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
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