What Brings You To Oklahoma City?

We had known for weeks, the move was coming. As the time drew near, I grew more anxious. This move would be harder than the last. We were down a truck, both motorcycles would not go into the travel trailer, though mine usually does. I detest that chore, sometimes, I think I should sell it and replace it when I get there. Scratch that, too much paperwork.

Once the trailer was resting on the 5^th wheel plate, the job box ( large tool chest) would not go into the truck. We were still facing a second trip, and Christmas is just around the corner. Time is growing short, still there is some time left here.

On Thanksgiving eve, hubby is told to be in Oklahoma City on Monday morning! Monday morning, no way. Plans have been made, and the Granddaughter will be here for the weekend. My daughter has to work, the daycare will be closed, I am committed to her! This won’t be changed.

Hubby leaves me behind. It has been so long since I have had a week completely alone. It is a vacation. The time is spent reading, sleeping, writing, visiting and making some Christmas gifts from the kitchen. This is so relaxing.

In a week, he returns for me, and to make one last minute adaptation to the Air Force Base, where he has been working. My kitchen and bathrooms are packed. We are stepping over boxes of items that have been secured for the move. The adaptation takes two days, my house is packed, I am mentally ready. A five acre spot has been secured. Utilities are ready to go. I will be back in the country.

My youngest brother appears at the door, he will trailer our bikes, and air compressor, and deliver them to OK City for us. What a gift. What a surprise.

My last day is spent tearing down the portable garage where the bikes are parked, gathering up the outdoor odds and ends, and bringing them inside. We will be leaving in the morning. The excitement builds, it is just a short trip from Little Rock to Oklahoma City, one I have made for a variety of reasons. We will have supper at our new place. Even pulling a 5^th wheel, we should make it in about 6 hours or so.

For someone who has gone coast to coast and back again numerous times in a tractor- trailer rig, and for someone who spent a very hot summer pulling FEMA trailers out of the New Orleans area, a trip of 350 miles should be a short ride.......should be.

What a terrible trip. My car is built for economy and not comfort. Following the trailer is slow going. The truck needs fuel. The dog needs a break. Coffee is needed, my own gas tank is getting low, maybe I should get some. Hubby needs a snack, bathroom breaks are needed. At Fort Smith, the trip is only half done. A 6 hour trip is beginning to feel like 60. There is no counting how many times I told myself, ‘ well, you don’t have to go all the way into the city’, looking for relief.

Years ago, my teen daughter took an interest in the F.P. Murrah memorial, and as hubby was working on a GM plant in the area, she and I made the trip together. She kept wanting to drive, she had not mastered county roads at that time. She clearly wasn't ready for the interstate. We made the trip very quickly.

A comfortable vehicle makes a difference!

Finally, nearing dark, we arrive. This is an old hobby farm---pastures, barns, sheds. I have spent years trying to get back to this. There will be chickens, compost, gardens, maybe a goat and a calf, maybe.

We pick our spot and hubby maneuvers the trailer into place. It is time to take the outdoor items back out, and put the kitchen in order. The nearest neighbors have come to help. They seemed to have had a bit too much to drink, but still they are friendly. Hubby discovers the power has not been turned on, but we have 12 volt lighting, and our heater will work on 12 volt power also. Just hook up the water, and we will be ok. It is well water, that part is ok, except the water pipe is broken  several yards up. The neighbors suggest that we pull forward, and use their water and electrical supply, until ours is repaired. Hubby does not really want to move the trailer, but I do insist on running water!

The power was turned on the next day, it took about 3 days to get the water pipe dug up and replaced. My brother delivered the bikes and compressor.

The neighbors were so friendly and helpful. I baked them a loaf of bread, and a pound cake.

Another neighbor has delivered some farm fresh eggs. So, I will do some more baking. The practice will do me good.

The grocery, a store that impresses me, is less than 3 miles a way.  So is other shopping, though limited, revenue offices, the library.    Malls, home improvement stores, fine restaurants, hospitals.....all things familiar are within 20 miles.

We have set up business with a local and small bank.  On my second visit, they remembered my name.  The postal courier brought a package to my door!  Small town America does have its rewards.

In the past few days, I have set up a clothesline, a compost pile ( for the coming garden), a birdbath and scattered feeders.  I daydream of honeysuckle vines and backyard chickens.  My dog runs freely, without being leashed.  He is young and playful again. 

Oklahoma City, once a distant city, is now, 'going to town'.  It is my new home.  Private, rural, and yet, a only a few hours from family, should I be called home to them.

I do hope it is a short winter. There is a strange need to till the soil.......

jrsearam 6 days ago

Wonderful! It's not home if we don't share it with God's furry and feathery creations. My little island is devoid of land mammals but we have beautiful parrots that perch on a mango tree next to our bedroom window on some mornings. Seeing them on mornings when the tree has fruit really makes my day. Many blessings OGW