After graduation, we spent some time on The Farm. I took pictures with a different device so I will have to post those later! But today, I'm on the shore of Lake Huron soaking in some rays and cooling off in the water. Professor had to go back to work across the country so we will be hanging out for awhile without him. Grandpa came with us to the beach and Sweet Sis so enjoyed walking with him.
Last night we bedded down near Elk City, OK. We came in late, about 8 pm local time. After battling the steady winds, we were blessed to have the manager come and help with "a second set of adult hands" as he put it. I appreciated the help as I always do. I don't depend upon it but won't turn it away! We knew going to bed there would be a slight chance of Severe Thunderstorms, so we prayed especially for protection. As the night passed, the chances increased. By 3 am, I woke up again to high winds and flashing sky. It was moving fast! I grabbed my phone and dialed Professor. I did not wait to hear his advice and woke up the children and got in the truck. I might have overreacted just a little. But it turns out i hadn't, the storm was growing and heading right for us. As I was watching the sky, the storm didn't seem to get real close, but I could see it all around growing in intensity. Professor could see on the radar the storm cell breaking on our location, like a small hole. The Lord was truly protecting us! We did not get even a drop of rain! About 6 am, rain started and stayed for 2 hours. We were able to pack up the inside of the tent and eat breakfast while the tent was drying out. The plains of Oklahoma are so breathtaking. I could live in this part of the country! But then there is the risk of tornadoes here
As we drove into OKC, we could see the recent damage. In fact, as we were driving on I-40, we saw some cattle escape a field through damaged fencing from the tornado. I quickly called 911 and reported it. A state trooper was being dispatched. You can see piles of steel where large buildings once stood. One photo is our campground. Another is the view.
It is hot here in Northern Texas! After a late start due to visiting a great friend from when we lived in Albuquerque, and with another time zone change not in our favor, I find ourselves running a wee bit behind today - not due to arrive at our destination until 7 p.m. tonight. So we decided to find a different stop for the night; when we arrived, the pool was closed, there was no shade and it was 99 degrees outside. We have no choice but to move on to our next campground 150 miles away. Meanwhile the kids saw their first real cowboy (during this trip) at our stop in Texas. They really admired his large cowboy hat, belt buckle, and long cowboy jeans with boots to match. The boys were asking to get on their genes when we got back in the truck. We decided to cool off a little with a real treat - something we rarely have - a cold vanilla ice cream cone. The kids really enjoyed it and so did I, as I watched their big eyes and tongues lick the cones. We are truly enjoying ourselves. Our country is so big and so beautiful. Right now we're crossing the plains of Texas and it's just so neat to see the big blue sky and large open fields. We are very blessed and privileged to have the opportunity to travel across the country together as a family!
This is the house Lil Farmer was born in years ago, we affectionately call it his house. And the view from the front porch! If you have followed me for years you will have remembered it from 7 years ago!
Today was our first day of a seven-week adventure taking us literally from the West Coast to the East Coast and back. It has been so nice! I love traveling across our great beautiful country and seeing the vast array of land. We are truly blessed! After getting fueled up with Daddy at breakfast we launched. While at a restaurant, some CHP's came in, California Highway Patrol, about 6 cruisers and some motorcycles. As we were leaving, a police officer parked close by, gave each of the kids their own sticker badge! How cool for the kids. Tonight we are in the pines and loving every minute. It is so fresh and beautiful. Peaceful comes to mind. Rest Well.
