A quick post to say I have two Grow Your Blog Party; the first is Melody in Melbourne who was also one of Vicki’s helpers. She doesn’t have a blog but did leave me her e-address; she wins the coaster by Irish artist Thomas Joseph. I’d say that’s about as far as that coaster could get, all the way from Ireland to Virginia, USA to Melbourne!
The second winner is Tammie Everly, TTE Designs, from the southeastern part of Virginia…probably about an 8 hour drive from me. It’s unusual for me to have a winner in the same state, don’t think that’s ever happened before. Tammie wins the Baggallini bag and both bag and coaster will be shipped next week.
Congratulations to you both; e-mails have been sent to you requesting your address.
If I had the energy, I’d tell you more but all I can manage is, I’m still alive and safe. Today, combined with yesterday, has pert near whupped me, as Aunt Bonnie used to say. Carly is still alive but it’s been a mean, nasty day and the night is going to be worse. Temps are dropping, it’s still pouring “something” from the sky and the wind is fierce. She’s needed help getting to her feet many times today; at one point I had her in the mudroom and she hated it. She’s like me, she’d rather die with her boots on so I carried her back outside. I mixed up several pain pills in Gatorade and put that into her; she’ll rest peacefully even if she does die tonight. The hard decision had to be made that once I gave her meds, at almost dark, I won’t go back outside tonight. I have to weigh the possibility that I could slip and injure myself, hit my head and pass out, break a bone, etc. If that happened, I might not make it back inside the house. I know I’ve given Carly a far, far better life than a lot of people give their children and that’s a sad cry on humanity! I’ve been a good steward, have done the best I could and gone the extra mile when necessary (carrying her up the stairs, through the house and into the mudroom; Carly weights about 60 pounds) so if God takes her tonight, I’ve prepared her best I can and I believe she’ll be waiting for me, alongside Jesus, those other fine Thistle Cove Farm critters…and Dave!…when I get to heaven.
Remember the “adult beverage” I was going to have last night? Didn’t happen. By the time I finished the post and remembered I still had to go upstairs to go to bed, it was an easy choice. The dogs went out for one last time, then they scampered up the stairs while I dragged myself up the stairs. It was another case of I was asleep before the light was turned off. I’m almost afraid I’ll drown in the shower but it has to be done. I smell like Carly, a lot, and I’ll sleep better if I don’t smell like Carly. I am taking another big dose Ibuprofen, my old bones are crying like babies tonight. Last night they were twingy, tonight they’re threatening to secede…can they do that?
Blessings ~ winners ~ safety! ~ pain meds for Carly and for me ~ deep, restorative sleep ~
Sandra Bennett says
Lesley Ann, thank you for your kindness, it is greatly appreciated.
Judith, thank you for your prayers, much needed and appreciated.
Quinn, you know how difficult it is, farming by yourself.
Robyn, it's not an easy life but I love my life.
Andie, Carly lived a wonderfully life, unfortunately, far better than a lot of people.
Mildred, bless you!
Dianna, I don't feel amazing, simply tired -lol-.
Michelle, that would have been lovely.
Annie, I'm trying, I'm trying…
Lynne, one thing I do well is sleep -LOL-.
Lorraine, hard works means I sleep rather well, most of the time.
Kathy, sleep is a gift God gives me most nights, bless Him!
Tammie, congratulations on your win.
Donna, only with God's help, only with His help.
Karen, I'm to the pint where I agree with you…I'm working too hard!
Glenda, terminal from the first breath.
Marsha, it's bone crushing work, be glad you're not here -lol-.
Dor, Carly was a good ole ewe.
Sparky, a helmet isn't a bad idea, perhaps I should wear my riding helmet.
Sparky says
Congrats to the winners.
I'm worried about you Sandra. I hope you're not working too hard. Gentle suggestion: might wanna consider getting one of those kiddie helmets and wearing it under or over your warm gear? That would protect your noodle in case of slipping. Please be careful.
Prayers for you today. ~:)
dori says
Carly Shetland1 OOOOOOhhh! How amazing he is standing covered with snow in the snow, being best provided by a hero-shepherd!
Marsha Splenderosa says
I am pretty near tears, I feel as if I know Carly. And, I know how dear she is to you. Thankfully, Carly knows that too. All of the animals wait for their owners at the Rainbow Bridge, look it up, Sandra. I'm praying for you and am beginning to understand why you must sell Thistle Cove Farm. I wish I could be there to help you. love X10
GLENDA CHILDERS says
Such a sad time on your beautiful farm, Sandra.
Sending love from Chicago,
Glenda
Pom Pom says
Oh my goodness! I know you don't like to hear it, but that work is TOO HARD. I hope you slept well and I hope today isn't as harsh outside the farm house door.
Sheila says
Congratulations to the winners , just a side note Melody does have a blog , http://thehouseonthesideofthehill.blogspot.com
Hope you had a restful night and that Carly is doing better today .Take care .
111 LaLa Lane says
If it's Carly's time to go, I pray she goes peacefully. I hope you had a restful night and an easier day ahead. Take care!
Donna says
Congratulations to the lucky winners! I don't know how you manage the farm by yourself, and I shake my head in amazement.
Tammie Everly says
Thank you for selecting me as the winner, I'm thrilled. I'm sorry to hear about Carly, it's sad when we lose an animal friend, but it sounds like you gave her all the best. Hope you can get some rest, I'll be in touch.
KathyB. says
Sleep is precious, a good sleep even more-so. The sleep of eternity is to be desired more than gold and riches if you know the master and creator of sleep and of us, our Lord and our God. For you and Carly I pray this is resolved soon. Take care of your bones and your being Sandra !
FlowerLady Lorraine says
Dear Sandra ~ I hope you and Carly slept really well last night. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Love and hugs ~ FlowerLady
Lynn says
I hope you both had a comfortable night..you are having a rotten time not only the weather..again tears through a bit of laughter, you are more than a good Steward!
annie says
Congrats to your winners!
I think of you often..,, out on the farm. Hugs, blessings, and prayers. You are a good girl, go easy on yourself.
Michelle says
What a blessing it would be if Carly could go to peaceful, pain-free sleep tonight and just not wake up. I always pray for that and it hasn't happened yet, but you and Carly deserve it.
Michelle says
What a blessing it would be if Carly could go to peaceful, pain-free sleep tonight and just not wake up. I always pray for that and it hasn't happened yet, but you and Carly deserve it.
Lynne says
Oh Sandra . . . I am keeping you and Carly in my caring and prayers . . . Sleep and rest well tonight . . .
Dianna says
You are amazing, Sandra. Poor Carly has had a tough go of it, but I know you've done everything possible for her…and you can rest well in that. Your snow looks like ours…deep! We have 22 inches now.
Anonymous says
Bless you, dear friend. I am praying for you. Love, Mildred
Divine Theatre says
I am crying for Carly…and for you, my friend. I don't care WHO you are, death is never easy.
You are in my prayers.
When I count sheep tonight I will think of Carly and I will pray for her too.
xo
Andie
Robyn@SimplyMe1970 says
My goodness dear heart, you sure have been having a rough time on the farm as of late. I'm so sorry for all the losses and for Carly but I know you understand it's the circle of life although I don't think that makes it hurt any less..
I honestly don't know how you're still doing what you do each day.. Im only 43 and although I've been sick for 20 yrs and have a hard time just cleaning my house , if I were healthy I dont think I could keep up with what you do..
Wishing you a good nights rest and lots of healing.
Robyn
Quinn says
"I smell like Carly, a lot, and I'll sleep better if I don't smell like Carly." Oh that made me laugh, Sandra! I know just what you mean.
I hope you and all your critters have a safe and comfortable night.
Take care of your self.
Judith @ Lavender Cottage says
You sure are having a time at the farm and I am sending prayers to give you strength and comfort.
Congrats to your winners.
LesleyAnn says
I'm praying for comfort for you and Carly and all of Thistle Cove Farm.