This page is where you can find all my cute dog, horse, donkey, and chicken stories. Aww.
Two Things under Control
Getting two things under control in one day is sort of miraculous for me. I’m on one of my rare “get things done” kicks, and wow, I’m doing great. In addition to the big things I have taken care of, I’ve also scheduled the movers to take my stuff from the Bobcat Lair to its … Continue reading “Two Things under Control”
Arrivals and Departures
The population of the Hermits’ Rest is always changing. Today there’s someone new who arrived and someone old who departed. No one died, to put a spoiler in there. Dear old Granny, the skinny old mare with the inability to properly eat grass, has been sent off to hang out with Dusty and Kathleen’s other … Continue reading “Arrivals and Departures”
Poor Patchy Horse
I tell you what, Apache is one good horse. Yesterday he was scheduled to have a lesson, but when I looked at him after work, he seemed down. I went to say hi and saw he was crying and blinking like crazy. His right eye was a mess (sparing you photos). I cleaned him up, … Continue reading “Poor Patchy Horse”
Still Here!
I know some of you worry if I miss a day posting, so I’m sorry I missed yesterday. I was busy with work and a Master Naturalist meeting. And I must admit some pretty yarn showed up and I wanted to knit. I’ll tell you what I’m making after I show the recipient the work … Continue reading “Still Here!”
Chicken Wrangling Success
Good news for me! I think I have the situation with Star and her week-old babies under more control now. Lee went out and got me the same feeder and waterer I had for the previous chicks that had gotten thrown out accidentally. I got those set up, and no matter how hard the dang … Continue reading “Chicken Wrangling Success”
Rainy Escapades
I know it’s October, because the rains are back. No pool guys today! But, that is just fine. I went out this morning to feed Granny and the chickens, and heard a strange noise. What was it? Goldie. She had somehow gotten out and had joined me. I figured I’d determine what happened there later. … Continue reading “Rainy Escapades”
The Chicken Family Annoys Me
Of course I am glad that Star managed to hatch two chicks. And I am proud that we made a fairly safe place for them to live and that their real feathers are starting to come in. But, wow, they seem hell-bent on making things difficult for themselves. The big culprit is Star. She has … Continue reading “The Chicken Family Annoys Me”
Consistency is Dull
Sorry, y’all, but there’s not much new around here. The two chicks are still with us, so that’s fine. I’d like that to stay boring. The pool guys are still tiling. They spent a lot of time smoothing the edges, but did get some edging cemented in. They are so careful. That makes me happy. … Continue reading “Consistency is Dull”
Cheep Cheep, and Such
Sheesh, today was a dang busy one, but at least it’s mostly good. I had a lovely dinner last night with my friend, though it was bittersweet. The restaurant is in the location where my favorite neighborhood Chinese restaurant, Hao Q was, before the really fun woman who owned the place, Hong, passed away.* It … Continue reading “Cheep Cheep, and Such”
Pretty White Things
While I’m pretty tired from the amount of meetings and learning I’m going through, I’m grateful to be surrounded by kind people and fun friends, including the non human ones. Lee took this beautiful picture of Carlton today. I need to frame it! Between him and Gracie, there’s a lot of white dog beauty around … Continue reading “Pretty White Things”
Fiona Makes a Friend
I was heading over to Sara’s horse playground today to get some poles for my playground. Fiona and Apache were in the dry pasture (unhappily). As I approached on Hilda the utility vehicle, Fiona began to walk away. I noticed that there was a little bird beside her. How cute, I thought. Then I noticed … Continue reading “Fiona Makes a Friend”
Ready for Babies
That’s baby chickens, not humans. I’ve been informed I won’t be having grandchildren. But, Star has been setting on three real eggs and one fake one for a while now. I’m guessing chicks will show up any day now. So, it was time to get ready for them. She is in a cardboard box in … Continue reading “Ready for Babies”
Drew Heads off to Colt College
Oh, sniff. It’s so hard when you have to send your teens off for further education. They look like such wide-eyed babies, even when they are dapple gray quarter horse colts. And moving them into their dorms can be a real struggle. That was true for Drew today as well. Now, of course we are … Continue reading “Drew Heads off to Colt College”
Talk about Comfortable
Today, Trixie was supposed to come and look at Apache’s feet, but Drew stole the show. I had gotten both of the horses, in preparation for her arrival, and Apache was quietly waiting for us in his pen. As we walked up, we couldn’t see Drew. Where was he? Yep, he’d decided to just take … Continue reading “Talk about Comfortable”
My Spotted Comforter
No, I didn’t get a new bed covering. I’ve just gotten so much comfort from this semi-tubby, big-hearted paint horse. Today, this guy left me feeling 100% better after yet another day of surprises and confusion. I hadn’t been riding too much in the past couple of weeks, because I really don’t think it’s a … Continue reading “My Spotted Comforter”
I Have a New Shadow
A cute quick story for today. You see, Kathleen went on a quick trip, and I agreed to feed her old lady horse, Granny (formerly known as Amaretto). Granny’s teeth don’t work well anymore, so she can’t grind up grass enough to swallow it. Thus, she needs her high-calorie food twice a day! Granny is … Continue reading “I Have a New Shadow”
Goldie the Great Dane Goes Mudding
You don’t have to go out of town to have adventures, as the Hermits’ Rest’s biggest canine, Goldie, discovered today. We made it home from Bandera and getting new job paperwork done in plenty of time for daily chores and a bit of fun. The deer stand on the property had gotten blown over by … Continue reading “Goldie the Great Dane Goes Mudding”
Escaped to Another Ranch
To celebrate my job change and help me wind down, the family surprised me with a getaway to Bandera. It’s a different place than we went last year, though nearby. We are the first guests in the guesthouse at Farmer’s Daughter, so everything is fresh and new. Even the trees are new. But it’s also … Continue reading “Escaped to Another Ranch”
Mysterious Structures
Hmm. Our front “yard” suddenly has interesting sculptures or something. And it’s not rebar, it’s metal pipe. They just erupted this evening. They weren’t there earlier today! They certainly look sturdy. Luckily I figured out where they were coming from, because I found a welding table over by the garage. There’s actually a good reason … Continue reading “Mysterious Structures”
Chicken Newsflash
I haven’t written much about the chickens in a while. They have been blessedly normal and fine for quite some time! The only thing that has been bugging me is how long it has taken for the new bunch of hens to start laying. All I can figure is the few weeks of really hot … Continue reading “Chicken Newsflash”
Is It a Rebar Sculpture?
That’s what I asked myself when I went out to check on the Pool of Dreams after work. It’s looking very sculptural. They’ve been working on the rebar framework for the pool for a couple of days now. The idea is they make a ten-inch grid on all the surfaces. That’s for the gunnite to … Continue reading “Is It a Rebar Sculpture?”
Go Away Anxiety. I Need a Nap.
When you’ve been graced with a genetic predisposition to anxiety, you can meditate, breathe, do talk therapy, and take helpful medicine all you want, but still have days when you can’t deal with the symptoms. I woke up that way today. I was dealing with my personal “stuff” fine yesterday, but since I woke up … Continue reading “Go Away Anxiety. I Need a Nap.”
Apache Rocks, and So Do Rocks
I’ve needed a self esteem boost for a few days, but this morning Apache made me feel really dim, and I didn’t need any more of that! I went to get him this morning for a lesson, then noticed Drew was still in his pen. I went to release Drew, and saw Apache head out … Continue reading “Apache Rocks, and So Do Rocks”
A Little Trail Ride
This was a nice ending to a long day! Apache has been doing so well this week with his schooling and such that I said, “Yes,” when Kathleen asked if I wanted to go for a ride with her and Dusty. Apache hadn’t been out on a trail ride across the ranch in a long … Continue reading “A Little Trail Ride”
Careful Where You Stick Your Head, Goldie!
Kathleen’s precious Great Dane, Goldie, turned up with a marble-sized lump on the side of her head a couple of days ago. We wondered what it could be, but noted that it was near where she had some marks from a tussle with Harvey. It kept growing, and by yesterday evening, it was WAY bigger … Continue reading “Careful Where You Stick Your Head, Goldie!”
No One’s a Fan of the Crop Duster
This morning, loud noises started. Now, we are used to the sounds of airplanes flying fairly low, because a neighbor has his own runway, and he has just gotten a new plane, so it’s been going around and around, taking off and landing, over and over for the past couple of weeks. However, today it … Continue reading “No One’s a Fan of the Crop Duster”
Watermelon Fun Overload
Today we had some old watermelon to dispose of. Usually I give melon to the chickens, who immediately go into a pecking frenzy. Today it was suggested that I see if Fiona wanted some. She sniffed it carefully. When I broke off a piece and offered it to her, she delicately took it between her … Continue reading “Watermelon Fun Overload”
Shameless Insects and Encouraging Horse Time
I took yesterday off. After some errands, I just sat and read all day. I’ll tell you what makes it hard to concentrate, though, and that’s the thought of MORE grasshoppers in my future. I was trying to read and talk to my family when I realized my chair had become the grasshoppers’ special place. … Continue reading “Shameless Insects and Encouraging Horse Time”
What Counts as a Journal?
I know, I know, whatever you think is a journal will count as a journal. But Lee and I were talking about our journals. One of us said, “I’m down to just one journal.” Then they (I) realized that nope, there was something else the probably counted as a journal, and hmm, maybe something other … Continue reading “What Counts as a Journal?”
An Equine Visitation
Yesterday marked another milestone in working with all the new horses around the Hermits’ Rest and Wild Type ranches. Sara and Aragorn paid a visit to us. After the challenge I had riding Apache over there a couple weeks ago, I was really hoping this visit went more smoothly. The lesson I learned was the … Continue reading “An Equine Visitation”
Minor Miracles
One of the things I’m most grateful for is that little miracles keep popping up in life, and they keep me moving forward with a good attitude. Yesterday was filled with these wondrous occurrences. The first one was so many people reading the blog the last couple of days. I guess tagging a post “death” … Continue reading “Minor Miracles”
Some Help for Drew the Colt
As you may recall, I’ve been concerned that Drew, age 3 or so, seems really unbalanced and has trouble standing on three legs. I reported that in my Drew’s Clues post last week. Some of it may well be just growing pains. He’s definitely in growth mode right now. But, when Trixie last looked at … Continue reading “Some Help for Drew the Colt”
I Said I Wanted Fun, Once in a Blue Moon
In today’s family meeting I said I wanted to do fun stuff. I’ll be careful what I wish for. The fun started yesterday when I went out and found Drew chomping away on the nice grass by the round pen. It turns out I may have left a gate open. The second time I found … Continue reading “I Said I Wanted Fun, Once in a Blue Moon”
Drew’s Clues
I’ve talked before about my concerns about my 3-year-old colt, Drew, and his issues with balance. He can’t get his back feet cleaned, because he can’t stay upright on three feet long enough. And he’s fine with the front feet. And he stumbles on his back feet when he’s running. Something seems wrong. Today ended … Continue reading “Drew’s Clues”
Random Goodness
Hey, isn’t it tine for a good day? I think it is. The main highlight is this here somewhat blurry dog. As we noted a couple days ago, Penney refused to go down the stairs. We never have figured out what caused her whining and groveling behavior. Lee was having to get her started, and … Continue reading “Random Goodness”
A Date with Nature and Livestock
Nature’s creatures have nothing to do with human organizations, judgmental humans, or unnecessary drama. Their drama is, at least, necessary. So I dumped social media and went outside on this nice day. Half the day I added to my collection of observations for our Master Naturalist group’s summer bioblitz. I missed the spring one by … Continue reading “A Date with Nature and Livestock”
Things I Never Thought I Would Say: Poop Edition
Since moving here, I have found myself uttering phrases that the old Suna never would have come out with. Things like: Hey, I only sweated through two bras today! With all these animals, of course the topic turns to what comes out of them. More than once I’ve had an in-depth discussion of what makes … Continue reading “Things I Never Thought I Would Say: Poop Edition”
Why I Don’t Wear Shorts
What, a person in Texas who doesn’t wear shorts? Yep, that’s me. I do own some, but I rarely wear them. I’d started wearing them around the house, but after this morning, that’s a big “no” from now on. Today, as I was getting dressed, I said to myself that no one was going to … Continue reading “Why I Don’t Wear Shorts”
Dogs. Yes. Dogs.
Having some anxiety stuff going on. It happens to the best of us. Here is how I feel. Please enjoy these more normal dog photos.
The Other Horse Gets a Turn
I’ve been concentrating a lot on Apache lately, but that doesn’t mean I have forgotten Drew! He won’t let me forget him, anyway, since every time he sees me, he comes up to see what’s going on. That’s really a good sign! He’s doing a good job learning not to crowd me, yet be close … Continue reading “The Other Horse Gets a Turn”
In the Gloom: Life, Death, and Joyful Canines
Wow, it’s rainy and cloudy again today, but sometimes gloomy weather makes even a simple walk with the dogs an adventure sort of creepy. It doesn’t help that I just looked out the window and there are dozens of creepy cowbirds covering the grass. I hope they appreciate the local cardinals for hatching their babies… … Continue reading “In the Gloom: Life, Death, and Joyful Canines”
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”
Loading…
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
