The View From Big Hill

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.

Buid House...Check! Have ParTAY.....Check!

2009-11-08T21:27:00.002-06:00

And we are whooped! Seems like special days should go by a lot slower than prep days. Saturday flew by, and all the preparation and planning paid off. We had a great time, and although I was busy for the first several hours with hostess duties, I had a blast at the housewarming parTAY. So many people told me the barbecue was the best they had ever had. It was really good. And as with all good parTAYS, we had way too much food- both from us and that people brought.

The weather was beautiful, cool morning, nice breezes, with low clouds giving in to mostly sun. But we were blessed with a spectacular mackerel sky sunset that stopped us all in our tracks. Several of my "city" friends came down, and I was very pleased that Glenn, Mike and Jodie came over from Louisiana. It was the first time Glenn had ever seen his design come to fruition. It had to be a cool experience for him, seeing the (nearly) final product.

All of Tracy's siblings were here, plus an aunt, uncle and cousins. That was nice to see.

We ended the party hanging out around the campfire, sitting on big rocks in a circle all around the fire. Clay Burr brought his guitar down and I got to sing with him once again. All in all a very nice time. Followed by some really deep sleep.

Phase One of the front yard area was completed within hours of the party. It sure made a difference. Hopefully no one will think the house is vacant anymore. Now I am ready to get Phase Two started. Patience, patience, patience.

Until next week, peace from the hill.

Home Fires Burning!

2009-11-02T22:34:00.004-06:00

Aaaahhhh Fall. My favorite season. Crisp cool air, migrating birds, frisky animals, and cozy fires in the fireplace. Finally! It cooled down this week and we lighted our first fire in the fireplace. It actually put out warmth for several hours, even when just the coals were left.

It was so nice. Even the animals seemed to relax in it's glow. Speaking of animals, there has been a steady stream of deer visiting in the mornings. This week I spotted an eight point buck. He was a big and beautiful creature.

Although since then I have noticed Sweet Pea's (cat) paws smell suspiciously like ashes....ever curious, she is.

The rain has finally taken a break, but the ground remains quite damp. In the mornings, there is a layer of fog and clouds tucked into the low points of the valley. So beautiful. God's cleverness and imagination keep me in constant awe.

Plans for the housewarming parTAY are in full swing. Tracy and I have been working like crazy clearing brush, dead trees, weeds. And I am getting "phase 1" of the front xeroscaping, done, plus the driveway sidewalk. A couple of weeks ago a man and his grandson pulled in my drive and were surprised that anyone lived here! I told him I could certainly understand why he thought that. The front yard makes the house look almost like a project abandoned in midstream. Not after this week!

Also getting gutters put in this week. Something I have needed for several months. I don't want to provide the creek beds at the bottom of the hill with any more paid for dirt.

We should have perfect fall weather this weekend. I can hardly wait to sit and relax around a campfire, watch the stars on the deck and celebrate with my friends and family who have let me follow my crazy dream and even went so far as to support me. The good times just keep coming.

Rain, Rain, RAAAAIIIIINNNN.....

2009-10-26T21:29:00.004-05:00

Before last night's (and all day today) rain, we were on track for the eighth wettest October for the Dallas Fort Worth area. We were expected to move up several notches with the heavy rains that started last night.

It was still raining this morning when I left for the airport; it was still raining when I got on the plane. I am now in north Mississippi, where it is expected to start raining tomorrow and then rain all day.

It just gets into your bones after a while. It makes everything, including one's mood, soggy.

This was a busy week. Sales meetings, longer hours at choir while we practice the Messiah, a fund raiser gala event in Dallas Friday night, city planning meeting Saturday morning, Lord's acre Saturday afternoon, The Promise musical Saturday night with friends, and back to church Sunday morning. Sunday afternoon, before the rain, we just chilled. Watched TV, visited with Ashley, who was home for the weekend. We also managed to get a bit more clearing done. No wonder I was so tired this morning when the alarm went off!

Tracy has graciously accepted the job of getting gutters put on the house. We interviewed one company and have one more tomorrow, then will decide who to go with. I have to get it done now in order to protect the "yard" that will be going in before November 7.

I have oak logs in the fireplace, just waiting for the perfect, low wind cool autumn evening. So far, even though it has dipped into the 40s, it hasn't felt cold enough inside to light a fire. Even without the heat on. and the windows cracked. I guess Glen knew what he was doing with the windows and sun and rock wall design.

Sleep awaits. And a long day tomorrow. Happy dreams to all.

Here Comes the Sun!

2009-10-19T22:10:00.002-05:00

Looks like we are making progress with the vultures. No landings this week. However, a hawk has decided to make the upper deck corner his new perch. Although his dinners consist of “fresh” meat, his droppings are still laced with animal hair. Nice.

In Fact, we’ve had all sorts of animal activity around the house this week. Seems like everyone is happy to FINALLY see the sun. The ground is still very wet, but the skies have been beautiful after yet another rain Monday and Tuesday. I spotted a praying mantis on the back deck and the master deck. I think it was the same one, because he hung out for several days. We’ve had huge grasshoppers on the windows- they are a few inches long and quite amazing at close range.

One sunny afternoon this week I heard a strange honking sound in the sky and looked up to see three great blue herons flying together. I’ve never seen more than one at a time. The same afternoon Tracy saw about 100 geese very high in the sky, headed south in a V formation. There has been a very active, large group of crows in and around the valley. We’ve had several deer hanging out in the area, including a young buck, about a six-pointer. And the usual array of birds, bees, dragonflies, rabbits…

We are gearing up for the housewarming party on November 7. So far there are 50-plus people coming. I really look forward to it, and I am praying for a sunny, cool autumn day.

There is a lot to do in preparation. We’ve been clearing in front of the house and have a nice fire pit going. I met with Blaine, my landscaper from Grace Street, to talk about doing phase 1 of the front of the house. I am shooting for a xeroscape area that seamlessly blends into the natural grasses and trees around the front of the house- and cover that blasted red dirt they call top soil around here.

Tracy is looking into finding someone to put up gutters. I sure hope it doesn’t “ugly up” the overall look. Regardless, it has to be done in order to keep the rivers and ravines out of the ground in front of the house. As ugly as the red dirt is, I don’t want to buy more of it.
No matter how much we get done before the 7th of November, the party will go on. My friends will certainly understand, and I only invited friends. So there!

Back on the Hill

2009-10-11T20:08:00.002-05:00

Finally! I have been on the road for eight days. That is about five days too long for me. I was working the booth at both of our largest conferences for the year, which were, unfortunately, back to back this year. Tracy house sat for me, so at least my cats were in good hands. It was comforting to finally drive up 2012 and see the lights on in the distance and know all was well.

Apparently it rained the whole time I was gone. It is raining now. Even the plants that really needed rain seem to be begging for a break. The bluebonnets popped up a month early, confused by the weather and water. If they can make it through the winter, it looks like we'll have a banner bloom next season.

Most of the electronics are up and running after the big lightning storm. I am only waiting for the sound system guys to look into the lost zones. What a mess all that was. I am still waiting to see if the tree lives. I don't have a lot of experience dealing with trees hit by lightning.

I got to visit my nephew Coy this week while I was in Baltimore. I drove down to Annapolis to deliver McDonald's to him and his roommate. They were most appreciative. Coy took me on a tour of the splendid campus. The architecture is ornate and substantial and the trees enormous.

Last weekend I got to visit with Coy's parents, my sister Mary and her husband, Barry. We all watched the Paluxy peddlers climb "The Wall", which is my hill. The riders who make it to the top get a patch for their efforts that reads "I Climbed the Wall". I keep saying I will earn one for myself one day. We'll see! We went to the A&M verses Arkansas game later that day to watch A&M get romped. At least I got to see the new Cowboys stadium. I am getting all kinds of flack for not being overwhelmed by the size and awesomeness of It. What can I say? It is a very large stadium. With a really big TV hanging over the field.

Tracy and I started two good fires today. It was the first time I really warmed up since I got back to Texas. The cold rain is permeating.

I hope all of you who read this blog can make my housewarming celebration on November 7 from noon to midnight. Tracy's brother is smoking brisket, sausage and chicken. If you remember, bring a side dish and something to sit on, as there remains a dearth of chairs here on the hill. Also, I am having a book exchange, so feel free to bring or take a book for or from the library. Until next week, peace from the hill.

A Tough Few Weeks on the Hill

2009-09-30T10:28:00.003-05:00

Living out here is not for the faint of heart, that’s for sure.
Here is a rundown of what we have had to deal with on the hill in the last couple of weeks.

More buzzard landings, more buzzard poo. (though not as often, thank goodness!)

There is significant erosion of paid for dirt in the front of the house from the long steady storm, followed by a fast and furious one. I have been out there throwing rocks and sticks and local dirt as often as I can to fill up the holes and try to prevent further erosion, but the permanent remedy will require more brought in dirt, plants and a gutter system.

We’ve had rain leaking around the dry stack walls and chimney into bedroom, kitchen and den- only in the long storm, the one I call the 40 Days and Nights Storm, because it seemed to last that long. Mike had the walls and chimney wrapped in plastic by the second storm. He’s already had to unwrap and wrap again – for the arrival of company followed by more threat of rain. I told him he could continue to do that as often as needed, but that it might be more economical to just go ahead and stop the leaking. Certainly more attractive.

In the second storm, the ferocious one, we had a lightning strike to a largish oak tree in the mot closest to the well house, resulting in blown out well pump, a cost of $500.

Internet has been out since the tower in town got hit by the storm. Although the other two towers are working, we still don’t have Internet. BJ from HTComp is here now working on it. I have been driving to Grace Street to work.

A couple of the sound system areas are without sound…..hopefully a simple fix on that one.

Girly Man was accidentally locked in the bedroom closest all night (by me); he didn’t make a peep. But he did pee and poo in a plastic bin on the floor. It probably seemed to him like an upgraded litter box. However, I was in the middle of unpacking my winter clothes, and the bin he used held my leather coat (direct hit), leather pants, cashmere sweaters x 2, wool sweater (direct hit) and several other sweaters. I think the coat is a goner.

Mike did get the windmill remnant hung on the wall above the margerita window. It looks as good as I hoped it would.

I have to believe it will all calm down as time goes by. All I can say is, thank God for the view. And that I finally have my piano out here. And for wine. And for Tracy. See, the good still outweighs the bad- by far.

Internet!!!

2009-09-08T17:37:00.004-05:00

The punch list is slowly dwindling. It is mostly small things, with a couple of biggies in there- wax/ buff the kitchen cabinets and redo the outside paint touch ups.

Tracy is out at the house this afternoon overseeing the Internet install. That's right, I am coming into the 21st century! I hope....I have learned not to take any of it for granted. I am getting wireless terrestrial service. Interestingly, the tower I will get my signal from is the old downtown tower, just a couple of blocks from The Little House on Grace. It's all connected down here. I really look forward to getting to office from home. What a joy that will be!

Speaking of being at home, perhaps with more home time I can keep the vultures off the deck. I had actually stated to relax after almost two weeks with no landings. Then on Sunday, Tracy and I were on the couch watching TV and he saw two of them land on the hot tub deck. My heart just sank. So, we went out and put back all our blue jay trailer trash shiny and sharp stuff. We'll see. My "next door neighbors, the Noells, says it is only an intermittent problem. Goodie!!

So far I have spotted on the hot tub deck the following animals. Vulture, road runner, sparrow, hummingbird, racoon, opposuum, ferrel cat, inch worm, ant, wasp, horse fly, dragonfly. It's a regular Wild Kingdom.

I enjoyed a 4-day weekend this past holiday weekend. I tacked on Friday to make it longer. It was wonderful. On Friday I cleaned house at a leisurely pace, on Saturday Tracy and I went to College Station to watch the Aggies WIN a game, and we visited Ashley. She is settling in to her much different world down there. On Sunday I sang at church and then "chillaxed" the rest of the day. Yesterday, Tracy and I got out in the "yard" and cleared and burned. Still working on taming the front area around the house. When I have a few extra dollars I will bring in more dirt and plant some wild seed of some sort. Anything right now to cover up the red dirt.

All in all, it's been a good two weeks since I last wrote. Labor Day has come and gone, there are no more summer markers in 2009. Let the holiday season begin!

Settling In

2009-08-25T10:41:00.004-05:00

It was a fairly quiet week on the hill. I have been slowly organizing the boxes from the garage. Because I had so little to begin with the task is not overwhelming.

Tracy continues to clear out from under the oak trees around the driveway, and I am bringing wheel barrel fulls of dirt to the front yard under the eaves, where rain had made deep furrows in the red dirt brought in as "top soil".

I went for a long walk on Sunday afternoon, while Tracy was on his way to Texas A & M with Ashley. I found a good deal of the red dirt that was supposed to be in my front yard. It was in the creek bottom. It made quite the trip to get there. And I paid for it!

I took the photo here on my walk. It is a view of the house I had only seen on paper. I was walking on my neighbor's land to get the shot, but I don't think he would mind.

The buzzards aare still landing on the house. I made glass shard strips to keep them from landing on the sky deck railings. They seem to be working, but I don't know what to do to keep them off the roof. I may need to add a strip of metal roofing that just sticks up and has no depth, so their feces-covered feet don't have anything to hold onto. I get a little queasy when I think of cleaning up after them- which I have done now many times. Yesterday is the first day in a while that I saw no signs of any new landings. I am hoping today is the second day for the same!!

We are STILL working on getting Internet service out there. We have been talking with Home Town Computing for about six weeks now. My last conversation with them yesterday was not hopeful. They had a fire in their building last week, which put everything AT LEAST a week behind. I am still working from Grace Street, while renting it out. I feel like I am infringing on my renter's privacy, even though she is happy that someone is here during the day. Anyway, getting Internet service out there will most certainly prove to be a saga.

I've been sitting out back on the deck every night I am home, watching the stars and talking on the phone with Tracy. I see meteors and satellites every night. And the Milky Way is a thing of wonder, especially through night binoculars. The cool breeze is aaallmost enough for a wrap!

I am trying not to focus on all there is to do, but rather look back at how far it has all come. And then take everything one day, one task at a time. In the meantime, Big Hill feels more and more like Home everyday. And that is really a dream come true.