The corner of happy and healthy

Blog warning:

Nothing in this post ties together. Hodgepodge should have been a more applicable title. Okay, let’s get random…..

It's taken me 58 years, but I've finally arrived at the corner of It's Okay to Want What You Want and You Are Worthy (clique yes, but still so very true). I've passed by this corner on occasion in life, time and time again but somehow I've landed here now. After all, I often pass through many corners in life such as my favorite of Go Man Go and Live Freely, and another personal favorite of Be Silent and Listen (same letters in different order) and It's Not All About Me. I live at this particular corner much of the time at work. I've found I learn so much about the people around me when I listen and not make things about me. It's actually one of my most favorite things to do at work, esp since I spend a fair amount of time in the Operating Room with the same crew of people all day. I've learned to resist the urge to interject in conversation in the OR and watch it all play out like a movie, instead. People are oh so interesting. 

But the newest corner where I love to stop and linger is at Knowing It's Okay To Want What I Want and You Are Worthy. This location is somehow life changing. I've been traveling a long road to get here, and now that I've arrived, I never want to leave. I'm not sure how we arrive at these places.....is it an age thing, a cancer diagnosis, a happiness factor, or just un-caging ourselves to do whatever we damn well please. Happy to be here.

My Newest Partner

Partner. When I hear or type this word, I think of my Pappy. Pappy was also known as Bernie Lain Hindman, my grandfather on my dad's side. He was married to my Nanny, whom I adored. Although I didn't always spend as much time with Pappy, he did try to spend time with us girls (I have 2 sisters). He'd put us on his bike and take us for bike rides, he'd play ping pong with us in the garage. He'd sit at the kitchen table every morning waiting for Nanny to serve him breakfast because that's what used to happen. But the most profound thing I learned from him was his love of his work. He worked for The City of Dallas Water Works. I was never sure exactly what he did, but he did things at the water pump stations and probably lots of other things. I remember he would sit at the kitchen table and be excited to go to work. He loved his job, so he said, and smiled and seemed to really mean it. I'd never met anyone quite like that before. I always vowed to find a job I loved like Pappy loved his job. I'd say I'm about as close as I'll get to that now, working in pediatric surgery as a OR nurse. I often think about Pappy because he would call us his Partner. He had a unique way of looking at life. I was young when I knew him, but he left a legacy of showing me that 1) someone could really love their job every day and that 2) being called Partner was a way of showing love. We were partners. As I knew he never really had a quarter when he'd say, "I'll give you a quarter to be my partner". Maybe his love language was words of affirmation. 

Little did I know that I would develop a new partner here on the farm.

I love her wild mane and her ability to adapt
despite a rough start in life.

Hope came to me a couple of years ago as a broken and scared mare. She paced the fence line for months after arriving to the farm, frightened and unsure of life. The Rescue organization who took her from a kill pen had placed her in a pasture with her young yearling (Faith) and thankfully was taken from terrible living conditions. She had been abused and had the marks to show for it. 

Today she is still healing. I guess aren't we all. Now it's been a couple of years here on the farm for her to find herself again, bond with others, and with Dora, our other mini horse. They are true companions to one another.  Dora has helped Hope learn to trust again, as Dora came from a horse facility who mostly bred her but at least took care of her. And as time has moved forward and Hope is learning she is worthy of goodness, our relationship has grown as well. As I've mentioned previously, Hope has had skin issues for so long, while Dora has an immaculate coat. So a couple of weeks ago, I contacted an equine veterinarian in Pilot Point who performs Hair Analysis Testing. After submitting a sample of Hope's mane for testing, I received the results that Hope has tested high in nutritional metals and toxic metals that could be causing some of her skin issues as well as other concerns. She tested high in Iron, Chromium, Selenium, Mercury, Aluminum, Lead and Nickel. The symptoms and effects of this situation would be  explained to be by Dr DePaolo.  

After having a consultation with Dr DePaolo via phone, I've now implemented the recommended chelation process to start eliminating these undesirable metals in her body.

 

Now to get her to actually take this.....

He explained many reasons why/how all this could have happened, and although I may never know, his focus is on bringing her body back to an optimal level of health and performance. I'll be giving Hope a special feed twice a day that will slowly begin this detoxification process to remove the undesirable toxic metals from her body over the next 6 months to year. And as you may know, with mini horses, how much you feed them and the quality of feed is imperative for their health. 

These two 🤟

Now Dora, on the other hand is doing spectacular with her skin and weight, and she's super friendly (almost dog-like). She loves visitors to the farm, and is always a constant example to Hope of what life can be like. Hope observes, while Dora shows her the way. But yet, I want more for Hope.

So recently, I contacted a Horse Trainer in the Sherman/Denison area by the name of Charlotte. I requested a training session for Hope and I so that she could teach me how to lunge Hope. 

You get the idea of lunging  -  with the handler
in the middle, the lunge rope, the whip in hand
to encourage movement.
I'm not sure who around here will be doing the 
acrobatics on top of Hope 🤔

Charlotte The Amazing Horse Trainer then made a house call to our farm, and spent an hour or so with Hope and myself. She taught/introduced lunging to Hope first, then taught me. This has been one of the biggest blessings in Hope and I's relationship. 

Granted, we are not perfect by far. I'm still learning to stay in the middle of the corral area I've made us, and Hope is still learning that she's to keep moving. I'm still learning how to click with my mouth/tongue to motivate her, while Hope is learning that noise means to keep going. I'm learning how to teach her Whoa and Come, yet she's learning that faster than I had ever expected. What Hope really wants is the love. She wants the touch of my hand on her face and the kiss I give her on her nose. She's been so scared for so much of her life, and now, here we BOTH are at the corner of It's Okay To Want What You Want and You Are Worthy. We've both arrived at the same place around the same time. This time together feeds both our little souls. 

I'm happy to report that Hope readily halters for me now. She no longer panics when I'm holding the lead rope and halter. Even the whip I'm required to hold (pointing down to the ground though) is no longer perceived as a weapon that would harm her, as was in her previous life. We've both come so far, with yet so far to go. 

In addition, I've recently begin taking Hope for walks up and down our gravel/grass drive. She loves the new activity as well as our time together. When I had first spoke aloud of this type of thing for Hope and I, I was met with uncertainty from others as Hope is a broken horse. But I'm in the broken-animal business around here, just ask Sugar. 

Vision for my life

Another revelation that I've come to realize is that the vision I have for my own life is not always 20/20. I don't consider this a new revelation per se, but one that I'm reminded of on occasion, just in case I forget that I'm not actually in charge of my own life. 

I can use my most recent cancer treatment as an example: After the appeals process with the insurance company, and the approval that eventually came with it, I was to be given my first injection/shot of BESREMi last Tuesday in the Infusion Room at Texas Oncology in McKinney. It's expensive no doubt, as many cancer treatments are. And on the VERY day I was to receive this first injection of the interferon meant for PV patients, I was informed while at work that my employer would be changing our health insurance as of October 1, 2022 - yes, this year and coming up soon. To make matters worse, I was informed that my health insurance also has the potential to change again when we enroll for 2023. 

My vision of having this cancer treatment every 2 weeks for the next year (upon which a reevaluation would be done at that time to possibly move to a once a month injection) all came crashing down. Would this new health insurance approve this? Would the appeal stand still? Would I need to go through this process again not once, but twice or three times and if so, would it be approved for me to continue therapy for my blood cancer? 

I have no control over my company's health insurance change decisions. I have no way to control any of it whatsoever. I cannot afford to cash pay this treatment, and my Day 1 of this new cancer treatment turned sideways at every turn. The future looks uncertain as at each enrollment and change of health insurance benefits, I'm faced with trying to figure out this maze. And no one, and I mean no one involved with any of these health insurance changes can give me an answer. The only answer I get is "we'll see" once the insurance change is completed, and I'm enrolled, and I get my new insurance card for Texas Oncology to then "run it" and see if there's an approval or not. Let's just say that some tears flowed that day.

The bright spot in that day was the actual visit to Texas Oncology. I first had to speak with the Insurance and Billing Lady in their office and pay my complete Out of Pocket Maximum for the year, as that was the only way I would be able to receive my treatment, I was told. It's costly. I sat at the desk in their billing area before I was allowed to proceed further with treatment. I informed them of my upcoming health insurance change(s) and it was then suggested I apply for financial aid through some of the programs they offer. Then, there I was filling out form after form explaining why I can't pay 7200.00 per injection and asking for assistance. I'd barely made it through the front door of Texas Oncology and would need to move through this process first. I had no choice. I had tears in my eyes knowing that this could be all-for-not if the new health insurance would not also help cover some. 

I stayed strong and was finally able to leave the financial portion of my visit and head to the Lab Room whereby my blood was drawn. My oncologist would need to know several values from my lab results before I could proceed with my treatment, as it would also determine how much medication I would receive. After my blood draw, the lab ladies sent me over to the Infusion Room to wait. 

There, in the Infusion Room, I unexpectedly could feel the excitement of the nurses once they realized "which patient" I was. I was the patient to have "the shot". The shot that they've never given anyone there yet, the shot that made them nervous to give, the shot that gave us all hope that maybe others, too, could benefit from this cancer treatment as well. I know they only have a handful of PV patients there, but those few who have PV need all the help we can get. And phlebotomies only do so much. Many of the nurses in the Infusion Room know me from the last 2 years of drawing pints and pints of blood from me, all in hopes that this would assist me in my fight against PV. It's a never ending process with polycythemia vera. But this BESREMi injection could be a game changer in regards to that. MD Anderson is actually showing them the way, and I'm here to bring this information to the local community oncologist who do not see enough of this cancer to know these things. 

Finally, my lab results arrive, and there's some questionable values that require that my oncologist be contacted and informed there at Texas Oncology. I was not expecting my lab values to be this out-of-whack, but that's PV for ya. It's a blood cancer with a progression all it's own making funny things happen in my blood. I wait some more. Here's where there's a bright side: The nurses there know I'm also a nurse and we all bond while we wait for Dr Athar's decision of shot or no shot. We talk nurse things. We talk about this new cancer treatment. We talk about cancer as I sit in the middle of a group of the sweetest nurses who are there for me, who are concerned, who are trying to help - and console - all at the same time. 

The decision comes back from Dr Athar's nurse to proceed with the injection. I ask no questions in regard to my oncologist's decision, as I trust that he's checked into this. For all I know, he might have even called my oncologist, Dr V at MDA for that matter to consult on this issue. Regardless, I knew I'd be checking in with Dr V at MD Anderson to do my own confirmation once it's all done and completed today. Dr V had asked me to provide an ongoing status of this process through the MDA patient portal, and I knew he would provide his opinion as well. 

I digress. The nurse who would be giving me my injection, Hannah, was visibly nervous. Nurses giving nurses injections just amps up the one giving the shot. I then consoled her and told her she'd do a wonderful job. I raised my shirt and she gave the injection in my lower abdomen area as instructed by the manufacturer of the medication. We talked side effects as all good nurses do, and instructions for all the what if's. It was if the whole Infusion Room was with me as I was given this injection. They were all standing around watching and waiting. This was a big day for Texas Oncology. A new treatment option. New hope for patients. A new vision for life. I took this day as it was the only day I've ever lived. I lived it fully. The good, the bad, and the sad of the day. I took it all in and felt all the feelings that went with it. The future is not ours to decide. But on this day, the first series of this new cancer treatment started, and that's what was important. 

The next few days (and week) revealed that I would tolerate the drug well. I did not have the flu-like symptoms some have. I would only have some redness at the injection site.....and await the next injection to come in 2 weeks. All is well at this moment. The 1st injection was a success despite any further health insurance issues that might be coming up. I lingered in my awareness that today was exactly where I was supposed to be, and I left Texas Oncology joyous and exhausted from this momentous day, not knowing the future of what's to come but somehow okay with that. 

Here Piggie Piggie

While the world is turning for us all, and you are doing what it is you want to do, as am I, guess who gave birth?!

Prissy 💗   + 8 littles

Prissy Pie gave birth to 8 healthy piglets!

We are so excited, and no, as much as I'd like to, I'm doubtful we will take one of the tiny piggies as offered to us even though David has picked out the one he wants. So I guess we'll see about it. 

Ahhh, that one looks like Maggie!

Those spots 💛

David has claimed this shiny, all-brown one

Amy and Cody have Prissy at their farm for the breeding and birth. Yes, they want her, and will likely keep her and we are okay with that. And as far as the little piggies are concerned, Amy and Cody will decide if they will keep or sell them. I'm thrilled they are all doing well, and Amy reports that Prissy is The Best Piggie Mama EVER. My heart swells with so much happiness at this most wonderful occasion. Congrats, Prissy! We can't wait to come see you!

Party On

The tri-birthday celebration of Lauren, Ryan and Sheryl went very well and we had so much fun! We ate, ate some more, had cake, fished in the pond, petted farm animals, held chickens and the kids all played. There is nothing quite like family getting together. We enjoyed having everyone over, and plan on doing this again in October for Brooks 2nd birthday and for Savannah's 9th birthday. Brook's birthday theme will be Cars and Savannah has picked out Chickens as her theme. David has already ordered a 3D chicken cake mold and we are planning on purchasing some chicks/chickens for Savannah to keep on the farm. Anyone who picks Chickens as their birthday theme will be gifted real live chickens as their gift because that's the best reason I know of to go buy more chickens. And the best part is Savannah will be naming them. So we will likely have some new occupants such as Pancake, Fluff Ball, Cuddles and Snuggle Bug which utterly and completely delights me .

Sister Sheryl looking Fab at 60

Cutest 40 and 30 year old couple I know 

Actually, he's the cutest

Wait, who else is partying

The most common question I get is How's David liking retirement? From my vantage point, it seems to suit him well. The list of things he desires to do (that resides in his own head) seems long. He's never short of things he wants or needs to do on any given day. He's not even close to the retirement phase of "doing one thing a day" as the norm. He's going and blowing most all day every day, but then again, living on a farm provides plenty of opportunity for projects and chores. From what I've seen thus far, is he does things, rest/watches tv/eats, does more things, cools off inside a bit, then back at it again. I will say the garage is somewhat cleaned out - which is new in our life. I've noticed him fishing late in the evenings because he can because that's his business. And his night owl side of him is in full flight. Sometimes I'm getting up merely hours after he's gone to bed. 

Although I can project my opinion on how he's doing in retirement, it will likely best come from him. So far so good is what I see. What I also see is the new routines he and I are beginning to establish. 

I've had a huge mind shift regarding how I go about thinking nowadays as I was so used to our work routines, our work lives and how it impacted us. For example, he can go to the store anytime he wants now. He just gets in the car and goes. He can sleep til whenever he'd like - most days. He's typically available (and here) for appts at the house like when repairmen are coming. His upcoming UT football season trips no longer require him to leave later on Friday and return by Sunday night. From what I see is that retirement frees you up to live life differently. And that's a good thing. It takes time to figure it out, but it seems retirement looks good on David. I mean, you live your whole life working for this very moment. You've worked to live for so long, and now David is able to live to live. It's a gift that you give yourself.

Uncertainty in the air

It was only a couple of weeks ago that signs went up all along Little Elm Creek Rd. The road that our own little gravel road to our home turns off of. Technically we live at 391 Little Elm Creek Rd.

Hum, that's odd. So I did dial that phone number on the sign and spoke with Ben at the City of Gunter, and ending up talking to him 3 times in a 24 hour period. He was more-than pleasant each and every time I asked him my 202 questions. He would inform me that on Sept 1, the City Council would be voting after the Public Hearing on this 1)  re-zoning of 900 acres and 2) proposal of a new sub-division. Huh? For real? Yes. 

This was one of the drawings regarding this Proposal

I think everyone can safely say It Was Only A Matter Of Time. Gunter is growing, and although I love that Gunter is growing, I prefer it not grow across the street from us: A huge sub-division that could almost double the population of Gunter. 

The second thing I did after speaking to Ben at the City of Gunter and finding out about the Public Hearing/Meeting (regarding this decision) scheduled for Sept 1st, was to contact our realtor. We have an amazing realtor and she would provide us comps to help us determine if selling the house would be in the cards. 

But wait, it's cancelled? 

After we gathered data regarding the Taylor Proposal for the 900 (approx) acres to be sold and then gathering comp information from our realtor, we found out the meeting for the Public Hearing has been cancelled. Yes, the Proposal is on hold. Wow, that was a close one. Even though we don't know exactly why the pause button has been pressed on this deal, rumors were flying around Gunter about why. All that mattered to me was that for now the subdivision is not going to be 'voted on' nor will the sale of the land occur at this time. There's relief inside me and then there's 'the knowing' of what's to come. A glimpse of the future has been shown although I have no crystal ball to confirm. 

This all leads me to think about our future in Gunter. We've had 6 years of peace, quiet, and cows for neighbors. Secretly, we were thinking (hoping) that the people of the world would not all come to Gunter until we passed away. So now, we are taking time to reevaluate life and things as the world continues to turn. 

For now.....

As both David and I know it's okay to want what we want, we go about doing just that. We live well despite the challenges that surround us all. Retirement, cancer, birthdays, and the uncertainty of what life holds are all gifts. Every day that we get up and brush our teeth is a gift from above. We are all worthy of this day and what it brings. Mostly, I'm happy to see that sunrise and always desire to be out on the country roads watching the magic happen. 

Whether it's sunrise or sunset
I enjoy being out there to witness the beauty 

Until next time,

Cyndi

Just chicken things off my list

Approval of BESREMi

It was late one night recently that I woke up from my slumber and realized my soul was in a bit of chaos. I didn't know it before I went to bed, but waking up in the darkness will bring to you what's on your heart and mind. I laid in bed looking into the darkness wondering what would come of my cancer treatment option(s) and how that was going to all pan out. I begin to pray asking God to allow myself to accept what is to be. You see, I've spent much of my life pushing Cyndi's Will into the world with the results being less than desirable. I've learned that my Will is not always a good idea and the more I push what "I" think is best the more everything goes sideways.

I had been letting my oncology world work itself out with trying to control and/or tell people what I think they should be doing or how they should be doing it. My self awareness shows me that when I desire to do that, it's my way of trying to control a situation that I have no control over. Seemingly it (used) to make me feel better, but now when I try to control a situation out of my control, I realize it's nonsense. It's taken me a long time to get to this point. I often fight against this process because I've seen evidence of how the oncology world is very disconnected from what the patient(s) needs are. And for me to think I know exactly what my needs are doesn't seem 100% true either. And on top of that, I know that pushing my agenda can and has produced negative results. So finding a balance in this world of cancer can be tricky. Be your own patient advocate. Trust the doctors. Do your research. Collaborate with the doctors. Be open to information. And fight insurance companies in this process. 

So as I've prayed, and waited and trusted that 'all will be well' - the answer came to me without forcing my agenda (shock and awe for me). Texas Oncology sent me a message in my patient portal that said they had filed the appeal to my insurance company regarding the recommended treatment, and had received a message back: The appeal has been Approved. BCBS approved BESREMi for me through the appeal process submitted by Texas Oncology. 

I was cautiously (very) excited as Dr V at MDA had informed me of the risks involved with BESREMi, and that trying/trialing it does not mean I have to stay on it should it not "work" for me. So the second layer to this good news is knowing it's the best trial/option to see if my body will respond to this treatment. This is about the time I'm glad I did not force this process and instead, let the proper people handle this situation. I need to trust that my oncologist knows what's best and just because "I just want something to help me" is not always a good answer. And when I feel desperate about my cancer, pushing my agenda in a world that others know better, is not always a good idea. I'm feeling like this treatment is coming to me without me controlling every piece of the puzzle and letting it organically happen as it should. That is not an easy process to allow, but I've learned over time it's the best process to allow to happen for me. I have to remind myself regularly 'just let things go through the regular and normal chain of events and it will all sort itself out'. A nudge is okay here and there, but pushing that big, heavy ball up the hill by myself is just not necessary. I was rewarded with a new and seemingly wonderful cancer treatment option now. I'm so very grateful. And thankful for all of you who are cheering for me to get the treatment that's best indicated. We did it! This will be an example I will file away in my mind that reminds me to not push my own agenda, to try and not control every step, and let life (and what I need) find me instead. Our patience was our friend. 

Piggie Pie Prissy

It's almost time, y'all. Prissy is due any day now. Amy and Cody had taken Prissy to their farm and bred her with one of their pigs and just like that, little piglets are due any day. 

Look at those babies in her belly

Since then, Amy has told me they have sold all their pigs, and Prissy is the remaining pig on their farm. From one farm person to another, I get that. She had a few pigs getting too food aggressive - and pigs have sharp teeth - and they have 3 children. So now Prissy is the spoiled one who will be blessing them with more pigs very soon.

All grown up 💞

Birth announcement to follow soon, I'm hoping.

Shepherdess

This reminds me of a question Brooke had asked in the comments section. Where are Grace and Brooklyn? Because in the photos were Belle, Lulu and Willow only.

What I didn't realize was I had not given this update a few months back. I had met a man on Craigslist because apparently I meet many people there, and he was looking to buy Dorper ewes (female) sheep to breed with his Dorper ram. While not wanting to give up my sheep, I did sell him my 2 best breeding sheep. Grace throws twins each lambing season, her daughter, Brooklyn is prime and ready for lambing and will likely provide twins as well because it tends to run in the family. 

My new Craigslist friend, Jose came to our farm from about an hour away. What I did not know was that we would listen to Jose's story out front of our house/garage, as he told of us a ATV accident his adult son had been in, and that his son has been in the hospital for several weeks now and he's beside himself with fear and concern over the condition of his son. Jose's pastor, Juan had come to the farm with him that day, as we lived aways away from them and Juan was helping soothe and console Jose. While we all stood outside talking about life, learning about his struggles, we learned about his little farm and sheep flock he was trying to grow. This seemed an appropriate pasture setting/home for Grace and Brooklyn, which would give them the ability to breed and lamb - together with one another - as they are very close. Grace was our flock leader. She's loud and proud. Her daughter Brooklyn was falling in line with the loud Baaa's and leadership qualities. Jose was also paying full price for our quality Dorper's, and it was nice that he had an appreciation and understanding of sheep quality. We had had others interested in our ewes, but everyone wants to underpay. We've never been big on money in regards to the selling of our farm animals, but we appreciated that Jose knew he was getting some good sheep to produce him some wonderful lambs. And it would take that for us to let Grace and Brooklyn go to a place who would appreciate them as well. 

After we finished our conversation together, and Jose and Juan got in the truck with our 2 sheep loaded up, they drove away down the gravel road all while I cried. I mourned his loss, I mourned our loss and my heart ached with all the deep feelings that comes with life. 

It took about 2 seconds for Grace to let everyone she's Lead Ewe,
Flock Leader, Loudest of Them All 🐑
With Brooklyn right behind her.......

I would later receive this (and other) photos of Grace and Brooklyn with Jose' small and growing flock of Dorper sheep. Turns out, Grace took the lead in his flock, surprise surprise. My heart eventually settled that we've decided not to breed our sheep (for the mean time) as Belle is too old, Lulu could breed, but Willow has always been of small stature and we probably would not breed her. So as Grace and Brooklyn go out in the world to have babies and lead another flock, we are left with silence. What we realized is that Grace and Brooklyn were very vocal. Very. Their Baa's were loud and hard. On the other hand, Belle, Lulu and Willow are docile, quiet and unusually kind for sheep whose Baa's are soft and few. And they are grandmother, mother and daughter who are all adults of which none bully the others. I'm not even sure who leads them. I think they all just stick together and have none of them telling the others what to do. It's a dynamic I've not seen in our flock before. Just 3 sheep who are deeply attached to one another and enjoy their lives together. 

And lastly though, I forgot to mention this......before they left, we gifted Jose's pastor, Juan with our rooster, John. We gave John to Juan. How fitting. Juan hopped into the front seat of the truck with John in his arms. We knew we would need to rehome this rooster, and found just the place. And off they went. 2 Sheep and a Rooster. Sounds like a children's book. I never got a picture of John.

Pond King

One of our favorite businesses that assists us with everything pond, is Pond King in Gainesville. They have assisted in stocking our pond with blue gill and catfish. They have the most humane turtle traps for rehoming turtles. They are there to answer any questions about your pond, for example if you have something unusual growing in it (weeds, brush, etc) that you can't get rid of, as those types of nonproductive growth sucks the water from your pond. And with this heat and high temperatures it's a good time to try and conserve your water in your pond as much as possible. 

Fast forward to our neighbors (and good friends!) Ed and Gina who do not live on the property next door, but their cows do. They put together an elaborate concoction of hoses (from a fire house who sold it) bought a pump, and began pumping the water from the creek (that runs behind both of our properties) onto their land in hopes of getting their grass to 'green up' and grow so the cows could have some natural food for which to eat in their hot summer. 

One day, Ed mentioned to David something about pumping that said creek water up into our pond. Our pond is lowering and losing water daily through evaporation. We do tend to worry about the many fish in our pond, but there's only so much we can do about this type of thing. Many peoples ponds are drying up and/or getting low. Mind you, that's hundreds of feet of hose, but not to worry, Ed has it. 

So much water and so many little fishies
coming into our pond from the creek.

The ducks belly's were full for days of these
new little fish visitors pouring into their pond.

Turns out, while I was at work one day, the two of them made all this magic happen. All of a sudden, our pond was receiving cool water with small fishes and lots of it. 

The 3 ducks danced and fluttered around every time 
the creek water started up.

The ducks were in fish heaven, as tiny fish poured into our pond with the water. The ducks would eat all they could, while enjoying the refreshing water source. 

It's funny how one might think that a neighbor pumping creek water out and onto their property might need a permit or something like that to do such a thing. And then as soon as you're asked if you'd like that same water pumped into your pond, you're like Hell Yeah. What permit. 

Eggtastic

So you ask how the egg sales are going. I get this alot. Are you making money? Are you still selling eggs? 

Every now and then, someone enjoys placing
the Sold Out sign off kilter.
Only fitting, as the fridge is off kilter too.

This egg collection is a manual process. We clean and stamp the eggs, place in egg cartons and take the eggs up to the Egg Fridge at the front of the property, which can all be time intensive. All for $2.50 a dozen. Still $2.50/dozen no matter the price at the store. I live off a small road that is not considered 'well-traveled'. Yet, the egg customers have grown over the years and I have many dedicated folks who buy my eggs. There's even a laminated note I placed in the fridge (next to my change box that keeps quarters handy for people to make change) that ask the customers that if they take the last dozen, to please place the Sold Out sign on the outside of the fridge. And they do. 

Sometimes I will recognize people who stop to buy the eggs. Other times I don't. Sometimes people will write notes to me expressing their enjoyment of the eggs or would like to order a certain amount of them. Often times I will place eggs in the Egg Fridge for customers with their name on them for pickup. And then I have customers whom I’ve never met that write me the sweetest notes just because…..

The Martinek Ranch is located a few miles
away from us, and houses the workers in
trailers. Many families and folks who 
are employed - and live there - buy our eggs.

It’s an amazing feeling and certainly a blessing to share our fresh eggs with the community. The money I do receive generally goes back into feed and treats for the chickens. After all, it’s important to keep them happy and healthy. 

Luckily, I married a man who (in my own mind) says ‘I don’t know where this chicken came but she’s awesome and needs lots of friends”. 

It’s okay to want what you want 

1st True Love

Can we rest a minute

And off they go, getting stuck behind things,
knocking things over, as chaos
ensues when these two play.

Ballerina. There’s been 2 so far. 

The first Ballerina, Goldie, was Buddy’s first true love. He was completely unable to control himself with her, and would play with her until he threw up. 

Then, it happened. Goldie lost most all her air. She sprung a leak and Buddy was so very very sad. 

Ooops, sorry, that's Brooks being sad. 
Wrong one.

Just look at that sad face. He's so sad,
he had to go sit in the chicken water.

Since Buddy’s facial expressions are often hard to read and seemingly always the same, but we could sense the sadness in the loss of his best friend. 

Not long after we lost Goldie, his first ballerina, David surprised Buddy with a new ballerina friend, Pinkie. 

Love at second sight

Buddy was overjoyed and fell hard for Pinkie.

Luckily, we have been able to define parameters around when they get to play and when Pinkie is placed away to rest for a bit.

Originally, the gold ball was to be for Brooks. But the ball never made it to Brooks as Buddy took possession of it immediately. I’m sure Brooks would understand, as Brooks and Buddy‘s relationship is quite special in itself. You see, there is Nana, Pops, and Buddy. We come as a trio in Brooks life. Buddy adores Brooks and Brooks adores Buddy. It’s heartwarming to watch. But since we can’t have Brooks over nearly as much as we would like, Buddy settles for his current ballerina, Pinkie until his true bestie comes to visit. 

Brooks will FaceTime us often……to speak to Buddy.

Subtle, very subtle 

As I move through life, listening to other's stories, it seems I’m learning that there’s no glory except straight through your own story. I often feel my story is your story with the difference being the details of the story. It’s like we are all doing hard things together. I often listen to my coworkers, friends or relatives and feel their story and suffering. No one is exempt. My story continues as I received my MRI and CTA results back telling me that I’ve had only subtle changes in my brain, and I took that as a win for us all. All bits of good news matters and these results gave me another year pass to the neurologist. I asked for a 2 year pass, but seems I was a little greedy. 1 year it will be. Thank you, next.

I’ll leave you with this…..

"Dye Purr"

It’s okay to wear the diaper on your head. It’s okay. 

You do you,

Cyndi