Datil Just About Do It...

I started cooking for Van Hale's Trophy Outfitters last September when they needed a fill in cook at the Josh Ranch for an Arizona Elk Hunt.  Tad called and wanted to know if I would consider it.  Being me, I couldn't say no, but you have to know I was as nervous as a cat.  I can cook, but for total strangers?  What do they eat?  Marsha Ziegler who is the Head Cook told me to make up a menu for the week, go to the store and cook.  Tad's hunters were a father and son from the Valley - Bruce and Rex Neely.  Brad Hale's hunter was Ron Smith, a dr. from North Carolina and his wife, Jill who came along for the trip.  It was quite enjoyable and they all complimented the food and when all was said and done, I got $600 in tips!  Now that was a blessing in itself, bought my pellets for the winter.  Fast forward to August 2013 - I get a call that they need a cook for Josh Ranch for two hunts, one in September and one in October - both small hunts...well again I can't say no.  I had two hunts back to back in September and two hunts back to back in October.  It was a lot of hard work but fun.  I thought about my great grandmother, Nary, who was a lumber camp cook for many years.  She fed lots of hungry men three meals a day without the luxuries I cook with.  I had a nice new kitchen to cook in with a six burner gas cook top, double ovens, two refrigerators, a warming drawer, two dishwashers and a microwave; all things she never even dreamed of.  There were times when I thought of her I felt her "Sister, you can do it."  Nary always called me "sister" and I loved her so much and I KNEW she loved me.  Well, Tad said that Van told him the hunters were very complimentary so that was good, huh?  I got a call on the 10th of November...they needed me to cook in Datil.  Datil?  are you sure?  Well on Thursday I came out and cooked for Shane Sass, Jeremy Walker and their hunters, Chris Curtain and his son, Grant.  Jeremy and Chris are hunting on the AZ/NM border and staying here in Datil a 90 minute drive!  Shane and Grant are basically hunting on the other side of Hwy 12 - a 5 minute drive.  Day one, nothing.  Day two, nothing.  Day three - Grant has a kill!  Yay!  He's a nice 5 by 6 and Grant is very happy.  I'm cooking chicken fried steak for his celebration dinner along with Tad's blueberry cobbler.  Sounds like a winner.  Shane has loved my cooking, don't know if that goes back to him being at my house 24/7 as a kid or if it's like Tad says.."you name the day and we can tell you what we're having to eat".

Tad says I might even cook in December - I don't mind AFTER after my Vegas trip.  Gunnar has been invited back to Vegas for wrestling and I'm going.  Last year was priceless.  When he won his final match, his coaches, Jerry and Scott were jumping up and down and "high fiving" each other.  That is a sight I will never forget.  Last year I got to cook for Tad and his hunters at Josh Ranch - this year he's in Datil when I'm at Josh or home when I'm in Datil.  He has Ryker today.  I guess Ryker had a melt down when he thought he was going to my house and Tad went to Larry & Nola's instead.  They had to call me so Ryker could talk to me.  I love that little toot. 

Jenna called and said she finally got her car back - I guess when Brinley saw it she said "Yes! Our black car! can we watch a movie?"  Well the suburban is white and that is Brinley.  I love her kooky personality.  I love that she has to have her make up on before she leaves the house.  I love that she is obsessed by mermaids - she is one, you know.  I LOVE being MOMO SADIE to 9 of the cutest little people on the planet.  Life is good and I am blessed.

Finally Fall

The summer was beautiful and wetter than I have seen it in years.  We had almost 24 inches of rain from July 4th through the end of September. I was so grateful for the help with my new lawn.  It looked great!  Summer was busy and ended with me being busy 24/7 getting ready for the 10th annual ATV Jamboree.  I looked forward to seeing old friends and meeting new ones.  I was humbled and honored by being selected as the Bill Stinson Volunteer of the year.  I didn't expect that and truly was surprised.  Rick Carey, Kevin Kness & Bev Parker were here for the first time in two years.  I was happy to see old friends. 

Van asked if I would be interested in cooking for Elk Camp the 13th through the 27th...I did it.  It was hard work but I earned thirteen hundred dollars to catch up on.  I was worried about being able to buy my pellets for the winter but the Lord does provide.  I am blessed in spite of myself and I do recognize Heavenly Father's hand in all things.

Jenna called a few weeks ago...she is expecting baby number 5.  She found out on the 28th that they are having another little girl.  Poor little Gunnar took the news kind of hard, he really wanted a baby brother.  Maggie also called a few weeks ago and she is pregnant with baby number 4.  Tanner is going to be a big brother and he is such a peanut.  Both girls are pregnant together for the third time and due probably within 6 weeks of each other.  I am excited that we have two new babies coming.  I feel so blessed to be a mother and grandmother.

Tad and Brianne split up and I can't say that I'm sorry.  I am sorry for the emotional hell she put him through and the games.  I truly believe she is borderline nuts and certainly puts new meaning in the word "crazy".  After faking a pregnancy that we all doubted for over 5 months she conveniently miscarried during the jamboree but never told Tad or me.  She couldn't tell either one of us because we would know for sure there was never a pregnancy.  Cuckoo...

Conference weekend is such a special time.  I enjoy listening to conference and pondering the talks.  I always hear something that was directed to me.  Again, Heavenly Father knows me and what I need.

Gunnar and Trentin both participated in a wrestling tournament in Queen Creek a couple of weeks ago and both took first place.  I was so proud of them.  I saw Gunnar's video first and broke down and cried as I watched him totally dominate and win - then I watched Trentin's video and broke down again.  These two boys worked so hard and did such and awesome job.  I am so proud of them and love them beyond measure.

Jenna and the kids came up last Monday.  It was a horrible trip from the word go for her... the kids didn't feel good, the car broke down in Show Low, the kids got sick, and it kept getting worse day after day.  She finally loaded up and went home Friday morning at 4:00...I felt so bad for her. 

I am trying to finish up on the Trophy Elk Contest and then I'm going to the valley for a couple of days to visit - hopefully everyone will be well.  Yep it's been a busy summer and fall so far...

Prayers Answered

It is so dry in our State and during the Granite Mountain Fire Tragedy the news said that the last time there was "normal" rain and snow in the State was 1992 so that means we are in year 21 of a drought.  When we went to Tucson for Tim's wedding I was so surprised when the Gila River was bone dry as was every other creek, wash or pond that we saw.  When Tad was moving in June I had to take some diesel to him just across the New Mexico State line and and thought that there wasn't a hint of green grass anywhere except on the highway where any moisture at all will run to the edge of the pavement.  We got a rain on the 30th of June and everyone just new our monsoons would start the 4th of July.  They did to some degree...it rained a little a couple of days.  It was announced in church that there would be a community pray for rain day on the 10th at 10:00 a.m.  the rain came and it rained hard.  Prayers answered.  The next day the rain came and it rained hard and fast.  Prayers answered.  It has been pretty much raining everyday and last night it rained just about all night long.  There are puddles of water in my driveway and in Stephen's driveway across the street. It's still cloudy and looks like it could rain some more.

Early morning clouds

The puddles in the driveway

Prayers answered.  I am so grateful to know that Heavenly Father does hear and answer prayers. He knows our needs, our wants, our desires and blesses us with our needs and forgives us for our wants and desires.  I look out and see my new green grass and am so grateful for the prayers answered.

Front lawn 7/162013

Front lawn 5/26/2013

Side Yard 7/16/2013

Side Yard 5/26/2013

Side Yard 5/26/2013

Back Yard 7/16/2013

 I am grateful for the beauties that surround me, each and every one.  I love the smell of the air up here, I love the sound of cars going to and from work. I love the smell and sounds from the sawmill across the road. I love hearing the doves cooing in the front trees.  I love watching the birds fight for seed in the feeders.  I love where I live and I love the summers here.  I wouldn't trade them for anywhere else in the world.

Look Who's 2...

Ryker Damar Allred...a real heart breaker.  So cute, so sweet, so loving.  I am so happy he's one of mine!
He LOVES his Dad and his Dad loves him.  He was helping his dad irrigate and I went down and snapped some pics.  We will have a birthday party when he gets home.

Not so sure about the cold water...

A penny for your thoughts?

If Dad says it's ok, then it must be ok...

SOS...capsized boat

Yep, it is ok!

He looks so much like Tad did at that age.  Makes my heart smile when I see him.  He LOVES to talk and will talk your leg off.  Gets that from his dad, too.  Dr. said he communicates exceptionally well for his age (that was back in January or February).  He came to this world with something to say - that may be an Allred thing because Brinley is the same way.  Well heck, I bet its a Rogers thing!

4th of July

The 4th was nice.  Started out early cooking for BBQ at Tad's in evening; Parade:  while getting ready to leave the house I had a call from Mel "Dorlene...there's a guy here in a boat looking for you..."  it was Timm Paul who was going to drive his jeep in the parade advertising the Trophy Elk Contest.  I was riding my quad in the parade with Kamryn and the ATV Club.  It made me laugh...Kresta came up to walk in the parade to honor the two local fire fighters killed in a car wreck last week and the 19 Granite Mountain Hot Shots.  That was the touching moment for me.  Came home and went to Nutrioso to get my tables at Aunt Virginia's and then dropped them off at Tad's and came home and finished my salads.  We all went to Tad and Brianne's for a bbq.  They did ribs and brisket.  We had pasta salads, potato salads, beans, deviled eggs, watermelon and there was tons of food.  It was fun for the kids to play and run wild.  After everyone left we went out by the 26- turn off to watch the fireworks.  They were really nice.  Kresta came in after going out and spent the night with me.  I am blessed to live here, am grateful for all who protect and serve and for those who have gone before that established this great country.  I am proud to be an American!

Sad Day for Arizona

Yesterday, June 30, 2013 nineteen "hot shot" fire fighters the Granite Mountain Hot Shots from Prescott lost their lives when the wind changed and the fire rolled over them from behind.  It happened so quickly that they didn't stand a chance.  I saw a blippie on Facebook then turned on the news and I cried tears in sadness for these fallen heroes.  The news people's voices were cracking...my own voice cracked when I called Tad to tell him.  I thought back two years ago and the tragedy of the Wallow Fire and in over 530,000 acres not a single life was lost.  This fire of 8,000 plus acres took out a hot shot team.  Each fire has a personality, each fire creates its own weather and with the wind blowing yesterday evening and the wind from the fire, the wind changed and trapped these guys.  I can't imagine the grief the other fire fighters are feeling.  These elite young men were engaged, newly married, new fathers, expectant fathers, sons, brothers, friends and HEROES.  I remember the worry two years ago for Kresta and Tim and all of the local people I knew PERSONALLY.  I remember the relief when it was over and they were all safe.  I feel for the local people that have served with the Granite Mountain Hot Shots, they have a special bond that the rest of us don't understand.  I saw Kresta's facebook post and she knew some of them.  It made me sad for her and so very selfishly grateful she is driving a haul truck this summer and not fighting fire.  Governor Brewer has ordered all flags to fly "half staff" until evening on July 3.  I saw an interview with Roy Hall (Bood) on Channel 12 and he mentioned the honor and respect for these young men.  I am so proud and grateful for the men and women who protect and serve every single day and who are willing to give their lives if necessary in that pursuit.  I am grateful that I was taught to be grateful.  My heart is sad for those dealing with this tragedy and my prayers join the many others on their behalf.

I'm So Tired...

I went to the Valley the first part of June and stayed at Jenna's for a few days then she and the kids brought me home and stayed the rest of the week until Weston came and they went home on Sunday.  A combined time of 12 days.  For the first 5 we had Jenna's four plus Trentin (he stayed to go to a wrestling camp) then Troy and Maggie came down and spent the weekend and went home on Sunday.  It was non-stop busy down in the Valley.  Gunnar's first week of no school was spent at wrestling camp so the kids were excited to come to Momo Sadie's house and play and play they did!  We went to Bailey and Brinley's dance recital on Saturday and it was so fun and nice.  They both did well and I am so proud of them.  We had Jenna's kids, Maggie's kids and Brianne's boys plus a couple of neighbor kids 24/7.  My house was tracked full of dirt and mud, the tubs were gross, but the kids had a ball.  They played in the ditch.  They played at the Park.  They played flashlight tag.  They camped out in Tad's travel trailer.  They ate.  They drank.  They played all day.  They slept a little and watched maybe 1 hour of tv total!  I went to bed tired.  I got up tired.  I cooked.  I washed dishes.  I washed clothes.  I swept a time or two. I even mopped once.  I gave up.  The kids had more freedom than they have ever had and I loved looking out and seeing them up and down the ditch.  I loved seeing those muddy little creatures come in at night.  They were tired but they had fun and that is what it is all about!

On Saturday Tad smoked/grilled brisket and it was to die for and so was his homemade peach/apple cobbler.  He is getting to be quite the grill master.  I will miss him when he moves this weekend.  Tad has been good company in the evening when he is through with work.  I will miss just watching Longmire with him.  He said he is only taking what he can fit in a duffle bag...we will see.

On Father's Day we had Grandpa and Grandma over for hamburgers.  Brianne grilled hamburgers and shrimp and made deviled eggs.  I made a potato salad and we opened a can of steak beans.  It was a good meal but honestly I was so tired I'm not sure I tasted much of it.  I was so tired that I was in bed and asleep before 10:00...

This is how we all felt on Sunday night.

It's Thursday.  I have swept, mopped, vacuumed, washed clothes, washed dishes and picked up the pieces and I miss those little guys like crazy.  I am tired today - have a lot to do but right now I am going to close my eyes for a minute.  I really am tired!  I was so pooped on Sunday, I couldn't spell poop - it came out popped.  So there you have it.  Summer and Father's Day - I love it!