Yes,This is Our Life.

Greetings.

It's Wednesday, Hump Day, and all I can think is how much it feels like another Monday.  I know I say I try to keep busy but this is a little overboard.  If only life could space out the work evenly...LOL  Oddly enough, my last post WAS on Monday.  I'm still trying to sort out the how-to's of fixing the fence, the shelter is another story.  Being spring and summer coming I am thinking the horses will be ok until Daddy gets back.  In any poor weather, we can move them back to the "turkey and duck" pen.

That being said...the turkey and duck pen are currently inhabited by the displaced horses.  I've got the fencing, the posts are still in place, I have ties and caps for the t-posts.  What I don't have is ANY idea how to get the fencing out of the truck and rolled out the "short" distance I need it.  I'm not good with measurements when "eyeballing" but I know it's not 330' of repair which is exactly how much horse/livestock fencing I have.  That being said, I now need to fix the turkey/duck pen...

This morning, after telling the dogs to "HUSH UP Already!" I look out and see our neighbor out with the horses.  Neighbor, being a very large bull.  No "shit", it was a bull...and, of course, all I can think of is Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit!  LOL  I don't mind the droppings so much but he was IN the turkey pen, meaning he pushed the fencing down on one end.  Now, I realize it wasn't the sturdiest to begin with but Come On.  So, after driving in to town early to drop off Lucy for an overnight field trip, I come home and find we left one dog out.  I then try to start my day when I hear the dogs going crazy and find the bull in the pen.  I proceed to fix said fencing as best I can before the horses make a run for it.  I was really not wanting to do a recovery alone again...  But, I got it fixed up and the horses are still here so that's something.

Then it was time to make a water run, Oh Joy (said in my best "Stimpy" inner voice).  Of course, I was having a bit of a time getting the truck backed up just right for the trailer...yeah, I guess I am a girl in some ways!  That is irritation in and of itself.  I really didn't need the damn roosters coming after me!!!  I don't know what has gotten into them but they are ASSHOLES now.  Manny used to be ok but since Bob has joined the ranks it's every man, woman and child for themselves.  So, I'm trying to hitch up, while fending off rogue roosters and getting in and out of the truck for "just an inch or two more."  I'm sure it would be entertaining for the masses, I wasn't in quite so good humor by that time.  BUT, I finally got it done, thank you very much.  Then it was on to normal, everyday business.  Fiona had an appointment for her immunizations and to have her "easy button" looked at.  So, when it's time to leave I put the boys in their kennels and call  out for the Princess.

For about 15-20 minutes I am calling outside, inside, checking under beds, checking animal shelters (not the pound), you name it.  I couldn't find her anywhere!  I figured she ended up following the bull to make sure he was gone for good or something of that nature.  When I couldn't wait any longer I called the vet's office and asked if I could bring in Paco instead as it was still just immunizations, Fiona was nowhere to be found.  So, no biggs, Paco and I roll out for his checkup, shots, etc.  I'm sure everyone will be happy to hear he is healthy, many more years to come.  He I scheduled an appt. for getting his teeth cleaned later this month and a "bring Fiona in if she's available during his drop off or pick up."  I proceeded to treat myself to a chicken sandwich at The Expedition and a "glass" of wine.  Hehehe  I've found a new red I really like, it's called Goose Bump.  Anyhow, I stayed in town til it was time to pick the kids up and we headed home.

FIONA WAS IN THE HOUSE THE WHOLE TIME!

Yep, she came right out when Kyleigh opened the door.  I guess at some point I must have mentioned the appt. in her presence, dumb me.  She really is a Princess, with fatty tumors~fat pockets~easy buttons.  She's my girl.  I'm so relieved she hadn't decided to wonder off and die or something.  The thought did occur to me, unfortunately.  She has so much to teach the young boys about being loyal, not velcro, guardianship and family/animal protection on the 'ole farm.  Did I mention I LOVE LOVE LOVE this oddly sized dachshund mix?

Yes, this IS our life!

So, that's it for today, Lord willing.  I'm ready for dinner, a cider and some Ghost Whisperer.  Yes, we just started watching it on Netflix and the kids are always asking if we'll have time to get in an episode or two.  We live in a bit of a time warp bubble.  LOL

May you have a relaxing evening and until next time...

~Ash

3 Kings Day/Epiphany

Good Afternoon.

Today is Epiphany, or Three Kings Day.  The start of the Mardi Gras season!  A celebration of remembrance of the 3 Wise Men visiting the baby Jesus.  Many people take their tree/decorations down on this day.  My decor got the heave ho two days after Christmas, thank you Brian.  This means its time to start thinking about the King Cakes!!!  I love the food associated with Mardi Gras in our house.  King Cakes, Gumbo, Etoufee, Jambalaya, Dirty Rice...it's all wonderful.  Not sure what will be our menu for Fat Tuesday this year but I can say I'm excited about it!  A celebration of the birth of Christ leading up to Lent is a good time for all.  The prep for the solemn remembrance of Jesus's Crucifixion and the joy of His Resurrection.

Not much else to say today.  I dropped the hubby off at the airport and then took Nick to PetCo to look at some fish.  He ended up bringing home a baby betta and two ghost shrimp.  Let's all cross our fingers, please.  He doesn't always have good luck with fish.

AND, last but not least for today....Lucy's 12th Birthday is Saturday, the 12th!  Where does the time go?

Have a Wonderful Week.

~Ash

Goodbye 2012

Tonight we will bid farewell to the year 2012.  It's been a year of triumphs and struggles all around.  Here at the 'Ole Homestead we've seen the slow changes of our city life becoming our country life.  We've learned so much along the way.  From water pumps to branding cattle, we've been fortunate to experience these moments in life.  We are settling into our little town and our little farm.

We have strengthened our friendships and neighborliness.  The kids are enjoying school and have become more interested in sports.  It really is amazing how much more we are experiencing.  Having the kids in a smaller school offers them opportunities they weren't so lucky to have in the bigger schools.  The sense of community here is something I've never really witnessed first hand until now.  It's just a great place to live.

We have added to our farm this year.  After the "Massacre of 2012", we have added chickens, bunnies, cats and a horse.  Soon, we should start to get a little more egg production.  We have a lost (she prob doesn't think she's lost) dog, Cora, who is deeply missed.  Just today Lucy woke up crying after having a dream she had returned.  It really stinks.  With the animal additions, we have also added fencing and a new coop/shelter.  It's definitely slow progress but progress none the less.

Looking forward to 2013, we are hoping to continue building up our little area here in Big Sky Country.  We will definitely be setting new goals and continuing to work toward a better life for our family and the world we live in, spiritually, financially and healthily.  I wish everyone a safe and happy new year.  May you all continue to be blessed in the future.

Adieu 2012,
Tchuss, Ciao, BYE BYE

~Ash

Back to It...

Well, we've had a wonderful Thanksgiving week around the Woods household.  Lots of fun, food, friends and family.  We had such a good time with everyone!  Our upcoming week will hopefully settle down a bit.  Kyleigh starts cheer practice four days a week, Parent-Teacher Conferences, Advent...  The kiddos have requested I make an Advent calendar again this year so I will start on it soon.  Maybe they'll be able to help with some daily ideas for celebrating.  Saturday, the 1st, it will be my aim to get everyone up in the mountains and find the "perfect" tree, weather allowing.  It will also give us the opportunity to stop in to the Lazy Doe.  It's a wonderful little place to grab a bite and a beer.

We've got some things to take care of around the house/farm as well.  For starters, the car and truck need some attention.  The turkey coop still needs to be shingled.  We need some updates with our extension cord supply and another heated waterer.  And those stinking bunnies...I just don't know the best way to keep them happy, healthy and warm!  It's a mind bender and I intend on triumphing. I've got many ideas jumbled up in my head which I am trying to decipher and plan out.  As for IN-side the house, there is always something to work on.  The kids have been putting Christmas stuff out downstairs today while Daddy and I were in the kitchen.  He was butchering deer and I was cooking...and cooking and cooking.  They were actually getting along and helping each other AND cleaning up!  Someone Pinch Me, I MUST be dreaming!  THANKFUL!!!!

So, I guess it's early to bed tonight.  I'll be driving the Hubby in to work tomorrow.  Also, it's a Monday which is clean sheets and towels day...I can't wait, I LOVE my clean sheets.  I will also be able to get some of this CHAOS under control.  It's my Weekly Home Blessing day.  I'm a Baby-Stepper for sure.  (My Thanks to FlyLady *a wink and a smile*)  Hmmm, maybe this week won't be quite so settled.  LOL  Just another day in the life of the Woodsies.  At least I already have dinner for tomorrow.  Turkey Soup, Yum.  Oh, and hunting season is OVER!!!  Woo Hoo!!!

Here's to a Wonderful Week.

~Ash

A toe in the water...

Well, this morning will be my first real venture to test the waters of blogging life.  I've been searching and researching different ideas for our little area.  For now we are focusing on upgrading some shelters for our pets.  One day, hopefully soon, I will be able to paint the coop for the turkeys and ducks.  Unfortunately, we lost a turkey yesterday due to unknown reasons.  No, it wasn't related to the coop... RIP Patrick, you are already greatly missed.  A tough one to swallow following the devastation that was the "Massacre of 2012" a few weeks ago.  Something (we think a dog) managed to kill 16 of 19 chickens while I was doing the grocery shopping.  It is still a sensitive topic in our home.