That said, these were on sale and I welcome the convenience. I have a full day of ki consultation/write-ups and not much time for making, mixing, cleaning and cooking. The boys are tackling the garden as our weeds are really taking off, so this small indulgence is their pay-off.
I had no intention of having one myself, but dang it! No one likes the coconutty-pina colada flavor. *sigh* Who am I to let a fun pop go to waste?
What's your favorite flavor....if you are into Fun Pops?
I was about to say that in spite of the disasterous appearance of my home, it feels great to be here. The seat of my car was getting old. If you're following my blog, then you know what kind of a tizzy I have when my house is such a mess. There is a cowboy hat, an airplane cargo ship various books, a cooler, a sewing basket, a laundry basket, and several other items that shouldn't be in this room.
Jack is included in the mix. He hasn't made it downstairs yet. My dear friend Shari "gifted" him to Parker. She knows he's a huge pirate/Jack Sparrow fan (as is his Mama!) There's just something about rugged men.....ahem...excuse me, where was I?
So even though I can't see the counters in the kitchen and every room in this house is a disorganized mess, I am enjoying the comfort of my surroundings and.....the view. It's pretty HOT right now!
I have no idea how many miles my feet and tires have logged this month; I'm guessing quite a few. Hopefully, my tearing around is done for a while!?
I was up at five to do chores, pack the cooler, dress children, cut and wash fruit, make a dessert and clean up the kitchen. I like coming home to a clean space. Since there's been so much in and out this month, I've tried to be diligent about keeping things picked up and put away. My goal is to be able to clearly see counter tops and floors. Quite the challenge during these past few weeks.
I'm afraid I'm so tired I don't know which way is up. I feel like I'm going through the motions and powering forward when all I really want to do is flop down in a chair (which is exactly what I am doing right now!) I have an exhausted "wolf" on my lap. She and her cousins played hard, howling in the back of the suburban!
Pake had a good day; 5th in goat tying and flag race and 9th in pole bending. He's pooped too.
The house is cool and quiet. My focus is shot so it's probably not the best idea to blabber aimlessly through this blog. We have one more busy(fun) day which involves a road trip for baby shower supplies and then home for an entire day. I hardly know what project to focus on first!
Here's wishing you a relaxing evening and a fabulous week!
We are "growing sprouts" in midst of all the s*#+ that's been piled on us in the last 18 days or so. Feathers and Camo are thriving as are the guineas. We have sort of fallen into a rhythm though its been anything but predictable. Chad has been gone all week at school. He was home for two hours and then hit the rodeo trail. He did take Sparky along so it is slightly more quiet around here. I already miss the wild giggle!
We are off to go reclaim our peas. It was too hot earlier to do any weeding. We spent most of the day getting baby settled in. She is darn cute I tell you! She's going to give us a run for the money. Summeria is spirited, opinionated and wild. She seems to la, la, LOVE Pake (who wouldn't?!) He is the only one she'll come to right now!
We have a full weekend, starting with a big parade tomorrow, and then on Sunday, a Jr. Rodeo and a FUN birthday party! Did I mention how much we heart summer?!?!?
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We enjoyed a fun morning; the boys checked out library books, we dropped Marley off at Buddies for a trim (thanks Annette, awesome job! He looks sooo much better!) Back to Maywood to get the repaired mower (thanks Jason, we really needed it to work!) Back to the library for a game of Clue. Back to Curtis. I decided to order a pizza while we waited for Marley. The kids were starving (and Mom was too)!
We headed to the park and were excited to met up with our friends, Darcy, Ty and Shawn. I took this picture shortly after lunch. A few small minutes of movement, peace and quiet in my day. I love small town parks. I have the urge to stretch out, make grass angels and watch clouds go by! It didn't happen today, sometime it will.
After snagging a piece of pizza (Pake ate 4!) We headed home. I power cleaned/reorganized anf the boys spruced the grounds with the mowers. Each of them were also treated to a trim, compliments of Mom's clippers.
We almost got the days to-do list licked but a few tasks will be carried over on tommorrows agenda. I just got done sketching out my daily schedule for the rest of June-----yikes. Its going to be busy, really, really busy.......
I've some to realize it is a good thing I have the phone and the technology I do. Without it, the blog posts would be few and far between!
The one thing this month has NOT been is a "walk in the park"--- I'm glad its summer. It is busy though somehow, it all seems to get done and fall in line. I'm still fantasizing about spending the entire day in my hammock, reading a great book, but if given the opportunity, I'd take a walk in the park too!
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I can't believe how quickly the day has zoomed by. We made it home from NP by 2. Loaded the mower, took it to the repair shop in Maywood (again) and then came home to let the goats out. I'm getting ready for golf now. I just have to load my clubs. Its been a long day; I can't wait!
I'm glad I didn't do much yesterday morning. I'm making up for it now!
We just have to have tomatoes!
Progress is halted on the project though. Work/career takes priority; that's just part of having an off-ranch income. We work around work schedules!
We took this afternoon at a much slower pace. Blue Sparkle crashed for two hours. I may or may not have dozed off while holding her. I pride myself for having an amazing talent of appearing to be watching a moive, through my eye-lids, and answer (sort of!) questions directed at me. Please don't ask what they were, I do not remember!
I've decided we need days like this more often. I barely did dishes, folded only one load of laundry and I never touched a broom all day......true story. My accomplishment was getting dressed, this was a pajama day if there ever was one.
I have no idea what this week will bring. To say I'm "gun shy" is an understatement. Chad picked up replacement tomatoes so that is one project on the list. I wanted to steam clean my carpets but the machine is broken down. I am a floor person. Seeing stains on the floor is like fingernails on a chalkboard to me.
For right now, I'm not going to worry about it. The kids are waiting on me for a movie. I think I can make it through but the pj's are on......just in case.
Pake was pretty reluctant to "get attached" but the other too fell right back in love; kids bounce back. I can't say I'm excited to start from the bottom, three-day-old level again but looks like I will. It night be easier with only four instead of 30. Like Pake, I feel a bit reluctant. I'm still very sad yet I know that its time to go forward. Its hard not to with Park and Blue Sparkle around.
They are pestering me to get the tank set up. So out to the barn I go. It is darn sure not going to be quiet, these birds are "squawk boxes". I'm very glad they are NOT in the house!
I want to thank everyone for the kind, supportive and sincere comments left on this blog and my facebook page as well as the phone calls, texts, emails and hugs, which I really needed! Your support has help me process what initially felt like total devastation. I feel blessed beyond belief to have such wonderful friends. THANK YOU!
Times like this seem to make me doubt myself and second guess my path and purpose. I am not going anywhere but I am taking the rest of this week to really take a long, hard look at what I am creating. Some things are out of my hands, which is difficult to acknowledge for a girl who wears a purple shirt with an S on the chest! ( Some of you have seen my "Super Girl" shirt, so you know what I'm talking about!)
I've done some inner work, alignment and journey sessions to help process the shock. I feel better today. It is my personal belief that building and destruction are both necessary elements in the art of creation. New awarenesses arise when old beliefs, thoughts and paradigms are broken down and released. Sometimes it takes a sudden, shocking shift for this to occur. Since I'm right in the vortex of this storm, its hard to see out but I trust that a higher path is emerging.
I could ponder the "why's, the what if's" and continue to analyze the event from every angle and that will not bring my birds back. Self-guilt only works for so long because the vow I've made with my truth has already broken though that ego-illusion. So here I sit working with what is. I'll pick myself up, dust off and move forward. I'm not in the mood to dance or even skip, the most I can do it put one foot in front of the other and try NOT TO THINK! I feel deeply, no matter if it is over the loss of my chickens, goats eating my plants, kids fighting or a dirty look! I am an emotional being and I choose to see this as a blessing rather than a curse.
Good things are already coming through, the dark clouds are breaking up. Today's primary lunch ingredient came from my garden---spinach. I didn't expect it to grow, so this was a tasty surprise! I had spinach post for later with a couple of delicious recipes to share.
I also found my berry bushes have a few fruits on them, which I didn't expext to have for another year. The garden is coming along nicely.
And the best news yet......I got a surprise phone call from my folks asking if we were going to be home. It rained like crazy up north, so they are headed our way this afternoon! Ahhhh, things ARE looking up! I have three excited children that are now bouncing off the walls in abundant anticipation of the arrival of our guests.
This has been a rough patch. I can see my garden thrives when s@#* is thrown on it, so perhaps I can follow suit. I've had plenty of fertilizer this week. Now, its time to cultivate the ground and see what is ready to be planted next? Time to "grow on". Thank you, with all my heart, for helping me find the rainbow, it appears that it is right here in my yard.
Every day for the last two months I've walked into the barn to the chorus of peeps and quacks. I've carried water, cleaned the pen, fed and cared for the 28 birds at least twice a day every day, and I enjoyed every minute.
I am heartbroken and devastated to report that our dog somehow jumped into the center of the tank and broke through the protective screen. It was a massacre. I wish I wouldn't have got out to look because the tragic image is now burned in my mind.
I know this is part of nature. I knew that it was dangerous to have birds so close to the dogs and cats. I trusted the screen would hold them in and keep other critters out. I even expected I'd loose a few but never did I imagine that I'd have to say goodbye to all but two. Apparently one duck made it and one chick, the kids call "Camo", are still with us.
While I have ill feelings toward Bo right now, I can't hate her; she's saved us from rattlesnake bites on two occasions that we know of and perhaps more that we don't. She watches the kids and does her job of keeping the place secure from coyotes and other unwanted critters. Its hard to love an animal so much only to have her also be the one that promptly ended a long-time goal that was so, so close to being realized.
They were cool birds. I was looking forward to watching them grow and collecting fun, colored eggs. Their new home will be done this weekend. All that work, effort, time and money is down the drain and there's not one thing I have to show for it except a severely bruised heart.
I don't regret bringing them home. They were a joy to watch, listen to and care for. I've always told my children its the experience, not the outcome that is important. This one is tough to take.
I haven't had the heart to go visit the survivors. I can barely walk by the tank, and whenever I think about it, tears well up in my eyes.
I know I need to "get back in the saddle" and find more chicks. I know this but I feel beaten down and utterly defeated.
This has been a rough week. I backed into a panel trailer and dinged the bumper, the goats got six of my bed tomato plants and I sliced my ankle with rusty barb wire. Its easy to focus on all that's gone wrong lately. Its one of those weeks I have to wonder what I am doing and why. Gut check time. I honestly didn't want to write this post but if it somehow helps someone who's gone through or is going through a rough patch, well, then its worth it. Life ain't all roses......sometimes it really crappy.
In all the pain, sadness and defeated feelings I know that I will heal. I haven't shared with many people, I tend to clam up, shut down and isolate. Its an old pattern than I am releasing. Writing this blog helps a lot. Those I have told, have been sincerely supportive and reinforces my belief in the power of love and the human heart. Their kinds words, hugs and encouragement gives me hope when I'm really tempted to throw in the towel and walk away.
This wound is deep and it stings. The quiet barn is so quiet. I expect to heal; right now I'm just giving myself permission to feel all that's here, free of judgment. I invite your thoughts and prayers to be with my family. I've written from my perspective but really we were all invested in this project.
It may seem silly to cry over chickens, but anyone who's cared for an animal(s) knows what it means to carry the responsibility of their life and well being on your shoulders. When things go right, there's no greater feeling and when things don't, you feel the depths of a sadness that you may not want. No one does.
Today is one of my best friend's birthday and we are celebr8ting by playing a little golf. My body was sort of craving a nap but it is nearly impossible to say no to a plush green fairway. Its gorgeous, a little breeze a lot of sun, my kind of day. I can sleep this winter.
How did you relax and unwind today? Whatever you did, or didn't do, I hope you enjoyed yourself immensely!
Last evening was lovely and the goats appeared to be enjoying a bit of freedom from the confines of their pen. I asked my "butterfly chasing son" to watch them for me while I went to the house. He apparently became distracted or found a BIG butterfly, forgot or didn't hear me.......whatever! The point is my two beautiful pink Geranium flowers became desert for Egypt and Aries. Count this as the second and third victims, as we lost a pepper plant the first day they were here. Parker is about to get fired! (hummmmm, maybe that is what he wants?)
I can't be too upset, I knew this was a possibility but it didn't make me any less pleased. I was downright, stinking mad.
I hope they grow back, they were so pretty. Pryce picked out her very own, "pretty pink flowes" and was so excited to water them every day. Add this to the loss of our two new barn kitties, and we had a real flood of tears and emotions.
I'll be writing about the tomatoes later. The family is hungry and Sunday just caught up with my body.
We are sitting under a tent, "camping out" this afternoon. I am kicking myself for not buying one of these shades on sale last fall. I have a feeling we'll be using one often.
So far, Pake got 5th in goat tying with a 17 flat, Parker rode a steer for 2.7 seconds and Pryce goat-tail un-tied. Right now she is much more interested in digging holes for her ponies and playing with her bff (and cousin) Cayson.
I have to say this is the longest I've sat on my can, and I am having a heck of a time staying awake! I know if I were at home I'd be working in the garden (fun) or downstairs, reorganizing the basement (not so fun)!
I do think I've burned myself out following the rodeo trail. I've followed Chad around since 1994. I have a hard time getting excited to pack coolers, lawn chairs and whatever else we drag along. I'm fickle though; if the event has to do with golf, goats, gardens or greenhouses I'd be all over it!
It is fun to watch my kids and hang out with the rest of the Johnston Crew. My adorable nephew keeps telling me he loves me and I keep melting. He's my little buddy and is determined to prevent "Aunt Robyn" from getting bored! He's sad he forgot his book because he knows I'd read it to him (we sit and read and read and read when he comes for visits!
I see the barrel racing has started so I should act like I'm paying attention. I might need a nudge here in a bit, my eyelids are heavvvvvy!
Coffee anyone? I need a pint!
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I am finding the "morning graze" is deeply relaxing. Its a great time (and sometimes the only time) I get to sit and just be. Everything seems right with the world, even if choas is building from the house, with waking, whiny children a few yards away!
I wouldn't spend the money to go to a fancy resort to "relax". If I could spend the entire day, doing little other than watching goats graze, I'd be quite content. Its a pretty easy "job"!
Its starting to warm up though and I've promised these tomatoes a new, summer home. I have chicken chores and plants to water and countless other to-do to get to today.
I think I'll linger a bit longer then hit the ground. What's your favorite way to greet the day, relax and unwind? Please share!
