Wordless Wednesday - Knee Deep in Beauty

 

Until tomorrow, God willing.

Buck's New Boots

Yep...they make 'em for horses.

This spring, (BC...before crutches),

Buck was ordered a fancy new pair, in lieu of metal horseshoes.

Buck came to us with compromised hooves, many years ago.

The hoof will reveal a lifetime of nutrition, or lack thereof.

We felt, in Buck's case, a boot of this nature would serve him well.

Less invasive, and worn only when ridden.

We weren't sure what to expect...but you know what?


He liked them...

These boots were made for walkin'...

Until tomorrow, God willing.

Wordless Wednesday - From my Wee House

Back in the Saddle

Having been without Internet for days, I'm back.

And with so many stories to share.

Simple stories, from our "40"...

But today, I'm joining my good friend, my parallel friend, for a little road trip.

Just a day trip, but oh so special.

And Russ is now walking, so I can leave knowing he will be fine for the duration.

Thank you for all your comments, cares and concerns. 

I'll respond, and update you upon my return.

God willing.



Hidden Treasures

"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field..."

Matthew 13:44

Until tomorrow, God willing.

Wordless Wednesday - Mid June

Two Weeks Today

These last few weeks, I have felt like the elusive coyote.

Trotting around the perimeter of the action, but not making a move.

Frozen.

Unable to tend to my writings.

Truth is, I've never been busier in my life. 

Sweat, aches, bruises, exhaustion.

For I'm now "running the show" at our farm and kennel.

Russ is out of commission,

due to his riding accident two weeks ago, and barely able to use crutches.

Our world is different now. 

For Russ, it is accepting the pain, constant bed rest and time needed to mend.

For me, it is becoming a farmer, and all it encompasses. 

Plain and simple.

Instead of being behind the camera, I'm there, in the trenches.

And, let me tell you...there's a beauty so raw, so real,

it's almost too difficult to write about.

But I'll try.

Stay tuned.  As we begin our 3rd week with Russ healing.

And me helping.

As any help meet would do.

And the LORD God said,

"It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him."

Genesis 2:18

Please feel free to add us to your prayer list for Russ' healing,

as we listen to God's word, and do his work.

Hour by hour, day by day.

Until tomorrow, Lord willing.

Lilacs, Lead Dogs and Lovin' the Lord

Introducing Skunk...

...our new lead dog who turns 1 this month.

Right now, she is busy turning our kennel upside down, as she is in standing heat.

She also managed to single-pawedly bring two 12 + year olds  (Windows and Asta)

and a 10 + year old (Star) into heat. 

Not to worry, they are safe in the "heat pen" portion of our Alaskan-style dog yard.

Around the stroke of midnight last evening,

the coyote who we tagged "Too Tall"

came by to serenade the girls on a clear, cold, star-filled night. 

It sounded beautiful...and only Skunk responded.

(Yes, mushers have this uncanny ability to know each sled dog by their bark...)

My dear husband, Russ, is still sidelined on crutches and has his leg elevated

since his Sunday riding accident where he and his big horse, Raz,

went down in a tumble and Raz rolled on his leg.

Thank you for all your prayers. 

They are truly felt. 

Healing is taking place, slowly.

I just got done with my morning chores, 2 hours worth,

which ended with the sled dogs, as always.

As I clasped the kennel gate, signaling my departure, it began.

Awatchy, in the far right corner of our dog yard began his slow,

head to the sky "thank you" howl.

I turned my back to walk away,

but not before the 23 sets of eyes saw my face break into a slow grin.

For they know...I love what I do.

Having Russ laid up has thrust me into the world of early morning chores,

and early evening chores.

Not just "helping", but doing it all.

Moving pig fencing,

burying the elderly chicken that passed on while sitting in her favorite spot, 

reporting to Russ all the nuances of each animal...

how the 5 week-old piglets are now becoming weaned and letting me pet them without moving...

taking the goats for walks... 

In the ten years we have been together Russ has not even had a cold,

so he has never missed seeing the animals. 

Nor have they missed seeing him. 

While it is difficult for him to sit by and watch me struggle, it has been a blessing to me.

I get a peek at the core of this farm.

To have the animals react to me, the way they always have to him. 

Up until now, especially with the horses, I've always been the "Boss' wife". 

I'm so fortunate to be able to fill some very big shoes.   

Right now, we are in survival mode. 

But we "count it all joy", as it could be much worse.  Or winter.

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up."

(Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, NKJV)

Thank you Josh from Maine for highlighting that scripture for me, as we move forward.

I love how the Lord factors in what happens when situations like ours come about.

Until tomorrow, God willing.

Wordless Wednesday - Well Wishers