Home Sweet Home

 

Bee Real Now

So my bees are happy in their hive-home. So happy that my Beekeeper, Katie added a 'super' (as it's called in the bee world) on top of their hive which is like adding a second story to your house. It gives the girls more room to do things like drawing out more honey comb, adding more eggs and larvae and capping brood. Then, her goal is to split the (large) hive into 2 hives early next year and add a queen to the second hive she creates. 

This is a wonderful thing because 1) it's less costly as you're growing your own bees and hives, and 2) there's really only a queen to purchase and sometimes you can even hatch your own queen. It's more organic and uses nature and the bees natural instincts to grow the bee community. Yes, there's a cost to having a beekeeper, but then again, the cost to not have a beekeeper would be much more for me. AND my sting rate would definitely increase. 

Sting rate? Yeah, no one likes to get stung by a bee, and myself included. But let me tell you a little story about a recent bee sting event I had.......

It all started with Beekeeper Katie calling to ask if she could come care for her weekly bee visit in the evening rather than during the day. When she comes during the daytime, she just shows up, does her bee thing, then leaves. It's a come and go that I don't worry with. 

She’s a very considerate person and asked if the evening visit was okay and she would come on over if it was. This was last Monday evening and I had no problem with that at all, so over she came to care for the bees. It was about an hour before dusk and all the forgers were back in the hive. The bee guards were on duty as their job is to guard the entrance into the hive. (I know the bee rules of feeding and doing things with the hive - and it's best to do so while the bees are out foraging during the day, as that's definitely less disruptive for the hive). 

So what happened was is that Katie came back up to the house (from the back pasture where my hives are located) and brought with her MANY mad bees circling around her in her bee suit. I noticed this as I was in the garage. I could hear them - and could see how many there were. They. were. mad.

Yet, Katie wanted to talk to me from across the drive about a couple of bee things, and when the angry bees saw me, they raced over to me and BOOM. They got me over and over, primarily in my left hand as well as the side of my left face. Not sure why they focused on my left hand but probably because I was swatting at them and what bees do is charge right back once you swat them away because you've just made them even madder. AND once a bee stings you, it creates a pheromone that signals the others bees to also sting. 

I'm in full panic now. And in a matter of moments, it was over. Katie continued to stay back, and eventually got in her truck and left as we said bye (quickly). 

I knew I was in trouble but just not sure how much. Time would tell. First though, I needed to try and get the stingers out. 

Getting the bee's stingers out is paramount for future healing. If the stinger stays, it continues to let out the toxins slowly until the stinger comes out. The general rule for extracting a stinger is not tweezers but a item such a a credit card that you swipe across your skin. Tweezers just cuts the stinger and leaves the toxic part inside you. The swiping of a credit card pushes out the stinger all in one piece. So they say.

So I did this. But it was hard to tell how many times I had actually been stung. But I kept at it. Then I took some Benadryl to try and decrease the histamine effect and I put hydrocortisone cream on the area - and headed to bed. 

Things progressed with the bee sting process as bee stings do. The biggest problem was my hand begin to swell. There was not enough ibuprofen to keep the swelling under control. The next day, it was going up my arm. The next day, it was my hand, my arm and my armpit and even heading down under/below my armpit. I sought help and was seen immediately in the ER I visited in Anna.  They were amazing! The ER dr took care of me quickly and thoroughly. These things can be bad. 

Needless to say, they gave me an epi pen. They gave me a rocephin shot (antibiotic), a steroid shot and a 7 day regimen of Bactrim (antibiotics) to help with the cellulitis that developed from the bee sting toxins. 

It was 2 nights I did not sleep with this silly business going on. I rode the struggle bus at work for those days. I even had a co-worker look under the microscope at my hand to check and see if all the stingers were out. She pulled out 1 remaining one. Thankfully, after the ER visit, I turned a corner and got better. 

Y'all. Bee stings are no joke. I've had several thus far since I've gotten my bees, but this was by far the worse experience. I had so many stings that my tongue was tingly and that means bad things could happen. Which is what the epi pen is for. 

Luckily, all is well now but it was certainly a week to remember. When Katie came to visit the bees today (for her weekly visit, during the day mind you) she said she made sure to smoke the bees extra so not to have the bees follow her back up to the house. Smoke calms the bees and disorients them. Smoke is a magical thing with bees. Yes, I have a smoker too (thank you, Gina and Ed!).

Ooooof. So many things to consider and do with bees. But I'm it to win it. I'm gonna get my 6 hives in the 'building period' of 5 years (per Grayson County Ag Dept) and file for my ag exemption if it kills me. And it might. Yet, the upside is in the long run, it could save me close to $9,000 a year in taxes. What's a few bee stings, right?

Little Emerald

She's the absolute best! 💕💗💕

Sweetest baby donkey ever

This is my first baby donkey and what I can tell you is that she has the sweetest temperament. She loves to be loved. She loves to be hugged and petted. She follows me around like a puppy dog and nudges my leg to remind me she's still there awaiting more attention. It's never enough attention. Emerald has definitely imprinted with me. She's bonded with not only me, but with Brooks as well.

This girl

I'm telling you I've not seen anything like her and I've had many farm animals in this past (over) 8 years now. She would come live in the house if I would let her. So would Paul The Turkey among other various attached animals I have, but Emerald would be the one I would let do it. Okay, I won't. But I'm tempted to. Her mama, Pippa would miss her.

These 3 are bonded strong. 

God continues to bless me. I know you know that one of my favoritest things to do is care for my farm animals. It's the easiest thing I do in my life. A true labor of love. It's like being on vacation every day. This new life of mine is a healing journey for my 60 year old self and my 12 year old self, of which no one is cheering for me louder than the 12 year old self I used to be. 

And the farm animals are there for me day in and day out. They never waiver. They know what I need sometimes more than I know what I need. So much unconditional love even if some of it is food-based. I know you love me, Mag Pie and Wilbur. Don't act like you don't. Yes, Wilbur still rolls over for piggie belly rubs. 

Can't leave out Paul The Turkey, 
as I did mention him after all.

This is what I aspire to for my own retirement one day.
Literally sitting out in the yard, watching the 
world go by. Paul is showing me the way.

Are you alone? 

So many feelings. 

My divorce is less than a year ago. And I've had the blessing of not being alone. I've had love and light around me this whole time. I've been well supported by family and friends - and a family in my home.

But now they are gone. Lauren and her family moved out last Saturday. They took my babies, Brooks and Olive with them. And I have so many feelings. Feelings that I'm dedicated to feeling. 

These feelings are not only related to the (physical) separation I now have with Lauren and her family - but with the idea that I am now officially "on my own". And the feelings of being in my house with me, myself and I are bringing up new feelings that have been hibernating. I'm my own self, with my own house with feelings about what it feels like to be divorced and on my own. These have been delayed due to my prior living situation in my home and now these feelings are arising. So I'm here for them. I'm going to feel each and every one of them. With no distractions such as people, Netflix or nothing will be used to distract me from feeling the feelings I'm feeling. I'm gonna feel them all, every last one of them whether they are easy or hard feelings. That's how I'm getting through.

I've learned through therapy that when I chose to feel the hard feelings, I can sit with them. I feel the pain, the ache, or the upsetness - whatever is coming up in that moment. I let myself be in it. I refuse to be distracted because it's the distractions that will keep me from moving on. Distractions, for me, simply delay the feeling for awhile because those feelings will arise back up again if I don't allow myself to sit with them.

It's the feeling of the feelings that actually allow them to pass through me. Through practicing this, I now know the hard feelings will pass if I validate them, acknowledge them and understand it's part of this process of healing. It's like a secret. A magical potion. 

And I understand I just used the word 'feelings' like a thousand times and I'm okay with that. I'm feeling it all y'all through self talk and thought. And I'm proud of my growth to be able to understand that this is what works for me and is healing for me. I didn't know this about myself before. I was a master at avoiding my feelings and distracting myself. I also didn't realize that people who avoid their own feelings will neglect yours. Well, now I know. If I know better, I can do better. 

First up.....

Something funny you ask? Okay, I got this. Lauren and her family moved into her dad's house who has some of his furniture and things in it because he moved elsewhere where there must have already been furniture there. And I'm living in my own house with Lauren's furniture and things in it. 

Yes, she (they) took some things they need for living in Sherman for now. But why take it all if they are moving into their house they are building? It might as well stay in Gunter, right. 

So I live in my house with some things that are mine and some things that are hers. This means I don't need to buy furniture yet. I have it - even though it's hers. 

So life is funny like this. We are all still intertwined and perfectly fine with it. It's working for us all, and I love that. It is kinda funny though. Are any of us in a house with our own furniture? Not really and that's okay. Still makes me giggle a little bit that it all ended up like this - for now. 

I'm happy for Lauren and Ryan. They are happy. I'm happy. We are happy for each other, which is what's really most important. Life is good. I want the best for Lauren and her family. And I love our ability to adapt our relationship to these different scenarios that Lauren and I find ourselves in. We just keep at it. She's such a special human being to me. She may never know how much esp after she just lived with me and got the birds eye view of my interworkings. You know what they say, you can't unring a bell. But with Lauren, we ring bells and ring them again and again. Like an impatient customer at the counter whose demanding service. We ring bells and there's no unringing them. What we do do is keep pursing our love for one another no matter the bells that are rung. And I love that about Lauren and I. There's no other person I can do that with. And no other person I'd rather do this life with.

My first.....

So after 36 years, I had my first Friday night on my own (last week!). Then my first Saturday on my own (this past weekend). And my 'firsts' of everything continues as I’m just now literally beginning to make my own way in my post-divorce life. Just now. I moved my studio apartment (i.e. master bedroom) into a home (my home 😉). I'm learning how to live my own life now on my own. I'm processing that this is my life now. I can walk around in whatever I'd like. I can do whatever I want with no price to pay for it. I am free to be me and free to do as I please. I'm actually giddy. I'm beginning to find myself smiling for no apparent reason. Just smiling because my body feels like it. Talking to whoever I desire to talk to, doing things I want to just because, and being under no pressure of any expectations of anyone. Just me deciding everything for myself. It's powerful. I have taken my power back, no doubt. And this in turns brings my dreams and desires to the forefront. And I'm following them, and creating a life I've wanted and desired. I've dreamed these dreams for a long time, therefore they are easy for me to see, feel and grab hold of. 

But most importantly, I'm learning who I am. I don't really know just yet, but I see glimmers of the me after we. I see shadows of who I once was and know I am becoming. I hope to become what God has in store for me. I have faith in this process and feel like a leaf in the current of a river sometimes. I don't need to be in control over it all and that's the best part. I trust I'll end up where I am needed and loved. 

As this past week has moved on and all the 'firsts' are happening since being on my own for such a short time, I shimmer in the ability to be myself without rules of how to be. I just be. I feel the glow and twinkle of myself being relaxed and liberated. And this calm and quiet, along with my healing work and therapy, I find I'm coming out of the 'fight or flight' mode I was living in my prior marriage. Always hyper-vigilant and amour'd up for what I thought was protection for myself but was really just wasted energy. Those coping skills were not only unproductive but also made me realize I was only pretending it was going to protect me from poor behavior. Instead, now that my body is understanding there's peace, I find I crave a lot of rest. And silence. Like I'm catching up on all the time I didn't have this stillness - because I stayed in unhealthy patterns and cycles for many years - when I should not have stayed. I take responsibility for staying. I know better now, and did I mention that helps me do better. 

So now you know

** Being vulnerable with my words and feelings is something I'm coming to terms with. You see, I type it all out, like I did above and then I just want to back-space through it all and make it all go away. Yet, I do understand I'm not the only one in the world with these types of experiences, feelings and thoughts so I'm going to be brave when I'm afraid and put my words down of where I'm at. This is where I'm at. I try to try (yes, try to try is sometimes the best I got) to live a life that's uniquely my own with as much purpose and love as I am able. Some days I do better than others. My best one day is very different than my best on another day. The book, The Four Agreements talks about that. Our best varies from day to day, but as long as we keep trying our best every day - that's what matters most. I love that book.

One more thing

And lastly, I came home today from picking up Brooks and Olive from school early. I got to spend the afternoon with them at the farm and we have a blast as usual. 

Loves his tractor

It's the simple things - like collecting
acorns in a bucket. 

But there was something new happening today on The Cannon property.....

The breaking of the ground happened today. Brooks saw it with his own eyes. It's happening. And I'm so excited for The Cannon Family to be in their own house, on their own land, with their own chickens.

He loves his flock 💛
His very own chickens.

Welcome home,

Cyndi

Wait! I almost forgot! My MD Anderson visit. 

I love that place. I went and spent the day there, a week ago Friday. I had a study appt (I'm in a study for my blood cancer there), then labs taken, saw the PA, then saw my oncologist. Then, lucky me, I got to go have a bone marrow biopsy done and since it was a surprise, I was not able to be given sedation and had it done under local. I lived through it. 

I've had bone marrow biopsies before, but always with sedation. Kind of like when you have a colonoscopy and you're just put to sleep for a short while. Same kind of thing. But no, it was an unplanned procedure due to some results from my labs that my oncologist wants to rule out some things like multiple myeloma, leukemia and the extent of the progression of my own cancer. I'll keep you posted as the appt for the results will be on the 18th. 

I'd tell you I'm worried or concerned about the things my oncologist at MDA said/says but I'm just not. I trust them. They know things - all the things. They know what to do with me, what to check for, what's next up for me and this in itself is the greatest gift of all for someone with a cancer such as mine. My life is literally in their hands. I need them - whether it's good or bad news - I'm here for it. They are my lifeline. I love that place.  

From cocoon to butterfly

What a life! Sometimes I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. I say girl because my 12 year old inner child continues to thrive, heal and show up with gratitude each and every day. I've learned more in this last year than I have in many, many years. And it just feels so good. 

Enough about me.......

GUESS WHAT!? 

It's a GIRL! 💕
Welcome, Emerald to this big 
beautiful world. 

It's hard to believe a baby donkey this big was in her.
This is the very morning after she was born in the night!

It's hard to believe I went to bed on Monday night with a pregnant Pippa and woke up with a new foal beside her early that next morning. Emerald was dry, walking, nursing and receptive to my love and pets from the first moment we met. And funny thing, she looks just like Poppy! 

I was so excited that she finally arrived. Pippa appeared tired Tuesday morning, but is the most wonderful mama. Also, Pippa trusts me, which is a wonderful thing as I've had her long enough now to gain her understanding that I won't hurt her baby. She's extremely protective of Emerald and I feel so privileged to be able to love on her new foal and even pick her up. 

So that Tuesday morning when I saw her, I was soooo excited and couldn't wait to get to her. Then, after much love and pets given, I prepared the stall where Pippa and Emerald will stay for a few days. Their own Donkey B&B. I placed lots of straw down, plenty of food and water and planned on keeping them away from Poppy (her bestie) and from Dora and Hope for a couple of days. Not that any of them would hurt Emerald, but I'd been advised to allow them time to bond as well as provide safety for them both as they adjust to their new lives. A new mama and a new foal figuring out the world around them.

Yet, Poppy was upset that she was not in the same stall as Pippa and her new foal. So, with some trialing of them together with Emerald, I realized Poppy and Pippa would do best together along with Emerald - and that worked out wonderfully. Everyone was happy.

All together and loving it

Since the new foal looks like Poppy, at first glance that early Tuesday morning, I didn't realize it was Pippa's baby when I went out to the barn. But once I did, I was surprised that I was so surprised because I knew this day was coming soon. And at 6 am, whereby Emerald was born in the night, Pippa was wasting no time nudging her and trying to get to the barn for breakfast. Busy night, right Pippa?

Pippa's like: your born now, let's get to moving lil girl and go inside the barn. 

Whereby they would stay for a few days. 

It's been a blessing to watch this all unfold. Pippa is approx 20-25 years old and Poppy is approx 30 years old. The average life span for a mini donkey is said to be 33 years old (although some can live longer and even up to 45 years). So these two girls are not young, and I'm most grateful Pippa's pregnancy and birth went so well. And an odd thought I have is: since my own lifetime does not include another 33 years, Emerald will likely be having Lauren and Ryan as her caretakers in the long run. And maybe even sooner than later, once they get their home built and may want Emerald on their property. We'll see what that brings, as donkey's are herd animals and have a need to bond with another donkey(s). So Emerald would eventually need a friend. That's for much later to manage. For now, Poppy, Pippa and Emerald are all doing well and were released with Dora and Hope this weekend. Everyone is happy, healthy and cohesive. This is what life is all about. Watching this kind of love and the raising of a foal is a gift. It makes me smile every time I see that sweet baby. She's beginning to jump and play and it's the most adorable thing besides Olive and Brooks.

Cancer is the cure for life

As my MD Anderson appt approaches, I've been thinking a lot about having cancer and what it means to me. Truly, my blood cancer, polycythemia vera has been a cure, of sorts, for me. It reminds me to live my life exceptionally. And although my particular cancer itself has no cure, the cure it does bring me is a daily teaching of :

healing

self-love

self-worth despite disease

acceptance of what is

and an abundance of gratitude for life itself

Which all takes me to a place of:

protecting my peace and the desire for calmness in life

focusing on communicating better with those who are most important in my life

knowing I'm never too old to do what I want to do in life

and seeing the world from a lens whereby everything is shiny, sparkly and glittery

I would have never quite realized how impactful this particular journey was going to be. These are daily revelations that my cancer brings which I have found to be curative in many aspects of my life. Knowing every day is a gift and to live it with zest, love and peace. And to try and be better in my own life. And I can only be better to others when I'm better to myself first. Taking care of my physical and mental health is first and foremost. 

The month of September is Blood Cancer Awareness month. Each September I think about how my cancerversary just passed another year in August. I'm going on 5 years strong now, and although that means the clock is ticking, it also means every day matters most. I'm continuing my Besremi cancer treatment and will have my follow up appt at MD Anderson later this week. I always look forward to hearing and seeing the health care workers there. They are the ones with the resources and guidance to assist my community oncologist (at Texas Oncology) with my status and treatment. I appreciate all they do and their dedication to their patients. It really is a privilege to be seen at MD Anderson. 

And to all those with cancer, I stand with you. Cancer is a gift that provides an opportunity to show yourself how life is to be lived. And also an opportunity to show those around you how cancer is done. I'm often asked how I'm feeling and for some reason always seem to pause at this question when it's asked of me. I don't often think about how I feel in regards to cancer and my treatment (regarding the side effects of both). I think about 'what can I do today'. So I'm never really sure how to answer that question and end up stumbling and stammering over it. The one thing I know for sure is I'm feeling as good as I can with what I've got. And I'll take that. 

With age comes loss, as does with love comes loss

This chicken-year has been a rough one. I've had more chicken's who passed this year than any other. There's several reasons for this. One, the heat really affected them more than usual. Two, I've had a respiratory disease blow in and affect at least 10% of my flock (if not more). Three, so many of my girlz have been with me for 5, 6 years or more and their end of life is all hitting around the same time. I have many hens who are indeed - old. I've had the farm for over 8 years now with many chickens during this time. It's hard to watch my long-time flock residents getting old. I see when they start to 'go down'. Heartbreaking, yet reflects the circle of life. Ugh.

I have met a new chicken-lady friend, Anna, whom I purchased a few layers from. She then informed me she could get laying hens for a good price and I ended up purchasing 25 cinnamon queens from her. These girlz are great egg layers, and although they are in molt right now, they'll be beautiful and wonderful layers for me soon. They are laying, but will lay more with time. 

I know, they look shabby chic while in molt

But they’ll feather up soon ❤️
and be beautiful butterflies 

My egg sales profit now pays for all my feed on the farm. So keeping over 100-150 hens is very helpful in regards to egg sales and placing those funds back into the farm. It's a lot of work, don't get me wrong. But it's a labor of love that brings me joy and also brings me an additional income. 

Now that's a big change

Yep, big changes are coming for Ryan and Lauren. No, their house has no progress to report on. It's still the lot, with the marking posts and the gravel road leading to it. Nothing else as of yet. Maybe in October there may be dirt work or better yet, even a foundation. But nothing is guaranteed and Lauren and Ryan are making a new change while they await their home to be built. 

Long story short, since Lauren's dad is no longer living in his home, they have agreed that Lauren's family can move in and stay there while things shake out with their home-to-be-built. 

That's new, right? So Lauren and Ryan are packing up some things (not everything) as some furniture and other items will remain in my house until they move back to Gunter into their own home. But they are taking alot of their things as a family of 4 needs many things. They will be moving within the next week or two. 

I will then have a home of just me, myself and I. No furniture of my own in it, except for a kitchen table/chairs and the furniture in my master bedroom. Wait, there's a desk, too. This all means my home will need stuff. Wall things, furniture, etc. So my mind is swirling with that, as my home is an open slate. An opportunity to reveal what a home of my own might look like and have inside. Oh goodness, I'm not sure. Time will reveal this to me and it's something I'm proud to have made happen. Me. Making decisions. Doing things. It's the best feeling - and the scariest - all in one. Scited, that's it, I'm scared and excited all at the same time.

So as my farm animals (talking to you Pippa and Emerald) and Lauren and Ryan - and me as well - all make our way from our cocoons and relish in the process of turning into beautiful butterflies - we continue to grow, change and become. It is and has been a long process and we are still in it. Stay tuned.

Gonna keep tuning out the noise,

Cyndi

 

This is new

Alrighty oh, so this is new 🤔  I've been testing out doing some new things in my life, so thought I would try it with my blog as well. 

What's been shaking at The Farm these days?

I'm loving this new Goat and Pig Pen and 
they did a fantastic job of painting it.

Also, newly painted fences all around
which makes my heart happy

Lauren and Ryan got a flock of their very own!

They live just outside the front door 💟

They have frizzles and sizzles - 7 of them 💛
A sizzle is a cross between a silkie and a frizzle.
These are small bantam chickens that lay fairy eggs.

These two cutie patooties are growing up 💕

Pippa has still not given birth!

The New Employee of the Month
is a motivating factor in the flock now

I can't keep up with egg sales so you know 
what that means....
I need more chickens

New egg stamps are always fun 🐔

Charlotte has settled in nicely here at The Farm

The dogs watched me put in a new AC unit
in the Cat House

Maggie and Baby are still taking turns
in the pool

I'm all ears.....let me know what you think.....

More next time, as there's been things happening around here and I'll go into more detail soon. Penny had surgery, Olive had an unfortunate incident with a multitude of ant bites (at school), it's almost Brooks 4th birthday, and I'm super excited that the holidays are coming up. I have my MD Anderson appt soon, and I'm hoping to be able to give good news about Pippa's baby donkey soon and also an update on Ryan and Lauren's upcoming house. More to come soon.....

This weather is simply amazing,

Cyndi  

Gimme That Good Stuff

Let's glow! Happy August  - it's H.O.T. 

How about we talk about The Farm and the life around it.....

There's no baby donkey yet 😞 what what

Pippa is getting uncomfortable and moving
slowly. Let's do this, Pippa!

I can just barely see you back there,
but I know you're there, Poppy 🫏

Oh, and I found a stray

While she was with us for a week, we
named her Blossom 💔

Wishing I never checked for a microchip....

Mia was claimed and went back to her home after the vet checked her for a chip. You'd think that would be a happy ending and good thing.....but I will say I'm very worried that I sent her back 'home'. More on that later.....

In other news, line dancing is going well! Every Thursday evening at Calhoun's ✅ with Anne, Carla, Jolene (and other friends 😉) My favorite? Shivers. Search it up.

Look! There's a road to where the Cannon house will eventually be....

This is new. Employee of the Month began in July.....

Who will August be?

Of course it's Veronica

And Venmo is accepted and used regularly now

Sadly, turns out Olive doesn't like Slash Day at her school. 

Every photo from the school that day, she 
was crying

I did take the kids to the 
natatorium and they both loved it.
The 3 of us had a blast!

No slashing please

Checking it out first.....
then had the time of his life, made friends,
and played til he couldn't play anymore

Brooks and I also had a hiking trip recently

Adventurous one, he is 

He loved the hiking trails and learned all about the yellow
trail and the blue trail. We'll try the others next time.

Eggciting news! The roosters are all re-homed and I'm left with the hens (from the chicks Ryan had brought home from his elementary school) 

They grew up fast

Some of these boys are now at a boys-only home
#noboysallowedhere
except for you, Paul The Turkey

Seems there's always activity happening around here whether it's with the little humans or farm animals or family and friends. Everything is right with the world and for that we are blessed beyond measure. And we'll get through the heat of summer. We will.

And me? Let's talk....

The evolution and liberation of me, myself and I continues. I've read some really great books lately such as Why Does He Do That by Lundy Bancroft, and It's My Life Now by Meg Dugen. And though these books are seriously helpful and insightful (along with therapy), I have to say I really enjoyed the fictional dark comedy titled The Best Way To Bury Your Husband by Alexia Casale - which was fan-freaking-tastic. Whether you've been touched by verbal or emotional abuse in your life, or know someone who has - these books are a must-read. 

I'm healing, and learning that there's blessings in the breaking. Sometimes you gotta pick up all the pieces and put that puzzle back together again. Differently this time. After all, you are going to piss a lot of people off when you start doing what's best for you. 

Do it anyway 💪

Cyndi

We’re gonna miss you, Becky ❤️

Her motto was placed on her
going away gift:
We don’t do that here. 
You’re my inspiration.

Let's get into it

 

July = Heat

Unfortunately, this is the season that usually tops the list for chicken losses. So how about we talk chickens. Let's start with a relatively unknown chicken fact: that most chickens are likely to be cold hardy than heat hardy. So what is cold and heat hardy? As an example, in this general description of a particular chicken breed (the Rhode Island Red) notice the 'hardiness' is given along with purpose (meat or layer), production rate, temperament, broodiness and comb. Hardiness is an important element to consider in chicken breeds as it directly correlates with the climate in which you live (is the chicken and climate compatible?) :

Rhode Island may be America’s smallest state, but the breed developed there in the late 1800s made huge changes in chicken husbandry. The Rhode Island Red’s amazing ability to lay about 265 eggs a year made it famous worldwide and became the parent of several modern hybrid egg layers. These glossy mahogany-colored hens with black tail feathers are as beautiful as they are gentle and productive.

Purpose: Egg Layer Production: 265 Large Brown Eggs/Year Temperament: Exuberant, Curious, Friendly Mature Weight: 6-7 lbs. Hardiness: Cold and Heat Hardy Broodiness: Occasionally Comb Type: Single Comb

Just like with dogs, chickens also come in hundreds of breeds. I have many breeds of chickens from silkies, polish, easter eggers, wyandottes, barred rock, ideal 236, turkins (naked necks) and rhode island reds as well as many, many more. 

My very first 2 chickens were Rhode Island Reds named Ginger and Butterscotch who I first bought as chicks in 2015. 

Ginger and Butterscotch
The beginning of the Chicken Era

They were the ones we took to the Texas State Fair and entered in the Texas Poultry Show where they won last place - but first place in my heart. They have since passed, but will forever remain infamous and honored as former flock leaders, show chickens and the loves of my life. 

I had picked this breed because as you can see from the description above they are hardy chickens. They can withstand heat and cold, have a high egg lay rate per year, and are friendly yet are usually the leaders of a flock. They are an all-around great breed to have in your flock.

Ideally, having chicken breeds that are cold and heat hardy is optimal but not all of mine are, and therefore as hard as I try, I lose my 'less hardy' chickens to this heat. I have 3 fans in the barn, lots of fresh water available, and I have plenty of shelter and dirt/sand for them to cool themselves. Sometimes though, it's not enough. 

What it looks like when hens stand around the water 
cooler and cluck around

Even Char becomes part of the flock 

And since I am fluent in fowl language, I can say that Paul The Turkey (as well as my 4 ducks) also struggle to stay cool. Paul is a big fan of the big fan. 

He stands in front of this fan
most of the afternoon. It only gets better
when I water down the barn floor and he 
gets to stand in water, too 💦 

Luckily for the ducks, they have the pond. But as of lately, each evening they make their way up to the barn in search of food and fresh water. Everyone welcomes them except for Charlotte, but I'm working on her to leave them alone. We are getting there, as the ducks are more annoyed with Charlotte rather than scared of her. That's Char's life story, isn't it now. Her middle name is ICanBeAnnoying. 

The 3 new female ducks are blending in so well. My boy duck, who I recently named Drake has taken them in under his wing and is a wonderful caretaker of these sweet peas. 

They have their own special water and food dish 🥰
Apparently in the pecking order, they fall below chickens and
are often reminded they eat last.

I think the animals that do the best in this heat are the goats. 

I can't ever get enough of this sweet girl

They just bounce along like no big deal. Yet their roommates, Maggie, Wilbur and Baby disagree as with only sparsely bristled hair and the fact that pigs have no sweat glands, these piggies struggle to stay cool.

She sits and thinks.
Fun fact - pigs are smarter than dogs

Maggie patiently waiting her turn 

Baby The Boar/Pig struggles the most with the heat. She has lost weight, is an old girl (for a pig) and struggles to stay cool and therefore her appetite is affected. So much so that her and Maggie now rival in size because while Baby is slow to get up and eat, Maggie runs to the food as she's young and still nibble and quick.

Wilbur prefers the smaller round water pool

Then Wilbur has gained his own fair share of weight. He's not a big boy by any means, but he does enjoy food in general - and time in the water pool. I have 2 water pool sources for the pigs, as well as several dug out water sources for them to wallow in. 

Overall, the piggies are doing well. They tend to stay under their awning in the shade or in one of the water pools. 

Goat -n- Pig B&B

Overall, there's a total of 3 fans in the barn and one in the garage. The fan in the garage is primarily for the livestock guard dogs who prefer to lay on the 'cool' concrete and in front of the fan. Levi, leader of the pack, gets first dibs on the fan.

Levi, a solid 120 lbs of no nonsense with
predators

This is daily

Penny, Whisper and Dutch all lay around the garage area waiting for the heat to break each day. At night, they take no prisoners. They keep all the farm animals safe and protected to the best of their ability. 

The fans are lifesavers. The fans for the mini horses and donkeys in the barn are two fold: 1) To keep them cool and 2) To keep the flies off them. My equine sweeties are so intuitive that they know both of these things - and stand in front of the fan(s) each and every day. 

Dinner by the fan

Luckily, the fans keep the flies off them so well that their skin is holding up well against these savage flies. The flies show no mercy.

Guess it’s time for new fly sticky thingies

There's room for a few more....

Bee careful, it's hot

My bees also have special needs during this hot season of increased sugar syrup as well as pollen patties placed in their hive and pollen substitute all provided for them in hopes of helping keep the hive healthy. It's hot inside their hive and this is a tough season for them.

Beekeeper Katie took this video of the bees eating the pollen substitute. No gloves people. What the beep.

I suppose it's a tough season for all the animals right now. July and August are months everyone just gets through day to day with lots of fresh water, good nutrition, shade and fans. Good thing I happen to love me some hot weather. Sweat, no problem. Heat, no problem. There may be a day this changes, but for now it's okay because when I bike or run, I do it early in the morning. I make it work. 

Wait, did you say run?

I show did. You see, I saw my ortho doctor this past week and got the approval to start back running SLOW and short distances. He said go easy, start with 2 miles and see how my knee feels. Then slowly go up from there and try not to go long for now. And go slow and easy. He did not have to tell me twice. The next day, it was 2 miles on a soft treadmill at the gym and my knee felt great. My stress fracture is primarily healed from what they can tell, and my meniscus tear is something I may have had all along in my life and was not symptomatic, which means I was running on it anyway so no surgery for now. 

I love the idea of no surgery. I may still need it if my knee continues to act a fool. But for now, my ortho dr wants to see how the knee does without any further interventions and with the stress fracture in my tibia under control now. It's hard to see the actual healing of a stress fracture without another MRI, but his xray showed more healing and it has been 2 months that I've been off of running for it to heal. So I was set free to start slow and short. Can do, my friend. Can do.

I am so happy to be back running as it makes my heart so happy and fills my soulful cup up. And so does line dancing.

So recently I took a line dancing class at the Parks and Rec Center in Sherman. The instructor there knows many line dances and will teach you any of them you want to know, and one evening asked me if I had been line dancing at Calhouns 2.0 in Denison. I knew nothing of this. So the next week, I went to Calhouns 2.0, based on her suggestion. I mean, why not. Apparently on Thursday nights they have Cowboy Charlie as DJ and it's karaoke AND line dancing night. 

Yes, I went on my own. And this is how it went: I parked the car, walked in this honky tonk, and they were playing one of my favorite line dance songs and I literally went from the front door to the dance floor. I did. It made my heart so happy to see all these folks - young and old - line dancing (and to all genres). This particular song that I jumped on the dance floor for was Flex. I think it's fun to line dance to it, even though I'm still learning and getting it down.

Then, the song ended and the dance floor cleared as they switch between karaoke and line dancing. As I was walking off the dance floor, 2 ladies, Carla and Ann came right up to me and begin befriending me. How long have you been line dancing, they ask me? We come here every Thursday night, they tell me. And invited me to come sit with them at their table. And I did. I met all their friends like Jim and Jolene and others who I don't remember all their names. It was a bit overwhelming. And each time a line dance song came on, we all went out and tried it, learned it, or already knew it. OMGoodness - best night ever. 

I have since been back and each Thursday is a little different in the songs and way they do things, but the fact I can go line dance there is a gift. Not too far, new friends, and there's even a line dance teacher who jumps on the dance floor and teaches some of the dances to everyone. Young and old are there, beginners and novice folks are there. And some people just watch and dance their own little dance as they desire. It's a place I can be me. And people can just be themselves. Dancing like no one is watching. I'm still getting to know these kind and delightful people, yet we are all learning about one another and enjoying a common passion - line dancing. Thanks to the teacher from the Parks and Rec in Sherman, I now have some really cool new friends. And a place to go when I desire to line dance, which has been the last few Thursday evenings. And more to come. 

Cyndi 2.0 at Calhouns 2.0 👢 There's so many nice people out in the world. Sometimes it just takes going out in the world to meet them.

Fairy First Birthday 

It's hard to believe, but Olive turned One ①

This sweetheart is not only 
walking, but she's trying to run

And as one year olds do, she loved the 
bag more than the gift.

It was a delightful celebration. 

Such fun with these fun people 💟

** Lauren's friend Sarah took photos from the party that morning and she'll send them to us later (and I'll post those in a later post). She's such a wonderful photographer that we took very few pics ourselves and will await hers instead.

But I did find this nugget........

Lauren

Olive

You decide? Look alike? I'm not sure as one pic may not be able to determine that kind of thing. Hard to believe they really grow up and have babies of their own. Crazy, huh.

355 Scoopy Poop

355 is the street number to Lauren and Ryan's property, and here's a little scoop on what's happening.....

I know I know, not the best pic, but if you look
closely, you'll see where the markers have been placed
for where the house will be. 

The house site has been officially marked by the builder, then septic things are happening soon, and a gravel road for construction vehicles will likely be placed next week, and a extended culvert as well. It's a process. 

So many wonderful things are happening in our lives. 

 

Char's expression says it all. 
A smile, the eye squint, enjoying
what life brings.

Brooks’ Happy Place

It's the little things like going to Dominoes

And....

Like watching fireworks outside your house

Or outside your window 🎇

Whatever you choose, I hope your July 4th was a day of celebrating freedom. Peace is power.

And she lived happily ever after,

Cyndi

Sugar and Maybe wanted to make sure they got in here too. Look at my old girl, Maybe 🥰 #growingoldtogether

Favorite activity besides eating? 
Car riding 🚙

Forever my girl. I’d take her
everywhere if I could. I would. 💕