Our Weekend at the Ranch

We left Irving Friday in the late morning. A simple two hour drive is never simple and has NEVER been just two hours! Try three! Or, as in this case - four! That's because Louis Dean and I thought it would be fun to take the scenic route using the back roads. It was scenic but, since neither one of us have any sense of direction, we went a bit out of our way - taking a rather LONG way sown!

We stopped for lunch somewhere. That's where we went wrong. Louis Dean chatted up the waitress and she told us the easiest way to get to Malone. That's not our final destination but it could be a stop along the way. Somehow we messed that up although we did arrive at Malone - eventually.

I have pondered whether to talk about what happened at lunch. I think I will.

It was a truck stop/restaurant type of place. The restaurant was nice and had a Texas Depots theme with framed quotes of Will Rogers and Judge Roy Bean. While we ate we noticed an older man in a pair of coveralls. That's different from overall's. He had long gray hair and wandered around the restaurant looking at the framed photos and quotes. I heard a waitress ask if she could help him and he said he was just passing the time. I began to think perhaps he was homeless and/or hungry. When the waitress brought our check, I asked her if she thought he was hungry. She said she could go ask him. Turns out he was. We paid for him to have the buffet and a drink without ever saying a word to him. I felt like I needed to do something but I'm always unsure of myself as to how to do it.

Hopefully, he enjoyed a good meal.

We by passed Waco by coming in the back way but we did stop at the Dollar store in Mart before taking the road right there by the store to come on out to the ranch.

It's a pretty road scenic wise. Lots of ruts and craters, though, making for a rough ride.

Finally! We arrived!

Come on in!!

Dean left Friday morning coming our way and we left coming his way.

We went straight to doing critter chores first thing.

It took us about an hour and a half and it made for good exercise.

We came in and settled in at the camper.

We gave up on LOST and brought Boston Legal and Mash to watch.

When I uncovered the TV - I was shocked to find it was ON!! And HOT!!!

I keep it covered with a small quily when we're not using it.

Somehow, when we left I must have bungled around and hit the button turning it on. 

It had been on since we left on Monday.

Normally we don't come back this soon but praise God we DID this time!!!

We set the TV in the doorway so the cool night air could cool it off. 

I fixed a little supper for us and popped in a DVD and it worked just fine!

Good morning from the ranch!

We each had a good night's sleep and enjoyed our morning routine of coffee and reading.

We keep a Bible here so we can pick up on our reading just as if we were at home.

We do morning chores and evening ones.

I feel like a pioneer woman as I go out to deal with the ducks, chickens, roosters, geese, cats and goats! And horses!

Dean has a group of gorgeous cats.

This one is really extra friendly and has beautiful blue eyes.

The ducks are always a favorite with me.

Normally it is so quiet here but this weekend we can hear heavy equipment in the background.

Louis Dean says the goats are surprisingly strong!!!

Here we go! you can see her pretty eyes!!

It's been a peaceful weekend.

Lots of interesting things to look at.

I love the color and look of rust.

I saw this laid out on a board just as you would do an art display.

This is Dean's childhood car.

And then there are the horses.  We got to see them run a few times this weekend and everytime it just thrills my heart! I LOVE that sound!!

The best breakfast here is always bacon and farm fresh eggs!

I picked up two this afternoon that were still warm!

As a city girl - this is pretty exciting!

We will be going home tomorrow morning after we do the critter care.

Today my heart has been in two places. Here and in Mineral Wells where dear Danna was laid to rest.

My sisters were there and they said it was a beautiful service.

Pam posted a poem on Facebook that a lady wrote especially for Danna.

I would like to close this journal entry with these words.

DANCING WITH JESUS

She wanted to live

But her fight was all gone.

She closed her eyes

and prayed to go home.

She begged and she pleaded

But peace didn’t come

And she struggled to breath

As time lingered on.

One day as she lay there

He reached down His hand

He lifted Her up

And told her to stand.

Her strength was renewed.

Dressed all in white.

Together they danced

All through the night.

She sang and she twirled,

Like never before.

Rejoicing with Jesus

The pain was no more.

His words were so gentle

His hands so steady

“It’s time to go now

Your mansion is ready.”

Down a brightly lit path

They skipped and they sang.

Dancing with Jesus

Rejoicing again.

Written by God

Penned by Delores McPherson

Thank you, Delores ❤❤