Halloween 2024

Like most Halloweens, there weren't any tricks or treats with my day. I did get my hair "did" for the six week upkeep, so that was a treat. My girl Shy always makes me feel better. 

I guess the trick on me is I didn't know they came out with a different The Mummy movie. I'm going to watch it tonight even though I'm not a Tom Cruise fan. Actually, I've realized the two Toms I enjoyed as actors as a teen, I've actually come not to like as people. Cruise is one, Hanks is the other. There's been too much Epstein and political issues around Hanks. But, acting is supposed to be good enough for me to forget about the actual person, so I'll see how it goes. 

Have a good weekend. I've actually decided on some plans for this one! 

Rose is a beautiful and sweet girl, but she doesn't photograph well

Rory Bear

I'm just constantly tickled by Rory. He is so much like his father, Brogan, from that age. Well, in the looks department and some of the dopey facial expressions at least. 

So up until today, Rory would get brave enough to touch my hands with his snout before getting skittish. Tonight though, he finally licked a cattle cube from my hand! He still hasn't eaten his first cube even by himself, so this was great. I could try softer foods, but then I worry about the other cows intruding on our bonding moment. My cows are greedy. 

I'm patiently waiting for more art supplies to be delivered, so today I began an introduction on sketching. Where the light comes into play is one of my many challenges, but I've got nothing but time to try. 

The lighting was bad, but I love his dopey looks

Blurry Eyes

I'm writing this blog around 7am because I didn't get to it last night. Last night, the winds from the south kicked up a lot of allergens and couple that with my working several hours on painting, my eyes were all blurry. I'm ok now, but if I had written last night, I'm not sure what letters and words you would have gotten. 

I'm not the only one who didn't like the winds from the south. We're so dusty and all the animals, while enjoying a breeze, didn't appreciate the dust either. The goats do this snorting thing,, the donkeys stand still and close their eyes, and the cows find the wind breaks. The sheep were safely in the barn. 

When I let the dogs out, even they weren't thrilled. They did their business and came back instead of the usual running around and playing. It was a strong wind, but hopefully that means the winds change direction tonight and bring us rain and cooler weather! 

Bye Twins!

Tonight, I sent the twins home with my friend where I know they're going to be well loved. These twins have been bonded from the start and a lot of times, it's difficult to find a home for them together. I'll have to do it again in a little over a month with Almond Joy and Mounds, but I think things will work out. 

All of the animals have been doing great. Rory is getting more used to me, the kids love me, and even Rose is starting to let me pet her some now. That leaves only Valentina and Jewel to get social with me and I think the only reason they haven't yet is because too many others get in their way to me. Once we finally get a cold front, I'll be able to survive longer out there to give them the chance! 

Artist Retreat

Last month, before everything went south for me, I had taken a painting class that I thoroughly enjoyed. This past Saturday, I attended the second installment of it and I'm glad I went. 

I am working through my five stages of grief because I suffered a traumatic event. It's going to take me a long time, if ever, to recover from it. In the meantime though, I'm looking forward to continuing the monthly art classes and trying my hand at doing art at home. The two pics are what I've done this weekend. The one with the cow was at the art class, the other was my attempt of either a Texas sunset or a Texas moonrise. 

Wonderland

I have all my animals extra attention this morning, as I was spending the rest of the day working on Wonderland. I'm going to have to start going out there in the mornings for playtime with the daylight hours changing soon because they're so much friskier and fun. 

The two I want to mention today are Brogan and Callie. Brogan shows his affection for me by belching in my face. At first, I thought it was just a fluke, but no, it's consistent with him doing that to me. Are there breath mints for bulls? Callie though is my cow licker. She loves to lick my hands as a show of affection. Cows tongues are just bigger versions of cat tongues, if that gives you an idea of the feel of being cow licked. 

Wonderland is coming along. I had let a lot of things slide waiting for my handyman to come back and finish, but now I'm getting it done myself. I'm glad he's busy working, but geez, I could have used him! 

Lake view from Wonderland 

Blowouts & Flats

What they never talk about and what needs to be stressed to anyone considering moving to the country, budget yourself for flat tires! The number of flats and blowouts the vehicles, trailers and even zero turn mower have had reaches in the dozens in three short years. Today, it was a blowout on the trailer when picking up the spent grain. These tires were only two months old! 

Granted, a lot of the issues stem from the mesquite thorns littering the farm, but the pathways have been cleared for awhile now. Could it be because of the unusual heat Texas has been having? I don't know. All I do know is the one local business I give the most money to in my small town is the tire shop. They deserve it, I just wish I wasn't so generous. 

That's the excitement for today. Tomorrow is another day. 

Photos

Sometimes, you just want to take pics...

Pups and the Pasture Pup

Today's objective was to get the pups brushed and bathed. Tootsie Roll was the hardest to brush, her hair takes to burrs like nothing I've ever seen before. Teddy Bear was easier than Tootsie, but he still had a lot of burrs as well. Reggie and Kenzie were exempt from the brushing as they stay burr free. 

Then shower time. Tootsie takes awhile with her thick coat, however she's calm during the process. Teddy was next and he actually did great. Best of all though was Reggie. I just called him and he walked right into the shower, got all lathered up and rinsed and he was done. Kenzie got a bath last week so she didn't have to today. Now there are fluffy and clean pups. For today at least. 

Before I sign off though, I wanted to share a victory with Rory. While everyone else was eating, I sat down by him to get him used to me. After about ten minutes he finally sniffed my hand! Twice! That's way ahead of schedule with socializing them. Either I'm getting better at it or Rory is just advanced. Or both! 

GOAT

For many years now GOAT has stood for Greatest of all Time. In no way, shape, or form am I a GOAT, but I had a GOAT moment with an actual goat. I banded my first goat today! 

Goats of all ages seem to sense like spiders when you're coming after them. One of the twins, the male obviously, was in the midst of four others and yet he knew I was angling for him. The first time I tried to grab him, his weight actually surprised me enough that I didn't give enough oomph into the lift. The second time, I had to grab one leg and hold on until he could be fully grabbed and then banded. He screamed in agony during the procedure, but then went right back to eating afterwards. 

For those unaware, banding is taking a specialty rubber band and fastening it above the male sac. With the cutoff in blood flow, in a few weeks the area will literally drop off onto the ground and they are then considered wethers. Unable to procreate. Just another item down on my list of things I can control. Do I want to do it again? Nope, but it's Rory's turn next. Yep, same procedure to make him a steer. 

Here's the upcoming wether 

A Week's End

As the Hunter's Moon rises in the night's sky, I've decided to put an end to this week's blogs. I hope y'all understand how difficult it is for me to write them right now. 

Reggie is going back to early years of being by my side, giving lots of kisses and trying to cheer me up. Yes, the anxiety is back along with the depression, so Reggie has double duty now. His nickname is Best Boy and he truly lives up to the title. I can always count on him to be there for me. 

I'll try to make the blogs better next week and focus on the animals and how they're doing. My heart just hasn't been into it this week. 

Jewel and Rory

Decisions

I'm cautiously making decisions now based on how I've been mulling things over and over in my mind. Because of the rumors, because of betrayal and abandonment, and because my heart isn't in it anymore, I'm going to withdrawal the IRS request for the Chamber and close the Chamber of Commerce I started in May. I had big dreams that I know I would have succeeded in, but this is just part of the fallout. 

I did a lot for the town in five short months, but I've seen how fickle a lot of the residents can be. My time is best spent elsewhere and while this decision weighed on me tremendously, I finally decided to let it go. 

I appreciate those who are sending me texts and private messages caring about me. My life has irrevocably changed and these baby steps will eventually take me somewhere. 

Picture of a random devil's claw that showed up in the pasture (probably from the high winds). At least now I can show y'all. 

Just One

Lately, I've been working on a new mantra to tell myself. I've come up with "just one". Just one thing to look forward to, just one moment in the day to find joy or beauty, just one breath to keep going. 

I wasn't going to even speak of it but after speaking with my therapist today, he thinks I should. As I've mentioned, I'm going through a difficult time right now. Usually, I suffer in complete or near total silence. However, this issue was too big and I reached out to a select handful of friends. Again, I really have a tough time opening up to others that they won't hurt me with my weaknesses. Guess what? One of those supposed friends did just that. She took my pain and threw it back in my face, by text no less. There was no help, no support, no reasoning other than I guess her need to feel righteous. She assumed things that wasn't her place and judged me for how I'm working through things. That's not a friend. That's not even a decent person. 

I, and I'm only speaking for myself, am doing what is best for me right now. I am not drinking (other than the two margaritas last Friday night) because I don't need to mask my pain. I'm not eating the best, but I'm making sure I eat. I sit outside some. I make sure that I get out of bed and shower. I talk with my therapist. I talk with my real friends. I talk to my mom. And I take things as just one. 

Three generations of the same line: Spice, Spice Girl and Fudgie. I had to call her Fudgie because she looks so much like Fudge I kept getting confused!

Progress

Most things in life are beyond our control, but I try to focus on what I can control and go from there. I make my lists (in my mind) and systemically work through them. A lot of stuff has been going by the wayside with the farm and it was time to bring that back into focus. 

I'm only talking about the farm in general, mind you. Y'all know my animals are well taken care of, but that's not everything the farm entails. There is prepping for winter (which I still wonder if we're going to get even close this year to freezing temps), getting all the vehicles/trailers serviced and up to date, clearing out waste of all types, and more. Then there's planning on projects for whenever Gator has time. 

But I always find time to play with my animals. The newborn kids got their snuggles and didn't fuss at all! Callie is not only allowing me to pet and brush her, but she's starting to play with me, too. And Rory is learning that I'm just always going to take pics of him. 

S'mores Kids

For a fun weekend twist, S'mores had twins on Saturday! I've named them Almond Joy and Mounds. Yes, one has nuts, the other doesn't. 

Mama and the twins are doing well. I've got three ready to sell this week and now these two will be next in line. People joke about rabbits reproducing, but I think goats have them beat! 

That's about it. It was a hot and dry weekend, but we're supposed to get a cold front this week. Fingers crossed!

Some Improvements

Now that I've got the farm back up and running like it should for the most part, today was about the next item on my list. I finally just shopped online and got everything I needed left for the lake house so to start renting it. I also have to contact an exterminator, but at least the end is in sight. I need to start having income for myself and the farm isn't it just yet. 

After the lake house, don't worry, I've still got tons on my list to do. The animals will need to be dewormed, some things need to be built on the homestead, and some things need to be fixed up to sell. Six weeks from now, I'd like to say that the RV has been sold, all the animals are good, and that I've got enough hay to last the winter. That's goals for you. 

Have a good weekend, I'm going to be brave this weekend. Wish me luck! 

Maesie's selfie

Sweet Fiona?

Y'all know Fiona isn't my friendliest cow. She and I have always had a healthy level of respect for each other. Mainly, that she knows she can give me a look and I'll back off. But no, she'll always let me brush her and sometimes pet her side. Side note: the side doesn't have horns or kicking legs. 

Today though, she wanted love. I was in the mule and she brought her whole gigantic head in for me to pet her anywhere I wanted. I even got both my hands to framing her face and she was enjoying it. I can't explain it, but we had a moment and that meant so much to me. 

All the other animals enjoyed their usual petting and brushing, but that Fiona. She gave me that connection I've wanted with her for so long. 

Rory The Runner

All my cows like to run when they're in good moods and when it's feeding time, but Rory loves to run all the time! Cíarin, his mama, has given up on keeping an eye on him and she only moos for him when it's time for him to eat. Sadly, he runs from me when I try to pet him as well, but I'll keep trying! 

We're finally back to the spent grain run which all my cows are thankful about. They had to go two weeks without and apparently that was cruel and inhumane. I have been scolded by several of them for my tardiness, but they'll be happy to learn this is one of three pickups this week! 

Bewety is over her devil claw adventure from yesterday and tomorrow, they'll be allowed back out in the pasture. I searched everywhere for those things, but I have a feeling I'm missing them. Hopefully the sheep know to stay away from them now. 

Devil's Claws

There's a weed on my pasture either called Devil Claw or Devil's Claw. Either way, it's very aptly named. It breaks off into these wishbone, almost metal-like clamps. Poor Bewety and Ewenique got into them. 

Ewenique comes right up to me and allowed me to get them off of her. The poor thing had them over her mouth like Hannibal Lecter. Bewety took two days to get hers off. She's super fast and those things will slice you even with gloves on. But I finally trapped her and got both of the ones she had off. One was on the belly, the other was near her bum wrapped around her leg. They're both fine and I only have one cut. 

They didn't allow any pics to be taken, rightfully so, therefore you get one of Callie who is finally letting me brush her forehead. 

Back From Black

For those who don't know, the past two weeks I've been hit with some personal issues. It was a very dark time for me and I'm still working through things. However, my farm continues and I need to continue for the farm. 

Unfortunately, a week after Fiona's daughter Skye was born, she passed away. My rudimentary assumption is that she was born premature and was not absorbing the nutrients she needed to survive. She had tried nursing from Mom and when I saw she was weakening, I switched her to bottle. Everything was done for her that could be done, but she wasn't strong enough. That didn't help me already being in a dark place. 

But life goes on and the animals have shown me how resilient they are. Rory is doing excellent and is a fan favorite with all the other animals, especially Dandy. He loves to run and dance and he's heartwarming to watch. I'm hoping more babies are on the way and that they're born healthy.