Shopping's All Done

Folks, my Christmas shopping's all done. I think I have discovered one of the greatest tools for shopping this time of year. It's a little thing called gift cards. WOW !! It sure makes shopping for everyone a lot easier. Just buy that special loved one a gift card, and let them go get what they want. It saves on gas mileage, worry about the right size, color, and personal preference. And when you get home, you still have enough energy left to do most of those honey-do jobs that have been put off because you have Christmas shopping to do. Does this make perfect sense, or what ?? Just think about this for a moment, one quick trip to Walmart or the Mall, or any other of your favorite stores and it's all done !! And of course, one more added benefit to this is that you can make that special card for that special person as large as you like which in itself is sure to prove how much you care for them. Aren't we glad we live in America where we all have the right to think for ourselves ?

Alright, you surely have figured it out by now that I am not serious about this. But it's Christmas time, and we can't be serious all the time. Lighten up a little and have some fun this time of year. It's OK. Just remember to be kind to a total stranger, and tell someone that God really does love them. That is what this holiday season is really about.

May God bless everyone beyond measure.

Via Con Dios,
DM

Christmastime is coming

Well folks, it's almost that time of year again. Time for the Christmas season with all it's holiday cheer, gaiety and fun. Many folks are in the malls and various "discount" stores scrambling to spend their hard earned money on gifts for family and friends. It seems like folks have come to believe that the more you spend on someone determines how much you care about them. The stores all play piped-in christmas music to tug on our heart strings, so we will be more willing to open our purse strings, and SPEND, SPEND, SPEND !!!

I think it would benefit the whole world, if we would just stop in the middle of all this holiday madness and remember what Christmas is all about. It is NOT about lighted trees with gifts piled high underneath, and it's certainly not about all the commercialism of today. It is about the birth of a Savior, Jesus Christ, in a stable in Bethleham a little more than 2,000 years ago. God had promised a Messiah all the way back in the Old Testament book of Genesis. And that promise was continually made throughout scripture right up to the beginning of the New Testament Gospels. The Isrealites (and all of humanity) had been promised a Messiah, a redeemer, one who would save mankind from the penalty of death brought on by the first man Adam in the Garden of Eden. And now, that promise had been fulfilled in the Christ Child.

This became the greatest gift the world has ever known. God, who is without beginning or end, who was and is in complete control of the entire universe, gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever should believe in Him, would not die, but have the promise of life eternal (Jn 3:16) What greater gift could we possibly hope for than this ? That while we were yet sinners, Christ died for our sins ( Rom. 5:8 ).

The next time you are trying to think of the perfect gift for that special loved one, why not offer them the greatest gift of all,the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ ?

What ??? You have no idea where to find this gift ? OK, please allow me to help point you in the right direction. First, you need to find and open a Bible to the New Testament book of John. Then turn to the 3rd chapter and read the entire chapter.
Then turn to the book of Romans. Look in verse 3:10 ,3:23 , 10:9-11. This is a pretty good map to find your way. It simply explains that anyone who is willing to accept God's free gift of salvation, through His Son Jesus Christ, and BELIEVE in Him will be forgiven of their sins and will be saved. You've done this ?? Great !! Now you are ready to share this gift with others. The greatest thing you can do for your loved ones this season is to share with them what God through His Son, has shared with you.

If after reading the above scriptures, you are still unclear about how to be saved, feel free to e-mail me at ( don8134@att.net ) and I will be more then willing to help you.

May God in all His Glory bless you and your's this Christmas season.

In His Service, Don & Sue Miller

Answered Prayer

I am so glad that God is still in the prayer answering business. Sue became very ill week before last with what we thought was the flu. After a couple of days in bed it became much worse so I took her to the emergency room at the local hospital. She had bronchial pneumonia, and a gastro-intestinal infection as well. She was admitted to the hospital and put on three antibiotics by IV. She was there for eight days and lost 15 pounds. That's a lot concidering the fact that she's not very big to start with. After a fast contact to several folks that I know to be strong prayer warriors, a prayer chain was started on her behalf. She was released from the hospital and is doing much better, but is still trying to regain some of the strength she lost during this time.

And folks, God really is in the business to answer prayers. He always answers, but not always with what we want. He knows best, and He has a master plan. I have learned not to question Him but rather to try to accept what He sends my way. There have been times when I have prayed so hard for healing for someone, and yet it seems God in all His infinite glory had something else for them.

Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people ??? I wish I had an answer, but I don't. I am reminded of an old gospel song that Jimmy Swaggart used to sing titled " I don't need to understand, I just need to hold His hand ".

Things are going well with Texas BBQ & Beans in our local spot here in Carterville MO. We are three weeks into it and selling lots of BBQ. If you are ever in the area, stop by and mention our blog. We'll treat you to some of the best South Texas style BBQ you will find this side of the Red River.

Until then, as always, Via Con Dios
Don & Sue

Time for an update

I really didn't realize so much time had passed since the last post I looked back at the most recent one. And that was at least a couple of months ago. Time is just going so fast these days. Someone once said not so long ago that we are never so busy as we will be when we retire. And that, folks, is as close to truth as we can get. There is an old saying back down in the hills of East Tennessee where I came from years ago about being "busier that a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs". But lest anyone think I am complaining, let me clarify by saying this. I am enjoying life to the absolute fullest, and God is in complete control of it all !!

Sue and I made a trip down to South Texas a couple of weeks ago. She finally got to meet all of my older children, as well as 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
And yes, Sue handled the shock very well. We have a lot of photos of the whole bunch, as well as some taken down on the beach where they all live. I will try to get some posted soon.

Texas BBQ & Beans is really picking up steam. I mentioned in a previous post about the place in Carterville MO where we intended to set up our BBQ business locally year round. The waiting is over, and we will be opening for business this week. We are still going to use the mobile kitchen, but it will stay parked in one spot. For the beginning, we will only be open Thursday thru Saturday.(I need to hold onto some semblance of my retirement status) We will be offering the usual fare of South Texas style Pulled Pork, BBQ Beef shoulder and smoked sausage, along with whole and 1/2 slabs of loin back ribs. Our ranch-style beans are world class. We use four different varietys of dry beans, lots of onion and garlic, crisp bacon and lots of bbq meat, and smoke them to perfection !!!! And for those hardy souls who are out and about early in the day, we offer hot biscuits and sausage gravy with coffee and/or hot chocolate.

May the God of all creation bless you beyond your greatest expectations. The apostle Paul wrote "Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, neither has it entered into the hearts of man the things that God has prepared for those that love Him". God said it, I believe it, and that settles it !!

Via Con Dios
DM

LABOR DAY IS IN THE CAN

Another Labor Day weekend has come and gone. It's hard to believe this summer season has come and gone so fast. So much has happened in so short a time. The writer of Ecclesiastes wrote about a time and a season for all things, a time to live, a time to die, a time to laugh and a time to cry. I know that is not an exact quote, but close enough to make my point. Sometimes our lives change with the seasons. Some are blessed with lives that are so predictable and stedfast,and others are just the opposite. Whatever your's may be, it is a gift from God and should be cherished as such each day your name is not found in the obituary column.

Sue and I have been married for a whole month now. And what a great life God has blessed us with. We have placed control of our relationship in God's care and trust Him to grow it as He sees fit. And, I must add, she is a really great cook on top of everything else. It will be a challenge to see if I can maintain the 50 lbs I have lost this summer.

As for Texas BBQ & Beans, we are going strong. We just finished a Labor Day weekend at MOKAN Dragway. We were there for Saturday and Sunday, selling out early Sunday evening and going home early. I think we went through about 15 gal of beans and some 600 BBQ Plates and sandwiches. I have been cooking BBQ since about 3:30am this morning getting ready for a two day festival at Diamond MO. this weekend, in addition to catering a company picnic Saturday of around 150 people. I know it sounds lika a lot of work, and it is. But it is a lot of fun too. AND, we get to meet so many new people, and have so many opportunities to serve God in the process.
And lest I forget to mention, as some of you know, we have been trying for some time now to find a suitable spot to set up our BBQ locally on a year round basis. Well, it is finally happening. We have located a spot in the town of Carterville MO where Sue and I reside. We met with the city council last evening and received not only an approval, but a big welcome as well. I will post more on this a little later. For now, we are booked solid for festivals through most of October. I think we are looking at being ready to start in Carterville around the first or second week of November.

Until then, may the God of all creation bless each of you beyond measure.......

Via Con Dios DM

Better late than never

Sorry folks, didn't realize it had been so long since I had posted. Guess it's better late than never. Life has been so busy it's just hard to get time to set down for a few minutes and post.
Sue and I just finished a day at the races Saturday with great success. We were at MOKAN Dragway for the biggest race of the year which is always held on that date. We started selling BBQ at 10:00am and by 5:30pm we were sold out of everthing we had on the truck. What a great day, and all the credit goes to our Heavenly Father.
On Friday, the day before the race, Sue and I delivered 50 lbs of BBQ pulled pork to my brother Dan in Oak Grove MO for a fund raiser that his church was having on Saturday. They were raising money to send their youth on a missions trip to Haiti. We were praying for God to bless their effort, and they were praying likewise for us.
Those who know, know that you just can't outgive God. He said in Malichi "Bring your tithes and offerings into the storehouse, and try Me and see. And I will open the windows of Heaven and pour out blessings beyond measure" (paraphrase)
Please don't anyone misunderstand me here. God blesses us, amd will continue to bless us in our faith. But God will not do by a miricle that which He expects us to do by obedience. Simply put, that means God expects us to put hands to the plow handles and go to work.
Some folks seem to be less than happy that God has seen fit to bring me through a time of tragedy and great loss, and even more more so that He has blessed my life so abundantly in the process. He has also blessed me with big shoulders so that I can bear the burden of other's hurt.
Sometimes, it becomes very easy to cast stones at others without knowing all the facts involved. But I believe Jesus Himself set the perfect example for us when He refused to respond to His accusers.
I will only say this, God knows my heart AND my motives in ALL things. When I stand before Him in judgement, I will stand with a clear conscience and know that my intentions were always pure. I hold no animosity towards any other human in this life. If anyone feels otherwise, I forgive you, and will continue to pray for you. May the God of all creation bless you beyond your limits.
And to all.......
Via Con Dios DM

New Wife.... New Life

Sue and I just returned from our honeymoon in Arkansas. We had a great time in Eukeka Springs. If time just didn't go by so fast.... We were both just about exhausted by the time the wedding and reception was over, then the drive to Arkansas. But we had time to get some badly needed relaxation. At our age, sometimes that is more important than anything else. We did a lot of shopping in the old part of town. I had forgotten just how steep some of the streets are down there. Our diets went out the window first thing. We dined on prime rib for an evening meal, biscuits and gravy for breakfast, and lots of ice cream and assorted junk food. I think we hit every candy shop in town. And now, today we diet !!!!

We had the wedding and reception photographed and video taped. I will try to post some photos when we get them back. My daughter Linda at Tangled Mane Ranch blog has some photos she took with her camera just in case you can't wait.

Yes, it's a new life, and a new wife, but I still have to go to work tonight so must be gone. May God bless you greatly today.

Via Con Dios DM

Two Days and Counting

Two more long days and counting until the big day. Sue and I will be married Friday at 5:oopm in Jasper MO. She has a friend there who is pastor of his first church. Sue used to work with him at Walmart when he was still in bible college. She promised him that if she ever got married, he would officiate. So, that's how that all come about. It was going to be a really small, simple thing, this wedding. But it is growing , as often happens. As long as she is happy with it, so will I be.

Just wanted to make a quick update before I rush off to work. I will post some photos of our wedding next week after we return from our honeymoon. Until then, I pray God's blessing on all.

Via Con Dios DM

Sunday morning at Poverty Flats

I just got back from a five mile walk which started just about dawn. As I walked, the day began to come alive as the light grew brighter in the eastern sky. Not a cloud in sight. The temp. was around 58, and it was one of the most perfect mornings I have witnessed in my life. I looked to the sky and prayed as I walked. This is my prayer time each day, and what a wonderful way to communicate with He who is the Creator of all things.
I thought also, as I walked, about just how much I have to be thankful for. Just the privilege of being alive in His world is so great an honor. And the gift of life, on this earth alone, is beyond measure. But combine that with the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, and the joy becomes almost unspeakable. My heart goes out to those who do not realize, or will not acknowledge the magnificence of God's presence in our lives.
As I prepare to take my two granddaughters to church this morning, my heart is filled with such joy. Such a privilege we have, such freedom, to be able to attend worship as we see fit,without fear of persecution. This too is an honor that God has bestowed upon us. May we never take it so much for granted that we begin to ignore it completely.
I will not see my lovely , wonderful Sue today because she has to work a 14 hour double shift. By the time she gets off work, I will be at work on my shift. But all is ok because this is the last day that I will not see her. Starting tomorrow, we will spend at least a little time together each day this week, and then Friday is the big day for us. Friday evening at 5:oopm Central time, Sue Ellen will become my wife. I can hardly wait, but must. The hours are ticking by slower than ever. But Friday will come, God willing, and all will come to pass.
Time for Church, may God bless you well today.

Via Con Dios, DM

Beautiful Day

It is such a beautiful day that God has created for us today. And what a privilege He has given, that we can be alive in His world today. We all need to just stop what we are doing for a moment, run outside, look up and shout "Thank you Lord ". We human creatures take things so much for granted. I just finished a 6 mile walk before breakfast, and that is my prayer time. When I am walking, I can be totally alone with God. In Psalms 55 we are told, " Morning , Noon and at night will I pray and cry aloud, and He will hear my voice". And in the NT we are instructed to "Pray without ceasing". This is one of the keys to a successful and victorious Christian life. God will direct our every step if we will but follow His leadership.

Life is good, because God has made it so. I am counting down the days until Sue and I will be married. It is going to be so wonderful because God has blessed it and made it so. August 7, 9 more days and counting. The clock is ticking oh so slllllllllllooooooooowwwwwwwwwwwwwww !!!!

Via Con Dios, DM

Many years ago, there was a western film starring Charles Starrett as "The Durango Kid". I believe the title was "Blazing the Western Trail." In this movie, Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys sang a song titled "Time Changes Everything". It was a beautiful song, and for those of you who may be old time country/ western music fans, you just might remember it. I mention it now because as I sit here at the keyboard, I'm thinking just how true it is. Time really does change everything.

I remember back to some of the injuries I have received over the years. I've had 34 broken bones, and over 400 stitches, some of which hurt really bad at the time. But time always brought healing and the pain never lasted long. And with time, there's nothing left but scars. And those too will fade.

There has been a lot of emotional pain along the way, the loss of a baby daughter at birth many years ago, my Mom and Dad, a bad marriage, and then the loss of my wife of 32 years. But all these things too have healed. The scarring left behind is the memories that remain. And those too become less noticeable with the passing of time.

I'm still amazed that some folks fail to grasp this gift that God has so richly bestowed on us, this ability to heal from our wounds and go on with life. I think sometimes they would like to see us live the rest of our lives with open wounds that will not heal. And to them,please, let me say, my God is greater than that!!!!!!
My God sees us wounded and hurting, and He sends healing. He sends angels to bind up our wounds and give comfort to our bodies and souls. Those angels take many different forms. Sometimes they are human, simply directed by God. Sometimes without knowledge that they are being used by the Master Physician Himself. I am so very thankful that God saw fit to send such a beautiful angel into my life to bring healing and to make even the scars fade away. Thank you Sue, for being available when God was ready to send you to me.......

Always in His care,
DM

News from Poverty Flats

Things are moving along very well here at Poverty Flats. The horses have been sold and are at a really good home . Most everything has been moved to storage, and I am nearly ready to move. It's going to be a big change, but all for the good.
Sue and I have set a date for our wedding. It will be Friday, August 7. We will have a very simple service with just the two of us, the preacher, the girls and two witnesses. Afterward, we will have a nice reception with all our family and friends, then Sue and I will be off to Eureka Springs Arkansas for a short mini-honeymoon. A little later on, we are going to plan a trip to Hawaii.
I realize none of the folks who read this blog know what my Sue looks like. I keep telling you how pretty she is. At the right hand side of this page, you will find a couple of photos of her. I feel so very blessed to have her by my side.
May all of you have a very blessed day and remember, "you are someone special, cause God don't make no junk."
Via Con Dios DM

It's a really quiet day around Poverty Flats today. We have been having a garage sale yesturday and today. Not trying to make money, just trying to move a lot of stuff before I have to start packing. Some of the things are treasures I guess. Then again, treasures, like beauty, are in the eyes and mind of the beholder.

I am about to embark on a whole new era of life and things are going to be a lot different than in the past. Some things. Other things will never change for me. My faith in God, my devotion to my Savior Jesus Christ, will change only for the better.
My love for my family will never change.

But as I prepare to start a new life with Sue,I will leave some things behind.Many things I have already given away or sold. Many more are things that belonged to, or were important to my late wife Frances. These things, I am trying to sort out and leave with our sons and daughters for whom they are treasured rememberances. I don't want any of our combined offspring to feel leftout or ignored. Some of them already feel they are somehow being leftout. This in itself is something hard for me to understand for in this life she gave them much more than they gave in return. But then, that is what mothers do best isn't it??

My horses,saddles and tack I am selling. My home here at Poverty Flats USA is, in all likelyhood, going to be placed on the market for sale later this week. Until it sells, my son Josh and his family including Hurricane Hailey and Kelsey will live here. I still have my gardens that I will come and attend to until the end of the season. Sue and I will plant our Fall garden at her home this year.

The BBQ business will continue !!!! I am NOT closing it down. In fact, it will be bigger and better than ever thanks to Sue's management experience and willingness to help make it grow.We are discussing the possability of taking it from a part-time seasonal operation to maybe a full time business. Not sure if I want to go that far or not. I really enjoy my retired status.If I want to work, I can. If I choose to go fishing, I can do that too. I've had to work hard all my life and being layed back is so nice.

As for this blog site, yes, it will continue to post from time to time. Sue and I have plans to build a log home on her property and we will probably post photos of that as we get into it. I hope those of you who stop by to visit from time to time will continue to do so.

Life is so good right now, and God is blessing us so greatly.As we continue to praise Him, and give Him the Glory for everything, He continues to bless. Bill, at Countryview Woodcrafts, used to be the song leader at a little country church I pastored years ago. He used to lead the folks in a little song titled "It's Amazing What Praising Will Do." I hope he still remembers that song and the joy that singing it always brought. I remember that God had gifted Bill with a really great singing voice to use for His glory. So often, sadly, when we experience the loss of a very close loved one we focus on the loss and take our eyes off Him who is in control of all things. AND, who has and will continue to bless us beyond measure.

To all who stop by to visit, may I say to you once again as always,
Via Con Dios
DM

Texas BBQ & Beans is on the Road

Well folks, the 4th of July weekend has started. And of course, as would be expected, it is rainning. Don't think the rain is supposed to last past noon today.

The Granby MO. "Old Mining Days" festival begins at 6pm today. We will be set up and ready to go by around mid afternoon so should be in good shape. It will run through Sunday night ending with a gospel music concert followed by a fireworks display.

We will be serving our usual menu of Pulled Pork, Beef Shoulder, Polish Sausage, and of course, our now famous Ranch Style BBQ Beans. Along with this we serve homemade Cole Slaw, potato chips and ice cold soft drinks. Occasionally, someone will ask for a cold beer. I fully realize that for a lot of folks BBQ is not BBQ without a cold beer, but at Texas BBQ & Beans it's just not going to happen.

We will have no shortage of good help this weekend. My granddaughter Ashley, who lives in Granby, MO., will be helping. And of course, my beautiful Bride-To-Be, Sue. Sue will be here shortly and we will be leaving for Granby so guess I had better rap this up for now.

May God bless and keep each of you safe this holiday weekend.

Via Con Dios
DM Pitmaster
Texas BBQ & Beans

4th of July Coming !!!!!!

Well folks, 4th of July weekend is almost upon us again!! It sure doesn't seem like a whole year has gone by, but my calendar says it has. Time has picked up speed as the years have gone by. When I was a child, it took a long time for a year to go by, but now I just have to blink my eyes and the year is gone.
Much has happened this past year, as most of you know. We have had sorrow in our lives with Granny's passing, and God, in all His Glory, has given the strength to endure. As with Job, He will not only make a way to endure, but will bring new joy and hope into our lives that we might continue in this life. God is so good ! AND faithful!!
God has brought new sunshine into this life of mine. He has brought new blessings beyond measure Scripture says "Eye hath not seen, ear that not heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that loves Him." I have spoken in earlier posts of the very wonderful person that God has brought into my life. Her name is Sue Ellen Wilson , and I am very proud to share with you, that her last name will soon change to Miller. Yes, I proposed to Sue this past Saturday morning, and she accepted. WOW !!!!!! Can you imagine that ? A grizzled old fossil like me with a beautiful woman like her !! I can't begin to express how happy I am. I'm usually not at a loss for words, but words just fail me at this time.
We are not announcing a wedding date yet because both of us have things that need attending to, so it will be just a little while. (But not tooo long). I will post the date when we decide.
The girls, Hurricane Hailey and Kelsey, both just love Sue so much. They are so happy when she is around. And again, I have to say, God is so good ...

I need to post info on the 4th of July festival we will be working this weekend but need to go check on BBQ sauce that is cooking so will be back later.

Via Con Dios
DM

Father's Day

Father's Day has come and gone here at Poverty Flats, and all in all it was a very good day.I received several nice cards, one from Linda in Arkansas and one from Josh. Angie treated me to Sunday dinner at a really great Mexican restaurant and I received a call from my daughter Heather down in Texas. I have not seen Heather for several years and it was a real pleasant surprise. Lest I forget, son Rob also called from here in Missouri to say Happy Father's Day as did son Don W. from Texas. I think I covered them all.

My own dad has been gone for about 22 years now. Time sure does get away from us, doesn't it. It doesn't seem like it has been that long. My dad and I were guitar picking buddies. Any time I would get home to visit, first thing he would say was "Did you bring your guitar?" We would often stay up all night picking and singing. I miss that. My uncle Alvin, my dad's younger brother, has tried to fill the gap but he is just not the lead guitar player that my dad was.

I called my uncle Alvin yesterday to say Happy Father's Day and at 84 he is still pretty sprite. AND, at 84 he is looking for another wife. The next one will make # 9. I told him I was going to send him a set of handcuffs so maybe he could hang on to the next one. He is quite a character. He was in the Navy in WW II and has six Medals of Valor for Naval battles he was in.Uncle Alvin has always been more like an older brother to me and he and I have stayed very close over the years.

Well, the BBQ truck has had the new engine installed, and the mechanics are just finishing up a few last minute details. It should be back it the driveway here at Poverty Flats tomorrow or next day. It was a costly repair, but very necessary. It will be back in action in time for Forth of July and the Granby Missouri Old Mining Days festival. We will be there for three days. After that, we will be busy for the rest of the Summer and Fall season. More details on the schedule later.

Until next time, may I say to you, God bless.

Via Con Dios
DM

Hog Roast at Poverty Flats USA

What a great time everyone had Saturday at Poverty Flats USA. We started the hog about 2pm Friday and it was just perfect by noon on Saturday. Family and friends started arriving around 2pm and by 3pm we were elbow deep in BBQ pork, Beans, and about a gazillion different side dishes. My son Rob, his wife Kim and their family came brought lots of great food as usual. My Sue and her mom(two very special people) brought some of the absolutely best desserts I have ever eaten. One was called a Trifle (sugar free) and the other had a name that I won't mention because Sue will be embarrassed. Can't imagine why, she got it from a Baptist church lady. But it sure was delicious.
The kids all had a great time. I think there must have been a hundred of them from all the noise they created. But they were enjoying themselves, and that's what it was all about. Well, at least partly so.
The primary reason, as I stated in an earlier post, was to give family and friends an opportunity to meet Sue, with whom I am deeply in love. And it was a very successful event. Everyone who has met her is captivated by her personality. She is just so enjoyable and fun to be around. She has a very unique way of putting people at ease while maintaining interesting conversation. And the best part, which is more than I can understand, is that she is in love with an ornery, cantankerous old fossil like me. Am I blessed or what?
May the God of all creation bless you well today.

Via Con Dios
DM

Hog Roast at Poverty Flats USA

I promised to post info about the hog roast at Poverty Flats this weekend then got busy and forgot. Sorry, my human fraility is showing through. Life is just so tough when we get old and absent-minded. Now, what were we talking about? Oh yes, the hog roast.
I have wanted to do this for some time now, just could never seem to get time to do it. So, we decided to shoot for this Saturday. It will be here at Poverty Flats USA and the guest list is pretty exclusive. To attend, you must like BBQ, and you must come hungry. Joking aside, we are just trying to bring a lot of family and friends together to enjoy some good food and recreation. And, of course, my primary reason for having it is to give family and friends an opportunity to meet and become acquainted with Sue. I am certain they will all find her to be as sweet and interesting as I do.
We have been busy all morning butchering and preparing a 150 lb hog for the event Saturday. It is now on ice, properly rubbed down with our own special rub from Texas BBQ & Beans and waiting for the smoker. It will go into the smoker early tomorrow afternoon and cook until around noon on Saturday.I know the fire isn't even lit yet, but I can almost smell it cooking already.
I will start a tub of our own Ranch Style BBQ Beans tomorrow also. BBQ just wouldn't be complete without them. We cook them from scratch, using five different kinds of dry beans. We add onions, garlic,a couple pounds of cooked bacon, a few pounds of BBQ meat and lots of "Taste of Texas" BBQ sauce which is our own recipe. It is , by the way, now packaged to sell in pints and quarts. Finally, when the beans are about half way done, they go into the smoker for at least four hours of hickory smoke. WOW !!! These are a meal in themselves.
It will be a really fun time with vollyball for the adults and a waterslide for the kids. Later, we will have a bonfire and roast marshmallows and make ourselves sick from eating too many.
Sure wish all of you could be here to join us. You would certainly be more than welcome.
May God, who controls all things, bless you well today.

Via Con Dios
DM

Life is good again

God is so good. Life is good too, again. And please, make no mistake about it. Half of a lifetime cannot be wiped away nor forgotten overnight. But, I don't believe God wants us to dwell in the past, ignoring the life that is now and in the future. I am reminded today of the story of King David in the Old Testament found in II Samuel 12:15-23. King David's son had become very ill, to the point of death. The king was in mourning, broken hearted in his sorrow. Then the servants brought word that the child had died. King David arose (v 20) washed and annointed himself and came into the house of the Lord to worship. The servants were amazed at this. They asked, " How can this be ?The child was so ill and you were in such grief. Now the child has died and you rise up, eat bread, and worship God." Verses 22 and 23 are King David's answer to their questions. "While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept for I said, Maybe God will be gracious to me, and the child will live. But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast ? Can I bring him back??????? Can I change anything, or turn back the clock? He can never return to this life, but someday I shall see him again." Even in the Old Testament, long before Jesus Christ was born in Bethleham, King David believed in the promise of eternal life given by God.
And this is why the grieving process was so short for me. I know, as certain as the sun rises in the eastern sky every morning, that Frances is in heaven with God. Nothing I can do would ever change that. Nor would I want to. I would not want to take her from that blessed place of eternal rest. I know she is happy there and at peace for the first time in her life.
And now for the present. Life goes on today just as it did for King David about 3,000 years ago. God has blessed me so greatly in the past few months. I have shared just a little about this special person God has brought into my life. I did not enter into this with any expectations other than some friendly conversation, maybe some companionship. But God knew the gameplan before the game started. And things just started rolling along at a steady pace. And now we have both reached the place where we have fallen very much in love with each other. Sue is so very good for me, and to me. I know some of the family will not be overjoyed at this , as to be expected. But, as my daughter Angie said to my son Josh, "When you get to know Sue, you can't NOT like her. She just has that kind of personality"
I could ramble on forever like this but have work to do. I wanted to post news of the big cookout-hog roast comimg up here at Poverty Flats this weekend but will post that later today.
For now, as always.....
Via Con Dios
DM

Great Weekend

This has been a really great weekend. We have gotten a lot of clean-up from the storn done and planted the rest of the gardens. Then, after the work was done, the special lady I told you about earlier and I went to a super concert. It was at an outdoor arena at Miami Ok. The show was opened by Sammy Kershaw and the headline performer was none other than old George Jones himself. We had seats on the 4th row from the front right in the center and had a great time. Sammy sang for about 45 min. but when George Jones came out, he sang and told jokes for 1 1/2 hrs. He still does a super job for someone his age.

Time is short today so post will be short. More next time.

Via on Dios
DM

Looking Up !!

I'm sure most everyone knows the story of "Footprints In The Sand". And yes, God really does carry us through our darkest, most difficult hours. I can personally attest to this after months of being carried by Him. He will always be with us through good times as well as bad. Sometimes I have to wonder how people without faith in God survive life's trials.
But there is another story I hope everyone reading this is familiar with. It is the Old Testament story of a man named Job. If you have never read this book in the O.T., allow me to suggest it next time you need something good to read. Job was a man of great faith who God allowed the devil to tempt and test to prove that faith. Job lost everything except his life. And yet, he continued to trust God and hold to his faith. And in the end, God rewarded him by restoring everything many times over.

I have said all this, not because I am chasing literary rabbits, but rather because I am going somewhere specific with it. I have some news to share with those who have supported me through the difficult times I have been through.
God has brought a very special person into my life. I believe God is directly responsible because this person shares my faith in Him. I have prayed hours on end,asking God to give me a reason to continue, a reason to live. This was not something I sought, nor went looking for. But, I know what it is to smile, laugh, and yes, to be happy again. Things have progressed slowly, and has picked up steam as time has gone by. It is NOT a spur-of-the-moment thing born out of grief, for by God's grace I have dealt with that and it is behind me. I'm sure there will be those who feel it is too soon, but only I, and God can answer that. Please believe me when I say, I know where I am on this !! And to that special person, knowing you will read this post later, may I say to you, "Thank you for for being there and for following God's direction as He gently nudged you in my direction."

Well, that's all the news from Poverty Flats. May the God of all creation bless you greatly today.
Via Con Dios
DM

Don't pay the Ransom, I've Escaped !!!

If any one has received a ransom note, just ignore it. I have NOT been kidnapped by terrorists or agents of the IRS. I have just been extremely busy for the last couple of weeks with Texas BBQ & Beans. I've been getting about four hrs of sleep a night for so long I'm running on auxillary power. But it is a good tired, solidly surrounded by dollar signs.
We just finished a first for our BBQ business this past weekend. We were set up at two different locations about 75 miles apart, with my son Josh running one at the Buffalo Days festival in Greenfield MO. and myself and crew at the 42nd Annual Memorial Day Races at MOKAN Dragway in Asbury MO.
I don't know for sure about Josh, but we had a blast at the race track. We always set up with a view of the starting line and get to see everything up close. We always have a really great time and get to meet most of the racers when they come over to eat.
There were some really neat things this year like the school bus that does a wheel stand for a full 1/4 mile, and of course,the jet cars. There were two jets that were made to look like Thomas the Train. They really stole the show. Lots of noise, smoke and power in addition to running the 1/4 mi at over 300 mph.
Well, anyway, we're back with a couple of weeks to catch up on things around Poverty Flats so stop by anytime. Until then, as always.......

Via Con Dios,
DM
Pitmaster
Texas BBQ & Beans

Inland Hurricane

It's been a hectic week around Poverty Flats. Last Friday morning about 7:00am we had a storm come through that caused serious damage to the area. Weather forecasters described it as an "Inland Hurricane" with flat-line winds of 85 mph. I'm not sure I agree with that opinion, because of the extent of the damage. I, along with many other people, believe it was a tornado.
We had a huge hedge tree in our yard beside the driveway which was nearly as large around as my Ford F-150. I say HAD, because it was totally uprooted falling over my BBQ truck, the Airstream travel trailer, and the carport roof. About half the shingles on the roof are now somewhere down in Arkansas.
The entire area was without power for days. We here were without for three days, and others are still without power after more than four days. Utility poles were snapped off like toothpicks. Portable buildings were blown away, and roofs were seriously damaged.
We have an insurance claims ajuster coming Thursday morning so we will see how good our insurance is. I'm sorry, but I trust insurance ajusters about as much as I trust lawyers. But we'll see.
On a more upbeat side, the Truman Days festival at Lamar MO was a huge success Saturday. After we dug the BBQ truck out with a chainsaw we had a really great day.
We have always done very well at Lamar, but Saturday was far better than we had ever seen there. We sold the first BBQ plate at 10:00am and by 2:30pm we were completely sold out of everything on the truck. The folks there had been without power and I guess they were hungry.
We are going to do something we have not previously tried for Memorial Day weekend. We will do two entirely different events about 70 miles apart on the same weekend. I will be at MOKAN dragway which is a huge event for us. At the same time, my son Josh will cover the Buffalo Days festival at Greenfield MO. with my other equiptment and BBQ. I'm anxious to see how this works because next year I plan to add a second BBQ truck to our business.
Well folks, it's late so must say goodnight.

Via Con Dios DM

Things are looking up

Today is such a great day I have to sit on my hands to keep from clapping. Why ??? Well, just because it is ! This is a day that God has created, and gave to us to enjoy. And all else aside,I read the newspaper this morning and my name was NOT in the obituary page again. I have spent a great deal of time in the past months in deep sorrow for the loss of my wife Frances. And, there is a part of me that will always be with her. But God has begun to show me through his Word, and through daily prayer, that He is not quite through with my life yet. Only He alone knows when my time will come. But until that time comes, I have work to do and must be about it fervently.
I have begun a new exercise program. My doctor advised me three years ago when I had become disabled due to back injuries, that I needed to walk as much as possible and exercise daily. It took a long time for this to sink into my hard head. But as God made me realize that I had work to do, I began to rethink the doctor's orders. I started walking about six weeks ago, short at first, and am now doing 4 1/2 miles a day. And with this, have returned to an old hobby from years gone by of weighlifting. I think it is working, at least a little. I've dropped 30 lbs so far, and have not had to use my walking cane for over a month. All in all, I feel physically better than I have in 15 years. That's almost scary ! Next thing you know, I'll be trying to take up boogie dancing. HA, not with my two left feet. But I am ready to begin riding my big bay mare Shasta again.
Shasta is my Tennessee Walker and is quite a stepper. I'm just waiting for the ground to dry up some and then we are off and running.
Kelsey's school bus is due in a few minutes so I must sign off. May God bless you real good.
Via Con Dios, DM

Water Everywhere

The rain has been coming down since last night. I think we have received around three inches so far. It takes at least two inches for the water to come over my driveway, and it was at that point around daybreak this morning. The little creek that runs thru my property is out of it's banks and creating a real mess. The whole area is under a flash flood warning and the weather forecast is calling for the rain to continue thru Sunday.
I sure am glad I'm not cooking BBQ or doing a festival this weekend. I hate to stand out in the rain and try to keep a fire going. Besides, if I stand out in the rain, it washes the Colorback out of my beard. ha.
This weekend is an off week for us at Texas BBQ & Beans. We have a 1-day event next Saturday at Lamar MO that will be a busy time. We always do well saleswise at Lamar and always have a great time. But for now, it's rest and relaxation time for me. I have tickets to a good afternoon music show at Branson, and am looking forward to chowing down on some excellent baby back ribs at Lambert's afterwards. AND, I won't have to do the cooking !! How great is that ? I'll let y'all know how good the food was when I get back. Until then........

Via Con Dios
DM

Grady Walter

I realize I am way overdue for posting but it has been busier than a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs around here lately. We just finished up our season opener with the Webb City MO festival called "Springtime On Broadway". It was a three day event that ended yesturday. We made a few dollars and met a lot of new people. We always have a lot of fun at these things.
Our next event will be at Lamar MO for the Truman Days festival. Can't imagine where they got such an original name, just because it is the birthplace of President Harry Truman. It will be a one day event but always is quite profitable for us. We have a lot of things booked for this season. I will be posting a schedule for the year on this site soon.
Next week is a week of rest and relaxation. I think maybe I will run down to Branson and maybe take in a couple of country music shows and stop at Lambert's Cafe to eat. For those who have never been to Lambert's, or don't even know what it is, you have so far missed culinary heaven. I'm talking about the "Home of the Throwed Roll". If you have been there , you know what I'm saying !!! The food is exellent (this from someone who is hard to please) and the portions are so large you WILL leave with a doggie bag. I stopped at the original place in Sikeston MO once when I was still trucking and ordered a slab of BBQ ribs with all the sides. I stuffed myself, got a doggie bag for the rest, and ate for two more days on the leftovers.
Lest I forget the subject of my post today, Grady Walter,the latest addition to our family is doing great thanks to all of your prayers. My son Don W. has sent about a hundred photos which I have been trying to post on this site but just can't quite get the hang of it. Soon.
Via Con Dios DM

Answered Prayer

I want to take a moment and thank everyone for your prayers for our new grandson. He was having some breathing problems at birth and a multitude of prayer went up for him. And, those prayers have been answered. He is growing stronger with each new day and has gained some weight since birth. My very proud son Don W. is sending some photos via e-mail which I will be posting soon.

May all of you folks have a great day today, and may God bless each of you according to 1 Cor. 2:9.

Via Con Dios
DM

New Grandson

We have a brand new grandson in the family this morning. Son Don W. and wife Shantelle who live in South Texas had their first-born this morning at 4:04am. His name is Grady Walter, both good Scotch-Dutch names from my mother's maternal family.
Grady was 4lb 13oz and 16.9" at birth. My son tells me that Grady is having some early breathing problems so those of you who believe in the power of prayer, please do. God does amazing work. And before I forget(like it would be possible ) Grady brings the total to 20 grandchildren between Granny and I.

I have a really busy day ahead getting things ready to kick off the BBQ season next week so I will just wish all of you a great day and, as always, bid you..


Via Con Dios
DM

Rain, Rain Go Away

Remember that little ditty from your childhood? Well, it's still appropriate for today around Poverty Flats. The rain started sometime before daylight yesturday and was still coming down about an hour ago. There is relief in sight however. The sun is supposed to shine tomorrow and Wednesday, then more rain for the rest of the week.
That's really no big surprise around here for this time of year. It's just typical Spring in Southwest Missouri. In a few more weeks the rain will stop. And when I say stop, I don't mean just slow down some. It will stop for about 4-6 weeks. But, the farmers say they need it, all the while grumbling because it's too wet to plow.
Some of us would complain if we were hung with a brand new rope. Notice I said WE.
But lest we forget, the sun IS shinning, somewhere, all the time. Even when it is cloudy, if we rise above the overcast, we will see the sunshine.....

Via Con Dios,
DM

Friday is past, Sunday is coming

It is such a beautiful sunny day outside today, not a cloud in the sky to be seen. I am sitting here remembering a sermon I once heard titled "It's Friday,But Sunday's Coming". The story told of the gruesome death by crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary. It was Friday, and all hope was lost to those who had followed Him so faithfully, believing He was to be the new king. Their leader had been slain, they were in hiding, fearing for their own lives. How could this happen after He had promised them He would be with them always,in fact claiming to be the Son of God ??? Never before in their lives had the future looked so hopeless. That's because it's Friday. Jesus is in the tomb. The world around them has turned dark. Satan and his crowd is rejoicing in their victory.
BUT........ it's only Friday !!! SUNDAY IS COMING !!!!!!!

The stone has been rolled away! The tomb is empty !!! Jesus has risen from the grave, bringing with Him the keys to death and the grave. Satan has been defeated, and the final payment for sin has been paid. Jesus Christ has risen from the grave, to reign and rule for eternity. And it is Sunday, forever.

I sat down at this keyboard this morning feeling more alone and depressed than at any other time since my wife passed away in January of this year. My tears made it hard to see the keyboard. I have been praying all morning asking God to speak to my heart, to give some kind of relief from this emotional pain. The story above is what HE sent to my spirit. It has blessed me in sharing it with you. If HE has blessed you with the reading of it, the time has been well spent.

May the God of all creation bless you and your's this Easter weekend. Please attend the church of your choice tomorrow if possible.

Via Con Dios DM

Hello America

Good morning America, may everyone have a great day today !! That seems like a good way to start. The weather has been a little cold the last couple of days for this time of year but looks to be warming back up today. At least the cold north wind has stopped blowing and the sun is out bright and strong. I think it will be a good day to spend some time in the garden.
Hurricane Hailey and I are going to town later to buy tomato and pepper plants and probably some bedding plants for the flower gardens. We are way behind in transplanting strawberries but the patch must be thinned out or it won't produce those BIG juicy strawberries that the girls love so much. The blueberries are leafing out as are the thornless blackberries. We should have lots of berries for jams and pies this year. We also have both red and black raspberries but those don't last long with these granddaughters around (or their daddy).The girl's daddy, my youngest son Josh, usually watches for the first berry to ripen so he can grab it. This has been going on since he was old enough to walk. Like father, like daughters I suppose.
If you are a new visitor to our blog, please feel free to visit and post a comment anytime. We are always happy to meet new friends. Have a great day today.


Via Con Dios DM

Quiet Evening

It's been pretty quiet here at Poverty Flats most of the day today. The weather took a turn back to cold and rainy. Those kind of days make me just want to stay inside and do little except read a good book or some other quiet activity. And that's not a bad thing either. Sometimes I think God sends the nasty weather just so we will stay in and rest.

I have been surfing the Internet this evening, viewing some political blogs and laughing at some funny things on YouTube, just trying to keep my mind occupied. It's another one of those evenings when I am alone in this big old house with nothing but my thoughts. It's also a good time to catch up on prayer and devotional time.And that, for sure, beats anything on TV.

I also enjoy the time visiting with folks through this blog. It has been a blessing since my wife has been gone. Her and I spent a lot of time talking with each other and I miss that. I have met some new friends through this blog and I am very thankful for all of you who stop by to visit.

As I sit here reflecting on things, I just remembered what day it is today. April 2 is a special day for me. In my past life many years ago before my wife and I were married, I must admit to having a very bad problem with alcohol addiction. But, she and I met,and my life started to turn around. On April 2nd, 32 years ago, I awoke early in the morning determined to try to beat this demon that had already destroyed my father's health and seemed determined to destroy mine. I made it to the coffeepot, and then to breakfast without a drink. WOW ! A victory, small, but I would take it. I made it through the entire day without giving in the the habit. Another victory, bigger this time. A whole day without alcohol!! It had been a long time since this had happened. Then, another day, and another. On April 7th, five days later, my wife Frances and I were married. AND STILL ALCOHOL FREE after 32 years. I have never to this day tasted alcohol in ANY form again. Five days from today, my wife and I would have celebrated our 32nd wedding anniversary.......

And life goes on. And I miss her more than I can bear.

Have a good night. DM

Crazy Weather

This has to be one of the craziest weather patterns in recent history. Trees are leafing out, flowers are blooming, and it is snowing hard at the moment and has been for hours here at Poverty Flats USA. The temp is supposed to drop into the low 20's tonight.
I have been here in this big house all day alone thinking about this. I am trying to see a clear way to blame the weather on the US government. They seem to have a hand in just about everything else.
I just read a clip on the Internet News that asks if maybe Obama is getting OVERexposed. What does this mean?? I know I for one am certainly sick of seeing his face everytime I turn my computer on or pick up a newspaper. Don't know for sure what's better, not seen or not heard.
O.K., so much for the rambling. I have the whole place to myself today and am enjoying the peace and quiet so much. Just myself, the two dogs, Mitzi and Max , and the horses. Hurricane Hailey and Kelsey are visiting their mother this weekend. It's great having them around all the time, but the alone time once in a great while is good too.
I have been able to get some new items listed for sale on ebay today, and order some new pieces of equiptment for the mobile kitchen. We are adding more outside lighting and sign work. It should be finished in another week. If it ever stops raining/snowing long enough we will get photos taken and post them for you to see.
And speaking of the mobile kitchen, things are progressing well in preparation of the season opener festival in Webb City MO April 24-26. This 3 day festival will be in downtown Webb City which is a neighboring town to Joplin MO in the far Southwest corner of Missouri. More on that a little later.
May God bless you all....
Via Con Dios
DM - Pit Master
Texas BBQ & Beans

Waterlogged

We made it through the night with hardly any rain, then about 8 am this morning it came a cloudburst.I think that's what they call it around here. Down in South Texas we always called it a frog strangler. Whatever you choose to call it, it was a lot of rain in a short period of time. But all has passed to the east, and we ended the day with beautiful sunshine.
Springtime continues to come in spite of our doubts. The Dogwood and Redbud trees are blooming profusely down in the woods.My apricot and plum trees are beginning to bud out now too. Last summer, Granny and I transplanted some peonies from Bill at Countryview Woodcrafts' yard to our home about 300 miles south. Granny didn't think they would live but yesturday, I was out at the flower garden and 5 of them were up about 6 " high. Hurricane Hailey was with me, and I said,without thinking, "I sure wish Granny could see this." Without missing a beat, Hailey said, "But PaPa, Granny IS watching and she CAN see !!". Well, that about turned the tears on all over again for sure. God bless the faith and innocence of a child.
Well, it is getting closer to our BBQ season. We have our fisrt festival scheduled for the 24th - 26th of April. It's time to start stocking the mobile kitchen and making necessary repairs to the equiptment. It's sure going to be hard to stay focused without Granny, but like Hurricane Hailey says, she'll be watching to make sure I'm doing it right.
We will be adding a couple of new items this year too. We always start very early in the mornings because it takes a while to build a good fire in the smoker, and get the BBQ ready. There is always hungry people that time of morning, so we will begin serving hot biscuits and gravy. I know, there goes the diet, but what a way to go.
If I keep thinking this way, I'll be eating breakfast before I go to bed tonight.
With that, it's time I stop. May God bless you richly....

Via Con Dios
DM

It's Springtime !!

Finally, after a long and eventful winter, Spring has sprung. This is, and always has been my favorite time of the year. Everything in the world outside is coming back to life after a long winter of dormancy. My trees are beginning to leaf out, the grass is greening, flowers are blooming and almost everything in my world is comming back to life, almost everything. Some things just take a little longer.

Granny shared my love of Springtime and all it has to give to humanity. We would always look at the seed catalogs together and plan what new things we would add to the flower and vegtable gardens. Hurricane Hailey, Kelsey and I will continue to tend the flower gardens, and I'm sure we will plant some things in the vegtable gardens. They both seem to have inherited Granny's enthusiasm for gardening. I try to maintain a positive attitude about things for their sake as much as possible. But, there is a huge vacant spot in the garden of my soul that just cannot be filled.
My comfort and sanity comes from the promise of that Springtime that is yet to come, for God's promise of resurrection and renewal of life is as certain as the sun that is rising in the eastern sky over Poverty Flats this beautiful Spring morning. If you have not done so yet, please, step outside and take a look. Smell the fresh air. It is full of Springtime and life. God has given it as a gift to humanity so please don't waste it.
From us at Poverty Flats USA.... Via Con Dios
DM

Full House

We have a full house this week. My daughter Angie and her husband David came to visit for the week. They are from down around Galveston TX. They brought with them one of my granddaughters, Katie, who is 16, and also one of my great-granddaughters, Abagail who is 4. We have so many little girls around here it's hard to keep track of them all.
Hurricane Hailey celebrated her 6th birthday Sunday. We had a big party for her and now she thinks she is such a big girl. She received a lot of presents and had a great time with all the other little girls around.
Hailey and Kelsy are doing really well most of the time, but they both still miss their Granny very much. As do we all.
All my Texas bunch will be heading home Friday, and I will be going to Arkansas. I am going down to visit Linda for a couple of days and to attend a horse training seminar near her home. It will be a chance to get away for a couple of days and rest, both physically and emotionally. At least that is the plan.
Have a great rest of the week.
Via Con Dios
DM

Friday the 13th

Well folks, my calendar says it's Friday the 13th which I guess is supposed to be a bad luck day. I personally have never believed in luck. Oh, maybe just a little, way back in my younger days when I enjoyed a good game of poker or blackjack. Or maybe at the racetrack, because I sure do like to watch those ponies run. But even that is not necessarily luck.There are professional gamblers who rely much on skill and knowledge of the game. Guess that's why I never won much. And the horses that race ? There's a lot of factors that come into being in such a race, but I think luck is not what determines the outcome. I used to think luck played a major role in fishing until I started watching some of the fishing tournaments on TV. Even those seem to be more about having the right combination of skill and equiptment. And sometimes the fastest boat.
Luck ? I would rather think some things are just going to happen regardless, while other things are determined by our actions. Sometimes, no matter how badly we want something to happen, it just doesn't. This is just the way of life and all the Friday the 13ths in history is not going to change that.
One thing I do believe in passionately is faith. I believe that faith changes all things, according to Scripture. I believe that with faith, we truly can move mountains. I don't mean the kind of faith that when we pray, we afterwards say "I sure hope God answers my prayer". I mean the kind of faith that when we pray, we begin immediately to thank Him for the answer, because we believe His Word that says "What-so-ever you ask in My Name, BELIEVING, that shall you recieve".
Luck ? no, I have some Irish blood somewhere in my family tree, but I don't put much stock in shamrocks and leprechauns. I believe in faith, and hands on the plow handles. Full speed ahead.
God Bless all, and have a really great Friday the 13th.

Via Con Dios
DM

Two months

I am beginning this post today with emotions running rampant. One moment I am sitting here looking at the calendar realizing that Granny has been gone for two months today.The tears blur my vision until it's hard to see the keyboard. My loss and pain is no less than it was the day she left us.Sometimes, I think I don't want to go on alone. It would be so easy to accomplish this, if I could be so selfish as to think only of myself.
But,....as I go through my daily devotion time of pray and scripture reading, my emotions are high and hopeful. I was reading Dr.Charles Stanley's devotional commentary this morning and he was teaching from Genesis 37. He spoke of the life of Joseph with all his trials and hardships.God had made him a promise early in his life that he would be blessed beyond measure. But for now, he had been sold into slavery by his brothers,falsely imprisoned for a crime of which he was innocent and things could not look worse for him. And yet, through all this, he never lost sight of or forgot the promise God had made to him. In the end, God not only gave him his freedom, but did in fact, make him ruler of his people.
God has likewise made promises to us today. He has promised eternal life to any and all who will accept it. Granny accepted it long ago and is now with Him. I too believe it, and know beyond a doubt that in His time, by His schedule, I too will be there with Granny.
As I said earlier in this post, it would be so easy to bring it all to a halt now, and end the emotional pain. But the remaining time alloted to me will be decided by God Himself. After looking back at the many years of my life that have already flown by, it is comforting to know that any remaining time will be but the blink of an eye. As the apostle Paul said in the NT, "I long to be gone from this life and be with the Lord, but for now, there is work to be done." This is but a paraphrase, but close enough. If you are reading this and believe in God's promise, may He bless you richly as He did Joseph. On the other hand, if you don't believe, may I said to you, it has no bearing what-so-ever on the reality of it. God said it, that settles it,whether you belive or not. But why gamble with your eternal destination when the promises of God are so freely given ??
Hurriane Hailey just woke up and is as usual, ready to conquer the world. After her usual bowl of strawberry cereal of course. And this is one of the main reasons I will continue.
May you have a great day, in spite of the world around you.

Via Con Dios
DM

Weather Still A Roller Coaster

What a weather ride it has been this past week !! When I last posted, my property was covered with ice and snow. Then later in the week, Four days later to be exact, we tied the all time record high temp for March 5th with a high of 82 degrees. Now, tonight we have strong T- storms in the forcast. And if that isn't enough, by Wednesday of this week the high is supposted to be only 42. Anyone remember the old TV ads for Parkay margarine "Somebody tried to fool Mother Nature"?? Well, SOMEBODY needs to leave old Mother Nature alone !!

I'm sitting here banging away on the keyboard thinking I have about an hour more before I need to call it a day, and the lady on the late news on channel 12 just reminded me that I need to turn my clock ahead 1 hr tonight. Who ever came up with this asinine idea of moving the clock back and forth thinking they were saving time MUST have been a Democrat. Why not ? They have messed up everything else in our country.

Well, enough of that. This started out to be a light-hearted, friendly post and I need to stay away from politics. Hope everyone has an enjoyable weekend.

Via Con
DM

Warming back up

The weekend snow that sneaked up on us is pretty much history now. I like to think that I have grown spiritually over the years to the point that I don't hate anything. But I've heard that for everything there is an exception. And the exception here is that I HATE COLD SNOWY WINTER WEATHER. Seriously, I guess I don't really hate it, I just don't like it all that much. I was born and raised in the Deep South and we just didn't see much winter. Then, as I grew a little older, I moved north for some crazy reason that has long been lost to obscurity. I remember hearing people talking about how much they hated winter and I would think," I don't understand why they feel that way, all that pretty white stuff coming down." Then by the end of my first winter up north, I was right in there bad-mouthing the weather just like everyone else.
In the 41 years I spent as a long haul trucker, I have seen winter weather as bad as it gets. One winter in Iowa, I was caught in a blizzard where the temp was - 32. Folks, that's 32 BELOW 0 !! And I have been across Donner Pass when the snow drifts were higher than the top for my 13' 6" high trailer.
No thank you folks, if you are one of those people who just LOVE winter and snow, you can have it. I'll just take the warm southern breezes anytime.
Well I've rambled until it's time for work .
Via Con Dios
DM

Wow, What A Change !!!!!!

In the last post, I wrote about Springtime, and how near it is. And then, two days later, it was back to cold snowy winter weather. It snowed most of the day yesturday, and when I went out to feed the horses this morning the temp was 10 degrees. When I got out of church a little while ago it was still only 23. This crazy weather has been doing this for about 6 or 8 weeks now. It will warm up during the week, then get cold and nasty on the weekend. The weatherman is predicting a warmup into the 70's by Thursday of this week. It will probably be snowing again by Saturday.

Talk about time going by fast, I just learned that next Sunday, we set our clocks ahead for Daylight Savings Time. I always like it when the days are longer. There is just so much to do around Poverty Flats, it's like getting more hours in our day. I don't need a lot of nighttime because I don't really sleep that much.

Anyway, in spite of the temporary set back, Spring is just around the corner. I will be planting onions, carrots, radishes, and sweet peas in a couple more weeks. Besides all that, Hurricane Hailey and Kelsey want to go fishing and I think they won't have any problem talking Papa into going. I'm never sure which is stronger, the urge to plant, or the urge to fish. But this much I do know, a lot of good fishing days have been ruined by work. Besides all that, a good friend of mine who passed away a few years ago used to tell me that if you could put a dollars worth of food on the table it was as good as a dollar earned. And a plate of catfish on the table sounds good to me.

Well sorry I don't have any political wisdom or religious insight to leave with you in closing this post so I'll just say "May God bless you richly, and keep your eyes on the government."
Via Con Dios DM

Spring Is Near

I didn't realize it had been so long since I last posted . Time is rolling along, the days are getting a little longer and Spring is in the air. I drove into town yesturday to get a haircut and saw two patches of daffodils in full bloom. Never knew yellow could be so beautiful. My maple trees are budding out, and the grass is beginning to green up in spots. Spring is without a doubt my favorite time of the year. I always look forward to the world around me coming back to life after a long winter. I guess that is one reason why I love gardening so much. The idea of putting a seed in the ground and watching new life come from it fascinates me. I believe God, in all His infinite wisdom, gave us gardening and growing our food in this manner to remind us constantly of the promise of a resurrected life. I miss Granny so much that it is hard to function most of the time. But I take immeasurable comfort in knowing that there is a Springtime coming for BOTH of us,in which we will grow and bloom together forever in a realm where there will be no Autumn or Winter.

Well, Hurricane Hailey is awake now so time for rambling is over. She is my reality check. When she wakes up , it is cartoons and strawberry cereal, in that order. Next year she will be in school all day with her sister Kelsey. That is a scary thought !!
Maybe I should write a letter of apology to the school now. Really, they are a couple of really great kids who keep my life from becomming unbearably boring.

May everyone have a really great day, and as always....
Via Con Dios
DM

Up In Smoke

Smoke has been rolling since 4am here at Poverty Flats. We have smoked a couple of beef shoulders, a couple of pork shoulders, and about 60lbs of venison summer sausage. It's been a little cool here today but with a fire in the firebox it wasn't bad. It really is a lot of work, but it don't seem like it. I enjoy what I do, but not as much as I did when Granny was here with me.
Some of what was cooked today will be overnighted to South Texas. Yes, South Texas !! We are shipping Texas style BBQ from Missouri to Texas ! Like they don't have any BBQ joints down there. My son Don W. lives in Clute TX, near Galveston on the coast. He and his wife are expecting a brand new baby boy ( grandchild # 20) and she is having a baby shower with about 60 people to be fed. And Don W. thinks our BBQ is the best in the world. Yes, I know he is right. Anyway, they want BBQ so BBQ they will get. I just hope those Texas cooks don't march north and attack. They get pretty touchy about bragging rights to BBQ.
Well, enough of that. It's been a long day and I'm getting to be an old fossil who needs a lot more sleep than I got last night.
I deeply appreciate those of you who drop by from time to time. I hope you will continue to stop by and visit when you can.
Via Con Dios
DM - Pitmaster
Texas BBQ & Beans

Time Flys

Just a quick post tonight to say Thank You to all who have stopped by over the last few weeks with kind words and condolence. It's been a whole month today since Granny left us. In a way,it doesn't seem possible that it has been that long already. But then again sometimes it seems like time has just frozen in place.
Well, I said a quick post, and it would be so easy to ramble on and on tonight but instead I will bid all goodnight...Via Con Dios DM

Got It !!

I think I have gotten the hang of this photo thing. Hard to believe something so simple for some can be so difficult for others. Hope you enjoy these pics. DM

Rainy Day Here

It has rained nonstop here since yesturday afternoon. Our creek is up in the yard and it usually takes about 3-4" of rain just to get it out of it's banks. Don't know for sure how much we have received but it is enough.I had to tread water just to get the horses fed this morning. But on the upside, it gives good reason to stay inside and loaf today. Hurricane Hailey is catching up on cartoons and I am catching up on loafing.
Hailey and I started making summer sausage yesturday, and that was a chore. We ground up 45lb of venison and 12lb of pork fat. Then we had to mix all that, then add all the spices and seasonings and mix it again. It is just marinating in the cooler today.Tomorrow or the next day we will hook the stuffer tube on the grinder and stuff it all into sausage casings. Then it will go into the smoker for about 8 hrs wil some good old applewood smoke. By Friday we will have some world class venison summer sausage.
Have a great day. Via Con Dios DM

Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

It's so nice out today I find it hard to believe it's still mid February. I think the temp. is in the 60's right now.
I have been busy listing items on ebay all day and getting them packaged for shipment so they will be ready to go when sold. It's interesting and it keeps me busy. I guess that is worth something. I have to stay very busy or the memories start to weigh too heavy to bear.
The ebay thing is just a way to kill time. Soon it will be time to start BBQing and then time will be a precious commodity. My granddaughter Hailey and I made and bottled 40 bottles of "Taste of Texas" BBQ sauce Friday. That's only a small quantity of what we will need for the season but it's a start.
Well, the horses need to be fed, and the girls do too so guess my spare time is over for now. Until later,
Via Con Dios DM

Warming Up

I think the cold weather is behind us for a little while. The temp is supposed to reach the low to mid 60's today and for the next week. Maybe Spring will come early this year. But then I start thinking that same thing every year about this time. It's still kinda hard for someone born and raised in the deep south to adjust to these midwest winters. My wife was a Missouri gal, and she liked it here so this is where we made our home many years ago. And, after all these years, my own transplanted roots have grown deep here so guess this is where I will stay. BUT........, my heart is still in the deep, warm wintered south.

It sure doesn't seem like a whole month since Granny has been gone. I still keep expecting her to come walking in the door any time. And I find myself continually hoping that I will wake up from this nightmare and find that she is still sitting there in her recliner with her embroidery can in her lap, watching Judge Judy rake some poor soul over the coals.But, in reality, it's not going to happen. And each day that goes by I am coming more and more to realize this. Life goes on, and with God's strength we learn to deal with it. I am learning that to stay very busy keeps my mind occupied and makes life a little easier to bear.

Speaking of being busy, my granddaughter, Hailey and I have been busy this week making and bottling BBQ sauce for the upcoming season. This will be our first year to package and sell our sauce as an item. Granny and I spent a lot of time trying to come up with a name for it Just before she passed away we decided that since it was a South Texas style sauce, as is our BBQ, it would be called "TASTE OF TEXAS". We are really proud of it. For the first 1 1/2 years we would offer a choice between our sauce and the leading name brand from Kansas City. After a while we were running out of our own and taking most of the KC brand back home. So then we began to offer only our own sauce, and folks started asking to buy extra sauce to take home. So, TASTE OF TEXAS was born. For now it will only be available directly from us at the festivals and events where we will be . Hopefully, we can expand that in the near future.

Have a great day, and as always....... Via Con Dios
DM
Pitmaster
Texas BBQ & Beans

Thanks To All

It's kind of a slow day here at Poverty Flats USA. Not much else to write about. I just mostly wanted to say " Thank You " to everyone for your kind words and sympathy. I know that time and faith in God will heal all wounds.Most of the time it is just so hard to stay focused. I have plenty to do to keep busy, with the granddaughters , the horses and the upcoming BBQ season. And as long as I stay busy it is easier to bear the loss.But after 32 years together, everything I see or touch is a reminder of her. And I guess that too will ease with time.

Just got a new digital camera and as soon as I figure it all out I will be posting some photos of the girls, the horses and our BBQ rig.


Via Con Dios DM

No News / Good News

I remember an old saying that no news is good news. Don't know that I agree with that entirely, but for lack of anything wittier to start out with it will have to do. There just isn't much happening around Poverty Flats lately. With Granny gone it just seens like none of the fun things are fun anymore. I'm told quite often that time will heal but right now I have serious doubts about that too. I'm sure it's so, just kinda hard to grasp for now.

I have found myself thinking about our business Texas BBQ & Beans. I have seriously considered just selling all the equiptment and closing it out. The whole thing was a dream that my wife and I shared together, and without her, it's hard to be excited about anything anymore. But, in talking with our children and some close friends, I have come to realize that to allow that dream to desolve would be to dishonor her memory. SO !!!! We WILL continue on, bigger and busier than we ever have been. I am already booking events for this season withg the first so far being the new "Springtime On Broadway" festival in Webb City MO in April. We will post the exact date soon, along with our schedule for this year. We hope to see many of you at our serving window.

Have a really great day, and remember, "You are someone special cause GOD don't make no junk" Via Con Dios DM
Pitmaster
Texas BBQ & Beans

Just Reflecting

It's late here at Poverty Flats, the 10pm News & Weather indicate that the winter storm has passed. I think we have about 1 " of ice covered by 4-5" of powdery snow. The girls think it is really great, especially because of no school today and tomorrow. We made them a big bowl of snow ice cream this evening and they thought this was just the greatest thing in the world.I'm amazed at just how little it takes to make a child happy. They miss their Granny so much, but children seem to heal so much faster than do the grown-ups.

I have received so many cards,letters,phonecalls and e-mails from folks who knew my wife, and I am humbled by it all. I'm sure she had no idea just how many friends she really had and how many lives she had touched through the years. Frances cared about people. She always seemed to find people who were hurting or just needed someone talk to. And she did love to talk !

I want to thank those of you who left comments on our blog here at Poverty Flats. May God bless you for your kindness. And I want to thank you for your kindness and friendship with Bill and Roxi at Countyview Woodcrafts. May GOD be with all of you.

Via Con Dios
DM

It's Been A While

It's been a long while since we have posted from Poverty Flats and a lot has changed since . It is very hard to set at the keyboard and think rationally tonight. It has been two weeks today since life support was withdrawn from Granny and almost two weeks since she departed this life and graduated to her Heavenly home . Most who will read this post know that Granny was the name most around here used for my wife Frances. We have been together for 32 years , always the closest and best of friends. My sorrow and grief is almost more than I can bear. I need to quote Dr Jack Stanton, a well known Baptist evangelist from Missouri, when speaking of the lost of his wife to cancer. Someone asked him, " Dr. Stanton, don't you know where your wife is now ?" To which he replied, '"Yes of course I know where she is, but I also know where she's not. " I know that my strength is in my faith, for GOD's word says "The peace of GOD, which passes all understanding will keep your heart and mind through Crist Jesus our Lord". BUT,,,,,, in all honesty, I do so look forward to the time when I will be with her again for eternity.

I need to close for now. As always, Via Con Dios DM