In Everything, Give Thanks

I’m thankful to be back to blogging this week of Thanksgiving. I don’t know what my problem was last week. Blogger’s Block perhaps? Is there really such a thing?

We’ve enjoyed a few days with sporadic sunshine. It’s so very much appreciated after yet another run of several days and no peek of sunshine, accompanied by lots more rain. And tomorrow, again….
more rain.

The kittens are going to their new homes very soon. Bittersweet! I am thankful they have good homes to go to.

Notice the super close-up blurry shot of Harley (Mama Cat) during supper time. Remember when she wasn’t my friend? She’s my BEST friend now. I can pick her up very easily. She’s always bumping up against my leg for a rub. She entrusted me first with her kittens, and then she herself became more friendly and loving.  The larger yellow cat is none other than older brother Henry. He’s really grown, and about due for a trip to the vet for snip-snip. As are the remainder of our permanent barn & shop cat family.

I am cooking Wednesday for a small group here at the Farm. And Thanksgiving Day we will celebrate at my parents. My dear mother is doing most of the cooking that day ~ thank you, Mom!

I also plan to do lots of these this week and throughout the holidays. So many delicious calories this time of year :)

What are your plans for Thanksgiving? I would enjoy hearing about them! I wish you a Blessed & Safe Thanksgiving. I hope you have much to be thankful for. I know that we do ~ yes, even on those rainy days! 

Short Ears

(As opposed to “Long Ears” ~ which you see a lot of on this blog.) I have today as my special guest model my father-in-law’s horse. She is our one and only equine of the short ear variety on the farm. Her two companion horses were taken by lightning three years ago. She keeps watch over the cows and adds some grace and beauty to our pastures.

She is a Percheron ~ Morgan. I just love her white face.

She doesn’t really have a name, just like his dog who also remains nameless. I call her Sweetie or Big Girl.  Anyone remember the song “Horse With No Name?” Does that date me? Probably! I only wish she had an equine companion again.

Here’s our last Fall tree for the season. The Bradford Pear comes through at the tail end with a nice show of color for us.

Last, but certainly not least, a Remembrance and Thank You to our Veterans and those currently serving in the Military. I’ll re-post this photo I took around Memorial Day of this year at a local cemetery. Their flag display is amazing.

All Creatures Great and Small

This morning’s breakfast in the barnyard,
Ruby & Hazel ~

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.
-from the poem “Maker of Heaven and Earth”
by Cecil Frances Alexander

Have a blessed and beautiful Sunday!

Tears, Joy, and Hope

It’s been a tough couple of months around the Farm. First, we lost Oliver, our dear 17 year old cat, in September. Last night we lost our precious Roxy girl. Early in the Summer, she went in for cancer surgery for removal of a mammary tumor. After the surgery, she rallied, recovered, and had a wonderful summer ~ chasing squirrels and was the recipient of lots of spoiling. We dubbed her “Cancer Dog, the Amazing Survivor!”

A few weeks ago she began developing another tumor-like lump, as well as a strange skin infection. One steroid shot and two weeks of antibiotics later, the lump had shrunk and the skin condition seemed to be healing. However, her heart and lungs were not doing so well. Her legs were swelling and her breathing was labored.

Roxy age 12 was the eldest of our three dogs, but had the most energy out of the trio. She was a good-natured girl in all ways. But she had her quirks. Roxy despised hawks. Anytime she spied one of the winged creatures in flight over the hayfields, there would be heck to pay!

The past few weeks she was not the same energetic girl, and life was getting more and more tiring for her. Sadly, I suspected that it soon would be her time. No more heroic efforts. Just lots of love and TLC. And that she had plenty of. Just minutes before her final breaths, she had wagged her tail and perked her ears when Chloe was barking at a critter. Such spirit in a tiny little canine package! Now I know she’s running the fields with her Mama Jazz and Grandma Ginger, where there is no more pain and suffering. And only sunshiney skies.

Rest In Peace, Roxy
1997-2009

But wait, there’s more.

As if that wasn’t enough for one night ~

I also spent a very long time calling and searching in the dark for 4 out of 5 of our little barn kittens. They were just. plain. gone. At just about six weeks old and oh so vulnerable, I feared they would never return.

Finally after all this drama, I went to bed. I tossed and turned. It was raining (not even in the forecast). Could things get any more gloomy?

Fast forward to this beautiful, sunny morning. After caring for the other critters, I ventured out again calling for kittens. And, lo and behold, at the woodpile…

All 5 were alive and well and hanging out in the sunshine. Life is good again.

Oh, and look what else I found. In November? It’s not a perfect bloom, but yes, they’re still blue! (Apparently the birds love it too) ~

“I still believe in Hope - mostly because there's no such place as Fingers Crossed, Arkansas.” – Molly Ivins

All Hallow’s Eve ~

Stormy October Sunday

We started our Sunday with blue skies and sunshine, a rare treat for us this entire month. Then, storms began to blow in during mid-afternoon. We do not need any more rain for awhile, however the dark skies and Fall color made for a good combination. More Autumn pictures, anyone? I just can’t help myself… It will all be over with before we know it!

I love the view across the neighbor’s corn field. That blue tower in the 2nd photo  is our rural water supply, of course! It’s one landmark we use to direct new visitors to the farm.

While I’m posting pics, here is a quick Barn/Cottage update. The Fiddler has been busy the past couple of weekends, mudding the sheetrock. It looks like we’re on the final layer. Sanding to begin soon! Then our “Barnwood panels”  will be installed on the lower portion of the walls. It’s the faux stuff, but it actually looks pretty convincing.

Hope you’re enjoying a nice Sunday ~ wherever you may be!

Fall Foliage Kaleidoscope

The dogs and I just returned from a wonderful walk around the farm. I started in the yard and worked my way around our acreage, soaking up the most beautiful Fall color and scenery I could find. After a few days of not feeling up to par, I think this is just the medicine I was waiting for.

Are you ready? Off we go on our walk.

Here is a peek at a portion of our tractor and walking path. Banjo always stays a few steps ahead ~ just in case anything exciting pops up.

I took a thousand pictures (really, I think I did). Here is the remainder of our walk in mosaic form.

Thanks for sharing our walkabout today! We don’t seem to be at our peak Fall foliage just yet, but it’s off to a lovely start. 

How’s Fall shaping up in your neck of the woods?