We are well into the year 2012. Actually, it's almost the middle of January. We have been so busy, but we love being busy.
My brother, Carl Rexroad, from the Ft. Worth area, came down for a few days. He and I drove to Premont (three hours south) to visit our three sisters. This was the first time all five of us had been together since 2000. It was wonderful.
I purchased an old Lane Cedar Chest online from a couple in San Antonio. They were kind enough to drive to the ranch and deliver my cedar chest. Their six sons came with them. They spent a night with us, and we had a great time fishing. Susan decided to take a walk around the lake. When she got to our dog pen, she looked down and found my mother/grandmother ring that I lost in the spring. I didn't think I'd ever see it, again. I was so thrilled. It was in perfect shape, which is amazing, since the yard has been mowed so many times since spring. I believe God sent her down here to find the cherished ring that my children gave me years ago.
Mark, Gretchen, Marissa and Malory flew in Christmas night. What a joy to have them here for the holidays. Meagan decided to visit her other grand parents, since she spent a month with us this past fall.
We had a blessed Christmas, and everyone was here but Meagan and Emily. Demetri drove in for two weeks. The guys spent a lot of time hog hunting at Senderos. Gretchen and the girls rode the 4 wheelers out there, which is one of their favorite things to do, and we just had a great time doing nothing!! Marissa helped me clean out my pantry…took us all day. I felt like I had a new lease on life when we finished!! Ha I think I still have some old appliances I need to get rid of, but that's another day.
Kelley flew to NC to spend four days with her mom and dad. Paul, Mel and the kids drove to Uvalde for a church retreat, but everyone was back for New Year's Eve.
Gabe Martinez, his brothers and dad and a friend, Steve, came in on the 6th of January. They did a lot of dove, geese, duck and hog hunting. We also spent a day fishing here on the back porch of the lodge. We caught enough catfish to have a wonderful supper that same evening. Loren fried the catfish, which we all think was the best we'd ever eaten. He also made a fantastic sauce to go over the fish. Yes, I got both recipes!!! Yummy!
Paul drove to Dallas for Dream Night. Then, he drove back the next night to Austin for their Dream Night. I opted to stay home! Perry and Ronda Kirk, who live in Round Rock (Austin area), drove back with Paul and spent a few days with us. We have known Perry since the early 90s. He lived in California at the time, but he is a Texas boy. He finally wised us and moved back!! We had a wonderful time getting to know Ronda and catch-up with Perry.
Wendy Van Trease, James, Ceci and Billie Kaye (my name's sake) drove down from Dripping Springs (Austin area) to spend a night with us and pick up Windy, our first little filly born here 7 years ago. Windy is a gorgeous mare, but she's over weight and lazy, so we're letting Billie Kaye take her and ride her for a few months. I'm sure Windy will be a different horse after a few months of daily riding.
Our son-in-law, Mark, spent his birthday here at the ranch. Can't believe he's 45!! Would love to have him, Gretchen and the girls here permanently. However, God knows what He's doing, and His timing is right.
Our grand daughter, Emily, will be 21 on the 18th of January. This is the first birthday she's spent by herself…..no family members to help her celebrate, but Melanie is planning a party for her when she returns to the states.
Jill, our little donkey, delivered a precious little ‘jack’ a week ago. He is so adorable. I gave him to a neighbor and friend, so he and his mom will be leaving the ranch. He will be just across the road, so we can visit him. Jill will come back after “Donkey” (the baby’s name) is weaned. I want her and Jack (the daddy) to have another little one next year.
We are looking forward to a wonderful year. Our calendar is very full! We look forward to seeing you some time during the year. Be blessed! Billie
