Country Lifestyle
Where the Paved Road Ends: Hello, Sunshine

By Beth Watkins
Some things just seem so routine in life like filling out paperwork when visiting a new doctor or participating in a survey. We are asked the same old questions: name, address, occupation, etc.
The occupation line gets to me every time, and I would proudly write “housewife.” I did this up until I noticed a copy of my health records, where someone translated my occupation as “housewife” to “unemployed.” To say the least, I was offended.
I have dedicated my life to caring for my husband, raising babies, cooking and cleaning. As with everything I attempt, my goal is to excel. It does not always work the way I plan, but I try.
Early on in our marriage, we decided that I would be a stay at home mom. At first, not working outside the home was a little intimidating. I felt like I was mooching off my husband, so I decided the best way to earn my keep was to be the best housewife and mother that I could possibly be.
I take great pride in the fact that my house is clean, my laundry stays caught up and my dishwasher is empty. Every weeknight my husband has a home-cooked meal sitting on the table when he walks in the door.
If “housewife” was not a sufficient name for my occupation, maybe “Domestic Goddess” would be. I gave it a try, it worked and I’ve been writing “Domestic Goddess” ever since. For fun, ask Siri to read you the definition of “Domestic Goddess.”
On my phone, when I ask Siri, “Who is ‘The Domestic Goddess?’” She answers in her British accent, “Do you mean Beth Watkins?” That answer always brightens my day.
Others have labeled me with different titles throughout my life. Most of the titles, in some way, hint to the fact that I am a bit high maintenance. “Miss Daisy” refers to the fact that I’m a backseat driver.
I prefer nice things, so I received the title “Duchess.” “Princess” is because I’m girly. I have the title “Queen of Everything,” because my husband says so. When I found out I was going to have a grandbaby, I knew right away I wanted my title to be “Grammy” like the award.
When using the term “high maintenance” to describe myself, the best example I can give is this; whether we are working cows or fixing fence, I have picked out a T-shirt that matches my muck boots, which are pink camo, and I’ll chose a ball cap that will compliment my T-shirt. When I pack our lunch, it means I have included hand sanitizer, napkins and a straw because I always wash my hands before I eat and a straw because I do not drink straight from a can.
Do not be mistaken when associating “high maintenance” with my character. I go with the flow when relating to people, and I am always kind and giving. I am committed to loving people like Jesus does. I do not gossip, and I do not ask people personal questions.
It is not because I am not interested in them but because I value their privacy. I always treat everyone with the utmost respect, whether it is a server at a restaurant, a cashier in a store or a repairman.
Pick up the July issue to read more!
Country Lifestyle
Farm Dogs & Table Scraps

What’s Safe and What’s Not?
Growing up on a farm, our dogs were tough. They roamed the pastures, slept under the barn, and ate just about anything they could get their paws on—whether we meant for them to or not. I’ll admit, I never thought twice when one of our old cow dogs snatched a biscuit off the table or licked up a spill from the barn floor. I’ve even seen a dog steal a whole rib bone off a plate and trot off like he’d won the lottery. And somehow, they always seemed fine.
But here’s the thing—just because they survived doesn’t mean it was safe. For every farm dog that lucked out, there’s another that wasn’t so fortunate. Some human foods can be downright toxic to dogs, and a little bit of bad luck (or a smaller, more sensitive dog) can turn a harmless snack into an emergency.
Common toxic foods lying around the farmhouse
If you’ve got a farm dog—or any dog, really—you need to be aware of the dangers lurking in everyday foods. Some of the biggest culprits include:
Chocolate – The darker it is, the worse it is. Even a little can cause vomiting, seizures, or worse.
Grapes & Raisins – No one’s exactly sure why, but they can cause kidney failure fast.
Onions & Garlic – In large enough amounts, these can destroy red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Xylitol (Found in Sugar-Free Gum & Candy) – This artificial sweetener can send a dog’s blood sugar crashing and cause liver failure.
Alcohol – Even small amounts can be deadly to dogs, affecting their nervous system much more than it does ours.
Bones from Cooked Meat – While not necessarily toxic, they can splinter and cause serious internal injuries.
Macadamia Nuts – These can lead to weakness, vomiting, and even paralysis in dogs.
What to do if your dog eats something toxic
First, don’t panic—but don’t ignore it either. If you know your dog ate something dangerous, call your vet immediately. They can tell you whether to induce vomiting or if it’s something that requires urgent care. If it’s after hours, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).
Prevention is always the best medicine, so keep toxic foods out of reach. That might mean keeping the trash can secured, making sure kids don’t slip the dog a treat under the table, or just being more mindful of what’s left on the counter.
Our farm dogs might have been lucky, but luck isn’t a great strategy when it comes to their health. A little awareness goes a long way in making sure they stay happy, healthy, and ready for the next day’s work.
For more information
ASPCA Animal Poison Control: www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Pet Poison Helpline: www.petpoisonhelpline.com
Visit www.akc.org/expert-advice/nutrition/foods-your-dog-should-never-eat
Country Lifestyle
Summer Squash and Corn Chowder

By Lacey Vilhauer
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6-7
Ingredients
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled and 1 1/2 Tbsp rendered bacon fat reserved
- 1 1/2 lbs yellow squash, chopped (about 3 medium)
- 2/3 cup thinly sliced celery
- 1 cup diced onion
- 1 Tbsp flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 3/4 cup milk (I used 1%)
- 5 cups canned or fresh cut corn (from about 6 ears corn), divided
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 tsp chopped fresh thyme (or 1/2 tsp dried)
- 3/4 tsp salt, then more to taste
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, then more to taste if desired
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, for serving
- Chopped green onion for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Heat 4 tsp reserved bacon fat in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add celery and onion and sauté 2 minutes then add the squash.
Saute until tender, about 6 minutes, adding in garlic and flour during last 2 minutes of sauteing. Reduce heat slightly.
Add 1 1/2 cups milk, 2 cups of the corn, thyme, salt and pepper to the sauteed veggies.
To a blender add remaining 3 cups of corn, remaining 1 1/4 cups milk and the cream. Process in blender until nearly smooth (about 30 seconds).
Add pureed mixture to pot and stir to blend. Cook until mixture reaches a light boil.
Serve warm with shredded cheese, crumbled bacon and sliced green onions if desired.
Country Lifestyle
Western Housewives – May 2025

By Summer McMillen
All my married life I have thought that when husbands all got together horseback after a hard days work they were probably rating their wives on a scale from one to ten based on their various capabilities. Did Wife A have a good hat crease? Was Wife B good help in the branding pen? Was Wife C an excellent mother? Was Wife D hospitable to everyone? Could Wife E make a decent gallon of sweet tea? Did Wife F keep a tidy saddle house?
Presumably, when Wife B did not live up to Wife A there was a fist fight followed by wife shaming of Husband B. His status amongst the cowboys immediately fell and he would be behind for the rest of his life in his cowboy career.
He would come home ashamed his wife couldn’t flambé a decent bananas foster and she couldn’t hoolihan either. He would be distraught and said wife would feel his pain.
Of course, this never happened to me like I thought it would. My husband always came home with a smile on his face and I’m pretty sure “flambé” isn’t even in a cowboys vocabulary.
Nonetheless, these imaginary fights and social rankings have plagued my brain for years. It has caused me to always be in competition with myself to be the very best at everything I did. Which I have eventually realized is a trait of women all around the world.
While we are cooking a four course meal for our families we start to think about how we actually should be practicing heading steers instead.
While we are practicing our horsemanship we start to think about how we should actually be preparing a nutritious and elaborate meal for our families.
It is a constant battle that women have created and proceeded to fight for centuries.
One day the inner battle got to me and I finally broke down as we were riding wheat pasture and confessed to my husband my guilt. I was so sorry that I wasn’t a better cowgirl. I was so sorry that the house was a mess. I was so sorry that I would never be on The Cowboy Channel. I was so sorry that I had lost his good pair of gloves. (Except I didn’t actually mean to confess that last part. Some things are just better left unknown.) I apologized again and again and told him I was sorry and he probably never wanted to bring his friends over for supper ever again.
Instead of consoling me, he just started looking at me like I was crazy. Which is what all good husbands do.
He stopped his horse and looked at me and said “Do you know how cowboys rate each other’s ranch wives?”
So many thoughts started filling my brain. Was it looks? Gentleness? Laundry speed? Work ethic?
Then he revealed their secret. “Cowboys rate each other’s wives by how well they can cook eggs for breakfast.”
His point of course, was that men don’t think about each other’s wives. As long as they get their eggs for breakfast. In another twist of irony, my husband taught me how to fry the perfect egg. What can I say? It’s a man’s world.
Since then, I have let go of my irrational fears and doubt and have simply been living life. It’s all anyone can do. I may not team rope the best. I may get my fingers when I’m trying to dally and I may not have the tidiest saddle house. But I try hard at everything I do and I do it all out of love for my family and finally, myself.
So, if you’re a woman this Mother’s Day and you catch yourself feeling down amongst life constant pressures just remember you are not alone. You can almost guarantee there is a woman in every household that needs a little pick me up. Maybe you should just go outside. Maybe you should sit down and count your blessings. Or, maybe you should have your husband fry you some eggs.
-
Attractions8 years ago
48 Hours in Atoka Remembered
-
Country Lifestyle8 months ago
July 2017 Profile: J.W. Hart
-
Country Lifestyle9 years ago
The House a Treasure Built
-
Country Lifestyle3 years ago
The Two Sides of Colten Jesse
-
Outdoors7 years ago
Grazing Oklahoma: Honey Locust
-
Equine8 years ago
Umbilical Hernia
-
Outdoors5 years ago
Pecan Production Information: Online Resources for Growers
-
Farm & Ranch7 years ago
Hackberry (Celtis spp.)