December ending very windy & cold. This morning started out at 68 degrees, but the temp continued to drop sending us to bed at in the high 30's. Now it feels like winter is here.
Family is visiting, Robert & Micha from Crosby, so the party begins. The wood stove is burning, mimosas poured and first doe shot. It was a good day.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Thursday, December 25, 2014
Merry Christmas 2014
Dear Family and Friends,
2013 departed with a BANG and 2014 didn't get started too well either. Overall, it was a good, but challenging year. Mostly, I have learned to be more thankful for everything; including LIFE.
Hoss, the 4 year old Pyrenees, frightened me several times this year (starting before Christmas last year) with seizures. Each time I would analyze the weather, moon phase, and general conditions around him including light sensitivity. But, most recently; I think I have figured out the cause. Our new boy, Little Joe, was chasing a cat. The cat leaped and turned over a table of cat food. Of course, Hoss wasted no time to clean up the mess. I didn't think much of it and actually was grateful of his efforts. Unfortunately, within a few hours; he was having a seizure again. On and off for 24 hours; then he's good as new. I'm not going to test my theory or dismiss the other conditions; but, if it is just cat food -- that is something I can control and protect him from the outcome.
Next, in early February, I had my first and hopefully only ambulance ride. After 3 days in ICU, I am fully recovered and well. Enough said - and that nightmare is over and thankful for my guardian angels and returning good health.
The cats have kept the pest under control this year. I'm surprised weekly with gifts at my doorstep. You have to just keep loving them for their efforts. I'll spare you the visual of the carnage.
As we approached Spring; we started clearing the cedars from the property. Ben purchased this metal saw blade that attached to his weed eater. Looks very dangerous; but definitely did the job. Sliced through the cedars like butter -- Unfortunately, when it came time to burn the brush, the fire got away from us and we had a flash FIRE burning thing we didn't intend to burn. Nominal damage but very scary seeing flame jump 30+ feet into the air. We are very thankful again for our guardian angels and we didn't have to call the fire department.
Ben also enjoys mowing the pasture; so he has cut it several times this year. Now with all the scrub cedars and grass cut, the pasture looks like a park. Unfortunately, the riding lawn mower he has used finally died. It was a Montgomery Wards mower adopted from the neighbor. Needless to say; you can guess it's age and believe me, they don't make mowers like they used to. It lived a good life and did a fine job while it was around. Now may it RIP.
We spent our July 'vacation' cleaning up the metal JUNK around the farm. We hauled off almost 4 tons of scrap. Most was left by the previous owners over 8 years ago; but I'm not going to deny that we didn't contribute some trash to that pile. We did find a few treasures in the scrap and will enjoy converting it into something useful. Mostly; it is good to have the garbage gone.
The Honey Bees were very good to us this year. We harvested over 4 gallons of honey this year. They have been surprisingly easy to tend to and we have enjoyed the nephews coming over to help.
The honey was a dark carmel color and very rich deep flavor. Won't ever have to buy honey again and it will never taste any better than your own.
This year we didn't breed any of the goats so there were no spring kids; therefore no goat milk. I didn't think I would miss that chore; so we got a buck this past November for the April kidding. I fondly remember at one time there were 17 little ones bouncing around. We are down to 4 moms this year; so best case scenario could result in about 9 kids (twins and triples are common with these girls). Some more fun to look forward to.
On a sad note - we lost our Belle. Apparently all the head butting resulted in nerve damage and paralysis. She is greatly missed.
The hens still give us plenty of eggs to enjoy and share with family and friends. We had one brooder
hatch 6 of the 7 eggs. Unfortunately, all but 1 chick was stolen during the night by something leaving us with only 1 new girl. But, there is nothing more amazing to watch the hens how they tend to the new chicks and all the inbred natural instincts.
The garden was again bountiful.We harvested tomatoes, jalapenos, herbs, sweet potatoes, egg plant, cucumbers and strawberries, But a late freeze hit in the spring resulting in few peaches. Although, I'm fortunate my pyromaniac husband didn't burn up anymore scarecrows this year with his battle against bermuda grass.
Our weather has been perfect. Not too Cold or Hot, nor too Wet or Dry; I'd say it has been very non-typical Texas weather and a welcome change.
Our Jobs: Ben loves being the Simulation Lab technician at the Nursing College. He's getting really good at 'acting' and has become a very skilled wound, bruise, and burn artist. It is a pretty cool job. I've been with the same company 10 years this March. I'm still in the operations department where I have to be on-call every fifth week but, best of all I still get to work from home. So when I think it is time for a change; I have to remember how lucky I am to not have a commute -- except for maybe 10 steps to the home office.
We were blessed to have my WHOLE family over for Thanksgiving. A rare chance to get all of us together. For Christmas this year; we did a Tamale fare with friends and family over for a visit around the outdoor fireplace and Christmas sweets.
I will try to be better with my postings so there's a lot less to have to catch up on during the year. Ben & I wish you and your family have a Merry Christmas and Happy 2015. Our gate my be closed but our Doors and Hearts are always open.
Love to all.
Darla
2013 departed with a BANG and 2014 didn't get started too well either. Overall, it was a good, but challenging year. Mostly, I have learned to be more thankful for everything; including LIFE.
Hoss, the 4 year old Pyrenees, frightened me several times this year (starting before Christmas last year) with seizures. Each time I would analyze the weather, moon phase, and general conditions around him including light sensitivity. But, most recently; I think I have figured out the cause. Our new boy, Little Joe, was chasing a cat. The cat leaped and turned over a table of cat food. Of course, Hoss wasted no time to clean up the mess. I didn't think much of it and actually was grateful of his efforts. Unfortunately, within a few hours; he was having a seizure again. On and off for 24 hours; then he's good as new. I'm not going to test my theory or dismiss the other conditions; but, if it is just cat food -- that is something I can control and protect him from the outcome.
Next, in early February, I had my first and hopefully only ambulance ride. After 3 days in ICU, I am fully recovered and well. Enough said - and that nightmare is over and thankful for my guardian angels and returning good health.
The cats have kept the pest under control this year. I'm surprised weekly with gifts at my doorstep. You have to just keep loving them for their efforts. I'll spare you the visual of the carnage.
 |
| Callie |
 |
| Princess - The Lap Cat |
 |
| Patty "Patches" |
 |
| After Clearing & Mowing |
 |
| Before Clearing & Mowing |
Ben also enjoys mowing the pasture; so he has cut it several times this year. Now with all the scrub cedars and grass cut, the pasture looks like a park. Unfortunately, the riding lawn mower he has used finally died. It was a Montgomery Wards mower adopted from the neighbor. Needless to say; you can guess it's age and believe me, they don't make mowers like they used to. It lived a good life and did a fine job while it was around. Now may it RIP.
 |
| 1 of 2 loads (2 tons) |
We spent our July 'vacation' cleaning up the metal JUNK around the farm. We hauled off almost 4 tons of scrap. Most was left by the previous owners over 8 years ago; but I'm not going to deny that we didn't contribute some trash to that pile. We did find a few treasures in the scrap and will enjoy converting it into something useful. Mostly; it is good to have the garbage gone.
The Honey Bees were very good to us this year. We harvested over 4 gallons of honey this year. They have been surprisingly easy to tend to and we have enjoyed the nephews coming over to help. The honey was a dark carmel color and very rich deep flavor. Won't ever have to buy honey again and it will never taste any better than your own.
 |
| My Beekeepers - Ben (background) & Nephews, Halen, Hudson & Hunter |
This year we didn't breed any of the goats so there were no spring kids; therefore no goat milk. I didn't think I would miss that chore; so we got a buck this past November for the April kidding. I fondly remember at one time there were 17 little ones bouncing around. We are down to 4 moms this year; so best case scenario could result in about 9 kids (twins and triples are common with these girls). Some more fun to look forward to. On a sad note - we lost our Belle. Apparently all the head butting resulted in nerve damage and paralysis. She is greatly missed.
The hens still give us plenty of eggs to enjoy and share with family and friends. We had one brooder hatch 6 of the 7 eggs. Unfortunately, all but 1 chick was stolen during the night by something leaving us with only 1 new girl. But, there is nothing more amazing to watch the hens how they tend to the new chicks and all the inbred natural instincts.
 |
| Halen - Digging Sweet Potatoes Christmas Day |
The garden was again bountiful.We harvested tomatoes, jalapenos, herbs, sweet potatoes, egg plant, cucumbers and strawberries, But a late freeze hit in the spring resulting in few peaches. Although, I'm fortunate my pyromaniac husband didn't burn up anymore scarecrows this year with his battle against bermuda grass.
Our weather has been perfect. Not too Cold or Hot, nor too Wet or Dry; I'd say it has been very non-typical Texas weather and a welcome change.
Our Jobs: Ben loves being the Simulation Lab technician at the Nursing College. He's getting really good at 'acting' and has become a very skilled wound, bruise, and burn artist. It is a pretty cool job. I've been with the same company 10 years this March. I'm still in the operations department where I have to be on-call every fifth week but, best of all I still get to work from home. So when I think it is time for a change; I have to remember how lucky I am to not have a commute -- except for maybe 10 steps to the home office.
We were blessed to have my WHOLE family over for Thanksgiving. A rare chance to get all of us together. For Christmas this year; we did a Tamale fare with friends and family over for a visit around the outdoor fireplace and Christmas sweets.
I will try to be better with my postings so there's a lot less to have to catch up on during the year. Ben & I wish you and your family have a Merry Christmas and Happy 2015. Our gate my be closed but our Doors and Hearts are always open.
Love to all.
Darla
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Little Joe
Meet Little Joe -- We decided it was time for Hoss (and me) to have a new companion. It is amazing how adding a young one to the farm brings new life to all that may think they are aging.
Little Joe is actually Hoss's younger half sister's (of a different daddy) son. So his nephew.
Little Joe - Born 4/28/2014 / Acquired 9/28/2014
Little Joe is actually Hoss's younger half sister's (of a different daddy) son. So his nephew.
Little Joe - Born 4/28/2014 / Acquired 9/28/2014
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Holly and the Chick
Love seeing this little one enjoy and fun stuff on the farm...
Sweet little Holly!
Sweet little Holly!
Friday, September 19, 2014
Fall Chicks
Days of waiting -- not knowing if any of the 7 eggs Miss Brooder was sitting on since Sept. 30 was going to 'make'... Last night while picking eggs, I heard cheeps and peeps underneath her. YAY!! BABIES!!!Not intending to make the story longer (or maybe try to be somewhat interesting)... This Girl! decided to nest in the Hay Bale in the Barn. This is the goats food! No protection from predators. She and several other hens made this hole in the hay and have laid there for weeks... Finally, Miss Brooder, wouldn't let us pick any more eggs from underneath her... SO; checking it out.. there was nothing under her... I took the day's pick and placed them under her.. "Good Luck"... I marked her and her eggs with blue food coloring so if any new eggs appeared; I might notice... AND most importantly, if she was wandering the range, I'd might notice she has abandoned the nest.
During this time, we had a family of raccoons forage the chicken feed bin, just 10 feet away. With no luck of disposing of the intruders, I spread Hoss' dog hair all over the barn floor... hoping his scent would keep them away... Apparently it has worked (so far). Now our dilemma is to see if Miss Brooder will be a good Mom and keep the cats away!!Life is a miracle - anyway you look at it! I love having babies on the farm, Feathered or Furry or just plain HUMAN!!! Lots of SMILES!
Hugs to all!
9/19:11am Update: The count is now up to 5
9/20. Update: final count = 6. Miss Brooder has moved down to the ground. Teaching little ones how to eat, drink and huddle under her for safety.
Monday, June 30, 2014
Happy Birthday Jaymi! Another Beautiful Niece!!!
Again I'm so blessed to have such a wonderful niece!!
Happy Birthday Jaymi!! We love you...
Happy Birthday Jaymi!! We love you...
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| Brittany and Jaymi Rucka - 2014 |
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Wonderful Wedding Anniversary Weekend ends in chaos with blessings!!
February 7, 1981 - I married my blind date, best friend, LOVE and the most adventurous, inventive man I've met. Today -- he's still that and more...
February 7, 2014 - Evening Dinner Out to celebrate 33 years together. NO! I won't say without trials, because I'd be lying. Marriage and any relationship takes work; especially in this throw away society. But I'm happy we are where we are and together at this time. One day at a time and year by year we grow older and better together.
Dinner out at Chama Gaucha Brazilian Restaurant... Many recommendations have come for us to go there and we finally decided this would be a great reason. All you can eat STEAK, salad bar, etc.... Well let's say; we ate - and way too much.... It was delicious and worth the experiment. BUT, the only reason I would not go back is-- I'm not an all you can eat person (nor is Ben)... We like to order the LARGE steak dinner and bring leftovers home for breakfast (steak & eggs). But if you're the type to eat on a long run.. then this is a great stop. GOOD Steaks and Great Salad Bar.
The next morning, we slept late and started the chores and gardening. We needed to get the onion starts in the ground and more of the plants started. I was not feeling too well; guessing over eating and February heat. Later in the afternoon, I could barely make it back from the barn picking eggs and hardly able to stay awake; so decided on a nap - something I never do! LONG story short - A trip to the Emergency Room and 3 days in ICU; day 4 I'm back to normal and ready to head home!
In summary, I had an abdominal aortic aneurysm; give me 2 units blood and I'm ready to run again! Life has not been the same since; I'm not going to judge the changes just yet but hope they will make the life worth living! For me this time, there will be a tomorrow!
Hugs and Love to you all....
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Happy Birthday Brittany! Our beautiful Niece...
So lucky to have these beautiful ladies in our lives..
Happy Birthday Brittany! (with sister Jaymi - her birthday is in June)
Happy Birthday Brittany! (with sister Jaymi - her birthday is in June)
Saturday, January 11, 2014
2013-2014 Hunting Season Ends!
Robert (Ben's Brother) - closed hunting season with 2 more deer; total of 3 from the farm. We have enjoyed the game camera capturing the pasture activities; including weather and season changes. We also enjoy having Robert and Micha come to visit; giving us the opportunity to light the outside fireplace and slow down for a visit.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Happy Birthday Hunter Beaton !!!
Another Teenager amongst us! Hunter turns 13 today. He a "Superman" sweet, wonderful, smart, handsome, generous nephew and a GREAT helper on the farm.
We Love You Hunter!!!
We Love You Hunter!!!
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
A wonderful day - My Birthday!
I had a terrific day today celebrating my Birthday with My Mom! Got up early to see Ben off to work, took care of morning farm chores and headed to pick up mom for a day trip to Round Rock.
We headed out this morning with 17 degree temperature at 8:30 am. Nice bright morning, sun in the eyes while heading eastward. Did the nice drive thru Kendalia, Blanco, Marble Falls to 1431 thru Cedar Park to Round Rock. Arrived at IKEA at 11:00 am!
The fun begins with shopping spree. Didn't buy too much; but got lots of ideas and will plan a return trip in the near future.
Had a great lunch at Razzoo's with Rat-Toes, raw Oysters, a combination seafood platter and topped off with a Margarita/Hurricane!
Headed toward home around 2:30pm taking 2243 through Georgetown to Leander. Home of our last homestead. Couldn't believe how much has changed. Headed north thru Liberty Hill and back west with the Sun in the eyes again thru Bertram and Burnet. Back on 281 - stopping for coffee at Starbucks in Marble Falls. Quick trip back to Boerne - home at moms by 5:30pm.
I was greeted by Ben, the cats and Hoss at home with a cocktail, kiss and Steak & Scallop dinner. Cheesecake for dessert!...
A Terrific Day! I'm so blessed!
We headed out this morning with 17 degree temperature at 8:30 am. Nice bright morning, sun in the eyes while heading eastward. Did the nice drive thru Kendalia, Blanco, Marble Falls to 1431 thru Cedar Park to Round Rock. Arrived at IKEA at 11:00 am!
The fun begins with shopping spree. Didn't buy too much; but got lots of ideas and will plan a return trip in the near future.
Had a great lunch at Razzoo's with Rat-Toes, raw Oysters, a combination seafood platter and topped off with a Margarita/Hurricane!
Headed toward home around 2:30pm taking 2243 through Georgetown to Leander. Home of our last homestead. Couldn't believe how much has changed. Headed north thru Liberty Hill and back west with the Sun in the eyes again thru Bertram and Burnet. Back on 281 - stopping for coffee at Starbucks in Marble Falls. Quick trip back to Boerne - home at moms by 5:30pm.
I was greeted by Ben, the cats and Hoss at home with a cocktail, kiss and Steak & Scallop dinner. Cheesecake for dessert!...
A Terrific Day! I'm so blessed!
Wednesday, January 1, 2014
Happy 2014
I'm glad to welcome 2014. I have 12 days off of work to start my new year and a list a mile long of this I would like to get accomplished. But, one thing for sure, if these tasks get done or not - I'm not going to stress over it. Just enjoy my time away from work.
Managed to wake up last night 5 minutes to 11pm - just in time to see the ball drop at Times Square in New York and hear and see the neighbors fireworks from the bedroom window. Quickly fell back to sleep and missed Central Time Zone's festivities.
Hope you too have a HAPPY 2014!!!
Managed to wake up last night 5 minutes to 11pm - just in time to see the ball drop at Times Square in New York and hear and see the neighbors fireworks from the bedroom window. Quickly fell back to sleep and missed Central Time Zone's festivities.
Hope you too have a HAPPY 2014!!!
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