While I have an extra 10 minutes I thought it was time to update the world (ok, maybe not the “world” but those out there who care at least…) about what has been going on these past few weeks!
The term “getting the ball rolling” on a project is quite appropriate to use in this case…. Though, it is more like a wrecking ball. We started renovating the ranch that will serve as the rehab/rescue center on July 11th. Let me tell ya, things are looking CRAZY amounts of different now! The horse stalls are almost finished, the rest of the horse barn is getting put together as well, the “dog barn” area got its walls put in last weekend (eeek they look so good!) and the house is looking wonderful. I got the front of the property fenced in and my absolutely fantastic grandfather built me a gate that I am quite certain could withstand a hurricane.
I have no words for how thankful I am to those who have been helping me these past few weeks. I feel like the fact that all this is happening THIS summer is most definitely a test from God to say “You really want this? Really? well then lets see how committed you REALLY are then…” For those of you who are perhaps not from Oklahoma… this is turning out to be the hottest summer on record. Its not uncomfortable hot, its unbearable hot. No one should be expected to do ANYTHING when it is 110 outside. However, we are out building barns in it… Crazy? perhaps.
My grandfather, Joe Martin, is my hero. He has been out 3 or 4 days a week and every saturday since the 11th. All day, in this heat. Welding, cutting through walls, digging holes for posts… you name it. My brother, Allston, has been out as well. Poor kid, we use him as a pack horse. He can lift and carry 2X more than the average human (for those who dont know, my brother is a freak of nature in the best way. He is basically a titan, in real life) I so appreciate him. His friend Justin came up to help all the way from Dallas 1 weekend and did a ton. My aunt and uncle have spent the past 2 weekends helping put in the dog barn walls. (bolting in metal in this heat is not fun times) Derrick Parkhurst (@thirtysixthspan) and Matt Mills (@photomattmills) spent an entire sunday sweating it out with me in the horse barn and we got 10X more done than I ever thought.. Matt helped me design the stall doors and they are going to look great, and Derrick figure out how to install the wire fronts on the stalls when everyone else was all “i have no idea how you are going to do this..”. and last but totally NOT least…My mom, dad, sister, and grandmother are the only reason that I am able to live in my house now (moving myself in was a last priority at this point and they pretty much did it all), and my best friend Janell (@edotter) and Cj Metcalf have made sure my sanity has remained intact through it all and totally saved my butt when my car decided it was going to break down right in the big middle of it all…
Basically what I am trying to say is…….. These people are wonderful.
I know this was a very long rambling post. But, I just wanted to get some “thank you’s” out there and update on what is going on. Today is supposed to be the hottest day ever recorded in Oklahoma, so please stay safe out there!! And remember your animals… NO animals should be outside without a HUGE amount of water and fans if possible.
