An Oklahoman in Okehampton - Snow Tiger's Musings

April

nospam@example.com (Snow Tiger) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 08:38:39 +0100

Hello Diary

Well we made it through the winter and now it's April first. Not very warm yet, but it's such a pleasure to see flowers and new green leaves coming on the trees.

There are a few new developments in our lives....I'm still busy, and have a added a new item to my "busy list". We have a local Food Bank in our town, and now I'm volunteering for that. It's been a VERY busy time as three of our local manufacturing firms have made their workers redundant. (That means laying everyone off to you back home) For a small town that was catastrophic and over 300 jobs were lost. Needless to say the mood was very somber on the streets.

The national newspapers picked up on the story, and for a while the town and the Food Bank was on the front page! Never mind they didn't quite tell the truth in some cases (after all they ARE in the business of creating news) But we made it through that and were able to get back to the business of feeding people. Volunteering for this project has certainly put things back in proper perspective for me and I've received a few blessings that I hadn't counted on.

On the home front....Dave has started the process of retirement. Yep! He's gonna do it! There has been (and will continue to be) much to discuss regarding this. It's a big step and will require a few changes in our life style, but we both are looking forward to it. This is something he has wanted to do for a long time and I'm looking forward to seeing him free from the shift work and it's terrible hours. After years doing it, it certainly takes it's tole on the body and general health.

And as for family life....our grandson is growing by leaps and bounds and is gaining new skills almost daily. (not all of which are very easy to deal with I might add!) But...it's all part of growing up isn't it?

I still love it here...I have a full rewarding life...and wouldn't want it any other way. I can still remember people saying "Give her six months...she'll be back." Guess I fooled you huh!

Granted....there are some things here that I don't like....but there were things I didn't like in the states too....and as I've said before...I believe in "blooming where you're planted." So here I am...blooming and growing...And life keeps getting better.

~Sharon~

A new year

nospam@example.com (Snow Tiger) — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 07:26:31 +0000

Hello everyone,

A new year is upon us. We had a fantastic time in the states. It just wasn't enough time to do everything we had planned. Next time (in 2 years) we are planning to stay 2-3 months (hopefully including Thanksgiving). But that's in the future and anything could happen between now and then.

two days after our return, I had orthopedic surgery on my foot. That turned out to be more of a hassle than I had planned on and I was more or less off my feet for a month. Of course still suffering from jet lag may have had something to do with it! I have now been released by the surgeon and (gingerly) have begun my walking program again. Yesterday was the first day and I must say it's going to take a while to get back into shape!

Our Christmas was quiet. I was involved in the church celebration by accepting the role of "Church decorator". It was fun and the day we started, we played Christmas music. Everyone was drinking tea and singing along with the music....it was great fun and everyone really enjoyed themselves. The church looked lovely for our candle light service. Next year I'll plan things a little better by starting the window decorations ahead of time.

The remodeling of the sanctuary is now complete with the hall downstairs nearly done as well. We are very proud of our little 100 year old chapel. It's really lovely and something to be proud of. The hall will be used for not only church activities, but will be utilized for outside activities as well thus adding income to our budget.

Dave and I are still growing in our love for each other. I can't believe that our second anniversary is next month! I was telling him in some ways it seems much longer than that. It feels like we've always been together.

The extreme winter weather has finally released it's hold on us. For a while the entire country was encased in snow and ice and we had the coldest December on record! Up north those poor souls are still having snow, but it's not to the extent that it was.

Last evening we started planning our Summer holiday with intent toward going to the west coast of Scotland. It's a lovely area to see and we can take a small ferry to a couple of the isles off the coast. My kind of vacation! :) Hopefully the weather will be as warm and clear as it was last time we went.

You can still keep up with me/us on Face Book....I'm there most days, and would really enjoy hearing from you. It's great fun talking to folks back home.

Life is good

~Sharon

nospam@example.com (Snow Tiger) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 09:38:32 +0100

Wow! Here it is almost the end of September....and on 3 October we are flying to Tulsa!!! What can I say? It seems like just a few days ago I was in the middle of planting, watering, and working in the garden....and now suddenly we are gathering things to pack.

Our trip promises to be a good one with many blessings already. We've been afforded the use of the wonderful old house I rented in Tulsa as a "base camp" for our wonderings. Then the loan of a car thus saving us many many dollars.

We are both so looking forward to being there and are anxious to go to our favorite places where so many wonderful memories were made. In my musings I've wondered several times just how hard it will be to leave again and come back to our home in England. I'm sure it will be easier this time, as there won't be so many things to do like uprooting my entire my life and moving to a different country.

And as for my new country ??? It feels like home now....I've really settled in easily, and having friends and church here certainly gave me a "home base" and support that made it easier. I've still got a lot of places to see and things to do here....This is a fantastic landscape to explore and even Dave has seen a few surprises himself since I've been here.

Dave is still a fantastic husband and best friend. We just continue to grow closer as time goes on....I wish all other women could have the life I have. Abundant blessings....yeah...that's it!

See ya'll in Tulsa!!!!

Summer

nospam@example.com (Snow Tiger) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 22:34:07 +0100

Hello Diary

It's been a while since I've written. Things are going very well here. I've been busy with my first attempt at growing green house crops. I think I've created a monster though. There are tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers and strawberries. That's a lot for a small green house...and when I go in to water I feel as though things are reaching out to touch me. Carrying water has become a bit of a drag, but I've discovered another use for an extra trolly. I can get 6 1/2 gallon bottles of water in it! Makes carrying water a lot easier!

Our weather has been lovely and warm with lots of sun. I actually have a sun tan! In England?????? The garden is full of flowers and I'm loving it.

We're starting to make plans for our Tulsa trip in October. It will be here before I know it I think. with lots to do before hand.

We're not taking any major trips this summer though. Staying close to home is a good idea after hubby used up all his leave time at work. A few day trips to nice places will be enough for now. There's plenty to see in our area, and we can always go to the coast in just about any direction.

I'm still water colour painting, and will be showing a few paintings in a craft fayre at our church on Harvest Weekend. There will be lots to see what with our congretation donating their talents for all to see.

All in all....life is still good....how could it not be???? I feel so very blessed.

~Sharon

Busy, busy ..........

nospam@example.com (Snow Tiger) — Wed, 05 May 2010 08:36:06 +0100

Hi all

I haven't written for a while. Suddenly my life has gotten rather busy! What with spring gardening, church activities, baby sitting and such....(oh yes..water colour painting too) I don't have a lot of time to just sit and do nothing.

We haven't traveled lately since returning from Wales. That was an experience! The place is wild and beautiful....but I wouldn't want to live there! I have pics in face book if you want to see. We really "lucked" out with the weather as usual.

Each day is still a blessing. Dave and I are extremely happy and content. Our favorite saying is "Us is such a good thing". I know...it's silly...but hey...so true!

I miss everyone back home....but it's only 5 months till we fly. Then we can do some serious catching up!

See ya later!

Thoughts

nospam@example.com (Snow Tiger) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:32:11 +0000

February....Our wedding anniversary has passed...and a lovely one it was. Dave tried to surprise me (bless him) with a little overnight getaway at the Bedford Hotel in Tavistock where we were married. I sort of had it figured out before we got there...but still had a surprise when we were given the original honeymoon suite where we spent our wedding night. Awwwwww....x

We spent the day prowling around town (the market is fantastic) and also took a walk along the river. The river Tavy is beautiful, and actually has salmon jumping up the steps created for them. We didn't see any this time...it's probably too early for their Spring run. Then we had a pub meal at the hotel. I think Tavistock is my favorite town in the area, with lots of historical things to see...I believe it dates back to the 1500's and was called a Stannary town...where courts were held etc.

I'm anxious for spring....I looked in the garden this morning and found buds on my little trees, and on the miniature roses. The water garden barrel still has thick ice in it....that will take a while to thaw. It's such a pleasure to see buds though...the catkins on the pussy willow are starting to open and little white fuzzy "babies" are beginning to emerge.

I'm still working on my water colour lessons....it really "ticks" me off when something goes wrong and I waste a sheet of paper. At £1 each a person doesn't want to throw many of those away! I just turn it over and practice techniques on the back. I'm really enjoying doing this...and no one is more surprised than I am when something turns out well.

Dave was looking at something I did the other day and said "That looks like a beach." (drum roll please.....applause) That's exactly what it was!!! Mission accomplished! Its fun and even though I still have a lot to learn...I feel good about it.

I guess I need to wrap this up....Time to wake Dave and feed and water him for his night shift tonight. I really dream of the day when he doesn't have to do this anymore, amd I'm sure he does too.

Take care everyone...and I'll be back on here soon.

January 2010

nospam@example.com (Snow Tiger) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 16:25:31 +0000

January 2010....It feels so strange to write that. A new year to start new things...which, by the way I have done.

After my mom died in December, I was looking for a way to ease the sadness and guilt I was feeling for not being with her. One day I spotted her paint box in the back of my wardrobe and pulled it out. I left it sit for a long time before opening it and discovered that action alone was some comfort to me.

I could almost hear her say "Remember when we used to paint together?" It's been at least 30 years since I had picked up a brush...and I began wondering if that was what I was supposed to do now.

A few arguments with myself later...I went to a local art supply shop in town and began wandering around looking at things. There it was again...the feeling that someone was telling me "You can do this again." Hmmmmmn....I wonder.... I left there quite a bit poorer and with a heavy tote bag just full of watercolour supplies.

Since that day, little by little I'm producing paintings...with the help of some good lessons on CD. It's been very theraputic and really feels good to be doing this again. Of course I'm not showing them off...no one would at this stage...but Dave thinks I'm underestimating myself. I say it's lack of confidence. However....I'm enjoying it, and just may try to put one of two paintings on an online gallery I've found...it's free, so nothing would be lost if no one buys one. It may be good for me to see my work on line and compare it with other beginners. Who knows...I just may be a millionaire one of these days. (Yeah...and the moon is made from green cheese too!)

I'll close for now...time to wrap up the day. I'll write again soon...take care all.

News

nospam@example.com (Snow Tiger) — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 08:10:11 +0000

Just a short note this time. I've received news from family in the states. My dear mother has died. It seems as though these events have routinely happened during the holiday season, and it's a little hard to bear. Christmas has lost a little of it's glitter at the moment, but it doesn't dull my wish for everyone to have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

You probably won't be hearing from me till after the first of the year....I'm sure everyone has a lot going on.

See you in the new year...

Christmas

nospam@example.com (Snow Tiger) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:40:47 +0000

Hello all

My birthday has come and gone...and a wonderful one it was! Many cards, and a special honour by being asked to light a candle in the Advent wreath at Sunday's church service. That event meant a lot to me. I've never done anything like that and it's just another thing that has made my move here so great.

The Christmas lights are up in town, and we've had Edwardian Night. There seem to be more lights this year. I think people are using lights to lesson the emotional effects of the recession. It's hit this country hard and people are looking for ways to "make it feel better." I even saw a news report on TV about neighbors than had banded together to decorate each house in their neighborhood with "American style" lighting displays. They did a good job..and loads of people were coming to see. Outdoor decorating has seldom been done in UK, and it's good to drive around and see lights up. Almost feels like home.

I have our house decorated. I've always loved victorian Christmas decorations, and this year is no different. Dave even admits it's pretty. And that's a big statement coming from him! I brought my creche from home and it's lovely seeing it out again on the mantle.

Dave is working Christmas this year. :-( Not my idea of fun...however I am having dinner with friends and that will help. The day after Christmas is Boxing Day...the fox hunt....and a big meal...we'll have our little Christmas then.

February brings our first wedding anniversary!!!! Can you believe it? Dave told me at the beginning that "we'll be saying hasn't time flown?" I didn't believe him...but it has.

It has been such a good year....with more to come.

Holidays

nospam@example.com (Snow Tiger) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 17:07:32 +0000

I feel like it's time for a few "musings." It's the last day of November. It's finally turned cold (at least it feels cold to me) and we're supposed to have a little frost tonight. I was out in my garden for a while today....All the plants are looking a little shop worn and are finally going to sleep for the winter...although there are some plants here that are perfectly happy during the winter and persist in blooming anyway.

I have all my bulbs in the ground...and am making plans for a few changes next spring. Sounds like the typical gardner doesn't it?

This has been a good year....we've gotten a lot accomplished. I'm keeping up with news from home, and my mother isn't doing well. She finally had to be moved to a nursing home and already has had one trip to the hospital. It's hard to know about it and not be able to be with her.

In church last sunday we lit our first Advent candle. There will be other Christmas services as time goes on and I'm really looking forward to it. This coming Thursday evening we will have Edwardian Night. The road through town will be closed, all the shops will be open late and offering goodies to eat and drink, the Christmas lights are up and there will be a carol service and hog roast. It's a great time to be out with everyone and enjoy the atmosphere. I'll be able to have hot roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and generally wax nostalgic. I know it's old fashioned, and there's no glitz, but who needs it anyway? It's just so pleasant to be able to do something like this and let the rest of the world go by. It may rain (it did last year) but no one seems to mind...we do it anyway and have a great time.

I have my 67th birthday coming up....hmmmmn...do we really need to talk about that? funny thing about age....it happens whether we like it or not! I've certainly learned a lot about myself in the year I've been here...some good, some bad, some....well... they just don't matter....

More later...