Uniquely Me

If anyone had told me even last year that I would feel comfortable enough to be my regular sarcastic self in the presence of city officials and a minister, I wouldn't have believed them. But tonight, I was equally sarcastic to everyone at the table Rob and I shared during a Lion's Club awards banquet at the school. 

Our seatmates were a local minister, two seasoned teachers, the warden of the jail, the Justice of the Peace, our new Chief of Police and his girlfriend. I playfully pick on anyone I feel comfortable with usually, and I guess I just feel comfortable around everyone in this town now. Not a bad feeling. They know I mean no harm, it's just the way I am. 

I mean, I forced our new mayor to wear florescent green Speedos on stage for the Superhero play, so it sends the message I'm uniquely me. 

I didn't have a selfie, but this pic of Cíarin is close enough haha

Marshmallow Fluffing

The only other kid I'm going to part with, and that's if I find her a good home, is Marshmallow. If y'all remember, Marshmallow was the only one of the triplets who stayed with Mama in the barn and survived. She is a sweet brown eyed beauty who has a beautiful musculature. She's mostly white with some little black spots on her knees. Well, what I call knees anyway, who knows what they're called in goats. 

Anyway, she's a sweetheart like all of mine are. She is a Mama's girl with a strong spirit for fairness. If y'all don't have goats, it's hard to explain, but her mom will make sure everyone is in their place. They all get the food, they are all for one when it comes to venturing somewhere, and everyone gets the same amount of attention. Yes, S'mores (mama) gets on me for how much attention I give Fudge, but she doesn't win that argument! 

Interested in Marshmallow? Let me know. I want to find her a good home. 

Toffee's Farewell

This past batch of kids, I've done something different and it seems to have worked. I've always made my goats social, but as kids, I would let them get away with only a cuddle or two a week. When they've left here, even though I've chosen awesome people who love them as much as I do, they became antisocial. I think now, I've cracked the code. 

For six weeks, every single day, I have given each of the kids cuddles and basic training of learning their names and to come. What's more , once I introduced them to the herd, I made sure they still had to come to me and get cuddles. It takes patience. It takes going out there when it's freezing cold, burning hot, windy like Oz, and rainy like I should be building an Ark. It takes finding their sweet spot of scratches and using it liberally. 

Today, the first of this batch went to her new home. Toffee welcomed her new humans enthusiastically, greeted all her new herd through the protective fencing, and had absolutely no problems adjusting. They even commented about how soft her fur was due to the constant petting. I think I've figured out success! I'm only letting one more go from this batch, and that's Marshmallow. I'll share a pic of her tomorrow, but she's still a week away from being able to go to a new home. 

April Wrap Up

It's hard to believe this is the last weekend of April. As my mother so kindly pointed out today, the incredibly hot summer is right upon us. Isn't that a pleasant thought? 

At least things are moving in the right direction. We're about two weeks out from finishing up the remodeling of the lakehouse. Then we'll furnish it and test it out before putting it to rent. I'm thinking of opening it up for renting Memorial Day weekend. It might even be sooner, it just depends how everything goes. 

The animals are all doing well and Tootsie just got through being in heat. We'll see if Teddy figured out the puppy making process! 

Everything else is still going smoothly. Here's to a great weekend ahead! 

Isn't Flora looking awesome?

Mayoral Request

Earlier this afternoon, I got a call from the mayor asking me to come meet a guy about a low-budget film he wants to do in town. I literally jumped at the chance and went to City Hall. The gentleman was nice and perhaps we'll work with him in the future, but now I know that's an option to consider for Lometa in the future. I'm taking it upon myself to educate the pros and the cons of allowing filming in our neck of the woods. 

There is a Texas Film Commission to start my journey with. I'll connect with them and see what general rules most cities follow. It's an interesting avenue to learn about and y'all know I never stop learning. We've got beautiful untouched land here that would be great on camera, but there's that balance of keeping us from transforming like Austin did. Say the word "Yellowstone" around here though if y'all want excitement. 

My little stars 

Any Given Day

In case y'all haven't learned this yet, I'm an equally structured and spontaneous person. Any given day, I will have something on my calendar telling me where to go and what to do and then the rest of the hours of the day, I wing it. It's what works for me. 

If I didn't have a calendar with dates marked down I assure you I wouldn't go to doctor's appointments or volunteer meetings. Yet, if I book up too much of my day, I will be a no show somewhere in part or all of the day. Without a calendar, I sit around and my anxiety gets worse as I slowly become a troll. If my calendar gets too overwhelming, the anxiety will also shut me down. Sometimes, my anxiety still messes with me, but this technique has helped me greatly. 

Now you know. Today, I did the dentist, the doctor and then de nada. All in a days work. 

Cookie Doe

Name Undecided

We've got a new ride! We decided to trade in the Gray Ghost (GMC Terrain) and get ourselves the biggest, baddest diesel truck we could. Name is currently undecided. 

It's a Dodge RAM 3500 4wd dually with full bed, crew cab, and every bell and whistle you can think of. We can tow anything, drive  anywhere, and have fun doing it all. 

Spring Cleaning, Yuck

After a wonderful anniversary with my husband yesterday, today we worked on some spring cleaning. Meaning, this is pretty much the first time this spring we've cleaned. Haha. Y'all know how busy we normally are and the house was last on my list for handling. We finally got to the bottom of the list. 

Our trash man isn't going to be happy with us. My washer and dryer are getting a huge workout. I had to poke fur piles before sweeping them up just to make sure they weren't an animal. I'd like to say we got it all done, but nope. Not even close. 

Yes, we're incredibly messy people. I've got a ton of clothes that I never put back up. Tootsie takes half of our shoes everywhere. She likes left shoes more than right. Kenzie will help remove anything on a flat surface. Reggie keeps dripping swimming pool water inside. The cats sometimes puke and we don't know it. Ironically, Teddy does the least damage but just curling up the rugs scratching/pawing. Rob likes to make sure every trash can is overflowing before he takes out the trash. You see my problem! 

I probably should have scheduled more than a day to do this but oh well. What doesn't get done today will get done sometime. 

Presto Change-oh!

Yesterday, Flora was complaining about the heat. So being the loving mother I am, I ordered an express delivery of cooler air and rain. I might have rushed the delivery too much as we had a tornado nearby and some hail, but we're all good at Fur Real Farms and even the double rainbow proved it. 

All the animals are well. They're wet and smell horrible, but they're good. They get a complimentary mud soak package, so they'll be happy. 

Have a great weekend everyone. I'm finishing off the week like I started, by doing practically nothing. Should be fun! 

Beautiful Day

It was such a gorgeous day today! I spent some time with all my fur children and even got some great photos. While it wasn't exactly hot today, it was on the humid side and Flora slobbering, asked if I could open up the barn to them soon. 

See, we do things differently at Fur Real Farms. The cows get the barn during the warmer days with the fans and swamp coolers. Unfortunately, they have to wait just a few more weeks. For now, the kids still get the barn. Could I do both of them at once? Yes, but not pleasantly. Cow patties are not something I want the kids exposed to before they get their shots. Plus, it's just messy. 

This not having to go anywhere is great by the way. I don't know why I didn't think of it sooner. 

Flora with her slobber. Being a diva isn't always easy

Sleeping Beauty

The last two days have been glorious. I've slept in and even taken naps! I think I had been going and going for so long, my body really needed this rest. Please don't worry about me, I'm doing great and have things in the works. 

With all the sleep and lounging around, I haven't done much of anything else. I'll eventually get to the cleaning. Although Rob did threaten (entice?) me with hiring a maid. While that's incredibly sweet, I'm capable of cleaning and it's not like I have an actual job. I know if a maid was coming, I would clean everything before they got there anyway. 

For now, just let me relax and bask in my new found freedom. Did you know there is a box that plays entertainment? Yeah, my fancy way of saying I'm also rediscovering my TV. 

Toffee 

Kid Update

The kids from Caramel and S'mores are growing so quickly! I'm still doing the daily snuggling, as you can see with the pic of Fudge, and it's becoming quite popular. Toffee has now fully embraced it, Chip is over the fifty percent level now with liking it, and Marshmallow is content to sit underneath me. 

Fudge will definitely have horns as they are already starting to poke through. Chip won't let me examine her enough to see yet. It does appear that Toffee is polled! That's rare and I love it when it happens. Remember, they get to keep their horns with me if they have them. 

Now the most surprising with my daily visits however, is S'mores. She's always affectionate, but today, she actually tried to jump in my lap for her own snuggles! I know I'm not a petite woman, but sorry S'mores, my lap is just not quite big enough for you. 

Exit Stage Right

The cast of Superhero Sanitarium gave everyone three really spectacular shows! If you missed it, hopefully you'll see it come to Lometa this summer. But that brings me to big news. Ready? 

Rob and I resigned from the Goldthwaite Theatre tonight. Problems came to a head in February and just kept mounting instead of getting better. I shut out all the offstage drama to be able to give my cast their show. In the meantime, I worked hard to start laying groundwork for a Lometa Community Theater. If all goes well, we'll be approved to do the Superhero Sanitarium at the stage of the school. It's a start. 

Now, my week is essentially wide open. I'm going to relax first and then get my house in order. I've got shedded fur piles larger than my cats around here! 

Superhero Sanitarium

This weekend is the three time showing of Superhero Sanitarium! The cast and crew have worked so hard and hopefully it will be enjoyed by all. After that, it's time for a well deserved break! 

Every night this week we've worked on the finishing touches for the play, but don't worry, I've made sure to continue my daily snuggling with Fudge. Get this, his sisters are starting to want in on the action! I mean, willingly. Toffee is just as much for the neck scratching I do as Fudge is, but Chip still has a little way to go. Marshmallow, totally not a fan. 

Have a great weekend everyone and let's hope the cast breaks a leg! 

Wonderland Update

Our little Wonderland at Lake Brownwood is coming along great! Handyman Travis is getting everything done beautifully and by the end of the month, the interior of the house will at least be complete on repairs. Then comes the decorating and working on the outside! 

We've gotten some rain there, not enough yet, but the grass has exploded everywhere. We have to get a landscape company to neaten everything up and we've got to decide on a hot tub to put in the porch. It's all very exciting! 

Alas, we're also going to have to get pest control out there. The comical sign on our property that says beware this property is secured by fire ants is actually true. 

A sneak peek of the flooring, lol

Changes

Like the weather, changes are going to be happening soon for Rob and me. We're going to give up some of our volunteering, spend more time at home and, by doing so, probably have our names dragged through the mud a bit. It will bring us peace though, and that's what matters. 

On to happier news, we've gotten some delicious rain and everything is truly so green around here. We only hope this rain is also hitting the lake house as well. It's our plan to get up there tomorrow and check out some of the work that has been done. I'm excited! 

For now, I'm going to slosh through the mud and get some cuddle time with Fudge. I've done it every single day of his life and I'm afraid of I miss one day, he'll stop wanting to cuddle. I can't risk that! 

Eclipse Findings

It was neat watching the total eclipse today! Here are my findings: 

If your dog is a psycho (Kenzie) she will act erratic during the time of totality

Goats will think it's about to rain and seek shelter immediately

Donkeys will be completely normal

Chickens will try to roost and we even heard roosters call

Highland cows will lay down and chill

The best of all though, is you can see some stars! 

Ok granted, one was Venus, a planet, but still. It was very cool to watch. Here's the best pic I took of the day. 

Pre Eclipse

It was the night before the eclipse and all through the town, not as many people showed up, but there was nary a frown. The meals still got sold to those who were here and people could enjoy what they were originally taught to fear. The moon will block the sun in totality they say, but weathermen harken clouds will ruin the day. 

Alas, this writer doesn't care a bit about the show, she only wants one thing, a day that is slow. She volunteers often and bakes on the side. But for what it's worth, she's loving life's ride. 

Goodnight from the state who likes the lone star. We'll see y'all tomorrow, from near or afar. 

Eclipse Weekend

Not the best day today. Sometime last night, three of the six goat kids somehow got out of the stall. Two unfortunately didn't make it and one hurt her leg. The two who didn't make it were Chocolate and Graham Cracker. The injured one is Chip. It always breaks my heart when this happens, but these goats are incredible escape artists. 

We have the barn with the goat fencing and we really don't know how they got out. Let's just hope this doesn't happen again. 

Change of news, this weekend is the eclipse weekend. Gas stations around us are already starting to run low on gas. For the actual eclipse, we're staying home, but if course there's plenty going on before then!

I'll be waitressing at our local BBQ place Friday and Saturday. This weekend, I'll also have a special four pack of eclipse cupcakes available for sale at our local cafe. And then the rest of the limited time, I'll still be delivering shirts for the Lions Club. Don't worry, all this craziness will be ending soon. The light at the end of the tunnel looks to be closer than I once thought. Details to come!

Tired Again

Wow, it only took one day to drain all the energy I recharged. Maybe it was the shirt delivery runs for the Lions Club. Maybe it was the driving to Austin to pick up mash. Maybe it was the marathon shopping at Sam's Club. Maybe it was training Tootsie with the goats. Maybe it was the rehearsal at Goldthwaite. Or maybe I'm just old. 

That was my day. Also added to that countless phone calls, text messages and little side errands. I didn't think I'm getting this Lady of Leisure thing down correctly!

Tomorrow is more of the fun. No Austin, but cupcakes! By George, I'm getting every drop out of life these days. 

We've got to mow. Teddy is about to disappear. Wait, where's Kenzie???

Day Off!

Fortunately, the Lions Club meeting was cancelled, so I finally had a day off. Er, rather a night off, but close enough. 

I could say I cleaned and baked and worked around the house, but that would be a lie. I didn't do diddly except play with my animals. Fiona was in a particularly playful mood and if she was the size of Kenzie, that wouldn't scare me. She scared me though enough where I had to give my command to her to settle. Yes, I've got a safe word with Fiona and she respects it. She's actually a sweetheart, she's just much bigger than she thinks she is!

Tomorrow's a busy and full day. That's ok, I'm recharged now!

Stormy Night

Tonight, I had to cancel rehearsal early because angry thunderstorms were heading our way. I saw the sky with a greenish tint before the sun went down, and it got me to thinking. 

See, I was always told that if you hear what sounds like a train during one of these types of storms, to seek shelter immediately for a possible tornado. A fat lot of good that does you when actual trains go by pretty regularly around me! I'd ask my dogs, but one strike of lightning or boom of thunder, and they're heading to safety anyway. So if anyone questions why I didn't get out of the way of a tornado, there's your answers. 

Luckily, no tornado or hail or anything other than some good rain at the farm. I even got some extra snuggle time in with Fudge who is actively following me now. I love all my animals, but he's guy a special rating with me. 

Yes Fiona, you're still my wee girl