Squirrels.

When I think, I have a tendency to walk around.  Movement seems to help me think.  I also tend to look out windows, spying on nature.  The other day I was rewarded with these two squirrels foraging in the yard.

I'm pretty sure this was the momma squirrel.  She was just munching away on acorns.  She was not spooked by any cars, or the dogs occasional barking.

Then I spotted this adorable baby (ish) squirrel on the tree!  It was noticeably smaller, and much more feisty and nervous.

It flew around and down the tree, jumping down and taking just a few steps before it plunged it's little claws into the Earth!

He was really getting in there!  Moving leaves, and pushing himself into his work.

Bingo!!  An acorn was found!  It was though, all too dangerous to eat it there on the ground.  There could be other big mean squirrels, or dogs...or CATS!  Eek!

So with his acorn firmly clutched in his mouth, he flew up the tree...

...to settle onto a branch, and happily feast on his tasty morsel!  All the while, mother squirrel was steadfast and oddly unamused by her youngsters squirrely antics...

As you can see, she had already had an acorn or five by the time junior found and fled with his very lonely acorn!

Finally, Snow!

I hope I'll finally be able to get back into doing some writing.  Things have been...busy lately.  Some family drama that I think is doing better, thankfully.  The most exciting thing that has happened is that we finally got snow!  I love winter, and I love snow, and so far this has been a really depressing winter.  Only a dusting of snow, nothing like last year.  Rob and I took the dogs out on Monday, and I thought I'd share the pictures with you!

Right outside the door.  I love how pure, fresh, and beautiful everything looks.

I bet your thinking these are our dogs paw prints, right?  WRONG!  Coyote tracks, they were quite a bit smaller than Duke's paw prints.  One of my favorite things about snow is the ability to see animal tracks.

Our dogs LOVE snow.  It's just their type of weather.  Dutchess is eating the snow like it's going out of style.

Duke going after Dutchess, they were having so much fun!

Here is Duke waiting for Rob to throw a snowball!

I. Love. This. Picture!  Dutchess is airborn, trying to get a snowball before Duke does.

Another priceless picture of Duke.  I love seeing an 80 pound dog airborne.

They loved snowball chasing.  Duke's new favorite game is actually fetch.  Didn't work so well with snowballs though!

This picture is not only adorable, but also breathtaking.  Duke had knee surgery just 4 and a half months ago.  He's not back to how he was, he may never be, but he is doing SO good.

And finally, another one of Duke.  Isn't he handsome?

I hope you enjoyed our snow filled adventures!!  Do your dogs like snow?

Awareness Saves (Fuzzy) Lives

I hadn't planned on posting today.  There has been a lot going on here, and a lot on my mind.  So, I decided to do some research this morning.  As you've noticed in other posts I've talked about farming and sustainability and raising my own meat.  My husband and I eat our fair share of meat.  I think as far as my husband is concerned there really should be meat with every meal.  I've heard people talk about animals being raised inhumanely for slaughter.  I've seen links on blogs.  And I have a confession to make...

I turned a blind eye, and I ignored it.

For many different reasons.  I like to think that it can't be that bad, maybe that's not where my meat came from, etc.  However, it's been on my heart a lot lately.  A few weeks ago I approached the topic with my husband in regards to buying a portion of a cow, so that way we could know more about where our meat came from and how it was treated.  Rob agreed, but it is expensive.  And there has been a lot going on, so it hasn't been really talked about again.  Then comes today.  I decided to do more research on what the living conditions were like, the facts and statistics.  And I came upon this video...

!! This is a VERY graphic video !!

I couldn't finish it.  In all my time imagining inhumane treatment of animals, I had never imagined this.  There is no way to justify the actions in this video.  ZERO.  These animals are all innocent, beautiful creatures, that should be treated with respect.

"Proverbs 12:10  A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel."

Here are some facts and statistics in regards to the inhumane treatment of animals in case you don't want to watch the video.

• large numbers of animals are usually held indoors in closed confined pens and sheds, and often with physical restraints to control unnecessary movement.  Pigs often get their FIRST breath of fresh, outdoor air while they are on their way to slaughter.
• growth hormones, genetic engineering, and specific breeding programs are used to create more desirable and consistent animal anatomies, and to stimulate faster growth.
• HUGE amounts of antibiotics and pesticides are used to fight the spreading of diseases and bacteria, as farm animals would get sick due to the crowded conditions, dirt, and humidity in the pens.
• All factory farm animals-including fish- are fed grains, mostly high yield corn and soy mixes, which are cheap but low in nutrition.  This same feed can also contain ground-up parts of other animals of the same or other species that did not make it into human food production.
• The typical factory farm worker gets low wages, works severe over hours, and won't complain, as he has no rights.  More often than not, illegal immigrants are used, as they would cope with all conditions for fear of deportation.
• Roughly 1 billion chickens killed each year for KFC are crammed by the tens of thousands into excrement-filled sheds that stink of ammonia fumes.
• Chickens legs and wings often break because they're bred to be too top-heavy and because workers carelessly shove them into transport crates and shackles.
• Chickens' throats are slit and the animals are dropped into tanks of scalding-hot water to remove their feathers, often while they are still conscious and able to feel pain.
• KFC lets frustrated factory-farm and slaughterhouse workers handle live birds, so many of the animals end up being sadistically abused.  At a KFC "Supplier of the Year" slaughterhouse in West Virginia, workers were documented tearing the heads off live birds, spitting tobacco into their eyes, spray-painting their faces, and violently stomping on them.  This was discovered more than two years after KFC promised PETA that it was taking animal welfare seriously.
• A whistle blower at a Tyson slaughterhouse testified that birds intentionally were scalded to death, were blown apart by makeshift firecrackers, and had their legs broken by workers to fit them into slaughter-line shackles.  Tyson is KFC's number one supplier.
• 'Red birds' are common.  What is a 'red bird'? Birds are supposed to have their throats slit in order to kill them and drain their blood.  Then they go through a tank of scalding-hot water to remove their feathers.  But because the system is faulty, and inefficient, many birds--millions each year, according to the USDA--miss the blades that are supposed to cut their throats and end up in the scalding tank while they are still conscious.  These birds are literally scalded to death.
• It is not uncommon for birds to lie on the ground unable to move from broken bones or becoming paralyzed.  In these cases the birds are just left to die, and then placed in buckets around the pens.
• Farmer who killed sick and injured turkeys by beating them with a metal rod and tossing them aside, leaving them conscious and deemed legal and standard by industry.
• They literally cram chickens into crates for transport.
• 5-11 hens are crammed into small wire cages.
• The beaks of some hens are sheared off with a hot blade.
• Conditions so crowded they are unable to spread even ONE wing.
• Cattle are dehorned and castrated with no pain medicines.
• The USDA allows cattle with cancerous lesions and pus filled wounds to be certified as certified pure.
• Cattle often have their throats slit, and are skinned while still alive and fully conscious.
• 40% of dairy cows are lame by the time they reach the slaughter house.
• More than 100,000 cows are unable to walk off transport trucks every year, yet they are slaughtered for human food anyway.
• Most hamburger comes from spent dairy cows.
• Baby dairy cows are ripped away from their mothers hours after birth.  Just a note in case you don't watch the video, this is heartbreaking.  They actually grab a baby cow by the head and jerk him away as he is about to nurse his mother and drag him away.  They also show a baby cow being dragged away by his back legs and his mother (and other mothers) trying to follow.  It's heartbreaking.

These facts are from two other websites and from the video.  The video goes into pigs after dairy cows and their calves, but I didn't get that far.  I watched a little, but had to stop.  I think these are plenty of facts though.

So why am I sharing this?  Society needs to be completely aware of what is happening.  I would also strongly encourage people to do some of their own research.  I just bought, and watched Food Inc. today.  It was such an interesting documentary, and raises really good questions and thoughts.  It made me realize just how little I actually know about the food I eat.

Do you know where your food came from? (before the grocery store!)

Farming & Sustainability

((I mentioned this last week on my facebook, but forgot to put it up here.  I plan on doing a giveaway once I get to 100 followers!!  I love giveaways, so hopefully we'll get to do one soon!))

Farming is nothing new to me.  My grandfather was a farmer, my dad was a farmer.  I just happened to be more of a lazy city kid, even though I spent plenty of time at our farm.  I always said I wanted to run the farm when it was my time, but that never seemed like it right around the corner.  I helped a bit here and there, but was never in depth. I’m saddened to say I didn’t learn much.  When I was little, maybe 8 or so, I checked out a book on farm animals.  I loved looking over the pages at all the animals.  I used to dream about having a farm, having all these animals (because I loved animals) and that I could make my own bread.  Then I grew into a moody teenager, and I became lost as to what I wanted to do.  High school pushed college, but nothing was right to me.  I didn’t want the responsibility of being a vet; a graphic designer was a thought, and even a teacher.  I ended up getting a part time job that led to a full time job in a call center.  I still had far off dreams of someday having some land and farm animals, but it always seemed so impossible, and so much work.  I guess this is a long time coming, this longing, and this realization.  I guess, technically, the seed has always been there, but I never imagined the roots would go this deep.  Its little moments that build up.  So, I guess, why do I want to be sustainable, be a farmer…well, this is why…

I want to do what God meant for people to do.  Work the earth, till the ground, plant and tend seeds.  I want to grow organic, chemical free, food for my family.

I want to be able to preserve my food, whether by canning, freezing, or in some other fashion.  I’m not saying I’ll never step foot into a grocery store, but I don’t want to be stuck being DEPENDENT on a grocery store.

I love animals.  I am very, very compassionate with animals.  I want to raise my own meat.  There are two reasons for this.  1.  Animals raised today for slaughter are abused, neglected, and not given the freedoms God intended.  2.  I want to take responsibility for the meat I eat.  Let it be known I have never, ever, personally killed any animal.  I don’t want to, per say.  But God meant for us to eat animals, and I do believe by participating in the slaughter you appreciate the animal even more.  I read somewhere that it’s no wonder Americans waste 1/3 of the food they buy.  Because they don’t appreciate where it came from.

It’s a simpler life.  No doubt difficult, but simple.  I don’t want to live life rushed by work deadlines, and rude people.  I want to live a rich life, and I personally think this is the best way for me.

I want to train my kids up this way.  I am thankful for the way I grew up, but I would love for my children to be raised in a 100% farm atmosphere.  I would love for my kids to be able to learn what I’m clueless too early in their lives.

It’s in my heart.  It’s not something I’ve always talked about.  It isn’t something I’ve always realized, but living on land, working land, it feels right.

I’m sure people are wondering where this came from.  Why this now.  Why have I never mentioned this?  Well…it’s always seemed impossible.  It’s always been when Rob and I are older.  I’ve always wanted this, but always thought there had to be a step between now, and fulfilling it.  There may be some steps, lots of trial and error, hard work, and failure.  But that’s ok.  Those are the things life is made of.  I’d rather try at it and fail, then to live my life thinking what if.

So, spill the beans, what are your big, bad, dreams for the future?

Fresh Out...

I feel fresh out of blog topics.

I just don't know what to write about.

Any suggestions?

Sometimes I feel like my animals are like small children.  Maybe it's just my animals?  Dutchess loves the sound of ripping fabric.  Loves it.  It sends her into a blissful trance, and she just rips, and rips and rips her toys to pieces.  I feel like I am always picking up stuffing!  Not to mention the stuffed animal eyes.  They are everywhere.  Stuffed animal eyes are one of the first things to go on the stuffed animal.  The other day (I can't even remember which day anymore) I woke up and my husband had left the bathroom door open.  My cats are just plain ornery.  They dumped over a box that had a little make up and make up brushes in it.  They also obliterated an entire roll of toilet paper.  Even now, days later I am finding eye shadows here and there.  And they have been carrying around a makeup brush all day today.  By the fluffy end.  They hit it all over and bring it to me to boop them on the nose.

Ok, well, that's it for today I suppose.  Have a great Thursday!

Grateful...

((I barely have time to write this post, and I just want to add this note to say that I will be replying comments as soon as possible.  Things have just been busy!!))

As I grow older, I find more and more things I am thankful for.  I am thankful we were able to have Duke's surgery, AND that he can run, jump, and play almost like he used to.  My heart swells with gratitude for that.  I am thankful that Dutchesses leg seems back to normal.  I am thankful for my annoying beautiful kitty cats.  They are such a wonderful reminder that life is all about grand adventures, a keen sense of curiosity, and indulging in good food.  I am thankful for my family.  It's no Brady bunch, but if any of us ever needed help, we would get it.  I am exceptionally thankful for my husband.  He works hard, without complaint, to provide for me and these hungry cute furbabies.  He is my best friend, my greatest hero, and to put it bluntly, the cheese to my macaroni. I honestly could never describe how thankful I am to have him.

I also want to remind all you ladies out there cooking food tomorrow to remember to chill out!  You can burn the turkey, drop the mashed potatoes on the floor, forget to polish the silver, or break a plate, but it doesn't have to ruin the day!!  Improvise, and put your family at ease with good humor!  Make it so you can remember the holiday as the one where you burnt the turkey, not the one where you yelled and got upset!

Have a happy Thanksgiving!!

Thankful.

Sorry for the lack of posts recently!  I've been trying to get some video tutorials together and have had quite a few issues.  I'm hoping by the first of next week I'll have a step by step by step tutorial for making headers (two ways!) and a step by step by step tutorial for creating a blogger button!

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November is a month in which people tend to reflect upon what they are thankful for.  It didn't quite inspire this post, but I though it would be fitting to share now.  Not quite two months ago I posted about how we found out Duke had a torn cruciate.  We struggled greatly making the right decision as to what treatment would be best for Duke's leg.  I was so scared we would settle for a lesser priced surgery, and have a dog that couldn't walk.  A dog that hobbled, and was unable to do what he, as a dog, loved to do.

It's been a fairly slow process, and as of this coming Monday it will have been 7 weeks since surgery.  Not quite two months yet.  Duke avoided using his hurt leg about 90% of the time before surgery.  Now...he uses his leg probably 85-90% of the time, and is literally using it more every day.

When we go outside, and I see this...

 ...and this...

To see him standing on his leg, just standing there makes me so thankful.  Honestly, words don't can't describe how thankful I am that Duke is using his leg.

He is able to jump into ponds again...

Here Dutchess is in the pond...

Now Duke has joined her, and she is running out of the water at 50 mph...

And there goes Duke, going a whopping 50 mph as well!

 And of course, I'm thankful for Dutchess.  She is such a sweet heart.  Since starting her on joint supplements with Duke we have had no problems with her leg! (Praise the Lord!)

Dutchess offering me her stick.

Here is a super, super, super short clip of Duke and Dutchess running after a stick.  Watching it, watching him run, just fills me up with gratitude!

Sneaky Feet.

We have a dog named Dutchess.

She is a cute dog, a pretty good dog, and a very sweet dog.  She is shy, she is black, she is soft and cuddly.  She has short legs...and sneaky feet.

Since day one of having Dutchess, she has been getting herself into trouble.  She sneaks to get food.  Any food, from tables, counters, trash, anywhere.  I tried to train her out of it, and you think she's got it, and then you turn around and see this...

A once lovely bottle of ranch dressing.  Not surprisingly, she drug to her lair to eat it all up. (lair=couch)  And you take the bottle and hold it in the air and ask her if she knew what happened to the bottle...

And this...

And you know you couldn't ever hurt her, you can't yell at her, you just have to love her, and make her pose with the bottle.

And big brother has to take it and show it who is boss.

And then you realize she also got the cheese...

Dang those sneaky feet!!!

I hope you enjoyed our morning saga.  We're getting ready to take Duke to the vet to see about his leg, and maybe...hopefully...prayerfully we can go back to normal activities!!

Sparta

Sparta was a stray we rescued from under my mothers house last summer.  We didn't have any cats, and we were planning on getting a kitten.  In fact, just days before almost took a free kitten from a pet store but didn't.  When my husband and I pulled up to my moms house and I saw him skitter under the house, I knew we would do all we could to capture him.

Has anyone out there in blogger land ever tried to help a feral cat??  It isn't pretty!  Even a small kitten, malnourished, and underweight can inflict serious injuries.  When I was about 18 we had a kitten that was just like Sparta, hiding under the house.  I grabbed her and to my surprise got bitten and scratched and was completely dumbfounded that she was so vicious.

I warned my husband adequately, or as much as you can.  We lured him out of his hiding spot, tossing bits of wet dog food.  We tried sitting in front of the house, waiting for him, but he was too scared.  Instead we went inside and opened the big window in the front of the house.  We leaned out and waited for him to come out of his hiding place and my husband grabbed him.  My husband was surprised, even with my warnings, and got scratched and bitten.  I wrapped Sparta in a blanket and put him in a kitten carrier and to our home he went.

He was always a very shy cat, which is how all feral cats are.  It takes years for a true feral cat to become really comfortable with a people family.  Sparta would NEVER let my husband get anywhere close to him.  I on the other hand was graced with limited interaction.  When I washed dishes he would rub along my legs, and if I tried to pet him he'd run away.  Once while I was sitting on our bed, reading, he got on the bed, curled up in my lap and slept with me.

He wasn't the cutest cat, but he was lovely to be around and watch.  A few months ago we let him outside.  We had a stray that had kittens, and we knew he would be happier.  We live in the country and to be honest we get lots of cats drifting in and out of our lives.  Sparta would occasionally come to our window and peer in at us, but would never let us get close enough to love him.  About 3 weeks ago he came to our window and he didn't look good.  His eye was red and nearly swollen shut, we'd had a record high heat wave and he was looking pretty skinny.  I captured him, and put him in our bathroom, and after a few days his eye got better, and in general he was much better.  I wanted to keep him inside until he gained enough weight to go back outdoors.

Last Thursday I noticed Sparta was no where to be found.  I knew he must have hid somewhere.  I knew it wasn't good.  I saw him once, and then didn't see him again.  They say cats hide when they know they are dying, so I was prepared to find him gone.  Saturday we started searching and found him.  Horrified I realized he wasn't dead.  We gave him food, and water, and he let us love him and hold him, and talk to him.  This morning he was gone.  Off to frolic in heavenly fields.

I am sad, even though I didn't spend tons of time with him.  It was his gentle, beautiful spirit that really touched me.  

I'll miss him, but I know this is just a part of life.

((Sorry for such a depressing post, but it's one of those things that couldn't not be expressed.))

Early Friday Picture Post

Saw purple shining through my window one morning, and just knew I needed to go out and take a picture!  So gorgeous!

When I went outside to snap the picture of the sun rise I also picked these lovely green beans!

It's amazing I get anything done with this type of cuteness all around!

This is Simba, also known around here as Simbacore (don't ask me!) he is very clingy, and loves to lay on the laptop while I'm trying to write!

Big beautiful sky on a scorching hot day!

These plants look nice with their yellow flowers, but they have huge thorns!!

Here you can see those thorns better, I've stepped on one barefooted before and lemme tell ya, it hurts!

I really like this shot of Dutchess (also known as Dutch or Judges)  She was getting a drink from the cow tank.

Here she is after swimming, doing some grazing!

This is Duke and Dutchess waiting on me, wondering why I was taking their picture.

Here is Duke waiting for me to follow him up the hill.

Hunting for gophers!

Dutchess, all hot, and ready to go back home!

The cutest thing ever.  LOOK at that pink tongue...

Here it is again even closer, oh my goodness, just too cute!

Hope everyone has a great Friday and an AWESOME weekend!