[Synopsis]

Originally Posted by colleeng47

Well, we're back in NJ. Didn't make it to Toby Keith's restaurant and bar because the realtor asked us to stick around so he could bring us the final offer/acceptance to sign before we left. So we just hung out at the hotel and packed. I also kept a lot of ice on my wrist, which is still very sore today. I have tomorrow off from work, so I will probably make an appointment with the doctor to check it out.

We're very tired at this point, but happy with the results of our trip. My son is going to need some convincing, but I think it will be all right. Thanks again Peggy for adding to the enjoyment our trip to OK.

Yes, Peggy is a wonderful asset to this forum. Thanks Peggy, for all that you do!

[Goodpasture]

Once in a while Peggy does things pretty good. At those times we tell her we are proud of her, just not too loudly so she doesn't get a big head about it.

Too bad you missed Toby Keith's. Their fried bologna sandwich is good. So are their lamb fries. Their chicken fried steaks suck though. Other than the topic of the theme, it is pretty much like any other theme restaurant. For a good chicken fried steak, that place over on NW 10th at Meridian has really good 4 ounce chicken fried steak sandwiches....they claim to be the best in the Universe, but I think I like the ones in Wewoka better.

A suggestion concerning horseback riding........horses are not too bright and they are notional. So if you are not used to riding a lot, before you go riding, lay in a good supply of ice packs and ace bandages.

I recall about 10 years ago, my brothers, my dad, a couple of friends and I were packing into the Pecos Wilderness north of Santa Fe. We had been on the trail for about 8 hours. We had 6 people total, and about 30 horses and mules in total. When a bunch of guys pack into the wilderness like that expecting to stay for ten or more days, you bring lots of everything.....and not just beer, although I think four of the horses had nothing but beer on them. Things like toilet paper, a 12 x 24 tent, a shepherds stove, pots, pans, cooking gear, guns, ammo, bales of hay, bedding, lanterns, etc. All of us are pretty familiar with horses, except dad hadn't been on a horse in several years, as he was getting old.....mid 70's at the time. We had left the trucks at about 5:00 AM, and it was now around 1:00 PM and we had just had lunch and gave the horses a breather. Temperatures had dropped and it was beginning to snow. Dad had his reins wrapped around the horn and his hands in his pockets, sort of hunkered down in the saddle. Going up the trail was a bit difficult because there was quite a bit of down timber......which we would either ride around or step over. Dad's horse was an old mare that was probably 25 years old, and she was happy to just follow the horse in front of her. But we came to this one deadfall, a log about 16" in diameter, no branches sticking out, just a log across the trail. Dad was in the middle of the group, with my youngest brother riding right behind him. The first three riding horses and 12 or so pack horses stepped over the log without fuss or urging or balking. Just a step over and continued up the trail. Dad's horse decided to jump it. The front came up, dad started leaning forward to stay balanced when the rear came up and launched dad like a catapult. He landed in a thicket of scrub oak and cedar, on his back, wind knocked out of him, while his horse just stood there looking at him as if saying "what are you doing down there?" Dad stood up, gingerly, brushed himself off, and checked himself out to see what was broke or sprained. By this time we were all gathered around him, and dad said he was ok, nothing broken and nothing hurt too much (good thing it was cold out, without that heavy coat and carhart overalls, he would have been hurt). My youngest brother summed it up........"Dad, we are 10 hours from the truck. The trucks are two hours from the nearest hospital. That playing around could have been real serious." Dad kept his attention on the horse the rest the way to camp.

Point is, horses are notional. You have to pay attention to them if you are going to be riding them. This is especially true if you are not familiar with the horse.

[peggydavis]

Glad you made it back safely, Colleen. Rest yourselves and think of the new adventure you are about to have.

Horses are dangerous creatures no matter how old they get, but I love them anyway. They will shy because they see a rock that doesn't look right, or suddenly get terrified of some little animal rustling around in the brush. I haven't taken a spill in a while, but I have had my share.

[colleeng47]

Originally Posted by Goodpasture

Once in a while Peggy does things pretty good. At those times we tell her we are proud of her, just not too loudly so she doesn't get a big head about it.

Too bad you missed Toby Keith's. Their fried bologna sandwich is good. So are their lamb fries. Their chicken fried steaks suck though. Other than the topic of the theme, it is pretty much like any other theme restaurant. For a good chicken fried steak, that place over on NW 10th at Meridian has really good 4 ounce chicken fried steak sandwiches....they claim to be the best in the Universe, but I think I like the ones in Wewoka better.

A suggestion concerning horseback riding........horses are not too bright and they are notional. So if you are not used to riding a lot, before you go riding, lay in a good supply of ice packs and ace bandages.

I recall about 10 years ago, my brothers, my dad, a couple of friends and I were packing into the Pecos Wilderness north of Santa Fe. We had been on the trail for about 8 hours. We had 6 people total, and about 30 horses and mules in total. When a bunch of guys pack into the wilderness like that expecting to stay for ten or more days, you bring lots of everything.....and not just beer, although I think four of the horses had nothing but beer on them. Things like toilet paper, a 12 x 24 tent, a shepherds stove, pots, pans, cooking gear, guns, ammo, bales of hay, bedding, lanterns, etc. All of us are pretty familiar with horses, except dad hadn't been on a horse in several years, as he was getting old.....mid 70's at the time. We had left the trucks at about 5:00 AM, and it was now around 1:00 PM and we had just had lunch and gave the horses a breather. Temperatures had dropped and it was beginning to snow. Dad had his reins wrapped around the horn and his hands in his pockets, sort of hunkered down in the saddle. Going up the trail was a bit difficult because there was quite a bit of down timber......which we would either ride around or step over. Dad's horse was an old mare that was probably 25 years old, and she was happy to just follow the horse in front of her. But we came to this one deadfall, a log about 16" in diameter, no branches sticking out, just a log across the trail. Dad was in the middle of the group, with my youngest brother riding right behind him. The first three riding horses and 12 or so pack horses stepped over the log without fuss or urging or balking. Just a step over and continued up the trail. Dad's horse decided to jump it. The front came up, dad started leaning forward to stay balanced when the rear came up and launched dad like a catapult. He landed in a thicket of scrub oak and cedar, on his back, wind knocked out of him, while his horse just stood there looking at him as if saying "what are you doing down there?" Dad stood up, gingerly, brushed himself off, and checked himself out to see what was broke or sprained. By this time we were all gathered around him, and dad said he was ok, nothing broken and nothing hurt too much (good thing it was cold out, without that heavy coat and carhart overalls, he would have been hurt). My youngest brother summed it up........"Dad, we are 10 hours from the truck. The trucks are two hours from the nearest hospital. That playing around could have been real serious." Dad kept his attention on the horse the rest the way to camp.

Point is, horses are notional. You have to pay attention to them if you are going to be riding them. This is especially true if you are not familiar with the horse.

Great story, GP! After my spill, Anna and I switched horses because mine was skittish. I told Anna I couldn't believe I was getting back on again. She said "that's because you're a cowgirl." A little while later I decided to trot again and from behind I heard her say "okay, now you're pushing it cowgirl!" She's so much fun. Heading to the doctor's office today to check out my wrist.

Now the fun begins with the packing, moving, etc. To answer your question, Jess, yes we have family and friends here in NJ. I also have family in Virginia, Florida, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Louisiana. Slowly by surely everyone is leaving NJ because of the cost of living. Another sister is planning on leaving NJ next year when her hubby retires. A niece is now looking at Delaware as well. I'll miss them, but a plane ride back and forth at least once a year will help. All my family and friends have an open invitation to visit, and visit I'm sure they will. (I'm hoping to talk some of them into relocating, lol).

Besides, I already have friends in Oklahoma, thanks to this forum, and I think of all the friends I just haven't met yet! The only one I'm concerned about is my 18 year old son. He is rattled by change -- always has been. But he also makes friends easily, and with a part time job and school, he'll meet a lot of people, and from what we've seen, EVERYONE is very friendly in OK. We're very excited.

[bjb123]

Originally Posted by Nameless

Don't get too excited, it's 20-25 degrees above average today

Nameless, it's a couple of days later (from your reply) & it seems that warm air has creeped up here to N. Ohio. It's in the mid 60's w/sun which is really rare up here. Great for getting outside work done!

Colleen, with the exception of your wrist it sounds like you had a great trip & are on your way for a great adventure. Just think of the all of the "firsts" you'll have with your family & the new friends you'll make. I hope your wrist heals quickly.

[colleeng47]

Originally Posted by bjb123

Nameless, it's a couple of days later (from your reply) & it seems that warm air has creeped up here to N. Ohio. It's in the mid 60's w/sun which is really rare up here. Great for getting outside work done!

Colleen, with the exception of your wrist it sounds like you had a great trip & are on your way for a great adventure. Just think of the all of the "firsts" you'll have with your family & the new friends you'll make. I hope your wrist heals quickly.

Went to the doctor today. He's sending me for an x-ray tomorrow. He said there could be a stress fracture. I have to keep it wrapped in a brace and ace bandage and a sling. He gave me a note to stay out of work for at least until next week. Ah, well, staying out of work is no sacrifice. Even though I'm working with one hand, I can still get things done at home. The realtor is coming Sunday for us to sign the papers to put our NJ house up for sale. I have a lot of straightening up to do before then, so having the time off will help.

It was very balmy here today also. I was running around in shirt sleeves -- felt like I was back in OK.

[LadyRobyn]

Originally Posted by colleeng47

He said there could be a stress fracture. I have to keep it wrapped in a brace and ace bandage and a sling. Even though I'm working with one hand, I can still get things done at home.

I vote that Colleen gets her *official* Okie badge!
Any Lady tuff enough to get tossed from a horse, wind up in a sling and STILL packs for her move DEFINITELY has the Oklahoma spirit!!

(hope it heals quickly!!)

Today in Duncan it was 75° Blue skies and a slight breeze... it was heavenly!

[Nameless]

ACK!you people make me sick. It started at 59 this morning, 13 degrees above the average high, that's not right statistically that makes as much sense as a low of -7.

[bjb123]

Colleen, LadyRobyn is right. You should get your official Okie badge but, I'm not qualified to vote. A busy gal you've been. Kind of nice to have some time off from work - just a heck of a way to get it.

We're about to loose our nice weather here in OH. I just saw a weather alert for a Tornado watch a few counties south of us. Very strange for Jan.! Everyone I spoke to today at work said the same thing. We're gonna pay for this nice day - we usually do. But, we can't have it too warm for too long this time of year. The fruit trees, etc. get mighty confused!

Take care of your wrist!

[Jess5]

Thats funny because parts of Oklahoma are in a tornado watch too.