Tuesday, August 31, 2010

New Life


As if life wasn't complicated enough...
now I'm caring for an orphaned just-born hairless rabbit kit.
TINY - as big as a finger.
It was between the cows and pigs, out in an open space - Russ found it tonight.
It's fed and comfortable, nestled in some saved and treasured husky fur, 
 provided by our dear Scooby (pictured above),
who passed this spring.
She finally got to be a Mama...

Half-Staff Honor


We honor you, Mancelona Michigan 
Marine Sergeant Jason D. Calo

Little Hatchling Hattie ~ Week Three

It's now been three weeks since little Hattie was hatched.


She still never leaves Mama's side...and vice versa.



Monday, August 30, 2010

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Country Rustic Living

Just a reminder, as we transition into Fall...


We have an interesting adventure for you, should the timing be right:

Click on ADVENTURE.

The Magnificent Seven ~ New Life on the Farm

While I was downstate visiting the Amish on Saturday,
big things were happening at home. 
Before I left, it appeared our gilt Reba was in the beginning stages of labor, right on time, for her first litter of piglets.

Since I don't carry a cell phone, the news of the new arrivals came upon my return in the evening.

Russ announced ~ we have 7~!


Mother and babies are doing very well.



Good Job REBA~! 

She's a good Mama...she's very careful where she lays her huge frame, so as not to crush the babies. 
She's also protective and caring. 



Animals amaze me with their dedication to their offspring. 
We humans could take note.
Papa, Johnny Paycheck agrees...






Friday, August 27, 2010

Introducing our Cabin Kittens

Due to their "mach five with their hair on fire" demeanors,
we have named them the following:

Lorelai




and Rory.





They sure bring energy to a restful place.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Cabin Kittens

Wednesday we adopted two kittens from the local Animal Control.

Two females.

One was older ~ a teenager kitten.

And one was teeny tiny.

We've had cats before...



Outside.



And in the barn, and all around.

But they loved the outdoors.

These two new little gals are going to stay in the cabin for a while. 

Not only to keep them safe, but to also let them know their real job lies within.

Based on last night's antics, they will quickly transform into beautiful mousers,
keeping the little critters (Mus musculus) from getting too comfortable as the cold winds start to blow and entice them into the warmth of our cabin interior. 

Pictures of the little darlings (kittens, not mice) will follow...




Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Winter Approaching

It won't be long...


Before winter covers my world.



And makes my walk to the outhouse, a journey.



Monday, August 23, 2010

Wee House Visitor

Rachael...checking in.


Saturday, August 21, 2010

The Noon Whistle

I love our small town.


And the slow life it brings...to Russ and I.


For us, time isn't set by the usual standards. 
(Read about our reluctance to change our clocks...click above.)


We just try and take each day in stride, like our farm friend's, Pat and Deb.


But one thing we can count on as a marker of time is...


The Noon Whistle.


No matter what we are doing, we stop...reflect...
and know the world is right where it should be...



Being close to nature and God's creatures.



Until tomorrow ~ God willing,



Friday, August 20, 2010

Fall is in the Air

It won't be long...


Before Mother Nature takes out her paint brush.



And colors our world with beauty.



Around every corner...



And under every foot.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

The Road of Life


What road are you on today?



As you head out in this world, just remember...

Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good. ~ Romans 12:21

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Week One - The Hatchling

Every Sunday, little Hattie the Hatchling gets another week older.

This past Sunday, she turned one week of age.


Day in and out ~ she stays close to her Mama.



And Mama protects her with a vengence.



As it should be.



It's a joy to see them together, Mama the teacher, Hattie the student, each day learning more and more.



Mr. Jitters, the father, agrees.






Monday, August 16, 2010

Monday Sunrise

The Lord sure knows how to grab my attention in the early morning hours.


I'm so blessed to live where I do.



How I do.



Let freedom ring.

Wash Day

I finally have a wash day.



Russ-Stick style.


Thanks to my friend, AC Ellen, who gifted me this gem, I can wash clothes on our 40.



It washes.



It wrings.




And now...this big guy's turn.



Have a wonderful Monday everyone.