The airline powers that be cooperated and I had uneventful flights on Monday arriving in Arkansas thirty minutes early. Barb was kind enough to take me to the airport so the Cowboy could meet with the tire shop guy–our motor home flat tire is now fixed but we need a couple new lug bolts–if it’s not one thing, it is another.
We eat well in Arkansas–homemade soups, breakfast frittatas, etc.–and I’m sure as wedding preparations go, we will eat more and well.
Wednesday my sister decided our mother’s house needed a little maintenance. Here in the land of heat and humidity this green stuff called mold accumulates on anything left outside including house siding. Out came the buckets, hoses, brushes, bleach and Tide–Ann and I knocked out that job in a couple hours.
Danny and Ann also needed to do a little maintenance on their own house while the cats supervised.
This is where I grew up–my brother Ross now owns the farm raising cattle as my grandfather did. 
Today Ann, Niki and I wandered to Little Rock for a little shopping and lunch. Mom had an early dinner ready so Danny and Ann could go watch their granddaughter cheer at the local football game. I am a fair weather (it’s raining) great aunt so I stayed home to visit with Mom and Chuck. My niece Niki took some of these photos with my camera.
Nat died this afternoon–we are relieved his suffering has ended. 
Nat and his great great grandson Brooks.
Restoration Cowboy Style 
Good post of family, but sad. Can’t come up with the right words, but please know I care.
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Thank you so much Sharon, we’ve never met but I can feel the caring in your words.
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So sorry about Nat!! What a neat guy!!!
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Thanks Donna and yes he was a “neat guy!”
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So sorry to hear about Nat, you have made him sound like a pretty cool guy with your stories about him. I always think what a life he has seen in his almost 100 years on this rock. The way things have changed over his years must have been amazing. Our thoughts are with you, Mike, and the rest of his family.
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Thank you John, yes, Nat often remarked on the changes he lived through in this world. One of the funniest was his trying to understand the internet and how it was possible for me while in AZ to load books onto his iPad in Montana.
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Please accept our sympathies for your loss. You have so many wonderful memories of your family to hold on to. Prayers for you all.
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Thank you so much Judy, we appreciate our readers.
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So very sorry to hear about Nat. Thinking of you all during this hard time.
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Thank you so much Heather, Nat lived a long and full life.
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Prayers for all of you who are mourning the loss of Nat. Based on your blog, he has left behind many great memories. Stay safe. Hugs to you and Mike from us.
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Thank you Bev, we do have so many wonderful memories!
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So sorry, Janna. Maybe Nat left when he did to spare you, they do that you know, and he must have known how much you cared for him. I have enjoyed you stories of Nat, and so respected how you two did your best to care for him. Condolences to the Cowboy who I am sure will be happy when you come home.
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Thank you so much Sue. Nat said many times in the last few months how much he appreciated staying in his own home.
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Sorry for your families loss.
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Thank you Pam!
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I am sorry to hear about the passing of Nat. My wife and i lost a dear friend of ours last month and we do miss him a lot!
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Even though Nat had lived a great life it is still hard. Condolences on the loss of your friend.
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The impact of his presence in your life was evident throughout your posts. Nat had to be the kindest of fathers/father-in-laws. My condolences to you and your Cowboy.
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Nat was kind and was so well liked in the community. Thank you Emjay.
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To you and your family, so sorry to hear that Nat has pasted. From what you have shared on your blog, he has had a long and good life. Hold his memory in your heart.
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We cherish our memories of Nat’s well lived life, thank you Shiela.
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Condolences to you and the Cowboy.
These losses leave a hole in the family even when expected.
Comfort, blessings and God’s peace to you all.
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You are exactly right Linda, it is hard to think of life without Nat. Thank you!
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My thoughts and prayers are with you, your wonderful Cowboy and all your family.
Just know that Nat is no longer suffering and in a better place. May God hold you all in the palm of His hand and give you comfort.
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Thank you so much. That is what gives us comfort—knowing his suffering has ended.
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Janna, we know from all your stories that Nat lived a very long, happy life. He seemed like a wonderful father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Michael, and the family.
We know that green mold so well. We use to live in the woods and scrubbing the siding was a yearly job from both the house and the deck. Another reason to love the west:)
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Yes, Nat lived a great life. Thanks Pam and John. Having lived in Houston I know all about mold.
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Sorry for your loss. Long time reader, but I seldom post. We summer 1 hr South of Jackson, WY, and winter in Austin, (area), TX. We get your lifestyle. Very similar to ours.
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Thank you so much Bill, it’s a great life.
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Clark Family,
So sorry for the loss of the leader of the pack,
Wherever a beautiful soul has been
there is a trail of beautiful memories.
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Yes, we do have such great memories, thank you so much for your kind words.
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Wow, I’m just reading along until Bam, Nat died. Now he’s whole again and free of pain and suffering. It’s a struggle sometimes but it sounded like Nat was well cared for and we’ll loved. Who could ask for anything more.
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I don’t even wash the rig so hats off for washing a house!! The humidity is so gross “over here”. Wonderful that the farm remains in the family.
Nat was so blessed to spend time with three generations of his family in what sounds like a very full life. I’m sure it’s hard to be far away, but as you said it’s good that he has moved beyond the suffering. Hugs to you and Michael and the family as you say good-bye to this good man.
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I am very sorry for your loss, Nat was so much a part of your life. You will miss him a lot but he does not suffer any longer. My thoughts are with you and your husband.
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So sorry for your loss. Nat sounded like a wonderful man in your stories. So glad we were able to meet him a little in your posts. Thank you for taking the time to work out his care so he could stay home where he wanted to be. Passing a farm or ranch down through the generations can be stressful and yet satisfying. Have a wonderful visit with family and friends.
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So sorry to hear of Nat’s passing. Heartfelt condolences to you and your cowboy.
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I have read and am still reading many books about American, British, and Canadian Air Forces and the large part all the personnel played in the Second World War. Ever since you mentioned a few years back about Nat flying on those large B-29 bombers I have thought of him at times when I’ve been reading about the lives of those brave young men who flew in them. The fears, the expectations, the unknowing, the longing, the heartache, and the excitement. There is a reason why people from that era are called ‘The Greatest Generation’ and from your writings I know Nat was a fine example of that. With both my Mother and Father, and Uncle Harry being mere shells of their former healthy selves in the end I know as you and Mike do the feeling of saddened release and relief that their long suffering has finally ended………….
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Hugs and Prayers for the family. I know Nat will be missed, but he left so many wonderful memories with his beloved family and friends.
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My sympathy to your family for your loss.
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So sorry to hear of Nat’s passing. He was fortunate to have such a loving family and both of you took such good care of him.
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So sorry for your loss. I understand your feelings of deep sadness but relief that a loved one is no longer suffering. I thought you were truly blessed with his life.
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So sorry to hear about Nat.. I have been following your blog about a year now and feel like I know him by the way you talk about him. I know he will be missed by a lot of people and more so by his family. You will be in my prayers. Enjoy the rest of your trip.
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