“Ooooooklahoma were the wind comes sweeping down the plains”… can’t seem to get that song out of my head, because man does the wind ever come sweeping across the plains. It really is a beautiful state even when it is shades of brown and red. As I sit in the RV tonight it is our final night in Oklahoma. The winds are literally howling outside and we are under a wind warning for gusts up to 50mph with rain. Now y’all (I can say that cause I am getting closer to the south) I don’t know if you have ever experienced 50 mile an hour winds in an RV, but lets just say it is only magnified significantly by the wonderful Oak tree that we are sitting under that is dropping acorns at a startling rate. It kinda sounds like little bombs being dropped randomly on our heads as we sway in the breeze. Okay that might be a little exaggeration, but it is not peaceful or very relaxing. But thankfully the boys are all asleep and I can only pray that they stay that way.
OK! 😉 Since we last checked in we have visited Pawhuska, OK the home of the Pioneer Woman. For those of you who know my love of the Food Network this was a big one for me to check off. We drove out to the Drummond Ranch and visited the Lodge were they film all the shows. It was super fun to see some of the behind the scenes kitchen and tour the whole Lodge. Then we went back into town and went to lunch at The Mercantile, her restaurant, which was delicious! Luke has a love of chicken fried steak and is a connoisseur of sorts. So of course it was on the menu so he must give it a try. Unfortunately, it is also the most expensive item on the menu because it is made with a RIB EYE. But when the cook fails to see it on the ticket and Luke had to wait an extra 15 minutes for it to come….you get it for free!!! The customer service was fantastic and everything was delicious. I had the Buffalo Chicken Sandwich with a blue cheese coleslaw that was perfect. Also, the quart jar that they bring your sweet tea or lemonade in is only $.25!! I am not even kidding.
Next we headed down to Oklahoma City to visit my Great Aunt and Uncle. We had a great time exploring a nature center, visiting the Express Clydesdales Ranch, eating ice cream, and oh ya know just going to church with SANDI PATTY!! All the childhood memories of singing her songs at the top of my lungs with my sisters!! I mean come on. It was pretty cool, the sermon was fantastic, and we got 1 & 3 to go to Sunday School. I would say it was a massive win all the way around.
Next we headed down to Chickasaw Recreational Area Park for some much needed time to relax and do nothing. It has felt like we have been constantly going and hurrying and moving to get to the next thing. When we told Tucker last night that today was going to be nothing but digging in the dirt and riding bikes he said, “my heart is so full of love for you right now”. Ok, so I think the poor little guy has been having a rough time adjusting. Sure enough, they were up and outside digging at 7am after holding them back inside since 5:30. Don’t worry every single one of us was asleep by 7:45 the night before. We are living the crazy night life around here. I think the exhaustion from the last couple months is still messing with us. We also got our first family bike ride in today. Luke got me a sweet new Huffy. It’s mint green. I am still getting to know her so I haven’t come up with a name yet, but I think we will be friends. Although in full disclosure, I have not been on a bike in easily over 5 years. As I am sitting in bed typing this I can already feel my muscles asking what the heck I decided to do to them today. Don’t worry little muscles you will get stronger. Today was the kind of day we were hoping for as we started out on this journey. We spent time watching the boys dig roads, we walked to the lake and threw rocks into the water for a shocking amount of time, and we rode our bikes and enjoyed being a family and teaching the boys new things. It was a great day.
Well, it just past 8:00pm and I am feeling the waves of tired start to come, so as I sign off and get ready to lay in bed and listen to the little bombs drop on my head, I am reminded of Thankfulness. Thanksgiving is in two days and I have so much to be thankful for. This year Thanksgiving will be different as we spend it with extended family that we haven’t seen in a long time in Dallas. We are excited to spend time with them and are so thankful for not having to eat in the RV. But of course I will be thinking of home, missing mom and family and having dinner around the familiar table. Nothing is the same this year and going back to normal isn’t even an option anymore. Only forward. Only new. While that is an exciting idea the reality of not being able to go home to our house anymore is a tough one. I know we will make a new home in a real house again someday, but I have been missing our home on W 68th. But missing and regret are two very different things. I am not regretting our decision because I know so clearly this is what we are called to right now, but that doesn’t change the loss of a loved home. So as I think of Thanksgiving to come and what thankfulness and gratitude really mean I have many things to ponder and reflect upon. Like thank you God for wind and Oak trees, just not together.
Live your Adventure,
Julie
Of all the things I’ve learned the last two years in MN, one of the biggest lessons is that “missing and regret aren’t the same thing.” I hear you! Loved the post, friend! ❤️
Wow, you are having quite the experience! I was wondering about your travels in the wind gusts I have been hearing about that seem to be prevalent throughout our country. It has been windy in Maryland but nothing like you described in OK. Thanks for keeping your friends and family so current with life a you know it. Giving thanks to God that you are all safe and doing well. Tucker melted my heart with those words of love to you. What an adventure. My prayers and love are with you, Luke, and the boys each and every day. Love you, Karen
This was an awesome account. We will all have the ‘missing and regret’ experience in life. That was so succinctly worded. And the bike ride…I remember the first time I rode after many years I nearly fell flat on my face. My legs were jelly! The older we get the more our brain says you can do that and our body just starts laughing! I’m so glad to read this entry…there will be more days like this….and maybe fewer troubles!??
Wow you all are really on an adventure and I am so excited for all the things you have seen and done and experienced already! I am so excited to see where God will lead you next and hear about all of your adventures .
Julie, you have a gift with words. Thank you for sharing your life and adventures. Lovin’ it. Bless you all.
Thanks Pat, I am glad you are following along.