At a time when all eyes, ears and minds are on Paris, we have watched the CNN coverage with sadness and disbelief. We live in a world where life is taken indiscriminately and suspicion and fear of cultural differences has become a daily occurrence. Our thoughts today have been overwhelmed by the senseless violence in a City geographically thousands of miles away...but emotionally so close. Our prayers are with you, citizens of Paris.
Here on the ranch, I believe we are experiencing a revival of the Biblical flood ! The creeks are breaching their banks, the pond is close to overflowing and the pastures, starved so long of moisture are under water. The rain falls incessantly, everything is sodden, horses, sheep cows, chickens....us, soaked. But, as the gutters drip, the puddles fill and the ranch road washes away, we count our many blessings. Nara and Amin, residents of Saudi Arabia and newly married have chosen to spend part of their honeymoon down home on the ranch with us. Nara became a much loved member of our extended global family several years ago and we were happy and excited to welcome her and her husband back to the ranch this week. Sadly, ranch activities have been curtailed by the deluge of Biblical proportions but the enthusiasm of our new ranch hands does not reflect the potential climatic disaster ! Nara and Amin have embraced our love for the horses, pampered Bran the Border collie, loved up little Luke the "wanna be" ranch dog and politely chastised the aggressive chickens in the hen house. As the rain falls, as puddles fill and the grey clouds skitter across the sky, we thank God that he gave us the opportunity to get to meet and love these wonderful young people. If love was counted in international currency and experiences were worth a dollar, we would be multi millionaires right now.
Take care, keep your hearts open and remember friendship is only a heartbeat away. M