This 'n That (July Musings)

Now that the heat wave is behind us, Autumn feels in front of us.  

It won't be long before we begin to morph into the winter months, 

activity and snow whirling about.   

The dogs will be happy.

If you were to stop by our place on any given day, you'd find the saw mill roaring, 

with Russ at the helm. 

If not the mill, the chain saw.  

Wood is the word these days.

But not before an early morning training session with Raz, each morning,

donned in his harness.

As for me, I carry an extra layer of dog fur on my clothes, 

from brushing out the beautiful Siberians and Alaskans who grace our kennel.

I'm looking forward to fall training {and 40 degree temps}, 

which consists of hooking up a team of dogs to our ATV.

But until then, I will enjoy what the Lord brings us each day.

Our garden blessings, and friends stopping by.

Until next time, dear friends, Lord willing.

Sherry

On The Road Again

It's hard to believe I can go weeks without leaving our "40".

FYI...piggies arrive on 7/5.

But then summer arrives, and I'm on the go.

From farm lands.

To the glorious lakes of my youth.

Yesterday I headed down to 

Loafer's Glory.

Click above to see an awesome place!

My mother, her friend, and I had a delicious lunch in their Tea Room.  

After lunch, I headed back north to Amish country, 

while my Mother and her friend zoomed off in a red convertible, heading south.  

I shook my head with a smile...watching these "young girls" have fun.

More news...

Later this week, we will be experiencing the best of both worlds.

Our boy, Raz, will be additionally trained for driving in harness.

A wonderful Amish man will be coming to our place, to work Raz.

(And I get to drive him to and fro from his farm... in our truck!  

Oh, what a wonderful time it will be!)

Party's over, Raz...

Soon, you'll be just like the big boys!

Until next time, dear friends.  God willing.

Sherry

P.S.  I left my Nikon D80 camera out in the rain.  Yes, hard to believe...but I left it hanging by the outhouse door, and we had a storm shortly thereafter.  And yes, it's toast...  I'm going to try one more thing.  Put it in a bag with rice.  Keep your finger's crossed for me.  Thank you.

Split Passion (Horses and Sled Dogs)

This spring, things are different.

Russ and I are both on fire about training.

Him...horses.

His passion.

We toyed with getting down to one horse, which was a painful discussion.

Our reason was, Russ is the only one that rides.  

Why have two?

But now, the reason is clear.

Our Mustang, Nauish (Now-eesh), belongs here.

He's an awesome horse.  No bad habits.  

Trained (Parelli) by excellent local horse trainers,
sisters, Staci and Mandy, who have trained Mustangs their entire lives.

And, most of all, we love him dearly.

To celebrate our decision to pull ads and commit to a lifetime of Nauish, 

hubby Russ built two hitchin' posts and saddle stands.

They will come in handy as Russ plans for his 30-day trip by horseback this summer.

A trip with him riding Raz, and ponying Nauish. 

Or vice versa.

Joined by our good farm friends, 

who have always made our place a stop on their rides in previous summers.

What an adventure that will be...for them.

And for me...left behind.

For I have a new excitement too.

I'm training lead dogs daily.

I have never been so excited to see a group of youngsters step up into their new roles.

Especially Malakai, who is doing amazing in lead.

And Skunky Monkey...

As long as the temps hold, 

and remain cool enough, 

we're making it a part of our morning chores.

The oldsters, Windows (pictured below) and Star...(pictured above), in lead.

...teaching the youngsters.

As it should be.  

Until next time folks, God willing.  

And have a blessed Easter, for our Redeemer lives!!

Sherry

March... the Lamb cometh

 I think my brain is finally catching up with my surroundings.

 March started out like a lion...

 

...an angry lion.

But now...sultry, summer days have hit our "40".

85 degrees, over and over.

Days of Mustang training in the round pen now. 

I'm enjoying this brief break in the chores.

For soon, it will be a "party of one"...

as hubby Russ and Raz head out on a 3-week trail ride.

 

I'm excited for them.

And for the opportunity for me to "hold down the fort".

I hope you are enjoying seeing March come to a close,

and summer follow suit.

Until tomorrow, dear friends. God willing.

Sherry

Be Still and Know...

I haven't quite been able to put my finger on it.

The fact that I feel so...unproductive.

Perhaps it's because I follow so many amazing Blogs, where folks are doing so much.

Canning and such...

Baking goodies which we find on our "40"...

Or folks who travel across country on horses, and Bella the dog.
For the last 18 months.
Richard and Jeannette from Hearts Up Ranch.

And so much more...

But now, I think I know.  

This "abiding in Christ" business is hard work,
especially if you are trying to overcome a life of busy, never ceasing tasks.

And I see I'm not the only one doing it...abiding.

While reading my prayer partner Terri's Blog, from Our Crazy Farm,
my mind immediately pictured our horse, Raz.

Raz is 1/2 Mustang and 1/2 Thoroughbred.
Born on our friend's farm. 

Who came to us years ago,
untrained and young,
who has become a treasured team mate on our farm.
Both in the saddle and in harness.

He's big...

And he's a gentle soul, guided daily by another gentle soul.

He abides. 

He's totally "in the moment".

He listens to commands.

Gee.  Haw.  Back...back...back.  Over.  Ahead.  On bye.

 He is obedient and faithful.  Trusting in his master. 

Trusting his master will never ask more than what he is capable.

And teach him with baby steps.  Slow and easy.

Where some of us, me included, are on the run.
We think our way is the best way, the only way, and scurry about,
trying to make things right. 

On our own.

It's truly time to slow down.

Exhale.

And, as they say in the horse world, lick and chew, which means you are totally relaxed.

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God;
   I will be exalted among the nations,
   I will be exalted in the earth.” 

Psalm 46:10

Until tomorrow, abiding, God willing.

Fall Forward

As the summer officially comes to a close, our days are filled with tasks.

Today, it's wash-and-hang-on-the-line day, and hauling wood via horsepower day.

We hope your days are blissful, and full of peace, as you head into the work week 

or send your children off to school, if they are not schooled at home.

Until tomorrow, God willing.