Crap Happens Acres

Nice quiet morning

2015-01-10T08:03:00.000-06:00

I am sitting here with my coffee listening to the quiet house and thinking how nice it is.
Weather man kept saying all week bad winter weather was coming and behold, nothing. Now he says it just not reaching the ground. I think he is just guessing now.

The holidays are over and back to hustle and bustle. My schedule filled up quickly for this month. Lodge, church and scouts will keep me on the go the next several weeks.

Lil Man and I will be planning a project this weekend to make and build some garden boxes to work on his Cub Scout book. He love to help create and build things with me. I love it also, because he unplugged for the electronics and learns skills he can use later. He will be a big help this spring getting the garden beds ready and projects around the house. Later today we will head down to get some of the material for our projects and let him pick out what he wants to grow. I forget at times how much he is growing up. He will forever be my little sidekick, even when he rolls his eyes when I say that out loud.

Time for another cup of coffee and get the day started.

Skeeter

Long Day

2015-01-06T22:37:00.000-06:00

Today is the last day of my on call rotation. I am worn to the bone.

Tomorrow I am free once again to come home at normal time and have a warm dinner.

Weather is going into the pits again this weekend, but I can't wait for my church's annual chili cookoff. Warm chili on a cold night. Nothing better.

Better hit the sack before the work phone starts quacking.

Night all

Skeeter

Happy New Year

2015-01-01T16:36:00.000-06:00

I like to wish everyone a Happy New Year full of happiness and joy.

There is no day that has all the dreams and wishes we have for our lives like today.

I can't wait to see what the year has in store for me and my family.

Skeeter

Back in the Saddle

2014-12-30T20:19:00.000-06:00

I am going to give this another chance.......

I saw it has been awhile I had posted anything and I have tried several times to put my thoughts down and just kept deleting them. Every time the idea sounded good in my head, but you know how that goes. The poor ol' squirrel just can't keep up in the noggin'.

Garland Girl and I bought a new place and finally got all settled in. After a little fixing it up and new paint, we are quite happy where we are. A nice big place with a large back yard. I spent the time cleaning up the yards and beds getting ready for new garden in the spring with raised beds and going to try to build some rain barrels for them. I have been ordering 2015 seed catalogs planning what I am going to put in the gardens this year. I will have 3 raised beds to start with. Using the square foot method, I am hoping for a decent turn out this coming year. I tried it last year in a small bed and it was pretty good. My hopes are high.

Until next time.....

Skeeter

Feeling a little fuzzy......

2014-02-15T22:47:00.000-06:00

I am loaded up on cold medication at the moment. I can't tell what is worse, the cold or meds. Either way, I feel like mud. This cold has been teasing me. It is lingering around and nagging me. I need to get some hot tea. It hits the spot and soothes. I love my hot tea. Usually Oolong or green tea when I am like this.

It has been a busy several weeks. We are planning to buy a house and move this year. We have traversed the pre-approval process and found a place that will fit our needs and wants for the most part. The house will need some updating and a little paint, but Wifey has already got Home Depot and Lowe's on speed dial for remodel ideas. Lord, please help me Amen. She has got contractors, painters, plumbers and electricians lined up to give estimates. I do agree work is needed for this old house, so let the bids roll in. Kitchen, bathrooms, showers, toilets, disposals, appliances and all walls she has her keen eye trained on and enough work for me for at least 2 years and 3 months. I hope I keep up with her time table, she likes things to run on schedule.

I have been buried at work. The company has restructured yet again and has combine two local offices. The coordinators have been wild on how they have been routing our calls. I can't complain too much though, it is their vans and gas being used. It keeps me busy and never a dull moment.

The weather has finally started turning nicer this week. It is supposed to be in the 70's this week and sunny. I am a little skeptical though. It won't last, but I am going to make the best of it. I am hoping this cold goes away and I can get out in the yard and work some of the beds. They could use some attention getting them ready for spring. They need a good cleaning and new mulch. The squirrels had hidden their stash in the beds and now I am going to have to cut out several baby trees from around the house.

I need to put this on a schedule. Random musing is fun, but it is good ju-ju to ramble on here for awhile. Spring is around the corner and things should be picking up around here.

JW

We need to a reason to dream

2014-01-31T22:09:00.001-06:00

I have been thinking for a while on what seems to be a common thread for all the turmoil the country is facing. The news is about the woes, threats, ridicule, discrimination, etc. being brought against one another. It is a constant drain on us all. Rights being threatened and taken away, the Federal government is in total chaos with certain leaders side stepping the Constitution with the flick of his pen.

What is causing this turmoil?

Here is my perspective, the country doesn't have anything to dream for. No country wide excitement type dreams. The kind where we all as a nation would circle around the television waiting with bated breath for images or news of exciting revelations and conquest.

We had the moon landings, space shuttles on exciting missions, heroes setting world records in flight, science, explorations of the deep sea, new lands never seen. Without these dreams we all sit around and stew on what our problems are and who we can blame to make ourselves feel better. We are too easily offended, too quick to yell racism, bigotry, narcissism with bitter resentment.

This country was founded on the belief that we are free to be who we are without the least oppression from others and especially the government. The government was created to protect the borders from invaders, regulate trade and commerce, and protect the laws and Constitution of the land. Over the last 100 or so years slowly we allowed special interest groups lobby and influence our government turning it into a nanny state. The government in turn has taken away our responsibility of self govern of our homes and families. Then more groups have gotten comfortable with not having to rely on themselves and holding their hands out for their assistance from the government. Churches and local charities have been taken out of the equation. Self reliance is a thing of the past for this generation of entitled, self centered, self important heathens that influence our children and our grandchildren.

There are programs that are being attacked that should never have been touched. Our men and women who served in our Armed Forces who deserve the security of having the country provide their care and assistance for their time of protecting our country and keeping us out of harms way. Our veterans are one of our greatest treasures we need to protect. It is our time to serve them.

Our space programs are being farmed out to private businesses. I have no problems with the private sector working in partnership, but how are we as a nation supposed to rally around that. We won't go back to the moon. We have astronauts in the the International Space Station, but where do we go from there.

Do we get too bored too quickly?

We need to restore the national imagination and dream. We need to dream big. Start looking for that next horizon that will capture us and want us to go farther.

The longer we sit and stare at our misery, the more bitter we become.

JW

On Call Duty

2014-01-13T23:11:00.003-06:00

I get the honor of taking on call this week. Those of you that had to experience of getting the phone calls to go out after hours know how fun it is. You can't get any projects completed around the house and forget any dinner plans. The call outs haven't been too bad. though. Pretty simple just in and out for the most part. I am wore out, though. As the week goes on, that phone gets heavier and heavier. I will be done Wednesday morning for this go round. The overtime is good, but my butt is dragging.

The weather is all wonky here lately as it has everywhere else I suppose. The winter vortex and now 70 degrees. This is January for goodness sake. I just want a little winter consistency. At least I can get my outside chores done, when I am off on call.

I am tired and cranky. All need is a large glass of tea and my chair to set the world back on track. I am off to bed. Maybe tomorrow will shine a little brighter.

JW

I am a poet in my mind

2014-01-08T18:37:00.000-06:00

I have been told by my editorial staff I have an issue with the English language. I get going putting down my ideas on here and some times I forget to add words or syllables. It sounds good in my head at least.

My mind: I saw the most glorious sunset full of reds and yellows. The clouds are fluffy and white, just making the scene picture perfect.

Apparently what I put down: Me saw a pretty sky. Me like clouds.

I am glad she does look over these post. I have reread some of these my self and cringed.

My mom was a stickler for proper wording on my papers and speaking it in public. You think I would have picked up on that. I am also glad my English teacher doesn't read these, either. There would be red all over my post.

Practice makes perfect, or at least more legible and intelligible.

JW

Holiday nap is over

2014-01-05T22:31:00.000-06:00

Well tomorrow the whole show starts back up to the ol' madness and tight schedules. It was nice to have the holidays to slow down and spend time with Wifey and the kids. We have had such fun swapping stories and hanging out and trying new restaurants. Little Man is a bundle of energy and I am having to keep up with all the stories and ramblings his little mind can conjure up. Big Sis was given a jewelry making set up and she has been busy making her creations for everyone she knows.

The lodge is gearing up again. I had to go to the grocery store for this week. I have to get back in the swing of cooking and prepping for the nights we get together. I will also be kept busy with my other duties up there. Church activities will be keeping me crazy busy with committee meeting, fundraisers, and bible studies. The next few months is filled with activities that I will either be volunteering for or attending at the church or lodge. I won't complain. I enjoy staying active outside of the house.

Poor Wifey has to go back to work after her time off. She isn't looking forward to the Colorado temps and snow. Being in North Texas, we don't get a lot of the white stuff around here. My heart and prayers are for the ones that are buried in snow with this front that passed through. Our low tonight will only be down to 19, I can't even fathom below 0 temps or 18+ inches of snow. Spring will be here soon enough. I am taking this time to clean my tools, layout on paper the garden and browsing seed catalogs. Also going through my prep supplies and updating or adding items I think we might need. I try to prep for local disasters or weather. I want to be ready this year for storm season.

Time waits for no man, but it will slow down waiting for his wife at the mall.

JW

My yearly To Do List

2014-01-03T22:23:00.000-06:00

I am trying to put together my To Do list for this year. Here are the some of ones I have on it.

Put a new roof on the back porch
Build a rack for the garage to store tubs and tools
Build a second garden box
Watering system for both raised beds
Get my CHL this year and a new carry pistol.

Wifey and I will be looking to move this year and are gearing up for the circus of house hunting and working with lenders. I would like to find a place where I can stretch out and have enough room to grow some fruit trees to have with the vegetable gardens. I would like an apple and pear tree for some good apple butter and pear preserves.

This should keep me busy until at least June or until the Honey Do list trumps mine.

Squat

2014-01-02T22:29:00.002-06:00

Yep that is what I have tonight. Still trying to catch up on sleep I lost over New Years Eve shindig.

Here is a pic from my travels. I laugh every-time I see him.

JW

A New Year, new bird house and squirrels

2014-01-01T22:05:00.000-06:00

I hung up a new birdhouse I got from friends this week and low and behold, I got a new friend. This squirrel has been around the yard for a couple of years but only hid pecans for later snacks. I have several of other bird feeders and they have baffles or cages to deter squirrels, but this one didn't and it seemed easy pickings.

This little sucker runs up and down the chain to the tree. He sits there on the side and picks out the sunflower seeds. The rest gets scattered below where the fat doves graze below to their heart delights. It also drives the cats and dogs crazy looking out the window at him. I am going have to go down to the Feed and Seed to get a baffle for this one also. I am going to build and little feeder for him so he will leave the birds alone.

I had a good day for New Years. The kids and I went out for pizza and a dollar movie. Then to our favorite store, Half Price Books. Big Sis got a couple and Little Man picked out a coloring tablet. Good times had by all. Poor Wifey woke up this morning with a bad head cold and had to stay home, but she made us cabbage and sausage and a pot of black eye peas for good luck. She was so sweet for that.

The wind is blowing fierce tonight, a cold front blowing is blowing in. Time for me batten down the hatches for the night.

Taco Night at Beef House

2013-12-30T23:22:00.003-06:00

Down in Garland is Beef House and Monday night is Taco Night. I can't tell you how good these are. They are not the average taco shell taco like everywhere else, but little corn bowls of beefy goodness. The Wifey and I try to make it down there every time we have the chance. This is a place where we are one of the regulars and the people know us and we know them. Can't get that feeling at a Chili's.

Not much for a Monday. I have gotten the ole drawing pad out to start drawing up the new raised beds and thinking about building new storage shelves for the garage. She saw me do this and has added a few honey projects. A new roof for the back porch awning and a few other suggestions. I can't say no to her. She looks at me fluttering those pretty eyes and reminds me who gave me the new tools for Christmas.

Off to find the tape measure and hide in the garage......

JW

Sunday Night Ramblings

2013-12-29T22:01:00.000-06:00

Just sitting here in my chair with a warm cat in my lap debating watching the news or going to bed. Bed is winning. Wifey and me are watching the first Harry Potter movie and agreeing the first Dumbledore is still the best. Yep, time to go to bed.

The year is winding down and I am ready. I am usually in bed and asleep by 10:30 or 11:00 New Years Eve, but I am throwing caution out the window and some great friends of ours is having us over that night. I hope I last till midnight. no promises, though

Already getting my new seed catalogs, and I am once again looking forward to spring planting. I had to go out to the garden just to get some dirt under the nails. I love puttering. I even refilled the bird feeders and added a new one in the tree.

Time to put the dogs out for one last time for the night..........

See ya'll later

JW

Giving it one more try

2013-12-28T22:14:00.003-06:00

I have been a way from the blog-sphere for too long. It has been a busy several months with big ups and dark lows for me and the family. My other grandmother, Charline, has passed back in September and it came done to me to oversee her affairs and estate. I did have the chance to spend the last several weeks with her and to take care of her. Anyone that has been in that situation knows how hard it is to watch someone who raised you to slip away with failing health and then succumb to their ailments. She was a wonderful soul and a strong Christian woman who helped shaped my core beliefs and faith.

The up is that the kids with their mom moved back to the area from Maryland. I get to spend the proper time with them and watch them be awesome kids instead of settling for Skype and summer break. It was the best Christmas gift anyone could give me, except the awesome tools the Wifey got me this year. Home Depot was my plaything this year. Thank you my sweet Wifey.

I love pheasant hunting and this year was absolutely perfect. Beautiful weather and birds were flying everywhere. I was very lucky though. This was right after the North Texas Ice In. We got several inches of ice and the tree tops were snapping all weekend long. It took several days to cut up the branches. Some of my friends lost whole trees from the ice. One lost his 60 year old Oak tree. It was a complete mess. Our bird feeds were quite busy. I saw the prettiest cardinals and doves out there.

Well the year is almost over. It was not especially exciting one, but hey I am the eternal optimist. I gotta keep moving forward and keep the light shining on the dark places. I hope ya'll have a peaceful New Year and I will keep the light on.

Another week gone by.......

2013-09-08T14:15:00.000-05:00

It has been a crazy, busy week. Work has picked up quite a bit. We have a new coordinator and not familiar with our service routes and the company has added more locations to her duties. We have been traveling all ends of the Metroplex, waving at each other passing by. It has kept things interesting for us service techs. Hopefully this gets worked out before our vans wear out.

I have been busy with the Blue lodge and church, volunteering with work days and other duties. I have seen articles and heard people either complaining about there are no "real men" or what makes a "real man". I don't know what they are looking for, but what I see are the guys are the closest thing I know of. We take time to volunteer to give back our time to maintaining and supporting our churches with work days and being on committees. We spend time coordinating Gift of Life blood drives for children's hospitals and collecting supplies for local schools. I could go on and on, but the fact is we support each other, our families, our churches and organizations, and community. Men strengthen each other like iron sharpens iron. That is the only way I can describe it.

I have a little boy and two older step sons and I hope and the end of the days I have left, I am an example of this and it rubs off on them. For my daughter, I will be the example of what to look for in the relationships she will foster in the future.

Thanks to all those who stop by and take time to read my ramblings, I do appreciate it.

So mote it be

JW

Back from Summer Break

2013-08-25T21:16:00.000-05:00

I am back from a summer break I took away from the blog. It got to the point where I didn't know what I wanted to do with it. I couldn't come up with anything on a daily basis and I was ready to chuck it. But I realized that I was trying to hard and worrying what people thought. This is something I do enjoy this and it is a chance to put my thoughts down.

So I am starting over.

So this is who I am.....

I am a Mason and a Shriner here in my neck of the woods. This year I am the senior steward of my masonic lodge which means I and the head food provider for all activities and meetings. I am enjoying getting in the kitchen and cooking. A whole new set of mouths to try new ideas and recipes.

I am a believer and follower of Jesus Christ. I try to be active in my church with all sorts of activities. Everyone has their own beliefs and the paths they follow, let us leave it at that.

I am a prepper/ gardener/ homesteader outside of Dallas. I do what I can with what I have and the space I can. I believe to be ready with supplies, skills and knowledge if there is a disaster her at home. I like to be prepared, but I don't go for the end of the nation/ world scene. I take care of me and my own.

I am a father to 4 wonderful, sometimes nutty kids. Rufus, Big Sis, Little Man and Oldest Boy. I am a husband to a wonderful woman, Wifey (GG), who has both supported me in my endeavors and kindly adjusted my way of thinking at times. I love my family and very protective of them. I do my best and love them as much as I can.

These are some of the things I am passionate about and what I will fill these pages with. I welcome the friends I have made on here and look forward to adding more. I will be here at least once a week and more if something interesting or goofy comes up in the week.

Happy Independence Day

2013-07-03T22:25:00.001-05:00

Independence Day 2013

Let Freedom ring out.....

Crazy Day

2013-06-27T21:32:00.000-05:00

Today was a bit of a hectic day, to say the least.

I had to work a half day running my calls before the fun started. Got home and had to run Rufus and his car back to the shop for the same problem. Stinking car has been over heating and we are trying to get it fixed before the engine seizes. After that I had to take Big Sis for first day of physical rehab after injuring her knee.

I know it doesn't sound like much, but after all that, dinner and traffic made it home for the night at 8:00 pm tonight. I feel like I ran a marathon in the desert. We made it up to 102 today and supposed to hit 104 tomorrow. That is before the heat index is factored in. I am a summer heat wienie.

But Wifey is back home for the weekend. I miss her when she is not here and sure glad when she gets home. She gets to stay home next week for the 4th of July. Family parties and lots of firework watching planned for the week. Can't wait for some good eating.

We all need to put aside our bickering this next week and get together, raise a flag and remember those who gave us what we have in this great nation. Our veterans, founding fathers and the leaders that built and sacrificed to build a nation we can still be proud of. I know I will.

Tomorrow is another day....... remember to be thankful for that blessing.

JW

Net is down......

2013-06-26T22:18:00.001-05:00

The internet is down and won't be back up for awhile. It is intersesting watching the kids be creative on finding outlets to keep themselves busy. Old games are brought out, movies watched and they are wanting to chat more.

Wish it was down more often....but we have to have it up for work, especially when Wifey is home.

Supposed to break 100 officially here tomorrow and I am noy looking forwards to it. I can't complain with a nice and long spring. We were lucky while friends stayed snowed in late this year. Lets hope it is a short summer heat season. The heat gets bad with the high humidity.

I don't like to get too political here, but I is getting nauseous with all this political fighting and everything is a political hot button. I am independent in my thinking and beliefs and why do I have to bend to others will so they won't be offended. I vote and let me representatives know what I think.

Let me raise my kids the best I can with what I have and what I believe. I don't need any namby pamby special interest group telling me that I am doing it wrong.

I had to get that out and I feel better.

Now I am going back to putter in the garden and play with the kids.

See y'all tomorrow.

mush

2013-06-25T22:20:00.000-05:00

That is what my mind is right now. I am lucky that I am conscious and sitting up right.

Coming back from vacation, work decided to save bucket load of service calls the last two days, running Rufus back and forth to get his card repaired and chasing kids around this house. It is enough to buy stock in caffeine.

I am ready for bed and do it all over again tomorrow.

JW

Kids are here finally for the summer

2013-06-19T23:05:00.000-05:00

Big Sis and Little Man have made it to CHA for the summer. They got in late Tuesday after their first flight was cancelled and had to change airports to find another flight. Today we stayed in to unpack and recover from the flight. The rest of the week we will go check out stuff around town while I am on vacation.

They will be here all summer through the first of August. I haven't seen them since last summer and I am so happy to have them here. The rest of the time they live in Rockville, MD outside of Washington DC with their mom. Big Sis has turned into a beautiful young lady and she turns the big 18 this year. One more year of high school and she has already been scoping out college prospects. I couldn't be prouder of her. Little Man is growing like a weed and cruising though school like a wiz. I love them dearly.

I need to plan a time for my girl and me for some father-daughter time this summer and have some fun. Maybe go to the range and teach her to shoot and dinner later on. I want her to be able to defend herself and have the confidence and having that skill with her. That what daddies are for.

Well I am off to bed, it is going to be a busy day tomorrow running around town and seeing the sites. There are a couple of museums we want to go and see, the new Perot Nature and Science in Dallas and the Flight museum next to Love Field. Hurricane Harbor Saturday and we will cook out Sunday.

Life is good. Wonderful kids, Big Sis. Little Man and Rufus, and my awesome Wifey. Could I be any luckier.

Night All

Taking care of Grandma Honey

2013-06-13T21:10:00.001-05:00

Poor Grandma Honey had a spell today and had fallen in her living room. Luckily she had one of those Life Line alert systems and was able to get help to her quickly. They called me at work and I responded to her house. She was fine and did not have to go to the hospital. She was shaken up over the ordeal and a little weak. I fed her lunch and stayed with her for the lunch break. I will be back tomorrow to check in on her.

I am worried for her, she has been through a lot this year already and it seems it is harder for her to bounce back. She is 89 this year and she keeps telling me "it is hell getting old." She took care of me and my brother all our lives and when mom passed, she took it as her responsibility to look after us. Now with my brother living away and family passing on or moving away, it is me, a cousin and a sister in law looking after her. She is the cornerstone of this side of the family or more "the force to be reckoned with" over her grand kids and great grand kids. She has kept an eye over a dozen or so grand kids and an army of great grand kids all these years.

Now we are looking after her reminds me we all are heading to uncertain times in our lives in which we are never promised a tomorrow and enjoy today like it is your last. It might be. In the past 15 or so years I have lost my mom and Granddad Honey and Grandma Cleo just in the past year.

I am trying to love Grandma Honey a little more while I have here and remind my kids how precious the time we have each other and our family.

Say a prayer for our family and I will return the favor for your family.

Until next time we meet again, here or in heaven.

Time to get it together

2013-06-11T19:11:00.001-05:00

This being the first time to blog, I am a hard time getting into a rhythm of postings. Wifey said I have been getting lax with it. Funny, I thought she started it and I was going to add to it occasionally. Oh well, I will keep this marching along. I am rather enjoying it.

The garden is stalled this year. Trees have blocked most of the days sun and I have tried to prune them back but I can't take anymore without killing the trees. This is my first year to do this and that is where I learn from my mistakes. I should have better luck in the fall when the leaves fall off the trees.

Our dream is to be little more independent and self sustainable when we get out little place to expand. Until then we are learning and practicing while we can. Gardening is just one more step to this dream.

I am beside myself with excitement my kids will be here soon for the summer. They will be here in less than a week and I am planning lots of fun for all of us. It will be fun having them help in the garden and teaching them new skills.
I am planning to take Big Sis to her first time to the gun range and teach her gun saftey and shooting techniques, maybe bust a couple of clays this summer. Little Man gets to watch and learn about saftey also.

The lodge had a Gift of Life blood drive this past weekend and was able to collect over a hundred units for the Scottish Rite Children's Hospital. It was a beautiful day and we had a lot of fun.

So mote it be.

Memories

2013-05-27T13:39:00.000-05:00

My father served in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict as a heavy equipment operator helping to build and repair runways. The US, had complete air superiority, which didn't sit well with the North Koreans, who constantly either shelled or attacked air bases with total regularity.
My father and his crew were usually only armed with .45 caliber automatic pistols to defend themselves, and he told of losing friends and comrades during these skirmishes.

Also, on his way to Tokyo from Korea for some R&R, the plane he was in was shot down when it drifted into North Korean air space, forcing him and the rest of the planes occupants to bail out, where they spent 5 days hiding in a rice paddy until a US patrol rescued them.

It's these stories that make up the big picture which reminds us of what this day is about. That, and remembering all the brave soldiers who didn't live to tell tales such as the ones my father told. - Written by my brother today

God Bless to my brother, my Daddy and to all those who are currently serving or who have previously served.
We owe you much more than a day of celebration. So much more.

Daddy - 1960

My brother - 1983