The Eatin' Kvetons

I just met the most remarkable family!
We've hosted family reuions before, all good. But "The Eatin' Kvetons" broke the mold. I genuinely don't know where to start. First of all, they were the most diversified group I've ever hosted. Secondly and most importantly, they are definitely the most loving group I've ever had the priviledge to meet.
Dad is John. Mom is Jean. He's Czech. She's German. They live in Abernathy. They're tremendously extended family ranges from Lubbock to Austin to Dallas to Weatherford to Hobbs, NM.
Seriously, I don't know where to start. This is a case of meeting people who are so much bigger and better than myself.
John's a cotton farmer. Jean's the mom who runs the show. John and Jean put 22 kids, both biological and foster, through college. Now, those kids are doctors, nurses, cotton experts, deep sea divers, big wigs with McDonalds, and more.
Really, there's not enough room in cyberspace to detail the many epiphanies I had this weekend, but let me try.
Mr. John and Ms. Jean already had a big family on the farm. They began taking in kids probably back in the 70s. I think Barbara was the first. She makes GREAT fudge. Then came many, many others.
There's May, who escaped from Vietnam. And then May's mother. There's Tahn, who's May's son. There's Gary who dated a daughter, but when that failed he still belongs to the family.
There's Danny who's married to Julia (great cook). There's Ann and Scott (scott says she's his angel). There's Sandra (who's dived all over the world). There's also Hon do who served as a Lt. in the South Vietnamese army and now directs McDonalds restaurants from Snyder to Lubbock and beyond. Then there are all the kids, who offered so many times to help clean, do the dishes, anything.
The names are too many and almost don't matter when you consider how they are. I say before I've had family reunions because I want to put things into perspective.
At other times, groups had fun and enjoyed themselves. But in this case, the tremendous amount of love was overwhelming. They were grown children jumping into each others arms. Laughing around a bonfire @ 7am. Grown children walking around in their robes before sunrise. Women saying, "I didn't bring air freshner and I'm sharing a tent with three men."
The absolute best was Mr. John and Mrs. Jean. Mr John and I had a wonderful talk about his kids while washing dishes. And Ms. Jean hugged me this morning and told me that I was an honorary "Eatin' Kveton". I genuinely am so honored.
Make no mistake. I have a great family. But, it's a wonderful pleasure to be accepted by such a great group of people.
this has been a great weekend. Thank you Kveton family. I wish I had more time and space. I'll remember all of you for a long, long, time. You are wonderful. I think I got more out of this weekend than you did and I don't just mean the wonderful food.
You've heard that the acorn doesn't fall far from the tree. Suffice it say, Mr. John and Ms. Jean are wonderful oaks and their many kids are all part of the same wonderfully, peaceful forest.
This has been the type of weekend that makes me wonder, what would the Kvetons do. If you meet any of them, you'll say the same thing.
Thank you.
Bill Robertson
Mgr., Windmill Ranch Preserve
325.573.1200

Good Thing I Like Hats

It's a good thing that I like hats b/c I'm wearing a lot of 'em these days. You know the old expression, "So in So wears a lot hats." I guess it means they can do or must do a lot of different chores.
Well if there's one thing I've learned on the ranch, it's this: I better know how to do something. Granted, some have told me (recently) my work's not perfect or even half-a*%, but I still gotta do it.
So far, I've been a plumber, an electrician, a carpenter, a gardner, a bricklayer, rock layer, flower planter, pool boy, vineyard digger, horse feeder, cook, bartender, painter, hunt guide, host, waiter, dishwasher, DJ, gravel mover, mower, fountain unplugger, designer, light bulb replacer, flag hanger, sign maker, and more.
My latest feat is flower arranger. Up until now, someone's always been out here to handle the various flowers we place on tables, in guests' rooms and just around the place. But tonight, I got my first lesson in flower arranging and it's much harder than it looks.
For example, how in the world are you supposed to know what to cut off and how much to cut off so the flower sits in the vase like it's supposed to? Also, what goes with what? Can you mix sunflowers with lavender? Apparently, not! What about combining grasses with sunflowers? Maybe.
My point is; there are lots of jobs out here I'd rather hire out to someone better equipped or definitely more creative, but you gotta do what you gotta do.
So if you see a flower arrangement and think, 'oh, that's not perfect or even half-a*%--blame it on me. I'm a much better plumber than I am a flower arranger.
Bill Robertson
Mgr., Windmill Ranch Preserve
325.573.1200

Two things you can't fix

I just got back from the hardware store with either a new saying or a great piece of advice. I'm not sure which.
What you need to know first is, this is a place that I go everyday. In fact, I'm there so often that when I leave--they don't say "have a nice day" or "thanks for your business" or even "come back!"
I'm @ this store so often that they say, "see ya in about an hour." It's true. I counted one day that I went to this particular store 11 times. That's ELEVEN! The good news is; now I'm down to two or three times a day. The truth is, I can rate my day on how frequently or rarely I go to the hardware store. A great day is once. A miracle is zero.
The place is called "Southern Electric". It's a family owned place. I'm in there so often that not only do I know the men who work behind the counter by their first names. I know their wives first names and most of their children. But if you're ever in Snyder and need anything from a lightbulb to lumber, this is your place. These guys know their stuff and that leads me to either the good advice or new saying I got on my last visit.
I was buying wasp spray and just happend to ask, 'do any of you know a good plaster man?' To that, Richard said, "oh you can do it." I think Johnny said, "it's not that hard." But it was Wally, who's son is Corbin, who cracked his shoulder in football practice yesterday who said, "Bill, there are only two things you can't fix."
I asked, "What are those Wally?" He said, "you can't weld shut the crack of dawn and you can't mend a broken heart."
Good advice or great saying? You be the judge.
Bill Robertson
Mgr., Windmill Ranch Preserve
325.573.1200

The Gospel & Dove Season

I wonder if there's a way to combine The Gospel & Dove season? I ask because here it Sunday morning. I'm reading some scripture @ a picnic table between shotgun blasts and falling BBs.
Seriously! I was reading scripture about truth, understanding, peace, faith, foregiveness amidst, BLAM! BLAM! BLAM!
I know I'm getting fulfilled & whoever's blasting away is apparently having a terrific hunt. If nothing else, they're getting to pull the trigger a lot, a whole lot. And, that's half the fun of hunting---just busting a bunch of caps.
Meantime, all my dogs are running for cover. These are the same dogs that bark like a house on fire when vehicles pull into the ranch. But let them hear a gun or in Lola's case see a gun and they run away like the Knights did in "Monty Python & the Holy Grail."
I guess what inspired me to write this blog is, the incredible differences out here. I mean; here I sat, as peaceful as I could possibly imagine and then BLAM! I think the thing that made me smile was, the sound of shotguns didn't make me flinch @ all, even at my most sedentary.
Maybe that's my point, I can/you can (if you give yourself enough time) get completely lost out here. Other stuff can begin to happen around you, but not affect your 'me time.'
I wonder if a fella could read and shoot @ the same time. In my case, I'm such a bad shot it wouldn't hurt.
The Gospel & Dove season. I bet it'd word. The prayer would probably go something like, "Dear Lord; if it's your will let us get off lots of shots without hitting the other guy. Amen."
Bill Robertson
Mgr., Windmill Ranch Preserve

The Year of the Cricket

The Chinese have the year of everything, the lion, the tiger, the bear... oh my! Here in Scurry County we're having the year of the cricket.
As a former TV newsguy, this is a great story. It has video, natural sound and the wonderful "X" factor.
Think of the promos, "Coming up tonight at 10:00, the streets are moving with bugs in one local town." Or how 'bout this, "there are so many bugs in one local community--it looks likes the sidewalks are moving. we'll show you the video at 10:00"? Or better yet, "if bugs make your skin crawl, whatever you do--don't watch our video tonight at 10:00".
It really is amazing. In fact, I'm tempted to call the local TV stations--but knowing my luck they'd think I was nuts.
Still, I want to know why.. why so many, why are they here, why do they creep around, what do the eat, are they a health hazard, how do I get rid of them, can I use them for something besides bait.
So with that said, I looked up a few details online. Here's what I found:

The cricket (Acheta assimilis) is one member of the Orthopterans, along with the grasshopper and katydid.

Crickets are said to foretell good luck.

While crickets have wings, the majority of them do not fly.

A cricket usually lives less than one year

They sing to call in mates, and to warn other males that they have entered the territory of another male

An added benefit of their chirping to us, as colder weather arrives, is to listen to how many chirps they emit each minute. By dividing this count by 4, and adding the number 40, you will arrive at the approximate Fahrenheit temperature outside.

See what I mean. It's not hard to find out info and it's kinda fun too. Still, I wonder why we're swamped with them in Scurry County.

Oh well, come visit. Catch some crickets and go fishing! If nothing else, you can go home and tell your friends, "I caught a fish thisssssssssssssssssssssss big."

I gotta go and kills bugs. I don't fish.

Bill Robertson

Mgr., Windmill Ranch Preserve

325.573.1200

Daniel Update

I just got an update on my friend Daniel. If this is your first time to read my blogs, please check out my other blog "Prayers for Daniel."
I found out doctors performed their second major surgery on Daniel today. By all accounts, it went okay, but Daniel may need another operation.
I'm certain your prayers guided the doctors hands this afternoon. I humbly ask you to keep Daniel and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Daniel is Daniel Jones. He's a patient at Cinncinati Childrens' Hospital. His mom and dad are Karen and Tommy. His little brother, who's probably the most coachable kid in any sport, is Gatlin.
Thank you
Bill Robertson
Mgr., Windmill Ranch Preserve
325.573.1200

Prayers for Daniel

Hi everybody. So many times I write about daily events out here on the ranch or around Snyder. But this time, I'm compelled to ask for a favor and tell you a story. Some of it's very sad. Some of it is inspirational. Some of it is funny. All of it is on GOD'S hands and that's where you're needed.
I want to tell you about a wonderful young man named Daniel. I met him a few years ago at the baseball fields in Franklin, TN. He came up to me with this wonderful, contagious smile. Quickly, I realized this is a boy worth knowing. He's the type of fella that makes you realize he's the real deal. He's what life's about. He's the kind of boy who made me realize; I'm a better person for knowing you.
You see, Daniel is ill now. He's in a Cincy hospital going through some very serious surgery. He's been up there for a long time. I don't feel comfortable sharing details because I know his wonderful parents and respect their privacy. In fact, I've told my boys if you ever want a good example of being a man, be like Mr. Tommy (Daniel's dad). Suffice it to say, it breaks my heart to see this young man possibly scared, possibly worried, missing his buddies, possibly not laughing.
I mean I cannot explain the wonderful impact Daniel has on EVERYONE. He's the type of boy we all ask about. His parents are the type who've constantly integrated Daniel into everything they do.
The best story I've heard is this.. Tommy, Daniel and his little brother Gatlin love to hunt. Tommy tells about the days of changing their diapers in a duck blind. It's wonderful stuff.
Now my friend, Daniel, needs our prayers. His mom and dad are the best. Daniel's already gone through one very time consuming, serious operation in Cincy, but it didn't work. Now, he's waiting for another. It's pretty serious too.
Recently, the parents called Gatlin (the little brother) to give a very complete update. They worried over their decision. They grieved over their actions. They had to tell Gatlin that the first operation didn't work as hoped. Now, they had to wait and Daniel must endure even more.
According to the story I heard, there was a long pause in the conversation. Then Gat said, "can I ask you an important question"? His mom said, "sure." He then asked, "do you have to pay for that first surgery since it didn't work"?
I almost wet my pants when I read the emailed update to me. I hope you find a young child's reaction funny, a young boy's situation worth your thoughts and a family's need worthy of your prayers.
The young boy is Daniel Jones. He's currently at the Cinncinati Children's Hospital. His mom and dad are Karen and Tommy. And his little, wonderful brother is Gatlin.
They're all my friends. I'm a better person for knowing them. Please, keep them in your hearts and prayers.
Bill Robertson
Mgr., Windmill Ranch Preserve

People Put in your Path

One of the definite highlights about living in a small town is if you want, you can stop at any point and have a wonderful conversation while the world keeps spinning.
At first read you might think, who can't? In that case let me ask you; can you stop right now and strike up a conversation with an old friend, a clerk at the store, a friend of a friend, a relative? In my previous life, I felt I couldn't and I definitely didn't. In fact, my ex-wife told me her friends didn't like getting me on the phone. Can't really blame 'em. I loathed talking on the phone. The truth is, I still do many times. However, I think I'm getting better.
The whole point of this blog is I just had the most pleasant conversation with a woman friend of my mom's, who every time I see her or speak to her I smile. She's just that kind of gal. She can take a joke, give one too. Still, she always strikes me as genuinely interested.
Her name is Carol. She called asking for my mom's new cell number b/c she wanted to check on an old friend taking a cruise in the path of a hurricane. It turns out that we covered everything from dove season to my children. She told me jokes, laughed, gave advice, listened and more. I gotta say that everyday (if I'll slow down and let it) the little things overwelm me out here in little Snyder, TX.
Do you know someone like Carol? Do you feel you're too overwelmed to stop and chat, too busy to listen, too flumaxed to tell the truth about the way you feel? My experience albeit very, very, very recent and extremely limited is; people (maybe things) are put in your path at a certain time for a reason. I'm just now realizing that if I shut up, slow down, realize that I'm not curing cancer and just pay attention to the people like Carol put in my path--it can make my day.
I don't know if you have someone like Carol in your path, but I'm glad she called today.
Bill Robertson
Mgr., Windmill Ranch Preserve
325.573.1200

Rolling Thunder

I'm getting a tatoo and a Harley! My kids went to a fish fry in Tennessee. I went to a biker bar/restaurant to hear some great live music and enjoy brisket and watermelon.
In a previous blog (long, long ago), I wrote about a great live music joint called Jesse Jane's. It's still there in Justiceburg (25 minutes from the ranch). Now, there's a new place to go on the weekends in Fluvanna, also about 25 minutes from the ranch.
It's called Rolling Thunder. It's a local businessman's personal property compound. In fact, I found out my grand dad built the main house many years ago. Max, Gail and I ventured up there yesterday for the grand opening.
And I gotta tell you, it's great. They have outdoor seating, the birds are flying over head, good food and lots of bikers. That's where I got my inspiration. In fact, I even got some pearls of HOG WISDOM from a fella wearing lots of leather with a patch that read, "Loud Pipes Save Lives."
The bottom line is, I should get a Sportser. I'm not exactly sure what that is, but I got the impression it's the smallest Harley. I think my biker buddy recommended the Sportster b/c I asked how much different is than riding my Honda 100 dirt bike.
Seriously though, Rolling Thunder is a great new place in the desert with a good crowd. The band we heard was Lawless Flatz. If you get the chance, go see them.
As for the tatoo, I think I'll get one that says "Mother".
Bill Robertson
Mgr., Windmill Ranch Preserve
325.573.1200

Dove Season, Opening Day

Well, opening day of the 2007 Dove Season's in the books. Although our groups didn't get a lot birds this year, I think a good time was had by all.
I don't know why the birds weren't/aren't flying this year like last. It's probably got a lot to do with our tremendously wet spring and summer. Unlike last year when were the only place in the county with standing water, there's water practically everywhere this year.
Another problem might be that we had a small cold front move through the area on Friday, one day before dove season. The birds are migratory and they definitely move with the weather.
But like I said, a good time was had by all. We had two groups. Number one included a dad from Houston and his son along with some buddies from Texas Tech. Group number two included a pilot from Midland along with his dad and buddies from Nacogdoches. Group number one stayed for just the day. Group number two made a package out of it with an overnight stay that included an evening and morning hunt.
This year for variety and really just for the heck of it, Max and I set up a comfort station near "Josie's Tank". We grilled peppers and served bruschetta with cold drinks, all under a giant mesquite tree. The hunters from both groups could come and go, get a snack, enjoy a cool drink and keep moving. It was fun.
It's a kick thinking up lil' extras. Let's face it, this is dove country. It's not expensive and just about every property owner opens up their land on opening day. So, our goal was to make it a lil' different, a lil' more than just a hunt. I think it worked. I had fun. Also, I must give thanks to Brody, Sabrina and Tabitha for their kind help on a hot afternoon.
Who knows what we'll do next year. I think I'd like to get a bunch of fresh oysters and Dixie beer for a New Orleans style fete' under that big mesquite.
Bill Robertson
Mgr., Windmill Ranch Preserve.