Monday, Monday

It's the beginning of another short week - waa hoo! My boss lady was out of the office today so I was left with very little to do work wise, but managed to keep myself busy. And, at lunch time I wrote with Mary, a co-worker to the small town up the road to pick up take out lunch. The town has about 100 people who live there. On the way home tonight I saw probably 200 antelope grazing along side the road from the oilfield into Casper, as well as a most beautiful Wyoming sunset.

On the way into work this morning I rode with Kevin, Steve and Jeff in the government truck and was sitting in the backseat. As usual it was dark and I had the chance to look out into the night sky and saw a huge display of stars. I think that Joe and I should plan on going to the top of one of the neighboring mountains one evening just to gaze at the stars. It's amazing how much bigger the sky looks out here.

Our big excitement of the day for Joe and me was having a police officer show up at our home this evening. Hey, we knew someone from the City of Casper Police Department was going to show up after 6:00 p.m. I discovered yesterday that funds had been taken out of our Omega checking account and called the bank to check on it. It seems someone drafted four checks from the account without our knowledge using our new Casper address. The bank faxed paperwork for me to sign so they could refund our money. I then called the police department to let them know what had occurred since there has been a lot of this type of banking problems happening to many, many people. The officer came over to look at our paperwork and get needed information and then let us know that the FBI had now taken over the investigation since so many people had been scammed. So now I wonder what our neighbors were thinking when they saw a police car in front of our house?!? Hmmmmmm. And wait until I call the lady back tomorrow at the bank and let her know this has turned into something bigger than we both thought! Thank you officer.

We're Having A Heat Wave...

Yes, we were having a "heat wave" here today. It is even now a balmy 36 degrees, but the wind is blowing about 36 mph making the windchill 24 degrees. That's the warmest weather we've had in awhile.

And, it'll get even better tomorrow - 47 degrees. The weather seems to play such an important part of our lives here. While living in Georgia, I never thought much about it unless it was going to rain or be hot and then dress or prepare appropriately. It's not rained here since we moved here so I've used no umbrella, but then that probably wouldn't do much good if the wind blew at the same time. I might look like a chunky Mary Poppins trying to hang on to my umbrella!

I'm hoping the good weather holds out though since this will be the week that we are planning on going to visit the kids. We'll be checking out the weather very closely from both ends to see if we get to go. There's a lot of miles between here and Orem with varying degrees of terrain.

Things They Don't Tell You In The Travel Brochures

Since moving to Wyoming, there are some things that I've discovered that are not published in any of the tourist brochures.

1. They don't tell you that your skin will dry out - the natives do. But, what they don't tell you is that after your skin dries out, it then gains a blotchy red rash from where you've scratched your exceedingly dry skin. So, consequently you eventually have "alligator skin". Everyone has their own personal recommendations for helping you gain your former soft, subtle skin...a certain lotion, a certain creme, mineral oil, baby oil, a humidifier, etc. Thus far, nothing has helped me.

2. They don't tell you about the lack of breath, the nausea and the nose bleeds. Considering the altitude at which we are presently residing, everyone says this is normal and it will get better. Joe has experienced the nose bleeds, I've had the nausea and we've both had the lack of breath. (The lack of breath probably comes from the fact we need to lose weight also).

3. They don't tell you that your clothes can become lethal weapons!!! Because of the lack of humidity, static electricity is VERY, VERY bad here. I've found there are some blouses I cannot even wear because they cling so badly. And, taking clothes off is doing so at your own risk! You would swear you were standing in a huge bowl of Rice Krispies because so much snap, crackle and pop is taking place and it's very painful at times. The poor dogs have even gotten somewhat leery when you go to pet them since they've been shocked so many times!

4. They don't tell you (CAUTION: this may be too graphic for some ears and eyes) that you wake up every morning with a huge, hard booger in your nostrils!!! You've heard of the Boogey Man? Well there must be a Booger Man here who is in competition with the Tooth Fairy or the Sandman. I'm deadly serious when I point out this most unusual occurrence.

5. They don't tell you that once you've parked your car in front of your house to turn the wheels all the way to the right so that your car doesn't go sliding down the hill and into someone else's yard. (No that hasn't happened to me thank goodness)!!! A work colleague told me that one.

6. They don't tell you that in Wyoming it's okay to park however you want in a parking space. You would not believe how some people park here. It's like they think they've ridden into town on a big horse and they just swing it in to park however they stop. (I'll have to take a picture sometime to show you what I mean).

Are these things I've mentioned a slam on Wyoming? Heck no! It just goes to show you that things are truly different a few hundred miles from what you were used to experiencing. It really is quite fun and entertaining to make some of these unexpected observations.

Strangest Christmas Ever

Yes, this was my first Christmas not being with Mom and Dad. I know it's hard to believe that in my 56 years I've never missed one with all my traveling around. All in all it seemed like a regular day to me as I spent most of the day in bed recuperating from back spasms I've had for the last couple of days.

It did hit me last night after the reading of the "Christmas story" by Dad that I really wasn't going to be home for Christmas this year. I do think it is quite remarkable that I've had this opportunity for such a long time. I love the fact that even though Joe and I couldn't be there in person, modern technology allowed us to be a part of the get together.

So, it was Joe and I "celebrating" together this year. We could have gone to Utah to see the kids, but there was just so much going on with them this year and since Joe was recovering from surgery and I from back spasms - it was just not going to happen.

BUT, there is next week (weather permitting) that we will go over the river and through the woods to see the kids!

It was very nice and thoughtful for me to hear from dear friends last night and today. It gives me a sense of some connection to the rest of the world. We've not left the house today either because of the high wind advisory that has been in effect for the last two weeks. We've had steady winds of about 40 miles per hour with wind gusting at 50 mph! That's like hurricane force winds with frost thrown in!

But, here's hoping that all my family members celebrated with a wonderful Christmas in whatever way they saw fit.

Life In the Back Seat

The furry kids were very good during the cross country trip while taking up the back seat. B.J. spent most of his time looking out the side window just as a small child would do. Occasionally I would lower the window, weather permitting, and he would hang out sniffing the air. He took several "cat" naps when he wasn't being run over by Blaze.

Blaze hung out most of the trip with her head stuck between Joe and I. Her eyes would be glued forward as though she was a backseat driver, but when she spotted an 18 wheeler coming down the road, she would lunge into the backseat and snarl at the truck. (Hence the interruptions in B.J.'s naps). Blaze NEVER took a nap for the first two days of travel! She was so pumped up about the trip the first day that we had to stop and buy some Benedryl and give it to her. It only lasted 5 hours per pill though.

They both loved getting out at the rest areas and trying their best to "water" every shrub, tree and bush they could reach.

The Christmas Cactus - Part Two

The Christmas Cactus made the ride across America sitting on my dash. By the time it arrived in our home in Casper, it was quite worn out and very sad looking. It is still in the stages of trying to recover even today. Here's hoping it continues to grow and thrive! (Refer to an earlier blog about the cactus to understand its significance).

Snapshots of Joe

Hey, I don't remember what Joe was doing, but I'm sure it was meaningful, intelligent and worthwhile.

And last, but not least our favorite shot of Joe - checking his eyelids for holes in the lining.

On The Telephone With Susan

These were taken while driving down interstate 55, talking to Susan on the telphone.

Mom and I saw this same sight one year in the middle of a raging thunderstorm. I got a better look at it about three years ago when I spent a week in St. Louis being trained for the NACCRRA/Air Force Project.

The Send Off

These were taken the day we left on our adventure out West...

The greatest Mom and Dad in the world. What is everyone squinting at? Oh yeah, that's the sun and that was about 8:00 a.m.

Miss Ann

This is Ann Johnson a/k/a "Miss Ann". She is the most dearest neighbor I've ever had in my life. She was my friend and adopted family member. She lived in the house behind me for the 30 years I lived there. (And what a lovely house. It looks like the inside of Better Homes and Gardens with all the special things she has scattered around our home. She even has a picture of Derek which lies among the pictures of her own grandchildren). And what a Southern accent she has!

I met Miss Ann first as a new bride moving into my first home and loved her instantly. Throughout the years, she knew my struggles to get pregnant, was there the first day that I brought Corey home from the hospital and watched him grow up. (Throughout the years she also saw most of Nancy's children grow up).

She attended all the important events in Corey's life such as his school plays, his baptism, his Court of Honor, leaving for his mission, his wedding reception and anything else that was important in his life.

She used to give Corey a birthday card and $1 for every year of his age, until he got too expensive. She always put aside special Halloween candy and goodies for him and usually gave him something for Christmas. He always loved visiting with her as the both of them would have tea parties from time to time which meant she had fixed something yummy for him to eat.

One year when he was about 7 or 8 years old, he went over to help her pick up the many pine cones in her yard without any notion of being paid money. He came home many, many minutes later with a big grin on his face and announced to me that he'd gotten something better than money from Miss Ann. He'd gotten a giant sized piece of chocolate cake and a big glass of milk!

Miss Ann was there during my divorce, my engagement and attended my wedding to Joe. In the last few years, we'd made it a tradition to go look at Christmas lights around the county. The "funnest" time we ever had was when Corey did the driving. Mom was in the front seat with Corey, Joe and Ann in the middle seat of my Rodeo and I was in the back end. Corey took us places I'd never been to before and places I don't think the car should have gone. We hit potholes, slipped and slided on dirt roads and by the time we finally made it home it was 3:00 a.m.! Ann told me she'd never laughed so hard and enjoyed herself more which was music to our ears since her husband Charles had died earlier that year.

Before leaving Omega, Miss Ann was the last person I visited. How do you tell a dear friend how much you love her and know that you will miss her? It was difficult, but I know that when we go to the family reunion in May, I will see her again. She's made me promise that Joe and I will spend the night at her home. And, thank goodness for the telephone.

A Piece of History

This is one of the family pieces of history left behind in Omega. It is the door frame in the bathroom that we used as a measuring stick for the changes in Corey's growth throughout the years. I'm sure that one day it will be painted over by someone else never to be remembered. But, I will remember it and how excited Corey was when we could make a higher mark on the door.

And here is "Vanna Helen" showing off some of the markings.

The "Tummy Worm" Has Left The Building...

or better yet - it's left Joe. Waahoo! No more dressing his hairy tummy. Yep, the surgery took place this afternoon and all went well. He's just supposed to take it easy for a few days - yeah, right. Maybe if I velcro him to his chair in front of the television that might work. Thank goodness I'll be home for most of the week since it's the Christmas holidays.

We've decided to stay in town for Christmas and let him heal. So, we cancelled the reservations for the dogs at the Doggie Dude Ranch and will let them stay next week while we go to see the kids (weather permitting, of course).

We had our first wet snowfall today. The wind was blowing like crazy on the way home from work on the interstate that it made driving difficult. Thank goodness I was only riding this time. We passed one car that lost control somehow and wound up on it's side.

I realized this morning that we've had no rain, only water in the form of snow since we moved here. I guess the Georgia folks have gotten our rain and we've gotten their snow?

My Own Personal Snowman

These are pictures that were taken last weekend when the temperature dipped to -35 below.

Recognize my car? It has looked worse than this though. We have to park on the street unfortunately and so each morning I carefully make my way down the sidewalk and hope I don't break something.

Here is Joe modeling some of his latest cold weather attire of boots, gloves and short coat. I should have taken a picture of him yesterday with his longer coat and woolen cap.

This is home sweet home. Our bedroom is located at the two right windows, the living room in on the other end. The plant on the left hand side of the walkway is a scrawny rose bush. Why it's there, I don't know and it will be interesting to see how many roses it produces whenever it might bloom.

The Sinners Went For a Little Salavation

So, the Weavers finally went to church in Wyoming!!! We are now attending the Casper 6th Ward which is .09 miles from our home and took a total of 3 minutes to get there. We just can't believe our good, no, great luck! We were warmly welcomed today by lots of very nice people.

However, it was a rather tramatic morning of sorts for me. I was suffering with a bout of homesickness. It started this morning shortly after I got up. I'd turned on the TV and was listening to "Music and The Spoken Word" on BYUTV and the last song sung was "God Be With You Till We Meet Again". That did it. I launched into tears right then and there. That is the song that used to be sung when a family moved from our little branch in Japan and then it was the closing song on our last day in Tifton. Then I got to thinking about my family, especially missing taking Mom and Dad to church, and my church family members. After all, it has been almost a month since we last attended church in Tifton.

Then when we arrived at our new ward, it was the day of the Christmas program which was excellent. However, I cried through most of it reflecting on a similar day when I was told that Grandmother McGhee had died that morning and missing Tifton. Somehow I discovered that I had a brand new pack of tissues in my purse which NEVER happens - thank goodness!

During the program, the Primary children sang, but it just wasn't the same without the Ritchie kids. There wasn't quite the gusto that I was accustomed to hearing in Tifton.

Someone played "What Child Is This?" on the harp (so beautiful and it sent me into tears again); an outstanding piano/organ duet and someone sang the song "Mary Did You Know?" which I always loved.

Everyone was very nice and welcoming today. In fact, we were even invited to dinner tonight but couldn't make it as Joe slipped on ice in the back yard this afternoon and may have broken his thumb. (I told him to make sure he mentioned that to the doctor when he goes in for his surgery in the morning). We attend Sacrament Meeting, then Sunday School class and lastly Relief Society. It was then that I realized this is our new ward - our new church family and friends. They begin each Relief Society meeting by singing the first verse of "As Sisters In Zion" which really is quite nice as it brings everyone together and gets their attention before the meeting actually begins.

Our new bishop kinda reminds me of our old bishop - both a little on the more to love side. Speaking of which, Joe and I both realized this morning that we've both lost a little bit of weight - maybe not in pounds, but in inches. My long wool coat fits much better now and the coat I bought is a little looser. I tend not to eat as much as I used to - I think it has to do with being too tired or it's the altitude.

We also found out that when we go to the temple, we will go to Billings, Montana and not Denver. Won't that be fun???

And, yes, that is a picture of our new chapel.

Almost Got It Together

Got up this morning trying to make some more headway on getting the house organized. And, I am making progress or I was until I had to stop, take a shower and get Joe to the hospital for a lab workup and and EKG. That was fun. Even though the hospital is less than a mile from our home (that's wonderful in case we have an emergency, huh?), it was so flippin' cold. 2 degrees to be exact. That meant we suited up in our boots, hats, thick coats and gloves. Joe really does look cute in his little pull on wool beanie and his rosy red cheeks. Sorry, I digressed.

As we were leaving the hospital and was on the elevator to try and find our car, a nurse got on. We asked her which floor we should get off on. After she replied, I mentioned that she didn't sound like she was from around her and she said "no, she was from Georgia". We told her that we were too and asked her from where. She replied, "Tifton". Can you believe that?! We told her we'd moved from Omega and she commented that she thought I looked familiar, but I didn't know her and don't remember her name. But, it just goes to show you that the world is getting smaller all the time, isn't it?

(Found out today, while standing around reading bulletin boards, that Wyoming Medical Center is #2 in the U.S. for quickly caring for emergency patients).

Joe and His New Doctor

Joe had a doctor's appointment today with a kidney doctor, Margaret King. Would you believe we spent 2 1/2 hrs. in her office? I thought we would never get out of there. It wasn't her, it was probably just the fact of me spending that much time in an office.

It's a long story about the events of the day, but suffice it to say that I have to take Joe to the Emergency Room at the Wyoming Medical Center tomorrow. His doctor left two orders for him and he is to have more lab work done and an EKG done when he arrives there.

Then he is FINALLY going to have his "tummy worm" removed on Monday at 3:30 p.m. Unfortunately, I won't be there and we don't know yet how he will get there. I have to be out in the field and it has to be a matter of life and death almost not to be there. I'm sure that since our Heavenly Father has provided for us thus far in such fantastic ways, something or someone will come along to help us. Would you believe that his doctor has even volunteered to bring him home if he needs to leave before I arrive back in Casper? Do you think she has the "hots" for Joe?!?!?

We were (and are) planning on spending Christmas with the kids in Utah, but we'll see how Joe is feeling. I would be more prone to think we'll be delaying that visit until New Year's instead.

So, here's hoping that by the end of next week, Joe will be able to finally grow his chest hair back without fear of having it ripped away with white, sticky, surgical tape!

At My Wit's End!!!

I have just about lost all patience with the electronic age. As you know, two weeks after our move, my Georgia computer quite working for some reason. (Maybe it was it's way of protesting the move to cold Wyoming). I finally went and got a new computer a week ago and things are still not working as they should.

- Some computer geek dude who diagnosed the demise of my Georgia computer now says he cannot install my email contact list onto my Wyoming computer. He says he'll put it all on a disk. However, he's yet to bring by the disk although he calls and says he is. Yeah, right. He'd better get his scrawny butt here sometime in the next week or he may not have such a merry Christmas!

- I was told to get a high powered power strip for my new computer and its accessories. I did and guess what??? it didn't work! So back to the store it went for a refund since I found a strip I already have.

- I had to buy an adapter for my 3 1/2" floppy disks and I can't upload/download pictures. I took the port thing back today on another trip and was informed it was too small in power. So I bought a higher powered one and got a refund on that.

- Came home and guess what that port works, but the 3 1/2" floppy thingy doesn't! I want to post my pictures!

Guess who will be making ANOTHER trip to the computer store tomorrow?!?!?!?! In subzero temperatures too!

First View of the Big Horns

I forgot to mention that yesterday I had my first clear view of the Big Horn Mountains from the vantage point outside of my office. I was surprised to learn that as clear as they were, they were still about 80 miles away from us. In case you didn't know, they are located in north-central Wyoming and are a sister range of the Rocky Mountains and are conveniently located half-way between Mt. Rushmore and Yellowstone National Park. No region in Wyoming is provided with a more diverse landscape -- from lush grasslands to alpine meadows, from crystal-clear lakes to glacial carved valleys, from rolling hills to sheer mountain walls. You can be sure that when the weather turns nicer, i.e., warmer, that will be one of the places we go to visit.

I got my first Wyoming paycheck today. Yeah!!! But then I also got my first Wyoming tires for my car as well as some car repairs. Boo, but at least I have a more secure way to drive down the icy or snowy roads and that makes it much safer for everyone.

This was a very fast week for me at work. It's nice to go to work and stay busy...makes the week go by much faster. And I love the three day weekend!

Field Trip No. 3

This time the field trip was a ride along with Trina to do water samples at various shops in the field. One of the places we went to was the Science area. I walked in and saw lots and lots of fossils. These were fossils of ancient fish and sea life that is being chiseled out of slate like rock. How cool is that?! It was so fantastic being able to pick up pieces and touching the fossilized fish!

Most of my day was spent in the lower office where we had a Christmas Pot Luck Dinner and two meetings throughout the day. I took my crock pot full of red beans and rice and it was a success since it was all eaten. Many of the employees had never had any before, but said they liked it and I was a keeper since I could obviously cook. Huh...little do they know!

Happy Birthday Corey

Yep, 26 years ago today Corey was born. What a blessing he has been in my life!

I remember making a run to the hospital the first time which turned out to be a return trip back home. The real trip was a couple of days later and I knew at that time that I wouldn't be coming home that time. I remember the intense back pain during the contractions and felt as though my back would break. I was hooked up to a monitor and every time I had a contraction, it would register violent spikes. Les was with me and it was decided that he would give me a priesthood blessing and he did. It wound up being a real blessing and mini miracle for me. At the conclusion of the blessing, it was noted on the readout from the monitor that I had experienced a flat line during the course of the blessing. And, even though I still experienced back pain, it subsided to a lower degree.

Since I wasn't dilating like I should, thus the reason for the monitor, it was finally decided by my doctor and another one brought in for consultation, that I would have an emergency c-section since Corey was going into fetal distress. So, I was rushed into the delivery room, knocked me out and I it was hours later when I woke up and discovered that I had given birth to a baby boy.

I remember the nurse bringing Corey into me and placing him in my arms to be fed. Wow, what an experience that was for me. Looking into that sweet face and realizing that he was mine. Realizing that this was the child I'd carried for almost 10 months and now he was here with a head full of dark hair and bright eyes.

I loved him at every stage of his life thinking it just couldn't get any better - but it did! I loved that he loved the things I did. I loved that he wasn't afraid to try things or go places - that he loved to experience life however he could.

What fun it was to expose him to cultural experiences like "Phantom of the Opera" at the Fox Theater in Atlanta or see Elton John for his 18th birthday or Simon and Garfunkle for his 21st birthday. It was fun to let him go off to his various Explorer or Boy Scout activities. It was so much fun to spend time with him for two weeks 24/7 on our first trip out west. It was even more fun to take him on the trip to England with the side trips to Scotland and France. I loved watching the look on his face when he saw something new for the first time.

I'm proud of most of the decisions that he made in his life. Yes, there were those that were wrong, but look how right he turned out. What a wonderful person he grew into to. What a wonderful husband. What a wonderful father. What an outstanding son.

Thank you Corey for picking me as your mother. I am the lucky one!

Field Trip No. 2

I was sitting at my desk when the phone rang and my buddy, Kevin, asked if I wanted to take a ride. I immediately said "yes", grabbed my coat, but made a stop at the restroom first. (You learn out here to use the bathroom before going anywhere. You never know when or where you might find a bathroom. And, the cold tends to make one need the bathroom even more than usual).

Anyway, we headed out to new parts unknown for me. As Safety Manager, Kevin has to go out in the field and check out safety issues. Today it was to some building that had a lock code that didn't work. Then we went out to check the lock on a gate and a trip to the 10,000 gallon storage tank. On the way, I saw a hawk, a herd of mule deer, a herd of about 50 antelope that passed in front of the truck. It was amazing! I also saw where a teepee ring is protected by a fence. I'll go check that out sometime next summer when the snow isn't covering the marks. There is also caves in the ridge that has Indian writing on the walls. Now that will be a field trip!

The day ended when I got to drive the 4-wheel drive double cab from the office to the two lane road. I could have driven it back to the office in Casper, but felt like I better not press my luck. There will be other days I'm sure. (I can hear Corey laughing right now).

Joe hasn't been feeling well this week. I don't know if it's the weather affecting him or the altitude. (BTW, I found out that my office is almost at 7,000 feet). He's been suffering with fevers, then chills, not sleeping and a total lack of energy. He has an appointment this coming Friday to see the specialist about the removal of his "tummy worm" and I hope that will help him mentally and physically. It's very difficult to go off to work so far from home and leave him here feeling sick. But, there's really nothing else I can do since we don't have family or friend support here yet. That's the only drawback we have out here as far as I'm concerned.

Tomorrow is Corey's birthday. 26 years old he'll be. Wow! I'll write more about that tomorrow.

It's hard to believe that Christmas will be here next week. But, I won't talk about that either until much later.

Well, all is well, but I'm going to end since it's almost time for me to get in bed.

Things I'll Miss Not Being in Tifton

1. My family.
2. My friends.
3. Benton's Seafood where I can purchase my pound of baby catfish and a pound of fresh red roe.
4. Sonny's Barbeque. I would love some of their all you can eat ribs right now.
5. Zaxby's. Love my "Wings and Things" with the honey mustard sauce.
6. Golden Corral. Everything would taste good especially a nice medium rare steak. They even started serving fried green tomatoes and fried summer squash. They were great dipped in ranch dressing!

We Were In The Casper Star Tribune

I've been meaning to include this for your perusal. I was interviewed by the Casper Star Tribune for their series of articles written about people who've moved to Wyoming. This reporter got my name from my old next door neighbor in Omega when he happened to call the newspaper for information he wanted. He mentioned to her that we were moving to Casper and gave her my name and number.

Casper repositions itself for this boom by CHRISTINE ROBINSON Star-Tribune staff writer

Saturday, December 13, 2008 12:44 PM MST

Casper is growing up.It has changed from a refinery town dramatically connected to the boom and bust cycle to someplace people sometimes want, and choose, to live.

A recent newcomer from Georgia said Casper has a "small town feel with big city amenities."It lacks some of the restaurants Carol Weaver said she would like to have, but other than that, everything she needs is right here.

Weaver moved with her husband from Georgia about a week ago after suffering two layoffs within one year. She had heard of better jobs in Wyoming and searched online for opportunities. It wasn't long before she found a secretarial job with the Rocky Mountain Oilfield Testing Center.

Her husband is retired and looking for work, she said, and the two are adjusting to the cold weather. For right now, she said she's ecstatic to see snow.

Lori Becker, the executive director of the Casper Area Chamber of Commerce, said this boom is different than the last one in terms of the city."I definitely think we have come a long way," she said. "We have a lot more things in the downtown area and in the east and west sides."Becker cited new restaurants, different food options, entertainment and shopping as some of the amenities Casper has gained in the past decade.

While the city is still intricately tied to the oil and gas industries, some argue other businesses may help cushion Casper if a bust comes.Becker also referred to the city of Casper's efforts to revitalize the Old Yellowstone District as another draw for the town.

The District, sandwiched between Poplar, Collins, First and David streets, has historically been used for industrial purposes. The city's vision calls for apartments, boutiques and restaurants.

Becker touted a leadership program the Chamber offers that introduces people into Casper and grooms them into being part of the community. It looks at industries, issues and social programs in Casper, Becker said.

The Chamber also sends packets of information out to people interested in moving to Casper, as well as those thinking of visiting."The city has become more attractive in a lot of ways," Becker said.The test now is to see if Casper's changes are enough to keep newcomers like Weaver here during the good and the bad times.

Contact city reporter Christine Robinson at (307) 266-0639 or christine.robinson@trib.com

My FIrst Field Trip with RMOTC

Today being Monday it was time to go to work again. I just love those three day weekends and it sure makes it hard to get up dark thirty on Monday mornings. Joe was about to open his mouth to voice encouraging words (while his head was laying on my pillow), but I advised him that he should just keep his thoughts to himself for the moment. And yes, it was very cold this morning - but not as cold as yesterday so we count our blessings. (By the way...all that firewood we gave away we sure could enjoy using right now. We've got to find a source for some or we may resort to going into the mountains and picking up dead limbs and throwing them in the trunk. Wouldn't that be a sight)?

While sitting in my bosslady's truck this morning in the company parking lot, I noticed a very strange sight. It was five pronghorn antelope casually walking past my car. That's not something you see in Tifton people! They wandered out of the parking lot into the traffic and everyone survived.

When we got to the RMOTC (Rocky Mountain Oilfield Testing Center) office today, we discovered we had no heat. Yep, you heard me right. For some reason the gas wasn't kicking on the furnace. We all stayed in our coats and gloves and hats until almost 11:00 today and thank goodness I had a small electric heater in my office. However, wherever I went, it went. Nobody told me about all these fringe benefits!

I did get to go on a field trip while at work today. My carpool buddy, Kevin, had to ride to the oil rig for a meeting with the rig manager and asked if I'd like to come along. For sure!!! So off we went in the 4 wheel truck through parts of the oilfield I'd never seen before. I now know more about the oil business than I'd ever known in my life other than my experiences with the gas stations. I was even issued my own hardhat and safety glasses today and should get my voucher for steel-toed boots tomorrow. I wasn't allowed to get out of the truck since I didn't have the boots, so I sat in it while Kevin had his meeting . I did get to watch some of the activities though. I watched a pipe being dragged up the "beaver slide"; watched the "elevator lower some pipe, etc. I felt like a child who had been told to stay in the car and could only observe the outside world from inside. Once I get my boots though - I'm legal to go anywhere in the 10,000 acres.

When we got back to Casper tonight, I climbed in my car and looked at the car temperature. I shouldn't have. It was a wonderful 2 degrees. In that kind of weather you have to drive with your gloves on when you don't have the opportunity to warm up your car first. At least there was no new snow - yet.

Arriving home, I opened up the door and found that my sweet hubby had roasted a turkey today. It was fantastic. It's so nice to come home to warm lips and hot food!!!

The Human Popsicle

Let me just start out by saying that I never, ever knew how cold and crazy Mother Nature could be until today. Joe and I had full intentions of going to our new Ward for the first time today. Then she kicked our butts!!! Mother Nature that is. The temperature was supposed to ONLY get down to about -25 last night. But, when we woke up this morning it was -35 below!!! We had ice on the inside of some of our windows and snow covered my car and the yard. (Did I mention those kids from Utah called to "see how we were doing"? The conversation was peppered with both concern and lots of laughing).

May I state that the dogs did the fastest poop and pee I've ever seen them do when I let them outside? I really do feel sorry for the dogs. They give me looks for time to time like "when are we going home"? Or, "what did I do to deserve this?" They are forced to be in a much, much smaller yard, but hey, it's a yard, huh? And, they are only allowed to spend time in the kitchen since we have very light colored carpeting and we just can't let them tromp through the house. They seem to be getting more peanut butter doggie treats these days as our guilt payment to them.

Though we didn't make it to church, I did have to venture out to Wal-Mart to pick up a prescription and shot needles that Joe needed. We were going to pick them up yesterday, but decided we'd wait and do it after church today. And since we didn't make it, I went out. OMG!!! Why not? It had warmed up to a balmy -15 by now. I hurried out to the car, praying all the way that the car would start. After all, this is a southern sports car and not used to all this new climate. Thank the Lord it did start and I warmed it up for about 30 minutes. Then I coasted around our neighborhood to the main street about 20 mph on frozen snow. I figured the Georgia license plate would explain my slow driving enroute to WalMart. When I arrived (slid) there, the parking lot had not been plowed, so it was parking basically where ever you wanted. I then ice skated my way to the door praying that I wouldn't fall on my butt. (See even though I didn't make it to church, look how much praying I did today). While there I picked up a few more items and boy did I pay for that literally and figuratively. You try pushing a shopping cart uphill to your car. Needless to say, by the time I arrived home I was worn out. I've learned my lesson - I'll never go anywhere ever again on Sunday- except to church. (Well, at least Wal-Mart).

Now, I've got to get my clothes ready for in the morning....thick socks, thermal undersquare, a pullover sweater, thick gloves, my pull on hat and my furry boots. After all, it'll be another lovely day in the neighborhood tomorrow...mostly cloudy, with a high near 11 with a wind chill as low as -15. And, more new snow. Hot dog!!!

Can You Spell Brrrrrrrrrrrrrr?

I want everyone to know that I have a very sadistic son and daughter-in-law. It seems that their greatest joy these days is calling us to rib us about our weather. Corey breaks out in resounding waves of laughter on most phone calls. I remember when I used to have sympathy for those snow/cold filled days that he and Nikki used to have, but no more. Oh no...I've found out that I think that Joe and I will always have it worse than any family member at this time.

It is almost 7:00 p.m. and the top half of my car was already almost covered with snow. And, the temperature at this time is 1. Yep, 1 degree. I don't ever remember 1 degree and the windchill is supposed to get down to -25 to -35 degrees. In case you did not know, exposed skin can get frostbite in 10 minutes in that kind of weather. Generally I like to check out facts, but don't think I'll be testing that one!

We made a lot of progress on setting the house in order today. Though it's been two weeks, it's been so hard for me to get much done. I get up at 4:00 a.m. Monday-Thursday to get ready for work. I leave the house at 5:00 a.m. to drive to the Casper office to carpool with someone. I've already had to invest in a snow broom and ice scrappers which I keep in my car trunk. I've also replaced my Georgia windshield fluid with a de-icer fluid. We leave the office parking lot at 5:30 and head north to the Rocky Mountain Oilfield Testing Center. I've seen what a portion of it looks like in the daylight as it's dark when I go to work and dark when I leave work. It may be May before I actually see where I'm working. We head out north on I-25 for about 25 miles, then go on to a two lane road for about 18 miles and then the remaining 6 miles or so on a dirt road. The dirt road is fine as long as it's dry or frozen, but when the snow thaws - look out!!! It becomes a very slippery mess. We start out with a 6:30 a.m. meeting and then I work until 5:00 p.m. It makes for very, very long days, but the reward is having every Friday off which makes a very nice long weekend for Joe and me. So, that's the reason it's been taking so long to right the house. I haven't seemed to have too much energy when I get home. But everyday it's getting easier and I'm getting more stamina.

One of the hardest things to adjust to here (besides the weather) is the altitude. We are over a mile high and where I work is even higher. You find yourself being quickly out of breath and stopping to breath. I have also experienced some nausea, but am told to drink LOTS of water. It is getting easier though after a couple of weeks.

I enjoy our home location - it's so convenient to everything! Casper has everything I think we would need with the exception of a Golden Corral, Zaxby's and Sonny's. We do have a Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target, Sears, Macy's, Penny's, Sam's, etc. There is a very nice large mall with a Bath and Body Works, Bed, Bath and Beyond, various name brand shoe stores, Claires, etc. It even has a food court. We may take up mall walking here after the house is in order since that may be the only warm place to walk.

Life is different here, but the people are nice and friendly thus far. They are certainly different from those in Georgia by the way they talk and dress and their life attitude, but I'm enjoying it here (even with the wild weather).

Greetings and Salutations - I'm Back!

Yep, I'm finally able to blog again and it seems like forever since I've had contact with friends and family. There have been so many things that have happened in the two weeks since we've become citizens of Casper, Wyoming. I've got lots of thoughts, observations, pictures and descriptions to cover and they certainly won't get covered tonight since it's so late. I know you're thinking "late"? "Late for Carol"? Like I said, lots of things have happened and I'll explain that in an upcoming post.

I cannot believe that I am finally able to be back on line - to be able to check emails and blogs again after almost 3 weeks! We had to wait for about a week and a half before our cable, telephone and internet was installed. Then when I finally hooked up my computer a couple of days later, it wouldn't work. It was checked out by a computer dude who pronounced it dead. Oh great! So today, Joe and I spent the major portion of the day going from one place to another checking out computer prices. Would you believe that Casper has a Staples, Office Max and Office Depot? All within two miles of our house! Anyway, finally about 9:00 tonight I had my computer set up, plugged in and ready for action.

It was fun catching up on everyone's blogs - well those of you who had blogged since we left anyway. Please blog regularly since it helps us keep up on the family and friend doings!!!

During our runs around town today, Joe and I went and searched out the chapel where we'll be going to church. (No, we haven't gone yet. The two previous Sundays have been spent unpacking boxes and bins and trying to get settled in). Anyway, we discovered just how close the chapel is to us. It's probably less than three miles from the house. Waahoo!!! No more getting up at 5:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings. We could actually sleep in until 7:45 a.m. if we wanted and still make it to church in plenty of time.

I'm sure that our weather will be a topic of conversation in many of my blogs. Weather is a BIG deal here in one way or another every day. For example, let's take our weather for tonight and tomorrow...

Tonight: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29. Windy, with a southwest wind around 33 mph, with gusts as high as 47 mph.

Saturday: A slight chance of rain and snow after 11am. Cloudy, with a temperature rising to near 41 by noon, then falling to around 19 during the remainder of the day. Windy, with a west southwest wind between 29 and 33 mph, with gusts as high as 46 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Saturday Night: Snow. Low around 4. Wind chill values as low as -18. Blustery, with a north northwest wind around 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 2 to 4 inches possible.

Now, I'm not complaining, only commenting. It's still quite funny to me how the weather is around here. I now wear gloves, boots, pants (every day), and am equipped with wool hats which will most likely get used next week as the weather will be getting worse on Sunday and through the next week. The dogs look at me sometimes as if to say "when are we going back home"? or "what did I ever do to you to deserve this"?

It's been a long day - my body is still adjusting from Georgia time so I'm calling it a night. But, I'll be back!

In A Nutshell...A Little Nutshell

Just to update everyone...(and believe me this is putting it into very short notes)

• We left Georgia Tuesday morning and spent the night in Marion, Illinois
• We left Marion and spent the night in Hays, Kansas Wednesday evening
• We left Hays and made it all the way to Casper Thursday evening
• We got our house keys today, met the new landlord and one of our new neighbors, Dave
• I took my "pee test" and passed with flying colors so now I am officially an employee of Navarro Research and Engineering starting on Monday morning.
• Corey and Ryan are due in this evening and may actually arrive about the same time!

I got all the utilities in our name, but the cable, phone and internet won't be up until the 8th!!! What will I do?!?!?!

It has been snowing off and on here today. In fact, the snow has stuck to the parking lot here at the hotel. It will be interesting seeing B.J.'s real reaction in the morning when he sees it in the daylight.

Thanks for all the prayers from everyone. We cannot complain one iota about the trip out here. It has all gone so well for us. I do miss what I had, but life is an adventure from now on.

BTW...I Failed To Mention

Before literally dragging myself off to bed, I failed to mention that with all this moving stuff going on that I was released as the Gospel Doctrine Teacher last week. Waahoo! However, I was "asked" (yeah right, "asked", more like commanded, assumed I would with no backtalk, etc.), to give a talk tomorrow in Sacrament Meeting. Holy, moly - it ain't tomorrow no more - it's now today!!!

Anyway, you try packing all week long and fitting in time for talk preparation. We could have the world's shortest Sacrament Meeting tomorrow. Then Joe and I can come home and finish packing.

Seriously though, when I sat down to put pen to paper, I found the perfect thought for my talk that was given by Thomas S. Monson at the October conference. I will, of course, be expanding on what he said, but it struck just the perfect cord for me. So, here in it's abbreviated form...

"One of the most inevitable aspects of our lives here upon the earth is change. At one time or another we’ve all heard some form of the familiar adage: “Nothing is as constant as change.” I, on the other hand, like to voice from time to time that I would like to have a normal life. That I would like to be like normal people. However, I have discovered that the only thing normal in life is the setting on a clothes dryer.

Throughout our lives, we must deal with change. Some changes are welcome; some are not. There are changes in our lives which are sudden, such as the unexpected passing of a loved one, an unforeseen illness, the loss of a possession we treasure. But most of the changes take place subtly and slowly.

This week I have been reflecting back on my days here in the Tifton Ward...
1965 while visiting grandparents
Expansion of chapel - branch to ward
Newly wed married by Bishop Flanders (Pictures)
Various callings
New mother
Divorce
New marriage
People who have been born and died

Day by day, minute by minute, second by second we went from where we were to where we are now. The lives of all of us, of course, go through similar alterations and changes. The difference between the changes in my life and the changes in yours is only in the details. Time never stands still; it must steadily march on, and with the marching come the changes.

This is our one and only chance at mortal life—here and now. The longer we live, the greater is our realization that it is brief. Opportunities come, and then they are gone. I believe that among the greatest lessons we are to learn in this short sojourn upon the earth are lessons that help us distinguish between what is important and what is not. I plead with you not to let those most important things pass you by as you plan for that illusive and nonexistent future when you will have time to do all that you want to do. Instead, find joy in the journey—now. Sign in bathroom - Blest is the man who finds joy in the journey.

If you have children who are grown and gone, in all likelihood you have occasionally felt pangs of loss and the recognition that you didn’t appreciate that time of life as much as you should have. Of course, there is no going back, but only forward. Rather than dwelling on the past, we should make the most of today, of the here and now, doing all we can to provide pleasant memories for the future.

If you are still in the process of raising children, be aware that the tiny fingerprints that show up on almost every newly cleaned surface, the toys scattered about the house, the piles and piles of laundry to be tackled will disappear all too soon and that you will—to your surprise—miss them profoundly. Dad’s saying…100 years from now, you’ll never know the difference.

Les’ death - missing out on opportunities with Corey and Derek

Stresses in our lives come regardless of our circumstances. We must deal with them the best we can. But we should not let them get in the way of what is most important—and what is most important almost always involves the people around us. Often we assume that they must know how much we love them. But we should never assume; we should let them know.

Send that note to the friend you’ve been neglecting; give your child a hug; give your parents a hug; say “I love you” more; always express your thanks. Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved. Friends move away, children grow up, loved ones pass on. It’s so easy to take others for granted, until that day when they’re gone from our lives and we are left with feelings of “what if” and “if only.” Said author Harriet Beecher Stowe, “The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone.

Grateful for friends and family that have supported me in my lifetime.

A friend gave me a little plaque one day which said…
“When one door closes, another opens; (but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us).” Alexander Graham Bell

Gratitude for:
Power of prayer
Priesthood blessings
Principle of tithing
Opportunities to serve
Compassionate service of friends

I hope that my neighbors will look upon me as a good example of the Church and what it means to be a good person.

Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family. One day each of us will run out of tomorrows.

So there is my talk in a nutshell. Hopefully, my mind will be fresh and alert (yeah, right - fat chance) and I can say things that keep coming to my mind.
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I am going to request that we sing "God Be With You Till We Meet Again" as that was always sung at our little branch in Japan when it was the last Sunday for a family and brings back wonderful memories for me.

Day 3...And Counting

Yes, I know I missed Day 4...And Counting. However, there just wasn't enough time yesterday to do everything that needed to get done and posting a blog wasn't going to happen.

It was another crazy day of packing more things and then running errands in the afternoon before I went to Valdosta. Valdosta? Yep, some of the ladies who used to be on my Air Force Project wanted to take me to dinner one last time, therefore, that was the reason for skipping town. It was really wonderful to see the girls. Some of them I had not seen in over a year and it was a get together for them as well. It was a great evening of fellowshipping and being able to relieve shared experiences. Besides buying my dinner, they also presented me with a card and cash for the upcoming trip. More importantly though to me was their expressing what a difference I'd made in their lives. But, I am the lucky one for having had the opportunity of working with them and getting to know them.

Present at the dinner was Yvette, Norma, Clarissa, Kim and Evelyn from the AFQFCC program.

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As far as today...it was an "ugly" day. I put on sweatpants and a sweatshirt, I think I brushed my hair, ran around barefoot and had people coming and going all day long taking things out. I am so tired of packing and feel as though I could sleep ALL DAY LONG!!! I do appreciate everyone though that has come and helped us get ready for the move even if it's been taking things you may not want or need.

This evening the Ritchie family provided dinner for us and it was so wonderful! I can't remember when dinner was more appreciated and more desired than tonight. Kristina did an awesome dinner, complete with more "Ritchie Rolls" and we certainly appreciated Glen delivering it to us with his two little helpers. Aren't friends wonderful?