My First Elmer Story of 2012...

I stopped at the Stinker store yesterday to get gas after running my hiney all over town pricing appliances.  Sheesh, that sucked. 

As I was getting gas, I realized I hadn't eaten anything all day and I was hungry.  So I went inside thinking I'd get one of those delicious hot dogs that roll around on those rolley things for gob-only-knows-how-long before some stupid sucker like me buys it.

Then, I noticed the counter with chicken in it and it reminded me of something Elmer had said not too long ago.  We had stopped at the Stinker store and he mentioned that they sell "Chester's Chicken" and how good it is.  Then he said something that even I couldn't believe came out of his mouth.



"We'll have to come here for dinner some time."

YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME.

My dear, sweet husband, to whom I've been wed for 25 years, wants to take me to the friggin' Stinker store for Chester's Chicken for dinner some time.  They don't even have a table in the Stinker store.  I guess we'd sit in the truck by the gas pumps and dine.



I looked at their website and they call it "chicken on the fly."  I'm one lucky gal don't ya think? 

Time to List the House Again...

We've had 2 realtors over to give us their thoughts on the house.  The first was a new realtor who suggested we replace the kitchen appliances with stainless steel, replace the counter tops (kitchen, and both upstairs bathrooms) with either granite or something comparable, and refinish the hardwood floors.  We both liked him and he seemed like he would be anxious to sell our house.  However, he's never listed a home in Hidden Springs. 

The second was our last realtor.  I like him because he knows Hidden Springs.  He was one of the original realtors up here.  But, our house didn't sell last year.  He also knows our finances and suggested we didn't need to replace those items (although if he thought we could afford it, I'm sure he would think it would be a good idea).

They both told us that things with buyers have changed immensly.  Buyers don't want to negotiate any more in order to fix things the way they want them, like counter tops, appliances, etc.  If they don't like those things, they'll just go down the road and find something for the same price with the nicer appliances and counters.  So, it looks like if we want to sell, we're going to have to make some changes.

Tonight we'll have our third and final realtor here.  It will be interesting to see what she has to say.  We're determined to sell this year.  Both realtors said we need to get the house on the market by February.  There's only 18 houses on the market in Hidden Springs right now and that includes the short sales and foreclosures.  That's unheard of here.  When we had it on the market last summer, there were usually about 35 homes available.  I'd list it tomorrow if we were ready!

So, we begin our journey again.  Can't wait to build our new home, whatever it may be.

We Miss You Dad...

"If there is a future for wild things, then it is the burden of those who have reached farther than me, to save them for the rest of us. It will be done by those whose convictions were forged in campfires,


Bill"



You were a good Game Warden...

Very Troubling...

I've thought about writing this post for months.  But, out of respect for my son and his job I decided it was best to leave it alone.  However, after reading this article about the shooter in the Park Ranger killing in Washington, I knew that this just couldn't be left alone.

On Sept. 4th, 2011 my son, along with the other members of the 116th, returned from Iraq to the relative safety of the United States.  They had spent a year there, most working 12-16 hour days with no days off except for the 2 week leave they were allowed during their deployment. 

I can only imagine the fatigue and occasional despair they endured.  I can't imagine working 14 hours a day, knowing I would be doing it for an entire year with not a single day off to look forward to.  How do you wrap your brain around that and not feel like it's going to be the longest 12 months you've ever had to live?

But, there was an end.  They did come home.  But, not like many had hoped and imagined.  Some had injuries and were "forced" to remain at Lewis-McChord Air Force Base in order to have their injuries assessed.  I hated that this was happening to my son.  He had a wife and children in Boise who had desperately missed him and wanted him home.  We had all watched the news as most members of the 116th arrived back in Boise after a short stay at Lewis-McChord, but not my son.

He had been told that if he wanted his injuries to be taken care of, he would have to stay in Washington and have them taken care of there.  I hated that, but thought that after a few weeks, he would have an assessment, could then complete treatment, and would be home within a few more weeks.  That was not to be.

After a few weeks at Lewis-McChord, my son was told that he wouldn't be seeing a doctor until late October - almost 2 months after arriving there.  To me, that didn't seem reasonable.  I decided to see what I could find out about it, without giving my son's name.  I then set on a short journey to discover how our military takes care of our soldiers. I was astounded, shocked, and disgusted. I believe that you should all know what is happening to the men and women who leave their homes and families to serve our country.

I started calling my Legislators and Representatives.  Each one listened to my story, or at least the first few minutes of it, then told me I needed to go to their website, download the proper "form" and my son would have to submit it before they would look at it.  The process would probably take 3-6 weeks.  I know my son.  He's a soldier and he would not complain.  I, however, am a mother and wanted to find out more.

Finally, I contacted Rep. Labrador's office and found the most wonderful woman.  She is in charge of his dealings with the military and was very open and honest with me.  She basically told me that my son, and all the others there were being held "hostage."  Yes, she used that word.  She said this happens all the time.  The military holds the soldiers there as long as they possibly can (without treatment) - in hopes that they will tire of being away from family, then will eventually decide to leave without treatment so they can go home.  Once they sign the release to leave the base, they are no longer the responsibility of the military.  They can choose to be treated at the VA Hospital but that can take years and the chances of them actually getting their medical problems taken care of there (due to the fact that they left "treatment") are almost nil.  She told me what a shame it is that we treat our soldiers this way and how disgraceful it is.

Needless to say, I was shocked and appalled.  How could we possibly, as Americans, allow this to happen to the men and women who volunteer to protect us?  I decided to contact the person in charge of "Family Readiness" for the 116th to see if he could help me.  Again, without giving my son's name or medical condition I told him what was going on.  He began by saying how "smart" my son was to be sticking it out in Washington to get treatment because "a lot of people end up coming home without treatment."  I asked him about why it was taking so long for him to even see a doctor and asked why our soldiers are treated this way.  I told him about the conversation I had with Mr. Labrador's office.  He got really angry and ended up hanging up on me!  I couldn't believe that the "Family Readiness" coordinator would act in such a horrific manner to a family member.

So, I come back to the article above.  The shooter had been stuck on this same base for God-only-knows how long.  Yes, he had a troubled past but I can't help but wonder if he had been hoping for help and treatment as well.  Waiting, waiting, and waiting.  I know that you all understand that I am horrified at the murder of this Ranger.  She had a family, co-workers, and friends.  She had small children.  Yet I wonder.  If we had given this soldier the treatment for PTSD that he needed, in a reasonable manner, would this have happened?

From my experience, I think it may not have.  PTSD is a horrible illness.  I had my own experience with it for almost 20 years after dad was killed.  Horrible panic attacks, horrible thoughts.  I was finally diagnosed and given medication and after several years of taking it, felt like I was going to be ok.

I am proud to have another son who plans on joining the Army when he graduates this year.  I'm tempted to have him talk to someone with PTSD before he joins.  Not to scare him, but to help him understand that if he's deployed he won't come home the same person.  He will be different forever.

We can't send our men and women to kill other human beings, or be linked in any way to those killings, and expect them to not suffer any ill.  It's human nature, we are not born killers and can't be expected to return to normal life and not be properly cared for.

I should mention that my son was not diagnosed with PTSD.  He was waiting for treatment for a physical injury.  Although I think his personality has changed a lot since his first deployment, he may disagree.  I don't care what your job is in a war, I don't see how you can return in the same mental condition that you left in. 

Yes, my son came home. Without treatment, just as the military had hoped.

As a mother, I'm sad.  As an American, I'm disgusted.  How can we stand by and watch this happen to our soldiers?  What can I do to change it?  I'm not sure yet.  But, after reading that this soldier was being stationed at the same base that chose not to take care of my son, I'm going to start doing some checking.  My first phone call will be to Rep. Labrador's office.

2011, The Year in Review...

As the new year of 2012 begins I'm taking a look back at some of my favorite posts of 2011. 

I began the year finishing my "30 Posts in 30 Days" to remember the 30th anniversary of dad's death.  It was bittersweet, yet awesome.

My son came home on leave from Iraq


My brother-in-law Joe, drew up our preliminary house plans for our barn house



This was just too funny not to share - my brother had business cards made (he's truly one of a kind and I just love him)...




Just for fun, we had some picnics on the property - can't wait to do more in 2012!



We celebrated mom's birthday with a wonderful long girl's weekend in Oregon




I took some cooking lessons from The Pioneer Woman.  I'm not so sure she'd be proud...



I lost an old friend..

My son came home from Iraq.  This made me very happy and made my life so much more peaceful.

We started planning for the Third Annual Hillbilly Gatherin'.   This will far out-do the 2 previous.  Just wait until you see what we have planned!

Some "mystery friends" left us a Christmas gift at the property.

and, Adam got a tattoo.  I haven't posted about that yet, but will.  Not that it will be news any longer, but I want to have record of it on my blog.

As I look back on 2011, I'd have to use the word "interesting."  We had the house on the market most of the year.  I hated that.  We had the property and Ival spent every spare minute up there enjoying it - I loved that.  Our youngest turned 18 - I have mixed feelings about that.  I can't believe that in just 6 months, we could potentially be "empty nesters."  It's a whole new chapter in the life of a mother.  We spend all of our time taking care of our kids and husbands - they are our top priority, as they should be.  What the hell will I do with myself!?

I've made new friends, and "divorced" some family members.  Not that I wanted to, but some relationships are just toxic and I guess we needed a break from each other.  I hope that eventually these relationships can be mended because family means so much to me.  But until then, life will be more peaceful and I don't hold a grudge.

Well, thanks for coming along for the ride.  I'm so grateful for all of you and look forward to an interesting and exciting new year! 

To Our Wonderful Friends, Families, and Neighbors...

We hope that 2012 brings you peace and comfort and the love of friends and family...

The Turners

Christmas Day, 2011 - Part Deux...

I mentioned it was a quiet day for Christmas.  About 1:00, Ival decided to go up to the property to "work."  Not long after he left, he called to tell me he had found something hanging on the gate.  It was a beautiful red stocking filled with homemade jam, homemade candy, and a tin full of nuts.

Tucked inside was a wonderful Christmas card with the following:
Dear Guardian of the Foothills.

Merry Christmas!  During this route daily to and from work it was quite intriguing to see your tent go up.

We've spent many a family discussion speculating on your choice of locations.  First,  we thought sheepherders, then moved on to some type of science study, etc.  Whatever your reason, we hope you are having a peaceful Christmas.  Know that we bless you each time we drive by.

By the way, the blue Christmas lights are a nice touch. 

Just as you have provided our imaginations with a lot of material, we hope you will have equal fun guessing about us!

Warmest Holiday wishes to you,

Santa's Elves,
Your Mystery Friends

So we left the following:



I'm sure they think someone lives there full time.  But to me, it was just such a cute thing to find on Christmas day.  I will save the card and frame it for our house when we build it.  It will always remind us of how people have had such a fun time keeping an eye on the tent and what we've done.  I imagine we will wonder for quite some time, possibly forever, who our mystery friends are - unless they stop by sometime and let us know.  Until then, thanks for making for a wonderful memory for our new home...

Christmas Day, 2011

Today started out like any other.  Everyone sleeping late on the weekend - except me.  Mom came over and we opened presents and had a humble breakfast (I cooked).  It was a very nice morning and I'm so glad mom lives so nearby.

Then something happened that made for a day I'll never forget.  As a mother, we're weird that way.

Adam was always such an adorable boy.  He had those round glasses and cute little face.  But, he always had a mind of his own.   He's certainly not perfect, but today, I think I was more proud of him than I've ever been. 

He came downstairs a while ago and said he was going for a walk.

"Are you ok?"
"I'll talk to you later.  See ya."

I could tell he'd been crying.  Oh crap, did his girlfriend break up with him on Christmas?  Was one of his friends in trouble?  I watched peeked out the window as he walked up the hill from the house.  My heart was breaking thinking of what could be wrong.  After all, it was Christmas, no one should hurt on Christmas.

Adam came home and sat in the chair.  He started telling me how he had gotten text messages from 5 of his friends.  Each one told him how much he meant to them.  He went on to tell me that his friend Ben had called him from his vacation in California to tell him that he "loved him."  He said they both broke down and cried while they were talking. 

Ben and Adam went to daycare together and have know each other since they were crawling.  They've been such good friends for so many years.  Ben has signed up with the Marines to become Special Forces and will be leaving in June for boot camp.

Jake and Adam have been friends for over 10 years.  They went to grade school together and Jake lives up here.  Jake is such a quiet boy and has had some hard times over the years. 

The twins went to grade school with Adam as well.  They've since moved to Emmett but they have stayed in contact and come over often.  As 18-year-old boys, they've discovered that it's hard to get along with their dad.  They've been living in their car off and on for the last several months and evidently, Adam has been trying to help them however he can.

Luke is a fairly new friend, but spends most weekends here.

So, this morning, all these boys either called or texted Adam telling him what a great friend he's been and how much he's helped them get through some tough times.  Ben is probably beginning, as they all are, to realize that their lives are about to change.  It's hard to know that the friends you've become so close to will all be going their separate ways and things won't be the same.

I told Adam how proud I am of him - to know that he's kept his friends for so long and that he means so much to them that they would all take this day to remind him. 

I know this post won't mean much to my few readers, but it's something that I want to remember.  Things like this are exactly why I write a blog.  As a mom, I'm weird like that.

And then, Ival called me with a surprise he found hanging on the gate of the property (and no, it wasn't something dead).  I can't tell you about that until I get a new camera (tomorrow) so that the picture can accompany the post.   It made what had just happened with Adam, even better.  You know, I have a good feeling that we're going to sell the house this spring...

Ahhhhh, Christmas

I just realized it's been a while since I've written anything here.  I guess I haven't really had much to say. 

It's just a few days until Christmas but it's going to be a busy few days.  Tonight, all the kids and grandkids are coming over.  We've gotten to where we just buy for the grandkids, at least for now.  Things are probably tighter this year than they're ever been for Christmas but I tried to get things for the grandkids that either really meant something, or something that I knew they would really like and might enjoy for more than just the next few days.  Just having them all over means so much to us - we are so grateful for our family.

Tomorrow we celebrate with Ival's side of the family.  It's grown so big (we also have our kids and my mom because the Turners are just awesome) that we have it at the clubhouse here in Hidden Springs.  We usually end up with close to 50 of us but it's a lot of fun to get everyone together.

Sunday will be quiet.  Just us and mom.  It will probably be nice to have some quiet time!

I'm so incredibly grateful for my friends, my family, and another year of having my wonderful sister-in-law Pam in our lives.  I have to mention her here because she's such a blessing to everyone who knows her.  She is truly the strength and class that I wish I could be.  Thank you Pam, for reminding us every day how precious life is, and how truly minor our problems are.  While I don't see you as often as I'd like, I think of you every single day.

I hope you all have a wonderful whatever-it-is you celebrate.  Thanks for being my friends and family!

What the Fractal?????

Ok, the fractal cross stitch didn't work out - for now.  I put the pattern together and it was almost 4x5 ft.  I don't have room for that right now.  So, this is what I'm working on.  It's been years and I'm really enjoying doing it again.

I love the old pin-up girls.  Don't you think this will be cute in our new kitchen - when we have one?  All I have done is the fire and the pot.  But that was the hard part. 

I love her.