Absence makes the heart grow fonder?

I hope. Sorry for the unplanned blogging hiatus. I don’t know even know where to begin, so I’ll just jump right in and see where I land…
Drought and Heat 2012: We are still suffering in our neck of the woods. Grass, crops, gardens.. all are dying. Even the trees are in danger at this point. I’ve been watering to try to save what I can. The good news is we’re now into the “cool 90’s” this week after two weeks of upper 90’s to (as much as) 107 here. Please tell me what’s going on where you are. The rains have been so spotty. I know some have received showers of blessing.
In spite of everything, we still have a few blooms and tiny bit of garden left. Amazing, I say.


Bees: We are picking up another hive of bees this week from a relative who is a beekeeper and does his own splits each year. This will be Hive #4. Yay! On one of our hottest days last week (107), I captured these honeybees soaking up the moisture at the bird bath. It was really interesting to watch! Maybe because I’m a Bee Nerd? At any point during those warmest days you could see several bees at a time cooling off here.

Do you ever have a list of “things I should have blogged, but never did?” Here’s one of my many. This handmade mosaic stepping stone was given to me by my parents on my 50th b-day (gulp) 2 years ago. I sooo love it! The gentleman who creates these is wheelchair-bound in a local nursing home (about my age), and donates the proceeds to our county’s Relay for Life.

Now, here is something that Mr. W is quite proud of. One of his newest projects. Still doesn’t seem real to us sometimes, but his dear blacksmithing friend Ed passed away suddenly a couple of months ago. Slowly but surely I think some of  Ed’s “best of the best” rust pile has somehow found its way to Flat Creek Farm :)
Just for fun, can anyone guess what this lovely crusty rusty item is?

One more random catch-up item.. and I’m outa here for now (hopefully not so long this time). Remember Goldie? Wow, she grew up! She’ll be one year old at the end of this month. Notice the post-critter-chasing tongue?

Hope everyone is doing well. I’m trying to slowly catch up on blog visits too. Where does the time go??
Till next time…

Fiddle Dee Dee–it’s been too long!

Why oh why do I wait so long between posts?!

Let’s get right to it then….
Back before Christmas, a sweet Blogger friend sent the best gift! An awesome sign!

A long overdue shout-out (and thanks again) to dear Jenny Matlock – methinks she knows us purty well!! We love it!
{Psssst… I happen to know that Jenny has a fabulous Etsy shop as well!}

From there, where do I begin? Oh yes.. the weather, always the weather. Like much of the U.S., here in Missouri we’ve had a dreadfully cold winter. In this old farmhouse, it’s kinda been a matter of survival. And, of course, keeping the critters in good shape. It has at times seemed like Winter would go on forever. So bleak, so miserable. Has anyone else had the winter blahs and blues?

We’ve had a fair amount of the white stuff. It was pretty. At first.

Full golden moon from earlier this week.

On the brighter side, we’re enjoying a nice little break from the cold. 50’s! Today the Mr. and I enjoyed a trip to the woods with Goldie. We left our other two chubby and senior sweet pups behind so they didn’t have to struggle through the remnants of snow and ice (not to worry – the old girls took short walks later).

Today we enjoyed some nice previews to Spring. A bit of thawing at the creek…

pre-Spring thaw at Flat Creek

Goldie enjoyed herself immensely.

Every one needs a break now and then though.

Lo and behold, several Robins were hanging out in the woods.

Know what? I do believe this Spring thang could happen after all. There is hope, always.

Oh – one more thing - I can’t leave without mentioning my favorite evening pastime over the past few weeks. No t.v. for me – just owl watching! There are now three beautiful and adorable little owlets on Alessondra’s OKC Owl Cam. Check them out here!

Have a great remainder of the week, Friends!

do you hear what i hear?

Goldie at almost 5 months…

all legs,

and EARS!

Sweet Little Brayers at Play

Well, you might imagine a sweet little “hee haw” from Gracie and Ruby. Prepare to be shocked (right after Goldie’s bark). The news from the donkey barn radio is blaring in the background, and you’ll also hear a rooster crow.

My Mild-Mannered Girlies :)

Ahhhh… life on the Farm ♥

Introducing Goldie…

The newest member of our family -- Mr. W’s 2 month old Mountain Cur puppy. 
It’s been a long time since we’ve had a puppy around here, and she is a fireball.  Banjo (our almost 10 year old JRT) and Chloe (our 6 year old Corgi mix) are not pleased.

 

Pecking orders are being established, and slowly things are calming down a bit.

I hope :)

bona fide

[boh-nuh fahyd] authentic, true. What does this have to do with anything? It’s just one of my very favorite words. Or would that be two words?
Remember our Goldie Pup? Well, she has finally won over the rest of the family (for the most part). She and Chloe are actually playing in the top left photo, although it looks like a scuffle!

The chickens have been molting, therefore we’ve had very few eggs for the past several weeks. The good news is their feathers are almost all grown back and they are looking good. After months of picking/pecking each other (and actually eating the feathers.. gross!).. they really needed some improvement. Their manners toward each other have thankfully improved as well.

We’ve had some pretty skies… during daytime hours and at night.
 
Hmmm… what else has been going on around here? I made 35 half-pints, plus 4 pints of Green Tomato Relish (delish – recipe here). We had loads of green tomatoes at the end of the season.


I painted this sign.
  
Life’s been busy, but good. And bona fide.
{these girls are truly bona fide}

Hope all is well and bona fide with each of you!

Perfect Day

What a beautiful day here in Missouri! 70’s and plentiful sunshine. Oh, how we’ve waited for this, even if it’s a brief respite. We enjoyed our walk late this afternoon. Immensely.

I know what you’re thinkin’ – oh good grief, not another video?!  You’ll see a beautiful pair of Canadian geese in flight (one is a little wobbly), Chloe and Goldie playing, and Chloe is savoring the last bit of snow, and some of our little waterfalls here on the farm. So good to see that water flowing too. Banjo was with us too. She just didn’t score an on screen part this time, but next time for sure!

A Beautiful Day

The goose pair, in “hidey” mode.

Finally, from us to you, Happy St. Patrick’s Day this weekend!

Linking up to Farm Fun Friday!

Also linking to Wild Bird Wednesday: Check out Wild Bird Wednesday for beautiful wild birds around the world!

Budding Talent at Flat Creek Farm

Presenting Goldie, our crooner.. but only to this song. Every day (when I have this local radio program on), she sings along. We love this girl.

Bill Kenny (formerly of the Ink Spots) – “Thank Heaven for You” via KWIX Radio

I will be back soon with a road trip post, then a giveaway soon afterward (My Mama wrote a book!).

Happy Fall to All.. See You Soon!