…can changes dreams and perspectives.
After
"that incident in July", I quickly sent out an “APB” email across our vast array of family and friends without Cowboy’s knowledge. Soon afterwards, a suggestion came in. I did some careful research before approaching him about the possibility of him pursuing this suggestion. We spent many hours discussing this. We did a thorough assessment of our finances and the decision was made to give it a try.
For 3 ½ months now, my Cowboy has been studying faithfully, taking his exams on line.
To his amazement, as he does not touch the computer if he can help it,
he passed the “book learning” phase with a 96%.
The toughest part was yet to come.
*
The first week of November would consist of an arduous test of his will.
The immense challenge to leave the comforts and sanctuary of his home boundaries
for the west side of the state would have to be achieved.
Another, would be the application of his book learning,
to the hands-on experiences that will be taught.
The most difficult part of this phase, will require Cowboy to interweave with others that do not come from the same walks of life, the simple isolation that he’s accustomed to.
Don't misunderstand me, he is very much a people person and everybody loves him.
He can meld with all types of people easily, when he chooses the circumstances and environment.
At the control of others, his shy side takes over.
If he isn’t made to feel inferior, his personality will blossom profusely.
This, is my concern.
Knowing where he is and who will share in this learning environment
may not allow that process to happen easily. My fingers are crossed for him.
*
This being the first week of November, my sweet Cowboy left several days ago for a weeks worth of hands on application in a “step” towards our future….. we hope!
He had to enter a world in which he feels completely out of his element, his comfort zone.
The metropolis of Seattle and it's suberbs!!
*
Cowboy is comfortable driving dusty country roads while encountering only a
minute number of cars, each containing waving hands and smiling faces.
The bumper to bumper cluster of vehicles without the same slow courtesy,
will add stress to his days. Luckily, Our Son has a friend that lives about 5 miles from Cowboy’s daily destination and he is staying there (which to Cowboy will feel like 500 miles!).
Thankfully, he has a friendly place amongst the "wilds" of the populous surroundings,
enabling him to seek quiet solitude each evening.
I cannot forget to mention there will also be a delicious meal
prepared for him by this friends' lovely lady each evening!
Of course, Cowboy was concerned about that too!
As much as he loves to eat, he is not comfortable eating what he calls “Foo Foo” food.
Meat, vegetables, potatoes, milk is what sits the best on his palette.
It will be interesting when he returns late Saturday,
to hear about the menu set before him for the week.
(Hopefully, there was NO seafood!
Cowboy claims that if it does not come from the solid surface of the earth, it is not edible!)
*
We have no cell phones, not only because they aren’t in our budget, but more importantly, because they don’t work where we live. We don’t have Caller ID available so our outgoing calls on the receiving end show as “Unknown Caller”. I am sure that is why this “friend” has not picked up my calls. (Our families know this fact, they are the only ones who will answer!)
Cowboy would not ask to make long distance calls, out of respect.
For several days now, and several more to come, I must sit here in my own little world wondering how Cowboy is surviving the “Jungles”.
Wondering how he is surviving his daily undertakings.
My time passes quietly as I keep the home fires burning.
Thankfully, there is a woodpile alongside the garage.
Regrettably, despite my rants in the previous months,
More than this allowing for boredom fester…it is Sad.
*
With the economy the way it is, this chance for a change in our life and finances,
may not come to fruition for some time.
It was already paid for, so there was no turning back.
*
When My Cowboy returns, he can add another accomplishment to his repertoire of abilities. Cowboy has spent his life in the quest of acquiring a continuous stream of knowledge and improving his skills in every phase of his “Cowboy Way”.
He has maintained a bottomless pit for his unquenchable thirst for knowledge.
Whether it be within his applications as a certified Farrier,
his passion for starting colts and training working stock dogs;
or the in-depth understanding of cattle, the ranchers and the markets.
Cowboy has always professed “The more I learn, the less I know”.
The same will apply in his becoming a certified Equine Massage Therapist.
*
I pray the economy makes some positive changes in the Ag world..soon!
(We must not tell him I told all of this you, as he is too reticent to admit his knowledge and skills.
His sentiment here is: "Don't tell me, show me.")
When he asks about my newest posts?
I will skip over this one.
Actually...
On any given hunting weekend, you can find at a minimum of 15 bird dogs tucked into their kennels come nightfall here, while their owners are huddled around our fireplace warming their aching muscles and discussing their dogs attributes or faults of the day.
They seem to be more ‘durable’ than the bird hunters (don't repeat that to the Bird guys ) as they like to spend their evenings outside surrounding a campfire telling their tall tales of missing a perfect shot; or of the "Big One" they bagged back in 1995!
I've cooked for 70+ people before in Dutch Ovens over an open campfire,
Or he may suggest we start a Hunting Retreat! At which time I will be
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