finally farm

The Gingerbread House

2012-01-28T09:49:00.000-08:00

Melanie says Burke has been chomping at the bit to construct a gingerbread house I sent them mid-December. Unfortunately, their lives are so busy, it's mid-January and the box remained sealed. But.......better late than never. Melanie brought it along for the boys weekend visit with us, and Burke and I had a great time assembling the house. I am so glad to participate in the fun...the kit is terrific, and includes clear instructions as well as everything needed. Burke made a few design adjustments, in part to accommodate sampling of the various parts of the gingerbread and decorations, but the final project was deemed nothing less than SUCCESS!

RAIN!

2012-01-25T14:56:00.000-08:00

Rain, glorious rain...came in buckets yesterday and last night. Ground slurping it up, tanks overflowing, and goats and chickens are walking on mud plates.

We're 'singin' in the rain...just singin' in the rain

*•♪♫•*.♫♫♫♪♫•*¨*•*•♪♫♪♫•*.•*¨*♫♫

What a glorious feeling, I'm happy again...♪♫

Sunset

2012-01-23T09:50:00.000-08:00

Sky ablaze at Finally Farm.

Mother Nature

2012-01-23T09:47:00.000-08:00

Several weeks ago I purchased a bundle of unusual twigs, thinking they'd make an artistic arrangement for my dining table. They were long and twirly and interesting, and did look lovely reaching up and out from the vase in which I placed them. After a couple of weeks, John pointed out some greenery appearing. More buds showed up, then leaves began sprouting everywhere. I am amazed at the life dormant within these 'sticks...just waiting to burst out with a bit of warmth and moisture and sunlight. I think of how long ago these twigs were cut, then bundled, stored, wrapped, boxed, and finally shipped to retail shops across the country for display. That one of those bundles wound up on my dining table, bursting forth new life is nothing short of a miracle to me.

just twigs

new life

roots

Hooter Girl

2012-01-19T04:56:00.000-08:00

A spot on Aggie's stomach started bleeding a bit yesterday...we couldn't tell if it's the same spot as before (which doc had excised and stitched...) or if this was a new place. She'd been licking her stomach for past few days, but only opened the spot yesterday. We decided we needed to prevent her licking, but a bandage on her belly didn't seem possible. So we opted for one of John's old t-shirts. She started off just wearing it, but we discovered the draping was an issue.

She got a job at Hooters!

Shiny Boots

2012-01-18T21:00:00.000-08:00

I'm in love with a shoe shine man.

Joseph Boone, working at the Genie Car Wash on Valley Mills Drive, spent time and effort today giving my beloved and twice re-soled Justin Ropers a mirror finish. My truck wasn't the only thing sparkling this afternoon...

January This and That

2012-01-16T13:54:00.000-08:00

Jess is now one week into his new job with PointSource. All is going well, and he's liking the whole 'office at home' scene, with Marilyn sleeping nearby. Ali continues her preparations for the upcoming marathon in Austin; since it's the same weekend as Jess' birthday, we will get to celebrate both.
David, Mel, and the boys went to the DFW airport today to greet troops returning from Afghanistan. Over 200 soldiers arrived this morning to the cheers of grateful family, friends, and strangers...all happy to welcome them back home.
This past weekend my brother arrived for a weekend visit. He's very independent and capable, and deciding to drive 9 hours to central Texas didn't phase him one bit, even though he'll be 84 in March! We love having him visit...he's easy-going, agreeable, fun, and full of family stories. Friday he, John, and several of John's buds went to a friend's ranch, where they chopped and loaded and hauled a pickup load of wood for John to use in the smoker. When they got back here, they unloaded and stacked the wood. Big Will never missed a beat all day! I was on the treadmill after they finished unloading; Bro peeped his head in and said he thought he could use a little exercise too...so when I finished, he walked a couple of miles. 84 be damned!
On Saturday, Mary, Travis, and Little Will drove down for the day. Little Will loves being here, seeing the animals, and having freedoms he can't always have otherwise.

Big Will and Little Will

Dog water play is fun!

Jack's a lovable teddy-bear.

Travis made small wood out of the big wood Will and John had brought, then Little Will decided to get in on the fun.

John cranked up the smoker and cooked wonderful ribs and salmon for supper. Along with 2 doz. boiled crabs and 2 lbs. crawfish and two King Cakes, Bro had brought a case of incredibly luscious Pontchatoula strawberries. So for dessert, I made the yummiest strawberry cake ever!

I have the best brother in the world...

Shuhvundah, 2012

2012-01-09T12:33:00.000-08:00

Another Shuhvundah has come and gone. We laughed and ate and drank and swapped gifts 'til the cows came home. Only one gift made a reappearance from Shuhvundah, 2011. Pat recognized it immediately, and was less than thrilled.

Say it isn't so...

This will return in 2013!

Barbara's gift choice was a mystery...a robe? a shawl? a blanket?

Ouida solved the mystery...then the puzzle was how to get OUT!

Some of the gifts were more sought after. Phyllis was thrilled with her scarf...

but that joy was short-lived. Connie stole it briefly, then Bette wore it home. Judi was delighted with her bottle of port...

and her bff did not 'steal' it. Connie didn't hesitate however, and probably enjoyed port after dinner! Nell liked the cute watering can in her chosen gift bag, but after a couple of swaps, it went home with Judy.

And while I tried and tried to entice someone to 'steal' my gift, there were no takers. I fully understand...

We had lots of laughs and surprises, and from the grins on these faces, lots of fun...

My dearest friends from Austin drove up for Shuhvundah again this year. My history with these women covers shared adventures, escapades, heart-aches, and fun. This gathering was especially poignant for us, because Barbara (far right in the photo) suffered a stroke a couple of weeks ago. Only quick-thinking and a miracle enabled her to recover quickly and completely. We are truly grateful...

The Mosaics welcome 2012!

Star$$$$

2012-01-07T17:41:00.000-08:00

I heard they were raising their prices. But my beloved trenta Passion Tea (no syrup) has gone from $2.97 to $3.19! Yowzer. I may have to start getting my tea from Bush's Chicken (69 cents for 32 oz!).

Calculator Needed?

2012-01-06T14:15:00.000-08:00

At Hobby-Lobby today, my purchases totalled $9.73. I gave the clerk a $20 bill; right after she entered that amount, I handed her 3 pennies. She looked puzzled and said, "I'll have to find a calculator." I thought she was joking. Then she looked again at the change due amount showing $10.27, turned to another clerk standing nearby, and asked if she had a calculator! I-kid-you-not.
Gently, I said, "You owe me $10.30"; she looked doubtful, but said to the co-worker, 'Never mind' and handed me the correct change.

Cremation Invitation

2012-01-06T06:44:00.000-08:00

'Pre-pay' equals 'free'?

January...

2012-01-04T12:41:00.000-08:00

You never know what bargains you'll find at the grocery store! And I couldn't resist this cheery quartet of brightly colored lawn chairs; they fit perfectly with our hodge-podge porch collection...

John and I woke early this morning, both grateful he is really on the mend. We drank coffee, chatted, and enjoyed the fireplace until dawn began to break. Pearlie overheated in front of the fire and moved from there to sprawl in John's lap. He rubbed her soft tummy a few minutes, then leaned his head back, and presto...both asleep! What a great way to start the day...

Greet the morning with a nap.

My wonderful brother is coming for a visit next week. I am so proud of him...losing Marie was incredibly difficult, but he survived...and is enjoying life to the max once again. He's quite venturesome, but I'm a bit worried he's driving all this way alone at 83! However, he went bungee-jumping last summer, soooooo................

Jess starts his new job at PointSource on Monday! He will be handling sales, similar to what he did with Lombardi, and then IBM (when they bought Lombardi). He seems excited about the new opportunity, and grateful to be getting back to work.

I am happy.

Year's End

2011-12-31T16:40:00.000-08:00

Unfortunately, we will not celebrate this final day of 2011 as planned. John's ailing with a cold or allergies or whatever, and we're hesitant to be out, spreading it among friends. So it's a quiet, if not quite peaceful, last day of 2011 here at Finally Farm. It's been a great year, with lots of family, friends, and fun to make it so...and we think 2012 will only be better!

On a personal note, I rarely make resolutions; my lack of will power supply is legend. If I do, it's something easily achieved...'I will give up cinammon'. I recently heard a fellow talking about how people set themselves up to fail with new year resolutions. They vow to lose 30 lbs by summer, go to church every Sunday, stop smoking, help others, or exercise each day. Promises like these leave folks discouraged when they fail to accomplish that goal. The speaker advocates a 'kinder/gentler' approach. He suggests simply thinking of a word or words to focus on in the coming year...perhaps words like health, volunteer, grow stronger, eat local, grow spiritually, read books, save, etc. So for this year, my word is happy. I want to be it, and I want to spread it. I will try...

Happy New Year.

Christmas Present

2011-12-30T20:31:00.000-08:00

John surprised me BIG TIME Christmas, with a huge and absolutely incredible dj/karaoke system...currently stationed in his barn. Here's one of my roadies, making sure things are operational...

And here's a few crazy friends last night, testing those mikes...

I love my life...

Levee Bonfires

2011-12-29T13:13:00.000-08:00

If you read about the lamp my Bro sent me for Christmas (see Friday, December 23, 2011), you might be curious about the bonfires that are built for miles along the Mississippi River levee, all to be lit on Christmas Eve. Here are some pix showing a few of this year's themes and sizes...

The river parishes know how to have a good time...

My Chixxx

2011-12-29T12:52:00.000-08:00

No more skunks encountered so far, but this wee fellow watched me feed the goats the past few mornings, cozy and secure near that warm hay tunnel!

Remember when Henny-Penny was soooo unattractively molting for soooo long? (Here's a reminder of how she looked all summer). And things got worse before they got better...

But here she is now, back to her stunningly beautiful self...

And here's her sister, Other Henny-Penny, only partially recovered from her molt. Soon, she'll be turning heads like her twin above.

Ernie/Bernie and Other Ernie/Bernie are not back to their show-stopping plumage just yet. But they still lay beautiful snow white eggs every day.

Remember Trixie who survived the terrifying terrier incident (of which we never speak in her presence...seeThursday, February 17, 2011)? Well, after that and a summer brooding 24/7, she's back to normal. Well, I can't really say she's 'normal', but then...what IS normal?

Here's her sister, Dixie, with those embarrassing lamb-chops.

Here's the rest of the beauts who cluster to greet me at the gate every morning. They are all fat and sassy, but clammer for sunflower seeds and oats. In return they offer a lovely egg several times a week and provide me with endless moments of calm, peace, and delight. I love my chixxx; that a predator might harm them sends chills up my spine.


Peep 1, Rosie, and Margie

Peep 2

Peep 3, Peep 4


Maybelle

Good fences do make good neighbors

Strange Night

2011-12-27T12:35:00.000-08:00

Things got REAL weird around here last night, just before midnight. I let our dogs out for a last relief and...saw a skunk strolling about the chicken YARD! Thanks to the holiday decorations at Motel Chixxx and the manger, his tell-tale white streak glowed in the Christmas lighting. Yessir...Mr. Skunk was quite at home, snuffling about the hen's grounds.
I quickly 'googled' skunks versus chickens and read about traps, removal, avoidance of, protection from, etc....but more importantly, I read that they will eat eggs and can kill chickens! It was scary to think of our girls, in their deep slumber, as 'sitting chixxx', vulnerable, and ready for the taking.
John went to get his rifle. I found him by the back-door, muttering, 'Now if I can just find the bullets!' I burst out laughing, but John continued his search for bullets, slamming cabinets and closets, and cursing ammunition 'hidden too damn well'!

Finally, he found bullets and loaded his weapon...but ignored the door sign.

I, on the other hand, couldn't stop giggling. John gave me terse instructions to go on the back porch and 'spot shine' the hen house. Then off he went, dressed in ninja turtle pajamas, a carhart, and house slippers, toting a loaded rifle and a 4 million candlepower lantern. With such commotion, the goats woke, and started bleating. The garden, chicken yard, and goat pasture were ablaze with both our lanterns. We saw the skunk moving, then John yelled out that the skunk was IN the hen house! I was terrified for my girls!
But I was also terrified John would get skunked. Then we'd have to burn his ninja pajamas, bathe him in tomato sauce with ammonia three or four times, tie him on the front porch, and make him sleep outside for a few weeks. (See Wed, Oct 5, 2011 entry. Pearlie still occasionally reeks.)
But brave John got closer to Motel Chixxx, stepped onto the veranda, and aimed his light through the tiny chicken door...a bold white streak was clearly visible! In order to keep Mr. Skunk contained, John reached down to close the wee entry, so he could safely open the big door into the hen house. But when he gently shut that little door it just continued moving forward and flopped to hang down inside the hen house. John grabbed a nearby broom and slammed it against the small opening. (I SO wanted my camera!) Then he crossed the porch to unlatch and gently swing open the big door. He slowly stepped inside.
All 13 chixxx were in deep slumber, oblivious to the night visitors, the brilliant candlepower, the goats bleating, or me yelling advice from the back yard. John called out that he could see the skunk behind a large bale of shavings. Three shots rang out!
A lone and very indignant hen woke, staggered out in confusion, then toddled back to her roost. The goats quieted and returned to the straw beds in their manger. John came back to the house, and said he couldn't be sure what happened. He was reluctant to enter a small contained area with a skunk who, if not dead, might be really pissed off!
This morning John returned to the scene to find...nothing. No bullet holes, no skunk, no fur, no blood, and 13 bright-eyed chixxx ready for breakfast. Somewhat puzzled, we await tonight's adventure.
Will Mr. Skunk return...with his cousins?

Christmas Stuff

2011-12-26T08:32:00.000-08:00

My efforts at Santa Hat Desserts turned out pretty cute. The recipe included a complex recipe for brownies, which you cooked, cooled, then cut into small brownies for the base. It was much easier to use the HEB 'two-bites' and pecan tartlets! It took five minutes to assemble. One note for next time...get the cheap whipped cream in a can. I opted for real (heavy) whipped cream, albeit aerosal. Just didn't dispense quite as easily as the cheap artificial kind does. Tasted yummy though...so whatever.

Mel made adorable 'Melted Snowmen'...another simple recipe. She used plain sugar cookies, topped them with smooth white frosting, plopped on a briefly microwaved marshmallow, then when all was cooled, added final touches with edible icing pens. Cute, and tasty...

Melanie also made yummy pralines using Uncle Will's time-honored recipe...another hit on the sweets list, along with a moist apple cake made by Pat! So when dessert-time arrived, these two cutie-pies managed to tear away from exciting new Christmas tech toys!

John and I tried to snap a perfect holiday picture,

but our dogs were un-enthusiastic.

Oh well...Happy holidays!

Year End Wish

2011-12-24T12:42:00.000-08:00

As this year draws to a close, I do have one wish...and that is for Jess to find a wonderful job. He is talking with PointSource, LLC, and it seems to be serious. But...typical Mom...I'm still fretting. Whomever Jess works for will be lucky...he's hard-working, incredibly bright, and self-motivated. Sounds like the perfect employee, eh? But these are hard times in the job market...so fingers are crossed, prayers are wafting, and ju-ju beads are being rubbed. 2012 will bring good news!

Christmas Fun

2011-12-23T14:32:00.000-08:00

Jess and Ali brought special Christmas treats for Luke and Burke.

Pearlie discovered Ali cuddling with Moe.
She couldn't stand it and quickly staked her claim as
Top Dog Over Everything (aka...terrier)!

My incredible brother has a green thumb just like our parents did. To quote our Dad, "he can root a hoe handle". Here's a picture my bro sent of his lemon tree...mid-December. He said, 'I don't pick 'em...it's easier to get juice out of a bottle'.

My wonderful brother sent me a surprise Christmas gift. It's a lamp the honors the River Parishes' tradition of bonfires along the Mississippi River levee on Christmas Eve. These are spectacular constructions and stretch for miles along the river. Need I say, there is some serious partying all along the River Road when those fires get lit, gumbo is served, and booze flows freely. I love my brother and my lamp...and that tradition.

I sent a gingerbread kit to Jess and Ali, thinking it would be a fun project for the holiday season. Jess snapped a picture of their final efforts...and it looks EXACTLY like the one in the catalog. Either these kits are foolproof, or these kids are darned talented!

Our annual Christmas party was over-the-top fun, including gumbo, hay-rides, a moving show-stopper performance by Jess, Burke's Rudolph, Warren's annual reprise, Luke's O, Come All Ye Faithful, group singing, the children's Away in a Manger, 125lbs of food donations for Caritas, the active soldier in our midst, 'The 3 old Farts' finale, our first annual Finally Farm Flash Mob, four generations of the Gilliland family, the Rudolph family's celebration, Jack's impromptu visit, 67 friends and family from 2 to 82...this, and more, made our Christmas bright. We are so grateful...

...the lights of my life...

...2 more of those lights...

...and another...

and another!

The most wonderful grandchildren in the world sport goggly-glasses from their stockings.

Burke is tickled watching Uncle Jess "get his groove on" to Just Dance, 3 for Wii (Luke's Christmas gift).

In the last 5 days we hosted an annual Christmas party, shared our family Christmas, attended my choir's Christmas performance, and hosted the departmental Christmas party! We look forward to Christmas Day with family in Dallas, but are glad our holiday is done. As for me, I'm chomping at the bit to take down and put away until Christmas, 2012. Let the UN-decorating begin...

Until next Christmas...

Gifted and Talented

2011-12-17T04:09:00.000-08:00

I am blessed with gifted and talented friends; they quilt, cook, sew, paint, and create in many ways. I am jealous.

One such friend designs beads that are nothing less than breath-taking. She envisions, then, magically, produces, baubles that are stunning alone and collectively. But when she takes these beads and creates jewelry, it is even more amazing. Every piece is unique, lovely, and often made to individual requests.

This friend is not just talented...she is generous. At a recent holiday luncheon, she gave a necklace to each of the friends there...designed specifically for them! The recipients were thrilled.

For some quirky reason, I prefer not to wear jewelry other than my mother's ring and my wedding ring. So, this friend made a sparkling, jeweled bookmark for me! She knows my love of a good read and a good twinkle, but understands my dislike of wearing jewelry. These pictures do little justice to her beautiful work...

The lovely bookmark sparkles on our Christmas tree!

The luncheon where these incredible gifts were shared was at the home of another gifted and talented friend. She hosted not one, but two, lovely bridge parties back-to-back, including lunch both days! She makes it look easy...and does it while visiting foreign countries, undergoing surgery, hosting additional family for months, selling out-of-state properties, dealing with loss of a mother-in-law, and sharing one car with three adults. And this all speaks to her other great gift - organization!

My gift? Surrounding myself with amazing friends...

Early Christmas Fun

2011-12-12T13:31:00.000-08:00

A dear friend is known far and wide as the cookie queen. She makes wonderful gifts of her yummy treats, and I considerate myself lucky to be among the recipients each Christmas. Here's my share of this year's bounty...

In addition to being a sugar and flour magician, she's an expert with needle and thread. Her generosity with this talent means her friends also get wonderful ornaments...

The husband also has a creative bent, and does fine woodworking and furniture-making. One year he shared this wonderful gift...

Their home is a Christmas gift too! She and her husband decorate every nook and cranny with holiday treasures. Cookies spill from tins in every corner, teddy bears wear Christmas frocks, holiday needlework is displayed on trees and walls in every room, candles cover tables and mantel...and Plasticville always makes an appearance, swimming pool included!

They are good-hearted friends.

Stew? STEW?

2011-12-10T11:28:00.000-08:00

We were shopping at a local grocery store when John said, 'Isn't this the store that has unusual meats?' He was probably remembering the chitlin options we'd chuckled over: cured, fried, or with veggies! (see February 6, 2011 entry) This caught our eye today...

Note to self: stay away from meat markets!

My Hearts...

2011-12-07T18:56:00.000-08:00

Recital

2011-12-05T15:16:00.000-08:00

Sunday was a great day, even with dreary weather and dropping temps. We drove to Dallas, enjoyed lunch and fun with family, then went to our six year old grandson's Christmas recital. He was so handsome, and played perfectly from memory. Of course, seeing him at that huge piano, playing with such confidence, then making the gracious bow brought tears to my eyes. I'm so proud! Here's some moments...

Ready to leave for the recital hall.

Preparing mentally?

Performing perfectly!

Along with some of the younger performers.

Clowning with Bro!

This and that

2011-12-03T11:51:00.000-08:00

Collecting eggs every day is such a joy! And production lags only if it's blistering hot or molting time or days are extremely short. Most chixxx offer a lovely gift every 24 hours or so. These presents come in a variety of colors, textures, and sizes, not unlike the producers. The colors range from pale shades of blue and green to a full range of tans, beiges, creams and snowy whites. A couple of the girls deliver these stunningly beautiful ovals with deep tan color fading to a beautiful cream...

And there's a bonus...the larger end has freckles!

Eggs may have sharply pointed tips or gently rounded ends. The ovals are fat and squatty or tall and slim. Some eggs have tiny trails of shell powder sprinkled on the outside; other shells are smooth as silk. Still others...orange peel-esque. There are big eggs, tiny eggs, medium eggs. Variety continues inside with yolks ranging from brightest yellow to deepest orange. And always, this lovely yolk is held firmly aloft by the albumen...a tiny offering.

'The Birds' or 'Brigadoon'

2011-12-02T13:04:00.000-08:00

My chixx get treats scattered about their yards and in open feeders twice a day. That makes Finally Farm a gold mine for the avian world. And recently, huge flocks of 2 or 3 varieties have flown in and around, moving en masse. It's an amazing sight to see (and hear) them settling to the ground or whooshing off in a dark cloud. Usually, Jack ignores them; but he felt compelled to chase them as they rose to the skies this morning. He ran, woofing furiously...what a brave dog.

Jack sleeping at extreme right.

Don't let me catch you back in these parts either!

The birds didn't stay away long however...and watching this from inside on a dreary day with the mist growing Brigadoon thick makes me feel like I really am in a Hitchcock movie!

These trees gave me a shiver until...

...I turned and saw this!

Miscellaneous musings

2011-11-30T13:45:00.000-08:00

The baby boy is still suffering with a really, REALLY bad sinus infection. Several doctor visits, several med changes, and 2 weeks have not brought relief. He finally saw Jim again yesterday, and procedural relief may be required Friday IF he's not significantly better by Thursday! This has gone on so long. Thank goodness he has Ali...suffering alone is awful.

In addition, big boy has had a recurring cyst-like area on his back, that he THOUGHT he had taken care of surgically. But while in Houston for Thanksgiving, the lump and redness reappeared. Sunday found him back at the clinic for another procedure! His dermatologist was reassuring today..but additional surgery may be required if it recurs.

The uber high winds of recent wreaked havoc with trash, garbage cans, and hair-dos...also, Randy!

Several years ago our sons declared John was not to climb up to hang lights on the roof any more! 'We're too old'...but if we wanted lights they'd do it for us. For a couple of years, that worked fine...then they were in Houston, or they were sick, or they couldn't come home, or whatever. So we didn't have outside lights. John couldn't stand it this year...

Meanwhile I made peace with our ancient Christmas tree.

Every year I vow it's the last, but every year I re-box it for storage. This year I've shopped for a more suitable tree (whatever that is), but have been unhappy with all I saw. For one thing, it's hard to find an UN-lit tree anymore...but these over-sized, multicolored, ancient bulbs we use are tradition. So here we go again...same old tree...same old lights...same old ornaments...but.....NEW location! Actually, she looks pretty good for an old girl.

And of course, hanging on the tree is the much fought over Skiing Santa. Neither son remembers why but this ornament became THE one each felt he had to hang on the Christmas tree...

Fisticuffs often broke out over who would find it first and hang it front and center! I began hiding the ornament until most of the decorating was complete. And here are my adult sons, a few years ago, desperately trying to find Skiing Santa. What fun-loving boys they were...and remain still.

These two are my heart.

When I took the picture of me and the ladder and the tree, I sent it out to Jess and David and John, implying I was alone here at the house and about to climb the ladder to decorate. A message quickly came back from David..."Save me Skiing Santa to hang"!

While going through our ornaments, I picked this one up and was struck with nostalgia.

These women are dear friends from Austin, and came for a visit in 1999 shortly after we moved to Waco. One of the friends had these ornaments as gifts for each of us that day...it says, simply, Friends Forever above our names. And how true that is...I treasure each one of these women and our 20 shared years in Austin. That friendship continues even though we've been away from Austin well over 10 years!

I am a lucky woman...

Sick Jess

2011-11-24T15:55:00.000-08:00

Our baby boy's sweetheart flew with her mom to visit Missouri family. Jess planned to drive back up here for the holiday...but alas, the sickness he had last weekend is now a full-blown sinus infection. His eyes were a dead give-away last Saturday...

And now he's even sicker, doing just what he can - laying low and waiting for the antibiotics to kick in. Probably more of this too...

David, Mel, and the boys are spending Thanksgiving with the Jeffersons in Houston. That left me and John to take a long walk, see a movie, overdose on cornbread dressing, relax a LOT, and count our blessings.
A darn good Thanksgiving after all...

Memory Jog

2011-11-24T08:47:00.000-08:00

Back in the 1950's, Ma had one of these plastic Christmas trees with tempting gum-drops stuck all over it! A copy showed up in a catalog recently, and I had to order it. The giant gum-drops included are a bit off-putting, but no problem...I'll find some of the smaller ones and my walk down memory lane will be complete. Next comes a metallic Christmas tree with tricolored, revolving spot!

Lock-down

2011-11-22T16:01:00.000-08:00

This weekend, Burke discovered my chixxx laying eggs in the goat manger! Sure, it's cozy and dark in there, with fresh, soft hay, but they must drop those gifts in the laying boxes. If they start nesting in various other places, then finding the eggs becomes a seek 'n' find. So...the girls are on 'lock-down'. They are still free to roam, but only in their yard and John's garden. So now, the goat yard is SO attractive they just can't stand it. And that tiny door that provided access to the goat yard is now covered with wire, posing a mystery every day. It's so funny to go out and find them haranguing at the fence, demanding freedom. I love me some chixxx...

The goats are a bit puzzled. They've been used to the chixxx running around their feet, scratching, clacking and clucking! I like having them together and hope to soon reunite the species. But for now, the eggs are just where I want them...

The Fed-Ex van arrived today with a surprise birthday package for me! It was from Ali. She sent me a sweet birthday note, along with a book we'd discussed while sitting on the porch Saturday morning. I'd read The History of Love by this author, and she'd enjoyed reading this book by her as well.

It's heart-warming to be remembered, but especially with such a thoughtful gift.

This and that

2011-11-20T12:49:00.000-08:00

Burke got a new piano!

Family arrived Friday night for a weekend here on the prairie; Jess was already ailing and, sadly, did not improve much over the weekend. He rallied briefly (thanks to Pap's medicine cabinet and steam facials).

After David and Ali completed a half-marathon run Saturday morning, we headed out to cheer Baylor to victory over OU!

Family photo-op

On Sunday, we enjoyed breakfast at Lolitas, a family favorite. Then Burke busied himself sorting my recycle basket.

Burke has inherited Melanie's gift for organizing and sorting.

Here's our two incredible sons with the incredible women in their lives.

(We are the luckiest people in the world!)

I Hear a Banjo

2011-11-13T11:21:00.000-08:00

After breakfast at Griff's, we decided to take a wee drive-about. The county road we were on eventually turned to gravel, but because the truck's GPS showed the road going all the way through to Hwy 6, we decided to press on. After a few miles through remote countryside, we began to see signs discouraging interlopers. About half the distance to Hwy 6, the road ended at this gate. No matter what the GPS said, this county road did NOT continue. We took the hint...

11-11-11

2011-11-11T06:41:00.000-08:00

To American veterans everywhere: Thank you!

Sad vs Happy

2011-11-09T14:57:00.000-08:00

My heart ached a bit when I saw this sad relic recently...

But having friends makes me smile...and lunching with a few is the perfect way to start off my 'birthday month' celebration. From the great cards I received, it's plain as day these gals love me...but it's also plain as day they see me as a knit-challenged wine-drinking sugar thief who fancies fm shoes, and is addle-brained, smart-ass, and prissy (or pissy).

They know me well!

Ridiculous vs. sublime

2011-11-01T14:32:00.000-07:00

Shopping at Whole Foods in Dallas is always a treat. But making it through the produce section without purchasing specialty herbs, heirloom tomatoes, or unique vegetables is a challenge. Last weekend, I had trouble resisting these contortionist gourds...

Shopping at Brookshires in Clifton is also a treat. There's always something unique, eye-catching, or fun to consider for purchase. However, I did not have trouble resisting these unusual products...

even though labelled 'super clean'...

...and 'delicious in gravies'!

March of Time

2011-10-30T11:27:00.000-07:00

Twinkle, twinkle, little star is suddenly replaced by Star Wars. Time marches swiftly from first tooth to lost tooth, and our grandsons grow more precious and clever each year. My wish for them...a happy life.

ARF Fighter

Doctor of Death

Barn Party

2011-10-28T07:08:00.000-07:00

John and a few friends gathered to test a theory: "John's smoker (combined with his secret technique) produces the best ribs." The theory held. John smoked sausage, chicken, and ribs...others provided beans, cornbread, and potato salad...the perfect meal. Weather moved the dining indoors, but this did not hamper the fellows' appetites or enthusiasm for "gathering around a fire to tell lies"!

Digging in...

Remains of the buffet...

Refills...

The BMW and Prius parked among the pick-ups did give me pause...

Charlotte

2011-10-27T16:17:00.000-07:00

Our friends sent us this picture of Charlotte in her new home...with her new friend.

Charlotte and Wyatt

Farm News...

2011-10-26T15:05:00.000-07:00

Production is in high gear...

Beauty really is feather deep...

Sophie, Charlotte, and Charlie have moved to a farm far away.

There are no sweeter donkeys.

My heart hurts.

Miraculous Mother Nature

2011-10-25T07:59:00.000-07:00

Two or three weeks ago, we enjoyed the first several inches of rain in several months. The young birds had never seen water fall from the sky...some sought refuge and some endured.

We watched from the porch, grinning as rain fell and fell and fell.

The summer has been hot, dry, windy, and unrelenting. Our plants suffered mightily, but the Finally Farm philosophy is: 'if it can survive...good. if not...good-bye.'. That may seem harsh, but living on the central Texas prairie is a wake-up call for plants. Rain is always scarce, but this summer was downright scary...

However, Mother Nature has a few tricks up her sleeve. Yes, this severe drought is a test, but she'll have the last laugh yet. Here's some pix taken before the rain, and some taken 2 days ago...

Knockout roses (red)

Same knockouts...now happy.

Sad mutablis

Same mutablis...now happy.

Sad skull-cap


Same, now happy, skull-cap

Sad salvia


Same salvia...smiling.

Sad knock-out (yellow)

Same bush...now sporting a pale yellow blossom.

Rose bushes, side by side. One happy...one sad.

Previously brown, barren, and crisp pastures are faintly green.

Mother Nature is death-dealing and life-giving.

But she's never boring...

Eve's Necklace

2011-10-25T06:03:00.000-07:00

The perfect name for the perfect tree...

In autumn

In winter

In spring

Mist and mayhem

2011-10-24T06:12:00.000-07:00

This morning a thick fog blankets the pastures...wonderfully mysterious mist.

Yesterday morning a clamor at the back gate...food demands!

Repairs and 3 Dog Night

2011-10-22T18:58:00.000-07:00

'Who ya gonna call?'

Master Craftsman Bill...and happy helper.

The poor man's staple gun.

I love my dogs...so much that I prepped this cooked chicken not just for human consumption, but also for a three dog night feast.

Treats from left to right...Jack's, Aggie's, and Pearl's.

'SUS'

2011-10-19T08:13:00.000-07:00

Over the years, John has often brought me a 'SUS'...these are unexpected and always wonderful surprises. They are varied, out of the blue, and, most importantly, show that John was thinking of me in some special way. My sus has included Hershey bars, a rocking chair, Passion Tea, a newspaper, an iPod, green-apple Jolly Ranchers, a giant stone, a puppy, other puppies, a new book, donkeys, a tractor, a power-washer, a Frio rock, a baby grand, an iPad, Crepe Myrtles, t-shirts, Lantana, a bouquet from the florist, a bouquet from the pasture, a walking stick, a Cadillac, a bottle of wine, a straw hat...........see what I mean? A sus is random and unexpected...and makes my heart sing.

A couple of packages addressed to John arrived Monday. When he got home, he opened one and took out a book he'd ordered, but left the other package on the counter. When I asked about it, he smiled and said it was for me. Here's my latest sus!

I love my sus...and John!

Pleasures

2011-10-16T20:14:00.000-07:00

Large Sprite = $2

Medium Popcorn= = $3

Ticket to movie Moneyball = $3

ClifTex, the oldest open theater in Texas = Priceless

Sister

2011-10-16T20:04:00.000-07:00

Beauty queen, artist, gifted teacher, creative seamstress, loving mother, and generally fascinating woman...my sister today resides in an assisted living facility, and is feeble, fragile, and forgetful. Her joys are cigarettes, food, Wal-Mart, and casinos! Life is strange...

Finally Farm Dogs

2011-10-16T11:42:00.000-07:00

Thursday night, we discovered a bleeding sore under Aggie's belly. Although plagued with tumors over most of her body...some large, some small...our veterinarian has consistently deemed them cosmetic. So we've not worried as the numbers have multiplied and sizes have increased. This oozing tumor caused us great concern however, so Friday John took her to our vet. Because Aggie is old and failing in many ways, we feared the worst, thinking the 'C' word, but not saying it. The doc was reassuring and said an excision and sutures would take care of it. John left Ags for the surgery and when I picked her up several hours later, she was feeble, wearing the 'cone of shame', and still anesthesia foggy. Quiet and trembly the whole car trip, she eagerly exited the car when we got home and went immediately for a water bowl. Uh oh...!

Our instructions were to keep her indoors and quiet, but she whimpered at the back door to be let out. She raced with Pearlie along the fence line, barking furiously at the goats and chixxx.

She couldn't relax, wouldn't lie down, and if we brought her in, stayed at the back door begging to be let out. After an hour or so of this unusual liveliness, greater agility, and excessive barking, we decided that the 'post-surgery reversal injection' hadn't yet fully worn off! Thankfully, she did calm as evening set in.

The vet said bringing Aggie right in was wise. She explained the location of the lesion means it is constantly pressed on by Ags' body when she is lying down (which is most of the time). It had developed into something akin to a bed-sore, with accompanying infection..not good! We're hopeful this is an insolated incident, but the perils of old age loom. Aggie has a strong spirit however, so we will keep our rose-colored glasses on...

Jack visited the beauty shop Saturday. When we picked him up, he was snowy white, glistening bright, sweet-smelling, and show-dog GORGEOUS!

But I had to quickly offer a treat and snap pix as soon as we arrived home. It took him about one minute to initiate the reversal of all that beautifying process. His first steps on home soil were directly to a large dirt bowl he'd dug this summer. Nothing satisfies like a roll in fine dust, but it'll take additional manure, mud, burrs, and dirt to recreate his pre-beauty shop look. He is, however, already on the way...

I love this dog.

Just Jack

2011-10-14T05:25:00.000-07:00

Our sweet Jack loves the recent drop in daytime temps, but he still thinks moist, cool soil makes the perfect place for naps. We haven't the heart to deprive him of every possible digging spot, so here he is bedded down (with St. Francis) and sawing logs in what used to be a lovely planting bed. Sigh...

I love Jack

My Hero

2011-10-13T15:51:00.000-07:00

A recent article from the New Orleans Times Picayune about my wonderful brother...

Will Johnson of Norco and John “Pete” Phelps of Eloy, Ariz. served together as forward observers during the Korean War. Until recently, they last had spoken as Johnson was being carried off the battlefield on September 24, 1951.
Twenty years ago Johnson began looking for Phelps.
“We were pretty close because of our jobs,” he said. “I just decided I wanted to see him if it was possible. I only knew he was John Phelps and a cowboy.” As forward observers they were on the frontlines close enough to see and observe enemy actions. They reported the enemy’s location in coordinates, which were used to triangulate the best spot for the artillery units to direct fire of their 4.2mm mortars. Johnson said they were regularly targeted by the North Koreans and often caught in the middle of fire fights.
When Johnson and Phelps served, there were no computers, satellites or high speed electronics to direct mortar fire against the enemy. They used binoculars and, most important, battery commander’s scopes, which were designed so the head of the observer was several inches below the viewing lens, helping give the observer a lower profile.
Johnson had a brother in the Navy and one in the Marines, and was drafted into the U. S. Army in December, 1950, and arrived in South Korea in June of 1951. Like him, many of the men in the 2nd Indian Head Division of the 23rd Infantry, Heavy Mortar Company, had not known even where Korea was located on a map.
It was the promise of a fast track towards promotion to sergeant that enticed Johnson and Phelps to volunteer for forward observer duty. They didn’t spend much time together because when one was forward the other was with their company practicing firing mortars. “Relief was to go to the mortar gun area to wash socks and whatever,” Johnson said. “I’d stay a week or so forward, then Pete came to take my place. We had to move around and were exposed,” he said. “It was very harrowing.”
In July, 1951, they were camped in the Punchbowl, a bowl-shaped depression surrounded by high ridges, for a couple of weeks. Johnson said they saw relatively little action there, but they soon learned how dangerous the job of forward observer could be. “When we moved to Bloody Ridge, it got serious,” he said. They experienced severe fighting on Bloody Ridge, then in September moved to Heartbreak Ridge. From extensive shelling of the ridges before their arrival, the hills had been reduced to loose dirt and mud mixed with human remains. “I was always careful about not stepping on body parts. It was that bad,” Johnson said.
Heartbreak Ridge was won and lost on an almost daily basis for a while. On one push to keep the North Koreans from taking the hill Johnson was wounded in his back and legs. He was heavily medicated and carried down on a stretcher; the bearers often slipped and fell, dropping him. After one fall, Johnson opened his eyes in time to see Phelps trudging up the hill to take his place. “Pete said ‘good luck,’ and ‘I’ll send your things.’ I only had a few clothes and had lost all my equipment on the hill, so there wasn’t really anything to send,” Johnson recalled.
Johnson recovered, but was deemed unfit for combat duty. He was assigned to transportation, where he served as convoy leader. Both men were home in the United States in 1952. Johnson received the Purple Heart and both he and Phelps earned Bronze Stars.
But it took 60 years for them to reunite.
Johnson’s searches, with his minimum information on Phelps, did not find his friend. He and his late wife, Marie, joined the 23rd Infantry Regiment reunion organization and traveled across the U.S. each year attending reunions, but he never crossed paths with Phelps. Several months ago Johnson told a friend who is a former FBI agent about his quest, and within a few days they thought they’d found Phelps.
Johnson wrote and told Phelps that if he wasn’t the right man, he’d keep trying. Phelps said that the minute he saw the 2nd Division sticker on the envelope he knew it was someone he’d served with.
Johnson’s son-in-law, John Guillot of LaPlace accompanied him to Arizona, where the Korean War veterans recently spent two days reminiscing and renewing their friendship.

Bliss

2011-10-11T07:40:00.000-07:00

Color me happy...

Happy

2011-10-09T05:53:00.000-07:00

Incredible, glorious, nourishing RAIN started falling last night, and continues today. To say we are happy is the understatement of the year...leaves are unfurling, cracks are diminishing, grasses are perky, birds are partying, goats are frantic, chixxx are scratching, Jack is hiding, Ags and Pearl are napping, and John is retrieving the newspaper for me. While out in the truck (in his ninja-turtle pjs), he'll cruise 'around the block' (aka, sections) to see the freshly washed world!

Happy, happy we...

A Wedding in the Family

2011-10-07T14:35:00.000-07:00

Our great-niece, April, has always been quirky, fun-loving, high-spirited, and a woman with a mind of her own. So it came as no surprise that her wedding was an unconventional one. New Orleans was chosen for the event because it's a charming city, a fun city, and a beautiful city long loved and appreciated by the bride. So our family headed south last weekend to witness this event...and have a good time. Historically, when the Johnson/Martin clan gathers, fun is assured...and this was no exception. Our early arrival even allowed for me and John to take a trip to Nobiles (shrimp and butterbeans) AND Pea-Vine (yummy crabs)!

Everyone arrived Saturday and after checking into our hotels, we were off to Deanies...

After lunch, we strolled into a wedding at St Louis Cathedral. When we were asked to leave, this towel in a nearby shop seemed the perfect retort...

We walked among artists, mimes, performers, and musicians around Jackson Square, then found ourselves...tah dah...at Cafe DuMonde. Beignets were calling our names...and although it was incredibly crowded, we managed to squeeze all of us around a couple of tables. We couldn't wait to get our hands on those powdery puffs...

We got back to Bourbon Street around 3 in the afternoon and it was already hopping, decadent, and over-the-top! We shopped, gawked, admired, and marveled...and drank hurricanes, hand grenades, bloody marys, and Huge Ass Beers.

The rehearsal took place at LaTrobe. Mid-rehearsal, these tall back doors swung open and two large glasses of beer were passed in! Gotta love the attitude of this city...

The rehearsal dinner was at Mother's, another New Orleans institution. The evening was relaxed with no stilted speeches or formal dress. The fathers and the groom made brief remarks...short and sweet and perfect! After dinner, several of us walked back down Bourbon Street to the Cat's Meow...a karaoke bar like none other! We even convinced John to go along, since it was his birthday; he promised to give us an hour. But what a fun hour that was...LOUD, raucous, dim, and the whole place jumping like you would not believe. Unfortunately, we left before I could witness several in our family getting up on that stage...grrrr.

Sunday morning we breakfasted en masse at famous Camellia Grill. Everything gets cooked on open air grills surrounded by the patrons. Even if you order a slice of apple pie, it gets slapped down on the grill right along with the bacon and eggs! Breakfast done, we moseyed over to the open air markets. Bro checked out a cutie sitting behind the farmers market...

While we were enjoying more of the charm of this city, another family member arrived downtown, parked to meet up with family at Mulattes, and while there, had her car towed! This was about 3 hours before the wedding was to begin, so crisis had to be put on hold until Monday...we had a wedding to celebrate. And celebrate, we did...

A childhood friend of the bride was the officiant and the couple wrote and spoke their moving vows. The non-traditional music was performed by another life-long friend of the bride, who also was a bridesman and, later, appeared as the Greenman. After the ceremony, everyone moved into another large room at LaTrobe, where cocktails and hors d'oeurves were served as a string quartet played. The newlyweds appeared almost instantly and spent the next half-hour having fun with their guests.

Everyone mingled, danced, and enjoyed friends and family, while the ceremony area was transformed into a lovely dining room.

April and Uncle Will

April and Aunt Sally

Dave and Mel


The cute gang...

Jess and Ali

Don't even ask what this dance step is...

My handsome fellows

Sally and Sally

We just have TOO much fun when we are together.

No traditional wedding cake, of course. Instead, varied cupcakes (April's favorite sweet) were placed about on simple glass stands, with champagne flutes and 'Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding' alongside!

There was no tossed bouquet, no garter grabs, no lengthy solo, no uncomfortable speeches, no cake ceremony, and no staged pictures. The bride wore feathers and red high heels. The groom wore red converse tennis shoes.

Greenman made an appearance.

A fabulous jazz band appeared to lead the second line parade several blocks down Bourbon Street.

We were all laughing, singing, strutting, and having the times of our lives...the police motorcycle escort was an added bonus! The parade ended back at LaTrobe and soon after, the bride and groom walked out and down the street with a simple suitcase in hand, surrounded by bubble-blowing family and friends.

It was a spectacular weekend, wonderful wedding, and another memorable time with our family.

Computer woes averted

2011-10-06T06:15:00.000-07:00

The technical support guys at Baylor are my heroes. The hard drive on my iMac died a recent quick death...they replaced that lickety-split, but, more importantly, were able to retrieve my files! It seems miraculous to me, but everything's just as it was...only need to reload an application or two. But, lesson learned...after recommendation from my personal computer guru (and favorite nephew) I'm now backed up 'in the cloud' at mozy.com.

Thank you, Baylor...thank you, Johnny...and thank you, Mozy.

Another bad thing...

2011-10-05T13:17:00.000-07:00

Pearlie was doused with 'eau de skunk' while we were away for the weekend. When we discovered this, it took two shampoos, one vinegar bath, and one tomato sauce soaking to reduce the smell to 'bearable'. And now, two days later, that distinctive smell occasionally wafts upward. She was a wee bit embarrassed...

Wearing her tomato sauce outfit

Computer Blues

2011-09-28T16:14:00.000-07:00

My iMac is getting rejuvenated and I am LOST without it. Never mind my iPad and iPhone nor John's MacAir and Dell pc...I miss my MAC!!! Hopefully, it will be fully revived by next week. And for now, I'm busy getting set for a wedding in the French Quarter. Details later...

Inside - Outside

2011-09-19T12:38:00.000-07:00

Here's the shirt John wore to work one day last week:

This is the shirt he switched to later in the day:

I love my crazy professor.

RAIN!

2011-09-19T10:47:00.000-07:00

After three extremely hot, dry, dusty months, rain finally fell on Finally Farm. Saturday night a small storm dropped an inch. Then last night another, more spectacular storm, brought another inch or two. Foliage, grass, dogs, cats, chickens, donkeys, goats, and humans are all smiling! We need much more of the moisture, but our hearts are swollen right now with gratitude for this wee bit of relief.

Jack vs Electricity

2011-09-17T07:50:00.000-07:00

In our extreme summer heat, Jack seeks cool, damp soil for his daytime naps, and leaves tremendous holes about the yard. In the past, John tried to thwart him by filling holes with poop, or toys, placing large stones in and around the holes, threatening Jack with torture and death, and cursing, muttering, stomping, ranting. Nothing seemed to keep Jack from finding another area to dig. But in early Spring John took matters to another level and surrounded the whole digging area with electric fencing! It worked! The grass grows thick and green there now. (See entry of May 26, 2011) But...

This summer, Jack discovered another area of soft, green grass and began to dig again. First, we plugged the hole with a riding toy. He moved over and dug another hole. We covered that hole with an upturned chair. He moved over and dug another hole. We shifted stones to this area. He moved over and dug a bigger hole. Soooooo...the whole side yard is now electrified, with tiny white flags fluttering on the thin wire. Apparently, there is carry-over memory for Jack too. He hears the 'tick, tick, tick', sees those flags, and stays away.

We can't stay mad at Jack for very long. He's such a sweetie and actually, is the only dog who earns his keep around here! I can hear him right now, barking from somewhere deep in the night pastures. He naps most of the day (usually rousing only if something/someone approaches), but he remains on duty all night, every night, woofing that deep bark to say to intruders...'stay away...these are my humans'. i love this dog...

Goats and McMartins

2011-09-13T18:02:00.000-07:00

Our silly goats are such fun...here's some antics earlier today.

Jess sent us a text message with picture Sunday morning...his message said "Egg Mc Martins, second generation". Here's his pic...

His reference was to the original Egg McMartins, a variation on Egg McMuffins that John developed...but twice as good. John was the breakfast maker in our family. He discovered early on that breakfast in bed gets a teenager right up on a school morning...no nagging required! Thus, our family's 'breakfast in bed tradition' was born. It continued through all the years our boys lived at home. They (and I) woke every morning to John's delivery of pancakes, waffles, Egg McMartins, Daddo muffins or whatever yummy breakfast he had prepared...and that delivery always included a smile.

Prius parade

2011-09-11T19:41:00.000-07:00

We had friends over for dinner and a wee bit of fun tonight, and...tah-dah...every couple arrived in a Prius! Are we back in Austin?

Knit and Swat

2011-09-07T12:45:00.000-07:00

The evil scarf is DONE. Yes, this "easy project" (never trust assurances from a knitter friend) took me 3 and 1/2 years to complete...but it haunts me no more. Knitting is hyped as the relaxing, calming, soothing hobby...WRONG! The production of this scarf has been my albatross since I bought the wool in Dallas over 3 years ago. The final project is not bad either, cause thankfully, that fuzzy wool is good at masking a multitude of sins.

One of these fly swatters cost $15.00 and the other cost $1.00. Can you tell the difference? Well, neither can the fly...

Precious Treasures

2011-09-06T17:00:00.000-07:00

We visited with family this weekend, including two sweet grandsons. When we arrived in Dallas, David and the boys were perched on the roof! A limb had been taken down and lots of debris was left. They were up top to clean it off...what a treat for Luke and Burke to see their street from the roof-top! Here they are, waiting for our arrival...

We had a great time. Both Pap and I are amazed that these boys are growing like weeds and yet, remain sweet and tender. The day will come when it won't be such a treat to see Meem and Pap drive up...but for now, we enjoy an excited grin, a tight hug, and a warm kiss every single time.

Here's some pix i love of the boys sleeping. Burke is always barely clothed, flung across the foot of the bed, head back and arms akimbo, with covers tangled and useless. Luke sleeps in full pajamas, head resting on pillow, and with sheet and bedspread pulled tightly across the bed and tucked under his chin. Similar boys in many ways...yet so very different.

My heart hurts to think of how quickly they are growing up...but I also delight in their future knowing from both, good things will come.

Precious treasures...

Trixie's Trick

2011-09-02T06:55:00.000-07:00

Poor tormented Trixie...she's not been right since the Pearl Incident*. And for the past month, in addition to nervousness, jitters, and hysteria, she's added broodiness. That means she remains in her nest at all times, hatching baby chicks (she thinks). Never mind that we have no rooster nor that she often sits atop only wooden eggs from Hobby Lobby (post egg-collecting hour). Sit she does...shrieking when other chixxx enter nearby boxes, fussing loudly when I collect eggs, ruffling feathers in a menacing manner at any disturbance, or squawking in dismay when something routs her from her chosen spot. She is addled...but sit, she does.

Yesterday, John and I were out feeding the goats when I noticed Motel Chixxx was lying face down on the chickens' veranda! This was most likely a result of goat rough-housing near the separating fence. I counted the chicks clustered around my feet...only 13! That meant Trixie was missing and likely under the nesting boxes! I panicked. John went into the chicken yard. When he up-righted Motel Chixxx, he said, 'yes, she's under here'. I feared the worst and hurried over, contemplating chicken pot pie vs burial. There was Trixie...

...still nesting. Other than slightly mussed feathers, she seemed fine laying there atop broken eggs, wooden eggs, and tumbled straw. We can only assume she rode the box down as it fell, and simply adjusted to the new laying angle. I love my Trix...

We replaced the straw in Motel Chixxx and before we even left the yard, Trixie was back in her usual place...a bit dazed, but with a second exciting story to tell. *See entry, February 17, 2011

Breakfast of Champions

2011-09-01T06:40:00.000-07:00

John made yummy smoothies for our front porch breakfast today.

Breakfast of Champions

He used Ma's old blender from the 1950 era, which still works like a champ...

...and reminds me of the Ronco Vego-matic Daddy bought Ma for her birthday one year. heh heh.

So Long to the Herd

2011-08-31T17:43:00.000-07:00

This was graduation day for John's heifers and bull. The first buyer arrived early to stuff 19 pregnant heifers into a trailer. The bull purchaser soon arrived as well...but not before the bull kicked up some dust over the whole situation! The whole thing was over quickly, and now our pasture can recover. Although there's not a sprig of green anywhere, with a bit of moisture perhaps grasses will reappear. In addition, our water bill and fly population should drastically drop!

The ladies in waiting...

The ladies are leaving

My donkeys check out the left behind (and angry) bull

Goodbye, Mr Bull

What's all the fuss?

Rain (NOT!)

2011-08-29T13:28:00.000-07:00

A few drops of rain fell today...literally, very few. I had to quickly snap a picture of my windshield with droplets on it, to verify it wasn't a dream. But, alas...after a lovely morning of high 90's temperatures (cool front!) with cloud cover, the sun has more than burned through and the thermometer is rising...may hit 110 again. Sigh...

More Chill Ahead

2011-08-26T16:03:00.000-07:00

The new fridge replacement for the tiny one in the pantry arrived today. John's in the living room now, switching the door swing, muttering under his breath, puzzling over the hinges, and cursing the original assemblers. In preparation for the new appliance, I took down baskets and moved the microwave from atop the current small fridge....Oops.

I did NOT realize that microwave weighed in at what seemed to be 500 lbs. As it slipped from my hands to our tile floor, I hoped for minimal damage. When we plugged it in, lights did come on and the humming took place, but since I'm suspicious anyhoo, we're going to part with this one in case I did some internal damage to whatever controls the magic. I'm ok...more than ok...without a microwave. John has agreed to a trial period without one. My guess is that in 2 weeks he'll not even remember we had a microwave. I probably can count on one hand the number of times he's used it in the 6 years we've had it...seriously. And it might only take both hands to show the number of times I've used it! It's back to the old days of 4 burners and an oven...but, with more chilling capacity!

Here's our old one...about to be donated to a local church.

Here's the new one...waiting to be plugged in!

Grasshoppers and Woolens

2011-08-25T07:42:00.000-07:00

Click to enlarge and see if you can find the ten grasshoppers in this picture. If so, bravo...but just be aware there are 10,000 more in that very same vicinity! As you can see, they continue to strip the stems and stalks of the remaining dry, crisp, and shriveled foliage.

EL Diablo

What can a person do when triple digit temperatures continue, with no relief in sight? Well, bring out the wool yarn, of course...

Someday I will finish this haunting project, which started three years ago when a good friend convinced me I could knit if I tried (even though she'd seen my 'dish-rag' efforts). Knitting has a lovely reputation as a soothing, yet productive activity, but that's the problem. It is NOT soothing...I am tense as a drum when handling the needles and yarn. And it is NOT productive...three years? Seriously? Anyway, here I am, 106 degrees outside, with woolen yarn across my lap. I'm such an idiot... not to mention, unproductive.

El Diablo, 2

Like father...like son...

2011-08-22T06:28:00.000-07:00

Please, Mr. Time-Flies...slow down.

Japanese Bowl

2011-08-21T10:26:00.000-07:00

I heard a Peter Meyer song today on Prairie Home Companion. As I listened to a crystal clear voice singing the words below, I thought of the many ways we can all be 'cracked'. The culture in which we live may devalue us because of these 'jagged lines' and 'scars'; but the cracks make us more beautiful. They write our lives...

Japanese Bowl

I’m like one of those Japanese bowls

That were made long ago

I have some cracks in me

They have been filled with gold

That’s what they used back then

When they had a bowl to mend

It did not hide the cracks

It made them shine instead

So now every old scar shows

From every time I broke

And anyone’s eyes can see

I’m not what I used to be

But in a collector’s mind

All of these jagged lines

Make me more beautiful

And worth a much higher price

I’m like one of those Japanese bowls

I was made long ago

I have some cracks you can see

See how they shine of gold

Undeniable Adult Truths

2011-08-18T08:11:00.000-07:00

A good friend shared these "-ism's" with me the other day, and since they seem so spot-on I decided to share too!

1. Part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die
2. Nothing's worse than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.
3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
4. There is great need for a sarcasm font!
5. How DO you fold a fitted sheet?
6. Was learning cursive really necessary?
7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. We know how to get out of the neighborhood.
8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.
9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.
10. Bad decisions always make good stories.
11. There comes a moment when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.
12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.
13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes when I did not make any changes.
14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.
15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.
16. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. 'More kisses begin with' Miller Lite....
17. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid" routing option.
18. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
19. I love the sense of camaraderie when a line of cars teams up to prevent a jerk from cutting in...Stay strong, brothers and sisters!
20. I don't really need to know what time it is.

Heat records

2011-08-17T14:44:00.000-07:00

We recently set a new record for the 'most 100+ temp days in a row'; then the heat broke briefly (odd to consider less than 99 degrees a break in the heat)! But now we're back into the triple digits every day and it headed for a record for 'most 100+ temp days in a summer'. Tanks are bone dry. Grass is crisp as toast. Crunchy dead leaves are falling. Cracks in the ground are dangerously wide.

We will get rain again and cool temperatures will return, but meanwhile..............

Rain?

2011-08-15T06:03:00.000-07:00

Last night's rain...sad, isn't it?

Butt heads

2011-08-13T09:39:00.000-07:00

Our goats provide an infinite amount of fun; they play and play and play. It must be their ancestral 500lb mountain goat genes coming through, but they'll butt heads over and over and over. I am loving me some Dwarf Nigerian Goats!

Finally Farm Reprise...part 3

2011-08-10T18:32:00.000-07:00

Although it was his turn, Luke opted not to sleep in the living room last night. Burke jumped at another opportunity (see Finally Farm Reprise...part 2), but thought the floor might be fun to try this time. First he tried Aggie's bed...too hot. Then he tried the Karastan rug...too scratchy. Then Meem put down a quilt...juuuuuuust right. A pillow, a cover, and he was ready to go. Before turning in, I snapped this picture...

This was a lazy departure morning. The boys played Wii and loved on the goats, chixx, and dogs. Before heading northward to meet Mel, we stopped at the Mayborn. I took a few shots (poorly, with IPhone)...

Camels are NOT as much fun as you might think...

Burke studies how wind-blown sands long covered the Sphinx.

Luke, Burke, and friends try to construct a pyramid.

Burke spent a LONG time playing the piano.

Luke was picked to assist during a magic show!

Mel called tonight. She said the boys want to move to Crawford so they can have a pet deer. (Thank you, Doc Kelley) We have assured them that if they move down here, we'll make sure they get a pet deer...AND a horse!! (We are shameless)

The boys are back home now, and Finally Farm is sure LONESOME! Our serendipitous summer days with Luke and Burke were wonderful...

Three things I love...

Finally Farm Reprise...part 2

2011-08-09T16:48:00.000-07:00

Burritos and pancakes...always extra-large at Griffs!

A sweet grandson opted to spend the night on the sofa!

Fun continued today for the boys and Pap. This included watching a dozer man do some digging here at our dusty tanks, helping Pap with some 'final exam' work in his office, lunch at Baylor's new Einstein Bagel, swimming at SLIC, and last but not least, climbing the rock-wall. It was a tiring...but fun...day for all three! Here's a few pix Pap snapped...

Luke did free hanging...

and wall climbing!

Burke scampered up like there was nothing to it.


Dropping back down like an expert.

Hungry after several hours of swimming and climbing, the boy's wanted to dine at their favorite place...The Golden Corral! Luke had fried okra, chicken fried steak, fried chicken, and pasta, and Burke ate fresh spinach, fried okra, and watermelon. Of course the best part of the meal is the dessert buffet, and Luke had spotted the cotton candy when we walked in. Unbelievably, he ate a WHOLE one!

Then he returned to the dessert bar where the choice of Krazy Kolors ice cream seemed obvious. Here he is after a few bites...

Burke chose a dark chocolate frosted brownie. After eating almost all, he said his stomach was hurting. He looked so unsettled, I gave him a chewable pepto-bismol to help ease the discomfort. He chewed and swallowed the tablet, and immediately declared he thought he might want to go get a bit more. He returned with jelly beans and another bowl of okra, with ranch dressing on the side. Ahhhh...the cast iron stomach of youth!


Dipping okra in ranch dressing...jelly beans wait their turn.

The boys return to Dallas tomorrow. Finally Farm will be sad...

Finally Farm Reprise!

2011-08-08T19:18:00.000-07:00

Since it was John's last teaching weekend in Dallas, I went up with him on Friday so we could also spend time with the family. It occurred to us while we were there, that Luke and Burke could come back to Crawford with us Saturday night and spend a few days before they have to start back to school. The goats, the dogs, the chixxx...and we...have missed having them around.

Mel and Dave agreed, so Saturday evening we picked Pap up and headed for home. Fun days started Sunday morning with Pap's specialty - 'freshly squeezed lemonade'. The boys enjoyed a yummy glass, then Pap froze the rest to make lemonade icees!

Here's Luke enjoying a shark dissection (!!) on National Geographic, as well as one of Pap's yummy lemonade icees!

Burke had enough of the shark invasion and retreated to the porch where there was an incredible breeze blowing. He spent a lazy morning constructing with Lincoln Logs...

then posed for a picture with the finished product.

Today was Aggie's second acupuncture session. As always, she was a trooper and seemed quite a bit better after this round. The boys occupied themselves in and about Doc Kelley's office, observing the acupuncture process, and playing with the resident pet deer, hog, and cock-a-too.

Before heading to town, we stopped to enjoy a late lunch at Subway. Imagine my surprise when Luke ordered...and finished...a foot long sub!!

As the sun began to sink lower in the sky Monday, the boys decided to take to Pap's wagon and get in some marshmallow target practice!

Pap and the boys will hang together tomorrow...so far their plans include the cow sale, Pap's office, swimming, rock wall climbing, then dinner with Meem at the Golden Corral, Luke's and Burke's favorite place to eat.

These two boys are nothing short of amazing. They are happy, clever, and kind...what more could a grandparent want?

It's supposed to get worse...

2011-08-03T16:09:00.000-07:00

Gloom, despair, agony on me...

deep dark depression, excessive misery...

ETC...

Send help

2011-08-03T14:19:00.000-07:00

HOT.............

A very bad thing...

2011-08-03T05:56:00.000-07:00

Pearlie can't handle freedom...it's straight to the cow poop.

If she wasn't so cute, she'd be dead by now...

Silly Goats

2011-07-30T16:54:00.000-07:00

John let the goats into his garden this week, for any nibbles that might be left on the mostly brown plant remains. When I went out later the first day of their new access, I could hear loud crying from the garden. Milky Way had found her way behind the leaning bean support panel...but could NOT figure out the 'backing up' part of an exit strategy.

Imprisonment did not prevent continued nibbling however...right through the panel.

Silly Goats

More musings

2011-07-27T14:20:00.000-07:00

I really love my chixxx, and think they're lovely...but molting does nothing to enhance their beauty. Case in point...

Henny

My new girls (The Four Peeps) are really growing up...

Peep

...and should be laying soon. That is, if they can get Trixie and/or Marge to relinquish some of the laying boxes. There was a standoff yesterday between these two. I cannot explain why, in 105 degree temps, Marge HAD to lay her egg in the box where Trixie has been brooding for almost a week. Trouble's brewing...

Mad Trixie

Mad Marge

I like to think my goats are clever girls, but John likes to point out the vacant look in their eyes. Oh well,...they're cute.

Finally Farm creatures share food, water, and shelter...

Our sweet Aggie started another round of acupuncture and herbal medicine. When we first tried this treatment about one year ago, it helped greatly with the progressing weakness in her hind legs. So here we go again...trying to buy her more time.

Our sweet (and very tolerant) AggieBear

Writing a new rap song called 'Cracks in the ground...'

Eggs, glorious eggs...

2011-07-26T15:32:00.000-07:00

We have ten laying hens..fourteen girls total, but some are still a bit young to be laying. And those original 10 girls brave these blistering hot days, nestle in those hot laying boxes, and produce incredibly beautiful and delicious eggs almost every day. Here's the lovely gifts i found today...

I love my chixxx...

Wishful Thinking

2011-07-24T20:52:00.000-07:00

Poor Trixie...she's been a little addled since the attack by Pearlie (See Thursday, February 17, 2011), and now she's gone 'broody' on us. Here's most of the girls tonight about 9pm...

And here's Trixie...

Poor dear...she's been nesting for the past 5 days, leaving the boxes only if forced out, and returning immediately to what she clearly sees as her mission in life: hatching these eggs. I hope she doesn't notice the 'hobby lobby' sticker...

Is it just coincidence that Trixie's broodiness started shortly after 'Randy, the Rooster' arrived?

John Deere Birthday Party

2011-07-19T18:32:00.000-07:00

The weekend was more fun than ought to be allowed, starting with the John Deere tractor convention right up to the beer pong tournament. It was hot as blue blazes, but we were not to be denied fun and craziness. As always when we gather, food, drink, and laughter played a major part of the weekend. Here's a few sample pix...

Barn Beer Pong celebrants.

John and Jeanne high-five a victory.

Jess and Ali celebrate.

Bro declares himself "#1" in beer pong!


Jess and Brittany do the victory dance.

Waiting for fajitas...


3 of my favorite guys...Dave, Big Will, and Jess

We rented 2 HUGE swamp coolers for the weekend to try and lower the barn temp. Here's 3 more of my favorite guys trying to use them to cool off.


Travis, John, and Johnny

Our Grandkids have taught us that nothing's more fun than a dog crate...for napping, hiding, reading, or just curling up for fun. So that's what we gave Will for his birthday...and he was a happy boy! Cake helped too...

Our Jess has brought home a charmer the last two times he's been home...and we've fallen in love with her. Ali's not just lovely to look at; she's kind, happy, mellow, fun, confident, and loves kids and animals!

Ali and Jess are simpatico...

I'm always amazed at what fun we have when we gather, and how much love our family shares. Lucky, lucky we...

When Mary was pregnant with Will, they came to visit us one weekend. We painted a sign and hung in on our entry gate to welcome their unborn child, whom the family had affectionately named 'peanut'. Last week Mary called to say she and Travis had just learned they're expecting again. We found that old sign and doctored it up a bit to extend a similar welcome to this new unborn 'peanut'.

John and I were honored when Mary asked if they could celebrate Will's first birthday party here at Finally Farm. It was a wonderful weekend and provided a fun opportunity for many in our family to gather. The heat, drought, and wind be damned...we partied on!

Teva Quest

2011-07-14T09:17:00.000-07:00

As we planned our trip to Leakey this summer, John said he wanted to stop at Cabelas to get a pair of summer shoes he'd been craving. He even knew specifics...closed toe, sandal, easy in/out, neutral color, and Teva brand. We stopped to shop and luckily, John found exactly what he wanted. It made his trip to Leakey even better. The shoes fit just right and were perfect in every way. He was so pleased.

When we returned from vacation, John was putting away some suitcases. He came walking into the living room with a surprised look on his face...holding duplicate pairs of shoes.

Apparently, John had found exactly what he wanted in the summer of 2010 as well...and had put them in the back closet for winter. The bad news is neither of us had any memory of his first purchase of these Tevas...the good news is John's all set for summer sandals.

Morning Meanders

2011-07-14T06:29:00.000-07:00

John and neighbor Stan used the tractor to load these huge bundles of barbed and net wire from various spots across the pastures. It had been left behind after fence replacement or removal. But what to do with left-overs? Well, this morning they'll take a trip to Lipsitz metal yard for some coins. John estimates he has half a ton here. He'll get rid of these huge balls of wiring, and get paid to do so.

My girls were up drinking cool water this morning when I offered some carrot treats. You can tell they weren't interested...


L-R: Sophie, Charlie, Charlotte

And here's Randy, the rooster...helping Jack guard Finally Farm.

Books Anonymous

2011-07-13T17:16:00.000-07:00

I have a sickness.

Whenever I walk into a bookstore, I always walk out with lighter pockets...often, much lighter. I stopped by B&N yesterday to pick up a green tea. This happened...

There's worse habits.

Wee Bunnies

2011-07-12T20:32:00.000-07:00

While cleaning the porch today, I lifted this out of the way.

Surprise...

It remains a mystery how wee bun came to be under this tub, but he was calm and fearless. What a cutie...

John carried him back to the garden so he could join up with the whole village of rabbits residing thereabouts. Seemed as though that's right where he wanted to be. Such a tiny thing, but he hopped away to the chicken yard.

I continued cleaning the porch and was stunned to find yet another baby rabbit huddled in the grass just off the east porch. When I went to tell John, he said "Put him under the passion vine. I just saw two more under there!"

Yowzer...we may rename this place ' Rabbit Hill'.

I sent these pix right off to Luke and Burke, and told them if they move to Crawford they can have a horse AND a bunny! (I have no shame...)

Corn soup

2011-07-08T06:22:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up, my ma made the most incredible soup. It was simple; she would fry up strips of salt pork, then add plump, red tomatoes and fat corn kernels, still dripping scraped juices from the cob. Of course, both these vegetables were fresh and warm from the garden. She'd add in water or broth, season up with lots of salt and black pepper, and cook slowly an hour or so. While the soup simmered, Ma'd make a crunchy-edged pone of cornbread. And then we'd feast; first we'd crumble the hot cornbread into our bowl and ladle the steaming soup all over. Then we'd try and wait for the liquid to cool to keep from scalding our taste buds. But soon that first bite...heavenly.

I attempted to duplicate Ma's soup last week. John discovered ears of corn were being sold at Wal-Mart for 15 cents each...he brought home 6 ears, which were yummy for dinner that night. The corn was so tasty, John suggested we make corn soup. Sounded like a good idea, until he was let loose in the store and returned with thirty ears of corn and fifteen huge tomatoes. Yowzer! But that resulted in 6 quarts of corn soup, now chilling in our freezer. It's quite good too. But something's not right. No salt pork. No still-warm-from-the-garden veggies. No Ma...

May vs July

2011-07-06T17:43:00.000-07:00

Wind, drought, and grasshoppers are harsh...

Belinda's Dream

Fairy Rose

Martha Gonzalez

Princess Verona

Mutablis

Double-Knockout Bed

Pink Knockout

Red Knockout

Knockout Bed

Yellow Knockout

Summer Wind

Dr. Evil...one among millions

Dr. Evil calling card

A less than welcoming entry...

When donkeys can't find a sprig, by George, it's dry.

Goat love

2011-07-05T14:18:00.000-07:00

"These goats are made for lovin', and that's just what we'll do..."

These two fellows agree...everybody needs a couple of goats!

Too Hot

2011-07-05T05:04:00.000-07:00

When it's too hot outside...

July 4th

2011-07-04T08:34:00.000-07:00

I celebrate incredible freedoms today, all earned for me by others, and often at great cost. How humbling...

Another kind of treat

2011-07-01T09:59:00.000-07:00

A second favorite thing about Leakey is fun with friends. Most nights, 5-15 women gather in our cabin after supper to play a game...hand and foot, mexican train, catch phrase, charades, taboo...whatever catches our collective fancy.
We always gather in our cabin cause John's the only husband who can sleep through ANYTHING. Our raucous laughter and crazy behavior frequently continues well past midnight! Much wine is consumed, laughing is loud and easy, many snacks are shared, happy hours are extended, and lots of stories (and gossips) get shared.

I love these friends dearly...and although I only see them at Leakey (or maybe another time or two during the year), our histories are deep.

This is our 31st year to make the annual trek to Leakey and lots of fun times continue to occur in and along the banks of the Frio. We've seen drought and flood and fire...and everything in-between. There have been deaths, marriages, births, and divorce. We number close to 200 and cover 3 camps. We eat, argue, laugh, nap, float, cry, counsel, gossip, drink, exercise, shop, swim, bar-b-que, debate, create, play, fuss...

We are a diverse group, that's for sure...but we are good friends.

A few pix from 2011

The drought makes the Frio sad...

Two kinds of treats

2011-06-29T14:25:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite things about Leakey is the traditional do-nut morning...a treat of several dozen do-nuts ordered early in the week by two of our wonderful widow friends.
Early risers gather outside our cabin, clutching first coffees of the day and waiting for delivery of the still warm goodies. We stuff ourselves, carefully avoiding healthy fruit options also on the table.

After a bit, three tall, young, and handsome teenagers show up with guitars to offer us an incredible classical music (including accompanying spoons) concert. These young men have done this for us since pre-adolescence, and are now mostly college bound. It's been wonderful to see them grow and improve their skills and become talented young men...and for me and John, seeing them only once a year made it even more special.
It's also bittersweet to see the Leakey youth grow up. Soon they'll be responsible adults too, and may even find life interfering with a carefree Leakey summer.
But for now...

You gotta' have friends...

2011-06-23T15:49:00.000-07:00

...even if all they do is hold the umbrella on a hot, sunny day, while you change the tire.

Wind

2011-06-20T05:21:00.000-07:00

Wind, wind, please go away...or lessen intensity...or pause. Please...

Before & After

2011-06-18T11:57:00.000-07:00

Jack is a wonderful dog, but the heat is hard on him. He constantly seeks coolness, and the moist dirt just off the side porch beneath the grass has been his digging focus the past couple of summers.

John would fill each hole with dirt and/or a large rock. Jack would simply move over a few inches to continue his dig...until now! John strung electric wire around the area and David laid sod for us. Even with this drought and wind, it already looks better!