The Big Green Chair 2017

Always so Thankful every year when I see the Victoria Mall put out the Big Green chair. So many changes and I just never know if they will put the chair out...I have been taking photos of Michael for 8 years (8 Christmas's) in this chair...

2017 - 14 years old

(The teen years, whew! It's a rough ride but we are doing well)

We love him!

Holes and Hurricanes

(Lots of trees down and a few things the wind tore up or damaged that need to be replaced. The Barndominium did fine and the outbuildings did okay. We did have some water inside but nothing that couldn't be cleaned up or that caused too much damage. We have a lot of trees down and that will take me most of the winter months to clean up. In good time it will get done)

Each one of these little holes around our windows will always remind me of hurricane Harvey. There is a story behind those holes. I do not like drilling holes into the outside structure of a building. To me it compromises the structure. It creates an area where rust can develop, bugs can get in and water can get in and create havoc on the inside of the structure. Fred knows this too. At 9pm on a Thursday night we found out Harvey was coming in as a Category 4 hurricane. He was coming right in over the top of us. We weren't going to board up the windows. We didn't have the boards or the money to do it. We quickly changed our minds. We went and got some boards. The next morning early we started measuring and cutting Miçhael and I held the boards while Fred put the screws in, it was a family affair... before Fred put the first screw in he looked at me and said are you sure. I nodded, said a prayer and told him go ahead. Those holes helped keep our structure intact with the Lord's help. We didn't have any busted windows. We heard things hit the boards over the windows but no glass broke. We were so thankful we put them up...each time I look at those holes I will remember and be thankful for God and for my family. Today I filled those holes with caulk until we need them again. I guess sometimes we need a tiny hole to keep the whole entire structure intact?

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Happy Cows

The cows are happy. 

Palin is healing, the calves are doing good. All is good for the moment. 

Steak our steer is in the horse pen and he isn't happy! But if he hadn't been sucking on the cows he wouldn't be where he is now...I couldn't believe over a year and a half old and sucking on the cows...

I've been looking at maybe purchasing a bull...still haven't decided. I need to find out if I could possibly lease one instead of buy one. I just need it for 50 to 60 days. 

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Well Hello there....

Went out to watch the meteor show and decided to check on the cows....

I thought Pepper might have been in labor Friday evening and I was right....

This little bull was born at about 11:45pm.

and in less than an hour he was up, walking and nursing. He didn't mess around at all...

Nice to see the girls had their calves and no problems! 

Meet Patch the newest addition to the herd....

Born just before Noon today....

She's too sweet

Some pretty long legs too! 

Pringle making sure Patch is okay...

Mother and Daughter

Newborn Heifer and 4 year old Cow...

We should have another calf here pretty soon.

Palin the one that had a calf and lost it is doing well. I nursed her for about 2 weeks and she finally got up and is doing great. This past weekend I put her back in with the cows and Palin is happy! 

Hoping we can hang on to Patch if our finances improve. 

What is happening around here....

It's been a busy summer and there is always something happening around here....

I took Palin one of our heifers over to my Brother in law's place to get her bred. He called me last Tuesday and told me she had a calf sticking out of her...What? Seems she was bred when she was sold to us! She shouldn't have been as she was way too young. She's not close to being 2 years old yet! The calf was dead and we pulled it. Palin has a pinched nerve and isn't able to walk yet. We brought her home and I am nursing her back to good health. She's actually doing better since we brought her home. She's drinking, eating and everything is functioning except for her back two feet. Vet said it could take up to two weeks to a month! She moves around a lot, which is a good thing. Hopefully not much longer and she'll be standing. Sure wish we had known she was pregnant. We might have been able to save the calf and maybe Palin would be okay right now. 

I found this Bordered Patch Butterfly in the feed trailer this morning. It had just come out of its cocoon. Oh so pretty and new. 

My Sister (on the right) is celebrating her 56th Birthday today!! Happy Birthday Karen! So many Birthdays today. My Aunt Judy, Cousin Matt and a Friend too....July 25th is a popular day!

Hope y'all are enjoying the HOT summer months! 

Always my Hero!

This woman was my Champion! 

She was there for me when no one else was! 

I am so blessed to have had such a fantastic Aunt in my life. 

When everyone walked out on me she stood by me! She had Faith in me! 

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She passed away today.

It breaks my heart that I won't be able to talk to her ever again.  

But it warms my heart to know she is with God and at peace! 

I LOVE YOU AUNT B. 

Go with God! 

She is going to be missed...

I remember this day, it is burned in my memory! I loved this outfit on her! She berated me for taking her photo but I love photos, especially ones that tell stories....

Michael not too long ago said Aunt B. is my favorite Aunt!

I am so thankful we were able to go and visit her one last time this past June! 

We were able to get one last Hug!

Rest in Peace Blanche Piepkow! 

Blooms, Birds and Butterflies....

The Painted Buntings came in last week and I went out to try to get a photo but they weren't having me or my camera...so I tried for easier subjects. 

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Houston we have a problem....Uh Oh!

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Do you ever get the feeling you are being watched?

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I love our fields of wildflowers!

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I hope y'all enjoy your week!

In Honor of my Cousin....

In honor of my Cousin Bill Piepkow who passed away earlier today....(the first bluebonnet to appear on our property)....You fought the good fight Bill, Rest In Peace!!

Prayers for his Wife, Mother, Siblings, Children and GrandChildren

May God comfort them and give them strength! 

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