Just another lovely evening at STR

It was the end of another amazing day at Stone Turtle Ranch Lodging, and the sunset the other day was absolutely amazing; I just had to share.

 Oklahoma has some amazing sunsets, but I haven't seen one this colorful in a while. It was nice to just sit back and enjoy something so simple.

Sometimes city folk just make me sick

So I've lived out in "the sticks" for most of my life. Out where I live, it isn't uncommon to see coyotes, bobcats, tarantulas, and snakes cross over the road. It's just a part of life.

Well, these last couple of years a lot of suburbanites have been moving out. Besides not waving, they have a lot of weird habits.

Today after riding through the refuge, I was behind an old neighbor and one of these new suburbanites. I saw old neighbor drive around something, and the new neighbor slowed down. She then swerved to the right, hit her brakes,put her car in reverse, and then continued on.

As I drove by, cow pastures on both sides, the rattlesnake, which had been cruelly run over, was rattling its rattle with the last breath of life.

My relaxing ride was ruined.

Nothing special

So Riders in Oklahoma is doing another meet and greet this weekend! I cannot tell you how super duper overly excited I am!!!! Says the girl who never rides. Yes, that oughta be my new nickname. Or the girl who stays home. I've kind of traded in my time with Blueberry for time with a John Deere. I think I get that from my Granddaddy. He always did say he'd be happy to die as long as it was on his John Deere. Low and behold, he was found on his JD deader than a doornail. But, I digress.

And even with all my time spent on the mowing grass, I'm still not done. The best part? I can start my rotation over next week since the grass seems to be on steroids. Anyhow... This meet and greet will be up on Route 66. Looking forward to finally being able to post a route and pics.

Back to motorcycles...

I'm sad to report that I've been a lazy rider. Not by choice, though! With work (Stone Turtle Ranch), school, an occasional hike, and the mailbox issue, I've been pretty busy. Looking forward to things calming down and being able to explore Oklahoma a bit more.

Off Topic Rant

Neighbor Rant!

Okay I’ve lived out in the sticks my whole life. Recently our neighbor sold some of his land (the land across the street from us) as 9 lots. Okay, suburbia is coming. I can deal with that.

This dude bought 2 lots directly in front of us. As an introduction, he came over one day a while ago asking to move our mailboxes. Our mailboxes are on county easement. So our answer was no.
Today I wake up to find my mailbox has moved 25 feet north of my driveway.

Seriously? Thanks, bro...

What makes me mad (besides the fact that he dug a hole and moved my mailbox in the middle of the night when he doesn’t even live out here yet) is that if a man were associated with my farm that guy would have never had the nerve to move my mailbox.

Well, you know what? I am woman hear me roar.

Horses vs. Motorcycle

Did I ever mention why I chose 120+ hp over 1 hp?

I'm going to tell you a little bit about myself and how I got into bikes. Bikes have been my obsession since I was 13. My mother will testify that I drove her nuts with my daily bike talk. Persistence wears down anyone. It only took me 365 days of "can I have a motorcycle," Ooh! Look at that bike,""MOTORCyyyyyyycle!!!!!!!" to get her blessing.

I'm a first generation Okie. My Mom's from Germany and has always been fascinated with western books (Karl May) and the idea of living auf einem Bauernhof (on a farm). My Dad was an air force brat and then did his 20 years in the army. The last duty station being Fort Sill, Oklahoma. There's got to be a welcome sign somewhere upon entering Oklahoma that warns travelers about being transported 50 years into the past. For Lawton it appears to be more like 70 years. The internet was a Godsend for those who, like me, kept wondering how a town so big could have so little.

The Compromise.
Dad: No Germany.
Mom: Germany.
Dad: No.
Mom: Yes.
Dad: No.
Mom: Fine, but we're moving to the country.

The city slickers move to the country.
My mom had high hopes of me being a cowgirl. The fact that I never had any luck with horses was a contributing factor to my bikes are awesome thought process. Bikes weren't on my radar while my parents were still together. I don't think a bike would have been an option with my conservative dad. My horse experience was...interesting. In all my years, the closest I ever came to meeting the grim reaper was probably when I was on a horse. It all started when I was 4 and got kicked in the knee by our foal. From there it escalated. I've ridden on the underside of a horse (saddle wasn't all too tight- thanks, Mom). I've been dragged through creeks. I've been dragged through barns. I've been dragged under a clothesline in the horse's attempt to create a head-less rider. I've nearly been trampled by a horse (don't get between a mean horse and her food). Needless to say, I've been through a lot with horses.

What's better than 1 deadly hp? 120+ controllable hp.