Back In the Saddle Again

I’m back at it! School officially began yesterday many of Missouri’s university students. I, am proud to say, I survived my first day of graduate school and managed to find my way back to the parking lot in which my car was parked. So, what was it like? Well, to begin with, I walked onto campus and suddenly felt like a teeny, tiny fish in a gigantic ocean! As most of you know, the University of Missouri-Columbia is a very large school. Nearly 25,000 undergrad students and close to 7,000 graduate students attend the university per year. That's a lot of people...

I started my day on campus in the Student Union. As I sat people watching and eavesdropping (we all do it…) in the crowded commons, I began to worry my decision to come to Mizzou was the wrong one. Why was I attending such a large university with students who seemed more concerned with their drinking habits or their status in the “Greek” life than their true purpose in life? Had I just committed myself to something that was not a good fit? Was this really where I needed to be? Before I let these questions take over my thought process, I decided to try out the library. Once there, I soon realized the Ellis Library was to become my home away from home on the MU campus. There I found the comforts of peace and solitude that my “old soul” craved in such a chaotic and materialistic environment.

After two classes today, I also realized the benefits that come from taking twenty-one credit hours per semester in my undergraduate career. Because of this, I feel very prepared for the time management that is so necessary for a full graduate study course load. I pray this outlook continues as the semester progresses and life gets busier.

For now, I’m choosing to treat this all as a new and exciting adventure. I am finally able to study something I enjoy and for which I have a passion. What a great opportunity!

Now…where did I park my car again?

For now,

K

Almost Home!

It has never felt so good to be greeted by the "Welcome to Missouri" sign. K and I have arrived in Joplin. It's Missouri, just the southwest corner...yes, we have a little ways to go. Emotions are high, exhaustion is upon us and who could forget the just plain grumpiness from being in a car for 20+ hours? Kitties are becoming restless and sick of being cooped up, not to mention they haven't becomes accustomed yet to the make-shift litter box.. We are more than ready to be home. Wish us luck!
-S

Journeying Back to Good Ole' Missouri

Sarah here. After a farewell to Old Ironsides, K and I have successfully braved the wilderness into the fine state of New Mexico. So far the journey has been a bit on the cramped side, but successful at that. The kitties are fairing well. Although they were a bit uneasy, they have settled into their new cramped humble abode for the next 24 hours. We are looking forward to a rendezvous at our cousin Gwen's in Albuquerque, where then from there we will continue the journey hopefully into the great state of Texas. (this all depends upon whether or not I as the night driver can survive that long) Updates are soon to follow regarding the trip! Pray for safe travels!
-S

Updates!

First off, sorry! It's been almost a month since my last post; however, I'm sure you are all managing quite well and have far too many things to keep you busy in the sweltering Midwest heat wave! The past three weeks have been full of many adventures with friends, family, and each other. Here are some quick updates!

Both families came back to Sierra Vista after our tour through the Grand Canyon area. We had a pleasant and relaxing time touring Tombstone, grilling, and just spending time together.

The last three weekends have been packed for us. We spent one weekend hanging around the local joints and catching three, count em', THREE Cardinal's games. (They were playing the local team, Arizona Diamondbacks, which meant we got the rare pleasure of watching our home team.)

The next weekend we headed to Tucson to visit some of the "must sees" before we both leave. We toured the Sonora Desert Museum where we learned that it takes a cactus almost 100 years to grow an arm! My favorite part was the Cat Canyon and their Ocelot (look it up!). As we were driving out to the Desert Museum, we happened upon Old Tucson Studios. It has been the filming location for over 300 Western films and television shows. Stars like, John Wayne, James Stewart, Dean Martin, Clint Eastwood, and many more have graced this section of the Arizona desert and we just happened to stumble upon one of the best parts of Tucson! Pictures are on facebook!

This past weekend has been one of the best! In my google searches, I found a married couple who specialize in wedding, engagement, and family photography. We set up a date and time and made the day out of it. Old Ironsides and I enjoyed bumming around Phoenix until early evening. From there, we drove about 30 minutes outside of Phoenix to a casino (I never thought I'd change and gussy up in a casino bathroom. There's always a first!) where we were meeting the photographers. Then, it was off to the location--a dilapidated building and shed surrounded by a wheat field. It was beautiful! The sun was setting, a storm was brewing, and it was just perfect. The shoot went well, amidst running into a snake of the poisonous variety. But, no one was hurt and we made it out of there right before the rain. Can't wait to post the pictures for all of you!

Now it's July 25 and I'm getting ready to leave Sierra Vista and Old Ironsides. It's bitter sweet, leaning more to the bitter side, but I know it will be good to return to Missouri and the friends and family waiting there.

I still have so much to do here!

Talk soon!
K & T

Check out the Moving Pictures section for a kitty video that's sure to make you laugh!

PS My pepper and tomato plants have been restored to their health and beauty. Check out these pics! My first cherry tomato--picked...yet to be eaten!

Top Ten Things To Do at The Grand Canyon

Completed    Yet to Complete
       X                                    # 10 Get there

       X                                    # 9 Marvel at the beauty of a big whole in the ground

       X                                    # 8 Watch annual 4^th of July parade

       X                                    # 7 Camp at the Ten X Campground in Tusayan

       X                                    # 6 Soak up the afternoon rain

       X (x2)                            # 5 Mark your territory along the way :)

                                X           # 4 Ride the Grand Canyon Express

                                X           # 3 Raft for five days then hike all the way back up

                                X           # 2 Ride a mule to the bottom, camp, and ride back

      

       X :)        # 1 Lug the whole family down to Arizona & get engaged!!! 

God is Good, Life is Good,

K & T

Hitching A Ride

Okay, so we're not really hitching a ride, but we are heading out again. This time we're on our way to the one, the only...GRAND CANYON! What makes this trip so exciting is the company we will be keeping. My family, Old Ironsides' family, and my two best pals were able to finagle they're way out to Arizona and join us as we explore more of the beautiful west together. We'll be camping, climbing, laughing, and eating...lots and lots of eating...

Pictures will soon follow. Have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Sayonara until the Fourth!
K

It Is What It Is

So, it has been my intention to update you all on my beautiful container garden. My baby tomato plants have had ample time to beautifully blossom into the mature producers of summer's sought after fruit. Red, ripe, juicy tomatoes. Bright, green, strong plants. Ready to be picked and eaten in all their glory.

You're probably wondering why I am taking this time to describe my "run of the mill" tomato plants. Well, I went to bed Sunday night knowing I would be able to eat a fresh, homegrown tomato this week. And, I woke up thinking the same thing. Then, Old Ironsides came over for breakfast and asked me if I had been outside yet. This was a strange question to ask, so I asked why. Very carefully, Old Ironsides informed me that they were gone. The tomato plants had been wiped out in the middle of the night. (He told me this news as if someone very dear to me had passed away. He is so good to me!) When I heard the news, I decided to take a look for myself. This is the carnage I discovered:

Gone...

Alas, my beautiful tomatoes that I worked so hard for were gone.

Actually, I'll let you all know that my first reaction was anger. Then...laughter. What can you do? I can probably save the one in the middle and the one on the left. But, if this does not work...I'm hoping all of my Missouri gardeners will allow me one, red, ripe, juicy tomato when I get back!

Green Thumb but no Animal Control,
K

PS Some little raccoon, rabbit, squirrel, lizard, or whatever had a wonderful dinner that night!