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! ~