A Little Farm With A Big Heart

Who needs Disneyland when.......

2012-01-17T08:54:00.000-08:00

On Sunday morning hubby and I drove up to where we could cut wood. We bought firewood permits. Cutting your own wood is a whole lot cheaper than buying it.

The closer we were getting to the wood cutting area the worse the weather started to get.

And before we knew it, hubby lost control of the truck and trailer and we spun around from the right hand lane into the left hand lane. The trailer swung around and hit the truck which pushed us forward into the....

guard rail! We hit it hard. Hard enough where the two wood beams shown here exploded at the top and the metal rail got quite bent. The fog lights on the truck smashed and there are dents on the side and front of the truck.

As soon as we came to a complete stop hubby looks at me and asks if I am okay. Am I hurt? Is anything broken? Am I bleeding? Nope to all three.

Call me an idiot but the first words out of my mouth was, " Who the hell needs Disneyland rides!". Then it was, " That was frickin wild!" I almost through my arms up like you would on a roller coaster during the whole spinning and out control. Yes, I am an idiot.

I got out of the truck and took these pics. Then hubby tells me to get back in the truck. Telling me that if he lost control, then a vehicle coming down off the slight slope might lose control and either hit me or the truck.

I texted my kids, told them what happened and they all nagged at me.

Seems hubby and kids were a lot more shook up than I was. Hmmmm.

Yes, we turned around and came back home.

Just thought I would share an exciting adventure!

Until next time.......................

The start of 2012

2012-01-14T13:51:00.000-08:00

Well, 2012 has begun and according to the calendar is about half over.

A lot has been going on since day one of this New Year.

Arnold is still have feet issues so it is a daily, ongoing battle to get those feet of his under control.

The morning of the New Year I discovered that Pewter had totally thrashed her blanket! So I dug out her spare blanket, washed it and repaired that one so she would have her jammies before nightfall. Get a load of this. I do not sew except to repair horse blankets. Some of my jeans need some sewing done, but nope, won't repair those but I will horse blankets!

Little Inger, my fave hen, got egg bound so straight into a warm bath she went. Then she was blow dried with the hair dryer and tucked into a nice warm crate full of pine shavings on top of my dresser. Thankfully she passed the egg the next morning.

Grace has learned to get on the furniture and do some daredevil antics! Ugh!

My youngest daughter recently informed me that she is going to apply to study abroad for a year. She may be leaving as early as this August. Of course I support her in her decision, however I may have a hard time coming to grips that she would be out of the country. Especially with all the civil unrest across the globe.

I have seen the Bobcat several more times close to the house. After reading up on them I am not too overly concerned about him/her causing too much problems. Actually having one around is good for keeping the rodent population in check. I do my best to cohabitate with the wildlife as much as possible.

We were fortunate enough to get a wood permit for five cords of wood from public forest lands. The trees have already been cut down and all we have to do is drive up there, cut the logs into what size we want, put it all in the trailer, drive it home, unload and use! Getting a permit is a whole lot cheaper than buying cords of wood.

The crime around here has increased dramatically very quickly! Everything from a US Marshall shooting and killing a fugitive in a grocery store parking lot, arson, a man setting himself on fire in a public park, another man setting his car and his belongings on fire in another parking lot, a few murders, and on and on. This valley used to be very safe where you really never worried about anything. Not anymore!

Grace's sperm donor has now decided to have a paternity test done after almost a year!

I am actually giving thought to trying to find extra time to volunteer at the little tiny local museum close by here. It is run by volunteers and the lady who was running it moved away and it has been closed for some time now. Since I have been wrapped up in learning all the local history I can I think it would be fun.

So far our winter here has been very, very dry. But, according to the weather reports we have a storm due to arrive tonight that will bring lots of snow!!! Come on snow!!! If you could, would you please do the snow dance so we do get some snow! Thanks!

Okay, must go, Grace is wanting my attention.

Until next time..............................

Goodbye........2011

2011-12-31T12:11:00.000-08:00

Another end to another year!

Have to say 2011 had its share of surprises and challenges. Grace being the biggest surprise.

Wishing you all a year full of.........

Love........

Friends.......

Family...........

Laughter..................

Health......................
and

Prosperity!!!

May 2012 be the beginning of wonderful things.

Happy New Year to you all.

Big grin!!

Until next year!!!!!

Busy as usual

2011-12-29T08:14:00.000-08:00

Can you believe the end of 2011 is just days away! What a year! And where the heck does the time go? Seems the older one gets, the faster it goes.

Yup, as usual I have been busy. Always, always something to do.

Ever since moving here Arnold's feet have become a daily challenge. Some days he walks just fine, others he can barely move. Thank goodness I know what is going on so basically it is just dealing with his laminitis issues. I have talked about laminitis before and let me say, it keeps you on your toes on a daily basis.

And it isn't just Arnold's feet I have to watch constantly, it is also AJ's feet! Who would have thought that a Mustang would have issues with laminitis! Arnold and AJ are always on the radar.

My dear friend Sue, who had a major stroke almost three years ago, comes out to get donkey therapy. Her and her husband bring out goodies for the donkeys which as you can see those donkeys really enjoy! Sue has come a long way since her stroke. Feeding and petting the donkeys has helped with her hand eye coordination. Oh and yes, I know the fence is leaning which is an ongoing project to keep it up until we can sink some wood posts this spring and run new livestock wire. I sure do miss the wood fence at the old house.

Grace's first Christmas. Can you believe she is going to be a year old at the end of January! Not only is she walking and running everywhere, she also climbs onto everything she can. Talk about keeping me hopping! I am teaching her colors, shapes, numbers and the alphabet.

Grace's mother, my middle daughter, needs to get her priorities in order. There are days I just want to punch her in the face!

Just recently found out that some friends are losing their house to foreclosure. This truly saddens me because they are in the mid 60's.

I have decided that when we plant out garden next year, we will plant extra veggies for friends and whoever else needs them. I have already started asking friends what veggies they like so I can make sure to plant them. Going to check into donating fresh veggies to the local food bank.

Every evening a Buck and his four Does graze in the front yard. What a beautiful peaceful sight to see.

I have to go over to my oldest daughter's house soon and help her git rid of a spirit that has decided to hang out.

My youngest, who has OCD worse than my oldest daughter and myself has been keeping me busy helping her get through her crisis's. I have figured out why she has steadily gotten worse over this past year. It is all due to Grace's mother being an idiot and not telling anyone she was pregnant with Grace. For some reason the delivery of Grace in the bathroom triggered something in my youngest. Slowly but surely progress is being made with my youngest.

Now that horse slaughter is set to begin in the USA, horse theft will be on the rise so I have decided to freeze brand the horses and donkeys. I am working on a brand to have made and then register it with the state of Oregon. I want a visible mark on the horses and donkeys to hopefully deter theft.

Okay, I don't want to bore you with the ramblings of a tired mind so will end this post now.

Here is a hug for each of you. Everyone can use a hug!

Until next time.........................

Animals, animals, animals

2011-12-05T19:11:00.001-08:00

What does Grace, donkeys and the Gator have in common?

Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do! Two of my donks jumped the fence day the other day, got out into the road and stopped traffic. Thankfully some of the drivers got out and helped me get the donks back onto the property. Put the donks in the front pasture ( which isn't all fenced). Ran back to the house, grabbed Grace who was in the stroller this whole time, ran into the house, put Grace in her car seat, ran back outside, strapped Grace into front seat of the Gator with lead rope, drove up to the barn, loaded up hay, drove to back pasture, grabbed lunge whip to get the other donkeys and horses away from the gate, drove through gate, spread hay into back pasture, drove back to front pasture leaving back pasture gate open, with lunge whip in left hand and driving with left hand while holding onto Grace's car seat with right hand herded the two escaped donkeys into back pasture. Then it was fence fixing time with baling twine ( which is all I had on the Gator). Yup, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do!

I had to rehome the Guineas. For some reason they kept going out onto the road and yes, they too would stop traffic. I did not want them getting hurt or worse killed nor did I want to get sued for causing an accident, rehoming was the best option. They also had become vicious towards my chickens. The have been gone a few days and although I am glad they are gone, I do miss those stupid birds.

A few weeks ago as I was locking up my chickens for the night I heard rustling in the leaves behind the coop ( which is right by the house). As I was securing the door to the coop I hollered out to the outside cats that I was going to feed them as soon as I was done ( thinking it was one of the cats wanting dinner). As I walked out of the coop I looked up to see what I thought was a stray cat. Upon further looking it wasn't a 'stray' cat, but a Bobcat! He looked at me. I looked at him. He bounded up towards the barn, stopped and looked at me again, then was gone. I was so excited to see him. My adrenalin was pumping and I ran into the house to tell everyone what I had just seen. The next day I realized that having a Bobcat that close to the house was not a good thing.

Now that hunting season is over the Buck and his does are coming down off the hills and grazing in the front pasture. In fact one of the does was grazing right in the front yard!

Last night as I was having the last cigarette of the day I heard crunching sounds in the yard by the walnut trees. Hmmmm, what the heck! After getting a flashlight I found out what was making the crunching sounds. It was a huge squirrel eating the walnuts that had fallen on the ground.

I seriously love and enjoy all the wildlife.

Oh, one more thing. The pic of Grace, well, to me she looks like Curly from the Three Stooges in this pic.

Until next time..............

Wow!

2011-12-01T06:27:00.001-08:00

Yup, it's me! Took some time but think I am alright now. John ( Going Gently), thank you! Also a thank you to Ron, Jim, Sophie, Tina, Lilla, Rachael and my Sister Connie.

A lot has been going on not only in life, but mentally as well. I needed time to regroup and figure out what the hell was wrong with me. There was a pretty big problem with hubby's and my relationship. It's been a year since I lost my house. Grace is ten months old now. Well, let's just say everything finally came to a head.

I have always been a strong person, but there for awhile I didn't feel I was. And that bothered me! I knew something wasn't right and had to figure it out.

Slowly things started to surface. And when they surfaced it was like a volcano! Just erupting up and out. Wow! Yup, a lot of anger and resentment was unleashed.

I was angry as hell for losing my house. Angry that my one daughter didn't say a word about her being pregnant and having to deliver a baby in my bathroom! Angry that I didn't feel I was taking care of my horses and donkeys the way they were used to at the old house. Angry at my hubby for several large reasons. Angry that Grace's mother was in fact taking advantage of me as far as Grace was concerned. Angry that I allowed myself to get into such a depression ( which is what it was ) and put my life on the back burner. Angry that for the past year I have been unable to help more animals in need. Angry at how society has crumbled. Let's just say I was damned angry!

It's funny, but when you realize what is going on with yourself you can see it in a whole new perspective!

So, instead of pushing the anger further down any longer, it was unleashed! Once I let it out, said what needed to be said, I threw it out to the universe to be rid of it. Not saying it is all gone, but a lot of it is.

Now instead of dreading 'what the hell is next' in life. Instead of trudging on an uphill battle in the mud getting worn out. I have decided that I want to see what is on the other side of the hill! Whether it be good or bad I want to see it. And what's over the next hill, and the next. Sometimes alone, sometimes with someone else, but getting to the top and seeing.

There is so much more going on but will leave for that for future posts.

Big, big hugs to the folks I mentioned in the beginning of this post. You may not know what you did for me, and that's ok, because I know what you did!

Until next time.............................

Issues

2011-10-27T12:08:00.000-07:00

So much going on these days. It surprises me I remember to even breathe!

I have some personal issues going on which I am having to ponder on. Kind of like being at the crossroads.

However, I can't stand at the crossroads forever so I need to start making some choices.

Lately I have had the urge to travel. Which is rather odd for me since I don't like to travel and I dislike driving! As a kid we moved a lot from state to state, city to city, etc... which is why I don't like to travel.

Just jumping into a small motor home with my dogs and cats sounds wonderful. Although the thought of leaving my horses and donkeys saddens me.

Anyway, just letting you know that I am taking a hiatus for awhile to sort some stuff out.

I will keep up with what you are all doing when I can.

Hugs to all of you.

Until next time.............................

History Find, City Folk and another Experience

2011-10-18T15:06:00.000-07:00

Day before yesterday as I was outside I noticed several people feeding my horses and donkeys over the fence. Um, not acceptable. So out to pasture to have a chit chat with these folks. As I walked closer the woman asked if I didn't mind if they fed the horses and donks some carrots they had. Well, yes I do mind. They should ask before feeding anyone's animals. Well, come to find out the couple had travelled all the way from the Los Angeles area to attend the local church out here. Wow, really! They were telling me how beautiful it is here compared to down there. Yes, it is beautiful here. The husband then looks at all the blackberry bushes and asked if it was okay to pick the raspberries. Um, they are blackberries, not raspberries, but yes go ahead although there aren't many berries left anymore due to the bears pretty much picking them off. When I mentioned the word bears, his eyes got big as saucers and asked me where they come from. Well, off the mountains I told him. Then he starts looking around for bears! Sorry, but by this time I am giggling. I had to tell him that the bears come down in the evening and early morning so the chances of him seeing one are pretty low. They thanked me, I told them to have a good trip and if they wanted to feed animals in a field to please ask the owner otherwise there could be some really nasty trouble for them. City folk!!! :)

Looky at what was found close to the house. It is an old, old window weight!!! There have only been two house built on this property. The first one built about 1870, the second one ( which I live in) was built mid 1950's, And I can say that the windows in this house have no window weights! I don't know how to date window weights, but am hoping it is from the original house.

Another find was this pick ax. Pretty sure it isn't antique old, but with all the rust it just looks good with the other pieces I have been finding.

October not only means Halloween, it also means pumpkin seeds for us humans and the shells for the donkeys.

Now for another ghostly experience.

A few years ago some friends gave us a car they had no use for. Turned the car into the work car to save on gas. One day I had to go to town so decided to use the car rather than my truck. As I was warming the car up I looked into the rear view mirror and much to my surprise there sat an elderly woman, short blue/gray hair, wearing a blue shirt and was staring straight into the mirror. Not much will make me jump, but I can say when I saw her sitting there, well, I was startled. Startled enough to get out of the car! For some reason she really took me by surprise. After a few minutes I got back in. Nothing. She was gone.

Nothing else happened for a few days, then she showed up again. This time hubby was driving and I was in the passenger seat. Being more aware of her, I wasn't startled this time around. In my mind I asked what she wanted. She informed me that she loved her car and was trying to get in contact with her daughter, but that her daughter wasn't paying attention because she had so much on her mind. She wanted her daughter to know to not back down, that she was happy and everything was going to be fine.

I contacted our friends and casually asked about the car. They informed me that her mother had recently passed and that she had loved that car! Really! She also told me that ever since her mother had passed she had been having problems with some members of the family trying to bully her into going against her mothers' wishes.

Okay, by this time I couldn't keep my mouth shut anymore. I told her what I saw in the backseat and the messages got. I also told her that her mom has been trying to contact her. I gave my friend a description of the woman I had seen. She got up, came back with a picture and yup, I saw her mother! I told my friend to open her mind and look for signs. Sure enough, her mother came to her and everything worked out.

We still have the car, but the mother has since moved on now that business was taken care of.

Until next time.........................

Responsibility and another ghostly experience

2011-10-13T15:39:00.000-07:00

I was reading on the Internet about Muhammad Ali and his wife suing the former owners of the house they bought because they say the former owners weren't truthful about the house. Um, correct me if I am wrong, but isn't that why one hires a home inspector before purchasing a house? Something is dreadfully wrong with society these days. Everyone is blaming someone else, suing over ridiculous things and acting like a victim.

No wonder our society is in the crap hole. No one wants to take responsibility. For instance, that woman who sued McDonald's because she burnt herself when she spilled a cup of coffee she purchased. Duh, the container says HOT CONTENTS! Or the people blaming the fast food industry because they are fat. Hello, no one forces anyone to eat at fast food places. It's a full conscience choice to stop and order and eat the food. Or how about the folks wanting to pull all unhealthy cereal off the shelves because our children are fat. Well, who the hell is buying the damn cereal? Yup, the parents/guardians. Don't want your kid to eat certain foods, then don't buy it! I would love to hear someone stand up and say, "Yup, I did it". End of story. No excuses. No blame game. Just a simple, "Yup, I did it".

Whoops, looks like that was turning into a full blown rant!

Here is a ghostly experience I needed help with.

At my last house ( the one I lost last year), there was a Native American spirit who used to sit on top of the barn. I saw him the first day I went to look at the place, but dealing with spirits my whole life I didn't give it a second thought. He was there the second and third time I went to look at the house.

While we were moving in I would catch glimpses of him. After about a year he started to move around a bit. When he peered in the kitchen window it startled me a bit, but got used to it after awhile. Then he moved to the one living room window and stare in. Okay, fine, he could watch tv with us if he wanted to.

Then he started falling my youngest daughter around outside. At first it was okay. But then he started to attach himself to her. Wherever she went, there he was. When she was riding in the arena, there he was. When she was mucking out stalls, there he was. When he started to follow her to the front door of the house I had had enough. I didn't want him inside the house!

He was a young man, mid twenties, beautiful black hair, no shirt, buckskin pants and was very sad and alone. Well, I had never dealt with an Native American spirit before so knew I was going to need some help. I contacted a friend who is Native American and she in turn asked her Elders what to do.

She got back to me and told me what needed to be done.

I waited until everyone was gone, brought out the sage I had purchased, lit it and walked the entire property saying prayers and letting him know it was okay to go to his People. He had been forgiven for whatever he had done while on this earth and it was time to go. I then headed to the barn, still burning the sage, had a nice talk with him ( one sided), said some more prayers, again told him he needed to be with his family and wished him happiness. I also thanked him for not scaring my youngest, but that he just couldn't attach himself to her. It was time to forgive himself since he had already been forgiven by his family.

After a bit, I walked out of the barn and felt a peaceful presence. Then it was gone and so was he. He never came back. Whatever he had done while he was living was what was making him stay while in spirit. Since he never came back I hope he found his peace.

Oh, there is a church behind the property and while I was saging and praying, well, you should have seen the looks and stares I was getting! I had chosen a Sunday to do all this. Priceless!!

Until next time..................

Happenings and another ghostly tale

2011-10-11T16:36:00.000-07:00

Before I know it time has slipped away again. Geez!

The other night I received a phone call from my youngest daughter informing me that she was sitting on the side of the freeway with a flat tire. She had just purchased new tires a month ago so I called the tire place to have them go out and take care of it. The tires are still under warranty. So anyway, I call, explain the situation and was told that because it was after hours it was going to cost between 140.00 and 180.00 dollars for them to go out and take care of the tire. Really? Wait a minute, tires are under warranty so why the charge at all? Well, was told that during business hours there is not charge, but after hours there is a charge. Seriously?

So, hubby and I hooked up the car trailer, drove clear to the other side of the valley, tried putting air in the tire, only to find out that the inside wall had blown out. Put the car on the trailer, went to my oldest daughters house, dropped off car and youngest, drove back here and by this time it was close to ten o'clock at night!

Tire was replaced free of charge the next day!

The local library was having their annual book sale so you know where I went!!! For three dollars I got two boxes of books! I say, come on Old Man Winter and Mother Nature because I am ready! Ha Ha

For the past month hubby, my brother and I have been trying to figure out how to fall this old, dead tree so we can use it for firewood. Problem being is the tree is between the old dog kennel ( where the donkeys go to get out of the rain) and the pump house. Falling the tree backwards is also not an option due to it being too steep to haul the wood up. So it has to fall forward. Hmmm.

I have to share a story about the Guineas. I am keeping them free range 24/7 now due to them being mean to my hens. The other day they went into the garage snooping around. Throughout the day I noticed that they were still in the garage. What the heck! As I was getting ready to feed the horses and donkeys I noticed that those Guineas were still in the garage. Okay, what is going on. Then it dawned on me that they couldn't figure out how to get out of the garage even though the inside door leading out to the breezeway is always left open! I had to open the outside garage door to let them out! Um, not so bright in my book!

Another quick story about one of the dogs and Grace. Sugar Dog ( pictured here) was a rescue years ago along with her sister Honey Dog. Both dogs have not been around small children so I was concerned how they were going to be around Grace. Well, no surprise to me that Honey Dog will have nothing to do with Grace. However, Sugar Dog has turned into the best kids dog! Grace crawls all over Sugar Dog, chases her around the house, and as you can see doesn't mind one bit that Grace has a hold of her tail.

Okay, now on to another ghostly experience.

Years ago I was driving alone past a cemetery when all of a sudden I felt a presence in the car. At first I ignored it. But when the door locks in the backseat went up at the same exact time, then a few minutes later slammed back down I knew I wasn't alone. I gave it a few more minutes to see if anything else was going to happen and sure enough something else did. I heard breathing coming from the back seat! Okay, that was enough for me. I pulled over, opened the back door and told the 'man' in the back seat that I knew he was there and asked him what he wanted. There was no response. I asked again. Still no response. So, I figured if he had nothing to 'say', then he needed to go somewhere else.

I informed him that I tried to help, but with no help from him he needed to either go to someone who he knew and that they may be able to help, or he needed to move on to the other side. I waited for a bit, knew he was still sitting there, so had to tell him that he was not coming home with me and that he had to get out of the car. After a little bit I felt him get out of the backseat and disappear. I have no idea who he was or why he chose my car to get into. He knew he had passed on. Once I knew he was gone, I continued on home.

Until next time........................

Anger issues and another ghost experience

2011-10-05T15:04:00.000-07:00

I seriously need to rant a bit. Hope you don't all mind.

As a lot of you know Michael Vick brutally murdered dogs, financed a dog fighting ring, etc.... Yes, he spent time in prison. But not for brutally and intentionally murdering dogs he deemed unfit. He even through a few of his families pets into the ring to be used as bait dogs just because he thought it was funny.

Okay, here is my rant. In my book he is the lowest of the low. He sickens me daily. And it seems he is all over the Internet on how much money he is making, what a 'golden boy' playing football, etc... Every time I see his name or his face I get so angry.

What the hell has happened when someone who is a scumbag can get away with what he did? Yes, I know he did time in prison. He did time just like Lindsey Lohan and Paris Hilton did time. A joke is what it was! A joke!

Yes, I know he will have to answer in the end for what he did in life. And that in itself is gratifying to me. Although, I really wish he would pay some sort of price while he is here on this earth.

I will never understand how a, um, 'celebrity' can get away with murder and not pay the consequences.

Okay, I know, I really need to get over this Vick issue. And I am trying. What I am happy about is, he was brought out into the light for the public to see what a demon he is. A lot of his dogs have been rehabilitated and are now living the lives they should. Happy ones!

Alright, enough of the negative rant. I actually do feel better now. Thanks for listening.

Now on to another ghostly experience. I have had so many in my life that I am randomly going through my memory and picking some.

Some years ago I was driving my middle daughter to work and my youngest was in the backseat. We passed an accident on the road on our way. It was recent. The ambulance had just left and there were a few police cars still at the scene.

Just as we drove by, a woman ( spirit) showed up sitting in the backseat with my youngest. I knew immediately that this woman was in the car wreck and didn't make it. She was very confused. Her hair was disheveled. She just sat there. I didn't say anything to my kids because I sure as heck didn't want to freak them out! I continued our drive, dropped my daughter off, and headed back home, the whole time this woman was still sitting there.

Since I couldn't tell her she had passed due to my youngest still in the car, we continued on home.

As soon we got home I took my daughter into the house, told her I forgot something out in the car and walked back outside. Sure enough the woman was still there.

I opened the back door, gently told her that she had passed on and for her to go on to the other side. That it was okay and she would find peace as soon as she got to the other side. I also told her that her family and friends would get through their grief, but that they would be okay. I also thanked her for not scaring my kids.

She looked at me, then vanished. That was the one and only time I saw her.

Oh, on the news that evening sure enough they had the wreck on, and sure enough the only one who didn't make was a woman. Hmmmmm.

Until next time.................................

A personal ghostly experience

2011-10-01T21:11:00.000-07:00

Well, since it is October and that means Halloween, what better time than to share another spirit/ghost experience. The pic above I found on the Internet.

When I was about 23 I bought my first house. It was built in the early part of the 1900's, added onto about 1920 and the last part was built about 1927. Take my word for it, it was a rundown, drafty, not so great house, but I could afford it so I didn't care.

After living there awhile I began to hear voices. No, not in my head! Ha Ha At first I couldn't understand them, but after awhile I could make out words.  Then the pots and pans started rattling at night.  I just knew it was an older woman who lived in the house when it was first built. She obviously liked to cook at night! I found out years later that the original owner's wife loved to cook at night!

Since the house was so old it needed some renovations done. I started taking the layers and layers of wall paper down. Then it was tackling the old linoleum. You know, that really old, thick, colorful linoleum. Ugh, that was a chore!

Well, sure enough once the renovations started, the ghostly activity became quite obvious. That's when the footsteps started. They would come from the back end of the house, walk down the hallway, then stop.

At first it was a bit unnerving, but dealing with ghosts/spirits my entire life it just became normal.

I didn't feel any malevolent spirits so I didn't worry about it. Thank goodness my kids never heard or felt anything.

After living there about 5 years the activity grew. Then the footsteps outside in the gravel driveway started. At first I thought it was someone sneaking around the house, but after a few times of being outside and hearing the foot steps I knew it wasn't a living being. With time I got used to that too.

There was one room in the house, the pantry, that I really did not like. I mean, I really did not like that room so I avoided it. Nothing was stored in there and I kept the door shut. I could feel a rather malevolent spirit in there. I figured so long as the door was shut and no one went in, everything would be fine.

After a few more years went by the energy became thick. The old lady in the kitchen wasn't coming around much. The talking pretty much came to an end. I got an uneasy feeling.

It was about this time that my first marriage came to an end. No, it wasn't the house, it was that he was a raging alcoholic and got into drugs really bad. He ended up putting a bullet in his head one night in a room that was built onto the house. Better his than the kids or mine!!!!

Anyway, not too long after that happened the energy in the house got real bad. I went and bought some camphor blocks and placed them in all the windows and above the doors. Things settled down for awhile.

Then it all started up again. I was working ten hour days. One night I came home after work, the kids were spending the night at some friends, I walked into the house through the back door, was walking down the hallway when I saw a small, black shadow figure in the living room. You could see the living room from the hallway. I stopped, the figure looked at me, then walked to the right of the living room. I ran into the living room looking for what I had just seen only to find nothing. Oh, just to let you know, I was not tired or exhausted or anything like that. I know what I saw. In fact, I can still see it in my mind right now and it still gives me the creeps.

Seeing that black shadow figure was it for me. I was done with that house. There was no way I was having my kids live there anymore. Within days I found another place to move, packed up and moved out.

I rented that house out for a few years. And what is strange is every couple who rented it ended up divorced or split up. Then the house sat empty for about a year. A friend of mine wanted to go through the house and prove to me that there was nothing wrong with it. So in he went, only to come out with a puzzled look on his face. He told me that there were spider webs everywhere, except for where a person would walk. It was as if someone was hanging out in the house since it was empty. I asked around the neighborhood if anyone was squatting in the house. I was told by several people that yes they saw homeless people go in, but they didn't stay more than a night. After awhile no one went into the house. Not even the homeless would go in it! But yet the spider webs were everywhere except where one would walk.

I sold the house and property years ago. The house was torn down. A subdivision is suppose to be built there. I hope the next house built on the land has no ghosts!

Okay, that is just one experience in my life. I will share more on my next post.

Until next time...................................

A Ghostly Experience

2011-09-29T14:46:00.000-07:00

What a shock that I am posting sooner than my usual two week intervals! Surprise! Ha Ha

Some of the veggies from the garden. Couldn't help but take a pic because it is so colorful.

This is the end of the garage. As you can see the shiny side is newly painted whereas the other side is the old paint ( which I found out this place has not been painted since it was built in the late 50's). Yes, I chose pretty much the same color only because this color just really fits the house and the scenery.

This is the end of the house before.

Final result ( end of garage).

End result at end of house.

If you look towards the upper left hand side of the brick pillar you can see something poking out. It is a squirrel!

The squirrel climbing to the top.

Squirrel on top.

Not sure how many of you believe in ghosts/spirits but I have a story to share.

While hubby ( I know, I rarely mention him) was finishing the painting on the ceiling in the breezeway a big drop of paint fell onto the cardboard protecting the cement, but some of it hit the cement. His first thought was to clean it up asap, but he realized there was no rag close by. The next thing he knows, is a rag was thrown from the garage area, hits his arm and falls to the ground. He said "Thanks Honey" and cleaned up the paint. Then he realized I was in the house with the baby and there wasn't anyone out there but himself! He didn't tell me what happened to him right away because he is close minded, and didn't want to admit something supernatural helped him. As he told me what happened all I could do was grin ear to ear. I then asked him if he believes in the other side now, and he said yes he does. He also doesn't think I am a crackpot now when I tell him I 'see' people who have passed on. A big step for a very close minded individual!

Hmmmm, I don't think I have mentioned to you that I can 'see' people who have passed on. I know, I know, some of you think I have an active imagination, but ever since I was little I have been able to 'see'. I can also 'see' or 'feel' when something is going to happen to someone who I am close to. It is usually a word or two associated with a certain person or sometimes it is a visual. I always contact the person I get a feeling about. If any of you are interested I'll share some of my experiences on my blog. And I would love to hear your experiences!

I really should be out scrubbing the inside of the chicken coop, but I really wanted to blog right now.

Until next time................................

Everyday is something

2011-09-24T09:59:00.000-07:00

What a crazy last couple of weeks! We made arrangements with the landlady to paint the house for a reduction in rent. She supplied all materials and we supplied the labor. It was a win win situation. But wow, I had forgotten how much work is involved in painting a house! It was all worth it. Took two weeks to do it, but the house sure does look good again. And this may sound silly but the house appreciates all the care it is getting. Poor thing hasn't been painted since it was built in the mid 50's!

My horse hasn't been urinating right for about a month. So I had the vet out to see what the heck is going on. My first thought that he had a bean ( a wax ball in his sheath), nope that wasn't it. Then I thought maybe it was stones in his bladder. Nope, that wasn't it. Had an ultrasound done and still couldn't find out what was going on. So a blood panel was done. Well, turns out he is anemic! He isn't drinking enough water. So I have been making sure he is drinking. If the water doesn't do the trick, well, then it is something way more serious such as cancer. Time will tell.

My youngest and myself went to the Jacksonville Historic cemetery. One of our favorite places to go. I really liked this grave site. It really fits in well with the history of the town of Jacksonville, which was a gold rush town back in the mid 1800's.

You might have to double click on this picture. I was amazed that new growth has sprung out of an old burnt out dead stump. This tree is in the middle of a very old grave site.

Grace is starting to take her first wobbly steps. Eeeeeek!!!! I bought two doggie gates to keep her blocked in the dining and living room areas. And now that she is growing taller, she can reach more stuff! My gosh I had forgotten what little ones can get into and how much stuff has to be put up higher.

My youngest daughter and I here at the house. I had taken her to the one and only authentic German restaurant around for her 21st birthday. Well, her birthday isn't until the end of October, but with my schedule and hers this was the only day we could go to lunch. Have to say, the food was delicious!

So far the foxes have not had any more chicken lunches or dinners. I have been keeping the chickens locked up in their coop area and only letting them out every now and then. My thinking is if they aren't let out everyday, it may confuse those darned foxes that there isn't a chicken meal to be had everyday!

The Guineas are so big now. And I think I have made a mistake in getting them. I got them to be watch birds, but it sure as heck isn't working out that way. Those Guineas sound the alarm at everything! And I do mean everything! Oh no, a leaf is falling, sound the alarm. Oh no, a cat just ran by, sound the alarm. And they are picking on certain chickens! Um, no, not acceptable. Although I do admit they make me laugh with their antics.

The resident bear is getting pretty close to the house now thanks to all the blackberry bushes close by.

In a few weeks marijuana plants will be harvested which means there are going to be a lot of busts going on. The Mexican cartel lurk in the mountains and protect their crops. A few years ago there was a fire fight between them and the law. Hmmmm, wonder how bad it will be this year!

My notebook computer has been down for awhile and was having to use the old bulky desk top. And talk about slow! But hooray, my notebook is up and running like a champ now.

Well, I have more to say but don't want to bore you. Time to get outside and get some chores done. Me thinks it is time to pick more blackberries for more syrup!

Tomorrow it is suppose to rain so am going to catch up with all of you then.

Until next time...........................

Chickens-0 Foxes-5

2011-09-05T13:59:00.000-07:00

It's on like Donkey Kong now!!! The beginning of last week was not a good one for my chickens. I lost five roosters during the day to the foxes that live up on the hill behind the house. They got Stew Pot my old rooster plus four young roosters I was going to rehome. Ever since then I have kept the remaining chickens and keets locked up for their own safety until I build a fence around their coop. Jeff Lewis, my remaining big rooster was attacked but luckily got away. He hasn't uttered a sound since then.

I have been talking to the neighbors who have chickens and they all have said the same thing. They feed the foxes to keep them away from their chickens. I was feeding Fabio fox ( who resides on the hill behind the pasture) but haven't done it in awhile. So, I am going to start leaving food out for the foxes in hopes that if they have full bellies they will leave my chickens alone. Oh, I did have my brother pee around behind the irrigation ditch where there is a fox trail. And thanks to John over at Going Gently I am going to get some men's hair from a local barbershop and sprinkle that around too.

On a lighter note, here is Grace growing up! She is actually starting to grow hair now! She has begun to stand without help and that girl can move quick doing her crab like walk. The stains on her dress are from blackberries.

Speaking of food, if you want to make a delicious tomato sauce for your Italian dishes, grow some Cherokee Purple tomatoes, then cook them down in a big pot with just a dash of salt. No other seasoning necessary! Oh, and German Striped tomatoes are scrumptious! Slice them up and serve. Yummy!!!!

Caught the cats being entertained by watching a chicken on the railing. This was before the all you can eat fox meal!

RIP Stewpot!

Of course I have to add something about animals. Did you know that fabric softeners, bar soaps, lip gloss, crayons, dog and cat food and many other products have, are you ready for this.........tallow ( also called paste) from ground up dogs, cats, rats, squirrels, etc.??? Not all of the above mentioned products have dog/cat tallow in them, but quite a few due! Please check to see what ingredients are used in the products you use. Downy and Dove bar soap are just two of the products with 'paste'/ tallow in them. Rather than posting the link to the You Tube video, if you want to view it just go to You Tube and type in What Happens to Unwanted Dogs and Cats. It was a real eye opener for me!

Mother Nature is showing her ugly high temp side this week. Very much looking forward to Fall.

Until next time.............................

Miss me?

2011-08-29T14:36:00.000-07:00

Okay, really, where does the time go? I will try to catch everyone up as to what has been going on.

Let's see, where to start!

The cat that went missing never did come back. I searched high and low, but nothing.

Something came off the hill and took my Silky Bantam rooster ( Bob A Loo) during the day! I followed the feather trail up the hill, then lost it.

There is one hen who is eating eggs. Grrrrrr. Still haven't caught her, but I have narrowed it down.

My Aunt had a stroke. Thankfully because she has always taken very good care of herself she will be fine.

My truck was down for two weeks due to a carbureator problem.

Grace is teething again and trying to walk! Talk about keeping me on my toes.

There is a suspected arsonist on the loose here in the valley! Fires keep popping up all over the place.

My brother took me to two historic cemataries I have been wanting to go see.

Youngest daughter is almost ready to meet Grace! Yay!!!! And she is giving it serious thought about coming over for the holidays ( Thanksgiving and Christmas).

A physic healer showed up here out of the blue. A voice kept telling her to stop everytime she drove by and one day the voice screamed at her to stop. She did stop and let me say I am glad she did! She laid her hands upon Arnold's ( donkey) face because I had said that he has been sad for a long time. I swear the next day and every day since he is a happy donkey again! She also kind of did the same thing with me.

Made my own tomato juice from the tomatoes in the garden. Yum!

Also made my own blackberry syrup!! I was surprised at how easy it was to make! And yes, it came out yummy.

Finally was able to buy three ton of hay to store in the barn.

The doe that I watched across the road in the field everyday won't be there anymore. I found her dead on the side of the road.

This may seem silly to some of you, but I have been trying to contact my spirit guide. I believe we all have them.

The bats have multiplied! There are so many at night now. It is so cool!

There have been some drug busts ( meth labs) close by. Ugh!

Marijuana season is just about ready to harvest and the sherriff planes and copters have been in full force.

Starting to get the shelters for the horses and donkeys ready for winter.

Fixing fences.

Washing horse blankets and now ready to repair the rips.

Found out Michael Vick wrote a book! What, on how to brutally murder a dog! That guy makes me sick.

Have been contacting designers who are still using real fur letting them know it is wrong on so many levels.

Been contacting representatives about stopping the BLM roundups and also horse slaughter.

Started a bucket list.

There has been more going on, but my brain is overloaded to remember it all.

Until next time........................

This n that and everything in between

2011-08-10T14:23:00.000-07:00

Howdy!! Blogger doesn't want to upload my pics so hopefully they will fix the problem soon.

As usual life has been crazy.

I bought Grace a small wading pool and she really enjoys it on these rather hot days. Her pool is in the shade in the breezeway so no worries about her getting too much sun. She is teething again! Ugh! I bought some of those homeopathic teething tablets and they seem to be helping her relieve the pain. She has also learned how to pull herself up whether it be the furniture or her crib! Next thing she will be walking and really keeping me racing around.

My farrier was out last Friday to give all the horses and donkeys a trim. Wouldn't you just know it but two of the horses and one of the donkeys are having hoof problems. And for the life of my farrier or myself we just can't figure out why. Par for the course! I have been carefully going through everything trying to figure out what the heck is going on.

One of the outdoor kitties has been missing for four days now. I have no idea where he is. I have searched high and low for him with no sign. Sigh. One of the hazards if living in the country. Although the other night I was outside about 2 am ( one of my many sleepless nights) and noticed a new cat eating the cat food. Either someone dumped him/her off or it has been here the whole time. I do know that the cat took off like lightning when he/she saw me.

The bats are multiplying each night. The other night I admit I actually had had enough of them flying too close to me and high tailed inside.

One of my hens is an egg eater! Not good! I have it narrowed down to three as to who is doing it. It is difficult to catch the culprit in the act when there is so much that has to be done. As soon as I figure out who is doing it, well, I am afraid she will have to move on to another home. No, I don't have the heart to eat her.

The Guinea Keets are clowns. Downright comical. They prefer the company of the two older roosters and it is so cute to see them follow Stew Pot or Jeff Lewis around. Especially when the keets get out of sight of the boys they just get all hysterical and start screaming until they find them.

The garden is producing wonderfully. The other night I made blackberry cobbler and if I say so myself it was delicious! Here is the recipe I use and it is so easy.

1/2 cup melted butter poured into bottom of baking dish

3/4 cup flour
3/4 cup sugar                                  Mix together in a bowl until creamy then pour into baking dish
2 tsp. baking powder                      over melted butter
3/4 cup milk

Pour whatever fruit you choose over mixture. Do not stir! Bake for 1 hour at 350 until golden brown. Eat and enjoy! I like french vanilla ice cream on the side with mine.

The helicopters and small planes continue to fly over the valley looking for marijuana grow sites. Obviously there are a lot of them because they fly a lot!

Hunting season for bear has started so there have been a lot of gun shots to be heard. I'm not a hunter so it saddens me when I hear it. Deer season starts next month. I sure hope the buck and his does that live on the hill behind us stay here on the property where they will be safe.

Time for me to go. Grace is awake from her nap. I WILL catch up with all you of soon. Sure do miss what you have all been up to!

Until next time............................

Bats and Why do people do that?

2011-07-30T10:18:00.000-07:00

Every evening I make it a point to be outside to watch the bats. Amazing little critters!

After hundreds of pics I finally managed to capture one! Ever try to photograph a bat in flight? All I can say is it is hard. They move so quickly and quietly. I have counted a dozen or more that swoop in and take care of the bugs every evening. And in case you are wondering, yes, the bats get very, very close sometimes!

What is it about donkeys in a field that people in cars just have to bray at? On a daily basis there are at least four or so cars that go by and passengers hang out there windows and bray at the donkeys! As if the donkeys care! If it were the same cars then they would be locals. But they are different cars so am thinking tourists. All I can do is laugh because knowing how intelligent donkeys are, here it is people are making fools of themselves. If only the 'brayers' knew how wonderful donkeys are!

Yesterday a lady who adopted two donkeys from me three years ago contacted me telling me that she has to give up the donkeys ( the two she adopted and one she raised from a baby). Her husband passed away suddenly and now she is in financial difficulties. I had to let her know with a heavy heart that I am unable to bring them here ( explaining my own situation about losing my house), but I would contact some donkey people I know who may be able to help. I feel so bad because I can't bring them here and help her out. Sigh.

Also yesterday I found out that some friends are in foreclosure of their home. Another big sigh. I wish I could help more than just having a shoulder to lean on and letting them know I really do understand what they are going through. It is devastating! And it takes a long time to get over it, if ever. Life gives you lemons and you make lemonade, but really, how much lemonade can one person take!!! Lol!!

Until next time...........................

She's mobile!

2011-07-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

Grace is a few days away from being six months old. My goodness the time has gone by. And she is mobile now! Now she is really keeping me on my toes!

This is the first Anaheim pepper that I picked last night dinner. I love Anaheim's. It was grow, pick, roast, stuff, bake and eat! Yum!

Have to say once again, I am getting a kick out of the Guineas. They are hilarious.

This doe is out in the field every day. She has a fawn now, which is hidden in the bushes. There is something about deer that every time I see one I just smile.

Last week the Internet was off and on and the down for the count. The technician came out and found out that the signal was being blocked by some tree branches. Now I am back up and running.

I'm sure you have a read or heard about Amy Whinehouse passing away. In my humble opinion, I found it not shocking to read about it. After what she did to her mind and body it really was only a matter of time before this happened. May she find peace on the other side as well as all the others who have passed at such an early age due to poor choices.

Last week there was a tragedy here locally. A father of four stabbed his wife and two of his four children then set the house on fire to cover up the crime. The community has been in shock over this. The children ranged in age from age two up to nine years. I will never understand how anyone can harm a child. The piece of shit father is in the hospital and as soon as he is healthy enough, his ass is getting arrested. Personally I say bring back public hangings for crimes like this!

There has been so much more going on but this would turn into a lengthy novel.

Time to round up Grace who has made it into the dining room.

Until next time.......................

Video of my old cat

2011-07-18T13:25:00.000-07:00

Turn up your sound so you can hear him. Wanted to share a video of what my old 16 year old cat, Mr Smith Big Fat Cow Cow, does when he gets petted. He doesn't have many teeth left which makes it that much more funnier when he is enjoying his petting.

Until next time........................

Helicopters, Keets, Yard Sales,Reminders

2011-07-17T13:38:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week I heard a helicopter very, very close to the house. Upon investigating where it was I found it hovering right above one the hills on the property. It hovered for awhile, then slowly made it's way down the property onto the next property. After several phone calls I found out it was a Sheriff's helicopter and that they were looking for marijuana grow sites! I don't have a problem with that at all, however I do have a problem when they spook my horses and donkeys! A few days later there was another helicopter on the other side of the road on the hills over there doing the same thing. After asking around a bit I found out that this area is a hot spot for illegal growers! Personally I don't care if you smoke the stuff or not, but when comes to a safety issue, well that is another thing.

The Guinea keets are growing so fast and they are hanging out with the older hens and Stew Pot the rooster. I have to admit I am really thrilled with the keets and their sense of humour. The other day I watched one keet jump up onto the car trailer, settle down, then looked to the left and saw a pine cone right next to him/her and that pine cone scared the bejeebers out of him/her! I laughed so hard.

Yesterday we stopped off at a few yard sales. This is one of my finds. An old dial up phone. One of my daughters asked me if that was a real phone and I had to laugh. Yup, sure is real. Had one of these when I was a kid. She laughed commenting that it would take forever to dial out. Oh, and I actually remembered my Grandmothers phone number when she had a dial up. Goes to show you how old I am!

This is another yard sale find. An Outback hat which is going to come in very handy this winter. Best part was I hardly paid anything for it and it is already broke in!

I would like to say a big thank you to Tina over at http://borderlineexpress.blogspot.com/ for the surprise in yesterday's mail. Tina donates her time to the Donkey Sanctuary in Canada. And did you know that for only $50.00 a year you can become a Guardian of the Sanctuary. They do wonderful work for all longears!

The garden is coming along beautifully. Everyday you can find me checking those tomato plants for the first ripe tomato. Not yet, but there are a few who are getting close. Come on tomatoes!!

Speaking of gardens, are there things you look at that remind you of people you know whether personally or through a blog? When I look at my garden I think of Flartus over at http://flartus.blogspot.com/.
When I see my Guinea keets I think of Lynn over at http://razzberrycorner.blogspot.com/. Chickens I think of John http://disasterfilm.blogspot.com/ and Danni http://critterfarmgirl.blogspot.com/.
When I see something beautiful I think of Jim at http://jabacue.blogspot.com/ as well as Ron and Sophie at http://fromsophiesview.blogspot.com/.
When I see a cow I think of Jim at http://aranchersview.blogspot.com/.
When I think about family it goes naturally to my Sister at http://ccantiquesandanimals-whatalife.blogspot.com/.
Well, you get the idea. There is something everyday that reminds me of all of you.

Oh, of course my blog wouldn't be finished without of course and animal awareness bit. How's this one for you. Did you know that horse thieves are now using moving vans such as UHaul trucks to move stolen horses! I bet you won't look at another moving truck/van the same anymore wondering if there is a stolen horse or another animal inside of it!

Okay, time to get some chores done. Always know that I think of each of you daily!

Until next time.....................

Learning

2011-07-11T08:33:00.000-07:00

Wow, a lot had been going on! We have been trying all week to get the irrigation pump to pump the water out of the canal onto the pasture. The pump is ancient but it works great. Two of the risers that are in the pasture are broken ( the risers let the water out to irrigate the pasture). Fixing those won't be to hard. Problem is the foot pipe that leads into the pump itself keeps getting plugged with debris. We have tried digging the water hole deeper but that doesn't seem to help other than to bring more debris up. I don't know alot about irrigation pumps and pipes, but hey, I'm learning!

Troy, the one black Frizzle bantam is finally growing feathers all over his body. As soon as I know how many Frizzle roosters there are they will need to go to new homes. As it is I have three roosters now, don't need anymore.

The Guinea keets grow bigger everyday. I am getting such a kick out of them. They stay together all the time and move like a school of fish. I am learning a lot about them.

With the warmer weather comes a true growing season! A month ago you could see the door leading into the barn, but now you can't even see it behind all the bushes and vines. Have to find the time to start cutting it all back. Between weeding the garden and cutting blackberry bushes back is a chore in itself!

Speaking of blackberry bushes, I learned how to freeze them so we can have blackberries in the winter. Wash the berries, dust them with powdered sugar, place them on waxed paper, freeze for an hour or so then put them into freezer bags. That way when you get some out they won't stick together and become a mushy mess.

The blackberries have all flowered and have little berries on them now. So long as I can get my fair share of them before the bears do then all will be grand!

This is the garden. There are lots of green tomatoes so I watch look everyday for that one ripe one which means the others won't be far behind. I am so looking forward to eating that first fresh tomato! Oh, and I am going to try to make some fried green tomatoes this year. Have never tried them before and this season I am! Well, that is after I indulge on the ripe ones first!

And speaking of trying something new, eggplant is also going to be tried. Have never had it before so have no idea what it tastes like, but hey, I'll try just about anything once!

Okay, you all know me by now when it comes to animals. I have just learned that Nike has signed on Michael Vick again! Can you believe that! Nike drops the piece of shit when he was found guilty of dog fighting, torturing and murdering dogs, but now they have picked him back up. Does Nike really think we, the animal advocates have forgotten what he did? And what is the icing on this cake is Nike is based right here in Oregon! Yup, I have written and called Nike letting them know how I feel about their decision. There response is less than acceptable in my book! Basically what they say is that Vick paid his dues and it is in the past. And I still stand firm on that he would still be torturing and brutally murdering dogs if he hadn't been caught. I mean come on, he thinks his shit don't stink and that he could get away with anything because he is some hot shot football player. Grrrrrr.

Alrighty, there was my two cents worth on that.

Until next time.............................

Bad with the good

2011-06-30T15:20:00.000-07:00

There is a saying that things run in threes. Well I am doubting the whole three thing. Not only did the one work car take a shit, but now the second work car has decided to also break down. Only had the two cars, but hey, I've got a truck that is still running pretty good. See, there is a positive with the negative.

Sunday evening I made the decision to put Gabby Goat to sleep. What I thought was an infection in her udder turned out to be cancer. I rescued her 6 years ago and her years with me were good ones. See ya on the other side Gabby.

This morning one of my dogs killed one of the Guinea chicks. I didn't see her do it, but the body was under the dog on the dog bed I keep in the breezeway and she didn't want to get off the bed. There were two small bruise marks on either side of the Guineas backbone. No feathers missing. And there was a guilty look on the dogs face.

Now I have to figure out what to do. I let the chickens and Guineas free range during the day. There is no fence to keep birds and dogs separated. Hmmmm. Until I figure out what to do Sugar Dog is going to have to wear a harness and be walked rather than turned loose to get exercise and to do her business. I'm thinking of the positive side to this situation. Hmmmm. Haven't found it yet though. Oh wait, I know the positive side of it. I get more exercise walking the dog now!!!

The Black Frizzle bantam has actually started to grow more and more feathers!! Thank goodness! Now he doesn't look like he is almost all the way plucked! I am waiting to find out how many roosters there are out of the Frizzle bunch. As soon as I know for sure, well, they are going to have to go to new homes. Can't have that many roosters.

I thought I had my last two remaining Nelson heated automatic waterers for horses sold , but alas, no. If any of you know of someone who would like to purchase them at a very reasonable cost, email me cndezdog@msn.com.

All day yesterday I dealt with the auto insurance company. They said I was cancelled from lack of payment. Um, they take it out of the bank account each month with no problems and this month was no exception. Turned out it was a computer glitch on their end! So, I still had and have insurance!

Today is the last day to burn in a barrel or a pile so have been gathering what I can burn and doing it. Tomorrow fire season begins.

One of the screens fell out of one of the living room windows sometime in the night. The windows are left open at night to allow the cool air to come into the house. Thankfully the two cats who are not allowed outside did not jump out the window.

Oh, one more thing. Found out that there are some companies who endorse, back or are associated with the dog killer Michael Vick. Don't know if you know who he is, but he played for the Philadelphia Eagles as their Quarterback. He was caught and convicted of fighting Pit Bulls and also killing them in horrendous ways when he was done with them. Yes, he did his time, but as far as I am concerned he would still be fighting and killing dogs if he hadn't been caught. Anyway, here are a few of the companies that are associated with this piece of shit. And of course you know me, I contacted each company to let them know my humble opinion of their choice of who they are connected with.
Subway
KFC
Hot wire
McDonald's
Ford
Checkers/Rallys
7UP
Lysol
Buick
Overture Films
Nissan

Well, I have talked your ears off long enough. Wishing all of you a most glorious weekend and a Happy 4th of July for those who celebrate it.

Until next time........................

A conversation

2011-06-25T12:09:00.000-07:00

The other day my youngest daughter and I had a conversation. During the conversation she asked me how I could look at videos and graphic pictures of abused/neglected animals. She just couldn't understand why I would look/watch when I have been rescuing animals for years and have seen my fair share of it.

I explained that the reason I do it is so I can continue to be involved whether it be just signing a petition, contacting representatives, getting the word out. Right now financially I cannot bring in anymore animals. Knowing what is really going on is the key to knowledge and getting the word out so others know what is going on.

She told me that it upsets her to see what I sometimes post on my Facebook wall. She says she knows what is going on, but doesn't want to see it.

I told her I was sorry she doesn't like when I post about abuse/neglect cases, but the more people who know the better it is for the animals. The more animal abuser names that get out there and become public the better. There is no reason why abusers names should be kept quiet. They are the ones who did the crime.

I also explained to her that a lot of people don't want to 'see' what is going on. That they know, but don't want to actually see it. To understand sometimes you just have to 'see' it for yourself. Seeing has much more of an impact than just knowing.

I also explained that the people who stand by thinking someone else will do something or the ones who don't want to get involved are just as guilty as the abuser. One has to stand up for what they believe in.

A lot of you are already involved with rescuing animals whether it be running a rescue, helping out at one, donating, stepping up when you see an injustice, etc....

Here are a few of the websites I visit often to keep up to date. Please be warned that yes some of the pictures are very graphic. The stories are heartbreaking. The tears will run. Anger levels will rise. Yet some of these websites will make you smile seeing for yourself how one or more people are making a differance.

Being involved and doing something helps.

***Graphic**** http://animalrecoverymission.org/

http://www.pet-abuse.com/pages/cruelty_database.php

http://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/mainbarnwebcam2

http://caboodleranch.livejournal.com/

http://www.kaufmanzoning.net/

http://www.madeleinepickens.com/

http://www.thedonkeysanctuary.ca/

Until next time....................

Harder than I remember!

2011-06-14T08:52:00.000-07:00

Wow, babysitting is a lot harder than I remember! Since Grace's mom started her job I watch Grace. It sure has taken some getting used to! It's taken a few weeks to get used to the whole time thing. I can't just walk out or go somewhere anytime I want now. I'll be honest, I never thought I would be doing this after all these years. With my youngest going to be 21 this year, well, it has been a long time.

Slowly but surely Grace and I have found a routine that works for the both of us. When there are chores to be taken care of outside, I park her by the chicken coop where she is happy as a clam watching the chickens. With her being occupied and happy, I am able to get some chores down. Well, chores that are within 20 feet of where she is. I never let her out of my sight. Then it is into the stroller to take care of horse and donkey chores. Another thing I have noticed is talking on the phone while I am watching Grace is pretty much out of the question. Pretty sure it's that built in radar kids have. The one where you are talking with someone and that's when they decide to poop, or they are hungry or over the top tired.

So much has been going on. I traded some items for 3 ton of hay. No more worries about hay for awhile. The car that I drove broke down in town last week so now am carless. Getting it fixed costs more than the car is worth! Thank goodness I have my truck, although with these gas prices driving it is not cost effective. But hey,. I have a vehicle to drive!

The one cat who had a urinary tract infection is now living with my oldest daughter.

The garden is slowly growing. I am anxiously awaiting for the tomatoes!

The county is working on the highway ( the one we live on) which means trucks and heavy equipment are constantly stopping in front of the house or passing by.

Tourist season has officially begun. I can now distinguish the locals from the tourists. The tourists stop next to the pasture where the horses and donkeys are and take pictures of them! And the wine tour buses slow down now so the tourists can take pictures or just look at the horses and donkeys. At first it annoyed me, but now I grin and wave at them!

The Guinea keets I ordered came in. I was hoping Little Inger would raise them like she did the Frizzle Bantams and the Americaunas, but alas, she said no way!

My farrier came out last week to trim up the horses and donkeys feet, and I have to say it was a bit of a challenge since I was watching Grace that day. Grace was in her stroller on one side of the fence and on the other side we managed to get everyone all trimmed up. It took over two hours to get everyone done, and I must say, Grace was a trooper!

Before this turns into one of those lengthy, really boring novels, I will close it up. I promise to catch up with all of you. Believe it or not, I really do think of each of you everyday! Now if only I could learn to read and comment and post via my mind alone!

Until next time................................

Has this happened to you?

2011-05-29T20:02:00.000-07:00

Have you ever 'met' someone/animal that you have never met in person, but there is an instant connection? There is just something extraordinary about them.

This is Morgan. A few years back I met his owner online on EBay when she bid and won a leather halter and matching lead I had listed. After awhile we became close friends.
She sent me a picture of Morgan not too long after she rescued him from an ignorant, abusive man. The first time I saw this picture I felt there was an instant connection. There was something special about him.
Everytime I emailed my friend I always asked how Morgan was doing and explained to her that there was a connection to him. She completely understood and didn't think I was crazy. Thank goodness.
I actually fell in love with this handsome gentleman.

While we were in the process of moving after losing the house, Morgan passed away and my friend didn't want to tell me because she said I was going through enough grief. After several months of living here in the rental she finally told me about Morgan. She said he had just laid down and passed away peacefully.
Even as I write this the tears are streaming.

So, have you ever 'met' someone or an animal that you felt a bond? A connection? Even though you never met in person!

Unti next time.........................

Who needs a television when you have........

2011-05-27T16:03:00.000-07:00

cats watching chickens or chickens watching cats or.......

cats watching donkeys or donkeys watching cats!

Until next time...........

More Pics!!!

2011-05-23T20:28:00.000-07:00

Ha Ha more pics!!!

The first rose of the season bloomed and this is what it looks like. It is huge! It's long stemmed. And it is very, very fragrant. Too bad I'm allergic to the smell. But it sure is pretty to look at.

There are many, many different types of trees on the property and they are all beautiful. Although this one is my absolute favorite. It is a walnut tree and it is very old. I found a website that has info on how to calculate how old trees are. Well, this one is over 100 years old! Quite possibly closet o 150! If only this old tree could talk, the stories it could share.

See the area where there are no trees or brush or bushes? There are no stumps to indicate that there were trees at one time. I have no idea why just that area doesn't have anything on it but grasses. Hmmmm. Maybe one day I will figure it out.

Just a purple Iris that bloomed behind the house.

This little one is suppose to be a Black Frizzle Bantam, but I am seriously wondering what breed he/she really is. There are hardly any feathers. You can't see but the lower neck is bald! I don't know what is wrong with him/ her. I gave him/her the name Troy. Well, Troy eats and drinks and poops just fine. Another hmmmmmm.

Now the Red Frizzles are starting to really frizzle now. What I have read about the breed, it isn't perfected so not all Frizzles will frizzle. Just can't help but lean towards to unusual chickens.

Keep your fingers crossed for pics on the next posting.

Until next time..............

Pictures!!!

2011-05-22T08:17:00.000-07:00

Look! Look! Pictures!!!!! Hooray!!!!

This is one of the Red frizzle chicks. They are so very cool! At least I think so anyway.

Another picture!!! Hooray!!!!

This little one is a Black Frizzle Bantam. I ordered 6 red ones, but only got 5 and this cutie. I have no idea who is going to be a hen or rooster. Whoever is a rooster is going to have to go to a new home. I already have 4 roosters which is 2 too many. I have been trying to find homes for 2 roosters with no luck so far. I don't want to advertise them on Craigslist only because I don't want the roosters to be used for either fighting or bait.

This is a short post only because I am so excited about the pictures uploading today.

Oh, before I forget, thanks for all the suggestions on the odor problem. As soon as I can afford it I will get a humidifier. In the meantime, baking soda in the carpet, coffee in bowls placed around the house, and of course windows open.

Today is garden planting day. This is what I am going to plant.

German Striped tomato ( heirloom)
Green Zebra tomato (heirloom)
Purple tomato (heirloom)
Early Girl tomato
Sun Gold cherry tomato
Corn
Pumpkin
Watermelon
Jalapeno pepper
Lemon cucumber
Bell pepper

It is going to be so exciting to actually have a real garden!

I am keeping my fingers crossed that the pictures will continue to upload because there are pics I want to share.

Until next time................

Odor

2011-05-19T13:05:00.000-07:00

Well, Blogger is not letting me upload pics again. It worked fine when I posted last, but have been trying for several days now and nada! I just don't know what to do about it. I went to Blogger help forum only to find out other bloggers are having the same issues. I sure hope it gets fixed asap. I really wanted to show you my Red Frizzle Bantam chicks. They are really something else.

Now I have a question for all of you. Ever since the irrigation water has been turned on, the house has an odor now. The irrigation canal is about ten feet away from the house and the water is flowing like a creek. I can't detect a smell from the canal, just inside the house and it is driving me crazy. It is the smell of old moisture and it is not a pleasant odor. No, there is no water under the house or even directly around it, just in the canal. And the irrigation will run until November 1st. Oh, the irrigation water is coming straight from the river.

Okay, I do not want to have to smell this odor for that long, so does anyone have any suggestion as to what to use to rid the house of it? I have tried Lysol, Febreeze, etc.... And I really don't want my clothes or furniture having that smell either.

Starting Monday I start watching Grace full time. Her mom finally landed a job in the deli department at the local country store. Hmmmm, Gracie and me, together all day. Who would have thought at my age I would be watching a baby! I already have a game plan going on in my head so I can still get what I need to get done, done, and make it fun for her. She is really going to be a farm girl by the time I am done!

Anyway, again, if anyone has a suggestion as to how to get rid of the odor in the house, please share. Yes, there is wall to wall carpeting.

I have caught up with a few of you on your blogs and am going to catch up with more.

Thanks in advance for suggestions.

Until next time................

Some horse owners need a clue!

2011-05-14T08:32:00.000-07:00

Blogger has been down for two days. And a lot has been going on in these last two days! All animal related. Oh, and I believe that Blogger fixed the picture problem! Yay!

On Thursday I looked out one of the big picture windows and saw a Paint horse ON the road! My first thought was, "Shit, Hoody's out on the road". I ran out the door, grabbed a halter and lead rope and bolted for the driveway gate. By the time I reached the gate and looked, I found out it wasn't my horse...it was the mare and filly from across the road!

A gentleman in a white truck stopped to prevent the mare and foal from going further down the road. He asked me if they were my horses. Nope. Not mine. Briefly explained that they belonged across the street. If you remember in some of my previous posts, I live on a scenic highway, which means, there is a lot of traffic. The mare wouldn't let me catch her. As I was trying to get the mare and filly back into their pasture, the cars and trucks kept coming. No one else stopped but the gentleman in the white truck. Talk about an adventure trying to dodge vehicles, keep the mare and filly out of harms way while trying to get them back where they belonged.

After about half an hour I finally got the mare and filly back where they belonged, the owner of the property showed up, I explained what happened, and that the gate was wide open which is how they got out. I also mentioned that the mare was uncatchable and was told that the only way to catch her is with a bucket of grain! And sometimes that doesn't work! Then the actual owner of the horses shows up, again the explanation, a quick thank you and the horse owner drove off without checking the gate or her horses! Geez! Talk about lack of concern and not teaching your horse how to halter! Ignorant!

Also on Thursday one of the irrigation guys came along and cleaned out the canal of blackberry bushes. The water was going to start running that afternoon! Yay!! Irrigation!! And while the canal was getting cleaned out, a mama possum and her four babies were found dead as well as a young doe also dead. Made me sad.

Yesterday a fox was dead on the road and I can only hope it wasn't Fabio ( the one I feed).

Hopefully you can see what is in the picture. Yesterday I was checking the irrigation canal and noticed movement! By gosh it was a crawfish! I know, some of you wouldn't get excited about seeing a crawfish, but I admit it, I got excited.

Oh, before I go, I would like to mention to anyone that watches Top Chef, to please boycott the show. On Monday Top Chef Canada is airing an episode where the contestants cook with horse meat! Now I know Europe and Canada do eat horse meat, but quite honestly, to me eating a horse would be like eating a dog or cat. I and alot of other folks have contacted Food Network and voiced our concerns. Wars have been won on the backs of horses. Countries have been built using horse power. Crops have been planted using horse power. Sorry, but eating a horse is not acceptable in my book.

Okay, since I am on the subject of horses I have one more thing to say. The State of Nevada is trying to pass a bill that will cut off the water supply to the wild horses and burros in that state! Can you believe that?! Unacceptable on so many levels. If you want, and if you are on Face Book, please go to the Nevada 'like' page and leave your comments for everyone who is thinking of visiting that state letting them know how you feel about water being cut off to the horses and burros. Believe me, the State of Nevada does not like having all the negative comments being left on their 'like' page!

Alrighty, time to wrap this up.

Until next time..............................

I have been called a lot of things.....

2011-05-09T15:29:00.000-07:00

I have been called a lot of things in my life, but today was a first.
The irrigation guy came along to clean out the irrigation canal. As we were talking he was telling me about one of the past owners who turned this property into a junk yard. He said there was junk everywhere one looked.
He mentioned how nice the place looks now.
I responded that one has to respect the earth and all living beings on it. And that we have been finding garbage and junk everywhere and how sad it is.
He then looks right at me and says, " Oh, you're a Wiccan"!
A Wiccan! Um, no. Just someone who cares.

The job hunting is still going on. And in answer to some questions about what type of work I am looking for, well, just about anything. Although I really do have to draw the line and crawling under houses! My skills are working with animals, retail, sales. With school letting out shortly, the hunt will be that much tougher.

On Saturday I helped my youngest move out of the dorm and into my oldest daughters house. My youngest lived on the fourth floor which you know what that means. Four flights of stairs up and down. I brought the dolly to get the fridge and microwave down to the truck. Which worked just fine, but yesterday and today I can feel it in my shoulders of carefully, step by step, getting that stuff down. My youngest kept asking me if I needed help and being who I am, I said no. She said she didn't want me to break a hip. Geeez, I am not ancient! So shhhhhh, don't tell that I am sore!

Still haven't been able to get the garden in due to the temps and rain. Soon though, soon.

How the heck have all of you been?

Until next time................

What's been going on.

2011-05-04T08:30:00.000-07:00

Tried uploading pics yet once again and still unable to. I will figure this out eventually. But have to admit it is over the top frustrating.

So much going on lately.

I have been job hunting, but no success as of yet. As much as I hate to admit it, my age is against me. Especially with the younger generation also pounding the pavement. And now with school letting out soon the competition is more fierce. The unemployment rate here in the county I live in is 13%. It was 14%. The only thing I can keep doing is trying.

A wild critter got one of my hens right smack during the day! All I found was a bunch of feathers so don't know if a bird of prey came down or something come off one of the hills behind the house.

Little Inger and all 18 of her chicks are doing great. Those Americana's grow so fast!

The other night I couldn't find one of my indoor/outdoor kitties. Another search began, but alas, nothing. Nothing that is until the next morning!! Out he came from one of the closets here in the house! Little booger! Cats really know how to hide! I had to give up the search for Goat kitty. The only thing I can hope is she went quickly.

AJ, our Mustang, came down with laminitis.....again! This time it was pretty bad. When I went out to the pasture to get her into the medical area I set up, she wouldn't move. Not that I blame her because laminitis makes the feet very sore and tender. As I was trying to get her into the medical area, a neighbor stopped and asked if I needed help with my horse. I explained the situation, thanked her and said I could manage. After I explained the situation she started to cry! Oh man, here it is I am standing there with AJ and trying to comfort the neighbor ( no, not the ignorant horse neighbor). After calming down the neighbor I was able to get AJ into the area she needed to be in. Laminitis can sometimes come on so fast. Basically overnight! As I type this, AJ is comfortable, on meds, and will be fine in time.

And one of the indoor cats came down the a urinary tract infection and had to go to the vet. I had to buy a different bag of cat food which caused the infection. Thankfully my oldest daughter is a vet tech so she has the Trashman is at her house until he recovers.

My one brother and sister who live close by have been coming over more and more. It is always nice to see them.

Grace is three months old now and is cracking me up with all the new things she learns everyday.

Now that the weather is getting warmer, there is a lot more traffic on the highway. Some of it due to all the wineries close by. And there are quite a few motorcycles now. The other day I was outside, heard what I call 'crotch rockets', which are sports bikes, come flying down the highway. And I do mean flying! I do believe it is only a matter of time before there is an accident. Something I really do not want to see.

And get this one! On a different day I hear one of those small passenger planes coming through the valley here. And it was low to the ground! I watched it bank to the left, then to the right and so on. At the end of the valley there are hills. Just as it looked like the plane was going to hit one of them, it banked to the left and came back this way. And the jerk who was flying buzzed the pasture where my horses and donkeys are! Thank goodness they didn't spook! If I had my wits about me I should have thrown a rock! Yes, it really was that close to the ground.

Since moving out here my allergies have taken a turn for the worse. Ugh! I have tried several allergies meds with no luck. I am going to look into a natural way of dealing with them since I really don't like taking meds, even aspirin.

Okay, I won't bore you with anymore of what has been going on. Without pics it isn't much fun to read!

Until next time.......................

Stick a fork in me I am done!

2011-04-25T13:39:00.000-07:00

You guessed it, no pics in this post either. I have contacted blogger help so hopefully they can explain why I am unable to download images. I have tried everything under the help section. Ugh!

On Saturday what did I see? How about the ignorant horse owners walking the mare and foal down the road again! And this time it was more of a close call than ever before. Now that the foal is older she is wandering more and more away from mom. Curiosity. Sure enough a big white truck came barrelling down from around the curve, the owner of the mare and foal isn't paying any attention to what the foal is doing and sure enough the foal is meandering looking at this and that.

The white truck never slowed down, just veered off to the right of the road in the gravel ( which is right next to my pasture fence) and continued on his way. I heard the guy yell something at the truck but that was it.

After closing my mouth due to my jaw being dropped open, I got downright angry. If those ignorant horse owners continue walking the mare and foal on a busy highway, chances of that foal getting hit is high. And with my horses and donkeys in the pasture on this side of the road, it is only a matter of time before the foal wants to meet them. Can you say an accident waiting to happen!

I have fumed over this latest incident for two days now. I have two options.

1- Punch those ignorant horse owners across the head then write with a permanent marker the word 'Idiot' on their foreheads. I know, that wouldn't do any good but hey, it would give me a frustration release. Or.......

2- When I see the idiots leading the mare on the road, to stop whatever I am doing and go across the road to at least stop traffic. The last thing I want to see is that foal getting hit.

Okay, enough of that.

On Friday I had lunch my my best friend who is actually a sister to me. Anyway, we had a wonderful lunch in Jacksonville, then sat on the steps of one of the historic buildings and chatted for about three hours.

My allergies have been horrible this year. And am pretty sure it is due to a whole lot more pollen here in the Applegate Valley than it was at my old house.

Oh, and my brother came over yesterday, went up on one of the hills behind the house, came down to inform me that both hills are covered in poison oak! Um, so much for trail riding up there.

I still haven't found Goat kitty. Hope is fading.

Garden spots are ready for planting. Just have to wait until the rain and wind stop.

Until next time............................

Garden, Chicks and a missing cat

2011-04-21T16:04:00.000-07:00

Ugh, once again no pics. For some reason I cannot get blogger to upload any of my pictures. Going to have to investigate as to why. Hopefully next time there will be pictures to share.

Little Inger is doing wonderfully with her instant family of 12 Americana chicks and as of today her children increased to 6 Frizzle Bantam chicks. Making it a grand total of 18 chicks for her to raise! And she is loving every moment of it! Have to say that the Americana chicks have some serious ravenous appetites! There are now 2 pans of food as well as two smaller containers for their treats ( veggies, a bit of fruit, cooked oatmeal, etc). I swear when they hear me coming those chicks start chirping up a storm! They know I am coming with treats!

Thanks to the rototiller there are now two garden spots getting ready to be planted. A few more times of rototilling and it will be ready. I am soooo excited!! Real honest to goodness tasty tomatoes. Variety lettuce. Lemon cucumbers. Peppers. Corn. And on and on.

Goat, one of our older outside cats has been missing for three days now. I have searched and searched for her, but sadly haven't found her. Sigh.

The other day as I was walking out towards the pasture I look up to see the people who own the mare and new foal coming out of another driveway leading the mare and letting the filly run all over the place. No big deal right? Um, they were leading the mare on the road. Which is a scenic highway and very, very busy!! The guy was was leading the mare and his wife is lolly gagging way behind not paying any attention. Next thing I know a car came speeding around the corner, the filly was all over the road and thankfully the driver saw what was going on and stopped. The wife finally starts waving her arms around to get the drivers attention. Um, driver already stopped. After a few more minutes the husband gets the mare and filly back into the pasture, the driver of the car said something not so nice to the wife and all I could do was shake my head.

Tomorrow I am having lunch with my best friend in the historic town of Jacksonville.

And speaking of the historic town of Jacksonville, I just read that the town is expecting over 60,000 tourists this season!! And the season will be starting about next month. Being as there is only the scenic highway to get to the nearest city I foresee some exciting and possibly frustrating times going through Jacksonville.

Until next time............

A steal of a deal and chicks

2011-04-17T08:56:00.000-07:00

For some reason pics won't upload. So, once again no pictures. Sorry.

Gosh the past few days have been busy! Got more blackberry bushes cleared out. For those of you who don't have to deal with out of control blackberry bushes, well, consider yourself lucky! They are awful! The plant, not the berry. Anyway, while putting all the vines into a burn pile I looked up and saw a young doe standing there watching me. I don't know what it is but I love deer. Such peaceful, serene, quiet creatures.

The garden hasn't been planted yet but now it is just a matter of waiting for the weather to clear up enough to rototill. And speaking of rototillers, there was a steal of a deal on one listed on Craigslist. I'm talking a steal of a deal! The guy who was selling it said the wheels wouldn't turn and that the engine never shut off. Well, for the price I couldn't pass it up so bought it ( hoping it would be a somewhat easy fix), brought it home and my brother came over and got it running like new in less than half an hour! Yay!!!! Doing a happy dance! I own my very own rototiller!!

The Americauana chicks finally came in yesterday. All 13 of them! After picking and catching my chicks at the feed store and ready to pay I noticed a sickly chick. Knowing no one would want that one, I traded one of my healthy chicks for the sickly one. The gal asked me why I did that. Well, why not. The little chick had been through enough and survival wasn't likely. The least I could do was not let it die alone and uncared for. The chick made it home, but shortly after passed away. I named her Phoebe, said a prayer and buried her where the other hens that passed away are buried.

Little Inger, my absolute fav chicken has been sitting on dud eggs for awhile now. So, knowing she loves to be a mama, I picked her up, put her into the trough set up for the chicks to see what she would do. The look on those chicks faces really was hilarious. They have not seen a mama chicken before so they just didn't know what to do. After a few minutes Little Inger started clucking to them and before long all 12 chicks surrounded her. Little Inger is happy, the chicks are happy and I know this sounds a bit selfish, but it is a bit easier for me.

This afternoon I am watching Grace for a few hours while her mother goes to lunch with a friend. Thankfully she is such a joy to be around so am looking forward to some 'us' time.

Hope everyone is doing well. Yet again I must catch up with all of you. I sure have missed ya'!

Until next time.....................

Is it me or what?

2011-04-12T21:06:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking I should just stay away from people or learn how to keep my mouth shut.

Sunday I met one of the owners of the mare and foal that are across the road. He came over to introduce himself and to say that he and his wife used to live here. He babbled for a bit about the house then he said something not so nice about the landlady. Again, people are entitled to their opinion but I immediately spoke up and informed him that the landlady was an Angel in my eyes and to please not say anything more about her and besides, it isn't my business what happened between them and her.

Then he informs me that him and his wife own 23 horses scattered throughout the valley because they don't have a place to put them all together. Okay, fine. Then he says that he and his wife don't work and haven't in quite a few years. Okay, fine. Then he says that he and his wife have rented over eight different places in the last four years. Okay, fine. Then he says that him and his wife are janitors at the big Christian church about ten minutes away. They don't get paid money for their work because they are working for God. Okay, fine. He then says that they breed their horses, but it has been difficult selling the offspring. Duh! Really?

Then he asked if I own all the horses and donkeys in the pasture. Yes. I briefly explain that I rescue animals and that they were all rescues ( except for my Paint and my daughters mare). He then asks if we are renting or buying this place. Renting I say. Then I went ahead and briefly explained about losing my house and having to find a place to rent that would accept this many animals. I told him that giving them up was never an option and I would have lived in a travel trailer on some friends property to ensure they stayed with me.

Okay, here it comes. He looks right at me and says, " You really should have found them good homes and even now if a good home comes along you should give them away".

Really? This guy is saying for me to give away my animals that I have rescued when he in turn has his horses scattered all over the valley, is breeding the crap out of them knowing full well the horse market is near non existence, has no income, etc....

That was it! I actually felt my blood boil. My head start to throb and my temper rising. Instead of reaching out and slapping him alongside his head ( which believe me I wanted to), I firmly told him that all these animals came into my life for a reason and that I made a solemn promise that they will all live out the rest of their lives with me where they will forever know love, respect, full bellies, etc... And on top of that, they are all God's creatures and we as humans are to help and protect them. ( Yes, I threw in the Religious part in there due to him saying he was a good Christian.)

Please know that I am in no way saying anything bad about all Christians, just the hypocritical ones! And I seem to be running into them more and more.

I am wondering if I have a sign on my forehead that says, " Go ahead give it your best shot to piss me off" or maybe it says, "This is a test of the patience kind so go ahead and spew your ignorant thoughts". Hell, I don't know!

It probably doesn't help that I am concerned over something else so is making my patience a tad thin.

Seems all I have been doing the last few posts is ranting and raving and venting. Sorry.

Until next time...................

Heated discussion and a head shake

2011-04-10T10:17:00.000-07:00

Let's first start with the head shake.
Friday morning while I was out feeding the horses and donkeys the neighbor across the road hollered to get my attention. To the fence I went. She informed me that one of the mares in the front pasture gave birth sometime in the night.
When I saw the foal, which is very cute, I commented on how tiny it was. Yes, foal's are small, but this one is more pony size small. The mare is average height and the stallion is also of average height.
She then informed me that the foal is part Arabian, Quarter Horse, Pinto and Cob. Oh, really! And the mare is not wanting to let the foal nurse. Oh really! She then said that they were going to try to catch the mare and put her and her foal up by the barn. Good idea since they are out there with the stallion and another mare.
I had to go to town and was gone most of the day on Friday. When I returned, the mare and foal were still there but had been penned up in a small corner of the pasture. Hmmmm.
Um, what happened to putting mama and baby up by the barn.
Come to find out the mare is uncatchable. There is no shelter at all. Not even a tree!
Okay, so what I shake my head about is the fact that way over 100,000 horses are sent to slaughter every year! The horse market is in the toilet but yet people continue to breed. Come to find out the people who own the mare and foal breed all their mares every year. Last year they were lucky to sell one of the offspring. But were unable to sell the rest. And they bred all their mares again for a new crop of mixed bred foals for this year.
Why keep breeding horses just because you have a stallion and mare. These horses aren't even one breed! They are mixed breeds. Needless to say I was and am still aggravated over the whole irresponsibility of it all.

Now on to the heated discussion. Keep in mind I was still aggravated over the foal and mare.
On Saturday there is a yearly parade called the Pear Blossom. It's been an annual tradition for many years. Well, this year one of the entries was Gay Pride. They were turned down by the parade committee. But quite a few people really were pissed they weren't allowed to be in the parade so the morning before the parade it was announced they could be in it.
That's when all hell broke loose in the community!
There were comments from good Christian folks that they would not attend because they didn't want their children exposed to Gays! If they only knew how many people they meet who are Gay and don't even know it!
Well, someone close to me made a derogatory comment. After a few minutes of listening to this persons point of view I had had enough. Now don't get me wrong, everyone is entitled to their own personal beliefs. But this particular person had told me years before that they did not have a problem with Gays. Now all of a sudden there was a problem! And then this person brought up the whole religion thing. That is when I blew up. This person has not been religious the whole time I've known them. Now all of a sudden religion is brought up! Really!
A heated discussion enveloped and lasted quite awhile.
When I firmly believe with my heart and soul in something, nothing, but nothing will make me back down. And you can bet I didn't budge! Although I did walk away from the discussion leaving the other person some things to process in their minds!
Don't worry, this did not end our relationship. We've known each other for too many years!
This all happened on Friday and it wasn't until today that I could actually write about it here. A few other things happened on Friday that got me on a roll too but will save that for another time.
Maybe I should have titled this blog, " Yet another rant!".
Until next time...................

Snowing in April

2011-04-07T13:02:00.000-07:00

So much for getting ready to put the garden in. It started snowing last night and then again this morning. Not a lot of snow, but too cold and wet to till the soil.

As much as I adore snow, the thought of putting a garden in is more exciting right now. The main reason I am really wanting to plant is our food supply is getting more and more tainted/unsafe to eat. Seems every time the news comes on there is another recall of some type of food product. Especially where the meat is concerned.

I mean come on, how sanitary is a slaughterhouse! It's not like they kill one animal, then clean the area thoroughly, then go on to the next animal. That's not how it works.

I am actually leaning more and more to becoming a vegetarian. As it is I don't eat much meat anymore. After watching videos taken at slaughterhouses all I see are the faces of the animals.

Whoops, looks like I got off track there!

Back to the snow. More is expected tonight. I hope the weather forecasters are wrong on this one. I have to drive Gracie and her mom into town tomorrow morning for Gracie's vaccinations. Then it is to the grocery store. Me thinks I know someone who is going to be rather cranky tomorrow! And I'm not talking about me!! Although it might be!

Until next time.......................

Have you noticed........

2011-04-05T21:30:00.000-07:00

Have you noticed

that when you are still half asleep in the morning you go to set your coffee cup down on the coffee table and there is a cat laying there giving you a look?

Or when you are in a hurry, call for the dog and the all of a sudden can't hear you? But if you have food in your hand you don't have to say anything?

Or every so often you find a potato chip that is as big as a baby's head?

Or you have to catch a horse that 99% of the time she'll walk right up to you, but then there is that 1% of the time when you get the look and the run away and catch me if you can?

Just had to share a few of my thoughts. All thanks to one of the dogs who I took outside to do her business and she all of a sudden lost her hearing! She was too busy eating either cat poop or chicken poop!

Until next time....................

Who would have thought.

2011-04-04T07:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we went to visit some dear friends. By the time we got back it was time to feed. I loaded up the hay into the Gator and drove to the big pasture. As I drove through the gate something caught my eye. I stopped to see what it was. There in the one water trough I keep filled for the deer, was my dear White Silky Bantam, Bonnie, floating in it. She had drowned.

I scooped her up and as silly as it sounds I tried giving her CPR. But sadly it was too late. Or I just didn't do the CPR correctly on a chicken.

After burying her I kept thinking as to why it happened. I've had chickens for 2-3 years now and have never had a chicken get into any of the water troughs. Heck, I never even gave it any thought as to any of the chickens getting into one and drowning.

So, today I am going to come up with something to place into all water troughs so it won't ever happen again. I'm thinking of placing 2x4's with attached pieces of wood for footing so if any animal falls in they would at least be able to get out.

Animals really do keep us on our toes.

Until next time...................

Friday's Tour

2011-04-02T07:42:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I spent the afternoon with my oldest and youngest daughter at the Jacksonville cemetery. It was established in 1860. Thousands of tourists along with locals visit the cemetery every year.

The history and the craftsmanship of the head stones is fascinating. There are sections throughout the cemetery such as Masonic, Catholic, Jewish, etc...

I know, some of you think it is morbid to visit a cemetery, but others also find it fascinating. Stew over at http://brightergrave.blogspot.com/ and John over at http://disasterfilm.blogspot.com/ I'm sure will like this post today.

Hoping you will enjoy the pics.

The Krause family was one of the first to settle here in the valley back in the 1850's.

Just like the headstone on this one.

This is the marker for the Paupers section. There are no headstones in the section. The last man who was hung in Jacksonville is buried here somewhere.

The quality and craftsmanship of some of the old headstones is quite remarkable.

I hope you enjoyed the visit today. In the near future I will post more pics of the cemetery. By the time we left I had taken 124 pics!

Until next time.......................................

I love it when they're small!

2011-04-01T06:59:00.000-07:00

Couldn't help but to see if Gracie would fit in the big cup.
Yup, she sure did.

Until next time........................

Tired and a vent.

2011-03-29T12:58:00.000-07:00

Sorry, no pics today. Computer is not wanting to load them. Must be the rain.
And speaking of rain. It was on the news this morning that we have had 20 days of rain in the month of March. No wonder everyone is ready for the nice warm days of Spring.

My brother and sister came to visit over the weekend. It is so nice to see them now that we are all getting along again.

And my brother is coming over tomorrow to help me clear out some blackberry bushes that are on one end of the area where the garden is going to go. Not only is he going to help with the bushes he is going to bring his rototiller over this weekend and till up the ground where the garden is going to go.

As you know I am an animal advocate through and through. Wherever I can help I will. Being on facebook I am able to keep up more with what is going on with animal abuse, horse slaughter, the BLM horse and burro roundups, PMU farms, puppy mills, etc... I write letters, email, sign petitions and make phone calls on behalf of the animals. But I have to admit that seeing and reading about how many people abuse and or kill animals, how many horses are sent to slaughter and what they have to endure, how the BLM conducts their roundups, well, it just gets so sad and frustrating because it seems as if we are not being heard. The so called punishment the abusers get is usually a slap on the wrist and told not to do it again. The BLM continues to do their own thing regardless. The double decker slaughter trucks horses are transported in continue to roll down the roads even though it is against the law to transport horses in double decker trailers. The kill buyers haunt auctions looking for cheap horses to sell for slaughter or they respond to ads for free or cheap horses and lie just to get the horse so they can sell them for slaughter. The known irresponsible breeders allowed to keep breeding their horses, dogs, cats. And on and on.

For those of us involved in trying to change the laws, stop the illegal transportation, shut down puppy mills, close down the PMU farms,etc... it gets really tiring. I am not saying I am going to give up because that is just not going to happen. Just saying how it can just make one tired.

Oh and something else that has really gotten under my skin is there are more and more rescues that aren't doing what they should be doing. Such as spending donation money on themselves and not the animals. Please, if you donate money to an organization, please make sure they are legitimate. Check the the Better Business Bureau. Check with websites that list organizations and see what the rating is for that charity. There are excellent rescues all over the world and it is sad that the bad ones make it hard for the good ones. One way to donate to an organization without giving money is to send/drop off supplies, purchase a gift card that can only be used at a local feed/dog/cat store. Or even find the name of the vet that is used and send money to the vet's office to be put on the account of the rescue organization. Adopt from a local rescue to make room for another to come in rather than have more animals euthanized or in the case of horses/donkeys/mules sold and sent to slaughter. No animal should ever have to suffer at the hands of humans.

Although I have to say that when there is a victory on our side whether it be small or large, it is worth everything that was done on behalf of the animals.

I feel better now. Thanks for listening. Although I must warn you that I will vent from time to time about this same subject. And please give all your critters a hug or a pat from me or in some cases a hello to them will be just fine.

Oh, my tattoo is fabulous! No, it didn't hurt, but I have to say that the next day my leg did feel like I had been kicked by a horse! But really, it was no big deal.

This Friday I am spending the day with my youngest and oldest daughter at the historic town that is about twenty minutes away from where I live. We are going to have lunch and then 'tour' an area in that town that we all have been to several times before and love. Yes, there are going to be tons of pics taken and yes, will post about it. There are several of you who I know will very much enjoy the pics.

Oh my gosh, one more thing I have to mention. My sister who lives in Texas has finally started her own blog. If you would like to stop in and visit her blog just click here http://ccantiquesandanimals-whatalife.blogspot.com/. Love ya Sis! :)

Until next time.........................

I did it!!!

2011-03-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

Well, I did it! I got a tattoo.

It is of my beloved Pit Bull who I lost 11 years ago this month to cancer. He was my best friend. Losing him devastated me. Just devastated me. I think of him every single day.

For the past two years I have been researching and making sure I wanted a tattoo. Yes. Yes I was positive.

Getting the tattoo didn't hurt at all. When the artist was done everyone had to look at it. The tattoo artist did a most awesome job. Seeing the finished work brought tears to my eyes.

This will be my one and only tattoo.

E.Z. ( my dog) will forever be in my heart, soul and now on my leg.

The pic was taken right after the tattoo while still in the shop.

Until next time............................

Goings on

2011-03-23T11:56:00.000-07:00

Monday morning the senior from the high school came out and spent a few hours here asking questions and meeting the critters here. Her plan after graduation is to further her education concerning animal welfare and eventually start her own rescue.
And come to find out her Grandmother lives just down the road from us! Since she comes out to visit her Grandmother she asked if she could stop by and visit the horses and donkeys. Well of course!

Yesterday Joe, my farrier, came out to trim horses and donkeys. It is always a pleasure to visit with Joe. About fifteen minutes after Joe left, I went inside the house then I heard a honking at the gate. There was a gentleman who wanted to let me know that as he was driving by he noticed the white horse's back leg was caught in one of the blanket straps. I thanked him and walked out to the pasture to either remove the blanket or see what the heck was going on. Since it was a nice day I took her blanket off and last night replaced it with another one.
This winter the horses have been terrible with their blankets! Lots of repairing blankets this year.
This community is truly amazing!

Even though I swore I wouldn't let Little Inger sit and hatch anymore eggs, well, you know the answer to that! I just can't say no to her! She has eight eggs under her and they should be hatching very soon. Just what is needed around here is more chickens when I have Americauna chicks on order as well as Frizzles. Oh, and of course let's not forget the Guineas.

The donkey and horses are beginning to show signs of shedding. Yay!! I love when they lose their winter coats. Definite therapy for me to stand and groom them.
And speaking of therapy. This is kind of on the same note. For some time I have felt a bit out of sorts. Lost per say. Couldn't seem to find my direction again. But was unable to put my finger on as to why.
Last night it finally occurred to me ( with the help of my 'soul' sister) what the problem is. I need to center myself again. After realizing what had been lost, I felt so much better. Now I need to focus on getting centered and once there getting back into the captain's chair!

The other night I noticed Doug was limping on his right paw. After examining it I figured out he had been in a cat fight and there was an abscess forming on the pad. Off to the medicine cabinet I went, grabbed the Betadine scrub, sponge and some antibiotics and fixed Doug up. Today he is almost back to his wild man self!

The same night Doug was limping so was Sugar Dog. Checking her paw there was a blackberry thorn lodged between her pads. Yup, I'd be limping too! Since I already had the Betadine scrub out it was time to doctor her up. Pulled the thorn, washed out the puncture, put some Animax on it then wrapped her foot.

Tomorrow is going to be a very fun and exciting day! Anyone want to guess why that might be?

Until next time.............................

Just one of those really good days!

2011-03-17T20:04:00.000-07:00

Ever had a day that was just, well, a really good one? The one where you smile a lot? For a change of pace, today was that kind of day for me!!

Everything went smooth this morning taking care of all the animals. Stew Pot is doing fantastic. Oh, in case any of you are curious as to why his name is Stew Pot here is why. Several years ago he belonged to a neighbor. Then Stew Pot kept coming over. The day the neighbor tossed him over the fence and told him that he belonged here, well, he became a permanent resident. Well, in the beginning Stew Pot was a bit on the aggressive side. You know the whole rooster thing. One morning I had had enough of watching my back for fear of Stew Pot attacking me from behind. But sure enough as I turned around he was in the process of challenging me. That was all I needed. I turned around, chased after him, he ducked under the pasture gate all the while he was thinking that I wouldn't follow. Wrong! I can get through a gate lightning quick. I took off after him, chased him around the pasture all the while telling him he was going into the stew pot! Shhh, not that I would have done it, but he doesn't know that. Anyway, after the chasing and we went back up to the barn, I informed him if he chased me or anyone else again then that was it! Into the stew pot he would go! Since that day he has not once challenged me or anyone else! Hence the name Stew Pot.

Okay, back to my day.

After taking care of all the animals, I had to get ready to go to town and have lunch with my youngest daughter. She was seriously needing some 'mom' time. Off to town I went and the drive was so beautiful. Got to her house, picked her up and off we went for a glorious lunch. Just her and I. Then we went shopping at the Goodwill. Then we went to another place, but am saving to tell about that place until next week.

Oh, and my youngest informed me that she earned straight A's for Winter term.

What a wonderful time we had.

The drive back home was again beautiful.

Got home. Went out and scrubbed water troughs and while they were filling up I brushed some of the donkeys. And donkeys are so funny because when one sees another getting brushed, they have to be brushed too. Before you know it there are ears and butts everywhere! And I loved it!

Earlier this evening I received a call from my youngest daughters' high school German teacher. My youngest is a sophomore at University. She wanted to know if I would be willing to be interviewed by one of her senior students who is doing a senior paper on rescuing animals. It has been several years since I have talked with her teacher so it was a pleasant surprise. I of course said yes! Education is the key!!!

Yes, yes today was one of those very rare days where it was just, really nice.

Until next time..........................

Stew Pot and wacky weather

2011-03-16T15:02:00.000-07:00

Stew Pot lives! I soaked and cleaned his leg twice yesterday, but after several failed attempts at wrapping it by myself I had to finally give in and ask for help. While I held him and talked to him his leg got wrapped. I'm not sure if it was my holding him and talking to him or if he was weak from blood loss ( yes he did lose a lot) or what, but he just snuggled against me while the bandage went on. There was an instant when he sort of went limp and closed his eyes. My first thought was he was dying and I started to get upset.

Nope, he wasn't dying. As soon as he was all doctored up I walked him over to his girls, set him down and he acted as if nothing had happened.
When I went out this morning to let the chickens out I immediately looked for him. Yup, there he was, the first out the door and looking as spry as ever.
Still don't know how he injured himself. All I know is that under his spur by his leg is where he was bleeding.

The flour I put on his wound yesterday sort of did the trick, but not to my liking. So I put some Wonder Dust on it. It doesn't say if it is good for chickens, but it's good for horses, dogs and donkeys! Well, obviously it didn't kill him so am guessing using it on chickens is okay!

Had to go to town today. Want to talk wacky weather! On the last stop in town I dropped my cell phone in a huge water puddle! And the battery and back popped off so yes, my phone got soaked. Right now it is sitting in a bowl of rice to dry out. We'll see if it works later! lol

Okay, so on the drive home, which takes about 45 minutes. First the sun was shining. Then it got windy. Then the clouds rolled in. Then it started raining. Then it started snowing. The closer I got to home, the weather started reversing from when I started. Stopped snowing. Stopped raining. Clouds went away. Closer to home there were blue skies.

Wow, talk about if you don't like the weather, wait five minutes! Ha Ha

Until next time............................

First toy and a wounded Stew Pot

2011-03-15T10:19:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was finally able to burn the pile of twigs, branches etc. Nice to have that pile gone.

Gracie now has her very own chainsaw that makes sound and the chain moves! Yes, I know she is too young for it now. But she will get bigger and when she is ready to 'use' her chainsaw, it will be waiting for her. I can see in my minds eye her up on the hill helping cut firewood! I am also going to get her a hard hat, coveralls and boots. A farm girl has to dress the part!!

This morning when I went out to feed the horses and donkeys I noticed this rather large puddle of blood in the breezeway. I followed the drops of blood to find out who is injured.

Turns out it is Stew Pot ( first rooster) who has an injury to his foot. Have no idea how it happened, but it was bleeding pretty good.

Not really too sure about what to do for him, I gathered a few supplies such as a shallow container with diluted peroxide in it, container of flour to stop the bleeding and some vet wrap to wrap it. Well, the soaking and cleaning went well, although I was unable to wrap it. Holding a big ol' rooster who doesn't really want to be held and trying to bandage his foot proved too stressful for him.
I will check on him throughout the day to see how his wound is doing. If it continues to bleed I will call my brother who lives a few minutes away and see if he can come over to hold Stew Pot while I wrap.

If any of you have suggestions as to what I can do for him I'd sure appreciate it. Looking online can give one a headache with too much information overload.

Another storm is due to arrive today. Hope it isn't anything like Sunday's storm was. That one was pretty fierce!

As with most of you I am sure you are keeping your ears and eyes towards what Japan is going through. I must admit the nuclear plant situation is a bit worrisome.

Speaking of the tragedy in Japan, I was reading an article written by a Russian scientist that stated within 14 days of the earthquake in Japan that the United States will be hit with a large quake. The West Coast was hit pretty bad with the tsunami waves causing millions of dollars in damage.

Until next time........................

Busy week... as usual!

2011-03-13T13:18:00.000-07:00

I swear the days are seriously going by so fast these days. Before I know it another week has passed.

Yesterday evening my oldest daughter gave me a surprise 50th birthday party at her house. Family was there. It was wonderful to see them. We took Gracie with us and she was such a good baby the whole time. Gracie's mom stayed here at the house. And my oldest daughter had this cake made. Isn't it amazing!! There is a local bakery and the gal who works there makes the most stunning cakes. This cake looks like our Mustang. I really didn't want to cut into it and eat it! But not having a humongous freezer to store it, it had to be cut into and eaten. Thank goodness for cameras!!!

While I was in town grocery shopping earlier this week, a neighbor called to let me know that the Paint horse in my pasture somehow got his blanket onto his neck and partially over his head. Being 45 minutes away from home there wasn't anything I could do. I hurried along and the neighbor called back to let me know that someone driving a white vehicle had stopped, went into the pasture and took the blanket off.
Once I got back home, I expected to find a note, but nope. The next day I saw a white vehicle pulling out of a driveway across the road. So I drove down to the little country store to see if anyone there knew who drove the white vehicle. Yup, the store owner did. She wasn't there so I left a message. Later that day she stopped off to let me know it wasn't her that took the blanket off my horse. But she had been meaning to stop off and say hi ever since we moved in. Hmmmmm. I still have no idea who did, but I am thankful to whoever did it. And nope, my horse is not going to be wearing anymore blankets for awhile. This is the second one he has ruined while living here! At a hundred dollars a pop, well, buying him a new one is not an option.
As I have stated before, the community out here is really wonderful.
And I got to meet another neighbor because of it! I have found out that everyone exchanges phone numbers around here. Which is a good thing for watching out for one another.

Also earlier this week a new addition was brought here. This is Diamond and he/she came from the railroad tracks in town. Yes, a completely feral cat! But one that was in danger of being shot or poisoned. There were other cats down at the tracks and most all were caught and taken in by folks. Diamond is young and scared to death. For the first few days he/she was nowhere to be found. But then I noticed him in the old dairy barn. So, he gets fed and watered up there. Last night I saw him by the back steps eating cat food. In time he will realize we won't hurt him, become friendly enough to catch, then off to the vet to get spayed/neutered and vaccinated.
Yeah, I know, the last thing we need is another mouth to feed, but when an animal needs a home and some help, well, the door is always open.

While up on the hills behind the house I found this skull. Pretty sure it is of a deer.

Gracie had a checkup this week and she weighs almost ten pounds now!

Just before writing today's blog I read what I had wrote when I started this blog. The words day to day going on around here etc, caught my attention. I have to say I have been terrible about not doing what I said/wrote. So, I promise to get back to it. Even if it just to say hello to all of you.

Until next time.......................

Softening?

2011-03-05T21:04:00.000-08:00

No pics in this one. For some reason they just don't want to load. Ugh!

On Wednesday my one brother came over to visit for awhile.

On Friday my other brother stopped by and it was wonderful to see him. It has been a little over three years since we have spoken. Long story.

Friday evening my sister brought her new baby over! It has been over three years since we've spoken to one another either. Yes, long story. This is the sister whom I texted last Sunday.

It was really nice to meet my niece who is now three months old. And yes, she is a cutie!

This morning we went up on the hill for more firewood and before I knew it, my brother who came by on Friday, showed up to help with the wood.

Later today I was thinking how nice it was to see my brother and sister again. Sure did miss them.
We cleared the air and all is grand. I then realized that having them back in my life really is nice. Okay, I do have to say the damage done between mother and I will never be cleared. That ship set sail. Door closed and bolted.

Hmm, I wonder if I am beginning to soften just a bit these days. Hmmmm.

Something else has been bothering me quite a lot lately. I look on Craigslist in the pet section and also in the farm and garden section. There are daily ads in the pet section saying that the people have to get rid of their dogs and cats because there is a new baby coming into the house. Um, really? Just because a baby is coming into the house doesn't mean the dog or cat has to go. It just makes me angry that some people still view animals as throwaway objects.

And in the farm and garden section there are so many free horses or dirt cheap ones for various reasons. What is sad about these ads is kill buyers show up, sweet talk the owner ( as in lying through their crooked teeth), take the horse and either sell them at auction to another kill buyer or when they have enough horses, drive them to Canada or Mexico to be savagely slaughtered since horses are no longer slaughtered here. I do email the ads and warn the people of what could possibly happen to their horses. Some thank me, others tell me to mind my own business. Yes, I am against horse slaughter. If you have never seen a video of a horse slaughter plant, just go to You Tube and type in horse slaughter.

Well, seems I have worked myself up! So on that note I'll wish all of you a most glorious day/evening. And yes, once again I have to catch up with all of you.

Until next time...........................

Finally and a real eye opener

2011-02-28T11:53:00.000-08:00

Well, I finally got my wish. Snow!! Yes, that most beautiful, wonderful, peaceful white stuff. Needless to say I was thrilled.

It wasn't a lot of snow. But any snow is fine with me.

What is it about snow that is just so peaceful. Just love it.

Grace is one month old. Can you believe a month has passed! Wow! Seriously, where does time go!

With getting closer to the big 50 age, I decided yesterday to contact my one sister who lives close by and extend the olive branch. I sent her a text. We haven't spoken in two years because of mother. Haven't heard back from her, so we will see.

A few weeks back I got poison oak again. Ugh! This time I decided to try a different remedy to get rid of it. The thought of using Clearasil ( acne med) came to mind. So went and bought some and guess what? It worked like a charm! It was dried up in no time.

Going to get hay this morning and I am determined to load those bales by myself. I refuse to admit defeat due to getting older. I'll let you know if I have to eat crow on this one or not. :)

Left to get hay. Nope, didn't have to eat crow!! Ha Ha!!!!! I win!

And while I was on the way to the feed store my sister who I texted yesterday, well, she texted back. Looks like we are okay again.

In all these years that have gone by I never truly understood what a real community was all about. You know the one where everyone in the area helps one another. Since living here, even in the short time we have been here, the people of this area area amazing. They accepted us with open arms. The gal at the feed store told me if I needed to charge hay or anything else, that is was no problem. Neighbors are beginning to wave when they see us on the road or just outside. I have been so used to being one of those people, like so many, that you leave me alone and I'll leave you alone. Yup, a real eye opener for me. Have to say it is really very nice.

Okay, time to get outside and get some chores done.

Hugs to you all.

Yup, as usual am going to have to catch up with you all.

Until next time....................

What happened!

2011-02-23T14:44:00.000-08:00

Sorry no pics this time.

Yesterday I had to go get hay. No biggie. Paid for it and told the gal not to worry, that I could load it by myself. Went out to my truck, pulled the bales of hay out from under the shelter area, stood one on end against the tail gate for leverage ( each bale weighs about 140 pounds), and lifted. Uh, was unsuccessful at first attempt. Tried again. And again. And yet again. I finally stood back, looked at the hay ( as if it was going to say anything) still not loaded into the truck trying to figure out what the problem was. Another few more attempts and I still could not get the hay loaded. The gal who works there walked out and asked if I needed help. Um, with embarrassment I said yes. I didn't know what the problem was. I have always been able to load those bales with no problem. Between the two of us the hay was loaded and I was on my way. On the drive back here I was perplexed as to why I couldn't load those bales by myself. Could it be that I really have gotten older and physically can't lift those bales? One day I can, the next I can't. I'm turning the big 50 very soon. Naw, that can't be it. I refuse to believe that that is why. Maybe it was just an off day.

Today there is predicted a pretty big snow storm coming in. Forecasters are saying now anywhere from 8-12 inches of snow here in the Applegate Valley. I have been waiting in anticipation all day for something to happen. And so far the only thing happening are some darkish clouds going over.

But just in case, this morning I went out and re secured the shelters for the horses and donkeys. Added another water trough just in case the electricity goes out ( we are on well and no electricity, no water). There are now 6 water troughs out there. I also fixed a bit of fencing that the horses pushed down trying to get to the grass on the other side.

After that it was double checking the chicken house to make sure all was secure there.

Then it was back into the house. Made my fave salad ( raw cabbage and shrimp) then decided to make a cake.

A little bit ago Joe, my farrier and friend of almost 10 years, called me to let me know he had just passed by and wanted to let me know that one of the donkeys wasn't walking right. I asked which one and he laughed and said one with long ears! Out to the pasture to see who it was. Yup, sure enough, Arnold is walking slow again. Back into the house, grab the Banamine, back to the pasture and gave Arnold his meds. Arnold sure is having a rough time with his feet since moving here. And there really is no grass in the pasture due to it being winter still. Hay hasn't changed. Hmmmm, Arnold buddy, you have me baffled.

Well, it is a little past 2:30 in the afternoon and still nothing going on outside. Oh well, I guess we will wait and see.

I have slowly but surely been catching up with what has been going on with all of you.

Until next time.......................

So much to say!

2011-02-22T20:51:00.000-08:00

Past couple of days have been kind of fun and interesting. Wait. Did I actually say fun? Hmmmm.

On Saturday we went up on one of the hills behind the house to cut firewood. And wouldn't you know it, it started snowing! Already wearing rain gear and warm clothing, the cutting, throwing and stacking of the firewood continued.
As I was throwing logs down the hill a beautiful fuchsia kind of color caught my eye. Thankfully my camera was with so snapped a pic of it. I don't have a clue what kind of plant this is, but the color is so vivid against all the brown and grey of winter.

On Sunday as I was headed out to feed, movement across the road caught my attention. Again, thankfully my camera was with. Some kind of crane I am guessing. This guy stayed in that pasture for quite awhile just walking around, then he was gone.

See that reddish thing in the center of the pic? It is a hang glider over the property! He or she, stayed up there for a long time just, hanging out! Ha Ha

Monday was a fabulously beautiful day. So fabulous that yard work was attended to. There is a tree with red berries on it and it was filled with robins. And I do mean filled. The noise alone was fascinating as well as watching them grab those berries.

This evening the neighbor who lives on the property next to us stopped by. Turns out three of my goats had crawled under the front yard fence and were grazing by the road! She was shooing then back into the yard when I walked out. We got the goats back in, she introduced herself and said she works for the transportation department. Which is a good thing because the road, well, actually scenic highway, is one of the top roads taken care of during winter storms. And she has a horse...and she leases over 400 acres.....and she invited me to go on a trail ride with her!!! We exchanged phone numbers and she said that if a road emergency comes up, she'll call and let me know.

I have been reading about the local history around here. Found out that the author of Jonathon Livingston Seagull, Richard Bach, bought property some time ago and he with some other people banded together to preserve the area from logging and mining. Half of the local residents were for the preservation while the other half didn't like it at all.

And speaking of 'famous' people. Remember Patrick Duffy who played on the show Dallas? Well, he owns a huge ranch a couple of towns over. And Kirsty Ally owns a ranch about ten miles from this house.

A big winter storm is forecasted for tomorrow night. Its being said we could get a significant amount of snow. Hmmmmm, guess I'll believe it when I see it.

I am hoping to catch up with you all tomorrow. Hope everyone has been happy and healthy.

Until next time........................

If it isn't one thing.

2011-02-18T14:50:00.000-08:00

You would think I would be used to things coming up unexpectedly. So why the heck is it when I see something that needs immediate attention I sigh then shake my head!

A couple of days ago it was downright pouring buckets of rain and the wind was fierce. You could hear the wind come howling through the valley. When it was coming off the hills right behind us it sounded like a freight train.

I decided to take a walk out to the pasture and check on the horses and donkeys to make sure they were staying as dry as possible. To my surprise everyone was soaking wet and just standing there in the rain. I soon discovered why. The temporary shelters I had put up with the help of two of my daughters when we first moved in, had collapsed. On one the wind had ripped the tarp completely off and was barely hanging on to a panel. The panel on the other one had been shoved into the next one. And so on.

So, in the pouring rain I repaired, re-tied, re-fastened, moved the panels that were out of place back into place, etc..... Once the shelters were up, the horses and donkeys filed under them. I even opened up the 'hospital' area so they could get in there and dry off.

That night it started snowing. Now I adore the snow. Just adore it. But for once in my life I didn't want it to. Not yet. Here it was the horses and donkeys had gotten soaked earlier and in the morning I had to drive Grace and my daughter into town for an appointment. The one daughter who had Grace does not have a car which requires having someone drive her where she needs to go. Where we live the roads can get quite nasty in bad weather. There are lots of twists and turns and deer jump out of nowhere right in front of cars.

By morning the snow had let up and we left for town. As usual what I had hoped for a quick trip turned into a four hour trip.

Got home, grabbed some wood for the wood stove and before I knew it wasps were flying around inside the house! 11 in all! After catching 9 of the wasps, yes one at a time, and setting them free outside, well, to be honest, by the time it was 10 and 11's turn, okay, I admit it, I was tired and squashed them. Sorry little wasps, but couldn't have you in the house where Grace is and I was dog tired.

Yesterday it was another trip to town to get taxes done. Came home to find Sugar Dog had vomited in various areas of the house. Only reason I know it was Sugar Dog is because I caught her throwing up. Out came the steam cleaner and cleaned the areas she left ugly, smelly presents. Have no idea why Sugar Dog threw up, but she is back to her old self today.

This morning it was another trip to town for another appointment for Grace. No worries, just a well check this morning. Another four hours and back home.

In the meantime this week I listed what I could on eBay, shipped some items off, tried keeping up with the house, etc...

Oh, I did have a highlight on Tuesday. I had lunch with my oldest and youngest daughter. Which I enjoyed very much. My oldest daughter is wanting to see Grace which is a step forward. My youngest, well, I had to inform her that Grace is staying, and when she calls me, yes, she will hear Grace in the background. It was basically the 'buck up' talk! After the talk I hugged her and told her she was still my baby and that was never going to change. One of these days she'll want to meet Grace.

And speaking of Grace, she is growing like a weed. A nice healthy weed!

This weekend it is back up on the hill for more firewood. Have to get more hay too. Is it okay to say I want off this ride for awhile! Ha Ha

Until next time....................

Some me time.

2011-02-13T13:57:00.000-08:00

Lately there has been something bothering me but haven't been able to put my finger on it. A feeling of loss of direction. A feeling of something missing. I have been on auto pilot for such a long time now. So many 'to do's' and 'have to's' on the list that I am only taking care of the basics.

As I was watering the horses and donkeys, Hoody Dude, my horse, walked up to say hi. As I was petting him I ran my fingers through his mane and was appalled at what I found. It made me feel so bad.

There were two huge mats in his mane. In all the years I have had horses and donkeys I have never let their manes get like this. This is mat #1.

Mat #2!

As I was combing out his mane it hit me what the heck was was missing. It was some 'me' time. It has been such a long time that I did what I wanted to do. Not what was on the list of things to do, but what I enjoyed. Brushing and just being with the horses and donkeys gives me peace. No time restraints. No have to's. Just enjoying. Hoody Dude's mane looks much better now.

This is what came out of his mane after all was done. Geez, that is a lot of hair! Sorry buddy.

Hoody Dude enjoyed the attention and grooming as much as I did.

Before I knew it some of the donkeys and AJ, my daughters Mustang mare, wanted to be groomed too.

When I finally came back into the house I had a huge smile on my face. Content. Happy.

On Tuesday my oldest daughter and I are going to drive to the University that my youngest attends and go visit her. And even take her out to lunch!

So, I suppose the moral of this blog is the fact to not forget to do what YOU want to do. Take a bit of time every now and then and enjoy what YOU want.

Until next time...............

What's your smell?

2011-02-11T20:17:00.000-08:00

What scent puts a smile on your face? Brings back a flood of memories? Makes all your anxieties melt away for a few moments? One that makes you just feel all warm and cozy?

For me, it is the smell of a horse.

Until next time..........................

Meeting

2011-02-09T20:29:00.000-08:00

Honey Dog checking out Gracie. Honey Dog is 8 years old and has never liked children, yet here she is accepting Gracie just fine. In fact, Honey Dog doesn't like it when any of the other animals gets too close to Gracie.

I'm sure most of you were wondering how long it was going to take for Gracie to meet the horses and donkeys. Well, it is time. Here is Cookie introducing herself.

Another surprise was Mr. Worm being very gentle with Gracie. Mr. Worm at one time was dumped off at our old house and he had turned feral. It took me about 6 months to finally be able to pet him. Ever since that first pet, we have formed a bond.

More pics tomorrow of Gracie meeting the other critters around here.

Until next time...................

Shhhhhh. Don't tell.

2011-02-08T13:49:00.000-08:00

Shhhh. I should be finishing up gathering all the documents and receipts to get the taxes done, but am taking a bit of a break from the paperwork. Like most people tax time is no fun and stressful. Yuk!

Yesterday morning Arnold didn't want breakfast and that is an immediate red flag that he is on the verge of colicking again. So, out to the pasture armed with halter, lead rope, mineral oil and Banamine. After a few minutes he was all taken care of. When I went out to check on him he was passing a good healthy poo. Seeing that I knew he was okay. By dinner he was feeling much better. Like you, I pay close attention to the poo part of owning animals. It tells you a lot!

Have no idea what type of flowers these are, but with this super mild winter we have had, the plants and trees are thinking it is spring time.

My horse decided to somehow darn near shred his blanket which I found in the pasture. So, the next warm day we have I'll be out there sewing it back together.

This may sound gross but I'll tell you anyway. The outside cats have been very very good at catching rodents and birds. So much so that I now have a bucket designated for all the dead bodies. Everyday I take the bucket up to one of the hills behind the house to feed the fox up there. If the fox knows food is up there, he or she will stay away from my chickens. Well, that is my thinking anyway. So far so good.

Grace is doing wonderfully.

Oh, oh, I just noticed that I have 100 followers now! 100!!! How sweet! I am honored! Thank you to all 100!

Okay, I suppose I had better get back to tax time paperwork. It's not doing it by itself even though I did mention to that pile of papers it was more than welcome to finish itself up! It appears the papers listen as well as the dishes do!

Until next time.................

Answers and a question

2011-02-05T12:05:00.000-08:00

Thank you for all your comments about the newest addition to the family.

A special thank you to Jim, Ron and Sophie. And another special thanks for the good hearty laugh from John ( Going Gently).

Mother and Grace have settled in nicely. Grace is a wonderful baby.

When you walk into the house, you can see that a baby lives here with all her stuff!

Surprisingly my dog, who doesn't like anyone, has taken a very protective roll over Grace.

In answer to a few questions that were asked. Yes, I taught all three daughters about birth control, std's, drugs, etc.... It just so happens that the daughter who lives at home and is now a mom, didn't listen!

Yes, I am married and have been for awhile. I did raise my three daughters by myself when they were younger. If you ask hubby, he will tell you that sometimes my independence bothers him. He knows I am fully capable of doing everything a man can do except pee standing up! He does get frustrated with me when I take care of things that need to be done and don't wait for him. Why wait for anyone when I can do it myself! Just my nature I suppose.

Now I have a question for you!

Yesterday morning while I was taking care of the outside cats and the chickens I found this...............

bird, dead in the workshop area. I don't know what kind it is other than I believe it to be of the hawk family. I haven't had time to research it so if any of you know what kind, I'd appreciate it.

Well, have to go. Family is going over to visit Grace in a little bit.

Until next time....................

Blind sided

2011-02-03T09:41:00.000-08:00

Just when things were starting to fall into a routine, we got blind sided on Sunday. One of those heart stopping, knocked down, shocking moments.

My 27 year old daughter who still lives at home was complaining of being constipated Saturday night so I told her to take some mineral oil. Hey, if it works for a horse and donkey when they are colicking, it would work for her. Throughout Saturday night she kept complaining about her stomach hurting. Well, if you haven't done your 'business' in three days, then yes, your stomach is going to hurt.

Sunday morning she was still in pain and said she still hadn't done her 'business'. I rummaged around the animal medicine cabinet and found some laxatives. Gave her some and then asked if she needed to go to the hospital. She flatly said no to hospital.

A few hours later she went into the bathroom and the next thing I hear is her screaming for me. I ran in, she was sitting on the toilet and she informed me that something was coming out of her female area. When I looked my first thought was her female parts were coming out. Then in the same thought I knew what was happening.

She moved slightly and in an instant a baby fell into the toilet! Yes, a baby!!

I yelled at her to get on the floor, reached in a grabbed the baby ( who wasn't moving at all), turned the baby on the side and starting cleaning the nose and mouth area and yelling for hubby to call 911.

The 911 operator walked us through what to do. Hubby brought me a shoestring to tie off the umbilical cord. Thankfully a bath towel was hanging within reach so wrapped the baby up. The next thing we knew 5 or 6 paramedics were in the bathroom. The Calvary had arrived!!!

Not much can get me into a state of shock, but after the Calvary arrived, that is exactly what happened.

They were taken to the hospital. I made phone calls letting a few people know. My oldest and youngest daughter went into hysterics when I told them.

Off to the hospital we went. Both daughter and baby are fine.

When daughter was questioned about whether she knew she was pregnant or not, she claims she did not know. However, I have serious doubts about that!

In answer to your question, no, I did not know. I suspected it while we were moving into this house, but she assured me she wasn't, that she had gained weight. She has always had a problem with her weight.

So, within a few short hours, we became Grandparents to...........

Gracelynn Kay

Not only did I get to be there for her birth, my daughter let me name her Grace. Because if it wasn't for the grace of God, the Angels and the Universe, Grace wouldn't be here with us.

And now the house has gone from a house where there were no children anything items to a house that has filled up with baby items thanks to the kindness and support of the community, paramedics, firefighters, friends and of course family.

Both daughter and Grace are back home and we are having to settle in to a whole new life. The dogs and cats have reacted very well to a new addition. Well, I did set them down one by one and explained what happened so they wouldn't be shocked when Grace came home.

My oldest and youngest daughter still are angry and refuse to come out to the house. They assured me they are not angry with the baby, but at their sister for not fessing up she was pregnant and putting Grace into danger for 9 months with no prenatal care, smoking throughout the pregnancy and not eating healthy. I do have to agree with them to a point about the disregard for Grace while in the womb. But now it is after the fact. Grace is a healthy baby and right now that is all that is important.

It may take me awhile to catch up with all of you. This may sound strange, but I have missed you and keeping up with what is going on in your lives.

Until next time...............................

A stranger, a goat, a critter and a tree

2011-01-30T09:42:00.000-08:00

The other day I was outside just enjoying the view when I noticed two of our cats chasing something. A quick run to where the cats were, I see this little guy scurrying and trying to hide from the cats. Another quick run to grab a bucket then back to the scene. After doing the 'kick away' dance to the cats, I finally convinced this little guy to go into the bucket.
Once inside the bucket I put some shavings in the bottom, placed it inside one of the recycle containers until I could drive him up onto one of the hills behind the house.
After about an hour or so I opened the lid to see the little guy had jumped out of the bucket. So, caught him again, put him back into the bucket, placed a lid on the bucket and drove him up on the hill and released him.
Nature will do what nature does when it comes to cats and what they catch, but I don't want to see it or hear it. Yup, I will intervene in situations like this. When I do find dead little critters or birds I drive them on to the hill and feed the wildlife up there. Would much rather do that than let the little bodies decompose close to the house where the smell might attract larger wildlife.

While up on the hill gathering more wood I saw this old gnarled tree. The trunk and branches were all twisted. I thought it was interesting.

Same tree just different side.

The other day my oldest daughter came out to bring some hay and as she pulled into the driveway an older red pickup with a canopy pulled in right behind her. A Mexican who spoke very little English pointed at Oreo goat ( pic above) and said he wanted that goat. She said no. He pointed again and said he wanted that goat. She again said no. The she told him that our goats are out pets and they are old. He said that goats are good to eat until they are 14 years old! She again said, NO! Then she notices that there is a big old goat wandering around in the back of his pickup. The guy finally left without any of my goats.
I have since put chain and locks on all the gates. Not taking any chances with any of my animals.

Sugar Dog thinking she can blend in with the chickens! Watch out Sugar, Stew Pot ( the rooster) isn't looking to thrilled to have you standing there.

Sorry for not posting the last few days. Internet has been running slow.

Now time to catch up with all of you!

Until next time...........................

What started as a good day........

2011-01-26T09:26:00.000-08:00

The night before last I took the dogs out for the last potty break before heading off to bed. As I was standing there I looked up to see a magnificent Barn Owl perched on top of the gate leading into the front pasture. That owl was just mesmerizing to watch. His head would turn side to side. He stayed there for quite awhile before he flew off. And what a wingspan he had! Wow!

Anyway, believing that seeing an owl so close was a good sign I went to bed thinking that good things were ahead.

Yesterday started off great. Sun was shining. Warm for a January day. All the animals were frisky and getting along. Smiles all around.

Then it all changed. My youngest and oldest daughter have been somewhat arguing for two weeks now. I thought they had worked it all out. Um, nope. Youngest daughter calls me, then oldest daughter calls me, and so on. Finally after several hours of the drama I told them both that they needed to speak to one another and straighten this crap out. Two hours later it was all settled. Good! Finally!

By this time it was close to feeding time so I started putting the hay in the back of the Gator to look up and see AJ ( horse pictured above) on the wrong side of the fence! She had jumped the fence and was grazing by the barn. Crap! Okay, to make sure no one else got out I started feeding everyone in the back pasture to make sure they were all occupied. Well, AJ decides that she wants back into the pasture so she jumps the fence to come back over. Only this time she didn't jump high enough and caught both front feet in the fence. Thank goodness she just stood there while I ran to get a halter and lead rope.

Got back to her, haltered here and tried picking her feet up to get them out of the fence. She decides to not cooperate! Mind you, she isn't struggling, just planting her big old fat feet and being stubborn. I finally get one foot out. By this time the fence is mashed down. I go over to the other foot to get that one out of the fence and she nips me! Why? Because apparently I wasn't moving fast enough and she wanted to go eat dinner with everyone else. She went to nip me again as I was bending over but thankfully I saw it coming so she got a smack on the nose. Talk about stink eye! Finally she cooperated enough to get her other foot out. She was walked out to the back pasture and turned loose with everyone else. As I took the halter off, she turned around, glared at me and took off, but not before a quick kick out towards me!

Oh, and before I go back to get AJ's feet out of the fence I grabbed a pair of wire cutters from the Gator to find them rusted shut! Stupid me left them out in the elements! A good spray with WD-40 will take care of that!

Although before the drama of the day started, I find these old pieces of metal half buried in the front pasture. Pretty sure it used to be a cog or something on a tractor or some kind of farm equipment from years ago. Going to have to save up for a metal detector and search for more history pieces.

Today is a brand new day. The sun is shining. Time to get outside and repair the fence.

Until next time.......................

What a lovely award!

2011-01-25T12:17:00.000-08:00

Thank you Terry over at http://moondanceranchco.blogspot.com/ for a lovely award. Thank you.

Now I have to tell you 7 things about myself and pass this award on to 15 recently discovered bloggers. Some are recent, others are not.

Okay, here goes the 7 things. Are you ready?

1. When I was younger ( in my twenties) I had one hell of a temper. Never towards animals just people. I once jumped out of my car and went after a guy and his mouthy girlfriend whose car came within an inch of rear ending my car. They both saw me coming and rolled up their car windows. He sat there like an lump while the girlfriend kept mouthing off behind the safety of the glass. I told her that I would stay there until her fat ass got out of the car then I would kick it! The boyfriend quickly backed up his car and took off. When I got back into my car my Grandmother asked my why I did that. I told her because if that car hit us she could have been hurt. Yes, my Grandmother was in my car!

2.  My mother was very abusive both physically and mentally. I haven't seen or spoke with her in, let me think, almost eight years now. And no I do not feel bad about it nor lose any sleep over it. In fact the day I cut ties a lot of my issues were lifted. Me, issues? lol

3. I still miss my Pit Bull who passed away in 2000 at the age of 15 1/2. Best damn dog ever to have graced my life. I am going to get a tattoo of him!

4. I have not owned a dress in about thirty years! Although I did wear a bridesmaid dress at my best friends wedding about twenty years ago. Not a pretty sight! lol We still laugh about it.

5.  Have always wanted to carve my own carousel horse. A life sized one!

6. Cannot stand being in crowds.

7. Have some major issues towards all alcoholics.

There. There are the seven things about me.

Now to pass this award on. I hereby pass this award on to:
http://www.homesteadhope.blogspot.com/

http://razzberrycorner.blogspot.com/

http://pinkglitterfae.blogspot.com/

http://flartus.blogspot.com/

http://isobellegolightlythebeautifulgoat.blogspot.com/

http://aminuteattatime.blogspot.com/

http://pumpkinpatchgarden.blogspot.com/

http://springlakefarm.blogspot.com/

http://livingretiredinwesternnewyorkstate.blogspot.com/

http://angela-earthmama.blogspot.com/

http://aranchersview.blogspot.com/

http://desertcanyonliving.blogspot.com/

http://brightergrave.blogspot.com/

http://oursoutherncountryhomeandfarm.blogspot.com/

And of course there is Sophie's blog. Jim's blog. John's blog. Danni's blog. Joanna's blog. Oh to heck with it, there are so many I love!

Until next time.........................

What a weekend!

2011-01-24T11:05:00.000-08:00

On Saturday we needed to make a trail up on one of the hills so the dead logs up there can be chopped and loaded easier than trying to buck them up a hill. Three hours later the trail was cleared. I figure it was at least half a mile of trail clearing. Clearing a trail is hard work! But after it was done my first thought was, come nicer weather I'm going trail riding on one of the horses. Haven't been real trail riding in a long time. Really looking forward to that day!
This is the view from the top of one of the hills looking down on the property. See those little dots in the pasture area? Those are the horses and donkeys!

Another landscape view from the top.

Another hill top view.

One of the books I checked out form the library is about the local history of the Applegate Valley which is where we live now. As I was reading it Saturday night I came across a chapter that very much caught my attention. It was about this piece of land we are living on!
Back in the 1870's there was a supply store on the property! The very first actual store in this area. It also talked about a small mill where they ground feed for livestock and flour! The original house was torn down in the 1950's and the house we are living in now was built. And guess what, there was a map of where everything was! The only thing left of yesteryear is the dairy barn.
So, on Sunday we went investigating looking for remnants of what was.
After climbing the opposite hill of where we were Saturday, we hiked down to the irrigation canal and started following it back to the house.
Here is a pile of rocks alongside the canal. They have been there a very long time.

Then I found really old, what looks like railroad ties, lining the irrigation canal.

While we were walking in the irrigation canal I noticed footprints. These are from a raccoon.

During this week I am going to start cutting and taking out as much of the blackberry bushes that have taken over where the old mill once was. Maybe, just maybe there will be some sort of remains left.

I love history and to be fortunate to live on a piece of history has me wanting to learn more.

Who knows what will be found!

Until next time..........................

Early morning moon

2011-01-21T13:57:00.000-08:00

I was up at four thirty this morning. Had another sleepless night so figured what the heck, just get up. While I was outside letting the dogs do their business, I looked up and watched the moon and clouds realizing how beautiful it was. Back into the house for the camera. After downloading the pics, this one really stood out. To me it looks like the moon and the light around it is in the shape of a heart.

After doing morning chores it was time to gather the wormers and worm the horses and donkeys. Some of them are so easy to worm where as the others are, shall I dare say, a pain in the ass! But everyone is wormed! I win!

Last night I started and finished one of the books from the library. Five to go!

On the news last night they said that one of the biggest companies here in the valley has filed for bankruptcy. That really saddened me because a lot of people are going to lose their jobs. I sure wish this economy would turn around.

Oh, no worries about selling my treasures on eBay. They will stay with me until I'm gone, then they have already been designated to my daughters.

Will be trying the refried beans again probably next month.

Until next time................

Oh how I missed......

2011-01-20T15:44:00.000-08:00

Oh how I have missed going to the library. It has been months since I've been to one. As soon as we moved here to the new house I found out where the nearest library is. Today I finally went and as I walked around it was grab this book and that one and that one and so on. By the time I was done my arms were full and I had to realize that I didn't have to check them out all at once so I put some back.
The prison books were mentioned from Joanna over at http://boonedockswilcox.blogspot.com/.
My goodness I don't know what I would do without books!
Until next time.................

Special to me treasures

2011-01-19T11:29:00.000-08:00

I should be listing items on eBay, but after reading some of your blogs showing off your treasures, well, I thought I'd share a few of my own.

The candy dish in the very back of the pic belonged to my Grandmother. I lived with her for many years when I was a kid. She always had some kind of candy in it. When she passed I inherited the dish. I have no idea who the maker was or exactly how old it is. I do know that is was in her house in the early 1960's.

The two smaller pink and clear colored dishes I found in a now defunct antique shop several years ago. The plate on the left I found at the Goodwill for seventy nice cents. The plate was made in Bavaria and the colors go nicely with the candy dishes.

Oh, there are actually only four pieces in the pic. The cabinet has a mirror along the sides which makes it look like there is more in there than there really is.

Here is a close up of the candy dish.

This also belonged to my Grandmother. I remember being fascinated with it when I was very young. The covered wagon part has a switch that turns on a very small bulb to light it up. And the brake on the wagon when turned on makes the drivers hand go up and down as if he is urging his horses on. There used to be a whip the driver held, but over the years the whip got lost. This clock sat on my Grandmothers television ( remember those big console ones!) for as long as I can remember.

This collection is much, much newer. I have always had a fascination with royalty. Especially King Ludwig ll of Bavaria. I found him to be fascinating and ahead of his time. He built some of the worlds most beautiful and famous castles. The more famous being Neuschwanstein. My youngest daughter has gone to Germany twice now and she brought back, yes, the cheezy souvenirs. And I love these cheezy souvenirs! The book I found at a bookstore. It is old and printed in Germany. It tells of the life of King Ludwig.

Anyway, these are just a few of my treasures.

On a side note about those refried beans. My sister who lives in Texas called me this morning and told me how to make the beans taste good. So as soon as I attempt beans again I will let you all know how they came out and share the recipe.

Until next time..............

Ordered

2011-01-18T12:24:00.000-08:00

Just a quick post.

Had to go get chicken feed and hay and while I was at the feed store I ordered chicks. On order are 13 Americaunas, 6 assorted Bantams and 5 Guineas! Had no intention of ordering Guineas but all of a sudden Lynn's posts over at http://razzberrycorner.blogspot.com/ popped into my mind. She has had quite the little adventure with her Guineas, so figured why the heck not get some of my own.

I don't know much about Guineas other than they make great watch birds and they eat snakes. Heck, I didn't know squat about chickens until two years ago when I got my first, I suppose, flock of them. Figured I learned about chickens with the help of my sister and blog friends, I can learn about Guineas.

And since I already have donkeys guarding the pasture areas, having watch birds by the house would be a good idea. We'll see if it turns out to be a good idea or not.

The lady who took my order asked if I wanted to order any turkeys. Um, a big resounding negative on that one! I'll leave the turkeys to John at http://disasterfilm.blogspot.com/ and Joanna at http://boonedockswilcox.blogspot.com/.

I welcome any and all advice you would care to share about what you know about Guineas.

Oh, in case anyone was wondering how the homemade refried beans came out, I can describe them in one word..........bland! So, what I am going to do is look at the ingredients on a can of refried beans and go from there. Maybe the next batch will have some taste! lol

Until next time........................

Love a productive day!

2011-01-17T15:17:00.000-08:00

I just love a productive day. This morning after feeding and watering the horses and donkeys I heard the familiar sound of a resident hawk. And this one was close! A quick check to see where the chickens were ( all hiding under my truck) the hawk flew right overhead onto a tree. I ran inside to get the camera hoping he would still be there. Yup, still sitting on the branch. It isn't a very good pic. He is in the center of the pic. Inching my way closer to get a better pic he flew off.

I had put off long enough setting up a space for my little office. With the help of one of my daughters, we carried the roll top desk in. Now that I actually have an 'office' again I can get back to business selling on eBay.

I also set up the plastic garbage containers out in the breezeway for recycling. Time to get back to recycling!

For awhile now I have been wanting to make my own homemade refried beans. Have never made them before but with the price of refried beans per can, my thought was to make my own, then freeze in small containers to have on hand when needed. They are still cooking in the slow cooker. Later today they will be mashed a bit then tasted. Hmmmm, wonder how they will come out! If they are gross, looks like the chickens or the wildlife up on the hill will get them.

Was finally able to catch up on all the laundry and even put it all away!

Started organizing the garage/store room since when we moved in we didn't organize anything out there. While out there I found a box of books so brought them into the house and actually put them onto the bookshelf!

I changed my mind on what breed of chickens I'm going to get. Instead of Buff Orpingtons I will order some Americaunas. Since they come in different colors ( egg color is a bonus) and they are excellent layers, it seems the perfect choice. I have also come to the conclusion that I will have to start selling the eggs to help pay for the feed. I feel bad having to do it with so many people struggling, but if I don't charge as much as other people do, well, then it will be a win win situation for everyone.

Ozzy has the right idea. This is what I feel like doing now, but can't. Still have animal evening chores to do, cook dinner, mash the beans, etc.....

I really do love a productive day!

Until ext time.......................

Mice

2011-01-16T19:55:00.000-08:00

Sorry no pics for today's post.

Yesterday it was up on one of the hills behind the house for more firewood. We are only cutting the dead trees that have either fallen or are still standing but have died. I just cannot bring myself to cutting down a beautiful live tree no matter the species of it. Mother Nature is providing enough dead wood.

While on the hill cutting trunks into manageable pieces a family of I think, large field mice was disturbed from inside the cavity. At first there was only one mouse, but then a second and third appeared obviously scared, not knowing which way to go. All cutting stopped. As I stood there and watched this family of mice I couldn't help but feel bad for disturbing their home. They were so frightened. They didn't understand what was going on. So, I decided that the cutting of the trunk was to be stopped and we would move on. I put what was left of the trunk ( we had already taken most of it before seeing the family) into a pile, apologized to the little family and off we went. I'm sure some of you think it was crazy to leave good burnable wood behind just for a family of mice, but I just couldn't in all conscientious disturb them and the life they know. There is more dead wood up there. From now on I will pay closer attention to see if a family of who knows what is residing in the wood.

Until next time.............

Looking in the dining room window

2011-01-14T15:39:00.000-08:00

As I was sitting here at the dining table catching up on some paperwork, a glance to the left and I see Aristotle peeking in from outside.

Then there were three! Little Inger ( white) and Benjamin ( right) wanted to see what Aristotle was so interested in.

Then there were four!
If you are wondering what all the tape is at the bottom of the window it is thanks to the inside cats who keep thinking they can jump onto the sill even though there is plastic over the window.

Little Inger.

Who needs a television when there is entertainment like this!

Another busy weekend ahead. Yup, more wood!

Until next time......................

Horses and humor coming back

2011-01-12T09:42:00.000-08:00

Yesterday as I was feeding, Pewter was trotting behind the Gator and the next thing I know her left back leg slipped out from under her and she almost hit the ground. Her leg kind of twisted so immediately I checked it out. All is fine. Thank goodness.

Day before yesterday, again at feeding time, Hoody was running towards the Gator all excited and the next thing I see is all four of his feet came out from under him, he hit the ground so hard his whole body rolled over! He was up in an instant. Looked at me to ask if I knew what happened. Thank goodness he is also fine.

To watch the horses and donkeys at feeding time you would think they were never fed by how excited they get! They are fed hay twice a day, are on pasture 24/7, fresh clean water daily, yet they behave like they have never seen a bale of hay!

Yup, that's me being silly up on one of the hills getting firewood! My sense of humor is coming back! The other day I had to make a trip to town with my middle daughter. We went into a grocery store and there inside the entrance was a display of palm plants. As my daughter walked off I hid behind the display having the leaves give me cover. She turned around to see where I was. We both starting laughing. She shook her head and told me she was glad my humor was back. Although two store employees stopped what they were doing and asked if everything was okay ( although they were also laughing at my antic). As I walked by them, I told them yes everything was fine, that I was not a nut case and if they wanted to walk around the store with me they were more than welcome. They declined and thanked me for a good laugh.
Oh, in this pic I am wearing a pair of thermal pants, jeans, sweatshirt, flannel shirt and rain gear along with a beanie.

A hawk got one of my little speckled hens. Living very rural things like this are going to happen.

One of the outside cats either got into a fight or just got something in her eye. Thankfully the animal medicine cabinet has just about everything in it so now she gets eye ointment for a few days until her eye is cleared up.

I have decided on getting 10 Buff Orpingtons chicks and three either Black Silkies or Frizzle Bantams.

Haven't seen Creepy Guy for awhile.

Oh, speaking of a sense of humor coming back. I have decided come tourist season and when the tour buses drive by, well, the passengers are going to get a good laugh or they will be shaking their heads wondering what kind of people live in Oregon! I have several ideas brewing in my head as to what to do.

Welcome back sense of humor!

Until next time.......................