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.