May 16, 2024

The Dream is coming together.

 The next step is COMPLETE.


Went 'truck' shopping, 

and came back with the perfect rig to pull a trailer and to do events. 



Went to DISCOUNT TIRES in Auburn for New tires, lug nuts and then off to GREASE MONKEY for a fresh oil change. Had all the fluids checked and she's prime. 

Still need to get one tire air pressure sensor replaced, a quick fix to come.

I've ordered and received the trailer plugs, 4 prong and 7 prong plugs. 
My son is going to help me hook them up and make sure they are wired right.
I've ordered the balls for the hitch, the trailer lock.. and now

Today was 'test drive'

 on a 'road trip' and she did great!

First stop was the White River Campground for the night,

 Chanelle loved it! She met a squirrel and a little deer. 
This was her first campfire too.




We then drove down to the Mima Mounds for a photo shoot for Papa, then it was off to Ocean ShoresSadly by the time we got to the ocean it was super windy and raining. So not too much fun on the beach. 

Chanelle would like to recommend 


her favorite water bottle for travels. Make sure you always carry extra water for your fur babies, when traveling! 


 

Super cool and easy to carry along. The little button lets you return what's left back into the bottle. No waste! and lasts longer.

Up next.........

To find the perfect trailer.


~ ~ Let the shopping continue! 

May 7, 2024

The Beginning of

 A New Adventure

Here we go! 


Blessed by God
Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn
Thanks for stopping by
Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails

Updated Summer Schedule

From Mother's Day to July, 

we'll be taking a break, for surgery and time to heal.  

We'll be back in full force after Independence Day! 

July 9th ~ 16th ~ 23rd ~ 30th ~

Hometown Market Tues Nights in Buckley
From 4 pm to 8 pm

July 13th ~
Miner's Day in Black Diamond
From 9 am to 4 pm

July 20th ~ 
Home town BBQ and Brew Fest
@ Ten Trails
From 11 am to 5 pm

August 2nd,3rd,4th ~
Eatonville Art n Music Festival

August 17th n 18th ~
at the Maris Farms Sunflower Days
from 10 am to 5 pm both days

August 23th ~
Sunset Market at Ten Trails
6 pm to 9 pm

August 24th n 25th ~
at the Maris Farms Sunflower Days
from 10 am to 5 pm both days.

September 21st ~
Hometown Hoedown at Ten Trails
10 am to 5 pm

October 26th ~
St Barbara Church in Black Diamond
9 am to 3 pm

More events are being scheduled be sure to check back~ 

Several new images, landmarks and points of interest around Washington, added to the gallery.



Until then
Stay Safe and Happy Trails

May 5, 2024

Let's talk about Animal Rescues

 They are everywhere, and for every kind of animal you can think of.  
Rescues are growing and quickly filling up to overloaded capacity. 


  • Do horses really get shipped for slaughter?
  • Are rescues legit? or just someone making bank?
  • Why do they charge so much?
  • Are the contracts real?
 Yes the auction houses allow shippers to buy 'what's left'. The horses are then transported to Mexico or Canada where they are slaughtered.

 Yes wild horses are rounded up on the native reserves and sold at auctions and to Mexican rodeos. This is a source of income for the tribe. The babies would be left behind to die because they couldn't keep up with the herd. The herd does not return for them. So rescues were formed.

 Yes, horses are bred and in days of old, their babies would be killed so that they could be a substitute mom for Thoroughbred  babies. 
Race horses have specific rules about breeding.
This has been stopped in many places.
We did speak up.

 Yes Mexican rodeos are legal in Washington state. 
We can put a stop to it.
We have to speak up.

 Dogs and roosters are bred for fighting. 
Breeders are the worst!
Something else we can put an end to.
We have to speak up.

Animal abuse is something we the people have the power to put an end to. 
We have to speak up.

Most rescues for horses, dogs, cats and misc farms are LEGIT. Some are not. Visit them. A true rescue allows and encourages visitors. See it for yourself how they care for the animals in their care. 

Why do they charge so much? They are only asking for what they have invested. The rescues take in sick, injured and unwanted animals. They help them heal, restore their faith in humans, and train them towards their full potential. You know what your getting. They have worked with and come to know that animal and it's personality and behavior.

The contract and return policy is for the ANIMALS SAFETY and assurance that they will never SUFFER the trauma that has already been inflicted on their lives. 

We need to ban MEXICAN RODEO'S IN all states.
We need stronger penalties for ANIMAL ABUSE
We can put a stop to the problem
We have to speak up. 


Blessed by God
Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn
thanks for stopping by
Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails

April 30, 2024

April 28, 2024

Life in the 90's to Now ~

 Things were different back then. 

Laws were different.

Woman's rights were different.

Being able to protect yourself, was NOT a legal option.

"Why doesn't she just leave?"


Many therapists urge battered women to leave those abusive relationships. Statistics warn, however, that the greatest violence often follows their departure.

In fact, the Justice Department says the majority of domestic assaults reported to law enforcement take place after the couple separates.

“The statistics are that women in abusive relationships are about 500 many times more at risk when they leave,” said Wendy Mahoney, executive director for the Mississippi Coalition Against Domestic Violence. 

.....

Blaming the victim

Sometimes people ask why battered women don’t leave.

“That’s the wrong question to ask,” Gruelle said. “The question should be, ‘Why does he feel he has the right to abuse, control, terrorize and intimidate her?’”

Domestic violence

  • Every year, more than 3 million women in the U.S. are abused, and more than 1,600 are killed by their abusers.
  • Women are 70 times more likely to be killed in the two weeks after leaving than at any other time during the relationship.


Until you have had to live through it, you really don't know what it's like. 
People are too quick to judge HER, blame her or dismiss her experience 
- especially if she survives. 
You don't know what SHE went through. 


Blessed by God
Life's beautiful @ the Bright side of the Barn
Thanks for stopping by
Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails

April 20, 2024

Patience ~

 





The Famous 2 Weeks!

 Seems everything is a 2 week wait. Even the covid started out as a 2 week quarantine. . 

Down to the final 2 weeks to closing. Most of the moving is done, many things have sold off lightening the load. Change of address under way and reservations for a mini vacation at the time of closing. Doctor appointments and surgeries begin the following week....

Still a lot to do and many 'unknowns' in the process. I was really hoping we could get him settled in before surgery, but it's not to sure at the moment. Still need a few miracles to take place and some stars to align. 

So far there have been blessings too many to count. Things happening in ways we never expected. So much has already been positive and helpful, one can't help but think this too shall work out. 

Blind Faith.

Cats are getting nervous, hanging out in the kennels more. Chanelle has taken to hoarding the cat food and hiding it under the mat in her little cave. She's pretty lost at the moment. We come and go so much, she doesn't know where we belong anymore. 

I must say he's doing pretty good at staying stable with all that's going on. These are the big changes that can make or break a person. It's a bit stressful when the answers don't all add up yet, but as I said, he's doing really well at progressing through this. 

It seems spring has finally started to arrive with chilly winds pushing winter away. A few nights of freezing temps, and plenty of sunshine during the day.... so glad it's now not previously during the cold and rain that 'moving' had to take place.

All this wraps up and ends just before Mother's Day. Not sure where I'll be that weekend. Would have been nice to see the kids before this all comes together. Cause we are not sure where either of us will end up at that point. 

For now all is normal....



Blessed by God
Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn
thanks for stopping by
Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

April 13, 2024

Hanging Close

 Hello, and thanks for stopping by.......

image courtesy of Adobe Photos



 The house - selling, moving.... this is the kind of event that is critical to folks that struggle with changes. I'm hanging close. With all the medical and bleeding and blood clots.... and now cancers, you never know what will happen next. After so many years on medications, I think they too are starting to have effects on his health. So with this added stress, I'm concerned. I carry nitro for his heart just in case!

 While I believe this move will be the best thing for him, once it's done and he's set up and established. The transition part, has been and continues to be - difficult. Unknown variables make it harder to cope, for folks that struggle with change. Not being able to make decisions until the last minute are also difficult. The more you can plan and stick to the plan, the easier the transitions are. The variables ~ 

  Not to mention all the surgeries and biopsy's to come starting next month. The mind can only handle so much on a good day. I keep reminding myself I asked God for help with all this, and as soon as He took over, things started working out. For the most part. Once Papa started agreeing with the logical solutions, God was able to really go to work! 

 Things are happening and it'll be all good on the other side. It's just getting there. Sometimes you feel like giving up, can't handle it, don't want to handle it anymore. I hate the phrase "this isn't fair", cause if I even start to think it, a little voice, reminds me "I never promised fair in this life, need I remind you of all I've done for you?" and I immediately bite my tongue take a deep breathe and dig in again. 

 That little voice has been a loud power in my life, I've learned to listen. 
I know they say your crazy if you hear voices in your head. Read the Bible and you find out God comes to you in 'a little voice'. So it makes sense that society that doesn't believe in God would want to call you crazy for listening to God? That voice has saved my life many times, led me in the right direction, delayed me to spare me, with some near misses..... The list of miracles and blessings are endless. 

 There is light at the end of this tunnel, a future that looks pretty good. Sometimes all we can do is breathe, enjoy the moment, look for the good and keep going. Don't need to understand it all, right now. For now I'm hanging close and making sure he's coping with the process okay. One day at a time. 


Blessed by God
Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn
Thanks for stopping by
Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails. 

April 9, 2024

Looks like this is it.


Praise the Lord! The process of 'selling' the house is over. Now it's just the process of processing the sale ?!

What was thought to be the forever home, 
has turned out to be another stepping-stone in a journey across the river. 
You don't know what your health will do, you can't predict what the world is changing into. You have to be able to adjust, willing to make changes. 

 As the price dropped on the house, so did the plans to buy another one. {I would never want to go through the grief of selling a house. Worst experience mentally ever} Renting an apartment seemed crazy with the cost of rent these days. So buying the travel trailer was the next choice. 

 Now which one. It's been a back and forth battle between two models. And the final decision will be to see what's still there when the money comes. Winner take all. 

 There is a sadness to it. The house was loved. Problem was company never came to visit hardly. Since last August, The grandkids stopped coming over. {edit - school started the end of August} So it's been hard being here.

 I will figure my life issues out, once I get him settled. Right now one can hardly think of themself, with so much going on with him. Doctor appointments and surgeries.. moving and 'changes'... bi polar 1 folks - don't do good with change and stress. 

 If it wasn't for the horse that comes running when I arrive, there wouldn't be much to look forward to these days. She is my sunshine. The rock I'm grounded to.

 Let the countdown begin. There is a closing date, which puts everything on time line..... time to get to it and 'Get er done' I guess. A little over whelmed, thankfully I have lists. And it feels so good to scratch things off as completed!!

 I will finally have him settled into his retirement life and a steady routine on a happy path.

  1. Sign papers
  2. Celebrate
  3. Sign more papers
  4. Get PO Box
  5. Get Storage
  6. Boxes to 'finish' packing
  7. Start turning in 'change of address'
  8. Start taking loads to storage
  9. Sign more papers
  10. Appraisals n Inspection appointments
  11. Schedule end of services, PSE, garbage..
  12. Sign more papers
  13. Finish moving everything to storage
  14. Clean the house, mow the lawn, 
  15. Sign final papers
  16. Wait for funds to transfer
  17. Celebrate the past and toast to the future


Blessed by God 
Life's confusing @ the Bright side of the Barn
Thanks for stopping by,
Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

April 2, 2024

Time to Go Home

 
After just over 2 months, it sounds like there might be a serious offer coming on the house? 

With spring in the air and camping season quickly approaching, I feel an overwhelming stress, to get moving!

The Coleman Trailer has finally made it's way to Washington.

 Seems I need to make a trip far north, but will be worth it to see it and feel it! 



Could this finally be the next step?


Blessed by God
Life's getting exciting @ the Bright side of the Barn
Thanks for Stopping by
Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

March 29, 2024

March 27, 2024

Miracles & Angels

 The first time I remember almost dying I was 8 years old. The pony I was on got spooked by oncoming horses, reared up, lost her footing ......... and we rolled down the side of a 200' embankment at the gravel pit. 

 Both of us, were alive and were able to stand. No broken bones. My head hurt, my neck hurt, my body ached. There were no cell phones in the 70's. My friends had no choice, but to walk us back to the barn.

 From there I walked home. My parents did nothing. No hospital, no doctor, no nothing. Next day I couldn't move my head so they took me to a chiropractor that reamed my neck and that was that.

 For the rest of my life I've suffered a crooked neck. In younger years, it would get so knotted up, nose bleeds and passing out when I stood up, would follow. Until finally as an adult I found a good chiropractor that worked with it for a year, and finally life felt as normal as it could with a tilted head. 

 My next time was a swift kick to the knee. I moved in time to miss my head. Again, no hospitals, no doctors. Just ice and a weak knee that could collapse on itself at any time. Once an adult, the muscles had formed a compensation I was able to not fall, I had the strength to 'lock it'. I walk with a permanent limp but that's ok. 

 The time to pony took off uncontrollably, I really thought I was going to end up being dragged  -- I hung on. Close call! 

 The time a mother Grizzly and her cubs walked across the path in front of us, I really thought the horse was going to lose it and me. I would become lunch. Instead she stood her ground and they just walked past us.  

 My parents put me on a bus from Northern Alberta Canada to Vancouver BC Canada at age 11, alone. I lived to finish the journey unharmed.

 by the time I was 15 I was a mother and onto a new life.. the miracles on that journey are for another day.. My childhood was short lived and full of complications. 

 My solice in the horses. My dad made sure that no matter where we lived, whether in the United States or Canada - I had access to horses.

 My entire being of who I am - my strengths, my weaknesses, my compassions, my emotions, my will to survive... I owe to the horses that have come into and left my life. 

 God has chosen to watch over me, protect me, care for me and lead me through this life - for reasons I may never understand. What I know for sure without any doubt or anyone's double talk. Is that my life is full of miracles. I have survived over and over again so many things that have taken the lives of others. 

 God has given me angels to walk through this life. He gave me the horses. My angels, my guide. 

 They teach you courage in ways no other can. They teach you unconditional love, compassion, and faith. They speak a language you learn to communicate with, it teaches you how to communicate with others as well. They teach you the value of hard work and the joy of play. 

 They are a reason to wake up every day and face the sun. 

Star Bright


Blessed By God 
Life's good @ The Bright Side of the Barn.
Thanks for Stopping By
Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

March 21, 2024

When it Comes to "Things"...


 My apologize for all the ads. Some great deals to take advantage of I must say. When going from a house to anything smaller, it only makes sense to sell off what you don't need or use. When going from a house to a travel trailer, you have to think about weight and space.

Necessity...

My mother was a hoarder. I remember my poor dad making 7 or 8 trips with his pick up and trailer every time we moved. Mind you they moved 17 times in the 13 years I lived with them. And they were never just moves across town, they would be from state to state or country to country... thousands upon thousands of miles and money in gas.

I was relatively young and visiting my sister at the time they decided to make one move. My animals and most of my belongings were given away. I learned very young, that material things have little meaning.

I raised four kids and had to move frequently due to the domestic violence that followed us in life. I learned to live light. Pack quickly and move fast! I've lived in a variety of places large and small. Tetris was always a favorite game lol. Never knew the benefits it would bring to life.

When this plan first started STORAGE is always a thought. However, I see no sense in renting a large storage for a ton of furniture that is just going to sit there. Or a bunch of things {paper, small appliances, and what nots} that will just end up getting ruined from the changes in temperature and weather.

So by the time the house SELLS, I hope to have most everything 'unneeded' sold off. Then I can rent a small storage for the essencials that of course you want to hang onto and not carry around with you.

Again, I do apologize for all the ads. And I do thank each of you that have inquired, or purchased anything. I was able to get him to all his doctor appointments and most of his prescriptions! Thank you thank you. Now to raise the money to do the horses feet and make it to the first.

Anyone interested in looking at the house itself, we are here selling things off, you can have an unofficial looky-look. Or you can book a proper showing with your agent or ours. The price has been reduced so much your looking at some instant equity in this one.


Blessed by God
Life's cccrazy sometimes @ the Bright side of the Barn.
Thanks for Stopping By
Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Home Sweet Lil House

 2022 CROSSROADS ZINGER 18RD 


One sweet lay out to consider....


Blessed by God
Life's an Adventure @ the Bright side of the Barn
Thanks for stopping by
Until Next Time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.


March 18, 2024

Think about it.

 It's 100 % Logical.



Buy another Mobile Home      OR Rent an Apt             OR Buy a Travel Trailer and Truck.

Lot Rent $1000 + mth            Apt Rent $1300 cheapest         About $650- $800 mth
Power Bill $200                     Power Bill $150                         Power Bill $0
Phone $100 mth                    Phone $100 mth                 Phone 55+ plan GS disc $75 mth
Internet $100 mth                 Internet $100 mth                     Internet $100 mth
House Insurance                   Renters Insurance                    Trailer Insurance
Garbage bill $45 mth                        0                                                0
                                                                                           Propane $50 mth estimated. 

It's going to be a much older mobile home to be able to buy outright. Or a not so pleasant neighborhood for a cheap apartment.  Being able to qualify income vs rent... 

Or Good Sam membership. Truck and Trailer. Go see all the places I've wanted to go see. Be able to get the photographs of landmarks and cool sites. Do trade shows and events. Be able to be close to family for visits, meet up for fun times. Go back local for doctor appointments and hospital stays...

And have a few extra bucks instead of always struggling. 


Blessed by God
Life has a plan @ the Bright side of the Barn
Thanks for Stopping by
Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

March 8, 2024

Easter is on March 31st

 Seems Easter is coming early this year. 
Great gift Idea for mom ~ a beautiful mug, or dad ~ set of shot glasses 
or just a good friend ~ a candle jar, filled with favorite candies! 


Do you have a favorite photo you would rather use? Email us! Let's make it personal! 

     Maybe a new canvas for the wall?


Blessed by God
Life's busy @ the Bright side of the Barn
Thanks for Stopping by
Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

March 4, 2024

2024 Event Schedule ~

Mark your calendars and

 join us at any of the following events this summer.


July 9th ~ 16th ~ 23rd ~ 30th ~
Hometown Market Tues Nights in Buckley
From 4 pm to 8 pm

July 13th ~
Miner's Day in Black Diamond
From 9 am to 4 pm

July 20th ~ 
Home town BBQ and Brew Fest
@ Ten Trails
From 11 am to 5 pm

August 2nd,3rd,4th ~
Eatonville Art n Music Festival

August 17th n 18th ~
at the Maris Farms Sunflower Days
from 10 am to 5 pm both days

August 23th ~
Sunset Market at Ten Trails
6 pm to 9 pm

August 24th n 25th ~
at the Maris Farms Sunflower Days
from 10 am to 5 pm both days.

September 21st ~
Hometown Hoedown at Ten Trails
10 am to 5 pm

October 26th ~
St Barbara Church in Black Diamond
9 am to 3 pm

More events are being scheduled be sure to check back~ 

Several new images, landmarks and points of interest around Washington, added to the gallery.




Blessed by God
Life's beautiful @ the Bright side of the Barn
Thanks for stopping by
Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

Reflections



I think my oldest daughter is the only one that ever really knew how dangerous life was for me. She had to see the most and go through so much with me in the early years. So much happened before the youngest 2 were born. My oldest son was a just a baby and a  'daddys boy'. He loved his dad, and no matter what his dad did, he blamed me. 

We protected him and the younger 2 from most of it but we couldn't hide it all. 

I remember watching a movie on Life Time TV, way back. The movie looked so much like the life I was stuck in. In the end the mom died, in the middle of the street with the police watching. I tryed to blow it off, but as time passed, more and more of what happened in the movie, started happening in my life as well. (still can't find the movie, again)

RED FLAGS! 

I heard the words "Til death do we part", so many times when he had a gun in his hand, when he was destroying my house and everything in it. When he was strangling me and I felt the life leaving my body. His brothers' image was a blur when he walked in the room where it was happening. The time I died for a minute.

I divorced. 

Only to have it get worse. Jumping out of bushing to attack me. Trying to break in my house when I wasn't home. Sabotage my vehicle trying to make me crash. Running me off the road trying to crash me. Showing up at my jobs, costing me job after job. Destroying my friends cars causing me problems at the apartments. The kids and I had to move so many times, we lost so many nice places to live.....

So many jobs ...

My oldest son will probably never know I almost died the day I went to pick him up from his gramma's. His dad showed up with a gun in his hand. It was the Uncle that helped me get away. I had to leave my son behind. And to this day, my son has been lost to me.  I can't help but wonder how my son would be today if I would have been shot and died in that driveway that day.?

My youngest daughter will probably never understand what it cost me and how close to dying I came when she pulled her antics as a teenager. That was another of his great 'over reactions'  I will always be grateful she came home! I thank the Lord everyday !

Life was hard and for me seldom happy. I gave everything in life to raise my kids and stay alive to raise my kids. Only to have most of them return their dad in their lifes as adults. I drifted away obviously. 

Sometimes I wonder how different things would be if I would have died on any one of the occasions my life was staggering in the balance. Sometimes I feel I would have been better off to not have survived. The nightmares I live with can be unbearable even now. 

I swore I would take it all to my grave with me. They will never know all the truth of what all I endured for them. I'm just blessed to see them as adults and have met my grandchildren and blessed to even know a couple of my great grandchildren. 

To think without me - NONE of them would be here. 
Without them, NONE of this would have happened to me. 


Blessed by God
Life's good @ the Bright side of the Barn
Thanks for Stopping by
Until next time, Stay safe and Happy Trails.

February 26, 2024

Living in Boxes

 
Ready to go!

And going nuts along the way. Living in limbo, waiting for the house to sell so we can get him moved and settled. 

We now have to add random vomiting to the mix. Out of the blue, not feeling sick, didn't eat nothing in particular. He just gets the feeling and has to run and throw up.

Somethings wrong, and the doctors still haven't figured it out yet. 

He's heading in for the 3rd "procedure" coming up on March 7th... Problem not solved, they just keep putting rubber bands on it. The throwing up started after the 2nd "procedure", so I have to wonder if they are connected.....

Ultra sounds didn't show anything in particular wrong. Blood work doesn't show anything going on... so frustrating. 

He still can't gain weight, at least any significant amount. Might put on a pound or two, but than loses it and more in a few days.

AND we have to add the heart doctor to the mix as well. New prescriptions new issues to deal with and adjust to. Stress plays a big part in it all. Age doesn't help, lol. Birthday coming up, 57. He'll be older than both his dad and brother when they passed. 

I did find some nice senior living apartments. In attempting to mow the lawn and clean up the yard for selling the house recently, we discovered - he's not really able to push the lawn mower, or lift too much, without adverse effects. So, buying a house with yard work and repairs to be done are really out of the question for him. Hence, the looking into senior living apartments. 

Meanwhile we got him mostly packed up and in a limbo. Sold off the unnecessary, gave away the unneeded. Done the little things to help the house. Yard work and weather still need to cooperate to finish. Living in boxes, getting restless. This is the hard part of the journey.

Many blessings along the way, keeps you going. Much needed things are getting taken care of and the stress is not as bad as before. This all helps with heart conditions. God is great for sure! No doubt in my mind miracles exist. So, grateful to be blessed. 

Praying the next step comes soon and the house sells. So ready to move forward. 

Blessed by God
Life's packed up @ the Bright side of the Barn
Thanks for stopping by
Until next time, Stay Safe and Happy Trails.

2024 Event Schedule

2024 Event Schedule ~

Mark your calendars and  join us at any of the following events this summer. July 9th ~ 16th ~ 23rd ~ 30th ~ Hometown Market  Tues Nights in...

Like what you see at the Bright side of the Barn?