A Long Overdue Post

 I'm sorry I haven't popped in for so long. Thank ya'll for your kind and thoughtful messages, notes, and emails checking up on me. All is well, just really busy. Not any busier than ya'll, but I guess I'm just not as organized. Since our North Camp couple left, everything has fallen to DH and I and then I spent 18 days in Texas putting my hands on every single piece of paper and object in my parents' house and a lot of stuff fits into 3800 sq ft. I'm pretty sure that the house gets bigger every time  I open a drawer.  😂

I also juggled their many neighbors and friends who have been incredibly helpful. I took 8 dozen eggs to share with them: 

I spent zero time on the computer, but fielded 20-30 daily texts and phone calls. I spent approximately 40 hours in front of the shredder during the first 14 days and then I hit a wall, broke down,  and called a shredding company for the rest:

I hated leaving DH alone to take care of everything, but it could not be helped. I met with an art auction company and they came to select items that would fit their offerings, returning on a second day to collect the items. 

Met with an estate sale company and signed a contract for their services.

Took a deep breath and drove downtown to the courthouse to pick up some papers:

And was instantly scolded when my purse went through the x-ray and they spotted my Leatherman. Oops. I honestly forgot I couldn't take it in a courthouse. I never even think about it. I just always have it with me, but they said I could either take it back to my vehicle or they would confiscate it. I didn't want to walk back to the parking garage so I just walked outside and placed it under a little rose bush and retrieved it when I left.

Filled 60 large black leaf trash bags with things to throw out and recycle. 

I was overwhelmed with what to do with the endless cans and jugs of 'hazardous chemicals' that you aren't supposed to toss in the trash and a neighboring angel couple came and made a list for me:

Waste management will send you a bag in which to place them and they will pick it up if you register with them and send them a detailed list. This may be common knowledge for all of you, but this dirt road girl didn't have a clue. Here's the link, in case anyone needs their services: WMatyourdoor. I'm not sure how many areas they service, but you can check via the link.

Packed a few boxes of things I am keeping as I came across them.

Went through 10's of thousands of photos and sorted a pile to keep. Love the old ones:

Looks like I've got some mysteries to solve:

Spent a long time sorting through a briefcase of my dad's that held all sorts of birth/death/marriage certificates from family going back to the 1800's...in German.

Looks like I'll be digging into family ancestry and trying to document what I now have as there is no one else to do so, but I don't know where I'll find the time. The neighbors have given me all sorts of advice so I have some good contacts. I've been wanting to write about my parents' immigrant story and this may be the push I need. I found the document that denied my right to US Citizenship when I was born even though my dad was in the Air Force, but that's a story for another time.

Moved some things to the neighbors...this little set is perfect in their beautiful yard and it makes me happy to know it will be loved:

I also visited with a realtor that I really liked, but probably ought to meet with a few more before making a decision. Have already had tons of offers, but it's important to me WHO buys the house as the neighbors (everyone on the street) are VERY close knit and I want the new owners to be a good fit for everyone. It seems as if the real estate market has exploded all over, and Texas is no exception.

I handed off the margarita machine, 6 conference tables, 12 chairs, and 6 red-checked tablecloths to one neighbor. It was time to pass the torch. My parents had hundreds of gatherings and celebrations. They always hosted National Night Out for 24 years:

And neighbors always hosted Christmas, Thanksgiving, 4th of July, Halloween, Easter, Superbowl, and New Year's celebrations. They are a very social bunch! 

I didn't take my sewing machine, but I did take some fat quarters to cut for a project and I decompressed one evening by getting those pressed:

I had to come back to the ranch because we're putting out bulls and need to brand calves, but then I have to go back to Texas to finish things up, as the estate sale company will begin their work.

I can not tell you how good it is to be back home! 

So, in closing, I've just been juggling a lot of plates and juggling skills are not my strong suit, but God is good and His blessings have been abundant.

I promise not to disappear again and be back soon. Thank you again for checking in on me - I am touched by your kindness.