We believe we've found our homestead/ranch

Byron and I have looked for over 1 1/2 years at different properties, including raw land, land with homes, land with too much timber, land with creek bottoms and on flood plains. I must admit that Byron is a difficult person to please when it comes to picking out something like land. I would be much more easily convinced by some pieces we've seen in the past if I didn't have Byron to disagree with my opinion and point out why. At times I was a little bit upset about his opinions, but truly I am grateful for what I've learned from him. I figured that when we found a place that was truly fit for what we want to do and how we want to live a self sustaining life, Byron would be able to pick it out and I would readily agree to it.

Friday, we took off in the morning after my conference call with my colleagues from the university. We put the cooler in the back seat, I brought my purse, and both of us dressed in our jeans and shirts. We thought we would be back later that night so we did not pack anything else except our cowboy boots (you never know when you'll need them!). Byron also brought the shotgun and Deer rifle (30 ott six) and 22 caliber handgun. We hid them behind the back seat with the handgun in between the front seats.

The night before we left, I had gathered together several printed copies of what I had found on the real estate websites. We were looking to stay under a certain dollar amount, but we wanted at least 100 acres. I copied at least 8 listings. They were in Northeast Texas - around Gilmer, Mount Pleasant, Quitman and Pittsburg. If you look on a Texas map, the area is close to Longview and Marshall - not far at all from the Louisiana border. I grouped the properties together in the order we should go to them - starting with Gilmer. I felt extremely prompted to put these papers together so that we would be organized before spending time driving over. I didn't want to waste any time. Byron didn't think we needed to print anything out, but I did.

Although Byron was raised in Texas and had been to most locations, he had never been to the northeastern corner. As we drove closer, I was impressed with the beauty - it reminded me of Washington - lots of green trees and rolling hills. Texas is not famous for rolling hills, especially around Dallas, Fort Worth and Houston. I suddenly realized that besides missing my children who still live in Washington, I had also missed the beauty of the land. It was refreshing to see that Texas had a similar appeal! And we were going to spend the day looking for our future ranch property!

The most appealing place that we read about was a piece that was outside of Gilmer. It was 189 acres and had been a dairy. There were a lot of outbuildings that we would find useful, and the description was enticing. We drove out to the location listed. We did not see any real estate signs, so we went to the Upshur County courthouse in Gilmer for more information about the owners. They directed us to the appraisal office which was a mile down the road. The girl and woman behind the desk were very helpful. They showed us the property from a plat map and a very large aerial view of the land. She warned us that it was mostly all creek bottom, which left very little for farming and homesites. We had been looking on the wrong side of the road. Christy, the young lady who was the receptionist, was very helpful. She looked up another address that we wanted to look at and informed us that she knew the people very well. In fact, the couple who owned it were elderly - the wife was one of her schoolteachers who had since retired! She gave us their home phone number, assuring us that they were very sweet people and that they had other properties for sale as well, which I had no information of.

We went back out to the dairy farm property to take another look. Indeed, the land gently sloped downward into one of the main creeks in the area. Most all the land was in creek bottom. The outbuildings were in very poor shape and would have to be torn down anyway. We decided to check out the one property of the elderly couple that we had an address on. It was similar - a run down house with land that sloped downward behind the home and into a creek bottom.

Creek bottom isn't always a bad thing, especially if the main reason to buy the property is because of hunting. There is excellent hunting in the creek bottoms - wild hog, wild turkeys and other fowl. But for our purposes, we needed mostly good pastureland with sparse trees and several good homesites that would not be in danger of flooding. Outbuildings are good, but only if in good condition. Otherwise, it can be an expense to dump the material or burn it.

We were driving back into town from the first property of the couple's when I noticed a last name on a mailbox which was familiar. After looking at the paper that Christy gave us at the appraisal office, I realized that it was the same last name! I told Byron. We pulled over down the road and called the couple. It was the same couple! They owned about 600 acres in the area and what we saw was only a piece! They invited us over to discuss what other property they had available. After visiting for a while, we decided to look at another piece of theirs which was 140 acres. It was down the road only a mile.

Neal McCurry (the elderly man) lead us in his truck to view it from the road. It was enormous - but difficult to see the whole thing due to a tree line which diagonally divided it in half along a creek. He then drove us around the back of the property from another road and we saw the rest of it. It was a very large piece - just a little part in the middle that went down to a creek, but the slope did not involve the whole property. It was really pretty, but it was getting dark so we decided we'd come back in the morning and drive it.

We stayed in a hotel in Gilmer. We weren't prepared, but decided that wearing the same clothes the next day, including underwear, was just going to have to happen. We felt that we had to stay over so that we could continue our search.

The next morning we ate breakfast at a local diner (a great place to meet the people who have been there for a long time) and drove over to the 140 acre piece we were shown from the road the day before. The property was covered in goat weed - which was about four feet tall. There was very little grass. We could tell that it hadn't been mowed or seeded in many years. Still, it was a pretty piece. There was a small house near the road that went with it, but from the looks of it, it appeared to be in pretty bad shape. We certainly weren't interested in living in a home in such ill repair as we have been for the past two years!

We decided to look at the other properties I had sheets for and look at another one. We started down the road to Quitman. It wasn't very far - about 31 miles. The country remained appealing - beautiful rolling terrain and lots of trees, but mostly open pasture. There were signs to lakes in the area, although we didn't see any from the road.

We arrived at the address off of Highway 69 about 1pm. The house was on the corner and was well shaded with large trees which seemed to protect the house. We read the description of the property and looked at the buildings just to be sure we were in the right place. We were. Byron knocked on the door but no answer. We heard a radio playing but there was no furniture or signs of someone living there. We looked around the yard and barn a little bit. There were three donkeys that had wandered into the barn from the outside area. They kept their distance but remained curious. We saw a Century 21 sign in the front yard and called the local office. We were referred to Mandy, who made arrangements with us to come by at 3pm and show us the inside of the house. We asked if it was alright if we drove around the property and she thought it was alright.

There were several areas that were cross fenced. We started with the gate behind the house and drove around. The property went on and on! The pastures were not seeded but were mowed which revealed a good covering of coastal grass underneath. There were several areas with a good balance of trees - perfect for homesites and shade for grazing animals. A creek ran through and separated at one point, but both were almost dry. I saw a coyote running along the tree line but it quickly disappeared. Cattle were grazing at various locations. It was picturesque! We could not see the boundary on one end due to the thick forest. We drove through several gates and into other open pastures. We were amazed, as each gate we went through seemed to reveal more and more of what we have been looking for! Byron was actually getting really excited - a rare thing for him when it came to looking for land. I started to allow myself to get excited too!

We went into town after we drove around the pastures for almost an hour. We saw a road named "Sissy Spacek Dr" and wondered why her name showed up on a street! Was she a local resident now? Or did they film "Carrie" here years ago? I hoped not, as that movie scared me too much!

Byron had to go into Brookshire's to get medicine for a bee sting he got out at the property. I immediately identified a store called "Stitchin' Heaven", of which I walked right over too. It sounded like a sewing store. And indeed it was - a WONDERFUL quilting store! It was the largest I've ever been in, complete with very large selection of fabrics, as well as a back room for classes! I was in heaven, just as the name implied! I met a few ladies in the store, one of which was LDS and a member of the local ward! We found out where the church building was. She also told us that this particular quilting store was named one of the top 10 quilting stores in the nation! WOW!! Right in Quitman, and only about seven miles from the property we liked so well! Okay, so I found another place to meet local ladies besides church.....

Mandy met us out at the house at 3pm. We went inside and were pleased to see that it was very clean, although the place smelled a little funny due to being vacant for over a year. Still, it would just need the AC turned on, windows opened and humans living in it again! Although our plans are to build our own home, this would be sufficient for now. It would make a nice place for guests to stay after our home was built - or a place for one of you kids to stay in during a visit or as you were contemplating about whether or not you would enjoy living on a ranch....The home was only two bedrooms and 1 3/4 bath, but it would be good to start with. The workshop outside was well built and fairly new. Byron would be able to put his expensive set of tools out there with plenty of room to grow! Okay, so he buys more tools while I buy more fabric at Stitchin' Heaven - a good arrangement if you ask me!!

I took a few pictures of the property, but not any of the open pastures (I just forgot). There is only 10% trees/creek bottom to this property, which is not a lot but perfect for hunting! There are deer out here too, but we didn't see any. Mandy even told us that black bears have been sighted! We'll have to be mindful of our little calves that might wander off away from the herd.

I cannot seem to find the button to attach pictures at this time. I will look more later!

Incidentally, I looked up Sissy Spacek when we got home. She was born in Quitman, Texas, but does not currently live here. Now we know why that street was named after her!

More later - hopefully to upload the pictures of the property that we took!

Love you all------we are now in the process of asking our Heavenly Father for confirmation of our decision to pursue purchasing this property. Pray for us - for all of us - this place could be a safe haven for us all when times get really tough.

Chilly Day Chili

This was definitely a family favorite of the Manley kids! Jon had asked me for the recipe a few months ago - so here it is!

Chilly-Day Chili

3 cups chili beans (recipe below) or 2 (16 ounce) cans chili beans
1 pound ground beef
1 cup chopped onion
1 cup chopped celery
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons flour
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons salt
12 ounces tomato juice
10 ½ ounces beef broth
28 ounce crushed tomatoes

Chili Beans:
1 ½ cups dried pinto beans or red beans
3 cups water
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
½ cup chopped onion
1 tablespoon chili powder
2 tablespoons taco sauce

Prepare chili beans. Brown ground beef, add onion, celery and garlic to beef and 2 tablespoons drippings. In a small bowl, combine flour, chili powder, salt. Sprinkle over browned beef, gradually stir in tomato juice and beef broth. Pour into warm beans. Chop tomatoes and add. Bring to boil. Simmer 15 minutes.

Chili Beans –
Cook until soft, 3 cups water and salt. Saute onion and stir in chili powder and taco sauce. Add to onion. Add mixture to beans. Simmer 1 – 1 ½ hours.

Ya gotta try this gumbo recipe - totally delicious!

One of the goals I set for myself this summer was to create/alter a soup type recipe that would be a lifetime favorite. Although the heat of Texas was unbearable outside, I spent a little time inside trying a few different gumbo recipes. Since moving here almost two years ago, I have grown to love southern and cajun cooking. I have always loved soups and chilis - my kids remember me cooking up our favorite chili several times. I will be posting that recipe today as well.

The story behind the cajun tradition of gumbo originated in the early 1800's. There was a lot of French influence in the creation of this dish, but with input from residents of Louisiana to make it what it is today. The word "gumbo" actually means "okra". It is used as a thickener, as okra is very viscous inside (slimy). A group of people would get together and the host would prepare the roux and broth. Each guest would bring an ingredient to put in it - mainly greens, vegetables, meat or seafood, which would be added to the broth. It reminds me of a combined potluck dish! Then all would sit down to enjoy it with a side dish of rice. Some say that the host would meet and befriend as many new people in the next year as the ingredients in the gumbo!

Byron is an excellent judge of taste, and after his first bite of this soup, he was raving about it non stop for an hour! I was pleasantly surprised, as he usually is very complimentary, but adds in another seasoning or spice to what I've made (since my sense of taste is still lacking). This time, though, he said that it was perfect and didn't need anything added!! Woo hoo!! This is our new family favorite!

Here is the recipe. I call it "Gumbo Number Five". Enjoy!

Gumbo Number Five!

Ingredients –
3 lb whole chicken
½ pound pork sausage (no corn syrup)
One cup olive oil
One cup organic white flour
One tablespoons fresh garlic, minced
Three quarts organic chicken broth
One – 12 ounce can/bottle of non alcoholic beer
Six stalks celery, diced
One roma tomatoes, diced
One sweet onion, diced
Four cups okra, frozen
One– 10 ounce can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers (with liquid)
One Tablespoons dried parsley (or 1 bunch fresh)
One teaspoon gumbo file
¼ cup Cajun seasoning (I use Tony Chachere’s)
14 ounce package frozen shrimp – remove tails

Prepare ingredients:
1) Boil whole chicken in water until done. Remove chicken from broth, cool then cut into pieces, removing skin and bones. Keep two cups of broth. Set meat and broth aside.
2) Cut sausage into ¼ inch pieces. Set aside.
3) Mince fresh garlic and set aside.
4) Dice celery, tomatoes and onion. Set aside.

Prepare the roux: (this is the key ingredient to gumbo – do not burn!)
1) In a cast iron skillet or heavy bottom saucepan, heat olive oil until warm. Whisk in flour, stirring constantly, breaking up any chunks of flour. Do not stop stirring.
2) It takes about 15 minutes for the roux to reach the ideal consistency and color. Stir constantly until the roux has the appearance of cream in coffee, but just a little bit more dark brown. There should be no clumps. It will smell rich but not burnt. Set aside.
**If you should burn the roux, discard and start over**
3) Add minced garlic to the roux and stir for a few seconds.

Assemble the gumbo:
In a large heavy bottomed soup pot, pour in the roux with garlic, chicken broth, reserved broth and beer. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally so the roux mixes in well with the broth and beer. Add celery, roma tomatoes, onion, okra, canned diced tomatoes with green chile peppers, parsley, gumbo file and Cajun seasoning. Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring often.
Mix in prepared chicken, sausage and shrimp into the broth and vegetable mixture. Cook, stirring frequently, about 20 minutes.
Serve over rice – our choice is long grain white rice!
When completely cooled, the gumbo can be frozen in smaller containers.

We are proud of Steven

We have all heard that Steve will be deployed next month to a destination unknown at this time. The initial response is "oh no, not now", but is there ever a good time? No.

When Steve or others are commissioned into the military they agree, first, to be a soldier. Thankfully, Steve will not be on the "front lines" but there is no doubt that the area of which he will work will not be 100% safe either. Truly, though, there are many places that we go every day that are no more safer either, we just don't notice it at the time.

I am proud of him and the fine example of a man that he has set for our family. In my books, he is top notch! I could have never picked out a finer young man for Lindsay to meet and marry! Who would have guessed that his arrival on our doorstep that one July day in 2002 selling Living Scriptures would have turned out this way? THANK YOU HEAVENLY FATHER FOR GUIDING HIM TO OUR FAMILY!! He literally just came to our doorstep and the rest is history-----that story still amazes me!

Steve and Lindsay - wedding day July 12, 2003

I am very grateful for the time he took to take me King Salmon fishing while on my visit up there in June. We had some good conversations - and I know we'll have many more in the future. Steve patiently waits "in the wings" when our family gets together, as we all get a little excited and crazy when we get to see one another. I don't want him to think we're ignoring him, because we're not. He just stands by and smiles happily as we have our conversations and he takes care of the girls' needs if they are loud and demanding. What a guy---

Oftentimes, these times away from each other bring about a much stronger union when reunited. Lindsay and Steve are so close - they know how to have fun, they are equally committed to the family and raising of their children, and there is laughter in the home. Laughter is essential to long term contentment and happiness! This time away will be challenging and difficult, but I have no doubt whatsoever that they will both grow in their love from this experience!

Lindsay is a strong young woman who may be a bit crude on the outside, but has a heart full of love for the Saviour and her family. We can all band together to help them both get through this six month period! Thank goodness for Skype---

Steve, my hat off to you and what you and others are doing to protect our nation the best way possible. I will always be proud of you!!

Love, Valerie/Mom (whatever you want to call me)

Layover in Washington

Part of my Alaska trip in June was to purposely spend a nine hour layover in Seattle on my way up to Anchorage (thanks to excellent planning on Lindsay and Steve's part!). Of course, spending time with my kids is one of my favorite things to do! Here are a few pictures of this trip:

Here is Karina, Myself and Ava    June 2010

I was able to catch Karina before she had to go to school. Although our visit was short, I was thankful for the time she took out of her busy day to spend time with mama!!

Although it wasn't good that Jon was unemployed for four months, it was still good timing that he was available to pick me up at the airport during my layover and take me down to their apartment and spend some time together!! Here is a pic of the cute little family (which will be one more in January!)

Many, Jon and Ava    June 2010

I was surprised at how long and beautiful Many's hair was! As cute as Ava is, you can bet that this little one in the oven will be gorgeous as well! Gee, I wish my hair could grow out long and thick like that - Lindsay also has beautiful thick hair!

Here are a few shots of me with Jon and Many separately:

Time is precious when you are with family!! I wish that all of our kids lived closer....keep dreaming Mom...

Found my Alaska pics!

Apparently I had mislabeled these pictures! Here are a few to look at:

A beautiful family!! Love them all!

 

We were at a glacier that day. Fun day trip!

Little Sage - ultimate munchkin! Lots of smiles when you look at her!

I would post more, but I've got to get ready for church!

Fun in Alaska

Sweet little Brynn - looks like a mini-Lindsay here

 I know that I am posting this over a month later, but I wanted to share some memories and pictures that I took while visiting Steve, Lindsay, Brynn and Sage in Alaska. Thanks to them for flying me up there! Although I lived in the state closest to Alaska all of my life (Washington), I had never once been farther north to the 49th state. It is beautiful country - majestic mountains, wildlife, amazing fishing - incredible! Steve and I went King Salmon fishing one day, but due to just plain bad luck and a reel that decided to fall apart, we did not catch anything. I still had a great time enjoying the experience and watching a few others catch their limit for the day (which is one king salmon if it was over 16 inches).

Lindsay and I have always talked about getting together to sew and do crafty things. We have that in common! Most of what we were able to accomplish was later in the evening after the munchkins went to bed. Lindsay had just received a preview of a logo for her new business "L P designs". It looked great! Her hair bows, burp rags and bibs are going to be a hit at the store that will have them on consignment .

We attended a quilting class at the ward building in Eagle River and learned how to make a fourth of July table top runner. Unfortunately, our preparations for the class (in order to save time) ended up costing us more time as we tried to fix our errors during the class! We did get some done back at the house, but I took mine home to Texas and finally finished it here yesterday!

 I would love to visit them again in Alaska, and I hope Byron can come next time! He would love the fishing and the beautiful surroundings, and to get to know Lindsay and her family better.

I have more pictures that I wanted to post, but I cannot find the file on my computer at this time. I sure hope that I can locate them! I will post more once I do.