy and I got to chat with him a bit and learned more about this fascinating family. I also very much enjoyed Bag It, a sobering conservation documentary about where all of our single-use plastic cups, bags and bottles end up, and Sh! and Sushi, a movie and dinner event to watch a sneak preview of a documentary by an Austinite. All in all a great event, and I hope we get even more attendees next year!!

Tracy and I are headed to church this morning and then off to College Station. It is that time of year....first game of the season tonight for A & M. He watched movies with me yesterday, I will watch the game with him tonight....give and take!!

Have a safe Labor Day weekend!

Praying for Rain

2011-07-11T08:50:00.006-05:00

Our house sits on the southwest corner of Somervell County, teetering on the edge between "Severe Drought" and "Exceptional Drought" according to a News8 graph I saw last night.

Tracy and I and the cats sit out front every morning to enjoy a few moments of relative cool and then mostly stay indoors until the sun sets. At night we head to the back deck to watch stars and meteors and satellites.

We have been on a burn ban for so long I can't even remember when it started. The grass in the pastures is a wan brown, and several trees within site are dying or dead. It is July 11. Lots and lots of summer days yet to come.

Every cloud gets a visual inspection by us, looking for any sign that it could mean rain is coming our way. So far very little has come since this winter.

Tracy waters our "xeriscaping" a couple of times a week- and we still lost a couple of sage bushes. Even the cacti look thirsty.

I am praying for rain. A good, slow, longlasting garden rain. I am praying that the drought ends, for Somervell County, for Texas. For the scraggly, skinny raccons and mouth breathing road runners that are getting by with salty water from our hot tub.

Lord, please rain on Texas and please, end this drought.

All Seven Sisters Together Again!

2011-06-30T21:20:00.004-05:00

In today's hyper-busy world, with pressures from all sides, I consider it no small feat that we were able to bring seven sisters in from busy jobs- and busy lives- to a weekend of sister fun.
Karen joined us, too, making this a full-on sisterly gathering.

We took turns making meals, ate in Glen Rose once and managed to schedule in all our regular sister gathering activies: star gazing, hot tub soaking, river walking, poetry reading, singing, walking, all important water ballet, and even built our own sister cairn just outside my driveway.

Now I have a reminder of the wonderful weekend everytime I leave or come home.

No shooting stars in the night sky were more appreciated than the ones we saw! There is something about shared joy that makes it exponentially better. I was tuckered out after everyone left, but found myself smiling all Sunday afternoon as I put towels from our swimming adventure in the washer and dishes from our home cooked meals into the dishwasher.

I am already looking forward to next year!

Good and Ordinary Times

2011-03-22T19:49:00.004-05:00

Last Friday I took the day off (except for that hour and a half I spent on a conference call and completing expense reports) to get ready for the weekend "festivities". My son Tim turned 30 on March 16! He came to Big Hill last weekend to celebrate with us, and I ordered a coconut cream pie from Pie Peddlers, one of Tim's favorites.

I was in the store chatting with my friend Betty Grace, who works there on weekends- and on Spring Break in this case- and as I was leaving experienced a palpable feeling of belonging, of happiness, of being home. I have learned to cherish those brief moments, small as they seem, because in the long run they are the times I remember as my happiest.

That good feeling carried over through the whole weekend. Ashley was home from College Station for the weekend, too. We didn't do anything special. We watched a movie, Tim and I played Scrabble, Ashley studied, I cooked, we all cleaned for a visit from my boss that never happened- but, boy! The house looked great! We sat outside and watched the evening fade to night and the Perigee moon rise over the horizon; we ate burgers at The Green Pickle and listened to a loud and kind of pushy band- "I like beer if you want to buy me one". What??

We slept in, but the "kids" slept in later. I gave Sweet Pea, my cat with very long and very thick fur, a bath to try and stave off her prolific shedding, and Ashley and I brushed the other three pets.

I played my new-to-me white Yamaha baby grand that Tracy bought after his house sold. This one came up on Craig's list just at the right time. I had traveled to Winnsboro, TX the weekend before to check it out and was delighted to find it had been in the loving care of a very nice woman. It will certainly have a happy home on Big Hill.

An ordinary weekend, but a really, really good one.

A New Journey

2010-12-13T17:42:00.002-06:00

It has been about three months since my last entry, and my only defense is that I have been a bit busy. Tracy Byers and I were married November 6 in Glen Rose at our lovely and historic Methodist church. We continued the celebration on Big Hill. It seemed more fitting than any other place we could think of. What a time we had!! Who knew getting married could be so much fun!
We have been married a little over five weeks, and every now and then I have to remind myself of it. I am always delighted when I "remember".
We are going on a long trip in the spring, but we did take a weekend trip to Roddy Tree Ranch in Hunt, TX, the same spot where I made the decision to move to the hill country- and ended up in Glen Rose. So we went back to the beginning. The nicest part was that there was no TV and no computer and no List of Things to Do. We were forced to play and have fun. What a concept!
We have the house fully decorated for Christmas. We were asked to be in the 2010 Glen Rose Tour of Homes, which didn't happen, but our house looks very festive!! We are considering having a party, although something with a bit less than 200 people....

Rest in Thee

2010-09-25T10:52:00.005-05:00

copyright 2010 molly golson

i run the rat race
i admit that
i am faster than most
i fight the good fight
for the right to
beat my chest and
brag and boast
i stay on target
ever focused on
my every goal
but what have i gained if
i win the world and
lose my soul

let me rest in thee
oh lord i pray
let my heart be held
in gentle song
all the world a breath away
but lord i under your sway
have no need no urgent thing
for which i long
but to rest in thee

i do for me and and mine
and we do fine
and what i do for you
depends on
what is at the end
of all the money
we go through
it's hard to
hear your cries or
feel your pain while
running at this pace but
when i take the time i
often find i'm
running in place

let me rest in thee
oh lord i pray
let my heart be held
in gentle song
all the world a breath away
but lord i under your sway
have no need no urgent thing
for which i long
but to rest in thee

my feet are on the ground
my heart is on my sleeve
my actions more than words
reveal what i believe

let me rest in thee
oh lord i pray
let my heart be held
in gentle song
all the world a breat away
but lord i under your sway
have no need no urgent thing
for which i long
but to rest in thee

let me rest in thee
rest in thee

Sizzling State of Texas

2010-08-12T19:06:00.006-05:00

We have surpassed the average number of days for temperatures over 100 degrees F. And looks like there is a steady stream of them still coming our way.

I got in Tracy's attic last Saturday and looked like I had little water hoses all over me. Little streams of sweat were pouring all down my arms and legs - and face. I got just a little touch of heat exhaustion and spent the next few days recuperating. I just can't take it like I used to.

It still feels great at night and in the mornings, tough. Every now and then I feel almost chilly outside! I guess it is all relative, once you sweat in 125 degrees, 75 feels like an autumn breeze.

last week Jerrod, Tracy's stepsonm and his girlfriend, Jenette, came out for her birthday and to visit Ashley. We took some great photos of them. That is them above- aren't they the cutest couple? (I mean, of course, next to Tracy and me!)

A couple of weekends ago, Linda an I took Mom and Dad to Shreveport for an ad hoc Tempus Fugit meeting. We spent the first 30 minutes trying to get Mom to say Tempus Fugit correctly, and then we decided we weren't actually sure how to say it correctly ourselves. We got giddier from there. I wish everyone had a mom as fun as mine. Dad was in hog heaven in the Bass Pro Shop. We exchanged the knife we bought him for his birthday. Ours was prettier, but his was more functional, which matters for someone that uses his knife every day.

Yesterday evening I climbed to the sky deck after returning home from New Orleans (a very quick business trip) and was surprised to see a ginormous southern grasshopper on the roof. I was even more surprised when he started poo-pooing. That's right, it was a miniature National Geographic moment. Too bad I didn't have my video camera with me.

Later on I went outside to watch the night sky and saw one of the absolutely best meteors I have ever seen! It zoomed across a third of the sky, with it's split tail cutting the sky in half. I gasped out loud. Tonight the Perseid's shower starts in full swing, and I will be right back outside. Hopefully not being poo-pooed on by a grasshopper.

Stay cool, my friends.

I Love Summer

2010-07-20T08:27:00.003-05:00

I really do. I love the haze over the horizon in the morning and even the hot sun beating down. The sky of late has been filling up with tall cumulus clouds that morph and grow as the afternoon waxes , and then dissipate as the sun goes down. Everything has greened up again thanks to a recent bout of storms. I have not changed since I was a young girl in that I feel a certain freedom and sense of adventure when summer rolls around. Except now that adventure is constantly interrupted by work!

We sit outside on many nights watching the sky and listening to the echoes of the Chuck Will's Widow birds talking back and forth. We found out that was their name from a neighbor who was over not too long ago. We are finally getting drainage in the front yard. Then we can get some more plants out front. It has been a year since I moved in! I certainly didn't think things would take this long, but there is so much left to do.

I did finally get a desk for my work space, and in fact am typing from that desk right now. I have heard not to put work in the bedroom, but it was here or in the art studio, and I sure didn't want work in there! Ha!

I also bought shelving for the garage- the accumulation of stuff was making me crazy. I still have a lot of stuff to go through and organize. Truth be told, most of it could be given away. When you aren't really sure what is in a box, chances are you don't need it!

I've have a friend's grandson Jake, here working for a few weeks. He is a hard worker, and it is some kind of hot outside! It has been a real help having him here, with Tracy's knee injury and the wedding coming up. Between the three of us, we are getting the "yard" in shape for the wedding of the half century.

I hope we have weather like there was for the house warming last year. It could not have been more perfect, right down to the mackerel sky sunset. A repeat performance would be oh so welcomed.

Seven Sister Summer Solstice 2010

2010-06-15T17:56:00.003-05:00

What a time we had! Terri started the parade o'sisters, coming in on Thursday to have a jewelery showing. That was a great evening with my friends. We spent a good part of the evening on the back deck, listening to the birds and cicadas and watching the stars.

The rest of the sisters came in on Friday. We were still missing Susie this year, but hope to have her rejoin us in 2011.

Friday night Terri and I prepared a 5-course dinner and then took a walk on CR 2012. Karen scare the HECK out of us by coming in while we were walking and hiding along the roadside and making panther sounds. We were huddling together and making ourselves LOUD and BIG and wondering what to do next, when "it" jumped out of the bushes and lunged toward us. We might have scared some actual panthers if any were in a 10-mile radius. We ended the night in the hot tub, relaxing and catching up.

Saturday we started with a home cooked breakfast, care of Linda and Margaret, and then went for an adventure walk in the woods. We also practiced our water ballet before having yet another meal, this one prepared by Rebecca and Mary. Then we settled in for a 30-minute nap, which ended up being over an hour! When we woke up sufficiently, we donned our swim suits and walked over to the Noells, where Paula was our lovely host and photographer for a lively water ballet.

Afterwards, we took showers and "citified" ourselves for a trip into Glen Rose. We ate delicious cheeseburgers at The Big Cup Eatery and took turns singing Karaoke. Mary won the best presentation for her prop-filled rendition of Leather and Lace, and Linda definitely had the most exciting, table knocking down performance of the night, singing Rollin' on the River. Terri brought down the house, Margaret nearly made us cry with her sweet dedication to Tracy and me, and Rebecca had the workers stopping to listen. It was good times.

Once home we grabbed pillows and headed to the back deck to watch falling stars. Even Mary saw one!

Sunday morning we had another breakfast prepared by Linda and then exchanged our gifts. A last, nice surprise was a card from everyone to congratulate Tracy and me on our engagement, with a toast of champagne.

And then they all left, and I cleaned house for 3 1/2 hours. The End.

Ha! I can't wait to have them again. The weekend went way too fast.

Sisters rock.

Where Have I Been?

2010-06-04T17:18:00.006-05:00

Here and there and everywhere and without a reason for dropping this ball.

There has been a lot going on since my last entry. The main thing is that Tracy asked me to marry him, and I of course said yes. The reactions have been anywhere from whoops of joy to what-took-him-so-long. It DID seem to take a long time, but it is good to hope and hope for something and finally have it happen in the best possible way. How often does that happen?

He asked me in one of my favorite places- Sanibel Island, FL. We were there for our annual pilgrimage with Mom and Dad. Now it has even more special significance.

Gotta go- I have a wedding to plan!

Guest Log

2010-05-05T23:34:00.003-05:00

My friend Devra is always full of good ideas, but this one has become a centerpiece of Big Hill. She suggested it even before the walls were up. The first time anyone visits they sign a rock and write or draw something on it if they want, as a sort of guest log sign in. I have also added sea glass and shells to the mixture, which now serves as both memorabilia and art.Our “guest log” bowl is filling up with rocks, filled with about a hundred rocks. That’s a good start.

We switched Internet providers to Skybeam yesterday. They came out and installed the day after we called them! So far, so good. We can now stream videos, which we couldn’t with our last provider. I don’t do a lot of that, but it is an indication that their service is faster and stronger.

Also, the Windstream folks are half way up the hill with their phone line. Now they are getting to solid rock. I know their hearts probably sank when they first saw the task awaiting them. They are making good progress, though. Hopefully soon I will have a land line.

All in all it’s getting to be real gentrified-like ‘round here. Well, except for the spiders and bugs that have sprung up with the spring flowers. Good news is that has brought out lots of birds to partake in the feast. In fact, I just got bombarded by a hummingbird as I was sitting on the master deck writing this. And watched out usual buzzards soaring across the valley.

Tracy and I also just saw a high flying, swirling group of very streamlined birds, flying in circles, but generally headed north. There were about 30 of them, and we have no idea what type of birds they were. I could draw you a picture…And, oh the butterflies! I sat outside on a conference call today and saw probably a dozen different kinds of them, all taking advantage of the plethora of flowers. I read in the local paper that is should be a great year for wild hogs, too, whatever a “great year” for hogs means…..

So, if you’re not afraid of a little wild life, come on out and sit a spell on the back deck and let’s visit! While you’re here, please sign your name on a rock and add it to the artful bowl. Oh, and look out for wild hogs.

Rhythm

2010-04-27T17:18:00.003-05:00

Not too many nights ago I was in my very grown up kitchen preparing dinner. I have been working my way through a very thick cookbook, one recipe a day. At a certain point I noticed my movements were smooth and flowing. I didn't have to stop and wonder where a certain spice or dish or ingredient was. It was almost like a dance. Then it hit me that I have fallen into the rhythm of the place.

And of course that got me to thinking about all the ways the rhythm of life shows itself to us.
On Big Hill, Saturdays are for vacuuming and mopping and dusting. Wednesdays are trash pick up. Sundays are for church and relaxation.

I follow along on my iPhone app to catch the full moon rising every 29 and a third days.
And now, having lived here almost a year, I am seeing the rhythm of full circle of nature outside every window. I see the deer cross county road 2010 every morning, headed to the north side of the street, and then back again every evening. I wonder where they go?
The spring flowers are starting to be overcome with the growth of blue stem and Chinese tassel top grasses- and a hundred other growing things.

The days are getting longer and warmer. I know where and when the sun will hit in every window and how it changes as the seasons change.

I think I feel the seasonal changes more intensely here, with nature being so close and so big. But I also find joy in noticing the little things, like how cooking in my own kitchen has become so second nature or how Sweet Pea, my fluffy white cat, has finally done most of her spring shedding.

The rhythm of life is in steady beat around here. Endless entertainment for a consummate daydreamer.

Spring Has Sprung

2010-04-14T10:30:00.003-05:00

What a year for bluebonnets! They are thick and tall and plentiful! And they put off a very sweet scent. All that winter rain paid off. The leaves on the trees even seem thicker and greener. It is really beautiful right now, and I find myself stopping from my work often to pause and look out the window- or even venture outside to get a better view. I haven't changed my day dreaming ways since way back in Catholic grade school, when I was constantly in trouble for gazing out the windows with a wistful gaze. And I am STILL stuck inside!

Well, the animals are certainly making most of the spring. We first heard and then saw two owls flirt and then meet on the ground under a dead tree across the valley, and fought for weeks to keep a mud swallow couple from parasitic homesteading over our front door, and this week the tom turkeys are making their maleness known to everyone in earshot- and they are loud. I also saw some young bucks "practicing" the deer mating dance. I will say no more about that- let's just say that love is in the air!!

Looks like we may be getting a land line. I was more excited about it before a townie told me that country land lines around here aren't historically reliable. For now, I choose to be hopeful. I have dropped a few business calls and luckily been able to get right back on, but it is frustrating!

Also, we have someone lined up to help us with drainage in the front yard. No more rivers running through it. Then, when funds allow, I will feel better about adding more xeroscaping.

Tracy is covered head to toe with poison ivy and sumac rash. He is one miserable gardener. He weed-eated the back slope for a few hours 11 days ago. He was wearing shorts and a cut off tee shirt. He didn't bathe for several hours after he finished. He thought the small reddish plants coming up were brush oak. Some were. Most were poison ivy and poison sumac. Oh, he is so miserable. We have tried several creams, lotions and potions, and they all work for a while. On a bright note, the back slope looks terrific!

My phone is charged now, so I am back to work, making calls and hopefully dropping none of them! Will write next week. Until then, peace from the hill!

We Are Better Together

2010-03-23T17:04:00.004-05:00

This weekend I had a houseful of guests. Margaret and her three beautiful girls were here from Friday through Sunday. Rebecca and her growing family spent Friday night with us, and Linda Karen, John and his Karen came out Saturday afternoon. Tracy and Ashley were here for the duration. We had great weather Saturday, but it was very cold and even a tiny bit snowy on Sunday. We managed to have a great time anyway.

What a happy mess the house was. Clothes, computers, dishes and shoes in every nook and cranny. The girls' bikinis were strung over the guest tub to dry after they enjoyed the hot tub Friday night. The dogs and cats found little corners to stay in and avoid the hoopla. Leftovers were out on the counter, and then eaten, and then replaced by a new round of the same. Cars lined the driveway.

Saturday night we had a girls' trip to Big Cup Eatery to wolf down some burgers and then sing a little Karaoke. Margaret's girls sang "My Favorite Things" with an English accent; Ashley, Kristie and I sang songs true to our country music tastes. We practically had the room to ourselves, which may be what inspired Margaret to get up and do something I have never seen before: sing a highly entertaining and actually pretty good rendition of "Way Over Yonder". But I think it was something more that inspired her.

I think we are better together. We feel safer. We feel encouraged. We are offered a comforting haven to return to after we venture out alone. We can be exponentially betterwith our efforts joined as one. We learn more. We share more. We laugh more easily.

I realize the opposite is also true- that we can be worse in groups. We can fudge on decisions, be persuaded to laziness, be pulled into dark places. But, when you care about the people around you, what a difference good company makes.

I have been seeing this over and over lately. I see it in the easy, sisterly affection that Margaret's girls show for each other and the eagerly shared information at my art league meetings. I hear it in the combined voices of my little church choir, and in the reassuring voice Tracy has for Ashley. I actually tasted it this weekend in the soft gooiness of Linda's homemade cinnamon rolls, shared with all of us. This weekend I felt it strongly and knew I was part of something special, surrounded by so many people I love.

I look forward to many more such happy messes on the hill, filled with lots of togetherness.

There. Feel That?

2010-03-06T10:55:00.004-06:00

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.

100th Post from Big Hill!

2010-02-07T22:36:00.003-06:00

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.

January Slumber

2010-01-26T17:27:00.002-06:00

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

2010-01-19T18:14:00.002-06:00

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

2010-01-11T17:03:00.003-06:00

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

2009-12-29T08:55:00.004-06:00

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...

Ice Skating Anyone?

2009-12-15T18:11:00.002-06:00

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.

2009-11-30T18:02:00.003-06:00

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?

2009-11-23T22:49:00.007-06:00

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

2009-11-15T19:18:00.003-06:00

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.