Writing a Book

It has been two years since I started writing the book Life on the Ranch: Life Lessons I Learned from the Ranch.    Today I received the proof of what the cover will look like.  Once we give the approval for the cover and the text, it will go into print. 

This has been a learning experience.

The Book

I have found writing the book Life on the Ranch: Life Lessons I Learned on the Ranch a real adventure.  I had no idea what all is involved in getting a book published, but it is about to happen.  Today I learned that the preflight of the book was accepted or approved.  We are now waiting for a copy of the cover to be shipped overnight air and delivered by UPS for our approval.  When we approve everything, it will then go to print.  What a great experience and wonderful adventure.  I have learned so much during this experience.

Highway 323

Highway 323 is finally paved all the way.  Such a nice smooth road to drive on when we go anywhere.  I sincerely hope that our vehicles will begin to last longer before they start rattling.

Last night a vehicle had a flat tire a couple of miles up the road.  They couldn't get the tire out from underneath the vehicle.  They left it and will return tomorrow to get it.

Hunting season has opened.  It is harder to find a deer than it is to find a needle in a haystack.  We have had three hunters fill their tags.  The last one shot a 3X4

Antelope

Yesterday was opening day for antelope season.  Chip and I went out yesterday afternoon and I filled my first tag.  As you can see, Jake was a big help.

Ouch!

This past weekend led to a lot of pain. Apparently I clench my teeth when I sleep. Life has been a tad bit stressful lately and I was clenching pretty hard. I popped my jaw out of place and the pain began. Not being able to eat a good steak was pretty tough! A trip to the dentist and the chiropractor, a few muscle relaxers and I am on the mend again. Haven't had the nerve to try steak yet though.

We are on the final stages of my devotional type book, Life on the Ranch Life Lessons I Learned on the Ranch. A special thanks go to all those who helped make this book happen. It should be in book form by November 1.

Time Flies

Can't believe that times flies so quickly. It has been nine months since I have shared any thoughts. It was the 1st of September only a few days ago and now I am looking at the middle of September in two days.

I had a wonderful time over Labor Day going on an archery hunt with Chip. We saw the elk but were not able to get close enough to them. That's alright as we enjoyed the scenery and the peace and quiet. Then it rained and when it rains in the Missouri Breaks a person has a difficult time getting around on all the gumbo roads.

School has begun for another year and we just finished day 13.

I watered our newly planted trees on Saturday. While watering one tree, I thought I saw a stick start to float. Then I looked at it again and thought it was one of the many frogs we had this summer. Finally, I realized that I had a snake coming out of the cracks in the soil. Was a neat experience.

Christmas Future

There are times that I wish my life away. I may think that I have five days of school left until Christmas Vacation and then I try to visualize myself sitting at home enjoying this vacation. I get a very strange feeling because I cannot put myself in the future and so I go back to the present.

I cannot say what "Christmas Future" holds as I can only imagine. I really enjoy driving around towns and looking at all the houses that are lit up with Christmas lights. I like to "ooooo and aaaaaw" over such beauty. I remember a Christmas in Iowa where a farmhouse was just gorgeous with lights, snow scenes and a manager scene. It was wonderful! Someday, in the future, I would like to have the time to decorate our ranch so beautifully.

Then my thoughts proceed to my future Heavenly Home where Christmas will be celebrated in the presence of Jesus whose birth we are remembering. I can only imagine what Christmas will look like on the New Earth. Lights may be hung from every tree, house/mansion, and barn----wow! I will be attending the biggest birthday party ever with many of my friends and family.

I can only imagine what my Christmas Future will be like, but I know that it will be good!