Nancy, A Rural Journal blog, has brought back Random 5 Friday where folks join in by posting five random facts about any or everything. Frankly, I’m over the moon happy it’s Friday and am seriously considering a tub of hot water, Marcia Willet‘s A Prodigal Wife, a tot of Jack Daniels with honey followed by my flannel nightgown.
1. Above, my American Curly Horses are having a lie down during a windy but warm and sunny day. From the left…Dandy Man, Dani Girl, Peaches, Tumbleweed, Izzabella and Meri Go Lightly.
2. In the same upper pasture, Daisy, a redbone hound, gambols with Sadie, a Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Sam, a basset hound spaniel terrier mix. I’m partial to hounds, can you tell?
3. My two favorite house boys, Sam and Gray Tom. Shortly after Dave, my husband, died Tom walked up the driveway and said, “Honey, I’m home.” Two months ago, Tom died and I’m still reeling from the loss. Since November, there have been a lot of deaths on this farm and each death cuts me to the bone.
4. Not sure if you can see this clearly but the Mama doe has her tongue hanging from the side of her mouth. Her twin fawns are nursing rather energetically and Mama is nearing the weaning stage.
5. My valley has a fair share of eagles and, ever now and again, I catch a good photo. I’ve heard a number of preachers say an eagle won’t eat the carrion of others but I know for a fact that’s not true. Eagles eat their kill and the kill of others and I’ve watched them eat stuff that’s a day old. Isn’t it funny how we latch onto something, believing it to be truth and just keep telling and re-telling the same ole sorry lie?
Those are my photo contributions and hope you like them. It’s the bet I can do after a day spent outside in harsh winds but sunshine. There were so many outdoor chores…pruned the fruit trees and bushes, cleaned out a dozen flower pots to get them ready for plantings, tied the tarp on the camper (again), moved the blueberry bush (not the right time of year but if it makes it that’ll be a lot better than being run over where it was), swept the front porch and re-arranged the furniture…still need to put up those little upside down question mark -?- hangers for the hanging baskets…and gave it all up late afternoon so I can join Nancy then take care of me.
Ponder this ~ “We should not judge people by their peak of excellence; but by the distance they have traveled from the point where they started.” ~ Henry Ward Beecher ~
Gumbo Lily says
All those sweet critters you have must bring you joy (and work). I've seen eagles eat everything — especially road kill. Be blessed.
Pom Pom says
The animals are so happy. Precious.
It's been snowing hard here for two days. I'm not in the mood for it.
dori says
GREAT WONDER-FUL photos of an amazing shepherd!
You are really right: sometimes "we" say things, though we know, that it's not really true – We are a funny species.
Saying goodbye is so hard – it never will change. You know, Jesus said like this (in John 14 or 15): "It's good, when I go, because otherwise the Spirit cannot come. But I will send you my Spirit, I never leave you alone."
So the LOVE is always near and in you, the inspiration of your faraway LOVES, too.
Have a blessed Sunday, dear wise blessed painful and also often funny and always brave sister in Christ!
Norma Ruttan says
I know from my experience that the older I get the harder the pain I feel about any death- human or pet. I love all your animal photos and I'm glad to hear that Random Friday is back.
GretchenJoanna says
I do love your pictures! I pray your body holds up under all the work that your soul loves to do. God bless you, Sandra!
affectioknit says
I love the dogs cavorting…it looks like you're having a beautiful spring!
~Have a lovely day!
Vicki Boster says
Oh how these photos bring back memories.. I'm so sad about Grey Tom:(
Yes– your list of chores is endless. I don't know how you keep up with it all. Sheer preserverance I think. Winter is behind you now– sending prayers for a beautiful Spring and hopes for a Sale. If you need that flower bed weeded— you know I can do it?
Love
Vicki
LesleyAnn says
You are surrounded by beauty. Almost all being God's creation.
I'm so sorry to read about Gray Tom. I know how painful it is to lose a beloved pet.
Good to know Nancy is back with Random 5 Friday.
Wishing you a great, peaceful weekend.
FlowerLady Lorraine says
It is always a joy to read about and see what is going on there at Thistle Cove Farm.
I am sorry about your loss of Tom.
Love and hugs and prayers dear Sandra ~ FlowerLady
Lynne says
Loved seeing your photos and hearing a bit about the Thistle Cove family . . .
Sad about your loss of Tom . . . sweet, sweet photo . . .
Companionship missed from our human loves and pet loves is like no other . .,.
As you well know!
Lynn says
You amaze me, I admire your commitment to your ranch and animals, such a lot of hard work yet you always share with your wonderful sense of humour. Our first cat was called Peaches, she followed my Dad home one Spring day, she hung around for 16 years..Tom-sweet but sad, I understand now why my parents said NO MORE PETS after their last dog died..great photos and the last one is a hoot! Hope the sun shines the entire weekend for you…
Elizabethd says
It's always hard to lose a dear animal friend.
Michelle says
Lovely photos of your animal companions. Mine enrich my life so, and leave tremendous holes when they leave (always too soon).
Vicki W says
Oh my gosh, I just realized that I missed you! You were here this past weekend, right? I buried myself so deep in my website work that I completely forgot. I am so sorry!
Anonymous says
So sorry about the loss of Grey Tom, pets can be so dear and we miss them so very much…
Quinn says
Sandra, I am so very sorry to hear about the loss of Tom. I remember you wrote to me about him when I lost Kitty Rex. It's a deep spot of empty, I know.