Ranch Return. Ahh.

Being away from nature for a week was hard on me! I was so glad to come home to the ranch and see familiar sights. The trees, the cattle, the birds, my dear pets. It even smelled like home.

I got to check out what has changed and what’s new this evening. I also got to walk the dogs through beautiful autumn light. Here’s a report!

• Chickens: we are down to three, and something is breaking the eggs. Only one layer is still with us. We’re down to Buffy and the two old red hens. Can’t wait for a new hen house.
• Horses: they are all fine, but have been getting into those giant burs. Grooming will occur! Fiona was the cleanest one!
• Cows: there’s a new baby in the Wild Type herd, who are back next to the horses.
• Birds: this morning I got to see the beautiful harrier fly beside my car. It’s magnificent hovering above the ground. Also, I got to SEE an owl catch a mouse in the horse pasture. It happened right in front of my eyes. It then hooted a lot. Huge barred owl.
• Plants: the Vrazels have planted some kind of grass in our field. Not sure what it is. They must have done it right after I left, because it’s a couple inches tall. The cedar elms are all changing color, too.

And that’s about it. This time of year is so pleasant, with crisp mornings and very pleasant days. It’s balm for any troubled soul.

Here are a few more autumn images to enjoy.