Possibilities...

Remember when I posted this picture of Facebook and thought it was funny?  The question I thought would come up, and never did, was how I came across this picture.

I have been in an intense internet research project about Ghana, Africa.  

As you can see, Ghana is in Western Africa, on the coast.  

Why is this interesting you ask?  

Well, we are contemplating moving there.

 We are seriously looking into moving to Accra, the capitol.  We would be joining Vytrak to help build a motorized "cart" for people.  This is an extremely simplified version, and if you'd like to look more into it, www.vytrak.com has a very informative PDF that explains it all!

 In a week, Pat will be going to Pella, Iowa (not the picture!) to have a meeting with the founders of Vytrak and help with a "brainstorming" meeting as well as talk more about what part we can be in this company.  There is a possibility that Pat will be a consultation resource for this meeting and that is all.  There is a possibility that he will help train one of the founders in more welding skills before they go to Africa this fall.

 And then there is the possibility that we will pack a few bags and move to Ghana for a while to help start the manufacture of these vehicles.  

 My mind has been reeling with all the possible changes;  tropical weather (O.K., it's hot and humid all year), population of 2 million in town, major cultural changes, etc.  Because it isn't a sure thing, we are not buying warm-weather wardrobes just yet, but if you think of us, pray that we will have clear confirmation of our next steps, and that our house will sell.  

And we thought the "Alaska to Africa" project was for others...!

My Runway

Seriously.
FRC is the new black.
And in case you don't believe how ravishing of a look this is, I was approached just today and told I looked very beautiful and asked if I was married!  So you see, for all you single friends of mine, I would be more than happy to help you don your wardrobe like mine.  The hardhat really sets it off, and one can be creative with the stickers that are applied to make it individual.  I cannot, however, help you out with the Turnaround card to wear on your lanyard, but I'm sure we could come up with another option.

Post-Turnaround Ramblings

For some unknown reason, it seems that the folks at Tesoro don't like to have their refineries photographed, so we regret that we have no photos to document our lovely time there.  We spent 3-4 weeks working 7 days a week, 12 hour days.  Someday we really should model our FRC's (Fire Retardant Clothing).  They are so flattering.  Especially my coveralls.  On a lighter note, we did enjoy seeing each other throughout the days, and occasionally having lunch together.  That was a nice perk! I found that I thoroughly enjoyed being known as "Pat's Wife" which is especially remarkable as in the oil field, wives are more commonly referred to as "old ladies."  

We have exited that special time in our lives, and have jumped back into real life.  Since the snow and ice were still prevalent at the beginning of Turnaround, we still had on our snow/studded tires.  Today we finally got not only tires switched, but bought a very nice summer set on rims for a very good price!  And to top it all off, I got to put them all on with an impact wrench!  So much easier.

 Pat is working on removing the dog kennel.  Since Bella's passing, we just don't seem to have the ability to send Rowdy out there on his own.  We've become quite the softies.  The snow this year crushed the tin roofing over the kennel, so I guess it's time to go.

 There used to be a heavy storage tent back in the woods.  It too got crushed by the snow this year, and we've been able to clear it away!  Now there is just a perfect little spot for...

 I have begun, albeit a bit late, my gardening.  I have purchased many a flower and filler, but also tried my annual experiment with seedlings.  I am usually terrible with starting plants from seed, but it looks like I will have a great year for kale!

 The snow is still receding, and I am curious to document it's final demise.  A slow painful death is just fine with me.  I am more interested in the little faces that are starting to pop up in my beds!

 The lake has been open since Cinco de Mayo, and with the copious amounts of snow this year, the level has risen markedly.  Fortunately, this dock keeps us above the water so we can enjoy the lily-pad-free lake for a short time!  It's not freezing at night anymore, so it's finally time for the frog to come back out!  It can join the croaking chorus from the other frogs that are singing their throats out!

 Almost every day now, I make my rounds to see my babies poking up out of the ground!  The record snowfall has not had any effect on my flowers, as they all seem to be making their spring debut.  I can't ever wait until the perennials show their stuff, so I like to splurge a little on flowers that bloom all summer like this happy, happy chrysanthemum!

And finally, what could be better than fresh out-of-the-oven chocolate chip cookies?!  Not much on this rainy day!  Yep, it's good to get back to normal!