Farm Life

Finding a deer caught on a fence is sad...

Finding a deer caught on a fence because your dog found it first is just GROSS!!!

[I promise! I didn't take ANY pictures of THAT!]

:-)

Crystal Morning

Every morning here on the "farm that is really a ranch", I take the dogs out on a walk to the creek and back.  It's a ritual, a routine to get the day going.  The dogs get out, the cows get checked on, and I'm able to wake up due to the cold, crisp bite to the air. :-)

This morning, I opened the door to what looked like fog "attached" to the ground.  Walking out into the field, I found every blade, stick and rock covered in tiny, spike-like crystals.  It made everything look like pine. 

I, of course, had my camera with me and took shots of the "ice needles".  But, me being "me" left my camera/computer connection cable at home.  DUH!

Apparently, the "ice needles" are actually called soft rime.  Here's a google image I found.

http://photo.accuweather.com/photogallery/details/photo/95267/Hoarfrost+on+Winterberry

So pretty!

(expect a few photo-heavy posts from the "farm that is really a ranch" when we get back to the 'burbs)

:-)

Americana

I felt America today.


As I drove my American-made Jeep Wagoneer...

Through a tiny American town...

After shopping at the Walmart*...

And glanced out the windshield, to see a bald eagle soaring overhead.


(*So no, Walmart may not be the best in America, but it is definitely American...)

:-)

Fancher Farm

We made it to our "farm that is actually a ranch" in Arkansas yesterday evening.  It's snowy and cold...and beautiful. The kids and dogs are having a blast playing in the white fluff.  We thought the little dog, Buster, would scoff and cower in the face of snow up to his belly, but we're actually having a hard time getting him to come inside.

--------

Just a few minutes ago, I knew we had definitely left the 'burbs for the country.  Charger came running up to the house, nose and cheeks red, Rocket the Wonder Dog close at his heels.  He burst into the house, yelling "MOM, DAD - we have a PROBLEM!"

Thoughts of cracking ice over creekbeds and ponds raced through my head. Both boys and both dogs had been outside for quite a while.

Charger continued, "There's a DEAD CHICKEN in the hay fields and BUSTER is EATING IT!!!"

OMG - I'm soooo glad my husband is still here and was just about to head outside to play with the boys.  I think I'll let HIM handle this one!

And now, I know why it's been hard to get Buster to come inside out of the cold. YUCK!

:-)

Teenager

Look at the new header up above. 

Take your time.  I'll wait...

I'll even post it here for you...

What do you notice about that photo?


Do you see two good lookin' boys wearin' Santa hats?


Do you see the younger one's admiration of his older brother?


Do you see the older one's infamous teenage eye roll action going on???


Do you???


I sure do...everyday... .


:-)

Finally! August - December 2010 Recap

Well, that took me long enough.  Finally, I'm back to the site to recap 2010 from August to December.

[click on the image to see it larger]



1. Halloween brought homemade costumes. Both boys were Kingdom Hearts (a video game) characters.

2. In September, my mom travelled with me and the boys to Austin, Tx to see the Capitol.

3.  Love, love, love that pic of Viper.

4.  Right before Christmas, my nephew and his wife were able to come and visit.  We all enjoyed the Festival of Lights.

5.  This Fall was FULL of FOOTBALL for Charger.

6.  CHRISTMAS!!!

7.  Yes, there were naughty times, but Santa still showed up.

8.  Viper wearing his new glasses.

9.  Charger's birthday was in October, and he was surprised with tickets to see the NFL Chargers play ball.

10.  Sweet boy (but don't tell him I said that...).

11.  Viper got his Level 1 black belt.  That boy has earned it!

12.  With the Fall weather, my mom and I took up quilting small projects.  That's my Thanksgiving wall hanging.

We had a great year and can't wait to see what 2011 has in store.

:-)

It's Birthday Time

              Happy Birthday to My Main Man!



:-)

Christmas Eve 2010

(Sorry, I'm just not done with Christmas yet even though I am moving on to a new year.)

I just wanted ONE good Christmas Eve picture!!!

:-)

2010 Memories (the first half, at least)

Well, I'm a bit behind since it's already January 2nd, but I wanted to put some of my favorite memories of 2010 here.  Here's the first half of the year...

January - July 2010

[click on the collage to see it larger]



1. Mike caved, and we got a "pool" this year.  We all have had a lot of fun in it even though it was small and has been a mess to take down...

2. I now have a TEENAGER in my house!

3. Classic Matthew look...

4. Did I mention that I now have a TEENAGER in my house????

5. The farm in February.  The boys love playing on the well house, and I guess Rocket does too!

6. Jake attended a math camp at Texas A&M and had a great experience.

7. Camping at Garner State Park in May.  Sooooo fun!

8. Jake also attended YAP camp at Texas A&M this year - this was at the awards ceremony.

9. Fun in the pool all summer long.

10. Matthew really made a lot of progress in piano in the past year.  This was his recital in May, playing Star Wars. (click here for Matt's recital link)

11. The blue bonnets were fabulous this year, although my talent at getting a good photo with them was lacking...

12. Boys climbing and exploring while camping.

13. Music man.

14. February was cold at the farm.

15. Piper the cat - just because...

16. Jake was excited to stay at A&M for a week of camp.

17. Princess Piper.

18. Michael hiking during our camping trip.

19. The creek.

20. Jake got braces this year. Fun!

21.  Matthew got to meet his favorite author, John Erickson, who writes the Hank the Cowdog series.  Talk about one of the "best days ever"!!!!

I'll be back with the rest of the year later today.

:-)