Song Of The Sagebrush
August 19, 2008

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Tammy has presented me with this lovely blog award!  Thank you!

Now I must:
1. Choose 5 blogs that you consider deserving of this award based on creativity, design, interesting material, and overall contribution to the blogger community, regardless of the language.
2. Post the name of the author and a link to his or her blog so everyone can view it.
3. Each award-winner has to show the award and put a name and link to the blog that has given her or him the award.
4. The award winner and presenter should post the link of the “Arte y pico” blog, so everyone will know the origin of this award.
5. Please post these rules.

I nominate the following blogs for this award(in no particular order!)...

-Passion for Purple, where Kristy has inspired me to walk, and keeps tabs on our good buddy, Crush!

-LadyPoet, who shares the challenge and enjoyment of gardening (and trying to make good use of lots of squash!).

-Apples of Gold, a lovely, uplifting blog!

-Cherry Blossoms because I appreciate her talent at blog design! 

-With a Taste of Chocolate because her posts are challenging and insightful!

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August 15, 2008

My Fridge Says...

What Your Fridge Says About You
You like to be surrounded by things you love. You aren't exactly greedy, but you can be materialistic at times.

You are not careful with your money. In fact, you rarely think about how much you are spending.

You don't tend to be a very adventurous person, but you do surprise everyone now and then. You have a bit of a wild side.

You try to be responsible, but you don't always succeed. Your heart is in the right place though.

You are likely to be married - and very busy.
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August 15, 2008

Wednesday Night Fun in a Small Town...








Yes, we now have our very own!  You'd think every man in town was there!  Well, there were plenty of women, too!  They have a HUGE lawn and garden section!  HUGE!!!!!  The parking lot was very crowded, and so were the aisles.  I can't wait to go browse when it's not quite so busy!

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August 13, 2008

What a great place to put the boys to work!

Posted in Sagebrush Ranch



I had things so nicely spaced, but you'd never know it from the looks of things.  Still,  this is a great area.  The boys love to pick radishes and carrots, and assist with tomato worm and squash bug control.  Their Daddy is helping them to negotiate better terms, as they were earning 10 cents per tomato worm, but there was so much damage that Mom upped the bounty to 25 cents.  Dad insisted that the raise be retroactive.  Mom insisted that it could only be retroactive on the day the change was initiated.  We reached a decent agreement, though the boys happily look until they lose interest.  Dad's job leads to lots of great learning, and so does Mom's garden.  Well, it's everyone's garden, just that Mom's in it the most.  Anyhow, it's doing well. 

Lots of squash, some corn, hopefully more next week.  Found at least 5 nice watermelons, but I'm leary of searching too hard, as that area got very overgrown, and I'm sure it's a great haven for snakes.  I don't remember my cantaloupe and watermelon plants getting quite so crazy the last couple of years.  The baby carrots are doing great.  I planted so many, I doubt we'll ever pick them all.  A few here and there 'til all the stuff hiding them gets done.  The bean plants are starting to flower, the snap peas are giving a handful here and there.  Dad put up a shade cover for the peas, and the boys do a great job of getting in and picking.  Lots of green tomatoes, can't wait for them to start ripening!  One pumpkin plant left...it looks like it may survive. 

We have 15 eggs in the incubator, today is day 8, we'll candle later.  Also, we have some Auracauna chicks coming in the mail, hopefully by tomorrow.  This will be part of 10th grade DD's biology this year, as we consider dominent traits, recessive, etc.  The Apologia Biology uses the example of an animal with tail verses no tail, and here, we have a perfect breed to study that with.  We already have done a dissection (slaughtering the turkey a couple of months back), and there's so much with the garden.  So practical!  I'm loving it!

That's it for the moment, as sports Mom mode has kicked in.  A few more days of individual instruction for ds at the ball field, and soccer weeknights for the girls.  Coach for 9 yo's team is going to be away, so guess who's warming up the team on Thursday until the assistant coach can get there!  That's funny, to me!

Cooler mornings, a fall-ish smell in the air, and lots of work to keep me busy!  I may have to find time to meditate and write...but some of the best poems happen in the middle of the action!

Blessings from the Ranch!

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August 8, 2008

Corporate or Christian

This thought has settled in my brain of late.  In a visit to a church last year, by the end of the service, all I could think was, "McChurch".  There wasn't anything particularly problematic with the teaching that day.  I just had the sense that I was being presented with something that resembled a menu, and much like a fast food menu HILIGHTS the selections, presenting their positive qualities, I somehow sensed that sort of presentation.  Moreover, the drive-thru quality of the experience existed.  It wasn't an atmosphere that warmly invited one to stay and bond and grow in relationship.  More like that fastfood experience, get it done and move on, but please, come again. 

In many a message, I've heard reference to "corporate worship", and I've started to wonder if that "corporate" has become more "corporation" some places.  The business mindset that involves managing well the affairs of the institution seems to take priority over developing meaningful relationships that impact lives.  I wouldn't broadbrush and say that this is across the board taking place.  But I've run into it more than a few times.  When the corporation comes to church, does management become a top priority?  Putting on a good public image?  Attracting masses and moving them through effectively and efficiently?  Then on to the next service, the next study, the next event? 

The result in the realm of fast food is easy to see.  DH loves to joke with cashiers and window workers at drive-thru restaurants.  It may be a silly question, such as, "Do you accept pesos?"   The reactions of the workers are so often, blank stare.  The mode they are in is very impersonal, just moving customers quickly through a line according to company guidelines.  Very rarely, for example, is there any apology offered when a large order leads to the customer being directed to a parking space to wait while other customers are served...often times, the direction is communicated as an order or command, impolitely.  And the customer is expected to quietly comply, not disrupt the operation, tolerating the impersonal attention.  Still, most will eventually return, if not to that store, still to another in the chain.  Our tastes groomed to want and crave what is offered on the menu, we look for another source for the same.

Hearing statistics referenced regarding much church growth taking place due to "church hopping", I wonder if it isn't the same phenomena:  look for another place to supply the same menu items you've been conditioned to crave.  When the inconsiderate is met with apathy and disdain, one is often left to find another locale to meet the need.  A wandering in search of something equivalent in taste and appeal.  I've seen many friends wander for years, trying to find something equivalent to a former church, and experienced the same.  Conditioned to believe that church must contain certain elements, yet the same (corporate?) mentality causes the impersonal and business like to surface...moreso in some than in others.  Another menu, another list of good works and study opportunities and events and activities.  Another drive-thru moment.  Is the commitment of the "institution" one to satisfying the craving of the "customer" or to satisfying its own craving for success?  Mutual satisfaction does not necessarily imply good spiritual health. Perhaps good corporate health.  But the spiritual environment is somehow dry and empty.  That Big Mac goes down quick,  yet oftentimes, it leaves a heavy yucky feeling, moreso if it was part of a super-sized meal. 

On the other hand, what happens when Jesus invades the corporation?  When the mind of Christ through the lives of believers is allowed to act and impact the cold business world?  I don't mean the printing of scriptures of the bottoms of cups and cartons.  Maybe that touches a customer's life here or there, but it's meaningless when the employee delivering such does so in the most rude manner.  What happens when a relationship is more important than a successful business deal?  What happens when relationships are tended and groomed so that when conflicts arise with  someone involved in a business dealing, the end result doesn't leave a bitterness between the parties, and they can still joke around and chat about the family, talk about deeper issues if time permits, make time for those deeper issues and real needs and troubles?  What happens when a kindness is bestowed upon a business partner who one has previously had to dealy with firmly?  What happens when relationship is a priority to the worker delivering the shake and fries to the driver through?  Repeat business based on a craving for kindness and compassion? 

In the shopping world, I balance my business based on budget oftentimes.  I shop the sales and attempt to get the most bang for my buck, and with a family of 10 to feed, that is a challenge of great magnitude...at least in my center of being.  The most cost efficient place, however, is often the most cold when it comes to worker morale and interaction.  The less cost effective (on the surface) drugstore, however, has a pleasant environment and workers who will walk with you to find that elusive item.  A manager who will substitute without even being asked when sales items are out.  A friendly greeting when they recognize you are out shopping kid-free for a change.  A sincere apology when you return a scooter two hours after the purchase because it fell apart.  An effort to recognize and acknowledge the consumer on a personal level. 

While these examples are not necessarily Christian people in action, the relational Christ is more exemplified in the relational approach than in the businesslike.  The business that defined the outer courts of the temple angered Him so much, that tables were flying!  The people He viewed as sheep without a shepherd...upon them, He had compassion.  He spent time with and among them.  Not ordering about and moving them along, but nurturing, knowing, instructing, touching.  The account of Mary and Martha testifies to what is more noble.  Perhaps an institution here or there could stand to reconsider. Perhaps a church here or there could stand to reexamine.  Perhaps?
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August 8, 2008

ANOTHER "My Hero"

Posted in I AM MOMMY
This time, it's 12 yo ds who saved the day.  A red racer was in Chloe's pen.  Chloe, our female potbelly pig, had a problem a month or so back with a leg.  She couldn't stand, never mind walk.  DD nursed her back to health.  We identified puncture marks, and thought either a snake or spider might have bit, but we never knew for sure. 

Anyways, the snake had a hole, and was sticking it's head out.  I didn't witness the event first hand, but ds proudly brought his prize 'round to be admired.  No pics this time.  It wasn't as big as the one dh got, and it definitely wasn't the one that crossed my path the other day in the garden.  I thought that one was a red racer, but it isn't the same.  It's dark red across it's back with black on its sides.  Ds saw that one, he was certain it had gold coloring on its belly.  I don't think it's a king snake, but I have no idea at this point. 

At any rate, my "hero in training" did his Mama proud!  Muy valiente!
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August 5, 2008

Elusive Storm

Posted in POETRY
Warm summer breeze
In the cool of the storm...
The clouds gather strength
As they join to surround.
Yet elusive the rain,
Warm blows the breeze,
And relief remains out of the reach
Of the land
Where I stand.



A.D.W.
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August 5, 2008

Snowpacked Promise

Posted in POETRY

Snowpacked promise,
Waters will flow,
Quenching seeded
In winter chill;
Turn of season
In thirsting land
Melts into promise
Of flowing band.

Let the waters melt and flow
And flood the thirsting ground;
Let the flowers bloom and grow,
Rainbow promise blooming grand.
Flower and tree proclaiming the end
Of snowpacked days and chilly wind;
Snowpacked promise flowing down,
The mountain blushes and dons her gown
Of springtime attire...
The flowers and trees
Joyfully conspire
As they move out of winter's grasp,
That at the mountain view
All passersby might gasp
In awesome wonder,
In awe of the wonder...
Snowpacked promise kept.


A.D.W.

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August 5, 2008

Though He Fall Seven Times

Posted in POETRY

Though he fall seven times,
Or seventy times,
My child, I shall not leave;
His struggles might cause
His unbalanced stance,
But I shall not leave his side in the struggle.
I'll help him on,
Help him up,
Help him out,
Help him grow
Stronger as he
Takes his stand
And prepares
To move again.

Though he fall seven times,
Or seventy more,
I won't be ashamed,
For I know that in store
Are fallings and risings,
And lifting him up
Is a precious privilege and joy!


A.D.W.

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August 5, 2008

Wait

Posted in POETRY
Silence thunders
And stillness weighs
Uncertain hearts
With wondering days.
Held in a place
Of trusting in grace
That is felt but not seen,
Known but not heard,
The weight of the wait
On direction and word...
The weighty, "waiting" word
Of the Lord.


A.D.W.
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August 4, 2008

I was enjoying my garden this morning...

Posted in Sagebrush Ranch

UNTIL...I walked between the duck pen and the corn and a HUGE red racer slithered quickly in front of me, across the pathway, and into the corn.  The corn is SO thick that it's very hard to get to a snake once it gets in there.  Yuck. 

I did get a nice little piece of the Early Sunglow corn...not quite there, but almost.  There won't be lots, as that's the area the dogs damaged the most.  But about a week and a half out, the bodacious should be...well...bodacious!  The carrots are yummy...baby carrots, mostly.  If you want to keep small children busy in a garden, plant LOTS of radishes and baby carrots! 

The snap peas are just starting to produce, and the bush beans have a few flowers.  Looks like the pole beans are nearly ready to flower, too.

And for a tasty treat, try grilled zucchini/summer squash.  Split in half, brushed with olive oil and a bit of garlic...lightly grilled...AWESOME.  Especially my yellow scalloped squash!

Loving the flavors out there!

Blessings from the ranch!

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August 1, 2008

Pray for construction workers...

In Vegas...again.   A large construction project shut down unexpectedly this morning.  The domino effect over the last year sure has been tough on some folks.  Pray that the Lord would open up places for the displaced workers to be employed, and that He would provide for the affected families.
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August 1, 2008

And one month later...

Posted in Sagebrush Ranch

I posted garden photos on July 1...here's an update!





Wonder why I'm not blogging, writing much poetry, commenting?  A picture is worth a thousand words!  LOL!

Blessings from the Ranch!

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July 30, 2008

The Land of the Risen Son

Posted in POETRY
I yearn for the land
Of no sorrow, nor pain,
Where promise fulfilled
Proves that hope was not vain;
Where tears are removed
And fears are undone...
The land of the living
The land of the Son.
The land of the Risen Son!


A.D.W.
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July 30, 2008

You Are and I Amn't

Posted in POETRY

You are the...
The Most Glorious;
Your glory brightens
This heart of mine.

You are the...
The Most Wonderful,
Filling with wonder
This simple mind.

You are!
And I amn't!
You are,
And I know
That there is no place
That I could wander...
No, there is no place
I could go
Where You are not.


A.D.W.

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July 29, 2008

MMMMMM!!!!!

So it begins.  One day, it's a solitary scalloped squash.  A week later, a dozen of various sorts.  But what to do to get picky children to eat?  Try this!

Finely chop a medium sized zucchini.  Do the same with a small onion.  And with a half pound of lunch meat (oven roasted chicken).  Combine well, add a dash of white pepper, freshly ground black pepper, and salt.

Three eggs, a tablespoon or two of water, nicely whipped with a wisk...nonstick spray or butter on your griddle...cook for an omelet...once the egg is fairly well cooked, spoon three or four tablespoons full in the center, sprinkle over that a mixture of cheddar and monterrey jack cheese (shredded).  For nicely cooked veggies, heat over the griddle while the egg is cooking, then place in the middle.  The more carmelized, the yummier. Let things melt together a bit, roll your ends toward the middle, and it's a wonderful meal, fit for a picky crowd!,
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July 28, 2008

Our snake...

Posted in Sagebrush Ranch

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July 27, 2008

Busy Weekend...

Posted in Sagebrush Ranch
My hubby is my hero!  He killed the elusive snake that has been slithering around my garden.  It's been around for a couple of weeks, perhaps more than a month.  Every time it shows itself, it gets into the corn and out of the kids' grasp.  DH was watering today, and saw it.  The kids measured it AFTER it was dead.  4 feet 4 inches.  Yikes.  That's how tall the above groud pool is. Yikes!

Friday night, one of the piglets was suddenly not doing well.  DD was gearing up to nurse it back to health, but it died in her arms.  Life on a ranch.  The rest are advertised on freecycle now, and all 3 surviving females have found new homes.  Just 2 males left. 

We've lost several ducklings, as the mama ducks don't seem to mother too well.  Only one has survived out of several nests.  Once we get the incubator thing down, we can hatch and raise them inside, then work out a little area for them to get bigger. 

The garden is kicking into gear.  I've collected nearly a dozen scalloped squash this week, 2 yellow zucchini, and 3 or 4 green zucchini, as well as 3 or 4 straightneck squash.  I fixed stir-fried squash Friday for dinner as an accompaniment to hot dogs.  Lightly fried in olive oil and garlic, a little white pepper and ground ginger, and a drizzling of soy sauce!  Yum!   My eldest, who despises vegetables normally, had seconds.  Most turned up their noses, but for her to get seconds, I was astounded!

The pole beans are really fun as they begin to climb, and the snap peas are starting to make flowers.  Watermelons and cantaloupe are beginning to set, ears of corn beginning to form.  I've only gotten 4 tomatoes so far, but lots of these have set as well.  Pepper plants are starting to take off, with a few peppers set.  My cucumber plants are finally flowering.  My pumpkins are struggling.  I heard last year that alot of the local pumpkins failed due to some sort of pest.  I'll be happy if we get a few pumpkins off of the 2 good plants that are still kicking.  I've got loads of carrots planted, and they are beginning to fill out a TEEEEEENY bit.  I'll start thinning, using some here and there for stir-frying!  I've got a handful of broccoli plants here and there, and hope to plant an area soon...my cucumbers didn't thrive in that area, but I'll try something else. 

We have some monstrous radishes, which are a great treat for Arnold, the pig.  The turkeys like the radish greens, too.  All in all, loads to do, more than I can keep up with, but great science for the kids.  We pulled out the biology book in order to figure out some of the classification of our snake.  What an awesome classroom our little ranch is! 
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July 24, 2008

The Garden Grocer?

Well, let's just say that my grocery plans were interrupted for the day.  However, I was blessed to find 5 nice yellow scalloped squash, 3 straightneck, and dd found a good sized zucchini, better than a foot long...it missed my eye!  Plus a large bowl of lettuce with a little spinach thrown in for good measure!  Sounds like there's a nice salad in the works for dinner!
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July 22, 2008

Dynamite Power

Posted in POETRY
Dynamite power
To move in the land;
Dynamite power
That flows from the hand
Of the One who created,
The One who redeems,
The One who instructs us...
May His children proceed
To move with His dynamite power.


A.D.W.
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July 22, 2008

Passion For the Putrid

Posted in POETRY

Passion for the putrid,
Penchant for the profane;
Thirsting, lusting after that
Which falsely claims it is gain.
Vile, but unreviled,
Received with open arms;
We fill our cup
And drink it up,
Consuming worldly charms.

Passion for the putrid,
Penchant for the profane;
Loving undeserving ones,
Whose lives He ought disdain.
Vile, but unreviled,
Received with open arms;
He fills our cup
And lifts us up,
Replacing worldy harm...
He claims us as His own!


A.D.W.

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July 22, 2008

I Rest in a Refuge

Posted in POETRY

I rest in a refuge...
Of precious stone, built;
Grouted in love
Through precious blood spilt.
The walls that surround
Have no end, have no bound.
No lasting harm
Can find its way over or 'round
The Refuge, the Rock, the Lord
My Refuge, My Rock, My Lord.

I bask in a shelter...
From elements, braced;
Hid from the harmful,
He shields my face
'Til His time is complete
And the work here done,
'Til He deems the time right
And sends me on...
My Refuge, My Rock, My Lord.


A.D.W.

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July 22, 2008

Birthday Happenings...

Posted in I AM MOMMY
Yesterday was ds' 12th birthday.  We also had our first chick hatch out of the eggs in our new (used) still-air incubator!  Very cool! 

DS received a set of rockets, and he's hooked.  We've had various launches.  The larger of the two has returned just fine.  The smaller, which can travel up to a quarter mile, was nowhere to be found last night after the launch.  Might have to do with the fact that he painted it green.  He told his Dad that if he found it, he would definitely paint it orange before he launched it again.  But for now, it remains MIA.  He's hooked, though, and is going over the ESTES brochure in depth as he decides which rocket he wants to try next!  The ESTES site online has some educational links as well...looks like fun-schooling for ds!  How fun!
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July 22, 2008

Tomatillos In My Garden...

If you love green salsa, then this is the plant for you!



However, there are some things to beware of if you grow these!  Primarily, know that they re-seed very easily.  Two summers ago, I planted a packet of tomatillo seeds, and was thrilled with how well they grew.  I had loads of tomatillos, and was able to make lots of salsa, and share with friends.  DH was able to share with co-workers.  Fantastic. 

Last summer, I wasn't positive what the little plants were that sprang up all over my garden.  I wondered if they were sunflowers, but suspected tomatillos.  I let them grow, and was thrilled when I was sure that they were tomatillos.  Unfortunately, I envisioned so many tomatillos, that I allowed way too many plants to grow.  I should have thinned them out, and though I did make some efforts at doing so, I still allowed too many.  In one area, they choked each other, and there was little useful fruit.  Other areas were better, but those that were more isolated had the most room to produce and thrive. 

Worse, the cramped sections squeezed out other desired plants, and as a result, lettuce, peas, and beans were not great producers.  Worse still, the areas under the cover of so many tomatillo vines were a wonderful habitat for my worst garden enemy, the snake.  More than once, I found myself carefully picking tomatillos only to notice the tail of a hated reptile in the shade of the plant.  Red racers and king snakes plagued the area.  Valiant youngsters made many efforts at fighting the horrid beasts for me, but most of the time, the kids did not prevail, and the snakes slithered away to frighten the timid gardener another day.  A good thing is not always as good as it seems. 

There was still a decent harvest...but unfortunately, tomatillos were the biggest.  And they re-seeded well for another season's growth.  However, I am weeding them out more extremely this season.  I have no desire to repeat the snake shelter of last year.  I still have snake issues, as there is a red racer who seems to like the shade of my tomatoes.  I'm trying to keep things a little neater, though.  DD has transplanted a number of the plants.  If they survive in containers, we'll think about taking them to the farmer's market.  I've pulled some very large plants because they were creating a perceived snake refuge.  I have about 13 good plants going, spaced out on the perimeters of various sections of the garden.  We'll see how they do.  I have a number of them growing unchecked in the corn, another snake habitat, but we'll deal with that when we get closer to a corn harvest.  Uggh.

Stay tuned for further reports as the season continues.  Stay tuned, also, for some educational and spiritual application, lessons learned and thoughts thought as I tend the area!  Lots to ponder!

Blessings from the ranch!
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July 18, 2008

Hey, Blog Buddies...

Posted in Sagebrush Ranch
Just want to post and apologize for neglecting all...I haven't had much time to post lately.  Most mornings begin with watering an area of the garden and pulling weeds.  I have way too many weeds.  Two of the younger boys earn a little change by picking squash bugs, while the other kids pull grass.  If the entire garden needs to be watered, it's the entire morning.  Regardless, after two or three hours out there, it's an afternoon of cooling off and doing indoor work. 

Weather wise, we've been blessed with some nice temps this week, especially after last week's heat watches.  With rain in the surrounding area, it's been very humid, but much more tolerable than the 116 degrees we were up to last week.  We haven't gotten much rain at the house, but a storm a couple of days ago dropped an inch or so in an hour's time.  Little rivers everywhere.  I would love a good rain over the garden.  Still some predicted for next week, so we'll see.

The dogs are persistently finding ways into the garden.  Apparently, I still have a vulnerable spot for bunnies to get in.  The sad thing is walking out and finding a large quantity of trampled cornstalks.  There's still plenty standing, but they took out half of my early sunglow, easily.  Not happy.

We HAD 4 beautiful turkeys coming along nicely.  3 were toms.  They fought.  We were in the process of getting a new pen ready for Arnold, the pot-bellied pig, so we could give the turkeys more space and separate those males.  Last Friday, one of the biggest was dead. Cold.  What a waste.  We slaughtered the other big male, because we figured it was better to be done with the fighting than to lose the investment of time and feed.  Friday night went late.  The slaughter went fine.  The younger bird (4 1/2 months or so) had more tender skin, I guess...it tore a whole lot easier.  Not much fat at all, as we were still using the turkey grower feed.  We're switching the others this week.  In the end, he weighed 19+ lbs., and was a little dry after roasting.  Still, we've had turkey for dinner in some form 4 different nights, and still have bones set aside for soup.  The male and female pair are doing fine in their less crowded quarters.  And day one of biology class for 10th grade dd was the analysis of the insides of a turkey (and outsides) 

We were able to purchased a used incubator and egg turner from a local gentleman who was moving.  He gave us a few eggs to hatch.  Unfortunately, it took a bit to figure out what I was doing, and I think I lost the bigger eggs.  However, 2 are serama eggs, the world's "smallest chicken".  They look viable, and if so, should hatch this weekend.  Once we finish our experimental stage, we'll try hatching out a set of our chicken and/or duck eggs.  The chickens were not good parents.  The ducks, likewise, have not been super successful.  Our white crested hatched out 4 babies, of which we lost 3.  The only survivor is now about a month and a half old, very pretty.  A pair of mamas, the mallard and the grey crested, are sharing a nest.  They've hatched out 3 so far, 1 died and another disappeared.  Letting the mother's mother isn't working out so well.

We have piglets to get rid of.  And lots of work to finish the new pig pens.  Plenty to do.  The kids are enjoying their break from official study, but they're getting tons of learning through the animals and garden.  They're also playing a mean game of cribbage these days. 

Blessings from the ranch!
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About Me

Living a simple life in our desert home! Blogging as an outlet in my busy life as Mom! Poetry's my pastime... My passion is my Lord; My life is wrapped in home and Him, Abiding in His Word!


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