Goat One-upmanship: Bart & Brownie

"I'm the biggest, most wonderful and handsome goat on Three Dog Farm. I command respect and I take care of business. I'm brave and I can jump higher than any of the other goats. I'm the king of the pasture and head of the pack."

"Yah? But does he have a horn? I don't see any horns. I have a horn. Well..., it's not very big and I don't know what happen to the other one, but I can butt better than any of the other goats, as long as I lean to the right. I may not be the biggest but I'm unique. Bart tries to push his weight around here, but we know who the real "head" master is, don't we?"

Listen to the Joy in your heart

When was the last time you were this excited about something? Today, I have hope in my country and joy in my heart. I was agonizingly "on the fence" about this election and none of you really knew what Farmlady believed in because she was being so agreeable to all of you. Well, I made my decision. voted and even through I'm not sure how all this will play out, there is a part of me that feels like my little grandson on Halloween night. The excitement and anticipation of a new direction for this country is overwhelming. I didn't hate anyone and I don't have any "agenda" except maybe for GOATS and GRANDCHILDREN. So please take a good look at this little child and smile..., because everything is going to be just fine.

This is what America is all about

VOTE; A choice or opinion of a person or body of persons expressed by a ballot, spoken word, or raised hand.

VOTE: To elect, decide, pass, defeat, grant, or make legal by a vote.

Please go out there today and make a difference.

Halloween with the Bambinos

What fun they had....
...., and the bean was so excited that he could hardly wait to go out trick or treating. Then he seemed a little apprehensive when he got outside and heard the spooky noises from across the street. Little bean just followed along and giggled, watching everything. He ran around with his glow stick and just kept laughing. He's such a happy little guy.

After Mommy and Daddy took them around the neighborhood, the Bean came back and helped me give out candy. He wanted to give everyone handfuls. We had to explain to him that he would run out of candy if he gave each child too much. So, as it is with my oldest grandson, he negotiated with us. We ended up letting him give "One candy and one pencil." to each person. Then he would say " Have a happy Halloween, everybody." and he'd wave at them until they were gone. One time a little girl came up on the porch and just stood there. The Bean said, in a loud voice...," YOU S'POSE TO SAY TWICK OR TWEET." The little girl just looked at him. He looked back at me and said, "What I do Noni?" I told him that some really little kids get scared and forget to say trick or treat, but it's ok to give them something. He got really close to her and said..." You s'pose to say twick or tweet, but it's ok. Here." and he gave her one piece of candy and no pencil. Guess he figured if she couldn't talk she probably couldn't write either. Her daddy said "Thank you.".
Surprisingly the boys didn't seem to care too much about how much candy they got. They had a lot of fun and loved all the decorations. My daughter-in-law knocked herself out planning the day for the boys and she should have been really pleased with the results, because she and my son made it a very happy day for the Bean and his brother. I was so glad I was there.
I had lots of photos to show you but for some reason Blogger won't let me post more than one picture collage, so tomarrow I will try to post photos of " Daddy and the Bean carving the pumpkins". I not being very patience about "blog this" in Picassa. It's been acting up lately and I'm getting frustrated with the effort. Does anyone know if there's a trick to this? How come I see other blogs with endless pictures on them. How does this happen? If I do more than 3 single photos Blogger won't post them. Agaaah!!

Anyway, I had a great time at my son and daughter-in-laws this weekend and I hope that they didn't mind "Noni" being there for 4 days. The Bean and I made ghost cookies on Saturday and played "trick or treat" upstairs, again, with toys for candy and using the bedroom doors for front doors. We made phone calls to Papa and Uncle Matt, and the Bean told them all about Halloween and what he's did all day. We went outside in the rain with Noni's new umbrella. We read books and played some more while Mommy and Daddy took "baby bean" to the Mall. This grandchild of mine never stops except for sleeping. I wish I had just a little of his energy. "Nap time" is my new best friend and "Oh! It's 8.00 p.m. Time for bed. " A warm bath and a couple of stories and they were off to the land of Nod. Me too.

Now the Fun Begins

The package arrived an hour before I left on Thursday. So I took a picture of my beautiful, new Nikon D40, then tucked it away in it's box until I got home this afternoon.
I've read all the directions and charged it's little rechargable battery. I told it that I only speak English and have set the time and date. My next step was to insert the memory card. I looked in all the little boxes and there was no memory card. This camera comes with everything but the kitchen sink, but it doesn't come with a memory card? Guess it's like film and you have to buy it separately. I could have sworn the Canon Power Shot came with a card. Oh well, tomarrow I'll go get one and then the fun begins.
"How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to".... be without a memory card. Sorry Shakespeare, just a little play on your words. I think I need some sleep. I'm getting a bit silly. That's what happens when you spend four days with a 2 and 3 yr. old. and then come home to the camera of your dreams. It's fun to be as excited as a kid about something.

Tomarrow I will treat you to ~Halloween with the Bambino's~. My old Canon point and shoot outdid itself. Got some really cute photos. Tell you all about my visit tomarrow. Goodnight.

Mini trip for Halloween

I'm going down to my son's for a few days. Get to see the bambinos "in costume" and maybe hand out candy...., and ' of course, TAKE PICTURES..., and spoil the "bams". See you'all Sunday.

"... and with love they survived."

Yesterday the Prospector and I took a drive to Folsom. We went down there to get some information and maps about the mining claims in our area. The BLM people were very helpful.
Afterwards we went to Zittels Pumpkin farm across the American River from Old Town Folsom. It used to be my favorite place to buy gourds but the family retired and now they just sell pumpkins. It was a beautiful day and we had just missed a couple of bus loads of students that came to see the farm, so the place was almost empty and a perfect time for taking pictures.

On our way back home we stopped at The Grace Foundation in El Dorado Hills. This is a horse rescue and safe haven for many other animals too. The foundation began with 16 horses that were rescued from an abusive owner. Now they work with Sacramento County to help save as many abuse and neglected animals as possible.
We were greeted by some very nice folks ( and a couple of friendly dogs ), who gave us a tour of the facility and explained what they do and how they do it. They are compassionate and dedicated people that rescue and rehabilitate horses and other animals on a very tight budget. This is a LABOR OF LOVE for them and most of the hard work is done by volunteers. They have youth programs for "special" children, where the child and the animal can interact and have a positive effect on each other. They invite inner-city kids to come out and experence the farm and offer riding lessons for all of the children. They are also working on a wonderful place called PONY TOWN. This is an interactive old town , sponsored by The Rotary Club of Historic Folsom, that will provide hands-on learning about history and life skills.

We were so impressed with the concern and love that these people have for the animals and the vision of where they are going and how they plan to do it, that we not only made a donation but we also will be volunteering our time on "work days" to help their cause.

Please take a look at their website at: www.thegracefoundationofnocal.org. It's a wonderful thing that these people are doing. I think that animals are teachers and we are their stewards. How we treat the animals in this world is a large part of taking care of the earth. Even the smallest effort is an example of man's humanity.

"We can do no great things, only small things with great love." ~Mother Teresa~

A Sherlock Holmes Mystery

Look at these beautiful apples. They have been doing so well in our orchard and I was just about to pick them. I took these photos a few days ago. There weren't that many of them this year. I don't know why, but there were enough to make a couple of big apple pies. We were looking forward to one yesterday. I walked up to the orchard in the morning, opened the gate and as I walked toward the tree I stopped dead in my tracks. All the apples were GONE...., everyone of them.

None of the apples were on the ground and there were no half eaten ones left on the branches. Every apple had disappeared. The gate was latched and I saw no breaches through the fence. I don't think that the deer have ever gotton over the fence or any other critter for that matter. We have never had a problem except, of course, for birds. This year the birds didn't seem to be around much and I hadn't even though about using netting, as in other years. I'm at a loss for an answer.
I can't imagine that a person would have done this because we live so far out and away from everyone. It is deer season here in California though and we do have a lot of hunting going on around us. I guess it's possible that a hunter saw the tree and decided to help himself. But every last apple? The orchard is way up the hill near our well and we can't see it from the house. Maybe some hungry hunter forgot his(or her) lunch. But why every apple on the tree? I don't know what to think. There are no footprints to follow and no tell-tale pieces of apple on the ground. This is definitely a mystery for Sherlock Holmes. What do you think?

Something Wonderful !

This is a happy day. I just ordered a new camera: a Nikon D40 digital SLR with two zoom lens. I'm so excited I want to dance. I have been thinking about this for a long time and debating for quite a while which camera to buy. It came down to the Nikon or a Canon Rebel XS. I choose the Nikon because it came with two lens for the same price as the Canon with just one lens. I read books and researched both cameras for months. I bought it at RitzCamera.com. They were having a sale that ended today so ...., push came to shove and I decided this was it.
I have a passion for photography and wanting a really good camera has always been a dream for me. So I will have a quiet talk with my Canon Power Shot A520 and tell the little camera that I still love it and will still use it and carry it with me . I won't forget all the years of loyal service that it has given me. It's scratched up and the lens doesn't open without some help. It has been through rain, dust, wind and snow and never failed me yet. It's been the best little point and shoot I've ever had...,but, now I'm ready for a step up and , oh my gosh, I'm so excited.
Bees on flowers and deer at a distance, mountains with snow and praying mantis on my roses; nature is an endless supply of great photo opportunities..., and then there are the BAMBINOS. Hey, baby boys!! Here comes your crazy Noni with a new camera: Better run and hide......

I can't wait.

Goat Secrets

"Hi Freckles, how are you today sweetie?. You sure are getting big. Look at ya..., catching up with the rest of the boys."
"Hello Farmlady. I'm learning how to be a big goat. I already know how to run the fastest and butt heads....., and I have a secret."
"Can you tell me what the secret is?
"No."
"Why not?"
"Because then it won't be a secret."
"Oh..., well why did you bring it up then?"
"I don't know. I get excited and forget I'm not suppose to tell."
"Well if you decide to tell me, I'll be around. Be careful Freck's, Bart is underneath you. Don't trip on him. See you later, boy."
Freckles jumped down on top of Bart and they decided to play the "butting heads" game for a while, then Freckles ran down into the pasture.










Murphy came over to the fence.
"Hi farmlady"
"Hi Murph'. how's it going today?"
"Pretty good. How are you?"
"I'm ok. I was just talking to Freckles and he says he has a secret. Do you know what the secret is?"
"Maybe."
"What do you mean by maybe?"
"Well, it's not really a secret."
"Oh?"
"Yes. It's just something he's learning to do."
"And what would that be?"
"Well, I don't know if I should tell you because Freckles thinks it's a secret and I wouldn't want to tell a secret if he really thinks it's one."
"I think you should tell me if it's something that might get Freckles in trouble or hurt him"
"Oh. I didn't think about it that way."
"Should I ask Bart or Brownie instead?"
"No, I'll tell you."
Farmlady leaned over the fence and smiled. She rubbed Murphy's neck and said....
"What is it sweetheart?"
"Well Farmlady, Freckles is learning to climb trees."
"What?"
"Yes, and he thinks that if he climbs high enough he can find more leaves and branches to eat, but I think that he might fall. I'm worried about him and I don't want him to get hurt."
"I understand. I'm glad you told me. I will talk to him."
"Thank you Farmlady."
"Your welcome Murph'."

Farmlady gave Murphy a scratch behind his ear and then said....
"Murphy? Do you remember when you use to dance by the light of the full moon when you were younger?"
The little goat looked at her and quietly said "Yes."
"Well, was that just what goats do? I've never seen the other goats dance like that. Were you just being playful, or was that some kind of dance that goes beyond what we humans know about?"
"Yes, it has special meaning for me."
"Can you tell me about it sometime?"
"I don't know if I can explain it."
"Would you try?"
"I'll try, Farmlady."
Murphy turned and walked away, but Farmlady could tell that the little goat was saddened by what she said. Maybe Murphy had secrets too.
Later on, Farmlady saw Freckles stretching against an Oak tree, looking up into it's branches. He saw her watching him, so he walked on down the hill to another tree. He kept looking back to see if she was still there.
She would have a talk with him soon.

Secrets are not always really secret, she thought, some secrets need to be talked about and worked through. Some others, like Murphy's should be put away and not talked about with anyone. They are private, deep and carried in one's heart. It is a hard decision to share or not share.
She would remember to tell Murphy this tomarrow...., she would tell him that he didn't have to talk about dancing if he didn't want to. It would be his choice. There are places that others shouldn't ask to go and she knew that she had made sweet Murphy sad without thinking about his feelings.
This was a lesson that she would remember for a long time.

Wordless Wednesday...,"Squirrel in Tree", a digital collage

Visit to the Goat Farm

We drove over to the goat farm today. This is were we bought our babies. We wanted to see the lady who sold them to us and ask her some questions. I also had photos of Bart, Brownie, Murph' and Freckles. She wasn't there but her husband answered our questions and said we could look around all we wanted. The goats were so friendly and curious, so different that the sheep that just left the barn and walked out to the field. Jezebel, the donkey didn't want to talk either. She let us pet her and then she followed the sheep.
Bart's dad came over to visit but he kept watching his ladies. You could tell he was trying to be sociable but his mind was on other things . Bart looks so much like his father. We saw many goats there that did. He must be the big goat on campus. He's huge and I wouldn't want to tell him which ladies were his and which were not. He's had an attitude that reflects his stature. Glad we got our boys "fixed"...., and he stinks!!
When we got home I told Bart that we had seen his Dad. He seemed unconcerned.
I wanted to bring all the cute little goats, from the last litter, home with us. They were so sweet and noisy. But I think, for now, that we will just love what we've got here. The "G" men( as the Prospector calls them ) have adapted well and are getting bigger everyday.
It was fun to see all the goats out there but this is enough for now. Besides, we still need a DONKEY.

A friend was still waiting

Alone with myself..., The trees bend to caress me..., The shade hugs my heart. ~C, Polgar~

"And this, our life, exempt from public haunt, finds tongues in trees, books in the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in everything. ~William Shakespeare~

What a lady!

This photo is for my family and friends. I took it of my Mom in front of the Sunnyvale Care Home where she is staying for a while until she recovers from her fall. This was the second day and she was still not sure that she wanted to be here, but she smiled for the camera. That's our Mom: The lady was dressed, had her makeup on ( and lipstick ), wanted to sit outside and she told me to be sure that the door to the garage, at home, was open for the cat. "Be sure you make a bed for Honey on top of the dryer and keep her bowl filled with kibble." What a lady!

Mom's journey

There is a point in life when you realize that things are not going to stay the same forever. When my mother fell two weeks ago I thought, as before, that she would need some help for a while and then she would be all right. I was wrong.
This is the Rhaphiolepis bush that broke her fall when she tripped on the crack in the concrete porch . She was watering the plants and went outside with her cane instead of her walker. She fell into the bush and that is what saved her from more life threatening injuries. She suffered a couple of brused ribs, scrapes, cuts and lots of damage to her joints. She was and is in a lot of pain.
After spending a week taking care of her, I realized that she was not able to take care of herself, at home, even with the Elder Care help. She couldn't get in and out of bed, test her blood sugar, take her insulin, bath or sort her medications without help. She needed care 24/7.
So, my sister and I , with the help of the wonderful ladies at Elder Care, decided to have a quiet intervention with Mom and see if we could convience her that a few weeks in a nursing care facility would really help her. Surprisingly, she agreed and so last Thursday we drove her over to the care home that my Dad had been in; where she knew the people and liked all of them a lot; a small home with only 4 other ladies and a garden.
The first couple of days were hard for her. She missed the house and her cat. She didn't like the food and the other ladies living there didn't talk. This was the biggest adjustment of her life.

Our mother is like this old oak tree in her backyard; Many years ago a bird or squirrel drop an acorn near the patio and it grew into this beautiful Oak tree that shades the whole yard now. It's a safe haven for the animals and birds that come into the backyard. It's strong and it's a survivor just like Mom.










The house waits, quietly, for her to come back. Promises have been made that I hope my sister and I can keep. We will take each day as it comes and hope for the best. She is in a safe place right now and she has adjusted well this week.
The journey is not over. We are learning how to be strong and accept what is..., and I know that my sister and I will do this well because we are branches of that old Oak tree and Mom, and God, gave us what we need to "Walk her Home."

Apology

I'm so sorry for the rant below. I think there was some tension left from the last two weeks and I did loose a "post" about my Mom that meant a lot to me. I took a cold shower and a long walk. I don't feel that much better but I will. I will try to re-write the post tomarrow.

Screaming Mad

I just wrote a long post with photos and Blogger didn't auto save or publish it. I lost it all. Something is wrong with Blogger, Blog this, or my computer. I'll try again tomarrow because I'm so mad I can hardly write.

"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step" < Lao Tzu >

I will be going to my Mom's for a while. She fell; and although she didn't break any bones, she is in a lot of pain. I need to be with her and she needs me.

I had a post ,today, on Murphy and Freckles( two of our goats ), that lost photos and then , in an attempt to retrieve the photos, I messed up everything. I have deleted the whole post but it's still there with one photo. I don't know how long it will take to delete but I will redo the whole thing when I get back. I did have the good sense to remember to copy my story:At least I didn't lose that. Sometimes I realize that I'm an inch away from disaster with this computer every day.

Good thoughts and a prayer for my mom would be much appreciated.

'Wordless Wednesday: Waiting for Godot

Gourds, pumpkins and a bottle of vino

Next weekend is the last show of the year for us.
This one is out in Shenandoah Valley at the Amador Flower Farm .














I'm glad the shows are coming to an end for a while. It's time to do other things..., like TAKE GRANDBABIES TO PARKS, READ THEM BOOKS AND GIVE THEM TICKLES 'TIL THEY LAUGH.

Here's the address, dates and time. You can buy or bring lunch and there are nice clean bathrooms available. (I think that is important.)

This is a beautiful place that used to just sell daylilies. Now they have other plants and a great gift shop and wonderful garden art.
There will also be a pumpkin patch and a corn maze. (Children always seem to have a great time in the pumpkin patch.)

The area has lots of very good wineries and wine tasting is an accepted practice, as long as you eat something with the wine and don't drive right away; there are some very windy roads out there.
There will be workshops, Master gardeners to answer gardening questions and our gourd group doing demonstrations and selling gourd art. I'm only going to be there on Sunday.














These are 3 of my gourd pins that will be for sale there.

Then things should settle down for a while...., so I can go down and spend some time with my grandbabies. I'm missing them and I'm ready.