Two day working on the broken gate opener and it still is not working. We can't have it not latch because of the great Hoss escape; so we have to get it fixed. I was able to re-wire where he shredded the wire and get it to latch when off; but we still have to manually turn it on to unlock - and open it.
I'll be calling Mighty Mule support tomorrow and if the news is bad - I'll be off to Tractor Supply for a new gate.
Ben is still in bed 24x7; but did manage to go to work part-time on Thursday and Friday. Re-cooping over the weekend.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Wednesday, December 25, 2013
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year 2014
December 17, 2013
Hi Family & Friends,I hope this finds you all doing great this holiday season. We are doing well. This posting is my "at the moment" highlights - off the top of my head - for the year. Other postings can be seen on this blog.
About Ben: He started a new position with the company he works for, Galen College of Nursing in San Antonio. Formerly he was the sole IT technician for both campuses, staff, students and faculty. He now is the Simulation Center Lab technician and having a blast. Learning the newest technology in training the nurses, setting up scenarios of the electronic mannequins with automation for every hospital scene -- from birthing a baby to diagnosing general conditions and care. He comes home with a new funny story daily and is thankful of the new job.
About Darla: Still in the IT Operations department for Peoplefluent. It's a great job for MANY reasons; but mostly; I'm not traveling anymore, I work from home, and have been able to shake out some cobwebs to use my Unix and database technical skills. Only drawback is once every 5 weeks, I have to pull the on-call shift - working evenings, nights and weekends. But even then, I'm thankful for the job because it keeps me from playing in traffic, going to and from an office; PLUS, did I already say; No more Business Travel!!!
The Farm:
Goats - This spring, our does gave us 12 kids. It is always fun to see the kids playing, but sad when you have to get rid of them. We kept 2 of the girls; but got rid of all the boys and two of the moms. We have learned the hard way is to only have one breed so that mating them is not dangerous for the girls. This was the first year we milked the goats. We made 6 pounds of cheddar cheese, 4 pounds of parmesan cheese, 3 pounds of agasio cheese, and I can't begin to guess how much yogurt, butter and feta cheese. Plus many more gallons of milk for hobbies, making soap or drinking. It was a real adventure and so funny how the guys in my life didn't mind sitting up at the "teet"-ee bar! I'll take help wherever I can get it.
Chickens - about 40 of them. Summertime gives us over 2-3 dozen eggs daily; but since winter is here and the days are so short - I'm lucky if I get 5 -- Slackers.
Gardening - Summer garden was and still is plentiful. We had our first freeze last week, but I was able to pull up the tomatoes that still had fruit on them and put them into the greenhouse. They are still ripening so we should have tomatoes into February. The fall garden started off slow; but is starting to look good. Plenty of lettuces, greens and herbs. Still have a little time to wait for the rest of the crop. Patience! Ben also won the war against Bermuda in the garden; but not without the expense of the fiery death of a few scarecrows. I laugh now; but it wasn't too funny watching my art and hard work go up in flames.
Hoss - our 2-1/2 year old Pyrenees, is recovering this week from seizures induced by a bacterial infection. The vets hope that once the infection clears up, he won't seizure anymore. He's doing much better today and I'm confident I'll see him return to normal very soon. Other than that, he's been a very good farm dog and is so much a part of the family! In the next year we plan to start looking for him a partner so he doesn't have to tend to the farm protection all by himself. That should give him a playmate plus some relief from doing all the patrols alone.
Five Cats! Yikes -- that sounds like a lot!. Callie, Princess, Veronica (Roni), Patty, Midnight Crosby. They are all outside cats and are doing a great job keeping the mice and rats off the farm and out of the barn & house. They have brought me other presents, too -- but I'll spare you the gory details. Midnight (Middy) Crosby was adopted from Ben's Dad. She finally has made herself at home, not scratching, biting or hissing. I can even pick her up and brush her. She even it getting closer to the other cats. Major accomplishment.
Bees: This has been a labor of "LOVE". Not as easy as it appears or we are making more out of it than it should be. Either way; we should have honey in 2014.
Finally, our Ag Exemption was approved this year. This is a tax saving of thousands of dollars. Doesn't make us any richer, just allows us to put the extra funds back into the farm; instead of paying higher taxes. This is good for our retirement planning. Yeah!!!
Everyone on both our sides of the Family are doing well. Dad comes to visit with Laura a couple times a year; and is quite the successful fisherman! Mom and I get to do lunch at least monthly; and visit when work schedules allow. My sisters and I have had a few opportunities (sometimes with Mom) to get together without spouses and kids. My brother's family is growing and is continuing the Hilsmeier namesake. We get to see Ben's brother, Robert and sister-in-law more often than the other siblings; only because they come here. We know the road runs both ways, but it is very hard for us to leave the livestock unless it is an emergency. We don't like to burden anyone with all these daily chores unless we have no choice. That said - everyone needs to come here to visit. We have plenty of room for overnight guests. We'd love to see you and look forward to you coming for visit.
Come back and check this blog as you have time and I hope you enjoy our shenanigans and following our stories.
Off for now to finish decorating. Yes, I'm late as usual...
May your Holidays be Festive and full of Blessings and Love. May you remember the great times of 2013 and your New Year come in with a bang and good fortune.
Hugs and Love to you all...
Darla (and Ben)
Christmas Day!
Merry Christmas everyone!
Ben is still Bed-Ridden! He took 2 days off of work (which he never does) and had Christmas Eve and Day off as holidays. He hopes to get out of bed for dinner today. I totally understand his discomfort; but ready for him to be back up and running. As he is too!
We were up early; and I ran off to Paula to watch the kids open their Christmas gift. Laura is here visiting and she and I assembled the boy's air hockey table last night and got it loaded for delivery this morning. It was alot of fun; but sweet little Holly has the flu - so didn't hang around too long. I can't afford to be bed-ridden!
Hoss is doing so much better and has actually started Barking more regularly and puppy walking with me again.
Mom and Laura will be over this evening for Prime Rib Christmas dinner. Yum!
Update -- Ben did make it to the shower and dinner tonight! - Didn't stay up too long - but, did make it! Yeah..
Ben is still Bed-Ridden! He took 2 days off of work (which he never does) and had Christmas Eve and Day off as holidays. He hopes to get out of bed for dinner today. I totally understand his discomfort; but ready for him to be back up and running. As he is too!
We were up early; and I ran off to Paula to watch the kids open their Christmas gift. Laura is here visiting and she and I assembled the boy's air hockey table last night and got it loaded for delivery this morning. It was alot of fun; but sweet little Holly has the flu - so didn't hang around too long. I can't afford to be bed-ridden!
Hoss is doing so much better and has actually started Barking more regularly and puppy walking with me again.
Mom and Laura will be over this evening for Prime Rib Christmas dinner. Yum!
Update -- Ben did make it to the shower and dinner tonight! - Didn't stay up too long - but, did make it! Yeah..
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Down for the count!
Very productive day ends early with Ben throwing his back out. We were rounding up the two younger goats for worming and Ben caught one by the leg. But Libby wanted to go another way and took Ben with her. He went DOWN! Almost fainting in pain; he shuffles his way back up to the house for an Epson salt bath. In bed at 2:30pm - Down for the Count!
Saturday, December 21, 2013
7AM Panic Attack!!!
Hoss!!! I went out to feed the farm this morning and Hoss was nowhere to be found. The gate he broke yesterday blew open sometime during the night/morning... or he pulled it open as he destroyed the rest of my gate Christmas decorations. He's escaped.
I ran in - grabbed my keys, yelled at Ben "you go West then East on Ranger Creek Rd., I'll go into the neighborhood". Ben found him at 25 Ranger Creek Road, 1/4 mile from I-10. The nice part is, he came directly to Ben and didn't even put up a fight to get into the truck to come home!!!
Whew! A morning scare we didn't need. But, he's home safe and sound. Thank you Lord for answering my prayers!
First project - FIX the Gate!
I ran in - grabbed my keys, yelled at Ben "you go West then East on Ranger Creek Rd., I'll go into the neighborhood". Ben found him at 25 Ranger Creek Road, 1/4 mile from I-10. The nice part is, he came directly to Ben and didn't even put up a fight to get into the truck to come home!!!
Whew! A morning scare we didn't need. But, he's home safe and sound. Thank you Lord for answering my prayers!
First project - FIX the Gate!
Rain Accumulation in 2013 - 36-3/4 inches year to date
12/21 - Storm blew through this morning, giving us 3/4" of Rain and a mild cool front.. Colder Front hits tomorrow, but no rain expected.
12/13 - Trace-- Maybe 1/2". Not really measurable - but still was nice and WET all day long!
11/25 - 2-1/2" of more slow rain!!! And COLD! No painting on my vacation days.
11/22 - 1" of Rain bringing in the COLD. Lighting the fireplace and this will make it nice for the Holidays.
11/5 - 7 - Drizzle on and off for 3 days totaling 1/4". Every little bit helps.
10/16 - Raining again - today - 1/2".
10/15 - 1-1/2" Came with COLD Front - Hopefully to stay.
10/14 - 1/2" Nice Drizzle
10/13 - 1" Overnight with Great Lightening Show
10/5: 1/4" -- we'll still take anything we can get!
9/28: Started Raining about 3pm and continued thru the night -- totaling 3/4" -- Thermometer says 70 outside -- but I think it is more like 60... Time to get a better weather station. Windows open, fan on -- enjoying the breeze and cooler temps and WET ground.
9/21: Cool temperatures overnight, enjoying the whole house fan bringing in the 65 deg. temps. Awh.. Heat relief for a little while.
September 20 - 3" -- Started raining early in the morning with the collision of Manuel & a Northern blowing thru. Rained all day thru the evening totaling 3" for the day. Oh, we have been blessed.
September 19 - 2/10" -- Love these evening showers.
September 18 - 1/10" -- Another evening shower! So Delightful....
September 16 - 1/4" Evening Shower!
September 15 - 3/4" Afternoon Shower!
September 10 - 2 1/2" of rain this morning... Wasn't even predicted. Came out of no where and flooded. I'm glad the weather team is wrong!
September 4 - Trace of rain this morning. Temperatures are lower and it is rather delightful!
September 2 - Happy Labor Day! Went over to the neighbors for a holiday cookout and a downpour
hit!! 3/4 inch. Perfect end to vacation and holiday weekend!
August 26 - IT IS RAINING!!!! Not measurable yet and hope it lasts ALL DAY!!! -- Final tally for the day = ONE INCH!!! Yea!!!!!
August 24 - Trace --- Brief --- really BRIEF downpour! Not even enough to knock the dust down. -- We have 60% chance on Monday -- Say your prayers, wash the cars, hang laundry on the line and do your dancing!!!!
July 8 - 40% chance of rain resulted in a "trace". We had a nice downpour to get everything wet and several short showers. But when I checked the rain gauge; there is only a trace captured.
June 30 - Sunday morning - 1" of rain and drizzle all day! Nice relief after 104 degree temps on Saturday afternoon.
June 12 - A late afternoon storm dropped 1-1/4 inch today. It was a nice rain with lots of noise and flash.
June 8 - Trace shower blew thru around sunrise. Then around 5pm another shower passed thru; this time leaving us with 1/4". Again - every little bit helps.
June 2 - Sunday Early Morning (4:30 am) I'm awaken to thunder and lightening in the near distance. Remembering we hadn't covered the wood splitter, tiller and I had just treated hoss with an herbal fleas and blackfly repellant (didn't want him to get drenched) - I dashed outside to take care of the chores. Meanwhile - Ben turns on The Weather Channel and informs me the rain will miss us. Optimistic - he's wrong, I crawl back in bed and wait; hoping my efforts weren't in vain. !!! Yippee !!! The rain cell built and we got 1/2 in. It also brought us cooler nights - so a double win! All is well on the farm.
May 28 - May 30: Took some vacation days for the Memorial Day Holiday - so the accumulative rain for the long weekend = over 3 1/2". Although a wet vacation - this is very welcome rainfall!!!
May 25: What a beautiful sound and sight. Lightening, Thunder and RAIN!!! -- Since yesterday around 11am thru this morning at 8am; we have been blesses with 2 3/4" of liquid sunshine. I'm loving putting on my rubber boots and rain coat to do my morning farm chores. Thank you Lord & Mother Nature!!!
May 15: ONE inch! This was a loud, blowing and bright storm around 4am. Nice and very welcome!
May 10: 1/2 inch hit just as the sun was coming up and the farm coming to life.
May 2: ONE more inch!!! Brought in a late cold front - getting into the 30's tonight.
April 30: 1-1/2 inches -- Beautiful Thunder & Lightening Show!!!
April 17: 2/10 inch - Every little bit helps.
April 2: 1-1/2 inches - YEA! Keep it coming....
March 31: 3/4 inch - A wonderful Easter Blessing
January: A good start to the weather woe's of Boerne, TX & Rucka Farm. It started drizzling (Jan. 8th - "Happy Birthday Hunter") and then continuous rain thru this morning (Jan. 9th). A total so far of 4 inches. A bit more expected today thru tomorrow so we'll keep you posted on the accumulation.
I'm thankful for Rain but more for the new roof and the gutters. This would have flooded the living room, dining room, kitchen and basement. Just in time!!!
12/13 - Trace-- Maybe 1/2". Not really measurable - but still was nice and WET all day long!
11/25 - 2-1/2" of more slow rain!!! And COLD! No painting on my vacation days.
11/22 - 1" of Rain bringing in the COLD. Lighting the fireplace and this will make it nice for the Holidays.
11/5 - 7 - Drizzle on and off for 3 days totaling 1/4". Every little bit helps.
10/16 - Raining again - today - 1/2".
10/15 - 1-1/2" Came with COLD Front - Hopefully to stay.
10/14 - 1/2" Nice Drizzle
10/13 - 1" Overnight with Great Lightening Show
10/5: 1/4" -- we'll still take anything we can get!
9/28: Started Raining about 3pm and continued thru the night -- totaling 3/4" -- Thermometer says 70 outside -- but I think it is more like 60... Time to get a better weather station. Windows open, fan on -- enjoying the breeze and cooler temps and WET ground.
9/21: Cool temperatures overnight, enjoying the whole house fan bringing in the 65 deg. temps. Awh.. Heat relief for a little while.
September 20 - 3" -- Started raining early in the morning with the collision of Manuel & a Northern blowing thru. Rained all day thru the evening totaling 3" for the day. Oh, we have been blessed.
September 19 - 2/10" -- Love these evening showers.
September 18 - 1/10" -- Another evening shower! So Delightful....
September 16 - 1/4" Evening Shower!
September 15 - 3/4" Afternoon Shower!
September 10 - 2 1/2" of rain this morning... Wasn't even predicted. Came out of no where and flooded. I'm glad the weather team is wrong!
September 4 - Trace of rain this morning. Temperatures are lower and it is rather delightful!
September 2 - Happy Labor Day! Went over to the neighbors for a holiday cookout and a downpour
hit!! 3/4 inch. Perfect end to vacation and holiday weekend!
August 26 - IT IS RAINING!!!! Not measurable yet and hope it lasts ALL DAY!!! -- Final tally for the day = ONE INCH!!! Yea!!!!!
August 24 - Trace --- Brief --- really BRIEF downpour! Not even enough to knock the dust down. -- We have 60% chance on Monday -- Say your prayers, wash the cars, hang laundry on the line and do your dancing!!!!
July 8 - 40% chance of rain resulted in a "trace". We had a nice downpour to get everything wet and several short showers. But when I checked the rain gauge; there is only a trace captured.
June 30 - Sunday morning - 1" of rain and drizzle all day! Nice relief after 104 degree temps on Saturday afternoon.
June 12 - A late afternoon storm dropped 1-1/4 inch today. It was a nice rain with lots of noise and flash.
June 8 - Trace shower blew thru around sunrise. Then around 5pm another shower passed thru; this time leaving us with 1/4". Again - every little bit helps.
June 2 - Sunday Early Morning (4:30 am) I'm awaken to thunder and lightening in the near distance. Remembering we hadn't covered the wood splitter, tiller and I had just treated hoss with an herbal fleas and blackfly repellant (didn't want him to get drenched) - I dashed outside to take care of the chores. Meanwhile - Ben turns on The Weather Channel and informs me the rain will miss us. Optimistic - he's wrong, I crawl back in bed and wait; hoping my efforts weren't in vain. !!! Yippee !!! The rain cell built and we got 1/2 in. It also brought us cooler nights - so a double win! All is well on the farm.
May 28 - May 30: Took some vacation days for the Memorial Day Holiday - so the accumulative rain for the long weekend = over 3 1/2". Although a wet vacation - this is very welcome rainfall!!!
May 25: What a beautiful sound and sight. Lightening, Thunder and RAIN!!! -- Since yesterday around 11am thru this morning at 8am; we have been blesses with 2 3/4" of liquid sunshine. I'm loving putting on my rubber boots and rain coat to do my morning farm chores. Thank you Lord & Mother Nature!!!
May 15: ONE inch! This was a loud, blowing and bright storm around 4am. Nice and very welcome!
May 10: 1/2 inch hit just as the sun was coming up and the farm coming to life.
May 2: ONE more inch!!! Brought in a late cold front - getting into the 30's tonight.
April 30: 1-1/2 inches -- Beautiful Thunder & Lightening Show!!!
April 17: 2/10 inch - Every little bit helps.
April 2: 1-1/2 inches - YEA! Keep it coming....
March 31: 3/4 inch - A wonderful Easter Blessing
January: A good start to the weather woe's of Boerne, TX & Rucka Farm. It started drizzling (Jan. 8th - "Happy Birthday Hunter") and then continuous rain thru this morning (Jan. 9th). A total so far of 4 inches. A bit more expected today thru tomorrow so we'll keep you posted on the accumulation.
I'm thankful for Rain but more for the new roof and the gutters. This would have flooded the living room, dining room, kitchen and basement. Just in time!!!
Friday, December 20, 2013
Hoss - relapse back to Puppy"tude"
HOSS!!! -- Well he's so much better! We slept to the sounds of his barking ALL NIGHT LONG!!!!
But, he's acting more like a puppy again... I'm afraid all our training is lost, so I'm apprehensive to let him out to pasture with the chickens until I watch his interaction and behavior. Need to make sure the neurons are reconnect fully.
This morning he showed another behavior of his puppy-side! He was pulling all my Christmas decorations off the gate! In that process he grabbed the gate-lock transmitter wire and pulled it apart. So I don't know if he just wanted to play with Christmas or he wanted to short the wire out and open the gate to RUN! Either way, the gate opener and Christmas Décor are broken.
After his pills (peanut butter didn't work at all) and his breakfast; I let him out to pasture. The big pasture and watched him head down the hill to the low lands. I didn't follow. Goats didn't follow. And then I let the chickens out with a prayer. "Please don't let Hoss eat them or play with them to death!"
I left to get the truck inspection and oil changed. By the time I got back, there seemed to be harmony on the farm. He was in his usual spot near the gate, waiting to be let back in the yard.
He is now sleeping peacefully in the garden. Whew.. What a big puppy!
I'm so thankful he's getting better!
But, he's acting more like a puppy again... I'm afraid all our training is lost, so I'm apprehensive to let him out to pasture with the chickens until I watch his interaction and behavior. Need to make sure the neurons are reconnect fully.
This morning he showed another behavior of his puppy-side! He was pulling all my Christmas decorations off the gate! In that process he grabbed the gate-lock transmitter wire and pulled it apart. So I don't know if he just wanted to play with Christmas or he wanted to short the wire out and open the gate to RUN! Either way, the gate opener and Christmas Décor are broken.
After his pills (peanut butter didn't work at all) and his breakfast; I let him out to pasture. The big pasture and watched him head down the hill to the low lands. I didn't follow. Goats didn't follow. And then I let the chickens out with a prayer. "Please don't let Hoss eat them or play with them to death!"
I left to get the truck inspection and oil changed. By the time I got back, there seemed to be harmony on the farm. He was in his usual spot near the gate, waiting to be let back in the yard.
He is now sleeping peacefully in the garden. Whew.. What a big puppy!
I'm so thankful he's getting better!
Thursday, December 19, 2013
Hoss Update!
Hoss is doing much better!!! He hasn't had a seizure since last Saturday afternoon.
First couple of days he was in a daze, very shy and skiddish around us. But, as days went by, he improved.
Yesterday he started barking again and did the puppy "play with me" dance with the cats. I put him out in the barn pasture for about an hour and he was ready to come back into the yard. He went with me later in the day to pick eggs and did his typical patrol.
I left for a quick errand and was afraid he'd dart out the gate to follow me. So, I'm keeping a close watch on where he is at all times and may have to keep putting him out when we leave. (almost back to normal routine).
This morning, starting around 3:30 am he started barking and barking and barking. This is normal for him and music to our ears. Couldn't see what he was barking at, but just glad he's getting his personality back. I'm going to see about taking him out to the back pasture for a walk. I'll bring along a leash in case I need to lead him back to the yard.
Funny, though. We've been hiding the pills in his food; but he's getting wise to the cheese balls and ham wrapped cheese. I think I'll try peanut butter tonight and see if we can trick him to eating it on his own. Although, he's not difficult to pop it down his mouth - which fortunately is proven to be quicker than watching him eat and keeping the cats out of his food.
More to come as we continue to see his progress.
First couple of days he was in a daze, very shy and skiddish around us. But, as days went by, he improved.
Yesterday he started barking again and did the puppy "play with me" dance with the cats. I put him out in the barn pasture for about an hour and he was ready to come back into the yard. He went with me later in the day to pick eggs and did his typical patrol.
I left for a quick errand and was afraid he'd dart out the gate to follow me. So, I'm keeping a close watch on where he is at all times and may have to keep putting him out when we leave. (almost back to normal routine).
This morning, starting around 3:30 am he started barking and barking and barking. This is normal for him and music to our ears. Couldn't see what he was barking at, but just glad he's getting his personality back. I'm going to see about taking him out to the back pasture for a walk. I'll bring along a leash in case I need to lead him back to the yard.
Funny, though. We've been hiding the pills in his food; but he's getting wise to the cheese balls and ham wrapped cheese. I think I'll try peanut butter tonight and see if we can trick him to eating it on his own. Although, he's not difficult to pop it down his mouth - which fortunately is proven to be quicker than watching him eat and keeping the cats out of his food.
More to come as we continue to see his progress.
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Friday the 13th - December 2013
Had to take Hoss to the ER vet today. He hadn't been himself for a couple of days; then I witnessed what was really wrong! He was having seizures which actually paralyzed him for about 30-2 hours. Depending on intensity. I tried to move him by myself; but could lift the 120 pounds of dead weight; then remembered my neighbor may be home from work! YES!! she was and jetted over to help me load him into the truck. Pretty strong for a couple of girls. Thank you Neighbor!!! I don't know what I would have done without you...
Hoss was conscious, but still paralyzed and had to be carried into the vet on a gurney. After blood test and examinations, apparently, he has some sort of bacterial infection. The doctor suspects this is causing his seizures. Just as he was coming around and getting his strength back and we were fixing to leave to come home; he had another one. Oh, my God! Worst thing I think I could have witnessed. They said though, he's not in pain, nor even realize anything is going on. The vet decided to keep him overnight and put him on IV with antibiotics, valium and phenobarbital. We were able to pick him up Saturday late morning only to have him seizure again at 3:30ish.
It's Sunday afternoon, and he's slowly getting better as the meds from the overnight stay wear off. He's eating well and enjoying the added cheese (with pills hidden in them) to his meals. He's apprehensive and shy in behavior and wants nothing to do with me. That makes me sad... My dog is broken. I'm praying he'll be better soon!
To end the dramatic day, we made homemade pizza. While taking it out of the oven, I slipped on a rug in the kitchen; falling into the oven door. I left a palm print on the INSIDE window of the 375 degree oven. Guess I don't have to tell you how bad my burn is. Many tears later; I went to bed to END the Friday the 13th Nightmare.
It could only get better from here....
Hoss was conscious, but still paralyzed and had to be carried into the vet on a gurney. After blood test and examinations, apparently, he has some sort of bacterial infection. The doctor suspects this is causing his seizures. Just as he was coming around and getting his strength back and we were fixing to leave to come home; he had another one. Oh, my God! Worst thing I think I could have witnessed. They said though, he's not in pain, nor even realize anything is going on. The vet decided to keep him overnight and put him on IV with antibiotics, valium and phenobarbital. We were able to pick him up Saturday late morning only to have him seizure again at 3:30ish.
It's Sunday afternoon, and he's slowly getting better as the meds from the overnight stay wear off. He's eating well and enjoying the added cheese (with pills hidden in them) to his meals. He's apprehensive and shy in behavior and wants nothing to do with me. That makes me sad... My dog is broken. I'm praying he'll be better soon!
To end the dramatic day, we made homemade pizza. While taking it out of the oven, I slipped on a rug in the kitchen; falling into the oven door. I left a palm print on the INSIDE window of the 375 degree oven. Guess I don't have to tell you how bad my burn is. Many tears later; I went to bed to END the Friday the 13th Nightmare.
It could only get better from here....
Monday, December 2, 2013
Happy Thanksgiving Week 2013
Happy Thanksgiving to all my Friends and Family!!!
I was able to take the WHOLE week off for vacation and hoped to be able to get some outside painting done. But, the weather didn't cooperate so settled on doing many indoor tasks which needed to be done. Repaired the built-in hutch, kept the fire stoked, slept late, made pet food, cleaned for company, many loads of laundry and just enjoyed farm time. Sigh.. busy but good fun.
We purchased another woodstove for the patio to keep us warmer on the cold days. We love to sit outside - even if the temperature drops to freezing (which it hasn't yet). The fire and wall we put up helps keep it nice and toasty. The cats don't mind the heat too. We had the regular hillbilly stove -- which we adored for conversation; but there's a time the rusted bucket, needed to retire so we upgraded. Harbor Freight had them on sale... but when we went to pick it up at our closest location -- purchased it, loaded it, heard a rattle and realized it was broken... So a long drive to South San Antonio where there were 4 in stock. Quick exchange and heading back to home. A day adventure with many more to come for this project. Nothing can be so simple.
Monday - had lunch with mom and ran errands. Enjoyed a new Tamale shop in town and shopping at Tractor Supply (yes, that's crazy to enjoy that.. but now that is the life). And then off to Bealls. We always need something nice to wear around the holidays. Quick stop at HEB and Twins - I "think" I'm set for the week -- NOT!!! there will be many small trips to get what we forgot or decided we really needed.. We are SO typical and I'm thankful the HEB is 5 miles one way instead of MILES away. Tis the season to give Thanks!
Tuesday - ran errands with Ben and watched it snow--- Yes SNOW! Didn't stick but was fun to see. Several stops to our Tractor Supply and Home Depot for 'stuff' to get the stove pipes and accessories for the stove's trial run. Hopefully we will get a fire in it before company arrives. We also took care of the long needed GMC truck maintenance from the dealer to keep the warranty in check.
Wednesday - Stoked up the new woodstove for trial run. The house stove had already been running for several days. I hadn't realized how much wood we have burned over the last year and our "close" pile has dwindled... Time to pull out the tractor and trailer and bring the remote piles from the well drilling tree trimming project last spring up to the house for heat! Sounds like work to me! But that's why I don't go to the gym... to much manual labor to do around here.
Thursday - Happy Thanksgiving! Mom was able to join us for Steak & Lobster. We just didn't want to cook 8 hours for 1 meal; so we kept it simple. Kept the fireplaces going (inside and out), watching lots of Hallmark holiday shows, cleaning house and chilling-out until dinnertime. The Neighbors stopped by for a visit by the fire and shared a Meade cocktail (not homemade yet - just sampling). Robert & Micha arrived around 7pm after a full day with their family and the road trip on I-10 with the rest of the hunters coming West for the long weekend. Time for another drink!
Friday - Foggy, cold morning - Coffee then mimosas with Micha while Robert hunted. No Luck in the AM. Throughout the day, Ben & Robert braved Black Friday, shopping sales at Tractor Supply and worked diligently to get the gas fryer going. Robert headed out in the afternoon to hunt and Ben headed out again to Academy to buy a new cooker. Robert made it back early from hunting after getting a 3 point buck. After a quick clean/dressing; we attempt to start the evening cooking. Unfortunately, a gas leak from the tank made us decide to fry indoors. YUCK -- the mess. But Dad's Redfish, added oysters, french-fries, coleslaw & hush puppies - it was a good meal and great company.
Saturday - little warmer morning but we kept the fire going anyway. Robert out hunting again in hopes to see / get another deer. Nothing again. They decide to head home afternoon to miss some of the traffic and give Robert time to process his deer. We spent the rest of the day planting our fall seedlings in the garden, loading up more wood for the next week's cold front, and settled in for another night of Hallmark Christmas movies.
Sunday - spend the day in bed - watching more Hallmark Christmas movies. We did manage to have breakfast, and lunch in bed - but finally surfaced to eat dinner at the table. HA!!! That was a chore.
Monday AM - my ON CALL for 1 week and evening/night shift tasks. I'm going to go cry now and try not to be so hard to get along with this week.
Overall - a great Thanksgiving Holiday.
Blessing and a lot to be thankful for.. Hugs - Darla
I was able to take the WHOLE week off for vacation and hoped to be able to get some outside painting done. But, the weather didn't cooperate so settled on doing many indoor tasks which needed to be done. Repaired the built-in hutch, kept the fire stoked, slept late, made pet food, cleaned for company, many loads of laundry and just enjoyed farm time. Sigh.. busy but good fun.
We purchased another woodstove for the patio to keep us warmer on the cold days. We love to sit outside - even if the temperature drops to freezing (which it hasn't yet). The fire and wall we put up helps keep it nice and toasty. The cats don't mind the heat too. We had the regular hillbilly stove -- which we adored for conversation; but there's a time the rusted bucket, needed to retire so we upgraded. Harbor Freight had them on sale... but when we went to pick it up at our closest location -- purchased it, loaded it, heard a rattle and realized it was broken... So a long drive to South San Antonio where there were 4 in stock. Quick exchange and heading back to home. A day adventure with many more to come for this project. Nothing can be so simple.
Monday - had lunch with mom and ran errands. Enjoyed a new Tamale shop in town and shopping at Tractor Supply (yes, that's crazy to enjoy that.. but now that is the life). And then off to Bealls. We always need something nice to wear around the holidays. Quick stop at HEB and Twins - I "think" I'm set for the week -- NOT!!! there will be many small trips to get what we forgot or decided we really needed.. We are SO typical and I'm thankful the HEB is 5 miles one way instead of MILES away. Tis the season to give Thanks!
Tuesday - ran errands with Ben and watched it snow--- Yes SNOW! Didn't stick but was fun to see. Several stops to our Tractor Supply and Home Depot for 'stuff' to get the stove pipes and accessories for the stove's trial run. Hopefully we will get a fire in it before company arrives. We also took care of the long needed GMC truck maintenance from the dealer to keep the warranty in check.
Wednesday - Stoked up the new woodstove for trial run. The house stove had already been running for several days. I hadn't realized how much wood we have burned over the last year and our "close" pile has dwindled... Time to pull out the tractor and trailer and bring the remote piles from the well drilling tree trimming project last spring up to the house for heat! Sounds like work to me! But that's why I don't go to the gym... to much manual labor to do around here.
Thursday - Happy Thanksgiving! Mom was able to join us for Steak & Lobster. We just didn't want to cook 8 hours for 1 meal; so we kept it simple. Kept the fireplaces going (inside and out), watching lots of Hallmark holiday shows, cleaning house and chilling-out until dinnertime. The Neighbors stopped by for a visit by the fire and shared a Meade cocktail (not homemade yet - just sampling). Robert & Micha arrived around 7pm after a full day with their family and the road trip on I-10 with the rest of the hunters coming West for the long weekend. Time for another drink!
Friday - Foggy, cold morning - Coffee then mimosas with Micha while Robert hunted. No Luck in the AM. Throughout the day, Ben & Robert braved Black Friday, shopping sales at Tractor Supply and worked diligently to get the gas fryer going. Robert headed out in the afternoon to hunt and Ben headed out again to Academy to buy a new cooker. Robert made it back early from hunting after getting a 3 point buck. After a quick clean/dressing; we attempt to start the evening cooking. Unfortunately, a gas leak from the tank made us decide to fry indoors. YUCK -- the mess. But Dad's Redfish, added oysters, french-fries, coleslaw & hush puppies - it was a good meal and great company.
Saturday - little warmer morning but we kept the fire going anyway. Robert out hunting again in hopes to see / get another deer. Nothing again. They decide to head home afternoon to miss some of the traffic and give Robert time to process his deer. We spent the rest of the day planting our fall seedlings in the garden, loading up more wood for the next week's cold front, and settled in for another night of Hallmark Christmas movies.
Sunday - spend the day in bed - watching more Hallmark Christmas movies. We did manage to have breakfast, and lunch in bed - but finally surfaced to eat dinner at the table. HA!!! That was a chore.
Monday AM - my ON CALL for 1 week and evening/night shift tasks. I'm going to go cry now and try not to be so hard to get along with this week.
Overall - a great Thanksgiving Holiday.
Blessing and a lot to be thankful for.. Hugs - Darla
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