12/10/2010 - Stole a Ride

On one of the last warm days for awhile, I saddled Chief and headed down the trail. Fleece breeches kept me warm even as a front moved in from the north. Our ride took us around the south section, cantered down the road for a bit and headed into the deep CRP field. Never saw the big buck that jumped up in front of the Mare, but a flock of turkeys had the Gelding staring real hard at the woods. Storm front arrived overnight with wind & blowing snow.:(

The Rock

The new bird bldg has been named "The Rock", because of it's sturdy construction. It's replaced the fruit cellar as the new storm shelter. Birds are moved in and are comfy, cozy & warm. This garden chair was built for me to take a rest on, after chores. All I need is a cup of coffee.

American Cowgirl

American Cowgirl

American Cowgirl
www.youtube.com
American Cowgirl is the story of the women who helped shape the American West. This trailer features Connie Reeves, who at 101 years old was still riding her horse every day.To see more about this project go to www.americancowgirl.com/blog..

Warm 2010 Autumn

Fall 2010

Quackers

Newest resident, a pet duck released on a local lake & relocated here before the bitter weather arrives.

Snug as a Bug

The Bird Building is very close to completion ! Combining high R factor insulation, plastic vapor barrier, 3/4" plywood, top end siding with styrofoam backing with a forced air heater, temps will be very comfortable for the birds this winter.

Changling

Mid-summer I discovered this little fellow crawling across the greenhouse floor, blind, helpless but determined to get "somewhere". Our females adopted him and he has thrived, even tho he dis-appeared for a week. He has gone from almost white, to grey and now black with white guard hairs and one white toe ! And he has funny white tufts on his ears. In one picture he is quite miffed at being held and promptly bit me !

Aviary / Greenhouse, Roof is on !

09/02/2010 Summer's Winding Down

Doesn't Get Any Better - MO 2010

TableRock 2010

Never a Dull Moment

Last week new kitten in the greenhouse, yesterday just-hatched chicks in the woods, today grooming the arena and this fellow was behind me in the sun. Amazing, life does find a way.

Imagine Our Suprise !

When a hot air balloon floated right over, then landed on our place. What was a peaceful Sunday evening, changed quickly to a flurry of chase cars with their equiptment pulling in and tethering up to the basket, walking the couple from Ireland over a barb wire fence. Safely on the ground they celebrated with champayne.
The horses grew tall and eyeballed the huge invader and snorted when they fired the burners.

Amazing June Storms

The Clouds last night had an eerie yellow, pink & blue cast before a long line of storms rolled thru. Carbon copy repeat again this morning. Sunny mornings & stormy afternoons. Only in Nebraska ! Flooding, hail, thunderstorms everyday, almost 10' of rain in the last 2 weeks. We're mowing twice a week and all the flowers are beautiful !

Evening June Rides

Riding at dusk this week has it's perks. Cool temps, no bugs, relaxed rein & lots of wildlife. Almost 5' of rain has filled the ditches and made a great playground for cooling off & blowing bubbles. Having a lot of fun, safe rides.

Moon Over the Garden

Memorial Weekend - 2010. 10:30 p.m. Finishing up another day of construction and we can hear the coyotes coming down off the bluff towards the river, They are calling to each other in the night air. Bats are cruising the farm light and geese are flying in the dark. Gorgeous moon is rising over the garden and lighting up the evening. Life is good.

Summer is Near

May 25th, 2010 Beautiful Poppies !

Aviary / Greenhouse

The Greenhouse windows are in ! You can already feel a 20' jump in temps in that section. Starting on the roof joists and putting on the Ty Vek soon. I can't envision the finished building, so many little steps to complete. One day at a time.

Working the Waterway

Worked the water, cantered till we were tired and found a 7 pt. deer head !

2010 Spring Activity

The aviary roof is ready to be installed, but spring rains have arrived and work stops for now. The garden is tilled and planted, gourdes and pumpkins for the birds and watermelon for the horses. The warmth of the greenhouse releases the oils of the Chocolate Mint and smells delicious !

March 2010 Exits Like a Lamb

Warm winds, dry conditions and a willing, responsive Mare made for a memorable ride !
I really like this horse.:)

Walls go up !

With Spring and warm weather comes increased activity at
Country Lane/Safe Haven.
The walls are going up on the new bird building which will be heated,
have an infirmary, food prep and play area. The birds will love it !

Riding Season Has Begun !

Nebraska Horse Expo was Fun ! We participated in Julie Goodnight Clinics, Riding with Rhythm and Balance in english/hunt seat and Canter Departure with Proper Lead in western. What an opportunity to ride with this accomplished horsewoman. Our Mane Challenge entries were Trail Class and Stake Race. Chief completed his patterns with his own flair.:) March 18th, 2010 saw 64" and a warm, windy day for a nice trail ride at home. Looking forward to more warm days and good rides.

Hyacinth Macaw

Country Lane Hanging Wooden Parrots
World's largest macaw, the Hyacinth, (Anodorhynchus Hyacinthinus) current range includes light forest and grasslands of Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay. Hyacinths measure 40' in length and can weigh 1250 grams. Feathers are deep cobalt blue, bare eye ring and peri-mandibular are bright gold, bill is black and deeply curved. Diet consists primarily of palm nuts.

Here We Go Again !

5 new in. of snow overnight. This is getting really old.
43 more days till Spring......
43 more days till Spring......
43 more days till Spring......

Sunday Rider

Sunday, January 17th and finally a break in the frigid weather ! My neice loves her buddy, Frisco and she got in a nice 45 min. ride. Of course it didn't end there, horse cookies and apples had to be hand delivered, water buckets filled, manes combed and lots of fence climbing and laughing. It's hard to get her out of the barn ! Like a friend said, yep she's another one I'm corrupting with horses.:)