June 10, 2008. Harper, Texas. Changes.

There are tiny little fish in the big tank. Can it be that they came so quickly, or are these very small gold fish? Today when I was feeding the fish I saw several very very small fish, dark in color and about one half inch in length. I have yet to see the two perch at the same time. I also saw a salamander crawling out of the tank today. This week we are going to put another dozen goldfish in the cattle water tank to see what happens. This time they should stay alive.

The wheel of life is about to turn. Andrew and Christina, Kate, Mary Frances and Molly are moving. For several years, Andrew has wanted to go into his own business, but it is difficult with a family and a house. He resigned his job, thinking to get another position with another company, but the jobs offered were not to his liking, so he has decided to go into business for himself. They chose to move to Jackson, Mississippi, as they both know several friends and relatives already living there. Their move will not be easy I am sure, but with friends and relatives already there, the entree to the new city will be easier. The main question the girls asked about moving had to do the distance from the farm. It is a long way, but only a Southwest direct flight from Jackson to Baltimore. We have had the luxury of living in the same city since the birth of Kate, and I must say we have enjoyed it. Ken and I never lived in a city with relatives, and having them close to us (they live about a mile away) has been both a pleasure and a great help. We will miss them, but as Christina reminded Andrew, we are away two thirds of the time already. Now we must add another place to visit and explore.

Tonight Jan Miller is coming for dinner. She is a fellow rancher. She runs her ranch by herself. Several years ago she and her husband were travelling and hiking in Peru, and he died there. Now can you imagine what would happen? She very wisely had him cremated and carried his ashes in her handbag back to Texas. Anyway, she is a good neighbour, even though she lives five or ten miles away, and we will enjoy her company tonight.