Nice Thursday

This morning Hank washed the 2 vehicles as they were covered with dust. I cleaned the house and washed front windows. Nothing exciting but did get it done for now. They are getting rain in CA so hope it comes our way. For now it is about 95 and quite hot. Another cute photo of Sarah's sheep; can't believe how small they really are in relation to mine. Sheep on our ranch are starting to breed. They have been together for about a week but yesterday I witnessed a good breeding with one of the older ewes. Can't wait to see what we get in spring. This last year was a ram season; maybe more ewe lambs in 2011. At some point we need to replace our older ewes but I still like what they produce so they stay for awhile. Yesterday we received our taxes. Hard to believe they tripled from last year while the lake property went down.

Topper

Today we had a bump in the road. Marvin and his wife are coming next week. So, he got to spend the day with the girls. It was fun to see him in the barnyard again. He was respectful of the chickens but curious behind the fence. Wish our ducks had lived so we could see what he would do with them. Cindy's goats and our sheep are his favorites for now. Sandy sent me photos she took of him on the grooming table a few weeks ago. So cute and just waiting for his forever home (what's another week).

Topper Awaits New Home

Today we got a call from Marvin. He and his wife are coming Thursday. Also got a email from Virginia in Prescott Valley. Seems he is a popular guy lately. Whoever gets this little man is in for one great ride. He is such a fun puppy.

Home Again

Yesterday we got home from the lake. This time we left the dogs home alone; sure felt strange. We got lots of rain and the drive was washed out a bit. Hank fixed it today. I did laundry and chores. Back to normal after being gone 4 days. The lake was really high. That's the good news. The bad news was the state closed the park. Such a shame as it is really nice with the campground, cabins and tent camping. The weather was mild in the 70's during the day and coolish at night. We bought a fire grill and had a fire every night. Such fun and quiet nights with no bugs. Visited with neighbors up there. It is good to be on vacation for 4 days but oh so good to be home too. Thanks to Carrie, Jasper's owner, for taking care of the animals even with the rain they had on Wednesday.

Fun match

Today we took Topper to the fun match in Sierra Vista. It started off bad with Hank dropping the cake he made for Dawn's birthday. Then we arrived at the wrong park. Fortunately the people at K Mart knew it was at the Vet's park. We went there and got to sit with Sandy and Justin. It was so fun. She even clipped him a bit; went over him; and took some photos. Nice day with great friends and a BBQ also.

Friday

Dale and Nancy came by today. They bought a butcher lamb and some eggs. Hank worked on the tractor, washed the deck, and cars. Went to Bob's to finish up our taxes. We had to pay state but are getting a refund from the IRS. Dogs are glad the weather is cooler. Me too but the garden is just about eaten alive by the bugs.

Wednesday

Got up early and hooked up the horse trailer. Sent Alfie to get the rams and put them into the milk room. She had trouble lifting them off the fence. So, I went to help her and after a few minutes she walked along the fenceline. The sheep followed her with me in back. Guess all wanted a drink so they ended up going in the milkroom. From there we took out the 3 we wanted and loaded them in the horse trailer for the packing plant. It is a hot afternoon again; doesn't feel like fall at all!

Tuesday

Got a new bookcase Monday and Hank finished it tonight. Put my new books up and they all look great with the old ones. Taking rams to butcher Wednesday. Alfie will put the 3 in the horse trailer (we hope). Should be interesting.

Sunday

Today Tucker got a new name. He is named after a Star Trek character.

Star Trek Sisko, Benjamin

www.startrek.com

Star Trek Sisko, Benjamin

Funny thing is that Jerry's middle name was Benjamin. Sisko got scrambled eggs for breakfast. This dog is truly going to be spoiled; good for him.

Restful Sat.

Today Liz wrote about Tucker:

"Tucker was very good in the hotel room yesterday - a few barks - but stopped when we asked him to. He slept in the crate last night with only a few grumbles and whined when he needed to go outside. Very good boy.

He was great in the van ride home today; no problems. In fact I was impressed with how adaptable he's been. Right now he's on the sofa chewing on a chewie. Smile....good boy!

Thanks again and we'll keep you posted." It does my heart good to hear about this guy.

Yesterday Colleen delivered 8 puppies and we are anxiously awaiting photos of the little guys. So happy to know they are with ShanAnne.

Wonderful Friday

Yesterday we took Tucker to Tucson to meet his new prospective forever home. Liz and Paul brought their 2 beautiful Aussie boys. Tucker was a good boy and greeted them with a happy attitude. The boys were scary at first but he did warm to them. We left with a good feeling about his new home and the unlimited possibilities for him to excel. We did some errands afterwards and shopping. Arrived home with a good feeling. Good boy Tucker! Enjoy life on the beach with Liz & Paul.

Thursday

Today was a busy day watering and weeding. Hank finished the gate at the well to protect it from the neighbor's cows (when they get out). Sarah visited and we picked vegies. She took home some eggs too. Nice time with new neighbors. The dogs gave her a nice greeting too. Good dogs. The dogs are getting used to being outside and with the cooler weather it is really nice. Morning and nights are delightful but still need A/C during the day. No rain but guess we might have some later in the week. Colleen is due to have Sam's pups Saturday; can't wait to hear from ShanAnne. Tomorrow we take Tucker to meet his prospective parents with their 2 Aussie boys. Wish us luck for a good meeting and new home in San Diego; lucky dog.

Tuesday

After a call from Liz and Paul about Tucker Sunday, we are going to meet on Friday and see what develops. He should enjoy his new family and being in CA where it is a lot cooler and warmer in winter. Got up early and took a sunrise photo. Then Hank worked on setting the posts for the gate around the well. We got a few raindrops yesterday but want more today. Tucson gets all the rain it seems.

Labor Day

Today we washed all the dogs except the 2 pups and Sam. It was a very restful time and enjoyed being lazy for once.

Wally and Misty

We locked the dogs up in the pen near the chickens because Hank was going out the gate. Then I let the pups out to run around. Shortly after that Wally attacked Misty. She was limping and is being very quiet. We gave her a baby aspirin and she is resting in the house. We hope she is OK. It appears he got riled up when the 2 pups came near the pen and he was just protecting probably Chula. Don't know what provoked him. So sorry we put them all together.

Ride to Pinery Canyon

Yesterday we took off on a picnic. We took the road all the way through Pinery Canyon to Portal. It was very rough but well worth the trip. Rocky road with switchbacks and only passed one car. The streams were running and the sun was shining. We ended up for a burrito in Safford. Then shopped at Walmart for kitty food and came home. Hank traded Fred the rock rake for his tractor. Hank got his pressure washer. Hank also bought a new bench grinder for the barn as his gave out. Lovely day off; back to work on fencing tomorrow.
Watermelon: delicious!

Wednesday

Today is Wednesday and was beautiful. There was a coolness in the air. Hank worked on the fencing by the well and the bucket on the JD broke. A new one was ordered and should be here in a few days. Tammy called to say they were home from HI and all was well at their house. They leave in a few weeks for N.Y. to cool off from Phoenix' weather. We are staying put for awhile til the dogs get settled in outside. We have decided to ban them from the house except for meals in the morning and night. We got the all clear for Wally's registration from ASCA regarding his birthday. His new name will be Narita Farms Will to Win and we'll send in his papers tomorrow.