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I am Sandra - faithful steward. listener. shepherd. dream believer. hard worker. collects brass bells, boots. Jesus follower. contented. star gazer. homemaker. farmer. prayer warrior. country woman. reader. traveler. writer. homebody. living life large.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Fat Charlie, Deer and Visa card Giveaway


It's not as cold as it has been but we've got snow, as evidenced by frozen laundry on the line. Yesterday, I took advantage, or so I thought, of the afternoon's clear skies, sun and mild breeze, to pin a load of laundry to the line. I detest using the dryer for a variety of reasons, the main one being, I'm cheap frugal thrifty Appalachian to the core, love the smell of sun drenched laundry and I'm cheap. Oh, sorry, been there, done that.  I thought there was time (don't we all, wry smile) to finish the day, get in the laundry and then get to my evening meeting.

No, to all the above. Oh I finished the day, but it was simply by being so far behind, I gave up. I fed the dogs and Carly, then raced out the door to do errands, take Charlie (story follows) to Mary, eat and attend the aforementioned meeting.

Bills mailed at the post office, Charlie delivered to Mary and then me to Italian Village to have hot chicken salad for supper. If there's anyone in town who makes a better chicken salad, please tell me who it is and I'll go eat there...but there isn't, so don't bother. Anyway, as I finished supper, I kept one eye on the encroaching twilight; the darker it gets, the slower I drive because of all the wild life. Yep, I left the restaurant and was within a mile of home when it dawned on me...I'd missed the meeting! Fortunately, it wasn't critical but apologies must be made and, hopefully, accepted.
~ Fat Charlie, knocked out and ready ~
Yesterday morning, about 7:10, Dr. Anne showed up to cut Fat Charlie because I believe very strongly in spaying and neutering. Fat Charlie is a barn cat, rescued, given another chance in life and I told Mary, "If you'll take him, I'll pay to have him cut." Happy, happy all around with the, probable exception of Fat Charlie -smile-. However, he'll live longer and healthier and, possibly, happier because he'll never know what he's missed in life.

Dr. Anne arrives to find the "operating theatre" all set up...table in front of the window, bright lights with towel spread over table. She gives Fat Charlie his "go to sleep" shot, arranges her vet supplies and says, "Dang! I have twenty scalpels  at home and didn't bring a one. Do you have a sharp knife?"
"Yes," I replied, "do you want a kitchen knife or pocket knife...?" "Hmmm, I think pocket would work." So, I hand her my Coleman hunting knife and Leatherman. It turns out the Leatherman is as sharp as a scapel so she proceeds and finishes in five minutes. By noon, Fat Charlie was fine although, due to meds, still staggering around a bit but by the time I got him to Mary, late afternoon, he was ready to leave me...ungrateful cuss!  I would show photos but last time I did that, folks got squeamish.
A few days ago, coming home, I saw this mama doe with her fawn. The field behind them held a dozen, p'raps more, deer of all ages although I didn't see a buck, only does and fawns. Beautiful!
A week ago, this was the sight...Dry Run creek was frozen, not solid, but enough to put a shield of ice over the top...again, beautiful!
The cave at Maiden Spring is frozen as well; this is where the Little River begins as it meanders down to the Holston River in Tennessee.

Thank you, Folks, for following Thistle Cove Farm; you are the reason I blog. It continues to amaze me that people find life on the farm interesting but I bless you for the gift. Someone once told me, "You're such an interesting person" to which I replied, "Not really but I do interesting things." I still think that true; God has blessed me (well beyond my deserving!) and I honour Him by giving Him credit and my life. He's getting the short end of the stick but it's what He wants and within my power to give.

A few weeks ago, I said when the follower count reached 500, I'd give away a Visa $50 gift card; that goal number has been reached. Would that I could to each, but I cannot, but to one follower, leaving a comment, you'll receive a $50 Visa gift card. Next week, Wednesday, January 22 at noon, the winner will be chosen by random generator and announced.

Blessings ~ Dr. Anne ~ Fat Charlie ~ Maiden Spring ~ the Cove ~ Dry Run ~ you followers, greatest folks on the planet! ~

60 comments:

  1. Would you call that a true country cat neutering? I like your vet! I make the best hot chicken salad in town. Pity you are so far away, cause I'd invite you over to have some! I would love to be entered in your drawing.

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  2. Congratulations on reaching your follower goal!

    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

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  3. She neutered the cat with a Leatherman...I love it! That is too funny. Good for you, on the snip n clip.

    I too would like to be entered in your contest.
    Vic303

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  4. Your farm and photos of it are beautiful!

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  5. Sandra, your're never boring. I am a huge fan of spaying and neutering. In fact, I recently read a blog written by a woman who lived on a farm and was bemoaning stray dogs who'd been dumped there and the fact that even though she preferred her cats the dogs were continually killing the little kittens. I'm also tenderhearted and I know you are too. I left a comment gently suggesting that she consider having her cats neutered rather than let them have kittens that she knew would be tortured, and that most farm extension programs offer reduced price clinics for such. Or get rid of the dogs. I didn't hear from her but I got lambasted from another woman who said city people like me don't understand that farm animals aren't like city animals and there are more of them and they are expendible because of their number and the cost of providing vet care for them.I didn't respond to her because you know how I can get, but I could have told her that animals have feelings no matter what part of town they live in, and if someone can't afford to treat them humanely then perhaps they have more animals than they can afford and should find them good homes. Your animals are always cared for and treated humanely based on your compassionate nature, not their number. Perhaps I should refer her to your blog! I get tired of people saying that country animals deserve different care. I have only one dog because I can only afford one dog. If I could I'd have a dozen. Anyway, I respect you for your animal compassion among other things. I am also happy that there were no photos, as my sensitivity to those things disqualify me from vet service. But I could turn my head.
    Please do not put me in the drawing. God's been awfully good to us and Handyman has his job. Perhaps someone who really needs that money will get it.
    What a nice offer!
    Later...

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  6. I'm a big believer in "fixing" things too. :) All my fuzzy family have gone under the knife. The Boys (Jack and Sam) just had their procedure last week. They where getting aggressive, now they're gentle as lambs.

    And you're never boring. I'm the boring one. We don't even have a farm. However my head is full of loads of opinions and useless info that somehow end up on "paper". *ha ha*

    Enjoyed the photos. You do live in a beautiful place.

    Stay warm my friend. ~:)

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  7. I think you have so many followers because you are living the life that many would love to try(farming that is, not being alone). I am in awe of the hard and long hours you keep so that all the animals are cared for. I love it that your vet comes to you-I wouldn't have the stomach to watch the cutting. Blessings to you dear one!
    Noreen

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  8. Please move on to the next name if mine should be chosen, but what a kind giveaway, Sandra, and kindness always blesses us all. ♥

    I love the ice photos, and the deer are lovely. I have yet to see any here, but my parents often have them in their yard. What a treat.

    'Hope the rest of your week is warm and cozy.

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  9. Anonymous5:50 PM EST

    Your blog friendship is such a blessing and I'm glad to have found you. These are such awesome pictures. So happy that fat Charlie did just fine! Congrats on your followers...wishing you many blessings.

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  10. What captured my heart about your blog was how you shared losing your husband. I lost my husband 6 years ago this past December and have gone thru so many of the same emotions you have described. May God bless you as you carry on your farm work and may you find joy and live your life to it's fullest. I think your husband would want that for you.

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  11. O, the colored whash in the snowy landscape: wonderful shoot!!

    Good organisation of your animals and very exciting happenings all the day!!

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  12. I'd love to win! Congrats on reaching 500!

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  13. That frozen laundry -- oh my! it makes me feel COLD. Brr. Sorry about the missed meeting, but the dinner at the restaurant sounds warm and comforting. Be safe!

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  14. My Grandmother, born in 1904 didn't have a dryer, nor an indoor flush toilet until 1962. I remember lots of laundry hanging indoors on racks when it couldn't be hung outside. I think NanaNor's touched on something with you living the life many would like to if they could. I know that's true of me. My first 18 yrs were spent in a farm/ranch environment, but then I moved to the 'burbs/city and I'm always melancholy for the rural life of my childhood. Such a marked difference with vet care between rural and city. I don't think using a knife here would fly one iota! Blessings to you.

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  15. Well, I think YOU and your life are both pretty interesting. Poor old fat cat-going down the road with stitches. Glad you had a sharp knife and it sure came in handy.

    The doe and fawn are beautiful and your hot chicken salad sounds delicious!

    Sorry you missed your meeting but I am sure your apologies will be accepted.

    I am not going to sign up for the Visa card though. I have a gift card here from my son that I haven't used yet so I would certainly feel guilty getting another one. I hope someone gets it that really needs it. Blessings- xo Diana

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  16. That's nice the doctor came to your home to fix Charlie. Hope he doesn't hold it against you.

    I always find your blog interesting; maybe because your lifestyle is so different from mine.

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  17. The washing reminds me of a cute children's book about some long johns that fell in love with a nightie!
    You must have needed to skip that meeting. The horse started heading for the barn (your car is the horse!)
    I LOVE my tiny set of fairy tea things! YOU are so dear!

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  18. I love the smell of laundry dried outside. Sometimes I'll just take my comforter off the bed and hang it outside to soak up some sunshine and fresh air...better than any fabric softener or perfume smell!
    I agree about spaying and neutering. Absolutely, 100%. Glad it's all working out for Charlie!

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  19. Do you know that your blog was one of the first blogs I began to follow when I set up my own. I have had your badge on my sidewall for quick access! Great post and wonderful give away! Congrats on 500 followers! E

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  20. Congratulations on the milestone!
    tcarolinep at gmail dot com

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  21. I always enjoy coming here, Sandra. I think I'll nominate you to write the next series of life on a farm...kind of like James Herriot books! You have quite the way with words. Congratulations on reaching the 500 ...actually over that now...marker!

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  22. Congrats on reaching 500, I'd love to enter.
    kellywcu8888ATgmailDOTcom

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  23. I'm obviously in good company if at least 500 people have found and follow your blog! For those of us who serve God, live in the country, love the simple life, and wouldn't be without animals around, you are a kindred spirit. To others you may be a fascination or inspiration to someday live a different life, and that's good, too!

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  24. I am so happy for you! 500 people to actually read every single word you write. Huge accomplishment, Sandra. Don't put me in the drawing, let someone else win in my place.
    xx's

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  25. Hey there - it doesn't take the generous offer of a Visa gift card for me to leave a comment - but it doesn't hurt either ;-)

    I don't remember how I found you but I do know why. God put you smack in my path because I would need to know what you have shared.

    We are still hanging in and hanging on. Geoffrey still fighting the good fight. Thanks for being my trail blazer and for the wonder filled post.

    Re: Charlie - you are right he will never miss them.

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  26. I'm a big advocate of neutering pets. There's too many unwanted pets in this world. Great story. Congratulations on reaching the 500. I'd love to be entered :)

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  27. Country vets -great story about the scalpels versus good knife. Of course we find your farm fascinating - and you are interesting because you are interested! Your willingness to tackle hard work, creativity and love of both critters and place show up in every blog.
    Thanks!

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  28. Wouldn't it be wonderful if the doctor still made house calls like the vet does . . . Gosh, I am telling my age, I can remember Dr.Bead and the house calls . . . Great post Sandra!

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  29. That was kind of you together Fat Charlie fixed. And in your own home, no less.

    Beautiful deer, so close to home.

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  30. I think that everyone enjoys your chronicles of everyday life in the country with an assortment of animals. Yes, it is interesting stuff, LOL! If I won the gift card, I would pass it on to my elderly mom. Thank you for such blessed generosity!

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  31. I remember frozen laundry on the line. When I was a child we didn't have a dryer so everything had to be hung on the line, winter and summer. Of course, living in Southern Arizona, bad weather wasn't as big a problem when it came to drying clothes outside but there were still freezes in winter and dust storms and monsoons in summer to work around. Memories..

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  32. I just saw a comment you posted on my blog about my brother's passing, "My Brother is Walking Again!". Thank you so much. It seems a lot of us "get around" from reading Kate's blog, don't we! I've been here at Thistle Cove before, too, many times, but haven't commented, when I should have. I'm amazed at what you and your husband have done at Thistle Cove, and what you're continuing to do! I love your writing. It's bloggers like you that have made me re-think blogging and I have decided to try taking it up again. :)

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  33. Hi Sandra-

    Again I read your posts and am amazed at the differences your life and mine follow- but I LOVE the variety. For example- totally believe in 'fixing' our cats as well, but goodness- on my table, at home, with my pocket knife?! I am so obviously a suburbanite! :) And frozen laundry is foreign to me because I love to run our dryer in the winter- it's right next to the kitchen and helps heat up the house! But the beauty surrounding your home is awe inspiring and this suburbanite girl longs to try her hand at country living- hopefully some day my life will look a little bit more like yours :)

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  34. Congrats on your milestone! I also believe in spaying and neutering, so I think it's great you got Fat Charlie taken care of with that! Thank you for having the giveaway.

    lola_violets_2010{at}yahoo{dot}com

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  35. I enjoy your blog. I am from MO and we are also on the farm. Thanks so much

    mrsrodjac at hotmail dot com

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  36. Oh such beautiful pictures! I love looking at deer! :) Growing up we would go up to our cabin on the weekend in Wisconsin, and my dad would always drive me around the wildlife preserve around dusk so I could look for deer! Such beautiful pictures! I so wish I lived in the country!
    landfjacobson @ charter.net

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  37. Congratulations on reaching the 500 follower goal! Here's to another 500!

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  38. Congrats on reaching your goal.

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

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  39. Did the laundry have to stay overnight on the clothesline? I just love that photo of the colorful clothes against the white background. I remember in the Little House on the Prairie books, I think it was, they talk about hanging clothes on the line to freeze them dry.

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  40. You are such an inspiration! I read you faithfully!!

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  41. I love your stories! And I'd love to win the gift card but if it happens that I do, please give it to someone in your area who is in need. Hugs!

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  42. I always enjoy your slice of life, so very different from mine here in suburbia! Congratulations on your 500 followers!

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  43. I absolutely love your blog-you have touched my heart in so many ways. I'm a firm believer that God puts into our lives those we need at the time we need them...I found you quite awhile back after receiving a diagnosis of terminal breast cancer that had recurred on my bones. Breast cancer on bones, who would have ever thought such a thing? It has now migrated to my liver. But God continues to supply my life with everything I need for which I am eternally thankful. I can't begin to imagine the courage it has taken you to continue on but I know God has a reason for it. Thank you my dear sister in Christ whom I've never met but feel that I've known all my life. Wonderful idea about the gift card but if my name should win, please pass it on to someone who needs a lift in their day for I find my lift in the Lord and the ability to read your blog. God bless you and everything you do each day.

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  44. Hope Fat Charlie is doing well-- that's quite a story!! She's definately a country vet!!

    Your life is one adventure after another my friend. I'm so happy to see you reach 500- what an accomplishment! Your giveaway is so nice-- (if you draw my name--- draw another)--- I'm already blessed:)

    Love you
    Vicki

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  45. Ps- the photo of the frozen laundry is amazing!!
    V.

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  46. I love the laundry photo! It holds such a special feeling for me. It made me happy tosee it. Oh! Appalachia! You live in a very beautiful and wonderful place.

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  47. I love the laundry photo! It holds such a special feeling for me. It made me happy tosee it. Oh! Appalachia! You live in a very beautiful and wonderful place.

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  48. Anonymous7:11 PM EST

    Congrats on 500. Little wonder so many read your delightful blog. This post is wonderful, as usual. Thank you~!

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  49. Anonymous7:20 PM EST

    Thanks, in case last msg didn't post. No surprise you reached 500! Your blog is a delight and a blessing. Thanks!

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  50. Hey,I am a follower of your blog as Rayray Cartucci. Congrats on the followers.....may you be blessed with many more! THANK YOU!

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  51. well good for you, I am not surprised people want to "read" you! grin ~~~ poor fat Charlie, indeed! very good of you to home him, and provide for him before hand, I wish more people would. there are at least a dozen dogs roaming here in a few blocks distance, come spring there will be half that many new litters. my son's dog is spayed and on a leash, but I can't walk her, or her walk me without going through the hurdles of trying to find a roaming dogless street anywhere, and yes there is a leash law, but I think I'm the only one using it. off my rant now, count me in on the draw, thanks it's colder here tonight than a frozen outhouse seat! brrr

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  52. Congrats on reaching your goal. I am now one of your GFC followers (Carolsue) and e-mail followers. I love your photos -- especially of the cats, since I am a cat lover!
    Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net

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  53. I'm a new follower on GFC (as LAMusing) of your very lovely blog. Really enjoyed your photos :)
    adrianecoros(at)gmail(dot)com

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  54. Great job on reaching your follower goal!! What is your next goal?!
    thank you for the giveaway!
    Have a great day!
    faithrains2387 (at) yahoo.com

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  55. Great job on reaching your follower goal!! What is your next goal?!
    thank you for the giveaway!
    Have a great day!
    faithrains2387 (at) yahoo.com

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  56. (I'm not commenting for the giveaway, but because I love ya, so there!)

    You are interesting Sandra, because you are real and honest. So there times 2! :) xo

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  57. I just stumbled on your blog while doing some research - my husband and I are trying to buy a farm - I love your photos! Thank you for your generous giveaway!
    mermont84 at yahoo.com

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  58. Awesome, congrats on 500!!! neyabenz(at)gmail(dot)com

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  59. Congratulations on reaching 500.

    I always enjoy reading about and seeing photos of your farm. Poor Charlie, but he's much better off.

    Have a great week. I would have been here sooner, but yahoo put a bunch of notifications of blogs that I follow into my spam box. I'm just now trying to catch up.

    FlowerLady

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  60. Your animals are so precious! I loved looking at the pictures.

    Amy Orvin
    2dogs5catscrew@att.net

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