This page is where you can find all my cute dog, horse, donkey, and chicken stories. Aww.
Book Report: How Stella Learned to Talk
Oh goodness, what’s not to like? A book about a dog named Stella who’s half American Cattle Dog? A book about language acquisition? A book with scientific evidence to back it up? Nice people to read about? For all the “yes” answers this book provides, I rather raced through How Stella Learned to Talk: The … Continue reading “Book Report: How Stella Learned to Talk”
Bird Mysteries
This is no fun, but it’s the way it goes out in the country. This morning, I went out to check on the chicks, and Bronzer wasn’t there! What? I was so surprised and sad. I looked everywhere for the chick. There was no sign of anything getting into the coop. There was no gap … Continue reading “Bird Mysteries”
Sunday Musings: It’s a Good Life, All Things Considered
Today, I’m being more explicit about what I’m grateful for than my usual gratitude practice, which is more like, “Thank goodness X is in my life, or I can do Y, or Z happened.” I want to say how grateful I am to Lee for deciding to get our retirement property early, build a house … Continue reading “Sunday Musings: It’s a Good Life, All Things Considered”
Chickie Birthday!
That’s right, the three chicks are a week old today! I’m actually sort of surprised they made it, since our coop isn’t fancy and I’ve just been leaving Mama Star in charge. I went out to see them as soon as I got back from Austin. They were all hanging out together as usual. They … Continue reading “Chickie Birthday!”
Chickens Sure Are Good Mothers
More stories of chickens, coming up. I was getting concerned about keeping Star, my mama hen, literally cooped up with the chicks in such a small space. I came up with the idea of blocking off the exit from the original Tractor Supply coop into the larger chicken run, which would give them a lot … Continue reading “Chickens Sure Are Good Mothers”
My Horse Is My Toughest Teacher
I’ve always contended that I plan to keep learning new things until I die. I often think of my friend, Marian, who, well into her 90s gets all excited about the new topics she’s reading about, new technology she’s mastered, and new ideas she’s heard. I hope that’s me in 30 years! And you certainly … Continue reading “My Horse Is My Toughest Teacher”
The Great Peeper Escape
Well, shoot, those baby chicks are three days old already, so naturally it’s time for them to start having adventures or getting in trouble. They were fine this morning when I went in and gave Star some scratch to enjoy. Oh, and since my sister asked, I decided I better name them, so meet (left … Continue reading “The Great Peeper Escape”
Love Is a Wet Puppy
Ah, the work week is over. I made it, and even did well. I only checked on the chicks three times today, and was able to watch one of them drink water. They’re definitely eating! We did get more rain, but it let up in time to go see the horses with Sara. What a … Continue reading “Love Is a Wet Puppy”
Hungry and Cute Chicks with Pix
As soon as I got a break from work meetings, I headed out to feed the flock and check on the new babies. I was happy to see that Star had at least moved them in the night. I was wondering if she’d ever move! It looked to me like no one had touched the … Continue reading “Hungry and Cute Chicks with Pix”
Look Who’s Back! It’s Gracie!
Oh my gosh. Today got even better! There I was, talking to my boss, all serious-like, when Lee came in carrying something that looked like a small Carlton. Only it was GRACIE LOU! We hadn’t seen her in over a week! Of course, there was one place we hadn’t looked for her, and that’s where … Continue reading “Look Who’s Back! It’s Gracie!”
I’m a Chicken Grandma!
Well, that didn’t take long! An hour after I wrote my previous entry, I went over to check on star, and reinforce her door with some heavy stones. I heard PEEPS. I couldn’t see a dang thing, though. So, I moved her aside, and there were two little black chicks, one who obviously had just … Continue reading “I’m a Chicken Grandma!”
Baby Watch (Chick)
First, I want to thank everyone, especially blog reader Julia, for your helpful comments on yesterday’s essay on not being responsible for the happiness of another person. I hope it’s clear that I will always be available to support and help people I care about; I just don’t have a functioning magic wand to turn … Continue reading “Baby Watch (Chick)”
Mowing, Controversy, and More Horse Stuff
I was trying to create a funny essay yesterday when I wrote about our property not being mowed yet, but it sparked some Facebook controversy. Some people were thrilled and others were appalled that we were doing it. I don’t know why I was surprised, since mowing is always controversial! Like so many things out … Continue reading “Mowing, Controversy, and More Horse Stuff”
Inquiring Neighbors Want to Know: Why Isn’t Your Lawn Mowed?
It’s a good thing we don’t live in town, or we’d be getting little notices that we need to mow. Actually, I’m surprised we haven’t gotten them for our town properties. Yes, our lives are filled with little clusters of impediments that drive us all to distraction, and the spring grass situation is one of … Continue reading “Inquiring Neighbors Want to Know: Why Isn’t Your Lawn Mowed?”
Summertime Is Coming and the Chickens Are Laying
I hear y’all like my ranchy stories, so here’s what excitement greeted me when I got back to the ranch today. Since no one had picked up eggs, the first thing I did was check the top of the garage fridge. There were at least three eggs per hen, but 5 white ones. Little Henley … Continue reading “Summertime Is Coming and the Chickens Are Laying”
Pet News, Some Good, Some Not
There’s been a lot going on in the pet department around our ranch community. The first is good news, which is that right now there are two puppies to enjoy over at the neighbors’ house. They use Australian cattle dogs as working animals, and the elderly matriarch (Tess) is no longer able to do much. … Continue reading “Pet News, Some Good, Some Not”
Where Do Easter Eggs Come From?
Not bunnies. Not baskets. Nor roosters! Not even from capons (see below). Most of them come from the grocery store or the drugstore, as far as I can tell. This question is just an excuse for me to talk about chickens…again. It’s been quite a time in my chicken-raising career, but it seems like things … Continue reading “Where Do Easter Eggs Come From?”
The Great Hen Detective Strikes Again!
Take THAT, Bertie Lee! You can’t fool us forever! You’re just a chicken, and we are human hen detectives! I think they could start paying me for this egg-finding work. Yep, I finally found where Bertie Lee is currently stashing her eggs. I say currently, because I only found ten. Of course, she could have … Continue reading “The Great Hen Detective Strikes Again!”
Still Working on Horse Feet
I’m working on horse feet in more ways than one these days. Animals have a lot to teach us, both scientifically and intuitively. In science news, we learned a lot about horse feet (hooves) with Trixie’s latest visit, and we learned that Fiona loves Sara more than we ever realized. She spent a long time … Continue reading “Still Working on Horse Feet”
I’m the Sherlock Holmes of Nesting Hens
This one had us laughing much of last night. You may remember that not too long ago, I used my chicken detective skills to discover that my Hermits’ Rest hens had decided to start laying eggs in an artificial Christmas wreath on top of our garage refrigerator. I’d looked high and low, but finally saw … Continue reading “I’m the Sherlock Holmes of Nesting Hens”
The Student Becomes the Teacher
I remember, in my youth, the first time I became a teacher of linguistics in addition to being a student. It was a gentle introduction, since I co-taught with one of my professors, but it really did me a lot of good. They say that you really start to master a subject once you teach … Continue reading “The Student Becomes the Teacher”
Apache Has a New Buddy
I’m pretty wiped out, but I have to share the fun and work that happened today in the horse department. Sara has been wanting a horse to work with while Spice isn’t rideable, so she talked to our friend, Sheila, who owns a horse Sara worked with 7 years ago, when I first was hanging … Continue reading “Apache Has a New Buddy”
Trying Again with Chicken Parenting
Since it’s looking like it will still be a while before the relatives are back and I can get some new pullets (I need help rearranging the coop), I decided to try the old egg experiment again. You see, for the past few days when I go outside to feed my little flock of 6 … Continue reading “Trying Again with Chicken Parenting”
A Lifetime Milestone, and Why It Matters
Yesterday, I achieved a milestone that was a long time coming. In fact, it was one of my “life goals” since I was a small child, and something I never thought I’d be able to do. On the surface, going over to the barn, saddling up my horse, and going for a nice ride doesn’t … Continue reading “A Lifetime Milestone, and Why It Matters”
Stinky and Dangerous Ranch Drama
Just when you think everything has calmed down, of course it has actually has NOT. These are not calm times at the Hermits’ Rest! Last Night’s Stinky Drama Last night I took a lovely, calming bath to help with sore horse-riding muscles. Right as I got my pajamas on, I heard Lee yelling at the … Continue reading “Stinky and Dangerous Ranch Drama”
Three Horses Plus Two People Equals Springtime Fun
Apache, my beautiful Arabian/Quarter Horse cross, had a pretty crappy 2020, just like us people did. He ate too much fresh green grass this time last year and he went lame (foundered). Since then, he has spent a long time recovering, as I’ve documented in my blog (just search for Apache). Since he’s declared better … Continue reading “Three Horses Plus Two People Equals Springtime Fun”
Mystery of the Missing Eggs: SOLVED
…and other good news Just what I needed! It’s a day of solving problems and getting life back to normal! That feels really good, especially given the mood I ended up in after yesterday’s phone drama. After a good night’s sleep, I was able to figure out all the passwords and other information needed to … Continue reading “Mystery of the Missing Eggs: SOLVED”
Feeling a Little Better about Nature’s Survival
After that unusual series of cold fronts, snow, and ice, I (and others) have been pretty worried about whether out friends out there in nature are going to make it through to spring and keep going. In the past day or two I’ve seen some happy signs. So, as long as I’m out in nature … Continue reading “Feeling a Little Better about Nature’s Survival”
Dogs Love Springtime
As weak as I was feeling today, I had to get outside some. After all, it’s getting to be spring! So, I dragged myself around the property while the dogs played. They love it when it’s warm and windy, especially when they have water to splash in. Alfred and Carlton, the two white dogs, both … Continue reading “Dogs Love Springtime”
Don’t Worry, Bees are Happy
Oh my gosh, y’all. I think I got the best birthday present EVER when I went out to check how the bee feeder was doing. Last night I checked it, and it was totally dry, with no bees. I was worried a dog had drunk all the sugar water, so I moved the feeder to … Continue reading “Don’t Worry, Bees are Happy”
I Found a Spring! And Pollinators!
I started out my morning nature break trying to find pollinators and check for damaged flowering plants for a survey of pollinators and plants used by monarchs on iNaturalist. I was very happy to have found bees and a butterfly, and was watching the water flowing in the stream with the dogs. Then, Lee showed … Continue reading “I Found a Spring! And Pollinators!”
What’s Recuperating from the Cold and Snow?
Since the weather is warm and it hasn’t started raining yet, I decided to see how the life around here is faring after last week’s bad weather. The first thing I found was that, indeed, the cold has messed the chickens up. Look what poor Buttercup laid! Not all is bad for them, though. While … Continue reading “What’s Recuperating from the Cold and Snow?”
Birthdays and Fundraising
At some point next week, I will be an even older Baby Boomer! But I still don’t have to register for Medicare, so I declare I’m still middle aged. Why does this matter? Well, for the last few years, I’ve raised funds for a good cause rather than ask for gifts, so I thought I’d … Continue reading “Birthdays and Fundraising”
Cute Li’l Animal Tails/Tales
Now that the weather is more normal, I’ve been enjoying the antics of all the local animals. I haven’t seen them all—for example, Lee saw a large, striped bobcat cross the road yesterday. I missed that! I did get to see this charming kitten with a crazy tail today. She’s been hanging around the cabin … Continue reading “Cute Li’l Animal Tails/Tales”
Laughing at Ourselves
After all the stress of the last week or so, it feels good to be able to find humor in life again. I must admit that, at a certain point yesterday, I had lost all humor. But, hooray! It’s back now, and I am happily laughing at myself, my animals, and my friends…and of course … Continue reading “Laughing at Ourselves”
NOW We Lose Power!
Now that it’s warming up and the ice is melting, boom. The power went off for us and our closest neighbors. It’s been off close to 24 hours. I guess melting ice isn’t great for power lines, because there are spotty outages all over. We slept fine last night, and I’ve sure gotten a lot … Continue reading “NOW We Lose Power!”
The Sun Is So Bright
That yeah, we need shades. Wow is ole Sol making fast work of the ice. Even though it’s well below freezing outside, the ice is crashing and booming off the roof, and clear patches are starting to show up. The trees had rainbow diamonds in them this morning, and just look at the Chihuly sculpture … Continue reading “The Sun Is So Bright”
Coping with Chaos!
In my bullet journal this morning is an entry saying: Blog without whining Suna All right then. Today Lee and I are camping in the bedroom, where it is warm. Penney has discovered the space heater and has freed up Lee’s lap. Meanwhile, Carlton is under my layers of blankets and knitting. Oddly enough, I … Continue reading “Coping with Chaos!”
No Longer Fun or Funny, Now Boomy
Snow and bitter cold are okay if you have a warm and cozy house to stay warm in. Ours is not cozy, but can be made semi-cozy, because we have electricity and space heaters. Most of my friends in the Austin area are without power at all or for long stretches, and there are also … Continue reading “No Longer Fun or Funny, Now Boomy”
Shiny Wonders
What a weird day it’s been. I couldn’t work, because everyone in Austin is having power outages. I felt so cold. I felt sick. Then I felt better! The weather was horrible, but by afternoon, with the sun shining, it felt okay out! The dogs had cabin fever, so we went and played. So you … Continue reading “Shiny Wonders”
The Aftermath: Brr + Ow
Honest, I’m not a weather wimp. I recall only recently writing a post about how much I love to exercise in the snow. I do! It’s hard to exercise on ice, though, and that’s what we still have at the moment here in the middle of the Texas icefield (subject to change). Today was just … Continue reading “The Aftermath: Brr + Ow”
My Least-Favorite Weather Is…
…the weather going on right now at the ranch. Freezing rain is just the worst weather Mother Nature can come up with. It just wants to kill things. We were all under the impression that bad weather was coming in a few days, but surprise! Here it is! I am glad that all my animals … Continue reading “My Least-Favorite Weather Is…”
Just Some Love
I wanted to share how pleasant it was today when Trixie came by to trim the horses’ hooves. When it was Apache’s turn, he was so relaxed that he kept leaning his big horse head on my shoulder. When I had to move, Fiona then showed up, and after a little fooling around, she let … Continue reading “Just Some Love”
We All Have Our Limits
On yesterday’s horse ride, Spice didn’t seem to feel well. So, today Sara trotted out (ha, no trotting involved) Lakota to ride. First she groomed him, and the amount of hair he was shedding surprised us. Sara’s vest changed colors! We tried to tell him a cold front is coming, and it’s too early to … Continue reading “We All Have Our Limits”
What’s in the Creek!
Today’s Bioblitz adventure took me and the faithful canine companions over by the creek again. I was trying to see if there are any different plants in the woods and creek side. Also, I wanted to let the dogs have fun. That they did! Mostly Penney and Carlton enjoyed the windy, sunny day by running, … Continue reading “What’s in the Creek!”
Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road? To Get to the Garage
Oh, those dang chickens are always up to something. I think I get the whole chicken-mama thing figured out, and they come up with a way to stump me. Some things are good! For example, I am getting four eggs many days, out of five hens. I’m sure I’d have five, if I could find … Continue reading “Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road? To Get to the Garage”
Bravery, Equine Style
Apache is one of those horses who does better around his friends. He’s braver than he thinks, though. Today we walked around, and he happily investigated a truck and two giant tanks full time f a mystery liquid (probably fertilizer). He noshed on grass, since he’s grass deprived. But, as soon as I walked over … Continue reading “Bravery, Equine Style”
A Doggie Expedition
Requests come in for more about the dogs. Ok, fine. Today, they were all wound up, so I took the dogs out to explore the woods and creek. They love that. We must have looked cute, because someone stopped to take a picture of us! Alfred insisted on taking a drink out of every pond … Continue reading “A Doggie Expedition”
Views of Home
Yesterday I took a few pictures as I approached the ranch on my walk. It’s a mid-winter view only a property owner could love. There’s last year’s evil Georgia cane, some fencerow trees planted by birds, ugly power lines, and my house way in the distance. But, seeing that bottom land makes my heart swell, … Continue reading “Views of Home”
What Did the Horses See?
I know my friend Sara will enjoy today’s horse story. I made it back to the ranch between meetings. It was a beautiful afternoon, so I took off to feed the horses after my last meeting of the day. I felt so good that I even jogged there. I guess the Wolf Moon DID make … Continue reading “What Did the Horses See?”
A Clean Chicken Is a Happy Chicken, Perhaps
Back to cute little animals and ranching activities, which everyone can enjoy! I still have seven outdoor birds, five laying hens, Bruce the rooster, and Gertie the Guinea. They always surprise and entertain me, as you can tell from how many blog posts I manage to take up with Poultry Tales. But, they are my … Continue reading “A Clean Chicken Is a Happy Chicken, Perhaps”
What’s Digging Up Dirt around Your Place (or a load of bull and dillo dirt)
Perhaps my title is better than this post will come out to be, but this points out to me that I need to stop trying to write about two things in one post, just to not appear to be blogging crazed. Bull, Big Load Yesterday, Vlassic and I went to feed the horses after work. … Continue reading “What’s Digging Up Dirt around Your Place (or a load of bull and dillo dirt)”
What Chickens and Cattle Have in Common
Ah, memories. Back when Lee’s dad was still around, he liked to tell us all he knew about cattle. He knew a lot, since he spent most of his time with cattle, not people. One of his favorite things to tell us was that cows were very smart, and that they had definite habits. He’d … Continue reading “What Chickens and Cattle Have in Common”
Sneaky Vlassic!
Vlassic, my black dachshund mix, is always a good source of funny stories. Since Penney showed up, we don’t get to hang around constantly, since he’s been quite happily keeping Lee’s brother company over at the RV, but still, we have our good times. Yesterday I was pretty happy to have time to walk to … Continue reading “Sneaky Vlassic!”
Best Day for Unusual Snowfall Is Sunday
Hooray! The minute I wrote that the weather was boring, it started getting interesting. While we do get a dusting of snow here in Central Texas, today is the first time I’ve ever seen it really snow. It’s been as pretty as when I was in Utah! We got around 4 inches as the day … Continue reading “Best Day for Unusual Snowfall Is Sunday”
Boring Weather Update
Hmph. So many local people I know are posting photos of their kids seeing their first snow and such. What do we have at the Hermits’ Rest Ranch? Rain. Sleet at best. Yep. We managed to get right between the snowy parts. There was some “wintry mix” earlier, because I see white stuff outside and … Continue reading “Boring Weather Update”
Extreme Pet Closeups
My somewhat large, white, short-haired dog, Carlton, has been chilly lately. Because of that, he’s spending a lot of time on our laps, under covers, or on us in bed (he used to sleep next to me, but lately he’s been on top of that excellent source of warmth, Lee). Sometimes he asks to get … Continue reading “Extreme Pet Closeups”
Literally Back in the Saddle Again
Apache and I are proud to report that we got to be a horse and rider pair again today. I think we were both happy about it. Just before he was declared un rideable, I’d gotten this side pull bridle and fixed it up for him. He never got to use it. So, I figured … Continue reading “Literally Back in the Saddle Again”
One Last Day of Rest
One thing I’ve figured out in the past year is that I need more rest than I’d been getting. My mental health is so much better now that I’m allowing myself more downtime. I’m going to try to keep that up. After all, I’m at the Hermits’ Rest. I should rest when I can. I’m … Continue reading “One Last Day of Rest”
Color Advice, Please
One of the things I would like to do this year is change the color of my bedroom at the Hermits’ Rest. It is a shade of chocolate brown that I chose in hopes of making the immense room look more cozy. Here’s a picture of Harvey looking like he’s calling a meeting to order, … Continue reading “Color Advice, Please”
Happy Birthday, Carlton!
When we got my very pale dog, Carlton, he was around 4 months old. Sandra told us he’d been taken from his mother at 4 weeks and given to a child as a birthday present. Once the novelty wore off, he was chained outside for a couple months until Sandra rescued him and took him … Continue reading “Happy Birthday, Carlton!”
My Best Accomplishment of 2020
Now that it’s getting near the end of the year, I guess we can look back and see what we’ve accomplished. I’m grateful that so many of us are still here, and sad to have lost others in this pandemic. But, in a more cheerful vein, I learned only today what my best accomplishment of … Continue reading “My Best Accomplishment of 2020”
It’s a Chicken Palace!
Yesterday was just beautiful, sunny with pleasant temperatures, though a little breezy. It was a perfect day to do some more work on the chicken run. When we last saw it, the run was squared off, the roof frame was up and some cover was on it. Today, the chickens have a nice, big roof … Continue reading “It’s a Chicken Palace!”
Chickens Are Guaranteed to Make You Laugh
I wrote this last night, so adjust your mental imagery accordingly. Sure, sometimes I get sad about losing chickens, but mostly they bring me so much joy. When I see good ole Bertie and Gertie running to see me, any hint of a foul (fowl?) mood I’m in evaporates. They just want to be where … Continue reading “Chickens Are Guaranteed to Make You Laugh”
Sunset Ranch Update
There hasn’t been an update on our ranch citizens in a while, and tonight’s sunset inspired me to write one. Last night’s solstice sunset was apparently amazing, but I was busy lighting candles and missed it. Luckily a friend took great photos for me to enjoy. As the sun disappeared it looked like a tribute … Continue reading “Sunset Ranch Update”
Have Yourself a Hermits’ Rest-y Christmas
Glorious. That’s the word for today. So, I went out to the woods to look for signs of Christmas and miracles. I found some of each! I ended up standing right where the above photo was taken for a long time, just listening to bird songs and watching them flit around. It’s lots easier to … Continue reading “Have Yourself a Hermits’ Rest-y Christmas”
Rainy Saturday of Love
Hooray! It’s actually REALLY raining today. This is what we need to refill the ponds and help all the plants over the winter. That said, I don’t look forward to going out in it! Meanwhile, I’ve enjoyed a morning with Lee. I even gave him his anniversary card (note that the anniversary was November 29). … Continue reading “Rainy Saturday of Love”
Return to Knitting?
Another happy story, for your Blogmas pleasure. I once knitted. A lot. Pretty much every day from high school to when I moved to the ranch, I knitted every day. It was a great way to keep my hands occupied. I taught knitting to anyone willing to learn, which felt great, because it’s like giving … Continue reading “Return to Knitting?”
Why Does the Horse Pee at Me?
Apache. He’s quite a guy, with the heart shape on his chest and his pretty mane and tale. He’s also quite funny. Lee tells me that while I was gone, Apache made his annoyance at not getting his hay regular enough quite clear. First there was snorting, then he snatched a big hunk before Lee … Continue reading “Why Does the Horse Pee at Me?”
Chicken Home Improvements
Been wondering what’s going on at the chicken house? Well, now that the family is reunited at the ranch, we’re working on renovating the chicken coop area. Stage One is complete. The Caso guys spent a lot of time on Thursday reconfiguring the space to be one big open coop. The pointy end is gone, … Continue reading “Chicken Home Improvements”
At Least the Dogs Love Me
One of the big highlights of coming back to the Hermits’ Rest has been enjoying the dogs. I had the best reunion with my precious Vlassic yesterday. We ran, we frolicked, we hugged, we took funny pictures. I miss that little guy so much, though I know he is doing a lot of good emotionally … Continue reading “At Least the Dogs Love Me”
I’m Home. At Last.
Just a quick note to say I’m finally back at the ranch. I wrote this yesterday, but there’s pretty much no internet at the ranch, so it’s late! Here’s a face of a boy who’s glad to see me. All the dogs were happy to see me, but Alfred and Carlton were beside themselves. Penney … Continue reading “I’m Home. At Last.”
Olypmic Park Dog Gymnastics
Today was the last day for my second batch of visitors, but we decided to go have lunch before they left. We went back to the restaurant in Park City where I met the nice server who saved my phone, because Kathleen wanted to get a t-shirt for their Polygamy Stout. They didn’t have any … Continue reading “Olypmic Park Dog Gymnastics”
Escape from Park City
Anita and I were trying to decide what to do today when there was a knock at the door. I wondered if the housekeepers came back, but no, it was someone else. She was all bundled up, but then I realized it was Kathleen! They’d surprised me! Much happiness ensued. Eventually we went on a … Continue reading “Escape from Park City”
More Chicken Mystery
When I got home from Austin, I found 9 eggs. They were all in one spot and all plain brown. The place where Fancy Pants lays was empty, and there were no pink or white eggs. Hmm. Lee says he sees hens in weird places. Sure enough, I found two pink eggs in the far … Continue reading “More Chicken Mystery”
That’s a Big One
Even not feeling great, I’m finding things to be excited about. I think that’s part of my charm. Perhaps. Today’s theme is big. For example, this is a big grasshopper, especially for a male. And it’s one of my better photos, right on my driveway! The extent of my walking yesterday was patrolling the back … Continue reading “That’s a Big One”
Second Most Hated
I spent most of last night trying to figure out why my post from yesterday got so many hits it blew my stats out. Did someone love reading about putting one dream aside to focus on another? Of course not. Someone was upset about something peripheral. But thanks! All those hater-inspired hits make my SEO … Continue reading “Second Most Hated”
Wake, with Dogs
After spending the evening with friends, remembering a beloved community member who had passed, I tried to watch the US Presidential debate. I’d had too much wine for it. I went out into the “quiet” in front of the house. As the night sounds hummer in my ears, I looked up at the moon, thinking … Continue reading “Wake, with Dogs”
Saint Vlassic
This is a big dog event. This afternoon, when Vlassic and I were walking to feed the horses, all the young cows were standing on the drive. That was tempting! Vlassic ran after one lone cow, but came right off when I called him. The rest of the way, he walked right next to me, … Continue reading “Saint Vlassic”
Speechless
Nothing to say today. Just can’t. Here, enjoy cute li’l animals and pretty flowers, courtesy of our ranch.
Buttercup the Hen Speaks Up
By Buttercup Wellsummer and Bruce Easteregger BAWK! I’m Buttercup. I’m told I’m a Wellsummer hen. My friend, Butternut, and I have been living in a cozy place with a cozy inner safe space. We like it. It’s calmer since the giant gray chickens left. They were older and quite uppity. Hmph. One of them is … Continue reading “Buttercup the Hen Speaks Up”
Black Weenie Dog Unsure about Cameron, TX
by Vlassic Bruns Kendall Hi, I’m Vlassic, like the picke company, only with an extra s. I am a small, black dog. I travel a lot, now that Suna goes back to Austin more often. I like it in Austin, mostly. I get to hang out with Pickle the chiweenie, play with Anita, and snuggle … Continue reading “Black Weenie Dog Unsure about Cameron, TX”
Day Off, with Animals
Just wanna day woo. Taking the day off. So far I have played with dogs and chickens. I had a blast watching Gracie Lou playing with heifers. What’s nice is that they were all obviously playing. Here’s a sequence. That was fun. Vlassic had to get in the act, but he got yelled at. I … Continue reading “Day Off, with Animals”
The Urge to Collect
Yep, I am a collector. My whole life I’ve enjoyed collecting things like books, leaves, rocks, yarn, and things with pansies on them. As a kid, I had a collection of electronics components that my dad would bring me home from work. He inspected things ranging from telephone poles to potentiometers for Western Electric/AT&T. He’d … Continue reading “The Urge to Collect”
Thank Goodness for Family, the Equine Kind
Let’s think about what makes for a nice day. For me, it’s being out in nature with friends of the human and animal kind. That’s just what Sara and I got yesterday afternoon, only marred by how hot the humidity made us feel. When we got to the horse area, Apache was drenched in sweat, … Continue reading “Thank Goodness for Family, the Equine Kind”
Lakota, the Circle of Life, and Being Startled
I’m guessing that today you’ll be wanting to find out how our boarder horse, Lakota the elderly fancy palomino, came out after his rough time yesterday. Last we heard, he’d been sweating and heaving, and Spice was standing over him like she was guarding his life. Sara is happy to report that after he stood … Continue reading “Lakota, the Circle of Life, and Being Startled”
Horses: Worry? Don’t Worry?
Two quick horse things. The farrier was in again on Tuesday. There were so many things that came up, I had to take notes. The most interesting finding was his hooves. She said his hooves were full of blood that had pooled there when he foundered, which may have been long before we realized it. … Continue reading “Horses: Worry? Don’t Worry?”
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”
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