This page is where you can find all my cute dog, horse, donkey, and chicken stories. Aww.
Poo on Pandemics
It’s been a rough week over at my house, with half the occupants down and out from the coronavirus, and the rest of us staying home, since we weren’t sure if we were asymptomatic but sick or not. It’s made me really glad we got some flowers last time I was at the grocery store, … Continue reading “Poo on Pandemics”
Bonding with the Funny Equines
It was a horsey day yesterday, which is good, because we are now quarantined other than outdoor stuff. I’m so glad the horse work is outdoors! Right. As I was saying the horse day started early. I’d asked Lee to put the bale of hay that was on the tractor out, since the horses need … Continue reading “Bonding with the Funny Equines”
Today Did Not Go As Planned
It hasn’t been an ideal day for anyone in my house, and I’ll just say that this is not a great time to participate in the health care system. So, no one slept last night. Of course I had a 7am meeting, which ended up being the highlight of my day. And it was so … Continue reading “Today Did Not Go As Planned”
I Find Ranch Citizens Fascinating
Another day of horse lessons has come and gone. And while my lesson with this innocent student was enlightening, I would have come away happy just having watched Sara. Apache was very frisky this morning, probably because a front came through. We started out sweaty at 9 am and ended up shivering by 1! I … Continue reading “I Find Ranch Citizens Fascinating”
The Equine Scholar Escapes
It was beautiful this morning, with spectacular fog over the creek. The fog had cleared by the time I got out to feed the chickens. Of course, I checked the horses. Wait, one was missing. Drew was not in his pen. The gate was open! Someone busted him out. My guess is that their name … Continue reading “The Equine Scholar Escapes”
Everyone Was Right – It Got Better
Some of you may remember that I had a pretty dismal experience with my little horse, Drew, last week, and I’ve been feeling like a crappy horse person with my paint, Apache, as well. I mean, I used to be able to ride him on long trail rides and take him places. Now I am … Continue reading “Everyone Was Right – It Got Better”
Have You Ever Had to Apologize to a Chicken?
Well, I had to tell our beautiful Easter Egger hen, Betsy, that I was sorry I’d been putting her down for so long. I was telling everyone what a useless hen she was, because she hadn’t laid an egg yet, and I’d had her a long time. I mean, even little Billie Idyl was finally … Continue reading “Have You Ever Had to Apologize to a Chicken?”
Who Needs an Attitude Adjustment? Me.
I’m anxiety prone, not someone who gets depressed often. But, I’ve been pretty down, what they’d call situational depression. I’m just riding it out and seeing what I can learn. I appreciate that suggestion from a friend! Yesterday I got it into my head to ride a bunch of horses and convince myself I don’t … Continue reading “Who Needs an Attitude Adjustment? Me.”
Downward Spiral of Confidence or Competency
I’ve been putting off writing about this for a day, hoping to get some insight into how my little brain works. One thing I know for sure, or think I know, as Lucy Barton in the books I’m reading would say, is that once I lose my confidence in one thing, I start screwing up … Continue reading “Downward Spiral of Confidence or Competency”
Pool Filling, Dog Feeling Better
Deepest thanks to all of you who read my tribute to my friend, Ted, yesterday. Keep his wife, family and friends in your thoughts. Your words comforted me. Wow, many folks in my circle are dealing with unexpected deaths this month. Today I tried to just do fun things. Lee and I spent a long … Continue reading “Pool Filling, Dog Feeling Better”
Computers, Cows, and Companionship
Today seemed to last way longer than your average day. It is always that way when I think I have something all planned out, only it actually isn’t. I thought the pool people were coming this morning, but nope, that got postponed again due to rain…somewhere. Then I thought a technician was coming to repair … Continue reading “Computers, Cows, and Companionship”
Mostly Cheerful Chicken News
The chickens have informed me that I haven’t shared much about them in a while. So, since they are acting extra cute these days, I’ll update you on their ups and downs. The best news is that one of the chicks we hatched, Peeper, seems to have made it through to a happy adolescence. She … Continue reading “Mostly Cheerful Chicken News”
Blue Screen Day
No day is great when the first thing you see is a bright blue screen on the new laptop you’ve only had two months. And yes, that’s what greeted me this morning, when I came down thinking I had 2.5 hours to work on training stuff. Instead, I spent 2.4 hours on a tech support … Continue reading “Blue Screen Day”
Miss T Insists on Attention
Today was simply heartwarming. This is why I love horses so much. Trixie was coming today to work on Apache’s feet, which I’d forgotten to have done on schedule. So, she rushed over during my lunch hour to take care of it. Trixie started working on Apache and his issues. There was T, watching so … Continue reading “Miss T Insists on Attention”
Learning Fun for All
Today, Sara came with Aragorn in her trailer and picked up me and Apache. I was so grateful to be able to get in a much-needed lesson. We ended up having such a good and educational time, we decided to do it again next week. We had no trouble at all getting Apache in or … Continue reading “Learning Fun for All”
A Cold Front and Other Improvements
It’s 30 degrees cooler today, and even though it made training a bit chilly, it was all good. Everything is a little better. Drew is doing so well. And he is so sweet. He has the best Alfalfa breath. I love watching how hard he tries to learn. Back at home, Harvey is improving. He … Continue reading “A Cold Front and Other Improvements”
How’s the Dog?
We’ve been asked that a lot today. Thank you to all who have expressed care and love for Harvey and the other dogs after the unpleasant incident yesterday. We were happy to see him drinking water and making it out to pee last night and today. He didn’t want to eat, though, which had us … Continue reading “How’s the Dog?”
Not a Good Day to Be Harvey
Things can go downhill really fast when you have seven dogs with seven different personalities. Just last night, Goldie and Carlton played and played and played. Goldie would put her entire mouth around Carlton’s neck, and Carlton would gleefully gnaw on Goldie’s jowls. They invited each other to play with a toy and just had … Continue reading “Not a Good Day to Be Harvey”
More Horse Stuff
There’s always a surprise around here. Today’s surprise was a horse I didn’t know in my pens this morning. I knew that someone had come back last night after I went to bed, because the dog alarm went off. But I didn’t know who. It turned out to be the nephew and the stock trailer. … Continue reading “More Horse Stuff”
A Visit with Drew and Friends
I’ll tell you more about this tomorrow, but what’s important is that I got to visit Drew and see how he’s progressing today. He’s getting really muscular and filled out. I went with Sara, so we got to watch each other’s lessons. I was not alone when I was watching. The resident bull sat with … Continue reading “A Visit with Drew and Friends”
Just Us and the Dogs
With our housemates at their other house for Thanksgiving and Anita off to house sit for a while, Lee and I have the ranch to ourselves. But we aren’t alone. I thought I was earlier today, but then I realized I was surrounded by 6 sleeping dogs. I took a panoramic picture. They take turns … Continue reading “Just Us and the Dogs”
Thankful for Each Other
Since today is a day to be grateful for your family and friends, I’m going to share some joyful photos and leave it at that. Now that we have a fence all the way around the house, the dogs can frolic and we can watch them from the front porch without worrying about them running … Continue reading “Thankful for Each Other”
I Got Bucked off My Horse, but It’s Okay
Last night I posted on Facebook that I hurt all over. I was busy doing other things, so I didn’t have a chance to go into detail, so here’s the story. First, I am absolutely fine, going to live, and not mad at my horse. Just wanted to get that out of the way. When … Continue reading “I Got Bucked off My Horse, but It’s Okay”
Ranchin’ Time
I had fun today getting reacquainted with the ranch and its inhabitants. I sure was glad to see that Peeper, the only chick we ever got past babyhood, is still peeping and growing. She has her comb coming in, and she looks like a darker version of her mom. The dogs were glad to see … Continue reading “Ranchin’ Time”
Back in the Lower Elevations
I spent all day going from the Continental Divide down to near sea level. It’s a long way down, but now I’ve got bonus red blood cells to enjoy. I’m glad I got to ride from Breckenridge to Denver in the daytime, because there are cool little towns, old mines, and many rocks (hence, Rocky … Continue reading “Back in the Lower Elevations”
Hitting the Deck at Breck
It was more like hitting the sidewalks, but I wanted the post title to rhyme. Anyway, yes, on my fourth day here in Breckenridge, Colorado, I finally made it to the scenic downtown. It’s an interesting contrast to Vail, where we were last Saturday. Vail was sort of like Disney World for physically fit adults. … Continue reading “Hitting the Deck at Breck”
Bye-Bye Bobcat
Dateline: Austin. Today was sorta hard in a few ways. For one, I worked on so many things that my head was spinning, plus I was trying to get packed for my next condo stay. Because of that, today’s brief visit with Anita was my last time in Bobcat when I own it. And, whoa, … Continue reading “Bye-Bye Bobcat”
So Good to Have Tan Friends
I didn’t plan this, but I’ve spent my last evening at the ranch for a while with my animal friends, particularly the ones the color of deerskin. It rained a lot last night, and a cool front came in, so it was a beautiful end to the day. I went out to see the horses, … Continue reading “So Good to Have Tan Friends”
Imagining the Future
I know I’m supposed to be living in the moment right now, but just for a few minutes let me digress and think about the future. Lee and I took a walk this evening and were looking around with the dogs and everything her. The sun was so beautiful in the sky as it was … Continue reading “Imagining the Future”
More Spontaneous Saturday Stuff
I just kept rolling along today, enjoying whatever came up. I was knitting away, when Sara invited me to hang out with her while she rode Aragorn. I walked over there, and discovered a bit too late that Vlassic came along. I was worried he’d have a problem with Sara’s newest cattle dog. At first … Continue reading “More Spontaneous Saturday Stuff”
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”
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The Hermits' Rest 