Reflecting on the last month

It is hard to believe that we have lived in Vincennes for a month now.  I don't feel like a resident of Vincennes.  I feel like I am walking around a great town as a permanent visitor taking in as much as I can. As I begin each day, I find myself doing the same thing over and over: trying to learn the rules, meet people, figure out where we fit in and how we fit in.  I hesitate to say this but I really don't feel like I belong here but I know that will come.  I am a city girl, who did not grow up here and whose ties are through her husband and husband's family.  It has only been a month, right? Patience is not one of my gifts but I am trying really, really hard to have it or at least find it somewhere.

So here is what I have learned in the last month:

• The speed limit is 30 mph and everyone drives it
• People do not go through yellow lights or run red lights (I have received many looks for making the hazardous left hand turn as the light changes)
• Mopeds and golf carts are the norm
• The ratio of handicap to non handicap drivers appears quite even
• Never be in a hurry, because everyone operates on slow time (I am actually really starting to like that).
• You will be stopped by a train many times.  Did I mention that I have never seen so many trains or heard so many "choo choos" in my life?  I find comfort in it and I have found myself thinking about my grandpa who worked on the railroads all his life.  
• BUGS!!  I have never experiences so many insects in my entire life.  I have stopped worrying about the necessary daily protein intake for my kiddos because I am sure that we all consume several a day without even knowing it.  
• Humidity - I HATE humidity and strongly dislike heat.  Over the last few weeks, we have enjoyed 100% humidity.  It is like living in a rainforest or swamp.  It is hard to even breathe.  
• People - Nice to the core.  Having twins has been quite the topic of conversation here and has allowed us to meet many folks, young and old.  I can't tell you how many complete strangers have stopped me, offered their name and info and wanted me to call if I needed anything at all.
• The head nod and finger lift.  When you pass people on the road, you nod your head or lift a finger.  Yeah, I so do that in the van.  
• Everyone knows everyone and we are somehow related either by blood or marriage to half the town.

• My house is rental, not my forever home.  I need to understand that I will still have boxes and that not all my stuff will come out or fit.
• Water tables and a hose are the greatest gift for kids in the summer.  So many hours have been enjoyed outside with my 3 kiddos and those water tables.
• I live, eat and breathe tractors and combines.  My boys LOVE them (I don't really feel like that is a strong enough word).  We have over 15 tractors and it isn't enough.  The excitement in their voices and on their faces whenever they see some type of machinery is just priceless.
• Local rules - buy local, shop local and support local businesses (I will have entry on that coming up).  
• Bobe's pizza is the best
• My daughter has a social calender that is hard to keep up with and it makes my heart sing.  Between being on the swim team, baseball team, church activities, family and her new friends, my sweet little girl is settling in quite well.  Can't wait to see what school will hold for her.
• The typical intro questions and beginning conversation here goes something like this:  Where do you live?  Who are you married to?  Tony Hinkle, Is he related to Jerry or Donna, Trent, Troy or Tammy.  Yes, we know your husband's family.  Wonderful people!  Where will your daughter go school?  Where do you go to church? - Never fails.  I am really good at doing intros now.
• Vincennes is God's town.  He is everywhere and on everything and I find much comfort in knowing that as I live in a place where I am the outsider.
• Farming is hard and unpredictable.  You can't plan or count on anything.  Tony's schedule is crazy and he works 6 days a week.  He works hard, so very hard and I am so proud of him.  This has been a hard farming year.  We have had so much rain that it looks like we might lose the majority of our crops.  But, that is how it is.  
• I miss my friends.

My family - I can't bullet this because what I have learned is far too great for a simple bullet.  Since the moment we arrived, our family has been there.  We see them weekly and I love it.  Sometimes, they will stop by or we will head out to the farm.  We had game night last night at our home and the feeling was indescribable having a house full of family, laughing and enjoying each other's company.  I feel their love and support around me and I love seeing my kids with them.  In a strange way, it has been the hardest transition because we have never really had a significant amount of family around us.  I am so used to doing everything myself, only being able to depend on myself and Tony.  I am learning to let go but it is hard.  I am horrible at accepting help but I need it and I am so grateful to have family here.

We are "getting along" as I like to say and I feel, in my heart and soul, that we are where we are suppose to be.  Life is happening around me and I am just grasping and reaching for every moment. 

My new mantra that I have adopted is below.  We moved here for a simpler, more fulfilling life.  So far so good.

Sounds

I remember sitting on our back patio in Indianapolis and hearing sirens, traffic and helicopters.  Yeah, not so much in Vincennes.  I have traded in my sirens and helicopters for mopeds, trains, birds and raccoons.  Our neighbor has a son who has a posse of boys that ride there souped up mopeds up and down our street at all hours (he couldn't be over 15).  I am starting to HATE the sound of a moped but I have to get used to it.  Here, in Vincennes, mopeds are a dime a dozen and many folks use it as there main form of transportation.  That or golf carts.  Yes, I have seen several zip along the city streets.  Baffling!

Because of all of our mature trees, we have birds and we have birds and we have birds and we have birds.  I feel like I am in the middle of a bird sanctuary at the zoo except that we have robins, cardinals and sparrows with an occasional finch thrown in.  The boys love it and they provide hours of entertainment for them as they look out the window. Now with these trees have come a posse of raccoons.  One of these furry beasts chose to climb down our chimney and get stuck.  We spent several evenings and sleepless nights listening to him scratching to get out and and crying.  I have never experiences anything like it.  Thankfully, his crew who we heard run and cackle under our windows got him out.  Peace and quiet again!

My favorite sound that I continue to hear is that of a train.  You can hear "choo choo" as the boys call it many times a day.  I am not sure why, but I think that Vincennes might very well be the major pass through of trains in the Midwest.  I have never seen so many trains and almost have to plan on getting stopped at least once a day.  The boys are in heaven between the trains, mopeds, trucks, tractors, and combines.  It is a little boy's paradise down here and I love to see the fascination on their sweet faces and hear the excitement from all 3 of kids.  It is a new world down here.  New faces, new adventures and new memories.

Being outside and all its glory

Boys...Boys...Twin boys...They get into everything and run me ragged.  They never stop, EVER.  90% of the time, I hang onto the roller coaster and enjoy the ride.  10% of the time, I do want to jump off or just lose my cookies everywhere, not going to lie.

This is my summer of "pretty much anything goes."  We are transitioning into our new lives and I know will be for awhile.  We are still living among boxes.  We don't really have a schedule and I haven't met any other moms like me to plan playdates, so we are just living in the moment and doing our best to enjoy everything.

I am so grateful for our fenced in backyard and also for Gregg Park at the bottom of our street.  My boys have to be outside.  That is where they are happiest, free to roam and destroy.  They are also reminding me that we are all meant to be outside.  We are all happier and healthier after enjoying fresh air and soaking up some much needed vitamin D.

The Hinkle house starts their day no later than 7:00 am so you can imagine by 4:00 pm, momma is done.  You will find us most days out back or at the park.  We play, get dirty, get sweaty, and play some more.  I never knew how much fun a water table could be or how much my kids would enjoy playing with sticks, ants and driving their big cars.

Their faces say it all.

We have also adopted the summer bathing routine (I guess I have established some type of routine).  What is a summer bathing routine you might ask?  Most days my boys and girl look like Harrison below.

Yes, he is covered from head to toe in mud. Yes, he got that way by rolling in the rock and mud puddle like a wild pig.  Yes, I actually encouraged it and laughed harder than I had laughed in awhile.  I wish I had a picture of Em and Mac because they were not much better.  Everyday, I would struggle with bath time.  It was exhausting bathing them and I honestly just didn't have it in me.  My solution, outdoor bathing. So before dinner, I line them up, hose them down, put shampoo in their hair, add a little soap, rinse and dry.  Judge away people but we are all happier and cleaner people.  Plus, my showers are a lot cleaner which has lessened my house work.  

Some call that hillbilly or lazy, I call it genius and lots of fun for us all.  Win, win in my book.

The body heals but the heart and mind never forget

I remember the moment like it was yesterday when Tony walked into our house, a blank look on his face yet a sea of emotions in his eyes.  I remember saying to him, "What are you doing home?  Did you come home for lunch?"  His response was, "Troy called me and dad has been in an accident.  He was hauling equipment to the dealer and was hit by a semi.  We don't know anything except that he has been taken to Evansville."

For hours, the only information that we had was the picture below.  We didn't know if he was alive, what condition he was in, nothing...  When Troy arrived at the hospital, God placed him on the elevator with his dad who was being wheeled up to x-rays.  At least we knew that Jerry was alive, but we had no idea the extent of his injuries.

Jerry spent weeks in Evansville and then was transferred up to Rehabilitation Hospital of Indiana in Indianapolis for more therapy and recovery.  Angels were with him that day.  There is no way he should have survived that accident.  When the semi hit him, he was thrown and hit the concrete on his side.  We think he had put his arm up to cover his head and protect him.  As a result he crushed several ribs, injured his shoulder and had sustained some damage to his brain.  But he was alive.  Yes, this 75 year old man was alive.  The doctors say that because of farming and the amount of muscle and strength that he had, not to mention that he didn't smoke, he would survive.  It was truly a miracle.

Here is a link to the accident:  http://www.courierpress.com/news/2012/jun/20/no-headline---ev_princeton_crash/

We are so grateful to have him today.  He is not the same person that he was a year ago.  Physically he has healed but mentally still struggles with short term memory, articulating thoughts and other slight differences.  If you had never met the man, you wouldn't notice anything different about him. But we do.  Every time I see a farmer hauling or driving equipment on the road, I slow down.  They have earned that courtesy and for me to be extra cautious.  I just wish the semi that hit my father-in-law had done the same.

My world truly changed that moment of the accident.  I knew then, that where we needed to be was at the farm.  We needed to be with family.  I wasn't sure how we would make it happen, but I knew then and there that we would be moving to Vincennes.

In life, we are guaranteed only two things.  We are born and then we die.  What truly matters and what is up to us is what happens in the middle.  We can't live in the past.  All we can do is move forward and make each day count. Today, I am embracing my country life and grateful for it and the people in it.

The Hinkle Clan at my niece, Hannah's wedding this past October.  What a celebration! At the conclusion of this weekend, Tony and I began making plans for our move to Vincennes.

The gift of a front porch

Our front porch in all its glory. We really need to get a flag and also some hanging plants.

We have an amazing front porch that we have enjoyed just about every evening since moving here.  It is big enough for our whole family and looks out on all the "happenings" of Burnett Lane.  The breeze combined with the shade of our trees make it the perfect place to relax just about any time of day.  There is nothing special about it or really beautiful about it.  I think that is why it is so special and it takes me back to times before air conditioning and reminds me of the South.  Folks sitting in their rockers, passing time and trying to keep cool in the heat of the summer.  Too hot to work, too hot to cook, too hot to do just about anything but sit, drink iced tea, rock, and talk.  I love the connections that I have made with my family in the short time that we have been here and I love that we have met so many neighbors who walk by, stop and say hi, introduce themselves and chat.  Yes, they all seem to know Tony's family in one way, shape, or form, and I am finding that I love that.  My mindset is changing from, "My husband is from here and you may know him or his family" to "you know, Jerry and Donna Hinkle, or Tony's sister is Tammy and his two brothers Trent and Troy."  My how quickly I adjust these days.

I have watched my daughter proudly climb the Ginkgo tree and then find that getting down is really the challenge.

I am learning for the first time in my life that slowing down, taking time for myself and just sitting is not a bad thing but a gift.  Yes, a gift.  A gift to me, my family and those around me because I am better person when I have taken that time.  Why, why, why I have I not had a front porch till now?

Before Tony heads off to the farm, we have found a few moments to sip coffee and connect in the morning before the craziness of three kids sets in.  To start my day, with my three favorites, God, Tony and coffee.  I am on to something!

When we build our house, Tony and I both agree that a front porch is a must.  And also some Cracker Barrel rocking chairs.

Hands can say so much

The rain has finally held off long enough for the guys get into the fields.  Our day starts before 6 and Tony isn't home before 9 in the evening now that farming is in full swing.  I met him at the door last night as he came in, tired from a long day working in the fields.  He spent part of his day putting nitrogen on the corn crop and part of his day fixing the tractor that was leaking hydraulic fluid.  As I listened to his story from yesterday about how the tractor was spewing out hydraulic fluid, how he had to stop in the middle of what he was doing to go into town to the tractor store and buy the parts needed to fix the tractor, I just sat there amazed.  I have always known that my husband was handy and resourceful.  Little did I know what he was truly capable of doing.  Of course, he bought the parts and repaired the leak on the tractor. No big deal, right?  He was so proud in a humble kind of way.  I only saw a slight grin as he finished telling me how he fixed it, but there was a grin, a very proud one.

Unlike me, Tony doesn't get excited about much.  He is emotional but you would never know because you see very few emotions with him.  He is a strong, intelligent, hard working, honest and loving man.  His work ethic is like none I have ever seen and it is shining through as he farms.  The slight smile that I saw on his face last night has crept through many times over the past weeks as he describes his day.  He absolutely loves what he is doing.  He loves that his office is outside, he loves that he is farming with family, he loves that he is able to use his God given talents to make a life for us and those around him.  

I gave him a big hug and then found myself reaching for his hands.  They felt different. Calluses had formed on both hands.  Because I stink at spelling, I looked up how to spell the word callus and was drawn to its definition (via Wikipedia).  

A callus (or callosity) is a toughened area of skin which has become relatively thick and hard in response to repeated friction, pressure, or other irritation.

Tony's hands told a story.  Gone were the smaller rough spots that existed from working in the yard (man, that was nothing compared to what he is doing now).  Now, at the base of every finger are calluses, rough, so rough and cracks on his fingers.  Days of fixing equipment, tearing out brush, tearing down beaver dams, moving things and planting are wearing on his hands.  This man, like so many farmers, works a hard 15 hours, comes home to sleep and gets up and does it again, and again and again. There is no complaining because it is what has to be done.  Rest will come when the crops are planted but until then, there is work to be done and long days until it is completed.

Taken off of Pinterst.  

Small Town Loves a Parade

Yesterday, I made plans to take the kiddos to the farmer's market and also to the Parade of a Thousand Clowns (a 1,000 might have been a bit of a stretch).  Being a farmer's wife, in the middle of farming season, I am learning to plan on Tony not being with us and also for ways to entertain my kiddos.  Too much idle time in the Hinkle house equals lots of tears, "I am bored" cries, and screaming and that is just from me. Ha!  Ha!

I had looked in the paper and learned Vincennes has a farmer's market on Wednesday evenings and also Saturday mornings.  I LOVE farmer's markets not only for the local fare but also for the of sense of community.

Emily lovingly named her dog Hot Sauce that she had made by our clown friends at the farmer's market.  We even scored some amazing strawberries.

I also learned that the town was having the Red Skelton Festival and a HUGE parade was taking place.  "Perfect," I thought, "we could do the farmer's market then hit the parade.  Both of them within walking distance of one another and I could also checkout the downtown area."  I love being able to multitask. Nothing makes me happier.

Luke is boy after my own heart.  He saved my day by purchasing a very cold can of Coke.  

Tony worked back to back 16 hour days on Thursday and Friday so I was surprised and excited to learn that he was going to spend Saturday with us.  What a wonderful treat to have daddy and we also recruited Mamaw, Aunt Tammy and Luke.

Excited for the parade to start

So I learned that a small town loves a parade.  The streets were lined with spectators excited to see the clowns, the Shriners, the Mayor and other fun guests.  I found myself taking mental notes so that I don't look like such a rookie at the July 4th parade.






 What to expect at a small town parade and how to prepare:

• Pack your folding chairs or blankets to sit on.
• Stake out a spot in the shade if you can.  Those parades can get quite long.
• Bring a bag or bucket to collect candy that is pelted at you by the parade participants.
• Wear a helmet and body armor to prevent injury from the candy.
• Bring bug spray (Thank goodness for Buggin'.  Here is a link for the product.  http://www.buggspray.com/natural-mosquito-repellent.html.  It is amazing, all natural and deet-free. I purchase mine at Rural King)
• Sunscreen and clothing is optional.  Just kidding but man by looking at the parade attendees one might think that having one's arms, chest and belly covered is not required and even frowned upon.  
• There will be princesses, bands, every politician in office and running for a position, clowns, every school, group and well just about anybody who wants to walk allowed in the parade.  I laughed as my sister-in-law waved to several of the participants because she knew them. It was like old home week.  Her brother-in-law is Mayor Yochum.
• Bring lots of snacks to entertain the kids and your camera to entertain yourself.  People bring in coolers like they are hunkering down for the day.

What a fun day it was celebrating Vincennes and just a highlight of what this small town has to offer.  Oh by the way, if you don't know who Red Skelton is, here is a link http://www.redskeltonmuseum.org/.  I had never heard of him and openly admitted it.  He is a hero and icon in these parts so when you come to visit, read up on him so you don't look like a complete goof like me.

Anxiously awaiting the parade.  This might be the only time I have ever seen Harrison sit without restraint. 

Just a little clowning around.

Candy bag in hand and ready.

Every parade has a princess.

Little Red Fur Shed

We thought it would be fun for Emily to play baseball in Vincennes so that she could meet other kids that she would go to school with in the fall.  Because she had played 2 years of t-ball, a friend suggested signing up for machine pitch.  I thought, "what the heck."  I had no idea what I signed sweet Em up for... 18 games, plus a tournament, plus a machine that throws a ball at your head going 40 mph, not to mention boys who have been playing baseball as long as they could walk.  Sorry Em!

I about died when I learned the name of our team, "The Little Red Fur Shed."  Every team has a sponsor and we were lucky enough to be picked to be on the Decker, IN, team that is sponsored by a store that sells trapping supplies and other fun stuff.  Here is a link to their store, http://littleredfurshed.com/.  

On opening day back in May, Em and I rushed to get to the field in time for pictures.  We had driven in that morning from Indianapolis and I was of course all flustered and running late.  We race up to the place where we are suppose to get our pictures, find our team and Em goes and stands in line to get her picture taken.  The boy in front of her turns around, looks her up and down and then says with a straight face and very matter a fact, "Pants on backwards."  I about lost it right there.  You see we have never owned baseball pants.  Once I realized how serious this was, I went out and bought Em a pair.  That was the first time she had worn them.  God love her that she politely and with much appreciation said, "thank you."  So we ran to the bathroom, fixed her pants and made it back for pictures.  I love the fact that you can see the melon fields in the background of her individual picture.  

That day we played Smith's Taxidermy and won.  Welcome to small town Indiana baseball!  

Sunday Dinner

I was blessed to grow up in a home where my mom cooked and baked daily and most importantly, she was really good at both (my mom might be the best cook EVER!).  To me, food represented family and fellowship.  Just about every evening my mom would have a homemade meal waiting for us.  Dinner was family time and you were expected to be there unless you had a sporting event, were sick or out of town.

Now that I have a family, I have carried on that tradition and try to have a meal made for my family every evening.  These days it might be hot dogs and goldfish but at least there is something on the table for them to eat (or throw at me in the case of the boys).  I love to cook and bake.  My heart is full when I am in the kitchen.  It is my little way to nourish peoples' souls if that makes any sense.

Finally, today, I was able to really cook for our family.  We don't have a lot of money and I wanted to think of a way to say thank you to all of Tony's family for their help in getting us settled.  I knew that cooking was the answer.  I have dreamed of making a meal for his family since we began seriously dating over 10 years ago.  Today, was the day.  Sunday Dinner (which really happens around 12:30 pm).

The menu was simple and easy.  I chose food from my childhood that made me happy, food from Tony's childhood, food our family loves and something new.  I cooked and baked for 16 people and I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT!  What would a girl from Texas who fell in love and married a boy from small town Indiana and created a family of picky eaters make you might ask?  So here it is:

Leigh's Loves

• Mashed potatoes - nothing fancy, just potatoes with lots of butter and milk a splash of salt, pepper and paprika (the way my mama taught me).
• Glazed carrots - carrots cooked with butter, brown sugar and smidge of salt and pepper

Tony's Loves

• Baked beans - Bush's Country Style Beans with a dash of ketchup, yellow mustard and brown sugar added

Tony's Family Traditions

• Oriental Cabbage Salad - Cabbage, almonds, sesame seeds, Raman noodles - AMAZING!
• Italian Beef - Roast in a crock pot with Italian Seasoning and Peperocinis. Pure goodness!

Something New

• Chocolate Strawberry Nutella Cake - Since I have gone country, I had to reference a great city girl who has gone country.  Thank you Pioneer Woman for an amazing cake.  Thank you Tammy and Emily for helping me make it.  YUM!   http://thepioneerwoman.com

Dinner was a success and my heart is full.  We had family here all day and I was so happy and grateful.  Family is why we moved here.  I was so lucky to grow up with my aunt and grandparents just a few minutes away.  Many of my fondest memories are with them and I wanted that for our children.  Oh the laughter that filled our house, front porch and yard... what a blessing today was and all the people in our lives.

Now to pour a glass of wine and finish the dishes...