Walking Through Deep Waters

Mountain Springs Bluebird

The good people of Newton County are broken hearted on this beautiful spring day. What should be a happy, fun-filled, end-of-school time has turned into one of sadness and hurting. In the span of two weeks, there have been four tragic accidents involving students at Jasper High School. Seven girls, doing what girls do--attending a festival, having fun together, horseback riding, going to her first day of a summer job--were involved. Five will live, hopefully without permanent injuries and nightmares of the accidents that changed things forever. And, two will live only in the memories of friends and families they left behind--too early.

Two of the young girls were in Jack's class. Another, Julie, helped train our horses only a few weeks ago. These girls survived, but barely. Our special heartbreak is our neighbor's daughter, Paige. It was the first day of a summer job--one she knew would be hard work, but fun. Her car hydroplaned on the slick pavement just a few miles from us, not far from her new job in Ponca. What is so heart wrenching, is to know that her dad, the sheriff, was the first to arrive on the scene not knowing that what he would see would change his world. Paige had an enthusiasm for life that was rivaled only by her mother, Angie's. May the good Lord give her, Keith, and Kent a peace about this that only He can bring.

Maybe, in their youthful exuberance for life, they were doing things a little too fast or without the caution that comes from years of experience; which comes from seeing these sad things happen too often; which, in turn, makes us older and more cautious, but little wiser. They were doing what all young people do and oblivious to the consequences. Those left behind to grieve will wonder why this could happen to their friend. Maybe they were listening to the comforting words of the pastor,, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways...As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isa. 55:8-9.

Summer will be here. The FCCLA team will go to Florida for nationals--something Paige was so looking forward to. Kids will ride four-wheelers a little too fast, take risks, drive to summer jobs without caution, forget to watch for oncoming cars when crossing the street, and do all the things we did, and survived, when we were young. And, then school will start again. For Paige's family and many friends, there will be a void that won't be filled. For many--teachers and students alike--an empty desk, a name in the roll book, a missing club president, a lost cheerleader, will again remind them of Paige's spirit and what they are missing.

And, Keith, Angie, and Kent. We give you our love and prayers. God gives you His love and His word.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you...Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Isaiah 43:2,5

Finding the Good Times

Buffalo River Memories

Do you listen to the nightly news? Wouldn't you like to throw something at that anchorperson who, almost cheerily, reports, "gas prices have reached another all-time high today"? Doesn't your heart break at the latest reports on war casualties, or news that another child was molested? Isn't it maddening to hear about celebrities gone wild? While we know these things exist and have to be dealt with, it is comforting to realize that there is still good news out there.

Here is my version of the nightly news:

This weekend, an extended family from the Springfield area found relaxation and made wonderful memories at Mountain Springs Cabins. They resolve to come back again and pick up where they left off. Their hike to Hawksbill Crag was a highlight of the trip.

Saturday, a Mountain Springs family, ages 18 months to 96 years of age, celebrated an early Mother's Day, and a few birthdays. On Friday, part of the group was spotted at Branson Landing dining at Bass Pro's White River Outpost Restaurant on Lake Taneycomo. They were photographed as they relaxed by the "dancing" fountain energizing with caramel lattes and brownies. They were later seen walking through the parking lot carrying a large number of shopping bags and lots of happy memories. When asked to comment, they said they would return someday--with more money!

Sunday morning in Newton County was a day for many people to worship the Lord in one of the many churches throughout the county. Though there was still room for more, there was a sweet spirit as they sang and praised God for safety from the recent storms and abundant rainfall that will mean a good hay crop. Those in attendance were thankful for jobs, families, and being able to be in the Lord's House on such a beautiful day in the Ozarks.

Sunday afternoon, two deleriously happy grandparents took their grandson, with his parents, picknicking at Steel Creek Campground on the Buffalo National River. While there, little Jack Henry was introduced to the the joy of skipping (throwing) rocks in the river--a pastime for all ages who visit the river. They hope to be blessed with the pleasure of returning many more times to watch as he improves his skills at rock skipping. He is reported to have said "PopPop", which 'some' people interpret to mean "I Love my Pops, especially when he rides me on the tractor".

Today, with the Lord's help, we can expect more extremely wonderful spring weather, bluebirds singing at the window, goldfinches and hummingbirds by the dozens at the feeders, cattle contentedly grazing on the hills, flowers blooming in the backyard, and peace on the mountain.

Count your blessings! I am counting mine right now.

From the rising of the sun, to its going down, the Lord's name is to be praised.

Psalm 113:3

Springtime Notes

Negotiating the slide on Highway 103 near Mountain Springs Cabins

The above picture was taken this week. We have watched this slide since last summer when it was only a bump in the road. The recent rains have turned it into a major hole--one of the biggest potholes you will find anywhere. And you think you have potholes on your street!! So far there have been no accidents. The highway people are watching it daily, but say it will have to dry up quite a bit in order to make repairs. Many people believe this is the result of clearing the mountainside (the downhill side) of all trees. Several years ago it was woodlands.

The Trumpeter Swans have left the valley--hopefully for their summer home in the north. In the meantime, the tremendous rains of late have resulted in a beaver dam breaking, which made much of the pond water drain out. Again, it is what happens when man intervenes with nature. Several years ago someone trapped all the beavers from the pond, and now the dams they were keeping up have broken.

On a happy note: the little female bluebird is still watching me from the window. She sits on a chair and keeps me company while I do my Bible study each morning. (This is absolutely the truth!) Her suitor is trying very hard to convince her to move into the nearby house that we set up on the porch rail. It is only a few feet from her perch at the window. This morning I saw a sweet little bluebird moment. I actually watched him as he brought her a tasty? (in the bluebird world) tidbit. She was perched on the rail and he flew up and put the worm/bug in her beak. She accepted it gratefully, which probably encouraged him immensely. Jack says she will set up housekeeping when it is time. He also said the little fellow must be madly in love to put up with such a crazy female!! Of course, he was referring to birds only. (Not to any humans we might know!)

The storms and rains haven't slowed down springtime. It's here! We are taking a hike in the afternoons on those beautiful days in between the rains to look at wildflowers and check for morel mushrooms. We did a short hike up Leatherwood Creek starting at Beaver Jim's cabin across the low water bridge at Ponca. Beautiful! Have seen many flowers, few mushrooms!

We have not inherited the earth from our fathers, we are borrowing it from our children.

Native American Saying

Hikes, bikes, and flower gardens

Camille on the Hideout Hollow Trail near the Buffalo River

Jack and I are planning an early spring hike to McFerrin Point near Compton, on Saturday. It is our favorite, and one we always do in the spring when the turkeys are gobbling. We have hiked this trail in snow too. The view is always breath taking! If the weather is clear, you can see down into the fields along the river. If there is fog hanging in the valley, the scene with the sun coming up is spectacular.

Since Hideout Hollow is near by, we usually do that one too. The falls there should be flowing. These are two hikes we recommend to our guests. They are not too extreme for inexperienced hikers, but full of photo opportunities. Check in next week for a report on our excursions.

A bike trip is also in the plans. My friend, Darlene, convinced me to get a bike last year so we could ride the valleys (not the mountains!). I lucked out when I found a good bike--one with all the gears-- at a sidewalk sale at Walmart with a price tag of $11. I have certainly gotten my money's worth from that bike, even though I really can't get the hang of all those gears!

On our trip to Little Rock last week, I purchased an old, fat-tire bike--the kind I remember riding as a child--at a pawn shop in Perryville. I had planned to use it as "yard art" (something my city-dwelling son can't understand! ) It has a large basket for pots of flowers, and other neat features. However, the more I look at it, the more I am thinking I might ride it. The man who sold it to me said, "all it needs is new tires" (paint job not withstanding!) If you are driving through Boxley Valley, or along Highway 103 and see a vintage bike (I won't admit to 'vintage" rider). Just give a "HONK" and I will wave and move over!

More outdoor activities are coming up. The days of watching a dormant flower bed from the window and feeling smug that I don't have any yardwork to do is over. Little green shoots are making their way up through that new layer of mulch. Many are weeds, or "extras" and must be dealt with. Every year I am amazed at the number of plants that propogate by seed or roots and come back to the point of making themselves a nusiance. But, I still say "there is no such thing as too many flowers".

Jack helped me clean out the water garden near the steps. I am always a little leary of that job, since I never know for sure what may be lurking under those water soaked leaves and rocks. This year it was only an unlucky frog who probably thought he had found a great new place to spend the winter. Soon I will have the fountain bubbling and little fish swimming happily in their new home.

Wow! Thinking about all these activities makes me tired! But, ready to get out of doors and do something!

This is the day that the Lord has made,

we will rejoice and be glad.

Psalm 118:24

A Day In the Mountains Is Like...

Curious Bluebird

The outdoors was calling---wind, the dogs, the birds, the warm temperatures all seemed to beckon me. There were patches of blue sky showing between puffy, billowing clouds--a sign rain may be moving in tonight. I was reading through a mind-boggling book on how to increase web traffic in one weekend. I am now into my second week and reading! I think I will pull Maags into this. HTML is to much for my mind to sort out!! Besides, my little bluebird friend is waiting at the window.

The curious little female bluebird has been a constant visitor at our windows for at least 3 weeks. We have given up trying to reason with her. No, little bird, you cannot make your nest in our house this year! Last year she took up housekeeping in a box beside the door. It was a birdhouse meant to be just a part of my outdoor decorations. She had other ideas and persuaded her beloved to join her in making her home as close to humans as possible. We startled her quite a few times when we opened the door just a few feet away from the nest. Nevertheless, despite dogs, humans, slamming doors, and other bothersome things that would have run most birds away, the bluebird couple managed to raise a couple of fine little ones.

We never knew exactly when the babies left the nest. We heard little chirps coming from the box when we walked by for a week or two. Then, one day while we weren't at home, our bluebird guests moved out. We think we saw the babies several times in nearby trees, flitting and fluttering, trying out their new wings. It is always interesting to see mom and dad devotedly bringing the independent little things their bug-meals just as they did when they were babes in the nest. We never stop being parents!

Look, the winter is past, and the rains are over and gone.

The flowers are springing up, the season of singing birds has come,

And the singing of doves fills the air.

Song of Solomon

A Time for Everything

We are so ready for Spring!! The picture above was taken by Ed last weekend when we had one of our biggest snows of the winter--7 inches! The snow soon melted, and patches of green are showing up everywhere. That is good for our wildlife, who have had a hard time this winter. The deer herd, which was numbering 20 or so last week, has dwindled to a few stragglers who are probably waiting around to see what we plant in the garden. We are discussing what we will have to do to save the garden (and flowers) this year. It is one thing to throw out a little corn for desperate wildlife in the winter, but quite another to offer them an "all you can eat" buffet all summer!

Bluebirds!! Everywhere I look, as walk around our 65 acres, I see bluebirds flitting around our bluebird boxes. We cleaned them out a week ago, and bluebird couples are already moving in. We have one bluebird female who flies up to the window on the porch, attaches herself to the screen, and looks in as if to say she really would like to make her nest in the living room. Maybe she sees the many bird figures and nests I have on display, and thinks she would like to join them!

Jack spotted the first martin scout on a unexpectedly warm day just before the snow hit last week. We quickly got the martin box up. Minutes later the sparrows were checking it out! We have discovered martins will usually run them away when the time comes to move in.

We are planning a wonderful week with cabin guests coming for Spring Break. Besides minding the cabins, we are planning a few hikes to see waterfalls and early spring flora-- maybe even look for morels; do a little garden prep, including planting potatoes--old timers up here say plant potatoes on St. Patrick's Day. And, of course, we will slip in a visit with the grandson and family on Easter.

Remember--There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. Ecles. 3:1

Happy Spring!!

The Littlest Deer

Your unfailing love, O Lord, is as vast as the heavens; your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds...
You care for people and animals alike, O Lord.
How precious is your unfailing love, O God!
All humanity finds shelter in the shadow of your wings.
You feed them from the abundance of your own house,
letting them drink from your river of delights.
Ps. 36

My eye caught a movement outside as I walked by the bedroom window. On closer inspection, I saw a very small deer scraping up the last of the bird seed I had scattered on the ground for the quail. He, no doubt, was hungry as he was scavenging for every crumb left by the birds. He was one of the smallest deer I have seen other than young fawns in the springtime. Jack said he was probably a late summer fawn and born to a young mother. There were no other deer around.

I continued to keep an eye on him the rest of the afternoon. We can only guess as to why he was here alone. Did his mother get killed by a car on the highway? Did he get separated when dogs chased the herd? I worried and watched--hoping he would be reunited with his deer family soon. I didn't want him to wander away from the safety of our place.

After a long while, he meandered around to the front of the pasture, still just outside the yard fence. With almost human like actions, he wandered to the left for a few steps, then turned and walked a few steps in the other direction--just like a lost child. I could almost read his mind-- "where is my mother?" He stomped his foot a few times like deer do when seeing something they don't understand, and he kept looking toward the east pasture where we feed the deer herd every afternoon. I too, was searching for another deer to come to his side. Nothing!

I watched him slowly curl up in the dead grass --a lesson I'm sure he had learned from his mama. He was positioned so he had a good view of the feeding area. Being a patient and trusting little fellow, he seemed to know if he waited in the safety of the grass long enough, help would come. I continued to check on him every time I passed the window (I passed the window a lot!) He was so camouflaged in the brown grass that I often lost him. If I scanned the area long enough, I would see a little ear twitch and, I would be comforted to see him still and waiting. He wasn't sleeping, but watching, trusting, hoping.

Finally, I couldn't wait for regular feeding time. I fired up Jack's four-wheeler--the sound the deer recognize as "feeding time", and drove to the feeding area to put out some corn. It didn't take long. I saw the little fellow standing, within a few yards of the four-wheeler, watching me from the edge of the trees. As I left, he was already out and nibbling the scattered corn. My question now was--where were the others?

The herd finally came, a few at a time from every direction. We think there was something, probably dogs, that scattered the herd that day. I watched as the "littlest deer" blended into the herd. I could never tell if his mother was one of the group. However, I was relieved to see him the next afternoon come up the hill, on time, with the rest of his "family". I will continue to keep an eye out for our "littlest deer". And, I believe Someone else is doing the same.