Sunday, May 31, 2009

Jumpin' June Activities

With a new month beginning tomorrow, we've already got a full schedule of activities planned.

Week one: More undetermined exploring in and around the county.

Week two: The kids are coming to visit us. Weather permitting, we have plans to watch a Pony Express Reenactment near our home and then travel to Kaycee, WY. My girlfriend, Trina, lives there with all her animals which I think Derek would enjoy seeing. Kaycee also is the Hole-In-The Wall where Butch Cassidy hid, the place where the Johnson County Cattle War took place, Bozeman Trail wagon ruts, and old west museum, Indian art rock caves, Crazy Woman Battlefield, etc., etc. This is all about 45 minutes from the house.

Week three: It's the National College Rodeo Finals with bull-riding. Yee haw!!!

Week four: We'll be attending a free presentation at Ft. Caspar about women homesteaders on Wednesday. On Saturday it's the Sheepherder's Fair in Powder River and a visit to Hell's Half Acre.

Whew and whee. June sounds fun, huh? And then it's off to Utah to following long weekend to visit with the kids in their new country home for some fun visiting. We will even be taking the furry kids along and I know they'll be excited.

Aunt Ruth and David Came To Visit

Last Sunday on our way home from Denven, we received a telephone call from Aunt Ruth telling us that she and David were planning on visiting us in the coming week.

On Wednesday, Joe called to tell me that they would be at our home about the time I would be arriving home. First thought: great! Second thought: Boy, am I glad the house was clean and ready for company.

We went out to dinner that evening at one of our new favorite places - Johnny J's - and had a great time. Afterwards, we went on a tour of Casper in town and downtown and then we went to the top of Casper Mountain. (Picture taken at Johnny J's in front of an old yellow roadster and the restaurant manager, Josh).

There was a temperature drop of 22 degrees from our home to the top of the mountain and the weather was perfect for viewing Casper below. On our way to the top, we encountered a small herd of mule deer standing by the side of the road. This provided a great photo op for Aunt Ruth. I turned the car off and animals and humans stared at each other, while other deer came and joined the others - even crossing the road in front of us.

We also drove past several snowbeds and then turned off onto a side road where Aunt Ruth and David commenced to make snowballs and throw them at each other.

They then spent the night in their RV in the front of our home and left the following morning much to our dismay. We hope they will come back and visit again and we'll also be ready for our next guests.


The Trip Home To Wyoming

The trip home was interesting. I was holding my breath as we went through security in Atlanta with our carry on luggage and checked baggage. The checked baggage had been carefully weighed multiple times on Susan's bathroom scales so we wouldn't be overweight, hopefully. Though the airline scales showed us a couple of pounds over, we still made it without charges over than the regular fee.

As far as the carry on, I had researched with TSA would and would not allow and felt quite confident with our contents. The contents:
- two-three lbs. of green peanuts for boiling;
- one lb. of fresh Georgia peaches;
- 30 pieces of freshly fried, frozen Church's fried chicken;
- 12-13 lbs. of fresh, frozen baby catfish;
- 4 lbs. of frozen fordhooks; and
- 12 frozen Krystal Burgers.

Included in the checked baggage were gifts for my co-workers as well as:
- Sonny's Sweet Barbeque Sauce;
- One jar of Jerry Walker's honey;
- One Southern cookbook with Shirley Alexander's cheese bisquit recipe;
- Two boxes of Moon Pies (one chocolate and one banana);
- 3 cans of RC cola (that's all I could fit in);
- Two bags of Agrirama stoneground cornmeal;
- One bag of Agrirama stoneground grits (couldn't fit the other bag in);
- 75 small bags of Georgia roasted peanuts for the co-workers in the oilfield; and
- other items I can't remember.

The flight went well until after we'd left Dallas when we encountered bad weather outside of Denver. The pilot was forced to turn the plane around and we were diverted to Colorado Springs, CO where we sat for almost 4 hours on the plane.

These pictures show the fun we were having (ha, ha). Joe having fun on the plane. (Yeah, right).
The happy couple wearing our Wyoming t-shirts. Oh, those are cuttings from the gardenia bushes at our old home that I hand-carried all the way.

Some of My Friends

"My friends have made the story of my life". Lucky me, I also got to visit with some of my friends. (I wouldn't wear mascara as I kept crying it off).Shirley Alexander and Jerry Walker who I worked with at the Child Care Resource and Referral Office until their retirement. Unfortunately, Amy Page wasn't able to visit with us from north Georgia. Jerry is the person who should be credited for most changing my life. She created a job for me and had faith in my abilities when I did not. She is the person who introduced me to doing trainings and workshops which opened up doors and opportunities for me. Shirley became my friend and confidant. She's been there during my divorce and remarriage and has always been a source of support when I needed a shoulder to cry on.
Rob and Janice Patrick who spent immeasurable hours helping us pack. Don't you just love Rob's expression? What a couple - what great friends.
Old co-workers at the R&R - Renee Camarillo, Rewanna King, me, Melissa Shipp and Julia Stokes.
Mary Jackson and Rose Jacobs. Two of my favorite childcare center directors. Two of the most wonderful women in the business and my friends.
One of my oldest and most dearest friends, Delaine Solomon. We served in Relief Society and Primary together and have so many stories and memories between us. We were able to have lunch together and catch up on the last few months. I always wanted to be a woman like Delaine - always put together, quiet natured, sweet spirit, loving, compassionate, giving and the list could go on and on.
Tami Sandiford my ex-boss. One of the greatest persons I've ever known and grew to love instantly. I connected with her the first day I ever met her. It was though I'd met her before and she was like one of my sisters.
Saying goodbye to "Miss Ann". (Read about Ann in an earlier blog. One of the dearest people in my life).
My best dinner was that with my sisters and Donald. (Jimmy was unable to attend). Do my sisters know how much I love them? I doubt it. "Moments shared blend us together in sweet harmonies, a melody of joy to carry in our hearts always". How blessed I am to have sisters such as them. They have always been there whenever I need them. I miss them so much.

Though I neglected to take pictures because I was obviously more interested in talking and feeding my face, I loved sharing meals with Sheri and Lee Dorsett; Norma Mitchell, Evelyn Smith and Yvette Haskins. Each of those women have made some type of impact in my life and have their own special qualities. I'm sorry for those I couldn't get with due to time and/or distance, but love our continued phone conversations and look forward to seeing you again in the future. (You know I'm talking about you Tiffany and Tricia).

Making Me Feel Old

One of the things I got to do while in Georgia was to connect with some of my former daycare children. I felt instant aging after seeing some of them.

In the first picture is Tiana Tompkins (L) and Brooke Weeks (R). Unfortunately, Tiana had the reputation of biting the other children - every day. Thank goodness she is no longer biting. Brooke is an only child and came dressed to daycare everyday like a little princess. She loved everything I cooked, but refused to eat for her parents.
Jasmine Clements (below) was my very first daycare child and announced her engagement while I was down South. I helped raise her for four about four years until she started kindergarten. She will always remain my favorite because of her antics and her genuine love for me and my cooking. How blessed I've been by the children I have cared for.

Mom and Me - 2009

Simply put...I love my mom. I miss my mom. I've written about her on several occasions, but the visit home for the reunion was a different experience with Mom.

It was so indescribably different hugging and kissing her. She looked so much thinner and weaker than when I last saw her. I had concerns about how lucid and conversational she would be with me. I had prayed that I would be able to enjoy my visit with her and know that she and I still connected. My prayers were answered. I know my mother loves me. She told me she has really missed me. She said she wished she was able to come and visit with me and see where I now lived. It was the things she said to me and the unspoken words as well.

The worse part about leaving her and Dad was knowing that it might possibly be the last time I would ever see them alive. Though a horrible thought, I know there is the reality of it. We are all getting older and only our Heavenly Father knows what is in store for us.

The Traditional Four Generation Picture

Great Granddaddy, James Edward Cattell (age 77); Daddy, Corey Franklin Preston (age 25); Grandma, Carol Weaver (age 56); and Derek Franklin Preston (age 15 mos.).

Family Reunion Pics of 2009

The cutest grandchild at the whole, entire family reunion!Ann Johnson - an unofficial family member and dear friend. She has known me since 1979 and loved on Corey since the day he was brought home from the hospital. She has attended every important event in mine and Corey's life. We love her!
The best looking couple at the reunion and proud grandparents of the cutest grandchild.
Second glance in case you missed the first picture of us.
Trying to get everyone to look at the camera at the same time. Like that's gonna work for 32 1/2 people! Take two...(kinda looks like one of those "what's different" cartoons in the paper doesn't it)?
One of my most favorite people and it's not just because of the chicken and dumplings.

A Little One on One With Great Grandparents


What a wonderful experience for Derek though he may never remember it. Here he has had the experience of spending some time with his great-grandparents.
I can only remember some of my grandparents and great grandparents though pictures.

Swimming With Daddy



On Saturday night of the family reunion, Corey decided to take Derek for a swim in Nancy and Donald's pool.

I ask you...do you think Derek enjoyed it? Might the water have been a little cold for him? You decide.

I do recall though when Corey was younger and we had a pool, he would stay in it saying "he wasn't cold". It didn't matter that his lips were blue and his teeth chattering. Children must have tougher skin or less sense than adults.

Here in Wyoming, I doubt that the water will EVER be warm enough for me to EVER go swimming in some lake!








Derek Playing At Grandmother and Granddaddy's House

During the recent family reunion, Derek had the opportunity to play at his great grandparents house for the first time. He also had the chance to see lots of new cousins and extended family members.He discovered that he REALLY did enjoy playing with one of his cousins push toys and pushed it everywhere and anytime he got the chance.
Playing with cousin Sammie. (This reminds me of when Corey and Helen were this age).
Just a cutie shot!
Visiting with Aaron, Gretchen and Granddaddy.
Still pushing that toy around.
Karla Bryan with Elizabeth and Nikki.

Family Reunion 2009


Joe and I flew to Georgia on May 15th for our annual family reunion. It was really pretty strange returning after being gone for six months. We drove to Denver the night before so we could catch our early flight to Dallas and then on to Atlanta.

It was a very uneventful flight and we had no problems with our car rental either. We did stop in Perry, however, and eat at our favorite Chinese restaurant - Hong Kong Buffet.

Then it was on to Mom and Dad's home and see them. I cannot begin to express how wonderful it was seeing them again. (More about that later).

We then left and went to spend the next few days with Ann Johnson at her home. She was our friend and neighbor who lives behind our old home. We spent many a late night catching up on everything.

Throughout the course of the week, we had the opportunity to visit with many friends and family. There was always an underlying knowledge of knowing that we might never see some of them again.

The reunion on Sunday was nice - getting to visit with family and eating the food - especially Aunt Rachel's chicken and dumplings!

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Exploring 5/30 - Natrona County

This morning Joe and I decided to do a little exploring, along with the furry kids. (They'd gotten a bath the day before). I made some sandwiches, added some pretzels, Joe's medicines, a dish for the dogs water, some juice and off we went. Well, we went by Wal-Mart first to pick up a few items i.e., a compass, a can of bug spray, a snake bit kit, etc. Then we stopped by an auto parts store to see if they had a better compass. They had a digital one to connect to your mirror, but you had to calibrate it first by driving around in a circle for 40 seconds. No that was fun as every time I tried to do the circle thing, someone would drive by and I'd have to stop and start all over again. We finally got the compass calibrated and headed off to parts unknown after getting a full tank of gas.

I had found out about some pioneer sites on the Internet that was considered "local" so we decided to try and find the sites. About 10 miles from Casper is a shallow pass though a ridge known as Emigrant Gap Ridge. This was the beginning of the pioneers gradual ascent up and over the Continental Divide. It gives you a grand, sweeping view and is marked by an interpretive panel. It's located on a gravel road that turned my black car white with the road dust.

Then we tried to follow directions to go to another sight to see wagon ruts, but ran up on private land and had to turn around. We did find some wagon ruts further down the road as the picture below shows starting at the upper right hand side and winding around to the left bottom part of the picture.One of our stops today was at Bessemer Bend which was the last fording site of the North Platte River on the Oregon/Mormon trail. This was the river the emigrants had followed for hundreds of miles which turned south and became impassable. Toll ferries and bridges downstream were built, but people including the handcart companies who did not want to pay tolls, used Bessemer Bend as a low-water crossing. While there, Blaze decided she wanted to check out the river and jumped in! This is a nice place to have a picnic and fish and just enjoy the river setting. On the way home, we discovered a road named "Goose Egg Road". We decided to explore it simply because of the name. That's when we discovered the Red Buttes which we could see from Bessemer Bend and are a bright brick red color. They also have interesting looking ridges.
A four hour battle took place here in 1865 when a supply train led by Army troops was attacked by a large group of Indians. Only three soldiers survived and made it back to the fort.

So, a fun day was had by all, including the furry kids. (BTW...we live in Natrona County).

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Reflections on Mother's Day 2009

Today I was unable to visit with my mom to celebrate Mother's Day with her. No physical hug nor kiss on the cheek. No physical touch to show I love her. Yes, I spoke with her on the telephone today, but couldn't visit with her in person. It was a strained, yet lucid conversation with her. I feel as though time is slipping away for me and my mom. Maybe it's because I now live several hundred miles from her. Maybe it's because her mind is slowly becoming less sharp, less focused, less able to understand what I'm trying to say. It seems as though we don't really have conversations anymore. They are more like generic give and take you might have with an old neighbor you run into on occasion.

This is the woman who was my traveling companion for many years. There were the trips to Canada, Pennsylvania, Washington, DC, Utah and all over the southeast, She was my partner in crime. We would stay up all night long sometimes watching movies I'd rented from the video store. Or there were the days we would work the craft shows and flea markets peddling things we'd made. Who needed a best girlfriend when I had my mom? There was also the all day matinees catching up on the latest movies. When Christmas came around there were the shopping excursions that lasted until the wee hours of the morning. The trips have now stopped with the last one being taken to visit with her newest grandchild - Derek - many months ago. Though the trip was difficult for me because of the extra time and effort to care for her, I wouldn't trade it for the world.

My mom was always there for me. I never lacked for anything from her. There were always the clean clothes, the home I could always be proud of, there was the never-ending support of words of encouragement or a shoulder to cry on or the stroking of my hair. And, God have mercy when a fellow did me wrong! That person could be blacklisted by her forever. She always stood in my corner.

My mom was always full of energy and don't ever dare her to do something unless you wanted it done. She was savvy, smart, resourceful, mischievous, caring and loving. Though she is still very much with us, life is slowly changing her and many things that she was, no longer is.

I really missed my mom today. It's been many years since I've not been with her on Mother's Day. Although I will get to see her in just a very few days, I have been harboring a great fear. When will the time come that my mother no longer knows who I am? How long will she know that I am her firstborn child? How long will I be able to have telephone conversations with her? I suffer pangs of guilt and heartache from time to time knowing that I am not there to share time with her.

So on this Mother's Day I want her to know that although I'm not with her in body, I am in spirit. I love her with all my heart and am grateful that she is my mother, my role model, my friend. What a wonderful example she's been in my life.

I can only hope that my own child will love me half as much as I love my mom. If so, then life as a mother has been well worth it all. I love you Mom!

Sunday, May 3, 2009

Down By The Lazy River

One of the places that Joe and I stopped by yesterday was a park in Casper which is located by the North Platte River. We decided to just sit down on the rocks and watch the water and the ducks go rolling by. Very relaxing!

Ft. Caspar

Yesterday we went exploring. Our first stop was to visit Fort Caspar which is located on the outskirts of Casper. When we drove up into the parking lot, we were greeted by a lone mule deer. It must be used to being around humans as it didn't go running away from us. However, it wouldn't let me get too close to it either.This was one of the official "greeters" at the museum.
Joe getting a drink from the old well.
Joe and the beautiful Casper mountains in the back.

The area where Platte Bridge Station was located had been the site of various more or less temporary Armyencampments over a period of years before the establishment of the fort, or "station" itself. The fort was located on the south side of the North Platte, near the western edge of present-day Casper, at one several local points where the Emigrant Trail crossed from the south side to the north side of the river.

In 1847, during the first Mormon wagon train to present-day Utah, Brigham Young commissioned a ferry at the site for later emigrants. The ferry consisted of cottonwood dugout canoes and planking for a deck, with two oars and a rudder. On June 19, Brigham Young named nine men to remain to operate the ferry while the remainder of the party continued the journey westward. A group of Mormons returned to the site each summer between 1847 and 1852 to operate the ferry. The ferry was moved to a different spot on the North Platte in North Casper in 1849. It was eventually replaced with a rope-and-pulley system that could make the crossing in five minutes.

In the following years, trader John Baptiste Richard established a trading post several miles downriver of the crossing. The U.S. Army established its first presence in the area in 1855, erecting Fort Clay near Richard's trading post. In 1859, when the site was part of the Nebraska Territory, Louis Guinard built a competing bridge at the trading post, called the Platte Bridge Station, at the site of the old Mormon Ferry crossing. From 1860–1861, the Pony Express operated a station at the site.

By the middle 1860s, the increasing presence of emigrants and other white settlers in the region began to cause friction with the Lakota and Cheyenne. In response, and partly to protect the new telegraph line, the United States Army in 1861 began increasing its deployment of troops in the region, sending a detachment to guard Guinard's bridge. Many of these troops, who created a series of "stations" along the Oregon trail, were from various state units raised during the Civil War originally with that war in mind. In 1862 the Army purchased the Guinard's Platte Bridge station.

In July 1865, partly in response to the
Sand Creek Massacre the previous November in Colorado, a party of several thousand Cheyenne and Lakota, surrounded Platte Bridge Station and demonstrated a hostile intent against it. Knowing that an eastern bound Army wagon train was due to come in, the officers of the post discussed attempting to relieve the post and drive off the Cheyenne and Sioux warriors, so that the wagon train could come safely in. Lt. Caspar Collins of the 11th Ohio Cavalry volunteered to lead the effort, with the troops involved in it being State cavalrymen from the 11th Ohio and 11th Kansas Cavalry. Amongst the Indian combats sometimes claimed as being present were the famous chief Red Cloud and a young Crazy Horse, although verification of the Indians present has not proven to be possible. Collin's command crossed the Platte Bridge into the present day town of Mills, Wyoming and attacked into the hills, where they were quickly repulsed and retreated back across it.

Collins and three other soldiers were killed during the battle, with Collins death sometimes being attributed to a spooked horse charging into the Indian combatants, and other accounts claiming he went back to rescue a wounded man. One of the other soldiers killed in the battle was killed due to being dismounted and losing his horse, and thereby being left with no means of escaping the advancing Sioux and Cheyenne. The Sioux and Cheyenne, while victorious, were prevented from crossing Platte Bridge into the fort due it being guarded on the south side by a mountain howitzer. The battle became known as the Battle of Platte Bridge Station. The Army officially renamed the post Fort Casper to honor Collins, using his first name of Caspar since an existing post in Colorado was already called Fort Collins, after Collins' father. In response to the attacks, the Army established a permanent garrison of 100 troops at the site.

The wagon train itself, commanded by a Sgt. Custard, was attacked the same day, with the soldiers attached to it being completely overrun, and only a few of them surviving. That battle became known as the Battle of Red Buttes.

The fort was abandoned two years later in August, 1867, with the garrison moved to
Fort Fetterman at Douglas, Wyoming.

We're Being Invaded

On Friday, Joe and I were getting ready to do some errands when I glanced up our street and saw a small parade of mule deer. Since Joe hadn't seen them and I wanted a better close up view, we took off to find the deer. I thought they had probably walked to the alley behind our house - nope. Maybe the next street over - nope. So we drove back to our street where we found the deer six houses from ours just munching on the grass in the front yard. Who knows? Maybe our yard will be next!