I actually did it

Yeppers, Yes sir, You betcha, Dang right, Yes ma'am and Hell yeah - I got moved! 

It's true, like a dream come true that I am now completely moved in to my new-to-me house in Wolfe City with 21 acres, all my farm animals, dogs and cats (actually minus 2 cats I'm still trying to catch in Gunter to bring here). Overall, it was a success!

It was a team effort. I in no way did this alone. I'll start with the fact my sister, Sheryl came over and experienced the whole shebang with me and more importantly, alongside me. Every.Step.Of.The.Way. I could not have done this without her. She was my wingman, my emotional support sister, my do-anything-that-needs-to-be-done sis. She did it all with love, curiosity, strength and smarts. She's a master anticipator, and I don't know that she knows that. But that's my new name for her. She knew when to help and assist at every turn. She maneuvered the house movers and barn movers and farm animal movers like she was conducting an orchestra. She was all in. And believe me, it was a circus with more than 3 rings happening at any given time. 

And, props to my sweet, sweet friend, Morghan and her family (hubby Jay, son Decklyn and his friend Mason) for bringing a huge horse trailer to my place in Gunter and getting EVERY last one of my farm animals in it! Yes, it's true. If anybody can make farm animal moving magic happen, it's Morghan.

How does one move that many chickens? 

This was the most common question I got prior to moving. How are you going to move all those chickens? Up to the day of the move, I still did not know for sure. I had a few ideas, but little did I know it would happen in a way that it did. What I did know for sure is that I would go out to the barn in the wee morning hours of move day (Sunday a week ago to be exact) and close up the barn completely so that no chicken could get out once they woke up. And just for the record, that was Morghan's idea in the first place.

It goes like this. Once upon a time, a brilliant and bright young lady, Morghan offered up her horse trailer to move my donkeys and horses. Great, I said. Let's do that. Fast forward to her driving up with the horse trailer to my Gunter house and she jumps out of the truck and says, "I have an idea!" She wants to put all my chickens in the tack room (front compartment) of the horse trailer. As she opens the door to it, I look in and wonder if they all would fit. But heck, if I could get all the animals over to Wolfe City in one trip, let's try it! Morghan gives me her mischievous smile and we make a plan. The barn is completely closed. One person would man a door at the barn and another person would man the door to the tack room of the trailer. The rest of us would take the chickens from the barn and hand carry them (1 by 1 or 2 by 2 or even 3 by 3) and place them in her trailer. After all, all the chickens are in the barn and can't escape. And I have a net.

And do you know that trip by trip by trip and after all of us taking turns grabbing chickens and netting chickens and chasing chickens, by gaud if we didn't get them all in that tack room of her trailer. Without ANY escaping. God is good. 

It was a literal shit show. We all had chicken poo on us and we didn't care. We just kept grabbing and carrying chickens until the last chicken was caught. I was astounded. It actually happened. All the chickens were ready for transport. Deckyln and his friend Mason who are 12 years old, were having the time of their lives chasing and netting my chickens and carrying them to the trailer and hustling back for more. They might need therapy in their life for that one day. 

But the chickens had no choice. They were going to be caught. The folks manning the doors of the barn and trailer (we all traded off occasionally) were not about to let any of the chickens out - not a chance. Everyone worked together to make this happen and it was truly a chicken miracle. 

What about the others, you ask?

Well, when I had gotten up at the crack of 2:30 am to shut the barn up that fateful morning, was also when I haltered all my horses and donkeys so they would be ready for transport via the horse trailer.

Poppy is ready!

I didn't have to halter her baby Emerald, 
as where Pippa goes, her baby Emmie goes.

Hope could feel the tension. Luckily,
Morghan is a horse whisper and got
her loaded and settled just fine. Dora was
with her too, her BFF. 👯 

By the way, an important nugget I left out was that Morghan had thought about how to shut up the barn (on her own, by the way) and brought me pallets prior to my move, so that I would use them to block the small entrances in the barn that were open (with no door on them). And it worked like a charm! Great idea, Morghan!

Morghan and I work together at the surgery center and she also let me borrow her 13 foot open trailer to load up my portable fencing and corral panels. And when she brought me the trailer, she had already loaded the pallets on the trailer. I was like, what are the pallets for, and of course she informed me of the plan for them. Did I mention Morghan is a problem solver? That's probably apparent by now. This girl. She solves things before we even talk about the things. And she's 100% responsible for the ideas and movement of my farm animals. And after we spent a fair amount of time chasing down the goats who weigh far more than they look, we loaded them up in the back of the trailer with the horses and donkeys like a pinball machine. All I could do was cross my fingers for the hour drive from Gunter to Wolfe City for all the animals. All in the horse trailer. It took all of us to make that happen. Myself, Sheryl, Morghan, Jay, Decklyn and Mason. But we did it! 

I'd love to tell you I have more pictures of all these shenanigans during the farm animal move, but quite frankly, I was so busy trying to keep up - that I didn't even think about my phone or pictures during all the moving of the animals. So unfortunately, I’ll rely on you to visualize it. And when you do, play circus music in your head, too because it was a full on 5 ring circus with all the chaos, (good) yelling at one another, and all of us running around like a chicken with our head cut off. No pun intended but it illustrates it well. 

The unloading of the animals was much less eventful. Mainly because Sheryl and I had spent a fair amount of time on Saturday setting up the areas where each of the animals would be housed and set free on Sunday. So we were ready for where the chickens would be placed. And when the time would come on Sunday, that's where they would be going.

And sure enough, we all once again, unloaded them in their new barn - exactly the same as we had loaded them up - 1 by 1 or 2 by 2, depending on how many chickens you could hold at one time. Sometimes 3 or 4 at a time. Total chicken count was just over 125 chickens. Mason counted them as we all placed them in their new barn area and then shut them in for their own safety. 

This was the makeshift area whereby the 
chickens would be in lockdown for the 
first 24 hours after arrival.

It was necessary that the chickens be "locked up" for about 24 hours after they were placed in their new barn so they would understand that this is where they live now. And I can happily tell you that the chickens took to their new barn so quickly. I was such a proud chicken mama. Granted, they did have all their same coops and feeders, so it was familiar to them. 

As for the donkeys and horses, they would be released in the back pasture with access to the barn as well. 

The best part was there was hay there waiting for them.
The prior owners had horses, too and still had alot
of hay around. 

The horses and donkeys settled in well.
And they love their new pasture with more
room to roam. And run and roam they did.

I goat this

No I didn't. My great idea about putting the goats with the horses and donkeys in the back pasture didn't go well. The donkeys chased the goats. The goats got out of the pasture and begin living with the livestock guard dogs and spent most of their time around the house area.

They happily greeted the plumbers 
and painters, and anyone else who 
showed up at my house in Wolfe City

Coco and Pearl were like dogs.
Just hanging around the house, wanting pets.

This was all good and fine for awhile. But then it wasn't. It became hard to feed the big white dogs because the goats wanted their food. Then the goats kept trying to come in the house. And the workers who were at the house did not understand why there was a goat in their painter's van, knocking things over. I had to do something different.

So I made them their own temporary area, until I can figure something else out.

It's a little janky, but they have their goat houses, water and food, and shelter. This will do until I can get them a more secure (larger) area made. Goats are curious creatures - and since Coco and Pearl are not sure if they are goats or dogs - I'm going to need to get this situation squared away. But this temp area will be fine for now. Rain is coming and I need them safe and warm. 

Speaking of dogs....

So how did the big white dogs make their way to the farm in Wolfe City?

Somehow and someway, while I was at the house in Wolfe City getting house movers corralled, Sheryl was in Gunter directing the barn mover who was moving the barn contents (think coops, roosts, tack room things, etc). And while all that was happening, Sheryl got Penny and Dutch loaded up in the back of her van and brought them with her on her next trip to the farm in Wolfe City. Now Penny and Dutch are not easy to manuever, mind you, but Sheryl made that magic happen. Did I mention she's a master anticipator and a do-er of all things. 

Levi and Whisper would not be that easy. They would have to come another day. 

I'm happy to report that Penny and Dutch acclimated extremely well to the new farm and new location. After all, all their farm animals were there. They instinctively knew what to do and begin watching and guarding them immediately. I really had no issues with either of them, and they seem to be enjoying their new space and their new place. 

They have their same dog beds, this time placed on
my front porch. With all their chew bones that they love
around so it will all be familiar to them.

Mia and Penny are playing as usual at 
their new home. 

I would love to tell you that Levi and Whisper were an easy catch. But it actually took days after I moved to get them. And when I did, the vet had given me anxiety medication to give them so I could get them in the truck. (I felt like I needed it as much as them, but I did end up giving it to them 😉) And the anxiety meds worked, but Levi had to be force-pulled into the truck. He and I almost went 10 rounds with it, but we got it done. Whisper hopped in the truck pretty good. And off we went!

Levi on the left and Whisper on the right. 
Over all, it was a success to get them to the new farm.

And they too, did well at the new farm, esp because Penny and Dutch were there, and had acclimated already. So everyone settled in well.

Except.....

Let's talk about Kitty. Kitty is about 10 years old and is not a fan of the move.

She did well on the way there, and then settled 
nicely into the barn with her bed, food
and water. 

Until she went up a tree. And then higher up the tree. 

I tried to get her down.
I tried and I tried, but she was
too high.

I finally gave up. 
I called the fire dept.

After all, for 3 days she was in that tree. Her meows were weak. She's old. I needed to help her.

The Wolfe City Volunteer Fire Dept
were all very nice about it.

The firemen came and went in a flash. They got her down and told me next time, to leave her there and she'll come down on her own because they have never seen a cat skeleton in a tree. I was a little taken aback with that comment, but at the same time, you can't argue with that. I haven't seen a cat skeleton in a tree either. 

Kitty is fine now. She's not been back up that tree again. 

Unfortunately, another dilemma as occurred. Whisper went missing the other night. She did not show up for breakfast, which is not unusual. But it's been a few days now and I'm very worried - and I've asked neighbors, I've driven around, and I've looked for her in neighboring pastures. She does have a collar with her name on it and my phone number and I'm hoping someone will call me soon to say they found her. I'm beyond heartbroken. I keep looking and looking for her. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. 

I knew that this move would be hard on the animals as that was my greatest concern about moving. And I was able to get everyone moved, here and settled. Yet, I knew things could go sideways and wasn't sure who that would impact the most. And I'm surprised it was Whisper, but then again, I didn't know who would be impacted the most because all my animals have only every know my farm for so long now. But I keep replaying why her? Where is she? Why is someone not calling to say they found her. I'm holding out hope she's okay and I'll get her back soon. It's just been hard to not have her here, while Levi, Penny and Dutch are. 

And it makes me extra cautious for all the dogs now. The Littles are all doing well. Mia is adjusting, and staying close too, but then again, she's inside with The Littles - and outside too as she enjoys playing with Penny. Sheryl's husband, Gene put in a screen door (thank you, Gene!) that has a doggie door in it and Sheryl and I made a makeshift backyard for them to be safe in when I'm gone. 

I think you can see the fenced backyard that
Sheryl and I put up from here.
Also, the ducks are loving their new place.
They have 2 ponds now to swim in,
but still come to the barn for chicken food.

As I close out this blog post for now, I'll continue to cover more moving things next time - like the actual house move. I’m extremely happy that the farm animal move was successful overall. And I did put my own move of my own things on dim, as I was hyper-focused on getting all my animals moved, safe and happy. But there was a whole nother universe of moving my own things into my house, and projects I had going on at the same time that were spinning and happening in contrast to the animal move. That's for next time.....

I'm blessed that we all made the move to the new farm, except for my other 2 cats, June Bug and July who I'm trying to fanagle getting here. But I'm working on that. I have until Feb 23rd before I have to be completely out of my house in Gunter. I'll get them, it's going to take some special planning, but I'll get them.

I want to give a huge shout out to my sis, Sheryl for spending days with me, helping me with my move and for always being there. I could not have done it without you and would not have wanted to do it without you. Your the bestest 🥰 your sacrifice of time away from your own family was appreciated more than words can speak. 

And to Morghan, and her tribe, I’ll never be able to repay you for the gift you gave me of moving all my farm animals. Only you could do that - and you sure did! 

It’s been something, this moving thing. I have been so supported and loved through it all. And I’m proud to say I didn't let the hard days win, and grateful for it 😊 

Blessed beyond words, 

Cyndi

Me when things would get hard to handle 

Don't let the hard days win

I've moved to Wolfe City! But not yet unpacked. It's a story, but for now, I'm trying to figure my life out and will settle down and blog SOON! 

So embarrassing, yes, I'm that person 🙄

Kitty was up in the tree for days
and was only going higher each day

Yep, met the Wolfe City Firefighters on Day 4 of moving here. Kitty is fine now, thanks to them. I was informed to give her more time (if she does it again) up in the tree next time because apparently 3 days wasn't enough. "No one has ever seen a cat skeleton up in a tree" according to the Wolfe City Fireman. 

Okay then. Seems they know a things or two about cats in trees. 

I'll get over my embarrassment. Kitty is okay. Did I mention that I moved Sunday? Yet I'm living out of my truck while I'm not allowed in my home due to painters taking over my house. It'll be great when they finish, but for now, I'm doing all the outside things first. Lots of barn time!

Every room is like this and I've not unpacked 1 box yet.

They say Saturday I'll get my house back.

Luckily, I've had experience living outside.
It's not nearly as bad as it might sound.

I do get to go in at evening time/night and sleep there though. Then back out in the morning. I'm off work this week, so it's manageable. 

Can't wait to get to unpack and settle in!

More soon,

Cyndi

Ahhh, this beautiful life

I would have never seen this coming. After all, life isn't exactly neat and tidy. This past year has genuinely shown me the importance of taking as much care of my mental health as I (try to) do for my physical health. This, in turn, has truly enabled me to write my own story, straight from my heart and soul. For me, it all begins and ends with personal work within myself, and I've taken that very seriously. The changes I've made within myself this last year have been profound, esp when it comes to the decisions I make regarding my life and the connections that I nurture with those I love and those who love me. I certainly don't know how much time I have left to continue my particular journey in this world, but this life long work of attempting to grow will include turning many corners, all while gathering nuggets of wisdom to use along the way. One of my primary catalyst for learning and growth has been the pain I carry within. Pain wants to teach us. It's taught me there's often times a need to adapt and change even when I resist it. It's taught me resilience. And most importantly, pain has taught me to take action and to protect myself, and grow from challenging situations. I have spent so much time feeling my feelings. Acknowledging and validating that my own feelings are real and important. This has been imperative to a path forward. And boy howdy have I ever honed this skill. I'm a girl who can feel a feeling. 

First up

As I move forward in my life (figuratively and literally) I am proud of me. I'm thinking about what I am going to do (and want to do) based on my own needs and desires, which sounds logical, but I've not really done that in my life as I should have (because of, well you know those silly things like codependency and other unhealthy traits always seemed to have stepped in my own way of myself). And taking responsibility for this has been life changing for me. Luckily, as I learn to get out of my own way, I now know what feels warm to me. What feels right to me. Sometimes I feel guilty about thinking about what is best for me, but that comes with the territory of learning that it's okay to look after myself. Self love, baby. And self love for me comes in many shapes and forms.....one of which is making sound financial decisions to protect what my future with cancer looks like. I feel a great need to set myself up properly, so when the time comes to be away from work for awhile, I can take care of myself financially - on my own. MD Anderson really opened my eyes up a little more on my last visit to what my future might hold. A stem cell transplant could possibly be in my future (they will offer it to me when my progression to PV/MF 2 happens, as I am currently at PV/MF 1) and I appreciate MDA for helping me understand what today looks like - and what the future will likely bring. MDA is awesome at this whereby they kindly and gently tell you what's next up. and while they can't necessarily predict future time lines for it all, they can tell me what's on the horizon with a blood cancer that is progressive. This they know for sure. And they steer folks like me in a direction of understanding. Love them.

So I'm making changes for me, myself and I that feels warm and right.

And with that said, it's official, I'm moving! I've mentioned before about all the steps and actions and things that have been swirling about the selling of my farm and the idea of buying a new farm. I've prayed about it so very much, and asked God to show me the way. Apparently, the way is to Wolfe City to my rock house on 21 acres and yes, all of my (farm) animals are coming with me. There's a barn and run-in shed for them there.  

I did end up selling my farm to this mystery man who has now revealed himself to actually be a business. I just signed a modification to the purchase agreement that the buyer is no longer (insert) his name, but instead, the name of a company. It's a company that does business in heavy equipment and machinery both commercial and farm related. Oddly, the land behind me is filled with big, heavy farm equipment and machinery, so the irony that my land could be the same thing is an interesting turn of events. Is my home to really be an office? Or will they just knock my house down? Who knows, but this cash pay experience translates into a cash pay experience of my own new-to-me home. Which is a long-time goal of mine. I've worked hard to get to this place in my life, esp in this last year, and the fact that this is really happening brings me peace and joy. 2024 has taught me more than most all years combined in my life. 

In hindsight, the hardest part hasn't been the house showings, or the negotiations or the craziness of trying to sell and buy a home within a short period of time together. Instead, the hardest part for me is the uncertainty of the settlement of my animals at their new home in Wolfe City. All the animals I have, have only called this farm their home. They have known of no other land, of no other barn(s) and my concern for their safety and understanding of taking them to their "new home" has been my primary concern through this process. 

I do hope that they all settle into our new place well and happy. I pray that they stay around (talking to you, my livestock guard dogs who love to wander). It's a chance I'm taking by doing this, as my animals well-being and safety are my biggest concern. 

When's the big day/timeframe? Beginning of February! I close on my Gunter farm on Jan 30th and then turn around and close on my new Wolfe City farm on Jan 31st. The new owner of my Gunter farm is providing me a lease back until Feb 23rd and I greatly appreciate the time he's giving me to move and get settled elsewhere. 

It's happening and there's no going back now. Everything is signed, sealed and delivered except the final close date, of course. And it's coming up soon.....

How do you move 130 chickens? 

That's certainly a good question. When I figure it out, I'll let you know. It's a work in progress. My horses, donkeys and goats are going to travel in a horse trailer there, and that in itself may be challenging considering I'm not sure whose going to want to get into the horse trailer and who will refuse. Ahhhh, so many fun times on the horizon. Hard times. Fun times. Or should I say 'funny' times are coming my way! 

Me: pondering the move of 
so many chickens

Me: concerned about what bad
or hard things that 'could' happen
trying to move chickens
and 4 livestock guard dogs

I feel like Brooks and Olive's school photos this year best represent my feelings about moving my farm animals, in particular chickens and livestock guard dogs who do not typically like getting in a moving vehicle.

Wait, one more as Olive hits a home run with this one.....

Me: right about now

Let me say this please

I'm taking a huge risk in life. I'm moving an hour away from work, and yes I'm planning on staying there for my job. I'll drive the drive, as I can't imagine working anywhere else right now. 

I'll be further away from my grandkiddos. I don't know what to expect living in this small town, like whose around me, or where is the closest grocery store and shopping places. Is it Commerce, Bonham or Greenville? 

My doctors will all be further away. But I will say this about all the unknowns. I will be figuring them all out with time. I'm going to feel the uncertainty and trust the process. And trust what God has in store for me. 

How about this snow?! 

So this recent snow thing was a big deal here. It's amazing how I can get 6-8 inches of snow and my sister, who lives in Midlothian got very little. It was a particular snow path that this snow weather took and I hit the jackpot with it. I will say that freezing temps and snow create so much more work, for many reasons which include providing water that's not frozen, keeping food available that's edible, and trying to make sure everyone is as comfortable and warm as they can possibly be in freezing temps. My secret is lots of straw in the barn(s) from the start to the finish when it comes to warmth for all the animals.

It really was beautiful 

It became harder to look for my big white 
dogs to feed them when everything
was so white

I'm happy the snow is subsiding and although it's not all gone here, it's getting there. I think we all struggle in our own ways when it comes to such unusual weather for this milder climate we live in. Luckily, winter is only one season and I'm never sad to see it go. Cheers to Spring coming!

This was when it hadn't even finished snowing yet

As the snow subsides, it did force me to stay inside and pack up my house for the upcoming move, I will say that I've been able to get so much done inside, which is not usually where I spend the majority of my personal time. But there I was inside, like those two children in the Cat In The Hat book, sadly looking out the window. 

Also inside were my pups who were going stir crazy as well - and not much help at all when it came to packing.

Theo tried hard to be a big helper with the packing. Beside him, my biggest dog-obstacle was most all of the pups not wanting to go outside to potty, and who could blame them. 

There was alot of this. Stepping 2 steps 
out the doggie door, potty and come
right back in. The dogs, not me.

I imagine we all felt our own types of struggle, but if I bright-side it, I did have water, electricity and food. And learned to take a larger step out my door when heading outside. Mia tried hard to show them what to do, because she's an amazing dog who happens to love snow. But The Littles weren't having it. I think one of my favorite things about Mia is that she tries hard to show the other dogs how to be a good dog.

This girl. Not sure what I did to be blessed with
her as my very own. My very own goofball. 
And I'm here for it! She's a dog who loves all dogs.

Mia really wants to please - and be her best all the time. She's truly an amazing dog, and is a wonderful example of a dog who can show other dogs how to dog. If only they would take note. I could sure take a page out of her book as well, come to think about it. She’s that dog that would have a dog sweater on that says Be Kind 🫶🏼

Ahhh, the joy of packing. 
Maybe was a wonderful observer of it all.

I'm fortunate to get boxes from my workplace.
I had more boxes than I had stuff to put in them. 
I've learned to store things at the store - 
and not at the house.
That's been life changing for me.

These next few weeks are the calm before the 'moving' storm. It feels like an unbecoming moment, that is teaching me how to become more me-ish. Turns out, I'm not too old to start over. One of (the many) most beautiful moments in my life is when I realized I can do whatever I want. I'm just living it, without an explanation. Just fricking living it. It may turn out great or it may not. Either way, I'm in the messy middle of it all now and trusting the process. And trusting myself. I'll be here to catch myself if I fall. Maya Angelou once said, "I got my own back." She's one of the fiercest women that's walked this earth. I definitely take a page out of her book on the regular. 

You are your best thing,

Cyndi

My favorite cold weather activity?

Happy New Year!

Much needed gifts to self

It is an amazing thing to learn about self love. Then to practice self love. This last year has taught me I was missing self love and self worth to an extent that I had lost “me” in my prior marriage. Thanks to therapy and practicing new skills, I've learned that I have days where I might not like myself or some choices I make or things I do. Yet, I will always love myself. This has taken a year of practice for me, and I still practice self love daily. Lucille Ball said it so well, "Love yourself first and everything else falls in line." Wow, yes it sure does. 

I try to practice self talk as if I were talking to someone I love. I was talking to a co-worker the other day and this flew out of my mouth, "I figured out something recently, that the greatest love of my life is (and I paused as I reflected on this) and then said, "me". It was me all along. 

And with all that said, I adore hearing people speak with self love for themselves. No apologies. Just love for who they are and how they are. The good and the bad. The silliness and the awkwardness. And when I see and hear it, it fills my soul cup up. Everytime. And people who own their self love (truly own it) typically do so unapologetically, and I'm drawn to it like a proton to an electron. For I know these people have found the secret to life. As I really believe it's self love that is truly the secret to a most beautiful life (that rides along with self respect, self worth and self exploration in life). After all, I have found there is no external remedies for internal problems. Inward is the path to freedom. 

What now you ask

I mentioned to Lauren the other day that I think about what Reese Witherspoon once said, "The only approval you need is your own". That about sums up my life. Doing me, making my own decisions and owning them. 

And once I gave myself approval to explore the idea of moving to a new home, I've not looked back. It just felt right. It felt warm. Nothing about it felt not right. It felt like God's plan for me, that's how right it felt. 

Yes, it's been hard. Things worth doing can be hard. I'm okay with that. It hones in my coping skills a bit. It has helped me practice not sacrificing my own happiness to please anyone else. I've tried hard to stay strong through some hard situations with it along the way. At last blog post, I think I was in my first contract/offer that fell through. Then enter in my 2nd contract to sell my home to a couple - whom I had actually met at the house inspection. They showed up and I'm going to sum it up by saying this: they were completely and utterly unreasonable. I tried hard to compromise, but I've learned that you can never satisfy some people and these were some of those people. I'm going to cut to the end of this particular contract situation and say this: I will not be treated inappropriately any longer in my life and these people had to go. I said NO to any and everything they wanted (because they wanted anything and everything beyond reason) and luckily they did indeed cancel their contract just before their option period ended. One day I'll might write a whole blog post on their inappropriate behavior because it was so crazy, including attacking my character when they don't even know me all because I was not doing what they wanted me to do. You must have me confused with the old me, people. The new me doesn't accept this poor behavior(s) any longer. But I finally was able to put an end to it. So I thought. 

The first 2 offers and therefore contracts were a bust. And I’m okay with that. 

Then I moved on to another awaiting offer who had actually showed up at my house unexpectedly for a showing (another long story but in fact was meant to be) and not only offered full price but added 10K to it. At the time I was still under contract (with the above couple) but this man wrote up his offer as a "back up offer" so that when and if the contract I was in cancelled, his would go into effect. And sure enough, it did. I'm now under contract with a normal person who says normal things and makes normal requests. Whew, what a journey to get there though. 3rd times the charm. 

The (his) house inspection has been completed. He requested no repairs. He even had me cancel the foundation repair I was going to do. Is this man single? I digress. We are closing on my house on Jan 30 and the house will be his. Did I mention he's paying cash? No, I don't know if he's single.

So I better find me a place to live, people! And I found 2 places. One in Trenton and one in Wolfe City. After negotiating with both, I finalized an offer for a property and home in Wolfe City and they accepted. My home inspection is tomorrow, and if all goes well, I'll move forward and we'll close on my new-to-me home in Wolfe City with a super cute rock house (built by the family's rock business of the couple that lives there) on 21 acres (think ag exemption) with a closing on Jan 31st. God is good. 

2 ponds, a barn, a run-in shed, and an awning (with rv under)
The rv is not staying, nor is all the "stuff".
They will be removing all the things scattered about.

I love a rock house!

It's just the right size for me 💗

The man who is buying my home has agreed to lease it back to me for free for 3 weeks to allow me to find a place and get moved. Who is this mystery man, you ask. I don't have a lot of details on him, but I know he has people. His contract is signed with his name AND ASSIGNS. Meaning he can assign someone to do things for him like buy my house for him. Whoever he assigns to do so. I love a man with people. 

Wait, I do know he owns land in Celina and is now going to gobble up land in Gunter. Me first, so he says. And I'm fine with that. I'll move to where land and houses are cheaper and will be making my last mortgage payment tomorrow. His purchase price he's providing allows me to cash pay on my new-to-me home and be financially free which has been my goal all along. My realtor has been there for me all along to make this magic happen. She has known what my goal is and has worked hard to see it through. We are not at the finish line yet. But soon. And did you know that almost everyday since the crazy couple from the 2nd contract (see above) cancelled, they have asked to buy the house after all, and are "ready to move forward". 

These people 😲
I said....go away please

They bother my realtor regularly even though they know I'm under contract and am out of the option period and that this current sale is really happening. They just won't go away. Hahahaha, uh no. How many times do I have to tell them no. 

What next?

I'm currently making a plan for how to move all my animals. How to move all my coops, portable fencing and mowers. How to move all my things. After all, everybody is coming with me. It's going to be something, that's what I know for sure. And as hard as it all can feel at times, I know everything is going to be okay. Even when it's not okay, it's okay. I have many friends along with my sweet sister, Sheryl and her amazing family who are going to assist me with this difficult process. Yes, I’ve decided to use movers for all my material things, but I'm utilizing "my people" for the farm animal(s) move. Moving this many chickens is going to a whole thing. Yep, it's my monkey and my circus and I'm moving it all with me. 

Did you add to the circus?

Actually, I added and subtracted from the circus.

I made the decision to relocate my sheep and pigs to a friend who lives down the way. They are now settled, and I'm left with my 2 little goats to take with me, along with my 2 mini horses, Dora and Hope and my 3 mini donkeys, Poppy, Pippa and Baby Emerald. Plus a million chickens.

And my dogs and cats, too!

And then I received this text from my sister, Sheryl on Friday:

Turns out, while they were looking for a new pup - I ended up getting a new pup, too! A registered, 6 month old, boy yorkie. He's very light colored, which I love love.

Theo 💙

He was in the mix of all the dogs
on the car ride home

Sometimes here, too.
Unsure, but not unsure - all at the same time.

And now, Theo has joined the pack here on the farm. He's 4 lbs of pure boss power. He knows no rules.

I had stopped at Tractor Supply on my way home after getting him from Sheryl and Kristen (thanks for picking him up for me!!! 💛) as he needed a collar and lease. Neither of which has been in his life prior. 

I don't think he's been handled much. His 6 months of life has not been filled with any guidelines or assistance in socializing but instead in a crate or in a run. Yet, he does love all dogs and fits in well with my pack. So that's a win. Other than that, he's a wild card. A wild thing. And is convinced he's the pack leader of us all. We have some work to do.

A side note about how I choose this little pups name. It all started with thinking about one of my favorite quotes in Brene Brown's book, Daring Greatly which is based around the quote (it was actually a speech he gave in 1910) by Theodore Roosevelt:

Dang, Theodore R, thank you, as it’s the man IN the arena who in the end, may know the high achievement, not the nay-sayers. Love this, as even after years and years it rings true in life and is a great reminder. If your going to be brave, your going to fall. 'Be brave when you’re afraid' is something I think about often. Daring Greatly remains one of my favorite books of all time. 

And therefore, Theo it is, for this most boss pup I now have. 

So add 4 lbs of doggo to the upcoming move, and little Theo is going to be here for it. It's only Day 1 and he's still figuring it all out, that's for sure. He'll get there, they all do.

Char has become an amazing girl, who once was on the euthanasia list at a shelter, and my stray (now home!) Mia fits like a glove around here and loves everyone, and Sugar is....well she's forever my Sugar Bear and I love her just as she is. She, too came from rough beginnings. Lauren mentioned that I love a needy dog, and that's basically what my indoor pack is. High need doggos. And I'm all about it.  

Christmas Love 

I saved the best for last! This was, without a doubt, the best Christmas that I can ever remember having. I loved every minute of each and every celebration I had during this Christmas season. Best. Christmas. Ever.

Olive - and her baby

Monster Truck everything, please.
Love this sweet thing!

I know more about monster trucks than one could ever know about monster trucks. And Brooks is the one that makes all the monster truck magic happen. "It's Monster Mutt, Nana, not Monster Muck." Got it, not to self has been made. Mutt.

Loves her little tea pot 💟

I am beyond blessed with these 2 amazing sweetie pies. And my family. And my friends. Thanks to all who blessed me their time and presence during this 2024 holiday season. It's one for the books and my favorite-est one ever! These two were and are a big part of the reason for the season.  

Their love for one another is fire

I do love buying girlie girl things now.....

2024 has been a year of healing, growing and learning to love me. Which in turns allows me to love more deeply to those I love. 2025 is going to be a year of more love, surprises, new beginnings and leaving the year before better than I found it. 

Happy New Year!

Here's to all the things God has in store for us in this coming year. I can't wait to see what happens! 

Next up though? Another visit to my mom and dad - hopefully in January. It's mom's birthday and I'll need to hug her neck for that. 

Hugs to you ALL,

Cyndi

Calling the universe

How's the selling of the house going?

How about we start with that, right? Let me sum up what it's been like having my house on the market:

House cleaned up, many things tossed out. Lots of death cleaning going on. Getting rid of things that no longer need to be in my particular universe. Made the house "show ready" per my realtor. That means minimal things in and around my house, and a clean house please. Then, showings happened and animal corralling ensued during those said showing times, esp with Crazy Charlotte and Marvelous Mia who together create a stick of dynamite. 

I digress. And then, offers came. An offer was picked and negotiated. That offer went bad and things did not go well during the option period as they were folks that were not best to do business with. Bright side? The general inspection went well, and no big things to fix from it as far as general house things go. Just mostly small things. More showings, another offer. Negotiations still ongoing, but at a halt while I (me, personally) had a foundation inspection done because I've had foundation work done previously on this house and it's ALWAYS a question I get - and is not extensively looked at in a general inspection. Soooo my foundation company came out and sure enough, I need more foundation work. Offer on hold. I'll need to get the foundation repaired before proceeding. Awaiting the estimate for this dog and pony show that's about to drop not only into my pocketbook, but into the dirt around the parameter of my house on 3 sides, which from my experience, makes a biggo mess of the place and requires cleanup expense as well. I can do hard things. Hold, please.

There's no getting around the putting off of the foundation work. It needs to be done no doubt. And I'm okay with that. But it's about this time that I made a call to the universe making sure I'm signed up for the health and wealth package for 2025. I would not like to pursue the life lessons package again this year please.

Rule your kingdom well

This experience of placing my home on the market has enabled me to utilize many of my newfangled skills I've nurtured this past year. Afraid? Do it anyway. Reminder: do not abandon ones self. And don't quit before even beginning, esp when the house selling things get hard. Move outta da way, beep. Move outta da way. Sometimes you gotta get outta your OWN way. I've made a note to self when my frustrations are actually doorways, whereby I need to step next. Oh yeah, and Cyndi, don't forget to step aside from misaligned folks. This has been a key piece of the puzzle for me. Stay true to ones self. 

It's in this season (esp with this home selling situation) of my life that I've really begun to understand what it means to look deep inside myself for the answers of my own life. I've caught myself listening to my knowing - and acting on my own knowing. Go me! I had lost my ability to recognize my own intuition or if I did happen to feel it, I was not likely to act on it, in my past life. To now recognize AND feel my own intuition again has been life-changing. Decisions look very different now. I had been conditioned to ignore my own knowing for far too long and to be able to actually feel it again is something I can hardly put into words - and the self awareness of it shakes me to the core. To think I ignored myself for so long is heartbreaking for me. It’s been something I’ve been working on - listening to my own knowing. And then acting on it. Sounds simple, right? It is truly an amazing gift we as humans have, and something I won’t ever take for granted. It’s helped me to understand my own self, my needs and desires, and tune out what others desire for me or try to steer me to. It's me for me and I can't remember a time where I've felt this to be so true. I'm fortunate that I've given myself this time and opportunity to grow and heal, and move forward in a new way in life. I feel it - and it feels absolutely freeing and wonderful. So as I pivot, move forward, then pivot again in this house selling adventure, I keep my eye on the prize. Stay tuned, folks. This ain't over til it's over. 

Dutch Boy

I'm so very happy to report that Dutch's leg is healing.

It's trying so hard to get better.
Trying to try.

It's been a slow, very slow process but he's getting there. It was an odd scenerio playing out around here as Levi was on antibiotics, too, for a wound at the tip of his tail. I'll never know how these doggos have these things happen, but Levi came home with the tip of his tail missing. This was after Penny had just recovered from her abdominal mass and antibiotics were finished for her. That's about the time Dutch had his leg wound and medications given, of which included antibiotics. It was like an infirmary around here. Then, at Sugar's recent teeth cleaning, they extracted 17 more teeth and she was put on antibiotics. I know that sounds unreal and I did not even believe it myself. Sugar looked like she had been hit by a train when I picked her up. Poor thing.

Turns out dogs have about 42 teeth in their mouth. Who knew. From the very moment I took in Sugar (she was about 1 1/2 year old) she could not eat hard food/hard kibble. She's been on a soft diet her whole life with me, and has slowly been losing all her teeth with each dental cleaning she has. The vet reassures me it's nothing I'm doing, but that her teeth are not able to thrive in her mouth for whatever reason. Her whole upper right side of teeth had to be removed this time. The vet warned me......sometimes a dog's tongue will stick out and hang out of their mouths when that many teeth are missing. Great. Just great. 

Sugar has recovered and is off antibiotics now, too. Her tongue is not hanging out of her mouth. But I think the vet is preparing me for the inevitable of the day that it will come to that. And dare I say that all dogs have finished their medications and antibiotics. I'm pretty sure I paid the vet's mortgage payment for a couple of months while all this was going on. But everyone is fine now. For now. 

Marvelous Mia

Mia has settled in nicely here at the farm. 

Silly girl stole my spoon I was stirring dinner with 
when I wasn't looking.

She's gained weight, grown her hair out and has made a best friend in Char. With her second bestie being Penny. All is well in the world of dogs. 

It's like they were meant to be together
right here 

All the farm animals are doing wonderful! The fur-sweeties like my horses, donkeys and goats have grown out their winter coat and are furry-furry so to keep warm for the winter. I've placed straw in all their shelters and sleeping quarters, and I'm happy to report the ease of which we have transitioned to winter time. Even Lil Emerald is super furry - and happy! She's eating feed now, along with hay, and no longer just nursing. She'll wean from her mama at around 6 months, if not sooner. She's the best little donkey girl you could ask for. 

Sweet Emmie eating her hay like a big girl

Eating beside her mama 🤗
All with Sugar, Char and Mia 
cruising the barn

As I went to the barn tonight to wish everyone a good sleep tonight, I’ll share with you what it looks like in the barn at bedtime. 

Suzie Q claims this window spot
early on each evening 

The ducks now sleep in the barn 
and spend much of their time with the chickens

Full house every night

Paul loves sleeping right beside 
his best friend in the mirror 

Nite nite. Love you all to the barn and back,

Cyndi