This page is where you can find all my cute dog, horse, donkey, and chicken stories. Aww.
I Discovered Something!
It’s been a great day, for many reasons, and a great weekend. We took Apache out again today, and he was his old self again! He and Spice were very brave when they came upon some people building a new gate between our two pastures. But they had fun. Fiona kept plopping down and rolling … Continue reading “I Discovered Something!”
Enter Here for Surprises and Adventures
Hmm, the adventures thing may be exaggerated a bit, but I did get a new gate to go from our part of the property to the rest of the ranch. In addition, Chris smoothed all the dirt that had been disturbed when running the water line, and did a bit of grading, too. The chicken … Continue reading “Enter Here for Surprises and Adventures”
Fancy Watering Hole
Today is one of those meeting-filled and task-filled days that left me with no blogging time but lunch. So, I just have a few minutes to fill you in on a major improvement for out Hermits’ Rest livestock. I already shared that the chickens’ water now is officially hooked up, and both pens can use … Continue reading “Fancy Watering Hole”
Now It’s Chicken Heaven
Today Chris and his dad did a lot of work on a new water line for the chicken coop and new barn area. That required digging a trench. Chickens like freshly dug dirt, a lot. Not only is it fun to explore, it has new and exciting bugs in it. Every time I checked on … Continue reading “Now It’s Chicken Heaven”
Great Day to Be a Calf – Not So Great to Be a Pullet
Yep, I got back to the ranch yesterday, just in time for some fun and news. Upon my arrival, I saw this: There is a new fence in the front pasture, formerly known as a field. Apparently Chris came back to town and spent all Thursday night erecting this. The flags are very helpful, since … Continue reading “Great Day to Be a Calf – Not So Great to Be a Pullet”
The Black Dachshund Mix Goes to Austin
I’m sure Vlassic was looking forward to some fun today, but the weather didn’t cooperate. It was another big rain day. For me, it was fun looking out the window while I worked upstairs. For Pickle, the day meant a great deal of panting and shaking. I refrained from photographing her in her distress. Vlassic … Continue reading “The Black Dachshund Mix Goes to Austin”
Poor Underprivileged Dogs Get Toys
I wrote this last night but fell asleep before I could publish it. I already post too much, so this is good. I admit it. We don’t give the ranch dogs very many official dog toys. That’s because up until now, an expensive toy for hard-chewing dogs usually lasts about ten minutes (we DO have … Continue reading “Poor Underprivileged Dogs Get Toys”
Human-Animal Connection
I’m baffled sometimes about how humans managed to connect so deeply with some other animals. Fiona wanted to see my sister so badly this evening that she barged into the hay area just to be near her. Why? She’s full of love and wanted to share? I don’t know. But I do know equines sense … Continue reading “Human-Animal Connection”
Something Fishy
I got an interesting surprise as I was heading to the office to write a bunch of blog posts. I saw a large group of black vultures (my favorites, because they seem more…attractive than turkey vultures) pecking away at something over by where the pond runoff comes out of the culvert under our driveway (which … Continue reading “Something Fishy”
Mad as a Wet Hen?
I was a bit worried about how the chickens were going to do in all this rain, as I mentioned earlier, so I made a shelter inside the pullet house for the two who like to hide and covered the cage in there. I really was wondering if they’d drown or something, especially with the … Continue reading “Mad as a Wet Hen?”
Sure, There’s Fun in There, Somewhere
The last few days have not been in the realm of “fun” for me, for the most part. Just because I CAN do things doesn’t mean they aren’t stressful and tiring. I knew I had to change my team and work in a different way than before, so I did, but between actually doing it, … Continue reading “Sure, There’s Fun in There, Somewhere”
An Evening with a Black Dachshund Mix
Hi, readers of Mama Suna’s blog! I’m Vlassic, and I’ve been hanging around the Hermits’ Rest Ranch for the past two years. I like it here a lot. Wanna know why? I have so many friends! At night I sleep in Jim’s RV. He is so nice to me, and feeds me (I don’t go … Continue reading “An Evening with a Black Dachshund Mix”
I Competently Ranched
Actually, my neighbor, Sara, competently ranched and I assisted, but it felt darn good to achieve a series of competent duties. As you may recall from yesterday, Apache reached over the fence and chomped into the tenants’ round bales, nearly ingesting some of the netting. We wanted to nip that habit in the bud. So, … Continue reading “I Competently Ranched”
Horse Bites and Sitting Donkeys at Sunset
I’m still laughing inside after a fun evening romp with our trusty steeds, even though there was some drama in the middle. And, um, my hand hurts. We met at 7:30 to do our evening horse chores together, which we always enjoy. Everything went fine, and we paused afterwards to watch Spice and Lakota walking … Continue reading “Horse Bites and Sitting Donkeys at Sunset”
Self Care and Pottery
I had nothing on my agenda today, so rather than lounge around the house, I decided to do whatever I wanted to. I went over and visited the calves, and got to feed Rip while the new guys were worked on. Then I just sat and watched the chickens. Why not? It’s fun. I got … Continue reading “Self Care and Pottery”
Equine Spa Day?
Trixie the farrier came last evening to check on Apache and Spice’s feet. She’s coming more often while the issues get better. When she was working on Apache, she said she’d never seen laminitis growing out like he is, but it seems to be working. Then she tried to scrape his hoof and it was … Continue reading “Equine Spa Day?”
What’s Cuter Than a Tiny New Calf?
Two Tiny New Calves! Yep, Chris didn’t get to go look at farm equipment yesterday, so he did the next best thing and headed over to the Sale Barn. There were more inexpensive young cows to be had! He saw lots of good ones, but stayed within his budget and returned with two new friends … Continue reading “What’s Cuter Than a Tiny New Calf?”
Alfred the Brave, and a Scary Vet Visit
Once again, I was in meetings all day, 8:30-7:30. It won’t be that way too much longer, but I have a tired brain. Meetings meant I couldn’t be there for the annual shot day for the dog pack, where Dr. Amy drives her mobile office up to the ranch and get it all done with … Continue reading “Alfred the Brave, and a Scary Vet Visit”
New Chicken Knowledge
I have both new knowledge about chickens as well as knowledge about my new chickens, so the ambiguity in the post title is appropriate (otherwise, if my friend Bill read my blog, he would pick on me about it). Where am I? Yes! I’ve learned a few things about chickens in the past couple of … Continue reading “New Chicken Knowledge”
World’s Hottest Socially Distant Photo Shoot
What? I had visitors? I was careful! My work friend, Heather, and her daughter, Emily, wanted to come see our ranch animals, especially Rip in his baby adorableness. We figured if we were mostly outdoors and wore masks, we could safely manage it. So they drove up, and even brought me my mail from work … Continue reading “World’s Hottest Socially Distant Photo Shoot”
Rare Friend Sighting! Plus, More Hens
This will be a fun weekend! It’s already been great, because I got to go meet my friend Janet at Bird and Bee Farm, because she needed new hens. Her “ladies” are all retired. I’ve known Janet since soon after I moved to Austin, and we have had many adventures together. Many adventures. She now … Continue reading “Rare Friend Sighting! Plus, More Hens”
Why I Adore a Little Black Dog
Yesterday after work, I snatched Vlassic out of the RV where he was hanging out with Lee’s brother, and invited him into the car. There, he settled down for a nice petting session while we drove to Austin. Yay, we got to go see our other house! When we got there, he greeted his friend … Continue reading “Why I Adore a Little Black Dog”
Chicken Surprise (not a recipe)
I think my high school cafeteria used to serve “tuna surprise,” and I want to assure you that I’m not eating my chickens. But I did get a nice surprise this morning! I went out to let the chickens and guinea fowl out this morning before work, and was chatting with Fancy Pants, Bertie, and … Continue reading “Chicken Surprise (not a recipe)”
Nothing but Goofy Chickens
Here are some fun pictures I got from the game cam. Too bad I didn’t realize I needed new batteries, so some have weird colors. Have fun with these! I hope you like pink!
Happy Farming
Everyone is finally settling in at the ranch. All the chickens seem to get along fine now that they’re free ranging. And a sign of this happiness was we had a three-egg day today, the first since Lacy Legs passed a few months ago. I’m grateful to whichever new pullet is finally laying! They are … Continue reading “Happy Farming”
Hey, Hay!
I think the long saga of me needing hay for Apache is over for a while, at least. It’s nice to have kind Master Naturalist friends to come to my rescue. I thought I was getting square bales from Pamela, who lives nearby, but it turned out her baling guy would make no fewer than … Continue reading “Hey, Hay!”
More Little Bits of Goodness
Today has not sucked. Chris is back at work on the Pope house, so I got a glimpse of the stair rail progress. Ooh. And I got an awesome mask from my friend Angela in Austin, who knows I love The Who. She made me one like her husband’s. I looked better in the picture … Continue reading “More Little Bits of Goodness”
This DID Go as Planned (Yay Apache)
One thing went really well, yesterday, and that was all my interactions with the equine family members. When I went out to let Apache and Fiona out to graze, Fiona followed me out the gate and acted like she wanted to hang out. So, I had some bonding time with her. I got her all … Continue reading “This DID Go as Planned (Yay Apache)”
That Didn’t Work as Planned
Two things didn’t work out quite as planned. Freeing the Chickens First, we decided it was time to let the chickens out to eat some bugs. You know, the whole free range thing. Of course the first thing happened was Clarence the super stud went after Bertie with a vengeance. What’s cool is that Bruce … Continue reading “That Didn’t Work as Planned”
Game Cams Are Fun, as Are Calves
I may have mentioned that we got a game cam to check on what was attacking the birds. We finally got it going and ran it for a few days. I have to say I’m impressed with the quality of the pictures you get. I didn’t save many, but I’ll get more tomorrow. The fun … Continue reading “Game Cams Are Fun, as Are Calves”
Hen Looks Like a Rooster, doo doo, doo doo
That’s supposed to be to the tune of “dude looks like a lady,” which is playing in my head. You need a hen and rooster update. Of course. How are my feathered pets (I say that, because they certainly don’t earn their keep.) I still have just one chicken laying eggs. Good ole Bertie Lee. … Continue reading “Hen Looks Like a Rooster, doo doo, doo doo”
Horse Social Distancing Party
I have a big post in the works, but various work things precluded typing much. So, here’s a little Apache and Fiona update. The best news is that I’m going to get some square bales of hay for our horses, thanks to my friend Pamela, who lives on the next ridge closer to town from … Continue reading “Horse Social Distancing Party”
Bumming with Bovines
I am just going to share what makes life worth living these days, and that’s my charming ranch companions. It’s really fun to go for walks with the cows (and horses). You’re reminded that humans are just part of this world, and that every other living being is also out there having adventures. I didn’t … Continue reading “Bumming with Bovines”
How ARE the Dogs? Lively.
Every so often someone asks for an update on the canines. Unlike the chickens and horses, all the dogs are currently FINE. sure, they have their challenges, but they aren’t bad. Let’s start with the smallest. Vlassic He is doing well and seems happy here. His favorite part of the day is going for rides … Continue reading “How ARE the Dogs? Lively.”
Farewell, Sweet Hen
Well, like I figured, we lost Ginger today. She was the most beautiful of our chickens and the friendliest. I loved to feed her. And she was an amazing egg generator. Once she started, she laid 6 eggs a week. They were huge and dark brown. That huge amount of egg laying was probably her … Continue reading “Farewell, Sweet Hen”
Tired of Rescuing Chickens
This started last night. When I came home, my normally energetic hen, Ginger, was not herself. She was listless and full. She even let me pick her up and hold her. I was immediately worried she had a reproductive problem, since the high egg-production breeds get them. when I set her down, Clarence, the large … Continue reading “Tired of Rescuing Chickens”
Balancing Your Dreams with Their Dreams
Yow, there are a lot of ways today’s post can go, because I’ve been busy trying to come up with ways to be safe, treat others well, meet my own needs, and meet the needs of others. That’s a lot, combined with concerns about work and world events. But, most of us are in the … Continue reading “Balancing Your Dreams with Their Dreams”
Suna the Hero or the Village Idiot. You Decide.
It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. Lots going on in our little ranch village. [WARNING PHOTO OF DEAD ANIMAL TO FOLLOW] First, when I came home yesterday afternoon after writing my magnum opus about my mother, there were vultures sitting on our “barn” container. I asked Lee’s brother, but … Continue reading “Suna the Hero or the Village Idiot. You Decide.”
Sunset Photo Shoot
Here’s another post high on imagery and low on content. Because I’ve been out as late as possible lately working with the horses, and because the dusty air has made for such pretty sunsets, I decided to do a fun exercise and take pictures of the barn residents and caretakers last night. Have fun with … Continue reading “Sunset Photo Shoot”
Chickens Are a Lot Like Cats
Allow me to share some bird portraits, along with some brief observations. Chickens really remind me of cats. How? Well, they like to chase things and pounce on them. For chickens, it’s bugs. They also like to rest all curled up with their feet under them (I can’t get a photo of this, because they … Continue reading “Chickens Are a Lot Like Cats”
Fingers Crossed for Mr. Horse
I’ve been being really careful with Apache since that day he couldn’t walk earlier this week. He’s rested and had some more pain meds. This morning when I gave them their hay, I noticed him walking over to pester the chicken. Yes! Tonight Chris and I went to feed the horses, and cows were getting … Continue reading “Fingers Crossed for Mr. Horse”
I Love My Horse, Okay?
On the local radio station’s morning show, good ole Joe always tells us what “days” are being celebrated. And today, Joe informed us that one of the many things celebrated on July 15 is National I Love Horses Day. The radio hosts (Joe and Rose of the Rose and Joe Breakfast Club) also like horses, … Continue reading “I Love My Horse, Okay?”
Guinea Freedom
Sigh, we only have two guineas left, but they are big enough to do okay in the main pen. So, today my sister was here for dinner and got to see them enjoy their first taste of freedom. It’s fun to share bird stuff with her. At first they ignored the open door. They’d just … Continue reading “Guinea Freedom”
Birds Sure Are Resourceful
As hard as it is to find equilibrium these days, I’ve always found my bird watching greatly helpful. Birds just keep going, breeding, eating, being silly. Here are today’s examples. Finch Family Time Over at the Hermit Haus/former church office, I’ve been watching all the birds raising families. The mockingbirds have moved on, but the … Continue reading “Birds Sure Are Resourceful”
More Chicken Housing PLUS
So, how did that chicken coop project we started yesterday come out? Well, while I was crackling the doors, Chris finished the roof and ventilation area. Of course, it needed steps up to the roosting and nesting area. I got busy using up the extra white paint to cover most of the wood surfaces. I … Continue reading “More Chicken Housing PLUS”
Mostly Good Animal News
I hope all of you who celebrate Independence Day in The US have a safe and fun holiday. And now for the news update. Guinea Drama Part 2 I went out to feed the birds yesterday, and lo and behold, there were only five guinea keats. I fed them and was confused. So when Chris … Continue reading “Mostly Good Animal News”
Animal Farm Report
No, this is not a report about a book I read in high school that’s eerily reminiscent of today. I’m just updating on the ranch animals. How’s Apache? We continue to monitor the heck out of him. He’s walking fairly normally, so we will slowly start exercising him. Yesterday Sara and I walked him around … Continue reading “Animal Farm Report”
Cute Animals for Scary Times
Really, I do understand why people are being cautious these days. The rate of coronavirus infections in Milam County has skyrocketed. I have been limiting where I go, and even wearing my mask to cross the street. I ordered a lot of new masks today, too, since I’m wearing them more and getting them dirty. … Continue reading “Cute Animals for Scary Times”
Pampered Chickens? Nah. (Book Report)
I was a little worried that we are pampering the chickens and guineas. For example, I wandered out into the woods today to make more perches and shade for the chickens. And Chris made a new shelf and perch for the guineas. They have really grown since we got them! I feel much better now, … Continue reading “Pampered Chickens? Nah. (Book Report)”
Horse Improvement May Be Expensive
The good news, for sure, is that Apache is walking a lot better. The bad news is that between the vet yesterday and the farrier today, plus new medicine, he is one expensive pet. But, I knew going in that horses are not for the penniless. Yesterday, while I was at the closing on the … Continue reading “Horse Improvement May Be Expensive”
Sure, We Need Another Rooster
Our friends the Lands had a crowded chicken pen and one too many roosters. So, this evening I headed over to their amazing Victorian house, which they are renovating one room at a time. I was sort of unprepared, because I thought our chicken transportation box was in the garage, but it had been taken … Continue reading “Sure, We Need Another Rooster”
Horse Tragedy, Dog Comedy, and Fairy Eggs?
Sometimes life sends you from one extreme to another so quickly that it takes your mind a while to catch up. Today was one of those days. I was walking to the horses so I could feed them, accompanied by Vlassic, who was jumping around eating grasshoppers, chased a cow, and had a grand time. … Continue reading “Horse Tragedy, Dog Comedy, and Fairy Eggs?”
We Got Horse Trouble
Ranch life. It’s always something. We get the chicken situation under control, and the horse situation goes bad, or worse. Here’s how the week with Apache went. He was out in the pasture with the other horses Sunday and Monday. Tuesday I thought I’d try riding him. It was to be a big day! Nope. … Continue reading “We Got Horse Trouble”
More Flock Plus a Cock
It’s a rooster, of course. Since we are down 3 hens (we lost our injured Jewel last week) I wanted more. Bird and Bee Farm keeps running out of chickens, so I despaired of getting more any time soon. But yesterday we got a call from Cindy Rek, who said our turn had come, because … Continue reading “More Flock Plus a Cock”
Can You Lead a Chicken to Water?
It’s more like this: you have to convince them the water is there. The hens have had their new water trough a few days now, but no one had seen them use it. I’d let their old water dispenser in the coop, so they could transition, but they kept going up and banging on it. … Continue reading “Can You Lead a Chicken to Water?”
Apache Love
Why am I writing about my horse relationship issues? Surely very few people who read my little blog are well-meaning but somewhat clueless horse owners like me. Well, the growth you achieve when working with horses (or other animals) spills over to all other parts of your life. I’ve become much more confident at trying … Continue reading “Apache Love”
Cowgirl Suna Rides…Er…Walks Again!
Even though it was really, really hot yesterday, I continued on my quest to work with Apache on his issues with going where he is asked to go. I really figure that just the time spent with him would do me good, and I was happy to see Craig Moore, a young horse trainer in … Continue reading “Cowgirl Suna Rides…Er…Walks Again!”
Horse Detective Work
One thing that happens when your circle contains a lot of former horse trainers is you get a lot of advice when you’re having horse troubles. I am fortunate to have not only Sara’s wise counsel, but also nephew Chris and my friend Mandi to help me think about what could be going on with … Continue reading “Horse Detective Work”
Brave Suna, Part 2: What Does It Look Like?
This is a two-part part 2. Looks like it will be two posts. The Horse Part Like a good optimist should, I got on that horse again today. I was a little concerned about my attitude, not because of Apache, but because I’d been reading Facebook and becoming more and more sad/angry/disgusted/insert other negative emotion … Continue reading “Brave Suna, Part 2: What Does It Look Like?”
Suna the Brave
Yes, I didn’t write anything yesterday. For one, I had way too many meetings and errands to do. But really, I joined many people I know in being so overwhelmed, appalled, and upset about how black men and people of color in general are being treated in this country that I couldn’t find anything non-incendiary … Continue reading “Suna the Brave”
A Bit of Storm Damage
While I was cleaning the fireplace, a strong storm came through and it rained .7 inches in 15 minutes. And the wind got up to 40 miles per hour. I looked up when I felt some water. Shoot. It was dripping on me. We have to go way up by the chimney and check what’s … Continue reading “A Bit of Storm Damage”
The Cochin Chickens Are Trouble
You may recall that I recently bought some hens, two of which were beautiful, fluffy Cochins. Fancy Pants, the gray one, was the biggest and prettiest, but she was never very active. Lately we’d been worried about her, because she never started laying, and her vent area got dirty. Sadly, she passed away on Wednesday, … Continue reading “The Cochin Chickens Are Trouble”
Keep Track of Your Small Doggies
This could have been a MUCH worse post, but it’s scary to me, nonetheless. Last night we were sitting on the porch with the dogs, when Lee’s brother walked up and asked if we’d seen Vlassic. We hadn’t in an hour or so. We looked and looked and couldn’t find him. I got worried he … Continue reading “Keep Track of Your Small Doggies”
Just in Time (Aprés le déluge)
It’s a-floodin’ outside, so I’ll blog some. Yesterday, Chris and I left our respective work a little early (even though my coworkers really wanted me to keep going and I stayed on calls until long after I got back to the ranch), because Mary was bringing a portable horse pen and some jumps that Sara … Continue reading “Just in Time (Aprés le déluge)”
About the Practically Perfect Palomino Pony
Here’s another fine thing that happened this weekend; we added a beautiful new friend to our little herd of equines, Lakota the Perfectly Perfect Palomino Pony. That is NOT his real name (I don’t know what it is, actually), and he is also not a pony, though he is of the smaller quarter horse type. … Continue reading “About the Practically Perfect Palomino Pony”
Am I Falling Apart?
Hmm, haven’t whined about things that aren’t really earth-shattering lately. I’ll fix that. And I’ll share random photos, because I don’t have a theme. Generally, I’m a pretty healthy person. I have the occasional ache or pain, thanks to having been alive for so many trips around the sun, but really, I’m pretty good. Even … Continue reading “Am I Falling Apart?”
Carlton the Dogman-niversay
My memories on Facebook told me that it was two years ago today that I brought a little white dog home to be my buddy and go back and forth to Austin with me. Carlton the Dogman is no longer little, and he stays at the ranch. Still, he’s my dear buddy. I love the … Continue reading “Carlton the Dogman-niversay”
Mad! Glad! Resourceful!
Why not cram three completely different stories in one blog post? Sure, I’m a wordy person, after all. Plus, I have stuff to do and it’s a beautiful day, so here goes. Mad! So, we need to wear scrubs at the Hearts Homes and Hands office much of the time, and the first ones I … Continue reading “Mad! Glad! Resourceful!”
Gracie Lou Who?
Ya know, it’s been a long time since we got Penney. We need another dog. Look, it’s Gracie Lou! Stop laughing. It’s actually Kathleen’s dog that they brought back from Yorktown. She’s getting up there in age, bit still perky and cute. She’s a dachshund mixed with maybe a Maltese. We are so glad she’s … Continue reading “Gracie Lou Who?”
Rejoice! We Survived the Night. Today Is Glorious.
Yeah, it was a long night here. We are rejoicing to be here and making Easter dinner. And rejoice is, predictably, the final UU Lent word. It started around 9 pm, when Chris and Kathleen were sitting on the front porch with the dogs. Carlton and Penney suddenly took off. There were barks, then a … Continue reading “Rejoice! We Survived the Night. Today Is Glorious.”
There’s Always Something to Be Grateful For
Yes, today’s word is gratitude. You knew that one was coming, right. Those of us working on our attitudes are told by all our self-help books, tapes to keep gratitude journals, because it actually makes us feel better at a brain chemistry level. I know my spouse does it every day and it’s been really … Continue reading “There’s Always Something to Be Grateful For”
Bloom Where You’re Planted
Those of you who haven’t been quarantined your whole lives have probably heard this saying before. It’s the first thing that popped into my head when I saw that today’s UU Lent word is bloom. It being spring in glorious central Texas, you see blossoms everywhere. They look especially vibrant this year, since it’s been … Continue reading “Bloom Where You’re Planted”
Reaching Out/Reaching Up
I was surprised to see reach as the UU Lent word of the day, but then I realized it’s really appropriate for me, and probably for many of us right now. Reaching Out For me “reach out” is most important. It’s no longer optional to reach out to friends and family, but mandatory. With so … Continue reading “Reaching Out/Reaching Up”
Who Supports Whom?
I was thinking about support even before I saw that it was the UU Lent word for today. Right now pretty much everyone needs support, right? Times are so confusing for everybody. Still, many of us are called on to support others. And sometimes the people we support need us to support them, too. My … Continue reading “Who Supports Whom?”
Donkey Legs and Other Problems with Dampness
Poor Miss Fiona! When I trudged over (okay, I drove) to feed the steeds after finishing my newsletter draft, I noticed one of them did not slog up to greet me, and it was her. The horses were clean on top and muddy on the bottom after yesterday’s big rain, but were happy to see … Continue reading “Donkey Legs and Other Problems with Dampness”
I Don’t Want to Write about Justice
Nope. Don’t want to write about the next extra-PC concept the UU Lent folks brought forth, justice. My Instagram says it all. I got a rock. I’ve never seen a lot of justice out in the world. Luckily I do see small amounts of mercy, which I find more important, anyway. Creepy people do well. … Continue reading “I Don’t Want to Write about Justice”
We Have the Freedom to…umm
Perhaps today is not the best day to talk about freedom, but that’s what the UU Lent calendar said to talk about. Freedom’s always been a hard topic for me, even without being confined to quarters/office and following so many rules and regulations (our home health agency gets new guidelines from the State every day, … Continue reading “We Have the Freedom to…umm”
Playing! Fun! Okay!
Today’s word for UU Lent is play. Great choice, since Lee and I are taking a birthday present road trip to visit a new place and see some relatives. It’s my gift to him. We hope to get Lee relaxed and me out looking at water. Fun. I’ve always tried to incorporate play into my … Continue reading “Playing! Fun! Okay!”
Self Care: Dog, Yarn, and Cow Edition
Hear ye, hear ye! I’m taking today off. I am not doing regular work, volunteer work, or family stuff. I’m having a self care day! Much of my day will be spent looking at these guys. Or this guy. Vlassic is out visiting Jim again so no picture, but I got all emotional about losing … Continue reading “Self Care: Dog, Yarn, and Cow Edition”
Chickens Like Toys
The new chickens have ended up being a very popular addition to the Hermits’ Rest collection of animals. Even Lee has been seen sneaking out to give them some treats. Lee’s brother, Jim, who is staying in an RV in our garage area, mowed the grass this weekend, and made sure when he went by … Continue reading “Chickens Like Toys”
A Visit Cut Short
I was about to start writing this, when I got more and more annoyed at a phoebe flying around me. It got SO loud. I looked up, and she was sitting right on the porch with me. Missed that photo op! Speaking of photos, you might enjoy a visit to the Master Naturalist blog, where … Continue reading “A Visit Cut Short”
The Gimpy One Gets Busy: Renovation, Nature Dogs…
For a person who’s still having trouble making certain moves (especially bouncy ones) I’ve been doing a lot! I got some nice photos, so I figure I’ll share, even though this is not among my most riveting topics. It’s been chilly, but I sure was happy to see the ponds fuller at the ranch. The … Continue reading “The Gimpy One Gets Busy: Renovation, Nature Dogs…”
Oh, Those Animals…You Gotta Enjoy Them
I just wanted to share two little things that didn’t fit in with my previous blog. Hens One is those silly chickens. I realized today that their ramp up to the egg laying and roosting area was upside down, and they’d never figured out how to get up there for shelter, roosting, and such. So, … Continue reading “Oh, Those Animals…You Gotta Enjoy Them”
Loitering Livestock
Yesterday I ended up spending a lot of time around the resident cattle, even when intending to hang out with the horses and Fiona. It was all fun, though, and a great reminder of some of the things that are common on a ranch that aren’t common for city folks. For instance, I was walking … Continue reading “Loitering Livestock”
Ginger Hen Genetics
I couldn’t remember the breed of chicken our new brown one, Ginger, was. I knew if I just saw it, I’d remember, but it wasn’t listed on the Bird and Bee Farm website. Chicken-loving friends to the rescue! Cheryl pointed out on Facebook that she is an ISA Red. I got her so that I’d … Continue reading “Ginger Hen Genetics”
Yearly Chicken Adventure, 2020
You may remember that last year, after I’d lost a lot of chickens to an owl, I went and got seven new ones at Bird and Bee Farm. I was surprised to realize that was almost a year ago. Things continued to get my poor birds, and now I have only three left, Buffy and … Continue reading “Yearly Chicken Adventure, 2020”
It’s Just Not Vlassic’s Week
I feel sad for my little black buddy Vlassic right now. It was bad enough that he ate foam rubber and it came back out on both ends. But no, it has not ended there. Yesterday, Lee left for the office around noon, as usual. He shut the door to the upstairs like he usually does, so that … Continue reading “It’s Just Not Vlassic’s Week”
The Yuck Side of Dog Ownership (and more)
The dog part is coming, honest. How Am I Eating? I’m trying really hard not to get immersed in the news, so I’m filling my mind with more important things, like, um, good nutrition! Yes! I try to cook a meal for Anita at least once a week, since she’s not a “cooker.” Last night … Continue reading “The Yuck Side of Dog Ownership (and more)”
Doggie Doo, Oh Poo
Oh, look. Here’s my dog, Vlassic, sound asleep in his doggy bed. Isn’t that sweet? Look at how he is not wriggling, squirming, or digging his nails into anything. What a great dog. As an added bonus, there isn’t dried up cow dung all over his collar, either. Mmm, that was fun to clean off. … Continue reading “Doggie Doo, Oh Poo”
Can’t Be Too Busy to Exercise
There’s so much going on here at the ranch on weekends, that on days like today and yesterday, I realize that, whoops, I’m not getting my exercise numbers. And I really, really want to hit those movement goals and get at least 20 minutes (preferably 30) of aerobic exercise a day. I just want to … Continue reading “Can’t Be Too Busy to Exercise”
Who Wants Dog News?
Of course, YOU want dog news (especially if you are Don L., the dogs’ biggest fan). I’m here to share that the battle between Vlassic and Penney is finally settling down. We haven’t had even the slightest grr sound from either of them in a few weeks now. They run and play outside like the … Continue reading “Who Wants Dog News?”
Coop Coop! Run! 2019 Projects Done!
Hooray hooray. Today we finally were able to get the work done on the chicken coop to get it ready to hold actual chickens. Yesterday, while enduring the longest lines ever at multiple stores, Chris was able to get all the materials we needed to finish the coop, plus a feeder and waterer. This morning … Continue reading “Coop Coop! Run! 2019 Projects Done!”
Another Skill I Must Work On
Yep. I’ve found another gap in the skill set needed on my path to serenity. I have got to learn to go with the flow Today I was supposed to stay at the ranch so we could work on the chicken coop. It’s nearly sunset. I got in a whole day of Planview work. I … Continue reading “Another Skill I Must Work On”
Holiday for Harvey
Whew. I was not a hermit today, as I spent a fun bit exhausting day surrounded by people. But I did fine, laughed a lot, and made it through dinner for nine people at the ranch table this evening. The highlight of the day came toward the end of the delayed present opening. For some … Continue reading “Holiday for Harvey”
Solstice Tidings (Why I Have Wet Feet)
The Winter Solstice here in North America is a favorite day for me. I know the days are getting longer, which is good. But I also like to stop and savor the pale sunlight and see what winter is bringing to the ranch. So, since my horseback ride was canceled, I took the dogs out … Continue reading “Solstice Tidings (Why I Have Wet Feet)”
Alfred Takes a Long Strange Nap
Today was a very different day for Alfred, our immense Anatolian Shepherd dog. We had thought maybe we’d get by this year without having to anesthetize him to groom him. He’d done a lot better than last year, thanks to Carlton gnawing off many of his burs. But then we noticed one of his huge … Continue reading “Alfred Takes a Long Strange Nap”
Ha Ha! Today Didn’t Suck!
What do you know! A group of people determined to have fun despite setbacks CAN do it. My little department at work is like that little engine that could in the kids’ story. We just keep on doing good stuff and having a mostly positive attitude. We had three people with sickness or sick children, … Continue reading “Ha Ha! Today Didn’t Suck!”
Jumpy Horses Are Worth the Challenge
Today Sara and I had time to go play with the horses today. The weather was ideal, though a bit breezy. The horses were waiting for us, which felt good. Our warm-ups were fine. I see a lot of progress in Apache and me. But once we went off riding, everyone went goofy. Fiona was … Continue reading “Jumpy Horses Are Worth the Challenge”
Oh, Buffy Hen! (And a Long Day or Two)
The Internet ate what I was writing earlier today, and it has been a long couple of days, so you luck out and get to read about the CHICKENS again. I’ll also share some cute dogs before getting all thoughtful again tomorrow. This evening, Kathleen and I went over to feed the animals, as usual, … Continue reading “Oh, Buffy Hen! (And a Long Day or Two)”
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