Where's the song ~~ "Don't let your daughters grow up to marry a Cowboy" ?

​​​​​​​Life is tough! Requires hard physical work, long, long days of pain, dirt, and broken fingernails.​
​Days of frigid cold & scorching heat; through the dust & mud; daybreak into the darkness of nite~~​
​the heart & body becomes toughened & weathered replicating leather!​
​A forever constant factor for a real Cowboy's Wife is tons of sweat, oceans of tears and a constant 'drought' in the wallet!​
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​​​​​​​​​IF​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ she wants to spend anytime at all with her Cowboy, she must do as he does, you become partners!​
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​​​​​​Kick off your boots, grab a cup of coffee, sit back and envision yourself in my life!​
​... It really isn't that bad! There are many rewards to be had to make it a great lifestyle! ...​ ​​​​​​​


Monday, April 20, 2009

Here Is The Scoop...

...on our Changes (and my absence)

Twenty years of sh** can take a toll!
I'm pretty darned sure this is a portrait of Us,
if we had the time to look in the mirror!
~
We have been hopscotching back and forth,
east & west, and back again!
Working here, working there, going after this, going after that.
~
Doing what?
Cleaning up what twenty years ago, used to be a fancy Registered Hereford facility.
No occupant since it's closure has maintained a thing.
It appears to have been used more as a dumping ground for anything and everything.
Sure, there has been herds of cattle in there and horses too, but no one took pride in what they were doing.
Nothing was fixed or maintained properly.
~
In walks US...the workaholics!
Known for taking on the most rundown places
and turning them into something worth having.
This time though, our pocketbook is tucked away!
The man who owns it is footing the bill.
And he'd "foot" more by providing a labor force if we could be there the whole time to make sure things were done properly and to our specifications, but we can't be there 100% of the time.
So we are using our energy, our muscle power to make things as they should be,
the way we want them...
...as much as we can until we are there everyday.
~
What will we have?
...When the tons of garbage have gone to the landfill (so far 3.5 tons!),
the 20 years of manure accumulation has been spread on the fields,
the paddocks are repaired and gates rehung,
old feed trucks, tractors and other equipment are disposed of,
fences repaired, weeds removed, old dead trees burned,
and a good old fashioned power washing....
(if we survive...)
~
We will have this...
  • An insulated indoor riding area (sand has already been placed) for Cowboy to work his colts
  • A outdoor riding arena 130' x 200'. (materials for construction arrived last Friday!)
  • An indoor wash area for the horses complete with hot water, floor drain and safe 'footing'.
  • An office space 14 x 20 (NO more invasion of my house by clients and their dogs!)
  • A tack room 14 x 20
  • A His and Hers restroom
  • Enough large paddocks, some under cover, to house 20+ horses if one was so inclined
  • 35 irrigated acres which are cross fenced
  • Paddocks and pastures have automatic waterers with electricity for no freeze ups in the winter!
  • And then there is a brick home..2400 sq ft...which we haven't got to see the inside of yet and what it's going to require...the renters are to be gone by the end of the month.

What is this costing us?
Not a dime!
We don't have to sell or rent out our home here.
We are giving this a try until the first of the year to see where it takes us.
Maybe we will hate the location,
maybe the owner will re-neg on his promises.
..maybe anything...
we then can pack up and come home...here!
It won't be a lot of packing either, as we have no intentions of moving all of our belongings. We will take some basics...like my coffee pot for sure!
We will come home on the weekends to mow my lawn
and water my flowers and gardens.
~
But maybe...just maybe, we will like everything!
The owner has the feedyard and the hay fields contracted out for 5 years, maybe we can get the same time contract for little or nothing.
~
That's too far off to worry about.
~
How did this come to be?
A friend I worked with years ago (22 to be exact!)
..came back into my life in January!
She and her husband are an hour away where they operate a 6-8,000 head feedyard
(Cowboy can daywork all he wants...if he wants!)
They run a separate business with their own cow/calf herd on 10,000 acres
(more land for Cowboy to ride colts on!)

They raise Quarter Horses too.
(more colts for Cowboy to start!)
She's been wanting me to come to work for them.
We couldn't justify it until this other opportunity arose.
This gentleman contacted her looking for a "caretaker" of sorts!
...and she thought of us!
After meeting with the gentleman, seeing the place and discussing his wants and our requirements and reaching an agreement...
...I accepted the job...
So, June 1, this ol' night owl, aka Cowboy's Wife...
must relearn getting up each morning and going to a job!!!
Yikes!! It's been a long time!
I am looking forward to it though.
I miss having interactions with humans ~face to face.
I miss using my tongue and jaws to actually speak words instead of typing them!
My drive to work will be 3.5 miles!
I can still wear my Wranglers!
I can go home at lunch to make sure Cowboy hasn't eaten too much dirt
and that he is still in one piece!
It will even provide us with much needed medical insurance.
I don't have the schooling for it, but accounting has always come easy to me.
(I would MUCH rather work in a horticulture nursery but one of those didn't land in my lap!)
But...it is what it is!
And I am excited to get back into the world of 'living'!
~
Better than all of the above...
We are going from a dying town of approx. 300 people to another agricultural town of approx. 6,000 people.
Which means...
I will have access to a grocery store!
~
More importantly...
~
I can order PIZZA!
I can even have a WHOPPER anytime I want!!!
~
Ahhhh.....I can smell and taste them already!

(Do you see now why I chose W.O.W. as my name??
Today, I am W.O.W. more than ever! )

86 comments:

Mrs. Mom said...

WOW!! Just... WOW!!!! In so many more ways than one!! This is SO exciting, and promises to be an amazing year for you and that rugged Cowboy of yours!!!

Hot Diggity Dog! Enjoy some good PIZZA WoW, Heaven KNOWS you richly deserve it!!!

Tatersmama said...

YES YES YES!
This is just wonderful honey... and I've got my fingers crossed that it'll be ALL that you envision it to be!! I'm so happy for you!
The best part is getting to wear your Wranglers to work! Woooo Hooooooo!

Mmmm... pizza, Whoppers... even MILK when you want it! Ahhhhh... heavenly!
Just remember that I always have the coffee pot goin'... so stop by anytime. I'll save ya a cup!

Muaaaahhhh!

Five O'Clock Somewhere said...

Sounds absolutely amazing!!! Sounds like you will be turning the place into a dream facility! So much to look forward to!

Maria said...

WOW indeed, this is absolutely awesome, (except for all that work to repair it), I was just drooling as you were describing the facilities. So happy for you, you seem excited, best wishes that all turns out better than you can imagine!

Jamie said...

CONGRATS TO YOU !!!!
I am so excited for you two.

Will keep you in my thoughts that everything works out.

Change is GOOD !!!

Egghead said...

Oh Barb this is so great. I knew something would come up and this sounds like it just may be the perfect fit. I hope it all is as it sounds. Yipeeee!

Unknown said...

It sounds like a God thing to me.
Life has many twists and turns so just enjoy the journey.....with a slice of pizza of course.;D

Jennifer said...

Oh, Barb! Wow! How exciting! What a year this is gonna be for you. It sounds like it's going to be a great place when you two get finished with it. I'm excited for you, especially the pizza part. It's just wrong for anyone to have to live without pizza!
Seriously, congratulations on your new adventure!

Gail said...

Good things do come to good people. Congratulations!!!!

The Wife said...

Isn't it amazing how things work out sometimes! I hope the owner follows thru with his promises and y'all enjoy your new digs! And PIZZA! What more could you ask for! I'm so happy for you. Y'all deserved a little goodness in your life.

Sarah said...

Absolutely wonderful! This is really fantastic Barb. Guess that medical insurance will come in handy to get Cowboys knee fixed so he can keep starting colts for many more years.
Now, just because you'll be working your jaws more doesn't mean you get to leave us hanging! Please find some time to type a post now and then. I've missed you.
Wishing you all the best on your new adventure!

Far Side of Fifty said...

Hey Barb, What an adventure! I am so glad you are ok..well tired and worn out..but OK. Health Ins..that is a good thing..especially for Cowboys knee..he should make a list..REPAIRS NEEDED! And get them all done! It sounds like alot of work, but right down your alley..you will do great! Hope you don't go into people overload..or Pizza overload either..LOL. So glad you finally posted about your adventure!! :)

Jenn said...

Glad to see your back in the saddle love. You have accomplished a lot in three weeks.

Miss you Cyber sissy.
Jenn
PS I put up pic's or Eric and I on vacation! Hee Heee.

Christina said...

One door closes.... another one opens! Good luck and congratulations.....

DesertHen said...

WOW, WOW, WOW....I'm so HAPPY for you! What a wonderful opportunity for you and Cowboy. Going back to work has been so exciting for me and I know you are going to enjoy it too and have fun...=) I hope you will still find the time to blog and keep us all updated. June will be here before you know it and look out pizza place cause W.O.W is coming for dinner...YIPPEE!!!!

(((HUGS))) to you and again, Congrats on the new life path!

Sherry Sikstrom said...

I am so exited for you !! wonderful news!!!! I hope we hear more as you get into it . I have missed you terribly lady !! so glad you have come back to us!

Cactus Jack Splash said...

Sounds like a wonderful adventure and an even better opportunity. I am very excited for you!

Mikey said...

Congratulations!! That is SOOOO awesome!! I'm so happy for both of you. I had to laugh at the last part. I wouldn't know what to do if I could get pizza delivered. That's like, a huge luxury and the first thing I do in a hotel room (that's pathetic, ain't it?)
I can't wait to hear more about how this place works for you. Exciting days ahead!

Glenda, saved by grace said...

sounds like a dream come true!
I'm so happy for you!

Emma Rose said...

W.O.W. that sound so exciting. What a great opportunity for you both. We're looking forward to all the updates!

Emma Rose and The Duchess

terri said...

That is amazing!I'm so happy for you. Hope it all works out perfectly!

Anonymous said...

Everybody has already said it all but WOOOOOHOOOOOO! Glad you're doing okay, I was about to come lookin' for you!!

Lea and her Mustangs said...

It all sounds exciting, not the hard work but all the rest. I have longed for an indoor arena for a long time, won't happen unless God drops it on us. Enjoy your work, your new life.

Andrea said...

What a great opportunity! I am so excited for you two and I can't wait to hear how it goes! Congrats on the new job and the new place!! What an exciting time!! And girl, trust me, ordering Pizza is wonderful. We havn't gotten to do that in years!! I miss it!!

GeckoGirl said...

Oh Congrats to you BOTH!!!! What a terrific opportunity to have landed such a great project!!!
I couldn't be happier for you both!! Take some time to blog so we know you haven't gotten buried in all the hard work!! Love and Blessings to you both!! Teresa

Shirley said...

What terrific news! Does this mean that Cowboy is going to hang out his shingle as a professional horse trainer? And be a farrier and Equine massage therapist on the side? Good things do happen to good people and I am so glad that things have worked out so well for you two. And so wonderful that you don't have to give up your own little piece of dirt. So When I move to Creston, I'll be closer, and may just come for a visit!

Robynn's Ravings said...

OH MAN!! I am SOOO excited for you and SOOO happy to "see" you! Believe it or not, I woke up with you on my mind this morning and wondering what was going on. What a great, wonderful, adventure filled opportunity and I see lots of interesting blog posts coming out of this when you get the time.

So happy for you both and REALLY happy about your pizza, Whoppers, and GROCERY STORE! Life just got bigger!

City girl turned Country Girl said...

What an awesome journey you are embarking on!!! Sounds like a lot of hard work, but it will benefit you in the end!! Congrats!!!

LL said...

Sellout... :P

I wish the best for you WOWie. I'm sure that you're going to find both good and bad in the situation. But here's the real question... Are you still going to be able to grow your garden now? ;)

Janice Thomson said...

Oh my gosh Barb! What a fantastic find - I so hope this works out! It all sounds so very exciting for you both. Do keep us posted!

Dr.blogger said...

This is so fantastic , you will see with the days you will be more modern W.O.W
:D

I want to see you at your first day in the work :D , I hope this will be more comfortable for you , but you will find this will be hard at the first but then after time it will be normal.
Best Wishes for you and all the luck ♥

C-ingspots said...

Wowee sister!!! You just never know what or when to expect blessings in life. And...make no mistakes about it, this is a blessing. Be thankful to He who deserves the credit, and smile all the way...to Burger King!?
Careful with that one.
Sounds exciting, and you're right - accounting is just numbers and organization. Piece a cake.
I'm happy for you and your family. Medical insurance is quite important these days. Sounds exciting!!

Theresa @ Take A Sentimental Journey said...

I sure hope everything works out for you two. I think ya'll are the greatest !!

Jeannelle said...

What a whirlwind! Best wishes in all your new endeavors!

The Blonde Duck said...

Hooray! Pizza and whoppers are worth celebrating alone!

gtyyup said...

I'm so happy for you...you soooo deserve to get something good comin' your way!! It sounds like a great opportunity, and if it doesn't work, you've lost nothing...perfect!!! I'm going to be so jealous of the heated indoor arena ;~)

Look forward to hearing how it all comes about...Happy Trails cowgirl!!

Pony Girl said...

Holy Cow! What a great opportunity! Things are surely meant to be and I have a good feeling about this! What an exciting journey you are about to embark! Like Karen, I'm going to be really jealous of that heated indoor arena, LOL!
Let us know when you order your first pizza! We'll raise a toast with ya! ;)

The Pink Geranium or Jan's Place said...

This sounds like heaven on earth for you!!! It sure seems to be coming together.. the job, the place, the owners backing, this is like way to cool!!!

Good for you guys.. woo hoo!!!

Jan :)

BloggessJ said...

I'm soooo excited for you! Should totally take before and after pix!

Liz said...

Barb your news has just made my week! That's fantastic for you and the Cowboy. Hope everything really works out well for both of you.

Take care
Liz

bARE-eYED sUN said...

new beginnings, :-)

we're rooting for ya,

..
.ero

Amanda said...

I am so happy for you!! will you still be in Washington?? YEEHAW!! We are stuck here where we are for a while longer. SHUCKS!!!

the7msn said...

Yowsah! Fate is smiling down on you. Couldn't be happier for you. May everything work out the way you want it to.

Sarah said...

Totally cool!!! Yay!

Josh has his guess on your new town. Do tell! =)

So excited for you and your man!

Vaquerogirl said...

This all sounds really fantastic!! If you were closer I'd indenture myself to you and Cowboy- I'm sure you could use the help! Good luck and be sure to pack the Motrin!

Rue said...

Hi Mama Barb!

Yay!! It sounds great!!! Not the cleaning up, but the possibilities of what's to come :)

We need pictures, so your first purchase after the whopper needs to be a camera LOL Oh and I want to see the house!

(((hugs)))
DADR

City girl turned Country Girl said...

Hey there I have something for you over at my blog!! So come check it out!!

Paula said...

Barb - I was so happy to read this. The Lord gave me two scriptures to share with you . . .

Philippians 4:19 ~ And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus! W.O.W.

And

James 1:17 ~ Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who DOES NOT change like shifting shadows. W.O.W. again!

He knows your needs and He has not forsaken you! You are written on HIS heart and He loves you so much!

May you experience peace beyond measure, joy overflowing, and continentment in where He has planted you, Amen!

Blessings~
P.

Anonymous said...

To my gutsy friend and her cowboy,
Whew! All the best in your new adventures!
~gel

That Janie Girl said...

That is totally awesome! Keep us informed as to the developments!

And a triple quadruple yeehah on the insurance!!

Tessa said...

You are a HUGE inspiration to us all, Barb. I'm awe-struck with admiration and I wish you and Cowboy the very best of the absolute BESTEST! You are, without doubt, a supershiningstar. I send an enormous truck load of love to you both. xxooxx

Anonymous said...

Wow! You sound so energized. I hope that this turns out to be all that you expect it to be. My Cousins and i were just talking about this very thing - when things start falling together in a pattern, you can pretty much know that it is God's plan. It is meant to be. I am very excited for you.

Tardevil said...

So happy for you! I hope it will be your best job ever!

RazorFamilyFarms.com said...

I am blown away!!! This is wonderful news! What an answer to prayer -- and I have been praying!

I can't wait to see pictures!

Blessings!
Lacy

dickiebo said...

Go-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o, gal.
BUT........don't forget your ol' pals here!
Good luck.

Freak Magnet said...

WOW! What an amazingly lucky thing for you both! I know the hard work must be tough, but it's sure going to pay off! Congratulations!!!

Pearl said...

Hi Barb...
Everything sure does sound wonderful and exciting! Almost too good to be true... I'll be holding good thoughts for you that it will all work out to your liking... Looking forward to seeing some photos 'n hearing about your latest adventures!
Enjoy your Pizza 'n Whopper... and have a very
HAPPY
MOTHER's
DAY !!!

~hugs 'n prayers~
Pearl

Marlos ACE said...

I am so happy for you, YAY!!!! I LOVE pizza!!!

Tatersmama said...

I just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you... and I MISS ya!

The coffee pot is on, but you can supply the milk this time!

xoxoxox

Shirley said...

Hi Barb; I hope you and Cowboy have settled in and can take the time to breathe now! ;) I'm still waiting on finding a new home for us, but shouldn't be much longer now.

Annie Wicking said...

How wonderful to hear your news, Barb.

I just dropped by to see how you are doing and to hear you are going back to work. Now is that a good thing of not... mmmm. But if it makes you happy then it's wonderful news.

Good luck my dear friend. (((Hugs))) to you and yours

Far Side of Fifty said...

Just stopping by to say Happy Mothers Day! :)

connie said...

Just thinkin' of you Barb. Hope you're keeping up with the hand cream! Love Connie

Jenn said...

Just stopping by to see if you've surfaced. SIGH. Hope all is well. And miss you, Sissypoo.

Tracey said...

Definitely a WOW here! Congratulations on Pizza, Whoppers and Groceries!

Sage said...

Missing you xx Hope you and Cowboy are ok, and not working too hard.

Sarah said...

Ahem. This is to let you know it's been a month and a half since you've filled us in. Hope you're well. Miss you!

Tatersmama said...

Are you busy ordering pizza and eating Whoppers?
I MISS you girl, but I know you've been busy workin' your new job and all, and grocery shopping to your hearts content, but still....
Did I tell you I MISS you?
xoxox

A Lady's Life said...

I love horses and I am so happy to read this story.I also am glad that you will be having a better time of it all doing the things you seem to love in spite of all the hard work.

Anything worth doing is worth doing well and this project sounds soo greta.
Good Luck to you and cowboy.:)

Jenn said...

Barb
just stopping by to check in and say hello. Hope all is going well. please update soon.
Jenn

Far Side of Fifty said...

Just saying HI..HOW ARE YOU! Do you feel safe in your home??? LOL Miss you! :)

Robynn's Ravings said...

Droppin' in to say "hi!" and missin' you! Hope all is terrific. Can't wait to hear all the goins on one of these days. :)

RURAL said...

How did I miss this post? I am happy that things are looking up for both of you.

Jen

Jennifer said...

I think of you often and hoping all is well with you and Cowboy. I sure hope one of these weekends when you go home to take care of your yard you'll let us know how this new life is going.
Miss you and hope you come back soon!

Far Side of Fifty said...

Barb, just stopping by to say Hi ..miss you and hope you are okay my friend! :)

DesertHen said...

Hi Barb,

I do hope all is well up your way? Think of you often and hope all is going well with the new job, life and new area that you are in. Take care and ((((HUGS))) to you.

Deserthen

Sarah said...

An email, something...anything, so I know you're alive and doing well.

Miss you, friend. Miss you tons.

Anonymous said...

Knock, knock-
Barb, been checking in here periodically, thinking of you, and wishing you and yours the best.

Hugs,
gel

LL said...

What happened? Did you and TW finally run away for good?

Train Wreck said...

I wish LL....Hey are you so busy too? I email you? do you still have the same email... you ok? You are a constant in my mind. Hope you and your fella are doing ok. ((hugs))

COUNTRY MOM said...

Congratulations, Hope you are well. I have really enjoyed reading your blog. Blessings,

Stacy said...

I was so excited when we finally moved somewhere we could get pizza delivery

Sage said...

I miss you... and your visits, hope you and cowboy are well... xx

Far Side of Fifty said...

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you write something before Christmas!! I hope you are happy and healthy!! :)

Far Side of Fifty said...

Merry Christmas! :)

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