YES, in the poor man's garden grow

Far more then herbs and flowers -

Kind thoughts, contentment, peace of mind,

And joy for weary hours.

• from The Poor Man's Garden

"All my hurts

My garden spade can heal"

Ralph Waldo Emerson

A true animal lover

Today I want to tell you about a special lady, neighbor and friend. She is someone after may own heart. She too loves all animals large and small, and takes them all in. Right now at my last count she has 15 cat-kittens. All of which she has spayed and neutered. When the weather turn cold she found two more strays trying to find a warm spot/home. One was already neutered, but apparently made homeless, which found a warm spot in her home. The other one was one who had been shot at, and ended up losing an eye, he too wanted a warm home. I think he has found it with her, and more then likely will be neutered also. She also has adopted two dogs from local shelters and her husband brought home one found wondering down the road, he too was adopted by them. This is also besides the chickens, rabbits, goats and three horses they have. Quite a full house but always with room for one more. She has passed this love for animals along to her children, especially her youngest, who would take in alot more if allowed. I see in my friend a person after my own heart, that all animals large or small deserve a chance. She is truly one of a kind.

Happy New Year Everyone!!!


May everyone achieve their wishes and goals in the coming year.. I know I am going to make an effort to give it my all.... Even though it will be hard.... If anyone who reads this wants to give me some moral support I could use it lol.... Judy I also expect us to do some serious riding in the coming year....Just like we did in years gone by.....Remember all those trails? They need to be used again.

Winds are a Blowing

Tonight the winds here at the rustic are howling with such determination. Just waiting to see what will blow down, be it trees or even the power lines. Then we will be in the dark like our amish neighbors. Only thing is to them it is no big deal. While we get upset because there is no TV to watch, music to listen to or video games to play. And of course no computer. But I would just curl up by candle light and read a book. That is one of the many things I enjoy. Last night I couldn't sleep and was up until 4:15 am.
Well the new year is almost here so it is time to start the old exercise routine again. Have started using the stationary bike, next comes the treadmill. This year again I will try and stick it out. But I would rather have nice weather and do these things outside. Oh that is what I get for living in the snow belt!!!
Good night for now, keep on smiling and maybe give someone a hug.

This is Ozzie! He is the baby of the barnyard. Mom says he is a handful, but full of love for all. His brother Oreo will be pictured at a later time. Just wanted to start showing all the critters here at the Ranch. And there are alot of them. They keep Mom busy, and content. She says without her animals and gardens she would be quite bored with life. There have been quite a few strays through the years, we find homes for them all. A few are even lucky and get to live here. I am one of those lucky ones.
I hope everyone out there is braving this winter as we have a long way to go before
spring. Atleast right now here all the snow and ice are gone and you can see grass.. This makes the geese happy as that is a main food source for them besides what Mom feeds them. So far there haven't been too many birds at her feeders which only means winter hasn't gotten bad yet. They still have food out there.
Well time for bed so you all take it easy out there and smile someone may just smile back!