The Last of the Pinto Beans—Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Posted on February 17, 2016 by Dayphoto

I cooked the last of our pinto beans last night. The aroma of the beans earthy sweetness suffused the kitchen, welcoming us with a comforting embrace. (Eating beans and corn together supplies all the amino acids necessary for our bodies add in some ham; cook together until the beans are done. Serve with a hot chili pepper —- yum.)

Over supper Terry and I talked about farming this coming year. The big question: ‘Are you going to farm?’ Flashing loud and constant, like a neon sign. The second week of March is when the ground will need to be worked, the ditches made, the canal put in order, the seeds bought.

“I don’t know”, Terry shook his head. ” I really don’t know. But I need to be deciding I have to purchase the seeds (including the pinto beans—he plants Bill Zee pinto beans), the alfalfa field needs plowed up and moved….there are things I want to do to improve the place, a renter just can’t, nor should do.”“I just don’t know.” He shook his head again.

“Besides I don’t want to be like our friend…he sold the farm, moved to town, grew so depressed because he didn’t have the farm anymore he rushed his move of the rainbow bridge one night.”

“That was terribly sad, for him and his family. But we are NOT going to sell the farm.” I pointed out.

“No, but Bob, rented his out and said it was the worst thing he ever did. No one could farm the place properly.”

I just smiled.

Then all the old farmers who are my age, keep asking me what I plan on doing if I don’t farm….die?!

“I just don’t know.” He said as he pushed himself away from the table. “I just don’t know.”

So here it is the million dollar question….with the clock ticking.

Your friend on a Western Colorado Farm,

Linda

The Adventures of Fuzzy and Boomer—Boomer Turns Nine

Posted on October 10, 2014 by Dayphoto

Boomer is nine (9) NINE YEARS OLD this month! He has lived with me, er us, for four years now! I just think that is the best thing ever!!!

EVER!!!

But the bad thing is Boomer isn’t feeling good. He’s been having ear problems since the Cheat Grass went to seed. He even had to have his ear washed out and lots and lots of medicine.

Mom took Boom to the Vet yesterday and had to have a whole new round of ‘stuff’.

Sigh!

I told Boom, we were a pair, him and I. I can’t walk very well because of my back legs and he doesn’t walk very well because he is always shaking his head.

Hopefully the medicine take effect quickly and this time Boomer gets well. Feeling good is a very nice thing.

It’s been raining here and cold. When Mom and Dad are home and not down at Misty’s old house we ALL STAY INSIDE BY THE FIRE!!!!

It’s a very nice thing.

BUT YOU KNOW WHAT IS THE NICEST?!?!

Watching the cats!

HAHAHAH Sharing is not their strong suit!

Doing stuff like that gets them put outside Fast.

You would think they would learn!

Silly fur balls!

Boomer and I just laugh at them!

Fuzzy

Mud Season (And I’m not Complaining) February 12, 2014

Posted on February 12, 2014 by Dayphoto

‘Needless to say’ ( favorite saying of my Momma’s) you don’t walk around in flip-flops, or regular shoes of any sort right now, you still walk with your boots on.

But instead of the crunch, and creak, and squeak of the snow your feet with the boots on them make a sort of plunk, and splash, and sucking sound.

BUT I’m NOT complaining! No matter what, after snow you must have mud. Every day that you have mud with sun and little wind is a day closer to DIRT! or SOIL! or just plain Ground!

The mud is bad enough the dogs don’t like to walk with me, which is okay. I walked without them. I wanted to see if the winter annual weeds were perking up–gathering juices to spring forth in all their weedy wonder.

Yep, the nasty Cheat Grass is greening up nicely. Cheat grass is really a mess…it has tiny little barbs that catch in the throats and coats of animals, on socks and pant legs, in general is just a mess. I really should go out and spray it with weed killer in the fall, but I never seem to get around too it. Fall is so extremely busy for us.

I like this little plant…it has little purple flowers and is part of the mustard family. Since I like this plant I will never try to kill it, although, I don’t know what benefits it has except to make me smile. And I do, every time I see it.

While out and about a Murder of Crows flew around and around on the wind thermals, forming figure eights in the air, calling and calling for all to hear: Caw, Caw, Spring is near!

Back home I had three inch clumps of mud on my boots, the dogs just looked at me then rested their heads back down on their paws, as if saying: see that’s why WE didn’t want to go.

That’s okay, I told them! The walk did me good, it filled that slot that had grown thin in waiting, I now have Joy in my soul.

Your Happy Friend,

Linda

A Bluebird Day February 11, 2014

Posted on February 11, 2014 by Dayphoto

Yesterday was a very wet day. The clouds sat heavily upon the land, breaking forth in huge copious drops of rain that fell and fell and fell. Gradually all the snow turned to slush and then to mud. Since the ground is still frozen the water stayed on top…filling in where the snow used to be. Huge squishy puddles that would be fun to walk through if it were August instead of February.

All day the rain drops fell, plinking and plonking on the roofs of the house, the barn, and Terry’s work shops. Sheets of water pouring off the sides of the roofs melting any snow that had accumulated there over the winter.

Rain always makes one feel like it is warm outside; not this rain, this was winter’s rain. A very rare experience for us.

Then sometime in the late morning or early afternoon the rain stopped and a chill wind fresh from the snow on the Uncompahgre (Un-come-pah-gray—accent on the pah) shoved and pushed the remaining heavy clouds from us and swept them on toward Paonia. A blue sky appeared giving all of us, Terry, myself, the dogs and cats a huge desire to be outside.

Gathering the dogs up and loading them into the back of the pick-up we took off for a short ride…just to get out of the house. Up we went toward Pea Green, then into the out-reaches of Olathe, down in the valley of Monoken (Mo-no-ken) back to Delta, where I mailed a letter, then home.

Refreshed! Open to the thoughts of spring.

This morning a huge cloud had drifted down over-night from the Plateau covering our Mesa (California Mesa), blocking the bright and joyful sun rays for our view.

The little buff hen is gradually doing better. Every evening she comes in to sleep in her laundry basket nest, cooing and talking to us as we walk by going here and there. As the night closes in and I’m done washing the dishes I cover her little basket with towels shutting out the light and helping her stay warm.

When morning comes I take her back out to the hen house. She needs to stretch and fluff and eat and poop at will…in the house is not a good place for all of that.

But today, she took her little fluffy self out into the plastic covered chicken run and started digging and scratching. A first! I was delighted to see her busy searching for interesting things to eat. The soil is dry in there so she will be able to dust herself–a beauty bath is always refreshing.

While watching her two little bluebirds flew right by me and sat down on the wood pile. I was extremely grateful the dogs had stayed in the house. They stayed a short while (of course I didn’t have my camera with me) then lifted up their little wings, turning their blue backs to me and flew off toward the fence along the lane.

Spring is coming! I always know, once I see the bluebirds. Sometimes there are only a few hardy souls braving the cold, then we will see more and more. I hope I have my camera the next time I see them…to capture a bluebird’s photo is one of my photographing goals.

For now we live under a cloud, but not such a bad cloud, as we can see the sun surrounding us.

And the bluebirds are returning. How grand is that?

Linda

It’s Still Raining Here February 10, 2014

Posted on February 10, 2014 by Dayphoto

We went from days and days of this

to two days of rain and warmer weather, which produced this

But yesterday, we were on the Uncompaghre Plateau (Un-come-pah-gray) enjoying the snow.

We had a great time at Max’s place. He had his roads all packed down so we could sled and sled and sled.

Everyone went, Max, Terry, Misty and Kelly, all the little kids and even me!

Up and down most of the day we went. Then when the little one was getting tired and cranky and whiny we stopped and cooked hot dogs and marshmallows in Max’s fire pit.

Max and Grandpa even proved to the little ones, you are never to old to go down a hill fast

I must admit that when we got home, Terry and I took an hour long nap. We were a little tired. I called the grandchildren later and the only person who took a nap was their Dad.

Today is cloudy and overcast and raining; but later on in the week we are supposed to hit 59-60* with sun. Sun!!! Sun helps dry up all the rain. WHOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOO!

Your Friend,

Linda

Is It Spring? February 9, 2014

Posted on February 9, 2014 by Dayphoto

Yesterday we went from snow to slush. The day warmed up to somewhere in the 50’s.

Although, having lovely warmer weather is nice, the mud isn’t. But we MUST go through the mud to get to dry ground.

The weatherman predicted rain for today, but nwt is just saying cloudy with temps in the 50’s again.

Could we be so lucky that winter has decided to leave? Only time will tell. The Old Farmer’s Almanac is stating that February 16th is the day ‘winter’s back will be broke’. Until that time yesterday, and so far today, it feels like maybe…..just maybe…we are heading toward spring. One day at a time!

I’m ready and I’m sure you are also!

We are heading up to the Uncompahgre Plateau to go sledding today. The little grandchildren haven’t been this year so to celebrate a shift in the weather we thought this might be a fun thing to do.

I hope your day has the same feeling of hope in it, the same sense of renewal, laying buried almost ready to burst forth.

Your farm friend,

Linda

The Storm That Wasn’t –February 6, 2014

Posted on February 6, 2014 by Dayphoto

I had everything buttoned down and latched tight, three loads of wood sitting under the carport where it would stay dry, and nothing happened.

I’m not complaining. I’m also glad to be ready than to not be ready.

It is snowing in the mountains, which is hand-clapping/jig-dancing good!

Terry talked to one of the water guys yesterday and he said there is enough snow at Taylor Reservoir to fill the reservoir when spring comes WITH 7 more feet besides. WONDERFUL!! The next trick is for Mother Nature to dump enough snow in the Gunnison area to help bring up the Blue Mesa Reservoir to decent levels.

(While we are talking about water I really hope and pray that California starts to get water! I read where there is huge talk about not allowing farmers to have water to farm this coming year–instead sending all the water to the metropolis areas. What a mess that is going to be…drinking water, but no food. The price of food will skyrocket, farmers will go out of business, and land will sit idle allowing the soil to blow away! I really hope that moisture comes soon for all of them!)

We are progressing here in the health department, the little goat is to have 8 shots, we are closing down on that number. She always enjoys coming to me because I have the graham crackers so giving the shot isn’t hard. The little hen’s head is looking somewhat better. Her eye is starting to de-puff. I saw a tiny crack of chicken eyeball looking at me as I applied her medicine today. I was very concerned that the eye had been pecked out, but NO! She still has her eye!

So slowly, slowly we are wending our way to health and toward spring. I’m into the count down for March-twenty-two days left in February. February always seems like a loooooooong month to me. Thank Heaven’s its a short month!

Your farming friend,

Linda

Moving Forward-February 3, 2014

Posted on February 3, 2014 by Dayphoto

Well, the Bronco’s lost. What more can be said. Now we move forward to next year. There really is nothing else to do.

The chickens have all been sorted out and deposited at Shannon’s. The poor little hen is now out of the house and in the hen house all by her little lonesome. I feel better with her out there…she has lots of room to move around in, food and water as she wants it and lots of lovely alfalfa to peck at.

When I placed her in the hen house she walked around with the most pathetic little clucking sound–I know she was looking for the others. But not for a while little girl. Not for some time really. Your whole head has to heal and the feathers starting to emerge before I bring back Little Bear (her best friend). Chickens (fowl) will peck on anyone and anything that has blood on them. Once started they get that ‘Mean Girl’ or ‘Bully’ or ‘Mafia’ look in there eyes and only death will please.

(Don’t look at the following photo if blood makes you sick)

As I told the Big Black Hen (of course the best egg layer in the house) as I reached down and grabbed her, peeling her off Little Buff Hen…”YOU STOP IT RIGHT NOW!!! I’m the biggest chicken in this house and I don’t put up with this kind of attitude!”

Some of you have asked if I know why this started…not really, but maybe…boredom! The whole flock loves to be outside running and flapping and dusting. But we had a huge snow storm Friday, which has left nothing uncovered. The next day we had a small melt, but that is all.

Although, I have a nice coop, with enough space (chickens need ten square feet per chicken) and a lovely covered run —I even cover it in plastic for winter time use such as this–they have refused to leave around the feeder and the water, except to lay their eggs.

This made them largely bunched up. Crowded and bored…I tried to push them out into the covered pen, but they squalled and squawked until they could get back in and make sure they had all the rights to the feeder. I put the feeder/water out with them…no they wanted the inside feeder/water.

It’s been a struggle and the result was bloody.

Shannon’s pens are larger and covered and empty. They won’t have electricity out there but they will have room. As time passes and everything calms back down I must bring another hen over to help with the loneliness and to help her bond back with the hens.

At night I will bring her into the house so she is warm. Not having other warm feathered bodies to huddle up too would be too much.

So that is where we are now. Everything starting to settle down and another snow storm due in here any minute. We have a 60% chance of snow by noon.

A chicken having room to ‘do stuff’ is good for healing. The other chickens (and Tommy) back at their original home. (Shannon decided if she was going to take the hens she might has well take her turkey home too.)

You friend on a farm in western Colorado,

Linda

Ground Hog Day (without photos) February 2, 2014

Posted on February 2, 2014 by Dayphoto

The sun is shining here and it’s cold, cold, cold! Guess that means we will be having 6 more weeks of winter. (I’m not surprised, are you?)

On the news front–

No calves yet
We had a wee melt yesterday so that helps
I have a hurt chicken in the house

I would take a photo of this poor little hen, but you really don’t want to see. One of the other chickens (maybe all of the other chickens) ganged up oh her and ripped her comb off, bloodied her head and the side of her face and, possibly, damaged her eye.

I was out in the hen house when she came running to me and the big black hen ran just as fast and jumped right on her back and started pecking. I grabbed the black hen and got her off the little buff hen. Picked up the little buff hen and brought her to the house.

Inside I put her in the cat carrier, added water and food, but she just didn’t care. So I wrapped her in a towel and sat her on my lap. Gradually, gradually, I was able to get the blood all cleaned off and some water down her throat. It was a long haul.

She liked my lap. I talked to her, she talked back; little coo’s and chuckles of love. I wish I could understand hen. Off and on throughout the night I would check on her in her little cat carrier…”Are you okay, Little Hen?” I would whisper. “coo, coo, peep, chuckle”, she would reply back.

She is doing better today. We had a wee sit on my lap while I checked her over, petted her feathers and talked to her about how to take care of the pickle she is in. She and I decided that there is no way she can go back into the pen with the other girls. She thinks staying in the house would be just fine, although the cat carrier is rather uncomfortable. I could just let her out; she would enjoy the house.

Hummmm, I don’t think so, my fine little hen. I must do some sorting out there so you can go back and have lots of room to do things.

I called Shannon and asked her to come get the other hens, but to leave Tommy. This little hen will be able to stay with Tommy when I get all of the other sorted out. Tommy will be company and help with the body heat in the chicken house. We got down to 7* last night; I’m thinking another cold front must be moving in again.

On a brighter note I am going to take your advice and suggestions and writing a proper book about the dogs Everyday Life on the farm. It will be an eBook when I’m finished. I’ve talked to a knowledgeable lady who is willing to help me once I get everything in the proper format and length for publication.

Here is part of what she told me: The market for eBooks for children is rapidly evolving. As more and more school systems buy tablets for their children, more children have their own tablets and computers at a younger age, we think this is going to be the next huge market.”

I’m rather excited and a bit over-whelmed, but I’ve been working on this for sometime so I do have some ideas to begin with. I’m not sure if the Adventures of Fuzzy and Boomer will be just for children or for everyone. I guess I will let them help me decided.

Anyway, I thank each and every one of your for your comments and private emails that have continued to encourage me to give this a go. Like one of you said, it never hurts to try.

Your friend,

Linda

The Adventures of Fuzzy and Boomer on Friday — It’s Mine

Posted on January 31, 2014 by Dayphoto

It snowed last night. Little tiny drops of snow that pelted your hide as you walked to and fro behind Mom while she worked.

Mom had to put up Tommy and the hens they were stupidly staying outside getting pelted on…and wet…and wetter. Fuzzy and I tried to help.

Ummm Fuzzy tried to help, me not so much. Well, yes I did— I see my job as staying right behind Mom wherever she is. Fuzzy tries to help herd the poultry to the poultry house, but he can’t sometimes see where they are going so he just stands there in crouch mood.

Oh, well, works for me. It must work for Mom because she doesn’t get upset at Fuzzy. I guess that means we are a good working team—Mom, Fuzzy and ME! J

Today is the last day of January 2014. The 31^st day! Even if it’s snowing outside and the day is all one color—- a grayish whitish color it is still 10 hours and 12 minutes long!! The first day of January the day was only 9 hours and 30 minutes long…THINGS ARE IMPROVING!!!

Now what I wanted to tell you about is this: Mom brought us some bones from the grocery store when she went to town yesterday morning. Yummy bones with some meat and sweet rich fat on them!

Fuzzy and I chomped down as fast as we could so nothing or no one else could get ‘OUR BONES”!

We were about done eating when Mom came out and asked us to go for a walk with her to check on the cows…I still had a little bit left to go so I took it with me.

Fuzzy left his back in his dog house.

Not me. No sireee. I’ve had Shannon turn up with all the dog cousins, or Hank walk over, or even Fuzzy sneak around and GET MY BONE!

So I took it with me!

Slurp, slobber, drool.

But, while Mom was getting the gate, I, well, decided a really long walk with a super nice bone wouldn’t be a good idea. I might lay it down somewhere then forget where I put it and some coyote, wild dog, or that fox will get my bone.