In Good Company

This week, hallelujah! it's been warm enough to have my first meal on the deck overlooking the pond lake pond lake...whichever it is. You decide. Grilled salmon with honey sauce and roasted asparagus with EVOO, S&P and the gifted flowers which brighten up the table immensely.

Ste Chateau Michelle 2009 Riesling was the wine and thoroughly enjoyable. I'm not a fan of sweestish wines, unless dessert wine, but I did enjoy this. Heck, I enjoyed it all two nights in a row. Some years ago, I served Dave supper (we're Old School) and he commented on how good it was and how much he enjoyed it. I said, "That's great because when you see it again tomorrow night, please act surprised." Some meals are simply too good to eat only once.

All sorts of beasties kept me company; above is Pixie, she of Pixie and the Inkspots, born of Ole Bones whom you met last post. The cats give me heart palpitations each time they walk along the ledge. Said ledge is, at the shortest, perhaps seven or eight feet above the ground and, at the most, somewhere between fifteen and twenty feet above the concrete apron leading into the garage. I'll be SO glad when the deck is screened and they are no longer able to sashay on the ledge.

Sam P. Spade, Secret Angel Agent with Inky 1 and Inky 2, of the aforementioned Inkspots. The Inkspots are entirely black, as is Smudge Moonbeam (an elder kinsman) with not a hair of difference between the Inkspots. Smudge might have one or three white hairs but not more.

My first spring on this farm and I'm seeing all sorts of lovelies coming into bloom. I haven't a clue what this is but it is extremely pretty...and I'm usually no pink fan.

In the powder room, gazing upon the semi-bird cage is my Knight in Shining Armor. I haven't a clue who this is supposed to be but it's quite old...guessing 1930's...? He's hung on every wall of every place I've ever lived, a reminder of all the good in the world and, to my way of believing, God always triumphs (because His ways are not our ways...)

The "semi-bird cage" has Bible verses written on index cards which are trimmed with scissors cutting a pretty border. Anyone who visits is invited to add a verse and the goods to work with are in this

little egg basket, hand crafted by my Mom's Mother some 40 years ago. The milk stool belong to Aunt Bonnie, Dad's oldest sister and the same who taught me how to churn and instilled in me a love of farming, tending to animals, etc.  One Christmas season Grandma asked me, "What do you want for Christmas?" I asked for one of her hand made baskets. She said, "That's not enough. What else do you want?" I replied, "Two of your hand made baskets." That Christmas she gave me two baskets and a "Christmas" sweater which has gone the way of all flesh but those two baskets are still in service and Grandma is thought of with love every time my eyes rest upon either basket.

Yes, the scales do work; much to the dismay of folks who use them. (I can usually hear the screams of "OH NO! That CAN'T be right! ~LOL~)

Also in the powder room is this ancient bowl and dish. Memory denies me the pleasure of where or when the bowl was purchased...or did someone give it to me...? It's been carried with me for donkey's years and when I moved here, the dish under was being used on the back deck, holding cat food. Well. thrift stores are full of perfectly useful cat food dishes so I married my bowl and the cat's dish, bringing both inside and put into service as a soap dish. It brings me enormous pleasure every time I go into the powder room...small things can be SO joyful, can't they?

Whilst on the deck, one can look up at the second floor windows which is where Mellow likes to live. He's a rescue (What? No gasps of surprise?! haha) who has been with me for a week today. Beloved Sistah's neighbor moved, leaving all her cats, including (Marsh) Mellow (the first part of his name was dropped Post Haste!) to fend for themselves (yeah, don't get me started). Mellow had been de-clawed and was supposed to be an inside cat but... grrrr. Anyway, when Beloved Sistah would go out of town, I'd drive 60 miles, round trip, to feed the felines (and glad to do it!) and we'd decided I was going to bring Mellow home with me as he was already gentled. (After all, when there are so many to feed, what's one more, eh? However, at this point, I have stopped all rescue...all I'm saying...ALL!).  Wouldn't you know it!? The woman who'd abandoned the cats had the County Animal Control Officer go get three...leaving, at least, three more, one who is extremely old, eighteen or older and blind in one eye! Beloved Sistah told me, we talked about it and I said, "I cannot leave that cat in the shelter to be destroyed. I just can't. Mellow is a loving boy with a gentle, sweet disposition and acclimated to the household in two or three days. Five days into the household, Mellow and Sam were touching noses, getting acquainted and, once again, all seems to be well with our little world at Thistle Cove Farm. (Now, about the old boy, blind in one eye...yes, we're working on him...)

And, as on the back of my farm sign says...Y'all come back soon, ya hear!

Ponder this ~ 

"The power of finding beauty in the humblest things 

makes home happy and life lovely." 

~ Louisa May Alcott ~ 

LOOK SAMMIE!!! Santa Brought Us A BOY!

This morning, at 0:dark thirty the phone rang and when it rings at that hour, I've a good idea who is on the other end. This morning I was right; Mary wanted to know if I could keep Drew, her grandson. The regular baby sitter had influenza (that's what it sounded like) and all their other stand by's were sick as well. Apparently, there's something going around but since Dave got sick in 2010, I've only been sick once...a huge blessing, thank God! I mean really and truly sick...the grippe, not the grip...as in I've got a grip on the bed and don't wanna get up. (Which never happens because the animals really don't care if I'm too sick; they care about food and I'm their human who gives them food.)

So, The Boy, as he's called around here, arrived a little before 8 and Sam P. Spade, Secret Agent Angel, fell in LUV. Sam adores children and, come to find out, so does Gray Tom (although it could have been those nasty carrot mush The Boy was spitting out). I finally gave up on the carrots and popped a bottle in his mouth. Ahhhh. All is well and, while my back was turned, Sadie ate the carrots...loved 'em in fact! lol

You might want to stop reading at this point...I'm going to talk to myself and ask hard, desperately hard, questions. If you have any sane or sage advice or comments, feel free to chime right in. If you disagree, please do so pleasantly because People, I am frightened. I'm frightened for all of us, each other, our way of life, children, veterans, elderly, refugees. These are frightening times and, I'm ashamed to admit, there are moments, very long moments, when I forget God knows all, sees the future and absolutely nothing happens that is a surprise to Him.

If you're on facebook, perhaps you've seen those posts suggesting quite vehemently 'you've no heart whatsoever if you question bringing refugees into the USA', or, as one said, paraphrasing, "My religion demands I reach out to others" while another said, again paraphrasing, "those who would want to be in the White House think of refugees as Not Like Us".

There were many more comments that were sometimes more acerbic in tone and all seemed intolerant to the possibility someone might have an equally valid, but opposite, point of view.

As to the "my religion demands" camp...therein lies a huge part of the problem. Religion. I'm reminded of Nancy Pelosi who seems to have absolutely no concept of relationship so she fell back on that tired old chestnut, religion. Yo, Nanc...my religion demands nothing; my relationship demands all. Yes, Jesus did say "love your neighbor"; He also said, "count the cost" and if someone didn't welcome you or His message, leave and shake the dust off your feet. 

Ah, we don't want to hear or read that...count the cost or leave someone behind because they don't want to hear His Gospel. No, we'd rather the suckling babe lying in the manger, totally dependent upon humans. We don't want the God Man who will, at a time of His Father's choosing, return to judge and make war. (put another way...there's no reason for us to judge one another as that's Jesus' job.)

Dave's voice is ringing in my ear..."So essentially people want you to choose between this child you've held in your arms or someone else's child?" Harshly put but financially speaking...yeah. 100,000 refugees will be housed in the USA according to John Kerry in an Aljezerra article. By his own admission, there isn't a plan in place. Put another way, the plan is to bring 100,000 refugees to the USA and feed, house, clothe and give medical care. And what about the folks who live here, have been paying taxes here and who are struggling to pay their bills, have little or no health care, etc.? What about them? 

The USA is no longer the wealthiest nation in the world; we are, in fact, the largest debtor nation in the world. In 2014, we surpassed $18,000,000,000,000.00 dollars in debt, more than $54,000.00 per citizen and most of those dollars we borrowed from China. Last year the USA taxpayer paid $430 billion in interest!

Can you even conceive of the number 18 trillion? I can't but if it'll help, start counting now and when you've finished, 31 thousand years will have passed!

According to this site, it'll cost almost $260,000 a year to house, feed, clothe, give health care to a family of 5 refugees. Why aren't the Gulf States offering asylum? Interesting question, don't you think? But, back to us...are you willing to go without...food, shelter, clothing, medicine so a refugee can have it? Are you willing for your taxes to increase? Are you willing to house refugees...in your home? Are you willing to take from your child or children and give to another child? Hard questions and easy answers are not compatible; never have been, never will be but this is Sophie's Choice...for real.

Another salient thought I have is, "where are all those people crying for refugees when more than 2,200 babies a day are being aborted? or there are 50,000 homeless vets? or 1 in 5 children hungry? or 1.56 million other homeless? or those enslaved in sexual trafficking (the fastest growing global crime)?

I've got a lot of questions and not many answers but I do know...

I will not take food, shelter, clothing, medicine from the babe in my arms to give to another.

I expect the government of the USA to heed the Constitution to protect We, the people...at whatever cost.

I will give to the Salvation Army to help those beyond me and I will also heed how Jesus lived...He preached to thousands at a time but He touched only one at a time. 

I can do no more.
You who are without sin, cast the first stone.

Blessings ~ Drew ~ Salvation Army ~ Jesus ~ relationship, not religion ~ 

National Dog Day on the Farm

Sadie and Sam are both "good helpers" during farm chores, keeping an eye open for ground hogs, rabbits and other "farm vermin".

Dang. Now that I've loaded all these photos, I check and find out National Dog Day has been changed from Aug 26 to 31.

tough. It's after 9 p.m. and my flannel nightgown wants to go to bed and I must take it.

Gray Tom isn't fazed when Sadie decides to play; the cat takes it in stride, knowing he's really the ruler here.

An enjoyable time is spent sitting on the porch, watching Sadie Lovebug and Sam P. Spade, Secret Agent play in the yard.

Not sure what Sam is telling Sadie; bet it's interesting. These past few mornings the temp has been 42/43 degrees F around 6 a.m. but it's sure to be even cooler at 5...if I'd thought to check.

The county library has Two Fat Ladies DVD's and they are a hoot! Dave and I watched every episode, back in the day, and thoroughly enjoyed them. The Two Fat Ladies are now deceased but due to the magic of film, they can still be viewed and appreciated.

Blessings ~ cooler weather ~ Two Fat Ladies DVD's ~ my best buddies, Sadie and Sam ~ Gray Tom ~ people who pray and if you're one, please tuck me into prayer...a while back I had a bad fall and am struggling to recover, thank you ~

The Very Best Time of the Year...

~ Joseph, Mary, Jesus, Shepherd Boy ~

That's what the song says about Christmas but I disagree. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas...the story of Jesus' birth, the stable, animals, shepherds, star and every year I wonder anew at Mary delivering her first born. Did she have help? Who was it? Was it Joseph or did a woman from the village hear her cries, come to investigate and stay to help. So much we don't know yet so many stories in those very few verses.

~ Gypsy Rose Lee ~

Like Forrest Gump, today is my favorite day and this season my favorite season. Today was full of work, lovely work, that put me a tad ahead yet still, overall, behind. It's all right though; I'm good with that because I get to work outside in this very beautiful valley, listening to horses nicker, cattle lowing, sheep calling lambs, birdsong. We have a sanctuary household, meaning all the animals live in harmony and you wouldn't be surprised to know Sam P. Spade, Secret Agent Angel and Sadie Baby watch over me constantly.

~ Gray Tom ~

However, it might surprise you to know some of the cats follow along as well.

~ Hey JD, do ya need help shooting the groundhog ~

Last week, Daddy had vascular surgery and I stayed in hospital with him. Dad is tough, the Greatest Generation 2, doncha know but this has tried him, and the family, sorely.  In about 150 hours, I slept 20 hours and am still trying to recover. There are a lot of problems (not issues, ta very much!) that are attendant to Dad's surgery, recovery and physical therapy and prayer is urgently requested and needed.

This little pillowcase is one of two; the work of my hands and heart. I'm not good with hand work but I do like it and, sometimes, the product is sweet.

Yesterday was Dave's birthday, bittersweet indeed. This grief journey has been horrendous and the best I can say is I believe I've finally accepted it all. His illness, his death, the loss of all my dreams. I still struggle with "Why, Lord?" I still struggle with my inability to understand, the isolation, the question if I'll ever be happy again or have a life as good as the one I had. I struggle with "friends" who once were and are no longer but am grateful not to have to deal with as many takers. Yes, I do know I was greatly blessed being Dave's wife and am grateful, very grateful. I'm grateful to have meaningful work where I am blessed and can bless others yet I'm still sad.

No, this is no pity party but an ennui that I simply cannot shake and wonder if God will restore the years the locust has eaten. I struggle with being a Christian, all these questions with no answers and wonder how those who have no faith get out of bed in the morning or even why bother. I tell myself to 'practice faith until I have it and then, because I have it, to practice faith'. I listen to Joel Osteen, a lot, and his ministry of encouragement helps. Then, I think of people who think Joel isn't Biblical and wonder which Bible they read. He seems to me to be Biblically sound but not very theologically deep and that's all right too. Heck, I've know a lot of preachers who couldn't preach their way out of a wet paper poke and they still got paid. At least Joel makes his living from book sales, speaking, etc. and not from the church offering plate; I don't know many who can say the same.

I'm grateful to have the legacy of strong, mountain women (and men) who taught me by example. When I'm weary and it seems like too much trouble to continue, I think of them and their struggles and know the same God who was with them is with me. With God, I. can. do. this. thing. called. life. I call on Him, He hears and gives me strength and bread for the journey. It is an enormous feeling of awe when I consider I am a daughter of the Most High God; He has chosen me and I have said yes to Him.

Today is my favorite day, this season my favorite season and this time the very best time of the year.

There is no turning back.

Blessings ~ today ~ this season ~ this time of year ~ being a daughter of the King ~

Memory Lane, Wedding and Winner, Winner, Lobster Dinner

In a couple of trips down memory lane (because I just realized I've never downloaded the photos), here's a photo of Kit Carson, nursing Sam P. Spade, Secret Agent Angel. Sam is a sweet boy; he knew the kitten was too young to be abandoned so Sam allowed Kit to nurse for the emotional benefit. I still had to feed Kit kitten milk and chow until he was old enough to eat 'big boy' food.

Beloved Sistah, Stephanie, pins a corsage on Mom at her 80th birthday celebration, October last year.

Here, Steph pins JW, her son who was married Saturday.

~ Steph and Mom ~

~ Jerry (JW's Dad), my Daddy, JW ~

~ Jerry, Stephanie, Daddy, JW ~

~ Steph, Mom, Dustin, Stephanie's youngest son ~

Nothing like being late to your own party, is there? My reason (because, let's face it, excuses are a dime a dozen and over priced at that!) is...this past weekend my nephew was married on my 62nd (yeah, I really am that old!) birthday and the wedding was fabulous! He married Katie, a beautiful young woman, a nurse by profession, and just as lovely on the inside as out.

~ Katie ~

~ Mr. and Mrs. Williams ~

~ first dance ~

It was a lovely wedding and there are a lot more photos but not tonight. Now, it's time for the Pacsafe winner and then aspirin and bed for me.

Last Monday, at 5:00, using random I pulled the names of three people who left me no way to get in touch with them so they didn't win the Pacsafe travel bag. Finally, Judy's name was chosen and she's been sent an e-mail and has 24 hours to respond. If she hasn't responded by 5:00 Tuesday evening, another name will be chosen. Whew! I never realized it was so difficult to give something away -grin-.

(My apologies for the varying font sizes...exhaustion forbids me to figure out what I've done wrong.)

Blessings ~ family ~ weddings ~ JW and Katie ~ wonderful memories ~ 

Another Day, A Lot More Snow

Looks like the new chain method works rather well; the feeder was filled twice today and will be filled tomorrow morning, soon as it gets light.

Between Daddy John, Daniel and Clinton the road was plowed today; good thing because Joe, Clinton's helper was stuck again and couldn't get home.

The view from my back porch; the snow is even with the porch and difficult to see where to step off. All that nice plowing Daddy John did yesterday...for naught. We've had another foot of snow and more drifts of 2.5 feet; going to the barn is wearing me down and I made Sadie stay inside this morning. Even with her sweater, she gets cold; she and Sam will be six next month and I'm starting to treat her with gentle care. She doesn't have much of a coat and gets cold easily; no need to tempt pneumonia.

Sam needs a longer coat but not sure where to find one; when he comes in, his nose is covered in snow so I make him lie in front of the fire until he gets warm.

Charlie called to say the boys couldn't get here today to bring a load of wood and that's just as well...Charlie is calving and it's spirit crushing work. He's lost two calves because they froze due to deep snow and cold; most of the others he takes to the garage where there's a heater to warm them and keep them alive...calves and Charlie too.

My back porch wood supply was down to nothing...seriously not one stick of wood!...so when I went to do afternoon chores, I took the canvas log carrier with me and put six or seven biggish pieces of wood inside. Then, using a horse lead rope, I pulled it through the straps and placing each end over each shoulder and using a ski pole to help me walk, I hauled enough wood to last me through the night. Sadie is standing in the path the carrier made as I pulled it through the snow, a distance of about one hundred yards and all uphill; it's from the far back side of the barn in the right of the picture. Tonight is going to be a four aspirin night and a couple of fingers of B&B but I'm just glad I was able to do this although the pain level is beginning to increase throughout my shoulders, arms, legs, feet body. A couple of weeks ago when those mountain climbers got hung up in Washington state, Daddy said, "What on earth makes people do stuff like that?" My take is, "They don't have physical labor...work...to do any more and they need to expend energy and prove themselves." I'm not so much proving myself as just doing what it takes to keep us fed and warm and am, I do believe, as ready as I'll ever be to sell and move. It would kill Dave to know I want to leave but that was then and this is now; it's time for me to move forward and HEY GOD...I believe I'm ready -lol-.

As I've heard all my life...this is a sight for sore eyes. Not sure what it means but this is what I look like when I get in from the barn except I've removed my gloves. Most of this snow isn't from falling down, it's from the latest snow storm and high winds blowing fiercely. Weather report said six inches but it was more like twelve with drifts to my knees; Daniel said it was terrible off road and feeding the cattle was treacherous.

To the ejit who threw Daisy Mae on the side of the road...thank you. As it happens, that dog does hunt and it's a beautiful sound and sight.

Daisy brought home a raccoon this week; last week it was part of a deer but I don't think she killed the deer as it wasn't as "fresh" as the raccoon.

When I went outside to bring in my last few sticks of fire wood, I saw this sight and it brought tears to my eyes! Daniel blew the snow off the driveway and tomorrow the youngin's are coming to bring fire wood from the barn to the house. This makes it easier on them and it's going to be plenty rough enough, but, they're eighteen years old and probably won't feel a thing. I'm well more than three times older and I'm sure to feel it all...for them and me -lam-.

Weather report is rain, rain, rain and temps of 41 above; the wind has started up and sounds dreadful. Please Lord, keep my horses (and us at the house) safe. I fed double this afternoon and they have shelter...should they choose, so I've done what I can do, at least for today. Someone told me it was going to be slushy tomorrow but I don't care; at least, I don't think I care. I know it's going to be above freezing and, God willing, I'll get a load of firewood and right now that's enough...heck, it's more than enough!

Blessings ~ your prayers and don't mind asking for more ~ Daniel, blowing my driveway clear ~ enough wood to get me through the night 
~ safety, safety, safety ~

WOW! Almost...almost...Above Freezing! But Not Quite...

For the latest give-away, please click here.

Each evening, I tend to feed the horses a little extra hay so I can buy more time in the mornings in the huge, although as yet unrealized, hope (a) it'll warm up and (b) the ice will have thawed...just a bit. HA! In talking with my brother, I mentioned I was chopping ice twice a day. He asked, "Don't you have a de-icer in the trough?" My response was, "Yes, that's why it only takes about 45 minutes." This photo shows a small area where there's no ice and it's at that point I start.

The only tool I could find was a solid steel pole, normally used for tamping earth, not quite six feet in length, weighing about...guessing here...fifteen or twenty pounds and not the best tool but, in a pinch, acceptable. The best tool is either my crow bar (found today) or...hmmm...can't remember the other just now but my pitchfork is used to lift ice out of the trough.

Most of the ice is gone but this morning, back again so another 45 minutes of chopping gave the horses a clear area to drink. Today, temps got up to around 28 F so the de-icer helped me finish the job and the trough was ice free when I finished. Tomorrow is supposed to be even warmer which is nice considering the low temps and snow expected all next week.

There are two piles of ice, both having twice as much now as seen here. I try to keep the ice to one side where the horses are less likely to step and slip.

If any of you...Michelle...have need to carry a partial load of hay, here's a tip to make the job easier. Make a couple of knots in two ends, take the two loose ends, pull them through the knot and the whole load is easy...easier anyway...to carry. Small things mean a lot when you're carrying 70 or 80 pounds.

The goldfish stay underneath the de-icer where it's warmer.

Sam P. Spade, Secret Agent/Angel, is one of my best helpers. Today was warm enough to take a 1.5 mile walk so dogs and I all got in a bit of exercise after I got home from buying a laser copy printer scanner fax machine and buying gas. Gas is $2.04 a gallon at Sam's Club; what does it cost where you live?

I'm looking for some stove wood to buy; anyone selling any? I'd prefer locust but as I'm almost out, any hard wood will do and, delivered, natch and, preferably earlier than later, because there are more storms coming this week.

Wow. Just tell me...could you stand the excitement of my life? - lam - (laughing at myself)

Blessings ~ my good helper ~ water trough ice free ~ little helps ~ warmer temps ~

Happy Thanksgiving!

~ Sam P. Spade, Secret Agent Saint ~

 

 Thank God for what you have

 Ask Him for what you need

Work for what you want

Snow storms and high winds are buffeting the farm but the chimney dampers are closed, oil in the furnace, propane in the tank and wood on the porch...soon to be in the stove and lit. Although loved ones are missing, HOME is still both succor and comfort to me.

This afternoon  was spent in the company of friends; we shared a meal, laughter and made more memories, and now evening plans include a flannel night gown, fuzzy slippers, loving hugs from all dogs, some cats and a good read on the Kindle. No, I didn't eat too much although the temptation was great; as Goldilocks said, "It was just right!"

Last Sunday's Prayer Keeping has been updated but if there are any more names, please let me know. My thoughts are with some blog land friends who have sustained the loss of their husband and others who are spending this holiday without the one they love. It's difficult and only those who've lost their spouse know; the rest can't even imagine...and you may thank God for that gift. Hold close the good memories and know God's great mercy covers you and your name is on the palm of His hand. He has a plan for you to prosper and do well, just hold on and choose to trust Him.

God loves you with an everlasting love and underneath are His everlasting arms.

Blessings ~ God's gifts, known and unknown ~ friends ~ good food ~ honest work ~ a warm house ~ HOME ~

It's a Good Day to Die

~ blizzard conditions ~

Patrice is hosting Chats on the Farmhouse Porch, number 127; her questions, my answers.

1. Have you been watching the Olympics? No, haven't a clue what's going on in the world but I can tell you what's happening here and in more detail than you, probably, want.

2. Does the grey winter affect your moods? Some but I spend a lot of time outside, no matter the weather, so I'm not as affected as someone who works inside. Also, when I knit, sew or spin I'm either in the sun room with natural light or using OTT lamps. If you're not familiar with OTT lamps, you should be, they make all the difference in your ability to see, no matter the time of year.

3. When was the last time you held a baby? Recently although I have no clue who the baby was nor her parents. If I see a baby in the grocery store and start making goo-goo eyes and the parents don't freak out, I ask if I might pray for their baby. No one has ever turned me down so I take the baby and pray God's blessings on the baby and the parents. Young folks seem to, especially, appreciate the prayer and, yes, other folks stand around and gawk but so what? If they're Christians, they should be joining in prayer and if they aren't Christians, maybe it'll make them think...eternity is a lot closer than any of us know or expect.

4. Do you do a thorough spring cleaning each year? I'm going to this year because the house/farm is going on the market. I'm hoping to hire some help and if you're a praying person, pray I'll find someone to help me do major cleaning.

~  deep ice at the barn door ~

5. Please tell Wendell a bedtime story. ...Once upon a time, there was a farm where there were only three seasons...hot, cold and mud. All the animals lived to be tremendously old and were given only the best hay and mountain water to drink with treats of grain and molasses. There was a unicorn flying over the farm and no animal was ever turned away or denied food, water or shelter. The sheep were rare breed Shetlands from the Shetland Isles, some Romney's from the Romney Marshes of England, one Columbia Suffolk cross who was an Easter lamb and then unwanted and two Merino's who were bottle fed as babies and were absolute terrors! The four alpacas were beautiful, but aloof, creatures who walked proudly among the sheep, heads held high and they always chose the best places to sleep at night. The horses were rare breed, American Curly horses who were gaited, colored and, for the most part related to each other in planned breedings. Tumbleweed, the black mare with white stockings, was a rescue but the rest were all related by either dam or sire. There were dogs, house cats and barn cats and, unfortunately, a skunk and o'possum who lived under the house and a squirrel who lived in the tree. It was a Peaceful Kingdom where there was always time for nose kisses, head rubs, body hugs and, most importantly, love. (Except in the case of the skunk, 'possum and squirrel, they were encouraged, to no avail, to move.)

~ the husband, Sam and Sadie ~

As with all of life, the only constant is change and vast changes came to the farm. The husband died, quite suddenly and unexpectedly, leaving his wife to manage as best she could. For the first year plus, she managed (although she was at a loss as to exactly how she managed!) and farm life ebbed and flowed with the seasons. She tried her hand at raising steers, or neutered bulls, but decided having ten "teenage boys" who weighed one thousand pounds each was an accident waiting to happen. The steers left, the fences were repaired and, again, farm life ebbed and flowed.

~ left, Abigail and young Sam ~

The second summer after the husband died, their beloved Jack Russell, Abigail, who had very ancient bones, just couldn't manage. She was tired and it was time to say good-bye. Just a few weeks later, their beloved Australian Shepherd mix, Grace, who was even older than Abigail, died. For months, things were settled and then, just before Christmas, the woman's other beloved Jack Russell, Sophie, died so now the woman had only Sadie and Sam, three five year old pups.

~ Gracie ~

~ Sophie, Sam, Sadie ~

That winter was hard; it was cold, extremely cold with temperatures twenty degrees below zero and wind chills much lower. Snows were deep, followed by icy rain and more snow, making everything treacherous and dangerous. The woman's sheep were old and had a lot of problems that come with old age.

~ Harry Shetland ~

Harry Shetland was blind and lived in the barn with access to a small lot were he could drink warm water from an electric water bucket and lay in the sun to warm his old bones. Twice a day, the woman would carry Harry and Sophie cracked corn and grain with fresh hay. Sophie Shetland was just as old and her arthritic bones, many days, prevented her from getting to her feet. Carly Shetland, at twenty years the oldest of them all, was allowed to live in the yard where she toddled, eating her molasses and grain mixed with pain meds, drinking warm water and eating alfalfa hay the woman brought to her twice a day.

February was a hard month, full of deep snows, extreme cold, high wind and low temperatures. Harry and Sophie were suffering and the decision was made to release them. The woman and her vet explained to Sophie and Harry, this was their last gift. They had both had wonderful lives, much better lives than a lot of parents give their children (how terribly sad!) and they were to look for Dave when next they opened their eyes. On that same Friday evening, the vet looked at some barn cats and told the woman, "Start bringing them to the office, we'll begin spaying and neutering next week."

That weekend was terrible; the temperatures were horrid, the wind was horrid, the snow and ice made walking difficult and, sometimes, almost impossible. On Saturday, the woman carried (!) Carly into the house and put her in the mud room where she thought Carly would be more comfortable. Carly didn't like being inside so the woman carried (!) her back outside but Carly needed help all weekend, getting to her feet. Even so, her little tail would wag with excitement when the woman would run to her, calling, "Carly, hold on, Girl, I'm coming, I'll help you."

~ home ~

On Monday, it was almost warm, at least, not as tremendously cold as it had been and, at dawn, wonder of wonders, Carly was standing on her feet, calling for breakfast. The woman ran to get Carly's breakfast and pain meds and put them in front of her and Carly's tail began wagging as she started to eat.

When the woman went to the barn Tabby, one of her cats, was crying so the woman picked her up only to see where something had chewed on Tabby with grim results. The woman ran hurried to the house, got a towel and carrier and took them back to the barn. She gently placed Tabby in the carrier and then into the truck; as soon as the vet clinic opened, she took Tabby and left him but later the vet called and said it was too late, Tabby couldn't be saved. The woman buys a lot of cat food in the winter in order to keep the barn cats close to the barn. When the snow is deep, there are a lot of predators (coyotes, foxes) looking for food and during the night, coyotes can be heard all over the valley.  There's no way of knowing what tried to kill Tabby but what is known Tabby had a wonderful life on the farm.

Late Monday afternoon, the rain started and Carly was having trouble staying on her feet. Her fleece would get waterlogged and her poor little arthritic legs couldn't hold her weight so she'd fall over. The woman kept running into the yard, righting Carly but then dark came and it was harder on the woman. She leaned Carly against the porch and left her covered in prayer. At dawn Tuesday morning, the woman ran to see Carly and had to help her to her feet but in the space of thirty minutes, the woman had to right Carly half dozen times and the hard decision was made.

~ Carly Shetland ~

It's a good day to die and tomorrow would be better; even so, the woman chose to do the right thing by her beloved little ewe and made the hard decision. The woman drove the Ranger from the barn to the yard and lifted Carly into the bed which was no mean feat because Carly weighed 65 pounds. The woman then drove the Ranger to the barn lot and struggled to put Carly into the bed of the truck which was horribly difficult. The thick ice underfoot made a hard job dangerous and only a lot of crying and praying got it accomplished. The woman put the dogs in the house and drove to the vet clinic, second time this week and it's only Tuesday.

~ Carly, covered in snow and ice ~

The woman held Carly, both to say good-bye and to prevent her thrashing around. Part of the woman's prayer was, "Good-bye old girl, you've been such a joy and delight to me for so many years. Run to Dave, as soon as you open your eyes, run to Dave, he's waiting on all of us."

~ the woman, Abigail, Sadie and Sam ~

The woman returned home, took Sam and Sadie for a walk and then they all went inside the house. The woman took two aspirin and laid down in the sun room where the sun was warming both room and bones alike. She thought how her life had changed, so dramatically, so suddenly over the past twenty-seven months and wondered what the future would bring. She dozed, drifting in and out of sleep, letting the sun warm her bones and the aspirin diminish her pain. When she awoke, she took the dogs to the barn, gave the kitten her meds and food, locked the front gate and then walked back to the house where she fed the dogs then filled the tub full of hot water and Epsom salts. When the tub was half full, she lowered herself into it and sunk again into a half stupor, waiting for the hot water and salts to work their magic.

Today was a good day to die but tomorrow would be better...much better.

Blessings ~ the husband ~ the animals ~ the life ~