Gentle Giant Meadows Ranch
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Fiona Is In Trouble Again!

4/28/2015

7 Comments

 
Little chestnut filly Fiona is, on first glance, possibly the equine resident of the ranch least likely to cause any significant trouble....WRONG !!  Fiona is clearly the product of selective breeding... the ancient Welsh Pony, the Quarter Horse and the Tennessee Walker have apparently all helped create possibly the smartest, most problematic, wily  pony ever to create havoc on the ranch. Within days of her arrival, little Miss Fiona checked out the ranch pond and had her inauguration swim from one muddy bank to another, created the big Ranch breakout and caused traffic chaos on the ranch road. Our smallest equine resident has, despite her size, possibly the loudest, most consistent whinny in the barn and whether hanging her pretty little chestnut head over her stall door or standing on a grassy hillock in the pasture, Fiona's whinny resonates through the valley. Clearly young Fiona, free to graze  on the fresh Spring grass with her handsome bay pasture companion Ky, is missing female company and the little chestnut filly resolved to rejoin black mare Mariah and Chelsey the flea bitten grey mare  in the pasture across the pond regardless of the cross fencing that was, when challenged by the  determined little chestnut pony, totally, woefully ineffectual.  Fiona, the determined four legged escape artist once again traversed the creek and just to make life even more interesting (?) demolished the fence in her resolute determination to rejoin the  (it has to be said) disinterested mares happily grazing on the other side of the fence. Happily, the breakout didn't result in traffic chaos this time and despite a string of muttered expletives from an exasperated Greg, no animals were hurt and no real damage incurred by the most recent "great escape".

Tonto, the tiny Paso Fino gelding was through the Winter, a picture of abject misery. After the disappearance of his pasture mate, Tonto was inconsolable. Daily he frantically paced the fence line, ploughing a deep furrow on the boundary of his pasture. From dawn to dusk he walked in  lonely anguish, watching from afar every move of the other horses but never pausing to eat or drink. With the sad demise of old T bone, Mr. Cooper the thoroughbred gelding also lost his long time companion and after much careful thought, deep consideration and extended discussion the decision was made to introduce desperately lonely and very anxious Tonto to Mr. Cooper the big "been there, done that" senior bay gelding. Nothing could have prepared us for the change in circumstance we witnessed as the two were turned out into the pasture this morning.  Tonto the little Paso Fino, head tossing and mane flowing,  headed resolutely for Mr. Coopers favourite mud hole and slowly and deliberately took a very leisurely roll, legs and belly in the air, head grinding in the dirt, little Tonto made the big bay gelding wait. Clearly, either size isn't everything or Tonto is a pony looking for trouble. Time will tell ! 

Well, I guess, there is a fence to fix tomorrow but tonight all heads were contentedly looking over stall doors, the cats were curled up in the hay, Bella the Jersey heifer and her companion, Sirloin the red steer were sleeping in the cow stall and the flock of sheep were loudly complaining about what ever it is they complain about. In the rafters, the barn swallows are busily constructing their nests and on the pond Mr. and Mrs. Goose were happy to welcome the arrival of five active little goslings. All is well on the ranch. Life is good to us. Take care, keep safe, M
7 Comments

Happy Birthday Jim

4/22/2015

5 Comments

 
Birthdays are always special days and today, with a brisk coastal breeze causing Old Glory and the Union Jack to billow high above the barnyard and a warm Spring sun bathing the pastures in it's golden light, we celebrated Jim's birthday. Jim has earned his place in our extended Ranch family and we were happy to be able to share his special day. The 10 o'clock break in the barn kitchen, famous for it's Costco blueberry muffins and home baked cookies had a surprise waiting for our unsuspecting birthday boy. I had baked a cake...with vanilla frosting and fresh strawberries....I had baked a cake and it came out of the tin easily and it wasn't burnt. It was Jim's birthday cake and it was SO appreciated. Sometimes little actions mean SO much. Happy birthday Jim and welcome to our family.

Little Luke our wanna be Australian Shepherd is on a diet.....and Luke is not a happy dog. Previously, Bran the border collie and little Luke had open access to an abundant feast of canine Super Premium delicacies.....sadly little Luke is no longer "little" Luke and thanks to a colossal appetite that far exceeds his not so colossal body frame, not so little Luke is restricted to eating according to his size....NOT a happy puppy dog !!......."this hurts me far more than it hurts you" comes to mind. Sorry Mr. Luke.

The Gentle Giant flock of sheep have become accustomed to their new grassy pasture. Each day, road blocks are erected across the ranch road and each day, our woolly ovine family eagerly traverses  the rocky road to the hillside meadow beside the ranch pond. Clearly....our barn schedule has to be re considered. Just as the road blocks were erected, just as Chance Alice and Baby Doll were trembling at the starting gate, just as a deranged Bran the Border Collie was poised to chase.....a neighbor's SUV appeared, frantic mom in the driver's seat, counting moments 'till the arrival of the school bus.... happily unconcerned child, counting sheep when suddenly.....all that was done was undone. Road blocks were un blocked...the ranch gates were abruptly slammed shut,.....Chance, Alice, Baby Doll and the other woolly members of the sheep family screeched to a halt and our last minute SUV made it to the bus stop on time..barely. The "ladies" and their chubby offspring eventually crossed, without incident into the pond pasture and spent the day grazing unconcerned by human schedules. We however will forever in the future be aware of the impending arrival of the big yellow school bus and it's impact on the ranch.  activities.  

Well, the rain that was anticipated, the big heavy grey clouds forecast by MJ, Fox 13's weather guru have sadly not appeared and the ground is still dusty and dry. The sun lover in me appreciates the early Spring warmth but the ambient rancher knows that the earth needs the rain to make the grass and crops grow. I guess either way it is all good. From an unseasonably warm, dry Pacific North West, take care, keep safe, M
5 Comments

Spring Sunshine Brings Greener Pastures.

4/17/2015

6 Comments

 
A warm Spring sun is shining over the Pacific North West, the barn swallows have taken up residence high up in the big cedar barn and the yellow jackets and hornets are swarming under the shade of the green metal roof. In the orchard, the apple, cherry, pear and plum trees are heavy with pink and white blossoms, the skeletal grape vines are beginning to bud and the raspberry canes are sprouting fresh green leaves. In the pastures where the lush Spring grass grows alongside the clover and the golden buttercups, the lambs frolic and grow, the horses, free of cumbersome Winter blankets absorb the warming solar rays and the flock of chickens sun bathe, wings outstretched and panting in the unseasonable temperatures.


The “formation eating team” aka the Gentle Giant sheep have moved pastures. The little lambs have grown enough for us to allow the flock into a larger field with a rippling creek and belly high grass. Our woolly moms spend lazy days under the shade of the sprawling Willow tree while their sprightly offspring chase endless shadows…. and each other up, down and all around their idyllic Spring pasture.

Our new equine guests, almost black, almost Friesian, Mariah and dappled grey Chelsey have settled comfortably into ranch life over the past week. Watching both mares rolling in the dewy Spring grass or calmly sleeping under the soothing warmth of the sun has reminded us that we really do have our own little piece of Heaven…right here on the Ranch.

In another pasture, chestnut Paso Fino, Tonto, previously despondent and inconsolable over the disappearance of his re homed pasture mate Misty has a new lease of life with veteran bay Mr. Cooper whose long time companion, old T-Bone recently left us for his place in Horse Heaven. Tonto has apparently experienced a new lease of life as he gallops, head tossing, mane and tail flowing through the deep green grass.

Greg’s young right hand man James, has experienced several epic first experiences over recent days….under Greg’s careful guidance, James has met the challenge of the nail gun, the intimidating wood chipper and the big ranch quad. Young James, new to ranch life, quietly encourages Sirloin the red Dexter steer, he has befriended the ewes and talks respectfully to our flock of laying hens. Tiger the tabby barn cat is frequently found wrapped around Jim’s shoulders and Luke the Australian Shepherd has found a new, gentle friend. Thank you Jim…looking forward to many more new experiences over the coming months.

Well, the past weeks have been a mixture of sadness, joy, relief and despair. We have lost old, cherished friends and we have gained wonderful new friends. We ask for prayers for Mom Sikora and Mum J both battling serious health conditions and we are thankful for everything that we cherish in our lives. Take care and keep safe, M
6 Comments

Thank You Old Mr. T-Bone!

4/14/2015

4 Comments

 
I think that the spirit of old T bone visited his stall in the big cedar  barn today. I feel sure that the loveable grumpy bay gelding came back from his sanctuary in horse Heaven to tell Chelsey the little grey mare that she is in a good, safe place and that no harm would come to her, love will surround her and the grass is sweet and green on Gentle Giant Meadows Ranch. For the past few days, Chelsey has resembled a little displaced toddler having temper tantrums, stamping her feet and letting the world know that she was having adjustment issues ( to put it mildly…smile). This morning, her mom came, took her for a gentle stroll down the farm road in the Spring sunshine and this evening, the little grey mare with a lot of attitude appeared to have accepted the ranch as her new home….The barn no longer resonated with her anxious calls, just the quiet lowing of grass sleepy cows, the sound of resting horses shifting weight in their warm dry stalls and momma sheep calling for lost and found lambs. I’m sure that Old T Bone visited today…thank you old friend.

Today Greg and Jim progressed from fence building and renovation to pruning and chopping down some of the huge cedar trees surrounding our pastures. As the colossal grey/ black storm clouds passed all around the ranch, the sun shone and a brisk wind curled Old Glory and the Union Jack around the flagpole. On the farm road, Greg and his young helper trimmed overgrown branches and cleared aged rotten growth from the fence line.

 When the ranch chores were done, the last stall swept and the last water bucket filled, my little farm friend arrived in his plaid shirt, denim “bibs” and rubber boots to “help”. This little three year old knows my routine, he anticipates my activities and he has a running commentary as he refills the already full water buckets to overflowing. I have “help” with my wheelbarrow and woe betide me if the little guy doesn’t get to help me put my tools away.

We have a good life, many blessings, a wonderful family and many special friends. As I write, two very special people in our lives are battling serious health conditions and we ask for thoughts and prayers to give them the strength to fight. Take care, keep safe. M 
4 Comments

The New "Ladies" Cause Quite The Stir

4/10/2015

5 Comments

 
This evening, Gentle Giant Meadows Ranch had, without doubt, more in common with Grand Central Station, NY than our typically calm, tranquil little farm. Just before noon, two new ladies arrived, a pretty little grey with a long flowing tail and just a little attitude and an almost black, "been there, done that, bought the carrot" mare. Chelsey and Mariah are long time pasture pals and clearly, transitioning to "life on the ranch" is not going to put them off their feed...but it sure put some life into the resident boys ! Pretty boy Ky is habitually over protective of the little chestnut filly, Fiona, that shares his pasture and his (fortunately) latent stallion mentality but....dare I say, typically....the introduction of two new female residents overloaded the testosterone balance in his little equine brain and the normally docile and benign Ky was overwhelmed by the new female presence on the yard. Golden Palomino Charm, still being treated for his serious bout of Laminitus and generally busily trying to gleen a mouthful of the fresh Spring grass that could cause his demise transformed into a vision of a golden prancing stallion....a flowing white tail held high as a banner over his back, his beautiful, ageing head tossing and his rippling blonde mane flowing as he galloped across the sparse acreage that is now his home. Old Mr. Cooper, the big bay thoroughbred gelding and Tonto, the lonely brown Paso Fino have both recently lost their "significant others" and have, with love and care been introduced into a new pasture relationship that offers companionship and support to both of our equine charges. Clearly, the arrival of our two new ladies has tipped the testosterone balance in our two senior gentlemen and the atmosphere and attitude in the barnyard reflected ...age has no barriers ! In his lonesome pasture, Gentle Giant gelding Quest could hear the equine tumult, the greetings and the vocal challenges to the new ladies in the barn. As I made my way to his gate, I saw his attentive stare, I watched his ears and I heard his welcoming whicker....as I fastened the buckle on his headcollar I told him that it was all good and I knew that he knew that there were newcomers in the barn, a new head over Lady's gate but he would always be safe. Quest gave the newcomers a cursory look, his big Shire hooves may have lifted a little higher, his tail may have flicked but he will always be my special boy.

Our thanks, once again, go to Erin and James who together offer physical and spiritual support on a daily...if not hourly basis. Thank you James for your courage in facing challenges and being Greg's right hand man and thank you Erin for your help, for your companionship, the doghnuts and most of all, your friendship.

Time to say goodnight, take care and keep safe. M
5 Comments

Wiggly Worms and Springtime Bugs...

4/7/2015

4 Comments

 
This morning, we dodged a steady, consistent downpour ( loosely translated from MJ Fox 13 Meteorologist’s early morning weather prediction for “showers”) as dense grey clouds skittered across the increasingly gloomy sky. In the pastures, the skeletal branches of the giant Maple trees are being transformed as leaf buds unfold in a mantle of green and the Spring grass and a myriad of wild flowers and bothersome weeds have appeared from beneath the warming earth. I watched a tiny farm visitor, blonde hair forming tight curly wet ringlets around a petite elfin face intently searching through a little mound of grassy soil….a shiny black Darkling beetle, a slithering earth worm….a visiting Mason Bee and several buzzing Honey Bees rewarded her perseverance in the rain. When I wonder is it that we lose that adolescent enthusiasm and start to worry about being wet, dirty, smelly or all of the above ? 

Annie and Malc are back home in the city, not too many miles from London, England and several thousands of miles from the ranch. I know that they are back in the life with which they are familiar, the buses, cars and people, the buildings and the scenery of England, my homeland…but I know that each time they return to the ranch, they leave a little more of their hearts behind in the pastures creeks and orchards that I am happy to now call…home.  Miss you Annie and Malc….’till next time.

The flock of sheep, aka, “the formation eating team” have for the recent past been confined to the barn and adjacent field, pending the birth of their respective lambs. Today, as the rain formed puddles in the barnyard and the hole in the newly erected Chinese gutters dripped relentlessly into the overflowing water trough, our portly mommas, udders swinging and lambs at foot, headed out for their first day out in the pasture. No thanks to Bran the Border Collie..and despite the attendance of Luke the “wanna be”  Australian Shepherd, all five ewes and nine lambs arrived in the belly high grass at the same time. The same cannot be said of their return to the sheep barn as the sun set this evening…invariably at least one lamb finds itself facing in the wrong direction as the flock races to be first to the feeder. A debacle ensued as the unfortunate, directionally challenged youngster collided repeatedly with the unyielding fence before, cornered by Bran and Greg he was returned to his unconcerned (busily munching) mom.

 Well, another day is over, the animals are warm and dry in the big cedar barn, the cuckoo clock has told us it is bed time, the dogs are ready and the kettle is on. Time to wish you good night, take care and keep safe once again. M
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    Its me, Maureen, (the Boss)

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