Blowin in the breeze

My dryer is broken again... This time it may be the heating element. Not even going to think about it right now. The weather is fine, hot and breezy. Perfect for drying clothes on the line. I have to admit, I find it soothing, relaxing, contemplative. I love the look of the clothes moving with the wind. I love the smell of line dried clothes, especially sheets. I love the fact that mother nature dries my clothes for free and in less time than my dryer. So for now, it's me and the sun!

Arbuckle

On our drive to Texas we passed through the Arbuckle Lake area of Oklahoma. It's actually quite beautiful. Old, gently rolling mountains. They have at least 2 places to get off the highway for overlooks. We have driven passed them without stopping on previous trips. This time we decided to take a few minutes and check it out. Beautiful view of the valley.

That's me going all Texas...YeeHaw!

Promotion

On May 1, 2012, Bede Jr. was promoted to the rank of Major. Bede Sr. and I drove to San Antonio for the event. Bede Sr. was able to administer the oath of office to his son. Quite an honor. Bede's fiance, Brittany and her mom and dad were there as well. It was wonderful spending time with them. After the promotion, there was a reception at the squadron. Cake, cupcakes, wings, beer and sodas for all. We were so delighted to be a part of such a special day. Although how I got old enough to have a son who is a major is beyond me. It seems like it was not very long ago that Bede Sr. was a major.It just boggles the mind. I know I have mentioned before in this blog that time seems to move increasingly faster the older I get. I frequently have to remind myself to stop and take it all in. Andrew's wedding is just 3 weeks away, Bede Jr. will be married in less than a year. My grand baby is already 2 months old.It's an amazing, wonderful ride. I'm hanging on with both hands and my eyes wide open!

Lincoln Marathon & Half Marathon

                               
Bede ran in the Lincoln Half marathon this morning.

                              He and 9999 others! 8000 ran the half and 2000 the full marathon.
                 We woke up to thunder and lightening. But the weather cleared and it was perfect for the run..

                       It took Bede more than 25 minutes to get to the start gate once the race had begun.

                                                               Taking the 1st turn.

                 Finish was on the 50 yard line of Memorial Stadium.  Waiting for the runners to enter.

                                                                Here comes Bede!

                           Racers were on Husker Vision in the stadium as they crossed the finish line.
                                                   Bede's time approx -25 min of the time on the sign.

                                                             Home and ready for a rest!

                                            After a victory meal, shoes off and ready for a nap...
                                                                   Great job Bede!

Texas

Took a little trip to Texas over the weekend. San Antonio to be exact. We spent all day Monday on base at Randolph AFB. We started the day with a run (Bede), walk (me). We shopped at the BX, ate lunch and then in the afternoon watched Bede Jr. taxi his T-38 to the end of the runway and take off. Awesome day.

That's my boy!

Bede is in the front seat.

Ready for take off. There was a weird moment just about here, where I was excited, proud, yet terrified! Just being a mother. Can't stop worrying about your kids.

Headquarters, Randolph AFB.

Backyard guests

For several years we have had a family of house sparrows nest in the barn bird house in the backyard. This year there are at least 2 babies. Mom and dad spend most of their day flying back and forth with food for the ever open mouths of the hungry young ones.

There's a lot of chirping going on while they wait for the next worm.

Mom

Dad

Bottle tree, the beginning.

Last year our evergreen tree in the back yard died. We cut most of it down, leaving about 15 feet of trunk and 2 main branches. It's kind of sculptural and I wanted to keep it. But it needed something. So it has become our version of a bottle tree. They were (are?) popular in the South and have been odd roadside attractions for years. Bede helped cutting dowels and drilling holes into the tree. He had a difficult time with the randomness of it all. He like things neat, orderly and symmetrical. I do not.He still thinks I am crazy and doesn't get it at all, but worked hard nevertheless. Now I need to beg, borrow and scrounge for colorful bottles. Unfortunately the wine I prefer comes in green or clear bottles. I have been saving bottles for a year now with this in mind. I will need to find some other colors. Some red, blue, yellow would be awesome. The plan is to plant some sort of climbing vine at the base of the tree to weave between the bottles, maybe even flower in the spring. This is just the beginning...

Oh, and the skull is from Bede Jr. from Texas. A gift for his mother one year. I love it! How many moms can say they got a skull as a present? It too has been in the yard in various locations waiting for the "right" spot. I think it has found a home.