B'Gak!

That's chicken talk for 'I'm Back!', just in case you didn't know what B'Gak meant.

Back in the cornfields.

Back in the flock.

Back.

I made the trip in record time. 8.75 hours. I only allow myself one stop. You know...since I've been blogging, I'm realizing how incredibly weird I am.

When I pulled in the driveway, Glenco was out in the yard to welcome me home. The chickens heard my voice and came RUNNING. I've never seen them run so fast. They surrounded me.

Oh how big and pretty they looked. They genuinely seemed happy to see me!

Except Scooter.

Have you ever been scolded by a chicken? It's not fun. Scooter followed me back to the house, while the other girls enjoyed the cracked corn I gave them. When I got to the back door, and Scooter was still sitting there, I bent down and picked her up. I swear I wish I had an audio of her. She was clucking and bawking up a storm. I know she was scolding me for leaving her! I could hear "What do you think you are doing being gone so long? Do you realize how I've been mistreated? Stubs is still giving me wet willies, and Fifi won't let me near the water!" I just nodded and said 'Oh my, I see, I'm so sorry". This chicken needs me. I love it.

You can't ever tell me again that chickens aren't intelligent.

So, I'm back.

Back to my apron, my clothes on the line, my kitties (yes, I'm keeping that little one, that makes four), back to my bread baking, cooking and home schooling.

The power of the apron.

All I can say is 'apron up girls'. Apron up. I love being a woman of the apron. I would say it's a calling. I have much, much more to say about that...but it's for another post.

I'll finish this up by showing you the reasons I love Missouri. It's a VERY long drawn out story of how family ended up in Missouri, I'll spare you that, but show you these pics.

My cousin Jim. I love you. Even after dragging me to a football game in a downpour. I actually had fun. I'll never admit that to your face though, and continue to hold the date 10-29-09 over your head for eternity.

Trevor Keckler. I love you too. You are growing up to be such a fine, wonderful young man. Your dad is so proud of you. Thanks for holding that umbrella over me for two hours, and helping me out of the bleachers.

Zack Keckler. Love you too dude. You are so, so much fun.

This is my oldest sister Vivian. She lives in an assisted living program. She is mentally handicapped. She is HYSTERICAL. I get such a kick out of this girl. She is a survivor on so many levels. She's survived Stage Four vaginal cancer that spread into her colon. I'll have to do a blog post about her one day, soooooo many funny stories.

I love you Vivvie.

This is the Arnhart Cemetery in East Purdy, Missouri where my mom, dad, uncle and aunt are buried. It's a nice little quiet spot at the end of country road.

My mom's birthday is coming up. Oh how I miss my mother. I continue to learn life lessons from her. I can't wait to see her again. I wish I knew her better here on earth. She was one in a million.

I love you mom.

My beloved Aunt Jean is here. I'm still a little miffed at her for up and leaving me with no warning. I'll fuss at her when I see her next, much like Scooter fussed at me yesterday. I needed her the way Scooter needs me. The love I have for Momma Jean is inexplicable.

I love you Aunt Jean.

My dad is there. My dad was a real character. He liked to laugh, and was able to make me laugh a lot. He suffered so much. Mentally and physically. I'm happy he's at rest now.

When I think of my dad now, I mainly feel sadness.

I love you Dad.

Perhaps now you'll understand why Missouri is like home to me.

If your parents are alive, and you can go visit them, count yourself to be very blessed. If you've any issues with them, put them aside, make reconciliation, go....love them. If you can go 'home', go. It feels weird when you can't anymore.

As always friends, it's so nice sharing my little corner of the world with you. I have a little uterine surgery tomorrow, so I'll be down a couple of days. I plan to get caught up on the emails you've sent, and read your blogs and comment as well~! If you can, think of me tomorrow morning about 9:30....

Night night.