Three weeks ago on a Friday, Mr. T, our eldest Japanese Chin, decided he no longer wanted to eat. I had known for a couple of weeks that he was losing ground. In the last year, there had been many health issues for him to overcome. Last August, we opted to have the eye removed … More Mr. T’s Velvet Kisses
The day I got the phone call about orphaned fawn, Tukker, I was given very little useful information by the woman who brought him to me. Mostly, the story sounded like a fabrication. I was told he was a month-old fawn that had been taken in by a local trucker, who claimed he’d scared up … More Keep Trying
The weather here has been cold and overcast the past few weeks, making me feel trapped in the house. But each time I did venture out to do chicken chores or put feed down for the wildlife, I was quickly ready to come back inside to the warmth! Despite the cold, I still hoped to … More Woodland Walk in Snow
Most days after FD takes off for work, I enjoy my second cup of coffee on the back porch. I read a little from my iPad and watch the woodlands wake up. The Cardinals are always the first to begin chirping and flying about. Soon chickadees, titmice, and mockingbirds join in, while a few of … More A Different Approach
Late one afternoon in April, I ventured across the yard to toss a bowl full of vegetable scraps to the chickens. As I neared the chicken yard the hens began their usual routine of following me the length of the fence, with some running to stay in the lead for the best pickings. My normal … More Baby Gopher
The ambient light of town cast a beautiful glow over the landscape as I stepped outside with Oscar at 6:00 this morning. When I focused my flashlight on the front steps, I could see a glaze of ice covering everything. Yesterday’s weather had produced a thin layer of sleet, and overnight freezing fog and drizzle … More Happiness in Black and White
I have found myself tired and weary lately, mostly having set the bar way too high with expectations of myself for the work to be done on Ten-Acre Ranch. Mowing and gardening has started early this year – about a month ahead of schedule. Acquiring fifty-two acres of an adjoining pecan orchard last fall added … More Surrendering to the Flow of Life
It felt very strange last Tuesday morning as I stepped outside carrying Mr. T, our twenty-pound Japanese Chin, on my hip like a little child. I placed him down in the grass and watched him take off for just the right spot to do his business. For a long time, Mr. T had taken a back seat … More Strawberry Blossoms for Bear
This has been a rough week for me. I had to let go of the smallest of our Japanese Chin, Zoe. She was 12 years old, and has been my loyal ranch hand since we moved here. I find myself grieving ridiculously – deeply and intensely. At times I feel a sort of desperation. For most of … More Celebrating My Little Ranch Hand
Do you ever feel the notion to write when you are in the middle of a project that you cannot leave? Do thoughts of writing constantly bubble forth in your mind – the weaving and unraveling of a story or tale that you have a need to tell? These things happen to me all of the time. … More Too Many Hats and Too Many Irons in the Fire…
Do not worry. This post is not about Daisy deer and her pregnant status. It is hard to tell with her, but I suspect she is still two to three weeks from having her babies. FD and I saw her this morning and she was doing just fine. Spirit was a little way back in … More A Week Of Woes and Wonderment…
Day by Day the Farm Girl Way... 