Happy Father's Day!

To all of the fathers out there - have a great day!

It isn't easy being a father - a rather thankless job at times. And then there are other times when it couldn't be better...

As your kids grow up and leave to make their own way in the world, you hope that you instilled in them the  values that you feel are important.

You hope, that as adults, your children will outgrow their differences and be happy for each other's accomplishments, and joys. 

 You pray that they realize what sacrifices you made  in order for them to have a good life... maybe not as great as you wished it to be, but the best that you could give them...

So, to my husband, the most patient, loving, self-sacrificing man in the world...

Happy Father's Day... you did a great job!

Mother's Day Weekend

Friday night Jim and I traveled to Pittsburgh because Brandon was going to be there with Acquire the Fire. I was very glad I was there in time to hear Nick Vujicic - a 25 year old man without any arms or legs... truly an inspiration to all. When he told us to look into his eyes and see that he is truly happy, it touched me.

After the program was over for the night, we went to Brandon's hotel and then walked a few blocks to a pizza parlor and had a late night dinner and talked. After we went back to the hotel, we stood int he parking lot and talked some more. It was great to connect with him.
 I will see Brandon more this year than in the last 6 years! First he and Jen came up for Thanksgiving, then this weekend, and we will see them at Bethany's wedding... I love it!

I had a great Mother's Day. I received flowers from Jim, and from Mariann(she also gave me 2 gift cards  ). Bethany called and Brandon texted. Jim took Nana and I out to an Italian Chop House for dinner, then we popped into McDonald's to see Mariann, pick on her a bit, and have dessert (the McCafe Mocha is delicious!) (Bethany sent flowers, but I didn't get them until Wednesday - I don't know when they arrived, Nana put them on her table and forgot they were there.)

Now that the Silent Hands program is over, I have to get to work with fencing, and moving the larger animals around, clean the barn, the chicken coop, etc. Yesterday I was trying to get a hold of a duck when she headed down the mountain. Knowing she wouldn't walk back up, I had to chase her down to the creek. This is quite a ways down a very steep mountain with a lot of underbrush ( thank goodness it isn't in full growth yet). My dog Duke stayed with me the whole time... but he hasn't been taught to herd anything, so he was just there for moral support. After the duck was finally caught, I then had to head back up the mountain, duck in hand... much harder going up than down. I was thinking how many times the kids worked together when chasing an animal... being by myself made me realize that I need to get Duke trained to take place of the kids!

Wow, time seems to go faster and faster as we get older. I look back at my children and remember the sweet times when they were so little. My son was married 2 years ago, and now, my oldest daughter is getting married. My youngest daughter is considering the Air Force, but won't go until after her sister's wedding...

http://www.highlonesomeranch.com/FirstYearOnTheRanch.htm

Brandon and Jen 

                                   Bethany trying on dresses (this is not the one she chose)

I have been truly blessed with my children. They are lucky to have each other (whether they know it or not), and Jim and I are very proud of their accomlishments...

... But a small part of me wishes they were still little ones at home. *sigh*

Has Spring arrived? No, not really, but the thaw is a nice change of pace after all the cold cold weather everyone has been having. The schools are probably happy for the weather -they have had almost 14 snow days... These West Virginians just can't take the cold and snow... they think they are from the South!

I have been making soups and stews in the crockpot. Winter is a time of warm, comfort foods. I have been adding bits and pieces to my 2 books... but it is slow going. I never seem to have the time to really sit down and write.

A friend of Mariann's is a manager at a local motel and he has allowed me to come in and swim in the pool for exercise. I love to swim, so this is such a treat for me.

I will be raising labradoodles and shepadoodles again this year. We have added a new sire. A beautiful cream poodle we have named Duke.

We have a few litters of dachshunds we are finding homes for. Mariann has been raising them since she was 11 http://www.treasurehuntdachshunds.com/DachshundPuppiesAvailable.htm

The ducks and chickens are enjoying the warm weather... The tom turkey's head is about waist high to me. He wants to get out. We had some trouble earlier... one of the labradors decided she wanted the turkey for her own. I caught her just in time. The turkey was gasping and had turned blue, but finally caught her breath and her skin turned red again. She is doing fine now.

The rabbits are growing. Mariann says I feed them too much and they are too fat to breed... but I look at their sweet little faces when I am in the barn and I have to give them some extra...

Well, I am going to enjoy this weather, for I know it won't last too long. And then it will be back to frozen water buckets and maybe I'll just get some fresh bread made - not good as I am on a diet... and who can resist a  steaming slice of  fresh baked bread from the oven with butter melting into it??? Makes me want to bake some right now.

Merry Christmas!

Yes, I am one of those that do not want to say Happy Holidays, except to my Jewish friends. To everyone else, Merry Christmas!

Oh my gosh... During November we had 10 inches of snow fall before Thanksgiving... then it was warm. Brandon and Jen came up from Texas and missed the snow... It was good to have them

Then the rain came! So much. The mud is so annoying. I had my Silent Hands program the second Friday in December and again, we had a snowstorm. Schools have been closed at least 4 times so far.

Now the rain has come and come... hard to get a Christmas feeling when it is so muddy.

Haven't put up any decorations in the house yet. I get so carried away with Silent hands and the show that I don't have time for anything else. Next thing I know it is December 13th and I am just starting to get things done... like shopping (which isn't finished yet!) The pressure I put on myself from November to the Silent Hands program is too much... my nerves are always shot by the time show night comes. My friend Marilyn made the Spaghetti Dinner for 75, totally by herself... and she has been having a lot of trouble with a foot she broke last year... I am so thankful that she took over that part of it... Mariann did the programs for everyone the day of our show. I am also thankful to her for stepping up to the plate, even if it meant that she was late arriving at the church and stressed out. Jackie helped me decorate the Fellowship Hall and get everything ready. Amy's mom took care of the 10 5th graders that were in the show with us...

Bethany and Ryan were down for Thanksgiving and will be down for Christmas. He is a very sweet guy and we have enjoyed having him visit.

Hope everyone has a great New Year's.