Everyday is something

What a crazy last couple of weeks! We made arrangements with the landlady to paint the house for a reduction in rent. She supplied all materials and we supplied the labor. It was a win win situation. But wow, I had forgotten how much work is involved in painting a house! It was all worth it. Took two weeks to do it, but the house sure does look good again. And this may sound silly but the house appreciates all the care it is getting. Poor thing hasn't been painted since it was built in the mid 50's!

My horse hasn't been urinating right for about a month. So I had the vet out to see what the heck is going on. My first thought that he had a bean ( a wax ball in his sheath), nope that wasn't it. Then I thought maybe it was stones in his bladder. Nope, that wasn't it. Had an ultrasound done and still couldn't find out what was going on. So a blood panel was done. Well, turns out he is anemic! He isn't drinking enough water. So I have been making sure he is drinking. If the water doesn't do the trick, well, then it is something way more serious such as cancer. Time will tell.

My youngest and myself went to the Jacksonville Historic cemetery. One of our favorite places to go. I really liked this grave site. It really fits in well with the history of the town of Jacksonville, which was a gold rush town back in the mid 1800's.

You might have to double click on this picture. I was amazed that new growth has sprung out of an old burnt out dead stump. This tree is in the middle of a very old grave site.

Grace is starting to take her first wobbly steps. Eeeeeek!!!!  I bought two doggie gates to keep her blocked in the dining and living room areas. And now that she is growing taller, she can reach more stuff! My gosh I had forgotten what little ones can get into and how much stuff has to be put up higher.

My youngest daughter and I here at the house. I had taken her to the one and only authentic German restaurant around for her 21st birthday. Well, her birthday isn't until the end of October, but with my schedule and hers this was the only day we could go to lunch. Have to say, the food was delicious!

So far the foxes have not had any more chicken lunches or dinners. I have been keeping the chickens locked up in their coop area and only letting them out every now and then. My thinking is if they aren't let out everyday, it may confuse those darned foxes that there isn't a chicken meal to be had everyday!

The Guineas are so big now. And I think I have made a mistake in getting them. I got them to be watch birds, but it sure as heck isn't working out that way. Those Guineas sound the alarm at everything! And I do mean everything! Oh no, a leaf is falling, sound the alarm. Oh no, a cat just ran by, sound the alarm. And they are picking on certain chickens! Um, no, not acceptable. Although I do admit they make me laugh with their antics.

The resident bear is getting pretty close to the house now thanks to all the blackberry bushes close by.

In a few weeks marijuana plants will be harvested which means there are going to be a lot of busts going on. The Mexican cartel lurk in the mountains and protect their crops. A few years ago there was a fire fight between them and the law. Hmmmm, wonder how bad it will be this year!

My notebook computer has been down for awhile and was having to use the old bulky desk top. And talk about slow! But hooray, my notebook is up and running like a champ now.

Well, I have more to say but don't want to bore you. Time to get outside and get some chores done. Me thinks it is time to pick more blackberries for more syrup!

Tomorrow it is suppose to rain so am going to catch up with all of you then.

Until next time........................... 

This n that and everything in between

Howdy!! Blogger doesn't want to upload my pics so hopefully they will fix the problem soon.

As usual life has been crazy.

I bought Grace a small wading pool and she really enjoys it on these rather hot days. Her pool is in the shade in the breezeway so no worries about her getting too much sun. She is teething again! Ugh! I bought some of those homeopathic teething tablets and they seem to be helping her relieve the pain. She has also learned how to pull herself up whether it be the furniture or her crib! Next thing she will be walking and really keeping me racing around. 

My farrier was out last Friday to give all the horses and donkeys a trim. Wouldn't you just know it but two of the horses and one of the donkeys are having hoof problems. And for the life of my farrier or myself we just can't figure out why. Par for the course! I have been carefully going through everything trying to figure out what the heck is going on.

One of the outdoor kitties has been missing for four days now. I have no idea where he is. I have searched high and low for him with no sign. Sigh. One of the hazards if living in the country. Although the other night I was outside about 2 am ( one of my many sleepless nights) and noticed a new cat eating the cat food. Either someone dumped him/her off or it has been here the whole time. I do know that the cat took off like lightning when he/she saw me.

The bats are multiplying each night. The other night I admit I actually had had enough of them flying too close to me and high tailed inside.

One of my hens is an egg eater! Not good! I have it narrowed down to three as to who is doing it. It is difficult to catch the culprit in the act when there is so much that has to be done. As soon as I figure out who is doing it, well, I am afraid she will have to move on to another home. No, I don't have the heart to eat her.

The Guinea Keets are clowns. Downright comical. They prefer the company of the two older roosters and it is so cute to see them follow Stew Pot or Jeff Lewis around. Especially when the keets get out of sight of the boys they just get all hysterical and start screaming until they find them.

The garden is producing wonderfully. The other night I made blackberry cobbler and if I say so myself it was delicious! Here is the recipe I use and it is so easy.

1/2 cup melted butter poured into bottom of baking dish

3/4 cup flour
3/4 cup sugar                                  Mix together in a bowl until creamy then pour into baking dish
2 tsp. baking powder                      over melted butter
3/4 cup milk                                         

Pour whatever fruit you choose over mixture. Do not stir! Bake for 1 hour at 350 until golden brown. Eat and enjoy!  I like french vanilla ice cream on the side with mine.

The helicopters and small planes continue to fly over the valley looking for marijuana grow sites. Obviously there are a lot of them because they fly a lot!

Hunting season for bear has started so there have been a lot of gun shots to be heard. I'm not a hunter so it saddens me when I hear it. Deer season starts next month. I sure hope the buck and his does that live on the hill behind us stay here on the property where they will be safe.

Time for me to go. Grace is awake from her nap. I WILL catch up with all you of soon. Sure do miss what you have all been up to!

Until next time............................

Helicopters, Keets, Yard Sales,Reminders

Earlier this week I heard a helicopter very, very close to the house. Upon investigating where it was I found it hovering right above one the hills on the property. It hovered for awhile, then slowly made it's way down the property onto the next property. After several phone calls I found out it was a Sheriff's helicopter and that they were looking for marijuana grow sites! I don't have a problem with that at all, however I do have a problem when they spook my horses and donkeys! A few days later there was another helicopter on the other side of the road on the hills over there doing the same thing. After asking around a bit I found out that this area is a hot spot for illegal growers! Personally I don't care if you smoke the stuff or not, but when comes to a safety issue, well that is another thing.



The Guinea keets are growing so fast and they are hanging out with the older hens and Stew Pot the rooster. I have to admit I am really thrilled with the keets and their sense of humour. The other day I watched one keet jump up onto the car trailer, settle down, then looked to the left and saw a pine cone right next to him/her and that pine cone scared the bejeebers out of him/her! I laughed so hard.





Yesterday we stopped off at a few yard sales. This is one of my finds. An old dial up phone. One of my daughters asked me if that was a real phone and I had to laugh. Yup, sure is real. Had one of these when I was a kid. She laughed commenting that it would take forever to dial out. Oh, and I actually remembered my Grandmothers phone number when she had a dial up. Goes to show you how old I am!



This is another yard sale find. An Outback hat which is going to come in very handy this winter. Best part was I hardly paid anything for it and it is already broke in!


I would like to say a big thank you to Tina over at http://borderlineexpress.blogspot.com/ for the surprise in yesterday's mail. Tina donates her time to the Donkey Sanctuary in Canada. And did you know that for only $50.00 a year you can become a Guardian of the Sanctuary. They do wonderful work for all longears! 

The garden is coming along beautifully. Everyday you can find me checking those tomato plants for the first ripe tomato. Not yet, but there are a few who are getting close. Come on tomatoes!!

Speaking of gardens, are there things you look at that remind you of people you know whether personally or through a blog? When I look at my garden I think of Flartus over at http://flartus.blogspot.com/.
When I see my Guinea keets I think of Lynn over at http://razzberrycorner.blogspot.com/. Chickens I think of John http://disasterfilm.blogspot.com/ and Danni http://critterfarmgirl.blogspot.com/.
When I see something beautiful I think of Jim at http://jabacue.blogspot.com/ as well as Ron and Sophie at http://fromsophiesview.blogspot.com/.
When I see a cow I think of Jim at http://aranchersview.blogspot.com/.
When I think about family it goes naturally to my Sister at http://ccantiquesandanimals-whatalife.blogspot.com/.
Well, you get the idea. There is something everyday that reminds me of all of you.

Oh, of course my blog wouldn't be finished without of course and animal awareness bit. How's this one for you. Did you know that horse thieves are now using moving vans such as UHaul trucks to move stolen horses! I bet you won't look at another moving truck/van the same anymore wondering if there is a stolen horse or another animal inside of it!

Okay, time to get some chores done. Always know that I think of each of you daily!

Until next time.....................