Good morning, New Years Eve 2013.....Greg and I join together to wish you all a wonderful, happy and healthy New Year. Party time tonight, but here on the ranch the falling crystal ball, peach, pineapple and the falling possum ( poor possum !) will, along with the fireworks go largely un noticed.....at least by us. Bran the Border Collie will once again have all his worst nightmares realized. At the first bang of the first popper, Bran will sink into total panic. With his tail so far between his hind legs he is in danger of tripping his front legs as he runs in circles looking for somewhere, anywhere to hide. By the time the fireworks are lighting up the night sky the poor dog will be a quivering black and white fur ball that has totally given up the will to live. The ranch lifestyle doesn't take into account midnight partying.....5am comes very quickly even on a normal night....much more so if we party into the early hours of the morning, happily, we will be watching the fireworks through the bedroom window from a snuggly warm bed.
Tux the rooster is getting a little big for his chicken feet and is in serious danger of eviction (or worse!). Poor Adolph, our longtime Rhode Island Red rooster has for the longest time managed the harem in total peace and harmony with the ranch people, not so, handsome Mr. Tux. Of late, the big black Wyandot has been attempting to assert his dominance over me.....not a very smart move when I'm (1) the hand that feeds him and (2) the cook that makes the chicken soup ! The surge in fowl aggression was not totally unexpected but when the feigned attacks turned into what looked like a missile launched from the floor of the hen house, Mr. Tux became public enemy number 1. Luckily my instant reaction saved me from a significant souvenir of the attack and the startled rooster took a quick lesson in summersaults through the air .....and total humiliation for him as his ladies watched him, feathers all in disarray skulk into the barnyard. Since then, Tux continues to advise me verbally that I need to keep an eye on him but he wisely ensures that he remains OUTSIDE the roost when I enter and there is a chicken wire fence between us when I leave ! Maybe he is smart after all !
We had our first Annual Barn customer appreciation evening ( gosh that sounds impressive !) and were happy to host Tim and Connie, Sue and Dan, Patrick, Alice and Dillon to a pizza night. Predictably, Greg's famous pizza was ( judging by consumption ) fully appreciated and the two million calories in my banana cream pie clearly added inches to our growing holiday waistlines. Sadly, some barn friends were unable to attend, hopefully they are already aware that we do appreciate them and we hope to see them same time, same venue next year....God and health willing !!
Young Tomoko has spent Christmas and New Year here on the ranch. The Japanese exchange student has, we hope, made some happy and enduring memories during her two week stay with us. During her time here Tomo has learnt to drive the tractor, ride Lady the big Shire Mare, fix fencing, drive the quad and make yoghurt as well as generally taking care of the horses and livestock. Yesterday young miss Tomoko tried her hand at target shooting and predictably proved to be a budding Annie Oakley ! Her arrow is currently under construction and will join the international post directing eyes to Asia. It has been a pleasure and an experience sharing our very different cultures, we know that Tomoko helped to make our Christmas and New Year very special. Thank you Tomoko.
Time to go, Happy New Year to everyone, near and far. Hoping this year will bring us continued happiness, health and peace here on the ranch and around the world.
Take care, keep safe M
Tux the rooster is getting a little big for his chicken feet and is in serious danger of eviction (or worse!). Poor Adolph, our longtime Rhode Island Red rooster has for the longest time managed the harem in total peace and harmony with the ranch people, not so, handsome Mr. Tux. Of late, the big black Wyandot has been attempting to assert his dominance over me.....not a very smart move when I'm (1) the hand that feeds him and (2) the cook that makes the chicken soup ! The surge in fowl aggression was not totally unexpected but when the feigned attacks turned into what looked like a missile launched from the floor of the hen house, Mr. Tux became public enemy number 1. Luckily my instant reaction saved me from a significant souvenir of the attack and the startled rooster took a quick lesson in summersaults through the air .....and total humiliation for him as his ladies watched him, feathers all in disarray skulk into the barnyard. Since then, Tux continues to advise me verbally that I need to keep an eye on him but he wisely ensures that he remains OUTSIDE the roost when I enter and there is a chicken wire fence between us when I leave ! Maybe he is smart after all !
We had our first Annual Barn customer appreciation evening ( gosh that sounds impressive !) and were happy to host Tim and Connie, Sue and Dan, Patrick, Alice and Dillon to a pizza night. Predictably, Greg's famous pizza was ( judging by consumption ) fully appreciated and the two million calories in my banana cream pie clearly added inches to our growing holiday waistlines. Sadly, some barn friends were unable to attend, hopefully they are already aware that we do appreciate them and we hope to see them same time, same venue next year....God and health willing !!
Young Tomoko has spent Christmas and New Year here on the ranch. The Japanese exchange student has, we hope, made some happy and enduring memories during her two week stay with us. During her time here Tomo has learnt to drive the tractor, ride Lady the big Shire Mare, fix fencing, drive the quad and make yoghurt as well as generally taking care of the horses and livestock. Yesterday young miss Tomoko tried her hand at target shooting and predictably proved to be a budding Annie Oakley ! Her arrow is currently under construction and will join the international post directing eyes to Asia. It has been a pleasure and an experience sharing our very different cultures, we know that Tomoko helped to make our Christmas and New Year very special. Thank you Tomoko.
Time to go, Happy New Year to everyone, near and far. Hoping this year will bring us continued happiness, health and peace here on the ranch and around the world.
Take care, keep safe M
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