About Dayphoto

My name is Linda Brown. I live on a farm on the western slope of Colorado, in the high mountain desert. I’ve lived here all my life, hailing back four generations on my father’s side. Today I blog about our farm, the everyday activities that keep the farm going. I also write about my thoughts and dreams and goals. On Friday’s I always write about TLC Cai-Cai. Our sweet kitty who helps keep the farm safe. And Boo Berry Betty, a breeder dog learning to be a Farm Dog! The lovely thing about blogging it opens the world up for all of us to reach out and meet people from many different cultures and different ways of life. You can find me every day (but Saturday) at https://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com/ Your Friend on a Western Colorado Farm, Linda Brown

The Moon in January – January 15, 2014

Posted on January 15, 2014 by Dayphoto

Before I begin today’s post I want to THANK each and everyone of you for all of the wonderful Birthday Wishes! I am so blessed to have such a large group of blog friends! You have blessed me with so much, I do treasure you friendship!

The moon has made its month long journey back to being full! Just in time to help me celebrate my day of birth!!!

According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac today, January 15th, is the day of the Full Wolf Moon: (Full Moon names date back to Native Americans, of what is now the northern and eastern United States. The tribes kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring full Moon. Their names were applied to the entire month in which each occurred. There was some variation in the Moon names, but in general, the same ones were current throughout the Algonquin tribes from New England to Lake Superior. European settlers followed that custom and created some of their own names. Since the lunar month is only 29 days long on the average, the full Moon dates shift from year to year.

• Full Wolf Moon – January Amid the cold and deep snows of midwinter, the wolf packs howled hungrily outside Indian villages. Thus, the name for January’s full Moon. Sometimes it was also referred to as the Old Moon, or the Moon After Yule. Some called it the Full Snow Moon, but most tribes applied that name to the next Moon.)

Since we don’t have wolves here (in western Colorado—that I know of) maybe we should call it something else?)

Anyway, the moon was delightful once more. The dogs and I walked, without a flashlight, although I always take one with me, sometimes the quick turning of of light will scatter whatever is out there away.

Once more I humbly Thank you!

Your friend on a farm in Western Colorado,

Lindath

Today is My Birthday January 14, 1949 (2014)

Posted on January 14, 2014 by Dayphoto

Today I am officially a Medicare recipient. Said like that I feel O.L.D.

But I really don’t feel old. I’m sometimes surprised when I see myself in the mirror: “OH! Why that IS me. Hummmm I don’t feel like that person,” is the glancing thought I give myself as I finish washing my face and going about the day.

Sometimes I am struck by the beauty of my grandchildren’s little hands…Bladen’s long nimble fingers, Linkin’s busy, always busy, doing something hands, and Tallen’s sweet little baby hands that are quickly turning into a 6 year’s old.

I see those hands and reach out to touch them…. mine with years of work on the backs, fingers sort of bent and crooked from old-time injuries, and the hard and lumpy joints starting to show up where my thumb meets my wrist. There are many years between us…those bright-eyed wonders waiting to experience the world and myself and Terry. We have reached the age of wisdom and ability and true hard-knocks education — they are still at the age they know the world is big and they have much to learn and to give to it.

Terry and I have the privilege of knowing we get to pass on to them —the memories of us. The other stuff is up their parents. 🙂

On Friday Terry and I will become Tally’s show and tell—for show in tell she has to bring something that starts with G… she decided on GRANDPARENTS! Terry and I want to take something to give to all the little Kindergartners that starts with a G…we are still thinking on it. If you have ideas we are open!

Anyway…today at 4 minutes to midnight I will enter this world. 65 years later I’m still going strong!

This is an old photo! I posted it on my 60th birthday…I love the colors! A celebration in the sky!

You farm friend,

Linda

A Home on the Ditch — January 13, 2014

Posted on January 13, 2014 by Dayphoto

While we were checking on the equipment Terry wants to take to the up-and-coming consignment sales we also checked on the condition of the ditches and the gated pipes.

We are just checking, making metal notes of what needs to be done in the spring.

Outside of the typical shove and heave of the winter ground everything looks pretty normal…a little work here and there, dirt needs to be hauled in over at this spot, we want to put in the next set of the transmission pipe. By the time we got to the last ditch next to old Apricot tree we were feeling pretty good about the spring (ditch) work load.

Then we saw it! Squirrel holes, complete with path to and fro. Now you must understand that I really like squirrels…I love their fun approach to life, their naughty little antics and their cute little faces.

What we don’t like is when they make their homes in the side of the ditches. Since they make many holes (the main door, and at least four other doors) they turn the ditch into a sieve.

We will let them finish out the season here, then just before we turn water down we will block everything up. Before we do so we will watch the hole and make sure they are gone, how many are in the hole and how many holes we have to deal with. The best way to move the critters on is moth balls—spread a layer of mothballs at the mouth of all the holes, (but one) allowing the family to escape. (The smell drives them out) Once gone…it doesn’t take long –one day at the most— we cover the holes, turn the water down and the season begins.

I have thought long and hard about posting this, but decided that I will anyway. Ground Squirrels in Colorado and other states are not a protected species they are considered pests. We try hard to be good stewards of our land and the creatures that live on this land, even if they are considered pests. Please don’t leave an ugly comment we do care and we do take strong humane measures to protect our wildlife.

(Fuzzy, Sammy the cat, and I draw a line a mice…sorry…I just can’t support mice populations in the buildings or the equipment or getting into my house. If they want to live all over the farm out on the land, good for them, but around the buildings…well you get the picture. Also, if you are a firm believer in saving mice populations please don’t leave me a nasty comment I will just delete it.) 😦

The storm flew out yesterday riding hard on freezing winds. The sunset strung itself across the western sky lighting up

The ‘dobies and Grand Mesa

Gradually the day darkened; still the pink remained. As I watched I wondered if those that live in Eckert and Cedaredge could feel that pink light surrounding them. Possibly like looking through ‘rose-colored glasses.”

Your Friend,

Linda

A Winter Storm- January 12, 2014

Posted on January 12, 2014 by Dayphoto

Terry, I, and Boomer went for a walk yesterday to check out the equipment Terry is wanting to take to the consignment sales coming up. (Fuzzy and Tommy stayed at the grain bins waiting for us.)

We were really surprised at how dry the ground is, although there are still patches of worn-out and tired snow

Mostly on the north side of things.

The four-wheeler road is a tad messy with melt so we all walked in the fields. The fields were actually dry.

Over at the equipment area he decided to take the bulldozer blade, the three-bottom plow, and a couple of more items. We looked at some stuff we have to load up and take to the metal salvage place.

We measure winter by the consignment sales, one in a week, one the first of February and one the first week of March. Once those are done it’s time for spring work.

That evening we could see the promise of snow clouds starting to blow in from Utah.

Although, this morning we woke-up to nothing–just thick cloudy skies, when I went out to do the morning chores

The wind started kicking up and the snow started falling

The sort of wind that takes your breath away.

It was also shoving and pushing and tugging snow along with it

By the time the dogs, myself, and Sam the Cat made it back inside we were wet and grateful for the warm fireplace.

Now, as I sit here, in my upstairs office, I can see that the storm is moving on toward Paonia and the Gunnison Mountain Range. Bringing life-giving water to the land.

Off to haul in some wood, now that I can see again.

Your friend,

Linda

The Adventures of Fuzzy and Boomer on Friday — Here and There and Everywhere

Posted on January 10, 2014 by Dayphoto

The canal in the spring, summer, and fall is just way too full of fast water for any of us to enjoy!

BUT COME WINTER……………..

YIPPEEE!

What snow we have melts and forms really nice ice slicks that we get to play on.

The grandkids walk all the way over (From Their House to Our House) in the canal!

They even bring their little friends. Once here my Mom gives them snacks enough they can have a ‘picnic’ down at the bridge or along the canal someplace flat. Fuzzy and I go with them. Hank is along so we have lots of things we can do while the kids are slipping and sliding and singing along.

(We always figure out how to get part of the picnic food, so the trip is really yummy).

Even Sam-the cat goes with us!

On the way back Fuzzy and I spend extra time checking out the news along the banks…hummm here is a muskrat hole—better let Dad know—tons of mice have scampered here and there and everywhere—oh! The neighbor down the road, who leaves their dog out in all sorts of weather, has a cat…yep…the cat was up here searching for mice…lots and lots of news, you see.

Last night I—me, sweet little Boomer-Boo—got myself in pickle!

See a new fox came up the canal…I could smell him here and there and everywhere; while Mom and Fuzzy walked I followed the fox. I went a long ways, yes I heard Mom hollering for me…but HOW COULD I LEAVE THIS EXCITING SMELL?!?!

So I went down the canal and then trotted down the road, (Mom called several more times) then I trotted back up the road, when I figured out that the fox had just passed back down the canal. I spent lots of time out there.

I’m sure he was interested in finding Tom…but Tom is locked up in a warm poultry house so the fox’s trip was useless.

When I got back to the house, the outside lights were off, the house lights were out and Fuzzy was inside sound asleep.

Sigh!

I jumped up on the door and peered inside…nope, nobody up.

I had to go sleep in the snug-a-bug-doghouse.

I had to sleep out there from one in the morning until Mom got up at five. She didn’t say anything except: “Boomer! Would you like to come in”?

I was awake in a flash…and in the house before Fuzzy even opened his eyes.

The trip around the canal and down the road was exciting, but sleeping in the snug-as-a-bug doghouse just okay.

When I got inside, Fuzzy asked me if I was ever going to figure out how to not stretch things out too far.

I really, really don’t know.
Boomer

We Took the Plunge — January 8, 2014

Posted on January 8, 2014 by Dayphoto

Before I tell you about the ‘plunge’ Terry and took I want to tell you that Fuzzy and Boomer were featured on PeaceLovinWhisker’s blog on the 30th of January.

She does a really nice blog featuring furry friends from all around blog land. If you get a chance to hop over there I think you will find your time well spent.

Yesterday Terry and I decided it was time to ditch the house phone and just move the house phone over to his cell phone. He doesn’t like to use the cell phone so it sits in his truck, or in his coat pocket, or out on the tractor seat usually dead.

Lots of people (our ages) have moved their house phone number to a cell phone and just take it with them everywhere.

Now you and I know that we don’t ever really GO anywhere, but we do go around our place, sometimes to Grand Junction or Montrose, but really we don’t travel.

The move was to save money. These fixed incomes seem to have a way of making you always looking at ways to save money. So we took the plunge. No more house phone bill, the same cell phone bill, and I have to get used to having a phone close by at all times.

I rather stopped that when I retired…my phone at the office sat right next to me and rang it’s little bell off all day long. When I went home at night the ringing phone was NOT something I wanted to deal with.

But that was three years ago, so I think I can deal with the random call we get now. Just a call here and there…nothing like work.

So we did it! We are now a cell phone only family! My 6th grader grandson’s comment was: “Cool! Just like us!”

Terry and I looked at each other and smiled…we have ARRIVED!

Off to help Terry with the furnace. We work a little bit every day. He is at the point now whereby he can get the Baso valve off so he can see what the problem is with it. Everyday we are little bit closer.

After he is feels confident about the furnace he wants to take a trip to Minnesota to look at a tractor there. A 4040 John Deere–I think it would be nice if he could find one much closer. He found this one through a tractor site and at this time it’s still for sale. (I’ll bet we don’t go, but everyone needs to dream).

He is also wanting to go over to Brush, Colorado to the tractor sale there to see if they have a John Deere 4040. That one would be ever so much better and easier to get too. Still he knows there is one in Minnesota as he talked to that guy.

Well, off to actually get the house cleaned today!

Your friend,

Linda

Winter Adds a New Color to the Mix, January 7, 2014

Posted on January 7, 2014 by Dayphoto

Just as I was getting used to the winter colors…marveling at the colors that consist of pale blues, the shimmery lavenders, the twenty shade of pink…

The heavens blazed with forgotten shades of orange and yellow

Lighting up the canyons and the Uncompahgre Plateau…(Un-come-pah-gray, with the accent on the ‘pah’)

Even the blue of the sky reminded me of the blue of summer.

I think the heavens send us these visual reminders that spring and summer really does come…the skies will be full of warm colors and blue skies…hang on…hang on…

So I shall.

“The best things in life are unseen. That’s why we close our eyes when we kiss, laugh and dream.”–Unknown

Your friend,

Linda

The Trees in Winter January 6, 2014

Posted on January 6, 2014 by Dayphoto

I’m always surprised to see that the trees in winter have leaf buds waiting patiently on each and every branch and stem. I read somewhere that the bud is full of starch waiting for water from the roots system to reach them. Cocooned in a lovely sack of food. Once spring comes, the snows melt, and the rains descend, water is available for the roots.

Then, when the wind blows, all the systems come together…the wind shakes the trees, the roots drink up, the inner workings carry inch by inch the leaf producing water to the starch. The bud starts to feed and drink and grow until we get to see LEAVES! Beautiful, new, spring green leaves! That ripen into lush dark green summer leaves.

Until then we wait…along with the trees and the leaf buds…. for spring.

While we wait the winter skies fill our days with brilliant showy colors!

It’s still cold here…woke up to 2 above Zero (F). -16 C. But the weather person says a warm up is on it’s way. Thursday we would wake up to 12 f (-11 c).

Although, we are cold it is nothing like some of you are experiencing. Sending Magic Thoughts your way for warmer temperatures soon!

You Farm Friend,

Linda

Winter’s Frozen Lap — January 5, 2014

Posted on January 5, 2014 by Dayphoto

After a day of wind and scattered snow showers the clouds started to blow away leaving us with a stunning sunset!

Then during the night the dark mid-night blue sky brought forth a silent, frozen, glittering heaven.

Today we woke-up to brittle blue skies with clouds etched along the edges of our horizons. The side-ways sleet that flung into our eyes and our faces didn’t even stick or make a glittering dune to enjoy after the storm moved on.

If I look at the mountains they are showing white, which is good…water in the making!

Still the sun is shining and the day has grown longer! (although we are very cold, 27* as I write this with a windchill of of 17*

I hope you are all warm and safe from the messy arctic storm covering most the U.S. map.

Your friend,

Linda

The Adventures of Fuzzy and Boomer on Friday — A Turkey Walk

Posted on January 3, 2014 by Dayphoto

Fuzzy?

Hum, yes!

Did you get a look at the book Mom is reading?

Ah, clear throat, hum, no…No I have a hard time seeing anymore.

Well, it’s called — The Great Turkey Walk http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1154350.The_Great_Turkey_Walk

It’s about herding turkeys from Missouri to Denver, Colorado, in the year 1860. That seems like a really long walk to me, Fuzzy.

It does to me also, Boomer. I can’t imagine walking so many miles with a bunch of turkeys. Geez, just walking with Tommy is hard enough!

He never walks straight on…always sideways. First one side then the other side—- takes FOREVER for him to get anywhere. He spends all his time fanning his tail feather here and there and everywhere.

Yeah, Fuzzy, then he hangs out with you until we all come back.

True! But we do have some interesting times together. For instance, just yesterday, while you were out sniffing around in the corn field, Tommy and I had a conversation with Sharpie.

Sharpie…the little hawk that hangs around the wood pile?

Yes, that Sharpie!

He was very interested in a couple of mice that had fled under the trash can when I came upon him. Since I like to chase mice (and snap them in two, mind you) I decided to hang out with him for a spell.

We were being very quiet both of us watching the hole where the two mice ran under the trash barrel when Tommy came gobbling up. Tommy is NEVER silent, you know that don’t you, Boomer! He always has something to say.

Up he came jabbering and hollering to me that he wanted us to go do something, anything, because he was tired of hanging out with the hens. Dad was too busy in the tractor shed and he couldn’t find you so he decided that I would have to do.

I kept trying to hush him up…I put my paw down several times in the hush manner, I turned my back to him…I tried to whisper really loudly to SHUT UP! But he kept on gobbling and drumming and walking sideways, just being outlandish!

Sharpie flew off the fence rail up to a branch in the weeping willow tree; just sitting there in disgust. We both knew the mice were NOT coming out with all that noise going on.

Onward and onward came Tommy yelling loudly for me to come do something with him…Please, could we go down the lane a bit, or how about over to the corrals, or maybe out by the grain bins…Sharpie got so disgusted he dive-bombed Tom!

SQUWACKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK!

Have you ever seen a turkey poke his neck clear into his chest!

YEP! That is exactly what happened! Tom looked so shocked that Sharpie would dive-bomb him that he buried his head and neck right into his body — flung his wings way up in the air and tried to cover his rather bald head!

He looked so funny I LAUGHED OUT LOUD!!!!

I didn’t know where Sharpie went; he wasn’t there when I stopped laughing. But you know what, Tommy didn’t even get upset. He was such a good sport I told him we would go off to corrals to see what was out there!

While we were walking out to the corrals Tommy told me that he would really, REALLY, he means REALLY like to live inside with us. He said Mom could hang a rack up next to our beds and he could sleep and poop right there by us.

Ahhhhhhhhhh, hummmmmmm, Well, I told Tom, I really don’t think you would like to be inside…it’s ummm hot and there are cats and the girls in the poultry house would miss you.

OH! Yes the girls! He said he had forgotten all about the girls…he guessed he had better stay out there and watch over them.

Ahimmmmmmm, I cleared my throat. Maybe that would be best, Tom!

OH! Bark, bark, WOOF

HOWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

Shannon’s here and our Dog Cousins! COME ON BOOMER!!! COME ON TOMMY!! DOG COUSINS!!!

Gobble, gobble, gobble….MY REAL FAMILY IS HERE!

“Come on, Tommy!” Shannon and Mom hollered, “Let’s go for a walk!”

Come on Tom…you can walk with us as far as Fuzzy goes, growled Choco the Rottweiler.

Okay…just to the gain bin field. I’ll hang out with Fuzz for a bit, and then I really must get back to the girls!

Drummmmmmmm, thummmmmmmmmmmmmm, gobble

That works for us Tommy…let’s all go!

“You know something, Fuzzy?”

No what, Tom!

“I really don’t mind staying over here for a while. My Mom says I’ll be back over at my real house come this spring. Until then hang’n with you and Boom is a really good thing.”

Oh, Hi Boom, you back?

Yeah, my knee doesn’t let me go far. Mom and I just walked to the new alfalfa field and came on back.

Yummmmmmmmmm, num, num chew, slurp…..

“BOOMER!!! BOOMER!!! Stop eating the Turkey poop!!” Mom hollered.

Geez, Boom, sometimes you really aren’t very smart.

Fuzzy