This page is where you can find all my cute dog, horse, donkey, and chicken stories. Aww.
When You’re Irritated, Go Outside
No matter how many times I try to convince myself not to care to much about my work, I keep doing it, and the way things are set up now, I really need to just roll with the changes. But, I’ll try to do that again, next time. So, today I made a point of … Continue reading “When You’re Irritated, Go Outside”
Going Cuckoo over Gloomy Beauty
It’s time for another post with mostly photos. The rainy day brought a lot of sights, from a bird and insects I’d never seen before to animals dealing with water. That’s right, the title of this post isn’t an insensitive ableist phrase, I actually saw a cuckoo! I knew we had them here, but I’d … Continue reading “Going Cuckoo over Gloomy Beauty”
Lughnasadh Blessing
Yesterday was not only our third anniversary of Vlassic arriving at our ranch, but it was Lughnasadh or Lammas, the early harvest festival in the Celtic tradition I enjoy observing (among many traditions). One thing people do for this celebration is thank Mother Nature for her bounty. Today we’re thanking her for a surprise rain … Continue reading “Lughnasadh Blessing”
Progress, Despite Heat
It’s the time of year that we can’t get much done outdoors, but Lee and I are getting a few things accomplished (mostly Lee). His pond project has made it to the “proof of concept” phase, in which he connected all the parts, added water, plugged in a pump, and saw it work. It makes … Continue reading “Progress, Despite Heat”
Reluctantly, the Dogs Have Their Vet Visit
Every year there are more dogs to look at here at the Hermits’ Rest. It makes the fee for the vet to come to us rather than us going to her quite the bargain. Yesterday, while I was in Austin away from the heat, Dr. Amy came out to see all seven dogs (Alfred, Goldie, … Continue reading “Reluctantly, the Dogs Have Their Vet Visit”
New Chicks Are Laying, I Hope in the Right Place
There’s good chicken news all around. First, Star’s three days of solitary confinement seem to have worked, and she is now running around and acting like a normal hen again. That’s just in time, because this morning I found a new egg, on the ground, over by where the new hens hang out. It’s a … Continue reading “New Chicks Are Laying, I Hope in the Right Place”
Lee Has a New Project
This is exciting! Lee has been thinking of doing something for a long time, and decided that now’s the time to get going on it. He’s working on a series of decorative ponds for the front of the house (these will not be cattle tanks, but nice ponds, with water plants and such). He got … Continue reading “Lee Has a New Project”
Broody Hen, Moody Horses
What better thing to do on a full moon than to try new things? Right. I did it anyway. Good ole Star went broody again, and with something taking the eggs every night, it was fruitless to let her set on them. What to do? She was also hogging the preferred egg-laying spot, which made … Continue reading “Broody Hen, Moody Horses”
Saturday Morning Ranch Sightings
Here at the Hermits’ Rest, weekend mornings start early for some and slow for others. But there’s always something lovely to see or fun to do. This morning was typical. Lee has started taking a walk every morning and asked me to join him. He may not do it again, as I had him go … Continue reading “Saturday Morning Ranch Sightings”
Penney’s Adopt-a-versary
My memories on Facebook alerted me to the fact that we have had Penney for two years now. I can’t say she is the easiest dog to own, but she has her own special charms, and has come a long way in her behavior. She no longer insists on licking me in the face and … Continue reading “Penney’s Adopt-a-versary”
All the Horse Health News That Fits the Blog
With all these skinny new horses, we have to keep an eye on their health. Kathleen was getting worried about some cuts on poor Mabel’s legs, and we both thought she seemed sad. We weren’t sure if she was sick or what. So today they took her to yet another equine facility, and Kathleen liked … Continue reading “All the Horse Health News That Fits the Blog”
Progress Report on Horses Drew and Apache, Plus Future Plans
Here we are at mid week, and things have calmed down at least a little. We’re getting into a routine with all the new horses and our very workable facility. While there will be improvements, like more roof and the tack room, what we have now feels quite luxurious! It is so nice to have … Continue reading “Progress Report on Horses Drew and Apache, Plus Future Plans”
Beauty Break
I went to visit Sara and Aragorn the fancy horse last night, then enjoyed the sunset at each of our houses. Click around and enjoy!
The Latest Case of Missing Eggs: Solved
I may have mentioned that the family reported no eggs the entire time I was in Austin last week. I found a few over the weekend, but not the usual amount. In case the fact that Star had gone broody was making laying hard on the other hens, I set up two cardboard boxes with … Continue reading “The Latest Case of Missing Eggs: Solved”
Fun in the Sun with the Farrier
I lied. The sun was not fun, and I got pretty overheated, but it was another day out with the horses. Around mid-afternoon, Trixie showed up to finish working on the horses, which she couldn’t do last week because of the rain. Sara came over to join the fun, so it was a day of … Continue reading “Fun in the Sun with the Farrier”
Tired of Horse Pictures?
Well, too bad. While sitting around with the horses and waiting for Trixie, I enjoyed getting pictures of them being themselves. I’m really loving Remington. He’s about as friendly as a horse gets. He likes to rest his head on one’s head, and sweetly kisses (no nipping!) He’s even nice to Vlassic. All the other … Continue reading “Tired of Horse Pictures?”
Yes, We Have Gates
As I was out there riding and sweating today (and really sweating as I worked with Drew on the long lead), the real gates on the horse stalls got installed. It’s so great to be able to put them in their own feeding areas with the sand, the water troughs, and their washing station. These … Continue reading “Yes, We Have Gates”
Welcome to Our Equine Rescue Facility
Just kidding! Don’t send us fixer-upper horses! But we DO happen to have two more over here at the Hermits’ Rest, because at least two of us are very soft hearted or see a lot of potential, or something. This afternoon we certainly tested the carrying capacity of the livestock trailer (well, it’s probably had … Continue reading “Welcome to Our Equine Rescue Facility”
Sand and Waters
I rushed to the ranch this morning to be there in time for the swimming pool company guy to show up. I had time to check the animals, and discovered Star is broody again. Fine. I’ll mark what’s under her now and see if we get any hatching. Maybe we can keep this bunch confined … Continue reading “Sand and Waters”
Dang! Animal Issues! Plus Sweetness
I have to admire Trixie. She came over and trudged through the scary clay mud to take a look at the new horses. It was obvious she couldn’t do their feet, but she wanted to take a look at Remington, especially. He immediately took to her and started showing her where he hurt. It was … Continue reading “Dang! Animal Issues! Plus Sweetness”
Too Much Thunder
So, yesterday it didn’t rain but a little. Last night, though, a huge storm came up just before dawn, and there was lightning really near the house. This made for some scared dogs! Poor Penney was right on top of me. Everyone else was under the bed. It was scary for us! We did get … Continue reading “Too Much Thunder”
This Made Me So Happy
You’ve probably read that I’ve been having some trouble with my Paint horse, Apache, and having him not responding well, with him having an abscess, etc. it’s seemed like two steps forward and one step back. One reason I got Drew is to have a horse I can enjoy riding without struggle. Now that we … Continue reading “This Made Me So Happy”
Family Business Meeting
This is just cute. We had our monthly Hearts Homes and Hands board meeting this morning, which we hold in Lee’s office/our bedroom every time. What was cute was that we had to have so many supervisors Right as we started, the upstairs dogs started barking. Why? Goldie was coming upstairs for the first time! … Continue reading “Family Business Meeting”
The Big Day: Apache Comes Home
I’d been waiting a long time to get Apache and Fiona on our property, so I can hang out with them more. What with the three new horses this week and all the work getting things ready, it’s been busy around here, but today topped them all! Everyone agrees this was the busiest day we … Continue reading “The Big Day: Apache Comes Home”
The Herd Grows
Here’s the surprise I’ve hinted at. After I got Andrew, Kathleen went to a horse rescue place and came home with two fine buckskin gentlemen, Remington (7) and Dusty (13). When they got back with the new guys (who have all their shots and were checked out by a vet), they all said “hay” to … Continue reading “The Herd Grows”
Drew Goes to the Doctor
I think Drew, my new colt, is annoyed with me. He had to go to the vet today, and I don’t think it was his favorite experience so far. He is really glad to be home. It took us forever to get to the vet, who was in Waco, because we were behind a wind … Continue reading “Drew Goes to the Doctor”
Goldie is a Woman-Dog Now
This has fulfilled a prediction both Kathleen and I had made. You may remember that when Kathleen found out about Goldie, she was told Goldie was infertile, so of no use to the previous owners, who’d wanted to breed her. We don’t need puppies, so we were happy to take on a giant sweetie pie. … Continue reading “Goldie is a Woman-Dog Now”
Hay, How’s That New Horse?
Hungry. That’s how he is. Poor Andrew must have felt like he was in Heaven when he realized he was in a pen full of grass. As you can see in the photo below, he definitely mowed his pen quickly (photo was at 8:30 am). A second makeshift pen was quickly created for him, so … Continue reading “Hay, How’s That New Horse?”
A Colt Named Andrew
Now that we will be able to have horses at the Hermits’ Rest, Kathleen and I have been looking for horses. She has found one, and we get him Friday. More on that later. I wanted a sound, calm older horse that was not too pricey to take lessons on. I was not in a … Continue reading “A Colt Named Andrew”
Always Something with Chickens
I knew it had been too long since we had any chicken drama. They certainly know how to get themselves in trouble, even with all these dogs guarding them. They can’t help it; they are chickens. On Saturday, I noticed that Barbara, the dark black new hen that should lay very dark eggs, was sitting … Continue reading “Always Something with Chickens”
Family Fun, More Floods
At least today was a little different. It didn’t rain until around 5 pm, so I got to get some work done and do some fun things. The most fun was a visit from my son and his partner, who wanted to do some ranch stuff. My son wants to learn to ride horses, so … Continue reading “Family Fun, More Floods”
Book Report: Brood
It’s rained nearly all day again today. The younger folks saw it was going to rain yesterday and took off for the beach, leaving us hermits to fend for ourselves. Lee was handed a bunch of paperwork before Kathleen left, so he had a project. All my original plans for the weekend were outdoor ones, … Continue reading “Book Report: Brood”
Goldie and the Gulf Coast Toad
Nearly all the toads you see in this area are Gulf Coast Toads. We always have a couple hanging around the house. You never know where one will be lurking, as we found out today. Once again, a big downpour happened while the driveway was getting worked on. I was on the porch with the … Continue reading “Goldie and the Gulf Coast Toad”
I Could Have Worked Harder Yesterday, But…
Now, I’m not referring to my paid employment, which did get it’s time in, but to my after-work job, helping with the pens and other jobs. It was an uncharacteristically pleasant day, so I can’t blame the heat. No, it’s my little buddy Vlassic who kept me sidelined for at least 45 minutes. I went … Continue reading “I Could Have Worked Harder Yesterday, But…”
Making Friends for the World to See: Goldie
(Am I the only one who remembers that song?) Well, I had a blast today watching Goldie and the cattle. Goldie is absolutely convinced that the cows want to play with her, especially one of them. She spent a LOT of time today asking cattle to play. One of them really doesn’t like her, but … Continue reading “Making Friends for the World to See: Goldie”
Don’t Let the Chickens Out
It was a fun, relaxing day, except that I did a thing I probably shouldn’t have. The chickens were trying so hard to get grasshoppers from within their pen. I was throwing them in, but felt sorry for them, so I let them out. I watched them for at least ten minutes as they flapped … Continue reading “Don’t Let the Chickens Out”
I Wish I Could Be One of My Dogs
Today, as I was wandering around looking at bugs, my faithful canine companions were right there with me, running, sniffing, and splashing in any water they encountered. They just have so much fun. Most fun is seeing how Goldie fits right in with the gang who like to run and run. It’s just beautiful to … Continue reading “I Wish I Could Be One of My Dogs”
Actually Back in the Saddle (Me)
Well, I’m back where I was a few months ago, but with a healthy horse to ride. Sara isn’t here for a few days, but I wanted Apache to keep getting the exercise he’d been getting lately, so he will have more muscle and less fat. So, this evening I went out to release Apache … Continue reading “Actually Back in the Saddle (Me)”
Goldie’s First Bark Box
Each month I get a box of dog toys and healthy dog treats from Bark Box. They are always cute as all heck, and they have a theme. Highly recommended. They used to go to Vlassic in Austin, but since he stays at the ranch now, I bring them to the other dogs, who actually … Continue reading “Goldie’s First Bark Box”
A Horse Love Story with a Twist: The Whole Thing
[Somehow, most of this post got deleted when I went to publish it before. THIS is the real story!] I’m excited to have permission to share this story! Yesterday I got to head out to a horse breeding and training facility in our area to visit Sara’s new love interest, a large Andalusian gelding named … Continue reading “A Horse Love Story with a Twist: The Whole Thing”
Spic and Span Ranch
Hey, here’s a quick update on the things going on here at the Hermits’ Rest. For one thing, a lot of mowing has been going on and a lot of shredding. The appeal of using the shredder on really high grass is that it can be done in the air-conditioned tractor. It’s good to report … Continue reading “Spic and Span Ranch”
Back in the (Clean) Saddle Again
Hooray. I’ve got my horse back! It’s sure been a long road for Apache. Last night, I saddled him up for the first time since the dang abscess, and I made sure he was doing okay in the round pen by trotting him a lot. He was deemed okay, so I mounted him while Sara … Continue reading “Back in the (Clean) Saddle Again”
Lazy Day, with Lego
Today I ended up not doing much after riding Apache in the morning. Partly that’s because I got a shingles vaccine yesterday, and I was tired (fell asleep for a while after lunch). And then my evening activities with Kathleen and some Hearts Homes and Hands staff got canceled because one of the buildings on … Continue reading “Lazy Day, with Lego”
He’s Got a Ticket to Ride
He, being Apache. Tonight it was finally not too hot or too busy, so Sara and I checked on how Apache’s feet were doing since his abscess. Sara says he’s as fat as he ever was. Sigh. I really need to get him in his pen half the day, but I blew it by going … Continue reading “He’s Got a Ticket to Ride”
Oh What a Beautiful Evening
Wow. It’s been the most pleasant evening I can remember. Once the sun went behind clouds, a breeze came up, and the stifling heat dissipated. I took lots of pictures today, and when I went back to look at them, I realized it’s been a beautiful day! And yes, a lot of work got done … Continue reading “Oh What a Beautiful Evening”
Penney Succumbs to Goldie’s Charms
I must share this good news. All the other dogs are getting along with Goldie the Great Dane. But Penney has been snarly and snappy since Goldie arrived. Until tonight. As the day went on, she was nicer and nicer when they passed each other. Alfred is the same. No mote gruff barks. This is … Continue reading “Penney Succumbs to Goldie’s Charms”
Angles, Poles, and Alignment
Wow, the fence posts/poles are all up for the horse stalls, and I have to say I am amazed at how straight and aligned they are. There are 5 poles behind the one in this picture, but so perfectly lined up that you can’t see them. And they are all absolutely straight in the ground, … Continue reading “Angles, Poles, and Alignment”
Yeah, Maybe Goldie Is Happy
Perhaps I’m posting too many dog blogs, but who cares? It appears that the dogs have come to truces and are enjoying each other. There are still occasional growls and snaps (Penney and Harvey), but we all had such a fun and funny day that I had to share. Goldie had breakfast in my office, … Continue reading “Yeah, Maybe Goldie Is Happy”
How Are the New Dog and Chickens Doing?
I have already been asked this today, so I may as well write a quick update for you. I’m happy to report it’s all good news! Goldie is very happy and eating a lot, which she needs to do. She is also sleeping much better since her mommy Kathleen went out and got her a … Continue reading “How Are the New Dog and Chickens Doing?”
Chicken Butt Medicine
All the new chickens are currently okay. Blanca, in particular, seems a bit traumatized by her new surroundings, as well as the heat. She and Babette stay in the cool shelter a lot. But, she seems better today. The little hens have a lot of shade and fresh water, so they should be fine. Billie … Continue reading “Chicken Butt Medicine”
Didn’t We Already Have Enough Dogs?
Apparently not, but Kathleen had her reasons for wanting to adopt this one-year-old Great Dane in need of a home. For one, Kathleen has owned them before and loves them. For another, the dog has had many homes and owners, and her latest owner had bought her to breed, but she doesn’t go into heat. … Continue reading “Didn’t We Already Have Enough Dogs?”
Your Junk Buying Expedition is My Dragonfly Observation Expedition
I noticed an ad in the Facebook Marketplace yesterday saying there was a large building full of stuff that was for sale near Milano (20-something miles from here). It sounded like it might be a thing the builder in the family might enjoy, I thought. So, in a work break, we headed out somewhere in … Continue reading “Your Junk Buying Expedition is My Dragonfly Observation Expedition”
Enjoying a Pleasant Morning with a “Friend”
This morning was really pleasant. I went out to take a few pictures and check on the new pullets, then sat on the porch for a ten-minute coffee break. It was breezy, so the mosquitoes that tried to suck all my blood yesterday weren’t out. I took this picture to post on Instagram, planning to … Continue reading “Enjoying a Pleasant Morning with a “Friend””
Sure, We Will Take More Chickens
Since the current bunch of five hens plus Bruce have remained stable since last year, I feel safe to bring in some company for them in our big ole run. So, we headed down to Bird and Bee Farm and got 6 pullets about ten weeks old. They are pretty young, close to the age … Continue reading “Sure, We Will Take More Chickens”
Just a Few Cute Animals
Oh goodness, I skipped a day of blogging for the first time since I resolved to post every day quite a while ago. I had good reason, though, it was a busy day with lots of fun meetings, animals to care for, chores, and conversations. By the end of the day, when I could have … Continue reading “Just a Few Cute Animals”
Dampness Reigns, or Rains
I knew those two relatively dry days in a row were flukes. Last night it poured and poured, right after Trixie showed up to do Apache and Ace’s feet. She was running late due to some car trouble, which gave me lots of time to love on Apache and Fiona. That is always good. And … Continue reading “Dampness Reigns, or Rains”
Fencing! Amazing!
I don’t even know where to start telling you how cool our new fencing is. The craftsmanship is incredible. My gratitude is immense. But look, here’s one completed run. The fence may look like normal horse fencing (not all barbed wire like cattle fencing), but what you can’t see is that all the parts were … Continue reading “Fencing! Amazing!”
The Dogs and Cattle Are So Happy
Today I spent much of the morning watching new fencing going up. Since I was there to keep an eye on them, I was able to take the dogs with me. There was all sorts of fun stuff to explore, like puddles that were revealed when the future Apache pasture was mown very short. All … Continue reading “The Dogs and Cattle Are So Happy”
My First Horse Show
That’s right. I’d never been to a horse show until yesterday, when Sara and I returned to the beautiful McClennan Community College Highlander Ranch for a working equitation competition. Fun was had by us, and we sure learned a lot! It was hard not to drool at all the gorgeous gaited horses, Gypsy vanners, and … Continue reading “My First Horse Show”
I’m TIRED but Happy
Today Sara and I went back up near Temple to watch a working equitation show. Fun? Yes. Nice people? Yes. Pretty horses? Drool. Yes. I’m just going to share two pictures of two beautiful horses. I’ll write more tomorrow. Buy me a Gypsy Vanner, please?
An Equitation Educational Event
Today Sara and I went and did something together! What? Yes! We ranch ladies went off and did a horse thing somewhere near Waco. We hadn’t done anything together since last year! We went to a beautiful facility and audited a working equitation class. The clinician was really nice and let us stand close enough … Continue reading “An Equitation Educational Event”
Gonna Have a Fence Soon
Two good things happened today, both thanks to drier weather. First, Jim was able to mow the “yard” (non-pasture land around the house). I sure feel more comfortable walking around now that I could see any snakes in the grass. He’s been wanting to do it, but this was the first dry day in a … Continue reading “Gonna Have a Fence Soon”
I Grow Weary of Horses’ Feet
I actually grow weary of just ONE horse’s feet, and that’s my buddy, Apache. It’s always something with that dude and his feet! It’s because he has a metabolic disorder that makes him prone to foot issues, no matter how hard we try to manage his food and environment. The latest episode started a week … Continue reading “I Grow Weary of Horses’ Feet”
Soggy and Soggier
It’s still raining today. There were brief respites, but we’ve had at least an inch. Whew. The good news is we have a lot of mushrooms to enjoy. I tried to go check out what was going on at the fence project. But it started raining real hard, so we went off to see a … Continue reading “Soggy and Soggier”
Home Again
No time to write a post, but we had a lovely drive down El Camino Real de Tejas today, and made it home. Ahh. We were glad to get back to familiar territory but thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Best thing? Dog reunion.
Book Report: How Stella Learned to Talk
Oh goodness, what’s not to like? A book about a dog named Stella who’s half American Cattle Dog? A book about language acquisition? A book with scientific evidence to back it up? Nice people to read about? For all the “yes” answers this book provides, I rather raced through How Stella Learned to Talk: The … Continue reading “Book Report: How Stella Learned to Talk”
Bird Mysteries
This is no fun, but it’s the way it goes out in the country. This morning, I went out to check on the chicks, and Bronzer wasn’t there! What? I was so surprised and sad. I looked everywhere for the chick. There was no sign of anything getting into the coop. There was no gap … Continue reading “Bird Mysteries”
Sunday Musings: It’s a Good Life, All Things Considered
Today, I’m being more explicit about what I’m grateful for than my usual gratitude practice, which is more like, “Thank goodness X is in my life, or I can do Y, or Z happened.” I want to say how grateful I am to Lee for deciding to get our retirement property early, build a house … Continue reading “Sunday Musings: It’s a Good Life, All Things Considered”
Chickie Birthday!
That’s right, the three chicks are a week old today! I’m actually sort of surprised they made it, since our coop isn’t fancy and I’ve just been leaving Mama Star in charge. I went out to see them as soon as I got back from Austin. They were all hanging out together as usual. They … Continue reading “Chickie Birthday!”
Chickens Sure Are Good Mothers
More stories of chickens, coming up. I was getting concerned about keeping Star, my mama hen, literally cooped up with the chicks in such a small space. I came up with the idea of blocking off the exit from the original Tractor Supply coop into the larger chicken run, which would give them a lot … Continue reading “Chickens Sure Are Good Mothers”
My Horse Is My Toughest Teacher
I’ve always contended that I plan to keep learning new things until I die. I often think of my friend, Marian, who, well into her 90s gets all excited about the new topics she’s reading about, new technology she’s mastered, and new ideas she’s heard. I hope that’s me in 30 years! And you certainly … Continue reading “My Horse Is My Toughest Teacher”
The Great Peeper Escape
Well, shoot, those baby chicks are three days old already, so naturally it’s time for them to start having adventures or getting in trouble. They were fine this morning when I went in and gave Star some scratch to enjoy. Oh, and since my sister asked, I decided I better name them, so meet (left … Continue reading “The Great Peeper Escape”
Love Is a Wet Puppy
Ah, the work week is over. I made it, and even did well. I only checked on the chicks three times today, and was able to watch one of them drink water. They’re definitely eating! We did get more rain, but it let up in time to go see the horses with Sara. What a … Continue reading “Love Is a Wet Puppy”
Hungry and Cute Chicks with Pix
As soon as I got a break from work meetings, I headed out to feed the flock and check on the new babies. I was happy to see that Star had at least moved them in the night. I was wondering if she’d ever move! It looked to me like no one had touched the … Continue reading “Hungry and Cute Chicks with Pix”
Look Who’s Back! It’s Gracie!
Oh my gosh. Today got even better! There I was, talking to my boss, all serious-like, when Lee came in carrying something that looked like a small Carlton. Only it was GRACIE LOU! We hadn’t seen her in over a week! Of course, there was one place we hadn’t looked for her, and that’s where … Continue reading “Look Who’s Back! It’s Gracie!”
I’m a Chicken Grandma!
Well, that didn’t take long! An hour after I wrote my previous entry, I went over to check on star, and reinforce her door with some heavy stones. I heard PEEPS. I couldn’t see a dang thing, though. So, I moved her aside, and there were two little black chicks, one who obviously had just … Continue reading “I’m a Chicken Grandma!”
Baby Watch (Chick)
First, I want to thank everyone, especially blog reader Julia, for your helpful comments on yesterday’s essay on not being responsible for the happiness of another person. I hope it’s clear that I will always be available to support and help people I care about; I just don’t have a functioning magic wand to turn … Continue reading “Baby Watch (Chick)”
Mowing, Controversy, and More Horse Stuff
I was trying to create a funny essay yesterday when I wrote about our property not being mowed yet, but it sparked some Facebook controversy. Some people were thrilled and others were appalled that we were doing it. I don’t know why I was surprised, since mowing is always controversial! Like so many things out … Continue reading “Mowing, Controversy, and More Horse Stuff”
Inquiring Neighbors Want to Know: Why Isn’t Your Lawn Mowed?
It’s a good thing we don’t live in town, or we’d be getting little notices that we need to mow. Actually, I’m surprised we haven’t gotten them for our town properties. Yes, our lives are filled with little clusters of impediments that drive us all to distraction, and the spring grass situation is one of … Continue reading “Inquiring Neighbors Want to Know: Why Isn’t Your Lawn Mowed?”
Summertime Is Coming and the Chickens Are Laying
I hear y’all like my ranchy stories, so here’s what excitement greeted me when I got back to the ranch today. Since no one had picked up eggs, the first thing I did was check the top of the garage fridge. There were at least three eggs per hen, but 5 white ones. Little Henley … Continue reading “Summertime Is Coming and the Chickens Are Laying”
Pet News, Some Good, Some Not
There’s been a lot going on in the pet department around our ranch community. The first is good news, which is that right now there are two puppies to enjoy over at the neighbors’ house. They use Australian cattle dogs as working animals, and the elderly matriarch (Tess) is no longer able to do much. … Continue reading “Pet News, Some Good, Some Not”
Where Do Easter Eggs Come From?
Not bunnies. Not baskets. Nor roosters! Not even from capons (see below). Most of them come from the grocery store or the drugstore, as far as I can tell. This question is just an excuse for me to talk about chickens…again. It’s been quite a time in my chicken-raising career, but it seems like things … Continue reading “Where Do Easter Eggs Come From?”
The Great Hen Detective Strikes Again!
Take THAT, Bertie Lee! You can’t fool us forever! You’re just a chicken, and we are human hen detectives! I think they could start paying me for this egg-finding work. Yep, I finally found where Bertie Lee is currently stashing her eggs. I say currently, because I only found ten. Of course, she could have … Continue reading “The Great Hen Detective Strikes Again!”
Still Working on Horse Feet
I’m working on horse feet in more ways than one these days. Animals have a lot to teach us, both scientifically and intuitively. In science news, we learned a lot about horse feet (hooves) with Trixie’s latest visit, and we learned that Fiona loves Sara more than we ever realized. She spent a long time … Continue reading “Still Working on Horse Feet”
I’m the Sherlock Holmes of Nesting Hens
This one had us laughing much of last night. You may remember that not too long ago, I used my chicken detective skills to discover that my Hermits’ Rest hens had decided to start laying eggs in an artificial Christmas wreath on top of our garage refrigerator. I’d looked high and low, but finally saw … Continue reading “I’m the Sherlock Holmes of Nesting Hens”
The Student Becomes the Teacher
I remember, in my youth, the first time I became a teacher of linguistics in addition to being a student. It was a gentle introduction, since I co-taught with one of my professors, but it really did me a lot of good. They say that you really start to master a subject once you teach … Continue reading “The Student Becomes the Teacher”
Apache Has a New Buddy
I’m pretty wiped out, but I have to share the fun and work that happened today in the horse department. Sara has been wanting a horse to work with while Spice isn’t rideable, so she talked to our friend, Sheila, who owns a horse Sara worked with 7 years ago, when I first was hanging … Continue reading “Apache Has a New Buddy”
Trying Again with Chicken Parenting
Since it’s looking like it will still be a while before the relatives are back and I can get some new pullets (I need help rearranging the coop), I decided to try the old egg experiment again. You see, for the past few days when I go outside to feed my little flock of 6 … Continue reading “Trying Again with Chicken Parenting”
A Lifetime Milestone, and Why It Matters
Yesterday, I achieved a milestone that was a long time coming. In fact, it was one of my “life goals” since I was a small child, and something I never thought I’d be able to do. On the surface, going over to the barn, saddling up my horse, and going for a nice ride doesn’t … Continue reading “A Lifetime Milestone, and Why It Matters”
Stinky and Dangerous Ranch Drama
Just when you think everything has calmed down, of course it has actually has NOT. These are not calm times at the Hermits’ Rest! Last Night’s Stinky Drama Last night I took a lovely, calming bath to help with sore horse-riding muscles. Right as I got my pajamas on, I heard Lee yelling at the … Continue reading “Stinky and Dangerous Ranch Drama”
Three Horses Plus Two People Equals Springtime Fun
Apache, my beautiful Arabian/Quarter Horse cross, had a pretty crappy 2020, just like us people did. He ate too much fresh green grass this time last year and he went lame (foundered). Since then, he has spent a long time recovering, as I’ve documented in my blog (just search for Apache). Since he’s declared better … Continue reading “Three Horses Plus Two People Equals Springtime Fun”
Mystery of the Missing Eggs: SOLVED
…and other good news Just what I needed! It’s a day of solving problems and getting life back to normal! That feels really good, especially given the mood I ended up in after yesterday’s phone drama. After a good night’s sleep, I was able to figure out all the passwords and other information needed to … Continue reading “Mystery of the Missing Eggs: SOLVED”
Feeling a Little Better about Nature’s Survival
After that unusual series of cold fronts, snow, and ice, I (and others) have been pretty worried about whether out friends out there in nature are going to make it through to spring and keep going. In the past day or two I’ve seen some happy signs. So, as long as I’m out in nature … Continue reading “Feeling a Little Better about Nature’s Survival”
Dogs Love Springtime
As weak as I was feeling today, I had to get outside some. After all, it’s getting to be spring! So, I dragged myself around the property while the dogs played. They love it when it’s warm and windy, especially when they have water to splash in. Alfred and Carlton, the two white dogs, both … Continue reading “Dogs Love Springtime”
Don’t Worry, Bees are Happy
Oh my gosh, y’all. I think I got the best birthday present EVER when I went out to check how the bee feeder was doing. Last night I checked it, and it was totally dry, with no bees. I was worried a dog had drunk all the sugar water, so I moved the feeder to … Continue reading “Don’t Worry, Bees are Happy”
I Found a Spring! And Pollinators!
I started out my morning nature break trying to find pollinators and check for damaged flowering plants for a survey of pollinators and plants used by monarchs on iNaturalist. I was very happy to have found bees and a butterfly, and was watching the water flowing in the stream with the dogs. Then, Lee showed … Continue reading “I Found a Spring! And Pollinators!”
What’s Recuperating from the Cold and Snow?
Since the weather is warm and it hasn’t started raining yet, I decided to see how the life around here is faring after last week’s bad weather. The first thing I found was that, indeed, the cold has messed the chickens up. Look what poor Buttercup laid! Not all is bad for them, though. While … Continue reading “What’s Recuperating from the Cold and Snow?”
Birthdays and Fundraising
At some point next week, I will be an even older Baby Boomer! But I still don’t have to register for Medicare, so I declare I’m still middle aged. Why does this matter? Well, for the last few years, I’ve raised funds for a good cause rather than ask for gifts, so I thought I’d … Continue reading “Birthdays and Fundraising”
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