Chubby Checker's getting bigger!

Before my husband left, we had talked about getting some chickens. Yes, its Alabama, yes we live in the country, sort of. This is nothing compared to where I grew up! Anyway...so the chickens. When he was activated, he switched into "Gotta get everything done" mode. That meant rearranging the garage, getting the cars tuned up, showing me the the tricks to get the lawnmower started, and chickens. Within about one day he had built a chicken coupe, fit for the cock or hen of the walk! So we called a number we found in the paper. This led a to a little old lady's house. We now refer to her as the chicken lady. She had hundreds of birds. Guineas, turkeys, ducks, geese, and of course, chickens!
I picked out a big fat red one, Ruby, and a pure white one, Isabell. Made it home with no incidents, and let 'em loose! The minute we put them in the coupe, it shrunk. We knew we had to add another suite to the chicken palace.
So, the next afternoon, we added a very nice front yard completely lined with chicken wire, even the top! Then, we decided we needed a little noise, so we go get a rooster. I picked out a black and white one with red around its head. The chicken lady said it was young, so it might take a few weeks for it to crow. No problem.
We brought Chubby Checker home and introduced him to the lady's. They immediately commence to pecking the hell out of him! Poor guy! But he has since learned how to handle them and seems to be doing ok.
I usually get one egg a day, but today, there was two. I think Isabell is finally catching up to 'ol Ruby. And Chubby Checker, he's getting bigger!!! I can't wait to hear those first few pitiful attempts to show the world he is a man by belting out the equivalent of boy's voice cracking through puberty!!
I had talked my husband about getting chickens for so long. He wanted to be sure that I had them before he left. He is such a good man in that way. Yes, he spoils me, yes he tries to give me everything I want. I wanted love, safety, friendship, fun and trust...He has given me all of that and more....CHICKENS!!!

What a great weekend!!!

My husband actually got to leave for the weekend, well for one night! Hey, I'll take it! We met at the beach because it is a much shorter drive for him than me. I got there Friday and had to wait until Saturday at 3:30 before he arrived. Most people would think its great to be stuck at the beach all by yourself, but I couldn't wait to see him. I count my lucky stars that we can at least see each other every now and then. So many women can't see there loved ones. I know when January comes, I won't see him for a long time. That's why I love all these little visits now.
Anyway, we met at the beach and watched some football first. I didn't complain because he is a big fan. His team won, thank goodness! We then went for a walk on the beach...we were going to go for a run, but after a fews beers watchin the game...no way! Afterwards we just hung out a drank wine and talked forever. We finally left to go eat at about 9:00 pm, lost track of time. We felt like kids again. I guess it was being at the beach, no cares or worries..just being together.
The next morning, we got to watch the sunrise over the ocean from our bed. Beautiful! We had coffee and breakfast and talked some more. What an incredible visit! I realize every time I'm with him what a good man he is and what a good friend. I dread what's coming up..
Well started another week of work. Actually working on my resume. I love my job, but the restaurant industry is so fickle. I work for a bunch of hippie wanna be's...nothin wrong with that...just makes me nervous.
There really isn't much stability in this industry sometimes...unless you do corporate work or country clubs...no thanks. I'm going to try for some test kitchens. There are about four large pulishers here that house test kitchens. I think it would a great job, and much more stable!
It would be a little scary to change jobs while he's gone....but I think I can handle everything at home ok. Thank goodness for school buses!!
Tomorrow's another day........

Marking off the days....

Well, this is the first entry. I've been keeping a journal, but maybe this will be a little more satisfying. Here's the story, my husband was activated in September 2005 to go to Afghanistan in January. Now we have begun a semi-separation because he is a state away for training. Miraculously, he got to come home for our first anniversary last weekend. It was fantastic. Forgot how handsome he is!! Shows you what distance can do.
What made this whole situation worse was he was on again and off again for activation 8 times! Talk about an emotional roller coaster. It wasn't confirmed until three days before he left....so lots of time prepare, HA! I know this is typical stuff for most military wives. I guess it threw us for a loop because of the back and forth. I'm used to worrying about him, he's a police officer in his civilian life. Can't believe I'd ever prefer him to be a cop!!
The other thing is that I don't know any other women in my area who have husbands that are being deployed. Being the National Guard, we are all so spread out. The only information I've gotten is through him. No family readiness officer, nothing. Just a big folder with tons a paperwork and information I've read five times. This may be par for the course. I guess because people were telling me I would get so much information and help in getting ready for his deployment, I thought there would be more communications about what to expect.
I have so many unanswered questions. How do we communicate once he is there? How often can we talk? Can we email? Talk on the phone? I know many of these questions will be answered once he's there...just being impatient.
I'm so glad that we have the relationship that we do. No matter how much I miss him, I know he misses me just as much. I've always told him that I felt like he is with me even when we're miles apart...this will be the real test of that statement. As long as he comes home to me....I can adjust to anything.
I've already repainted almost every room in the house, even the shutters!!! Got my fall garden going, we even got chickens right before he left. As the weather turns cooler, it makes me a little sad not to have him to snuggle with. We had our honeymoon this time last year, so the weather brings back memories.
All in all, not too bad so far. I know it will be worse when he leaves the country..but I'll deal with that when it comes. Tomorrow's another day.......