Bluff Spring Journal
June 2010
As you'll easily notice there has been a big gap in this journal. Not to be making excuses, but to be making excuses we've gone through some life decisions that have sort of occupied our time. New beginnings on several fronts. And the act of writing this journal has puzzled me sometimes in two different areas.. 1-why would I write it and 2-why would anyone want to read it? So, to get a sense about the first why I went back and read my original posting in Oct of 2005. I had to smile at how things change but don't change. When I was writing that first post it was early in the morning, coffee was on, Annie (#1 corgi) was at my feet, I was headed out on an adventure and Coursey's Smoked Meats was on my list of places to stop. Want to guess how many of those things are the same today. Yep. 5 for 5. So with this interesting set of coincidences I'm recommitting to a somewhat more regular dedication to this writing.
A few updates.
1-We're remodeling and at the same time looking for a good marriage counselor just in case this project goes south. So far, so good. I've heard horror stories about couples getting into horrible arguments during the process but I must say we are really doing quite well so far. We went with our builder's wife to pick out the tile, granite, paint etc. and after it took all of 5 minutes to pick out the tile her comment was, "Well this doesn't happen very much!". We moved on to to the other stops and picked out everything but a couple of items that needed to be mailed to us.
David Samples is our builder and is doing a great job. He's hand built 3 columns to replace a wall we've removed and another 2 columns on either side of our fireplace. Each column has 6 routed details from top to bottom that still amaze me as to their perfect symmetry.
Overall we're, and I use that term loosely because 'we're' not doing much but staying out of the way, remodelling two bathrooms, the kitchen, living room and entry way. As of now we have no stove, dishwasher and have just recently got back a faucet in our bathroom. We've had to pack up everything in our cabinets to facilitate the installation of the granite and it is a constant comedy of 'now in what plastic tub did I put that?' It will be worth it but for now our life is either packed away or under a sheet to project it from the dust.
2-I'm retiring from K-12 education after 24 years with the same school district. Retiring in this case does not have the usual, 'ahhh-nothing to do but enjoy the serenity'. In the fall I'll be teaching 3 classes at MSU and supervising some student teachers. I've truely enjoyed my time at Springfield Public Schools and can count some of my co-workers as also some of my best friends. A special thanks to the creative crew who provided me with a 'Campout' retirement party. The log campfire in the center of the room along with all the camping equipment made for a fun time. My dogs got to come and enjoy the festivities as well. Hey, we even had campfire chili!.
I'm looking forward to working with and making new friends at MSU. They're a great group of dedicated teachers who are putting tomorrow's 'great' teachers in the classrooms. I hope I can be a small part of equipping our next gen of teachers.
And a special thanks to my lovely bride who put up with me through these last few months. I'm glad she finally agreed to hire me as a 'stay at home' dad for the dogs. And.. as an extra added benefit I get be the head house maid. I'm looking forward to wearing that little tight skirt around the house. Once my bride sees me in the uniform she may rethink this whole 'maid' thing!
Well enough about the changes. We're off to Mt. View to attend the Fowler Family Renunion-my Mom's side of the family. I'm looking forward to meeting my new neice Piper. That is if I can pry her out of the arms of G'Pa Bruce.
June 13
It took us a little over two hours to make the trip from Jasper to Mt. View. It's 87 miles of curvey road and my goodness if we weren't pulled over by Coursey's Smoked Meats and the Serenity Brick Oven Bakery. We even got to listen to some mountain music and watch a little jig dancing in Leslie, Ar. We had a great time at the family reunion. It was good to see all the kin folk and get caught up on the latest with everyone. I did get to finally hold my new neice Piper. I thought her grandpa wasn't ever going to share her with anyone. She's a doll. Here are some pictures.
On the way back to the cabin we stopped at a little un-named creek that I had spotted on the way to Mt. View. There was a beautiful old tree that had been claimed by some wild roses. These aren't the best photographs but I thought it was a peaceful scene.
