An Oklahoman in Okehampton

February 2012

nospam@example.com (Snow Tiger) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:32:19 +0000

Hi all!!!

I know I haven't been diligent with my blog lately...this is the first entry for 2012! Things are beginning to change a little here. It is now only six months till Dave retires!!! And in September we will be heading back to the states. I can't believe it's nearly been two years since our last trip. We will be there longer this time...three months!!! Dave has some things on his bucket list that he want's to tic off...so we're going to make the most of the time.

It will be wonderful to see everyone again and re-connect. I'm sure there will be some surprises and changes that we're not aware of...so it's going to be an interesting time. Neither of us are sure that any more of these marathon trips will be taken after this one. It's such an exhausting trip to make...and neither of us are getting any younger...Also after retirement, finances will change and we will have to be more conscious of our money. (I'm sure ya'll understand that statement!)

I'm still busy with all I do...church, foodbank etc. And I'm also in a choir...so that adds music to the mix. We haven't done as much traveling lately....we've taken a few 4 day breaks and have one coming up in April. You can collect tokens from one of our daily newspapers. Collect them all and book a four day break nearly anywhere in the country for dirt cheap! It's fun, and gives us a way to have a change of scene without breaking the bank. It's like camping in a mobile on the beach....

We spent our third (yes third) anniversary in a wonderful old Coaching Inn (200 yrs give or take) up on Dartmoor. Lovely dinner and evening in wonderful surroundings...breakfast the next morning and then back home to reality.

We are giving thought to buying a used caravan (camper trailer to you Okies..) when Dave retires. We would probably have around 5 good years in it....before we give up and sell it. It would be fun and would give us somewhere to spend time when home gets a little boring....At this point we're just talking about it. There are good things about it along with some bad things.....and still much to discuss before we actually do anything. We spend a lot of time talking about things....(laughing) We (or I should say I) want to take the trains around the area and see the sights. My idea of fun....

You all know I'm on Face Book (and isn't everyone??) so I'm on there more than here. I also Skype....so I probably won't be blogging on here any more....Don't cry...I'm still on planet earth....just in a different form....Hey....you can still talk to me.....just look me up and "Friend me"

Signing off now....see you in September!!!

~Sharon~

April

nospam@example.com (Snow Tiger) — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 08:38:39 +0100

Hello Diary

Well we made it through the winter and now it's April first. Not very warm yet, but it's such a pleasure to see flowers and new green leaves coming on the trees.

There are a few new developments in our lives....I'm still busy, and have a added a new item to my "busy list". We have a local Food Bank in our town, and now I'm volunteering for that. It's been a VERY busy time as three of our local manufacturing firms have made their workers redundant. (That means laying everyone off to you back home) For a small town that was catastrophic and over 300 jobs were lost. Needless to say the mood was very somber on the streets.

The national newspapers picked up on the story, and for a while the town and the Food Bank was on the front page! Never mind they didn't quite tell the truth in some cases (after all they ARE in the business of creating news) But we made it through that and were able to get back to the business of feeding people. Volunteering for this project has certainly put things back in proper perspective for me and I've received a few blessings that I hadn't counted on.

On the home front....Dave has started the process of retirement. Yep! He's gonna do it! There has been (and will continue to be) much to discuss regarding this. It's a big step and will require a few changes in our life style, but we both are looking forward to it. This is something he has wanted to do for a long time and I'm looking forward to seeing him free from the shift work and it's terrible hours. After years doing it, it certainly takes it's tole on the body and general health.

And as for family life....our grandson is growing by leaps and bounds and is gaining new skills almost daily. (not all of which are very easy to deal with I might add!) But...it's all part of growing up isn't it?

I still love it here...I have a full rewarding life...and wouldn't want it any other way. I can still remember people saying "Give her six months...she'll be back." Guess I fooled you huh!

Granted....there are some things here that I don't like....but there were things I didn't like in the states too....and as I've said before...I believe in "blooming where you're planted." So here I am...blooming and growing...And life keeps getting better.

~Sharon~

A new year

nospam@example.com (Snow Tiger) — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 07:26:31 +0000

Hello everyone,

A new year is upon us. We had a fantastic time in the states. It just wasn't enough time to do everything we had planned. Next time (in 2 years) we are planning to stay 2-3 months (hopefully including Thanksgiving). But that's in the future and anything could happen between now and then.

two days after our return, I had orthopedic surgery on my foot. That turned out to be more of a hassle than I had planned on and I was more or less off my feet for a month. Of course still suffering from jet lag may have had something to do with it! I have now been released by the surgeon and (gingerly) have begun my walking program again. Yesterday was the first day and I must say it's going to take a while to get back into shape!

Our Christmas was quiet. I was involved in the church celebration by accepting the role of "Church decorator". It was fun and the day we started, we played Christmas music. Everyone was drinking tea and singing along with the music....it was great fun and everyone really enjoyed themselves. The church looked lovely for our candle light service. Next year I'll plan things a little better by starting the window decorations ahead of time.

The remodeling of the sanctuary is now complete with the hall downstairs nearly done as well. We are very proud of our little 100 year old chapel. It's really lovely and something to be proud of. The hall will be used for not only church activities, but will be utilized for outside activities as well thus adding income to our budget.

Dave and I are still growing in our love for each other. I can't believe that our second anniversary is next month! I was telling him in some ways it seems much longer than that. It feels like we've always been together.

The extreme winter weather has finally released it's hold on us. For a while the entire country was encased in snow and ice and we had the coldest December on record! Up north those poor souls are still having snow, but it's not to the extent that it was.

Last evening we started planning our Summer holiday with intent toward going to the west coast of Scotland. It's a lovely area to see and we can take a small ferry to a couple of the isles off the coast. My kind of vacation! :) Hopefully the weather will be as warm and clear as it was last time we went.

You can still keep up with me/us on Face Book....I'm there most days, and would really enjoy hearing from you. It's great fun talking to folks back home.

Life is good

~Sharon

nospam@example.com (Snow Tiger) — Tue, 28 Sep 2010 09:38:32 +0100

Wow! Here it is almost the end of September....and on 3 October we are flying to Tulsa!!! What can I say? It seems like just a few days ago I was in the middle of planting, watering, and working in the garden....and now suddenly we are gathering things to pack.

Our trip promises to be a good one with many blessings already. We've been afforded the use of the wonderful old house I rented in Tulsa as a "base camp" for our wonderings. Then the loan of a car thus saving us many many dollars.

We are both so looking forward to being there and are anxious to go to our favorite places where so many wonderful memories were made. In my musings I've wondered several times just how hard it will be to leave again and come back to our home in England. I'm sure it will be easier this time, as there won't be so many things to do like uprooting my entire my life and moving to a different country.

And as for my new country ??? It feels like home now....I've really settled in easily, and having friends and church here certainly gave me a "home base" and support that made it easier. I've still got a lot of places to see and things to do here....This is a fantastic landscape to explore and even Dave has seen a few surprises himself since I've been here.

Dave is still a fantastic husband and best friend. We just continue to grow closer as time goes on....I wish all other women could have the life I have. Abundant blessings....yeah...that's it!

See ya'll in Tulsa!!!!

Summer

nospam@example.com (Snow Tiger) — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 22:34:07 +0100

Hello Diary

It's been a while since I've written. Things are going very well here. I've been busy with my first attempt at growing green house crops. I think I've created a monster though. There are tomatoes, cucumbers, green peppers and strawberries. That's a lot for a small green house...and when I go in to water I feel as though things are reaching out to touch me. Carrying water has become a bit of a drag, but I've discovered another use for an extra trolly. I can get 6 1/2 gallon bottles of water in it! Makes carrying water a lot easier!

Our weather has been lovely and warm with lots of sun. I actually have a sun tan! In England?????? The garden is full of flowers and I'm loving it.

We're starting to make plans for our Tulsa trip in October. It will be here before I know it I think. with lots to do before hand.

We're not taking any major trips this summer though. Staying close to home is a good idea after hubby used up all his leave time at work. A few day trips to nice places will be enough for now. There's plenty to see in our area, and we can always go to the coast in just about any direction.

I'm still water colour painting, and will be showing a few paintings in a craft fayre at our church on Harvest Weekend. There will be lots to see what with our congretation donating their talents for all to see.

All in all....life is still good....how could it not be???? I feel so very blessed.

~Sharon

Radio Devon - Sunday Service on 02 May 2010

nospam@example.com (Her Man) — Thu, 06 May 2010 19:06:54 +0100

For those of you not on Facebook, here is the video ....... Radio Devon broadcast a Sunday Service on 02 May with the Revd Darren Pike (Okehampton Baptist Church), and an interview with Sharon. It's about 30 mins, Sharon is on after about 20 mins.
You can see it here

Busy, busy ..........

nospam@example.com (Snow Tiger) — Wed, 05 May 2010 08:36:06 +0100

Hi all

I haven't written for a while. Suddenly my life has gotten rather busy! What with spring gardening, church activities, baby sitting and such....(oh yes..water colour painting too) I don't have a lot of time to just sit and do nothing.

We haven't traveled lately since returning from Wales. That was an experience! The place is wild and beautiful....but I wouldn't want to live there! I have pics in face book if you want to see. We really "lucked" out with the weather as usual.

Each day is still a blessing. Dave and I are extremely happy and content. Our favorite saying is "Us is such a good thing". I know...it's silly...but hey...so true!

I miss everyone back home....but it's only 5 months till we fly. Then we can do some serious catching up!

See ya later!

Holiday On Ice

nospam@example.com (Her Man) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 12:24:31 +0000

Went to see 'Holiday On Ice' last week .......

Thoughts

nospam@example.com (Snow Tiger) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 13:32:11 +0000

February....Our wedding anniversary has passed...and a lovely one it was. Dave tried to surprise me (bless him) with a little overnight getaway at the Bedford Hotel in Tavistock where we were married. I sort of had it figured out before we got there...but still had a surprise when we were given the original honeymoon suite where we spent our wedding night. Awwwwww....x

We spent the day prowling around town (the market is fantastic) and also took a walk along the river. The river Tavy is beautiful, and actually has salmon jumping up the steps created for them. We didn't see any this time...it's probably too early for their Spring run. Then we had a pub meal at the hotel. I think Tavistock is my favorite town in the area, with lots of historical things to see...I believe it dates back to the 1500's and was called a Stannary town...where courts were held etc.

I'm anxious for spring....I looked in the garden this morning and found buds on my little trees, and on the miniature roses. The water garden barrel still has thick ice in it....that will take a while to thaw. It's such a pleasure to see buds though...the catkins on the pussy willow are starting to open and little white fuzzy "babies" are beginning to emerge.

I'm still working on my water colour lessons....it really "ticks" me off when something goes wrong and I waste a sheet of paper. At £1 each a person doesn't want to throw many of those away! I just turn it over and practice techniques on the back. I'm really enjoying doing this...and no one is more surprised than I am when something turns out well.

Dave was looking at something I did the other day and said "That looks like a beach." (drum roll please.....applause) That's exactly what it was!!! Mission accomplished! Its fun and even though I still have a lot to learn...I feel good about it.

I guess I need to wrap this up....Time to wake Dave and feed and water him for his night shift tonight. I really dream of the day when he doesn't have to do this anymore, amd I'm sure he does too.

Take care everyone...and I'll be back on here soon.

Wedding Anniversary

nospam@example.com (Her Man) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 16:23:00 +0000

Our first Wedding Anniversary. What can I say ....... still stupidly happy, still contented ......... and still speaking to each other !!!!