Tuesday, June 29, 2010

The Making of a House Dog

In the world of sled dogs, sometimes you find that one special dog.



With a special name...


Broccoli

When he first came to us this spring, we knew immediately that he was special...
As if his soul had a hint of those dogs that had come before him.



Satchmo


Scooby



And Hootch...our sweet big lug of a bear.

 All three have been our house dogs and protectors over the last 10 years.

Hootch regrettably passed on a couple summers ago, from an osteosarcoma that was hard fought.

Satch, who was nearly 18, passed away this spring, with no regrets, having lived a life fit for a Queen, which included being hand fed by Lance Mackey - mushing legend.

Photo by Pat Brighton

Scooby, who was Russ' very first rescue, followed shortly thereafter, unable to continue due to a failing body.

That left Zip...to carry the task of house dog and working dog.

The pain of loss lingers on, however we must move forward.


Seeing Broccoli and sensing his heart and soul, we knew we must make him into a house dog.



So the task began...we removed him from the dog yard and began testing his prey drive, necessary due to the husky blood that was coursing through his veins.

Then began the training with chickens, cows, horses, pigs, sheep, goats,
and...free-ranging rabbits.

Will Broccoli (aka Bubba) pass the test?


Stay tuned for Part 2 of

Broccoli Becomes the GG...Guard Dog and Greeter.







Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Day Trip

In the next couple days, Russ and I will be making a trip south ~ on the blue highways.



It's time to pick up our processed pork and chevon that is waiting for us
at Ebel's General Store in Falmouth ~
one of my favorite places to visit.

But first, we'll stop at an Amish grocery store for some perusing.

I wish we were traveling by horse and buggy...



Until tomorrow ~ God willing,

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Our Founding Fathers

Today , on Father's Day, my mind wanders back a ways.


To my ancestors who arrived on the Mayflower. 



They were the Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie of their time.


Click above to read their story...and the Mayflower love triangle.


Tonight, as every day...I also think of my Dad. 

20+ years ago, in his prime, he left this earth with me by his side... in the same way he lived his life. 
With grace and dignity, fighting a losing 2-month battle with brain cancer. 

My summer days of youth were spent on this very Bay, Little Traverse Bay,
fishing and communing with my father, who was my best friend. 

The pain of loss lingers on, taking my breath away at times.  But I know we will be together again...
my earthly father, Chuck, and my Heavenly father, who will never leave me or never forsake me. 

Until tomorrow ~ God willing,

Woodswoman








Friday, June 18, 2010

TGIF


TGIF ~ Today God is first...

Have a wonderful start to the weekend everyone~!


Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Four Seasons

It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men's hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air that emanation from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit.

Robert Louis Stevenson


As the weather forecasters predict high temps...I take to the woods,

and dream of my favorite time of year.



Where colors soothe the soul.

Overhead...




and under foot.



Until tomorrow ~ God willing,

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Saturdays at RSA

No better way to spend a Saturday morning...

than at a local farm, our farm, doing what people enjoy doing~!


Pony rides ~ being led by other farm folks ~ Pat and Deb.





Farm kids...at home where there's horses.


Seeing Doggie Bling...from Pawsh Companions under the tent.



And other flea market items...in addition to seasonal produce and Amish quilts.



First up ~ dog carting/biking/scooter demos~!



Although we don't allow dogs at our place,


due to the ongoing safety of our free-ranging bunnies...



We featured a handful of elite dog drivers of northern Michigan, during our first Saturday market.



Joy Cowles and her Bellaire Berner's ~ O'Lee and HunyB.





And...


Francie Dorman, with one of her handful of dogs, India.



In addition to Mandy Palmer...who also happens to own Pawsh Companions.


and Mi-mi.




Farm folks.  Dog folks.  Saturday mornings = fun.



A huge thanks to everyone who came out for our first gathering.



Until tomorrow ~ and next time ~ God willing,




Monday, June 7, 2010

Farm and Flea Market Fun

Saturday was our first Farm (and flea) Market,
featuring the Dryland Dog Demo~!


Mandy and Meem...

and much, much more~!



Stay tuned...for the rest of the story and all the fun ~
more dryland demos with Francie and Joy,
pony rides and more~!




Friday, June 4, 2010

New Beginnings


As we unveil our new weekly Farm (and flea) Market...



We have many new, exciting changes.

So many, the dirt is literally flying!



First order of the day...a new, huge flag pole ~ to honor God and our Nation.



Stay tuned for the story...the making of a flag pole.

Until tomorrow ~ the first day of our new farm (and flea) market ~God willing,