Meadow Creek Farm

Cute men in my life

2012-01-27T18:24:00.001-05:00

I am surrounded by them. I mean really…just look at these two guys. Cute, Cute, CUTE!

The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow

2012-01-25T19:01:00.000-05:00

Yay! 'Cause it sure does make me happy when the sun comes out.

A sinking feeling

2012-01-22T08:48:00.000-05:00

Sorry…I couldn't resist.

Long story short…I had a leak under my old sink. A sink that I hated. I mean I really, really hated it. So Mark decided he'd help me give my little bathroom an update and fix that pesky leaky sink (that I hated) at the same time. We repurposed a treasured table and purchased a new basin sink and faucet assembly. We tore out the old sink (that I hated…right...I already told you that. Twice.) and put in the new one. Badda Bing, Badda Boom…I was HOOKED UP!

LOVE my new sink. I really, really love it.

Thanks Mark!
xxooxxoo (back scratches too)

Me & My Crew...

2012-01-18T20:39:00.000-05:00

I needed a few photos for my website and an event I am helping a friend with this coming weekend. Mark was kind enough to follow me into the field so that I could get a few shots with my crew. Aren't they lovely!?

I think my mom will be happy to see me too. Right mom?

ChiChi Clause

2012-01-15T20:16:00.000-05:00

ChiChi: Like I said…I'm wearin' the hat, so I get to decide who gets what.

Mark: Huh?

ChiChi: Look kid…it's simple…you just leave all those carrots in MY feed pan and I'll be sure you get what you want for Christmas.

Mark: Ummmm…Cheech…Christmas was over 3 weeks ago.

ChiChi: Dude…minor detail. Just do what you're told. I'M wearin' the hat.

Sky writing

2012-01-12T20:11:00.000-05:00

When I was young, my best gal pal and I used to pretend that the airplanes were writing in the sky. We'd make up "what" they were writing and then tell her little brother it was directed at him. "It says, give Teresa and your sister candy." Truth be told, he never fell for it. Smart kid.

I saw an "H" when I saw this. "H" for horses? Made sense to me at the time.

The Many Sides of CB

2012-01-09T19:46:00.000-05:00

There's this side...

and this side...

oh and let's not forget this side...

or this side...

and this side...

oh and this side...

and last but certainly not least...this side.

Red Skies at Night...or was that morning?

2012-01-05T20:53:00.000-05:00

Okay...it was morning. Sunrise to be exact. About 7:15am. Un-effin-believable! You agree? Thought so.

Zzzzzzing in the New Year

2012-01-02T12:49:00.000-05:00

CB has the right idea. Ring in the New Year? Plbbbbb…I have a better idea. Let's nap!

Love lasts...

2011-12-31T21:51:00.001-05:00

This photo was originally taken in December of 2003. We turned it into an ornament to hang on the tree at Mark's parents' Tree Decorating party. Fun to unpack ornaments 8 years later and find it. Awwwwwwww...love lasts!!!!

Comments welcomed...

2011-12-30T21:38:00.000-05:00

Mark, my loving partner in crime and blog author of rockinwalls.com has convinced me that I should allow comments on my blog. I have to admit...I'm skeered.

I worry about spam. I worry someone will say something inappropriate. And most importantly, I worry someone will say something mean. But, he assured me that I need not worry. "You moderate all comments Tree...you can just delete the bad ones." I love him. He's so smart.

Sooooooo...comments are welcomed! Comment away. Or not. It's all good. I'll keep blogging about nonsensical stuff either way. Hoping to hear from you!

Taking the new camera for a spin

2011-12-28T21:47:00.000-05:00

Markie Clause got me a new camera for Christmas. A Sony CyberShot HX9V. Me likey!!

Santos Clause

2011-12-25T18:17:00.001-05:00

This is Santos. He is not mine. I wish he was. Isn't he just absolutely kissable? He belongs to friends of ours.

I tried to sneak him into the Grand Cherokee...it didn't work.

It's about time...

2011-12-20T18:58:00.000-05:00

you got home Ma. Me hungry!

Centerfold

2011-12-17T18:55:00.001-05:00

Billy, make love to the camera. Perfect.

The rest of the story...

2011-12-14T20:16:00.003-05:00

So, I promised you the funny story about our Christmas tree. You could probably say it was the Christmas tree that almost wasn't. First a little background. Our home is a 200something year old farmhouse. It's small. I mean barely 8ft tall ceilings small. So when a very dear friend 'gifted' us a gorgeous pre-lit artificial douglas fir tree we were bummed. We wanted to put that tree in our living room SO BAD, but just knew it would not fit.

It sat in storage for a few years...(poor tree). This year we decided it was unfair to let it grow cobwebs when another family could be enjoying it. We dug it out of storage and we opened it up. (in the driveway) It was huge, and gorgeous and lovely and it looked so real! Seriously. Then the real test...we plugged that bad boy in. And it lit up! I mean nearly every single bulb lit up. Mark and I were shocked. We stood there (in the driveway) with this stupid grin on our faces. Then we looked at each other.

Mark: "You thinking what I'm thinking?"

Me: "Uh Huh."

Mark: "Go open the front door."

Me: "Should we measure first?"

Mark: "Nope...we'll figure that part out later."

We stuffed and shoved and repositioned the top of the tree (it was almost 8" too tall) and voila! We have a huge and gorgeous and lovely tree in our living room. We LOVE IT!

And so do the cats...

And don't worry...we were able to get that star on top...just fine. Bring it on Santa! We're ready for ya!

Too much eggnog?

2011-12-11T19:57:00.005-05:00

Or, just doing what cats do best.

Oh Christmas Tree...OH Christmas Tree!

2011-12-08T19:57:00.000-05:00

There is a pretty funny story to go with these two pictures...I'm sure you can only imagine. I mean think about it. Mark and I are involved...you KNOW it's gonna be funny. Stay tuned!!!

Doesn't get much better than this

2011-12-05T22:36:00.002-05:00

Sure is lovely...but...

Add a little equine and the landscape gets MUCH better. I love our farm. (and the horses that live there...even the few we don't own)

Feline Groovy

2011-12-01T21:07:00.000-05:00

Really, really GROOVY! Does she have the life or what? Don't answer that...it will only further depress you...and me.

Move your feet, lose your seat

2011-11-28T20:04:00.000-05:00

That rule also applies here at Meadow Creek Farm and Mark's lap. Sorry CB.

Sunset made better

2011-11-25T10:23:00.000-05:00

You probably wonder how I can make this sunset better.

I mean look at it. It's gorgeous.

But look at it now. GORGEOUS. Horses make everything better. Trust me.

Stiffer labor laws

2011-11-21T19:12:00.001-05:00

Diesel is exhausted. It's tough being a barn cat. You know, laying on the porch. Anchoring the blankets on the bed. Begging for meals. Keeping an eye on the woodstove. Shall I go on?

So please don't turn us in. We are working on giving him more breaks. (as you can see)

Meadow Creek Farm LLC - new logo

2011-11-16T19:59:00.000-05:00

Thanks to a very good cyber-friend (in CA) we now have a logo for the farm. It's been a real journey getting to this day. I needed a logo that could, in a glance, show all aspects of what I do at our farm. Boarding, training, equine assisted learning (EAL) and therapy (EAP) and horsemanship lessons. I think we accomplished it.

I like how you can't tell if it's a man or a woman...is the horse coming toward or going away? Are they engaged in a EAL session, horsemanship lesson, or is one of my boarders taking their horse out? I love how it can be all of those things...it is all in the eye of the beholder. Behold...the MCF logo.

Beaver Cleaver

2011-11-14T20:45:00.000-05:00

Something is different in our woods. Tell tale signs that we have a visitor...

Girdled trees...

Downed saplings...

And (drum roll please) a dam...

Damn! A DAM!

A dam that is backing up our stream...

Sooooo...we knew he/she was "in da house"...just a matter of time before we'd see him/her. And there he/she is...swimming up stream...dum de dum...la dee da. BEAVER CLEAVER! The coming weeks will be very interesting. Stay tuned!

Saucin' da Apples

2011-11-12T19:50:00.005-05:00

It's like potpourri you can eat! House smells amazing and our bellies are happy. Win/win!

A work around

2011-11-10T19:20:00.001-05:00

So, did you notice that King Syrup has changed its bottling? Yup, they've switched from glass bottles to plastic bottles. Fine...I'm sure it saves them money etc etc, but do I like it? No. Am I gonna deal? Yes. How you ask? Like this...(so refined am I when I eat my pancakes and french toast).

Take THAT King Syrup.

Frolic's condo

2011-11-08T19:00:00.001-05:00

Frolic didn't waste any time finding a good spot to snuggle up and nap. He's one smart kitty. For sure.

Happy Birthday to Mark!

2011-11-07T05:37:00.001-05:00

For obvious reasons I am SO HAPPY Mark was born. As nice as he looks on the outside...he is that amazing on the inside. Happy Birthday Love!

Yes sir...I'm working

2011-11-06T17:49:00.001-05:00

Billy: Did you take a longer break than allowed?
Me: Uh...no...why?
Billy: Cause according to my watch...you are 2 minutes late with supper for these horses. Not acceptable.
Me: I think your watch is fast.
Billy: Excuse me. Who's the supervisor here?
Me: Um...I guess that would be you.
Billy: Right...now get back to work before I have to write you up.

Sure makes the drive in nicer

2011-11-04T20:23:00.001-04:00

With a view like this, the commute is really not that bad.

Did I ever tell you?

2011-11-02T19:27:00.000-04:00

Diesel LOVES our woodstove. I mean...he really loves it.

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T18:20:00.000-04:00

Well were you able to guess our costume from my hints? If not...your wait is over. Presenting (drum roll please) the 2011 Mark and Tree Halloween costume.

Not sure who we are? Watch this.

Our video to follow!

Halloween is Monday. So guess what?

2011-10-29T14:20:00.001-04:00

No really...guess. Okay, I'll give you a hint. I'll actually give you two hints. Here's your first hint.

Not enough? Okay. How about this hint?

Click here.

Aren't you excited?! Stay tuned!!!!!

Is it just me?

2011-10-27T19:23:00.000-04:00

Or does that fallen tree branch look a little bit like a deer hopping through my yard? Ok. That's what I thought. Thanks for confirming.

Bag o' Billy

2011-10-25T19:21:00.000-04:00

What can I say? Billy loves his bags.

Buzzards

2011-10-23T19:10:00.001-04:00

If I didn't think they were so cool and doing such a very needed job (I mean really, they consume dead things), I'd be totally creeped out.

Who needs NASCAR?

2011-10-21T20:03:00.000-04:00

As you may know, Cheyenne (Cheech) is part Draft horse. Belgian to be exact. Buddy totally understands "drafting". Get it? Draft? hee hee

BTW...this is Mark's funny. He's so clever. I have to give him the credit. Thanks Markie Mark!

Stop the car!

2011-10-19T20:42:00.000-04:00

That's what my brain was yelling at me. So I did what any girl would do. I stopped the car! And I took a picture of this amazing sky. Holy cr@p!

He's so shy...and easily embarrassed

2011-10-17T19:45:00.000-04:00

Diesel...you're so cute!

Oh gosh...did I embarrass you? Sorry. Really...I'm sorry.

Welcoming commitee

2011-10-15T20:40:00.000-04:00

Leroy is SO good at welcoming me home. Of course I think it helps that I am the one that feeds him dinner.

A comforting sight

2011-10-13T20:36:00.000-04:00

There isn't anything quite as comforting to me as when I look down onto our house and see the smoke from our wood stove bellowing from the smoke stack. Makes me ache. (In a good way)

Buddy in his blanket

2011-10-11T20:35:00.000-04:00

Ain't he cute?

Awwwww...shucks...he's so modest.

Billy's new box

2011-10-09T19:32:00.000-04:00

Me: Hey Billy.
Billy: Huh?

Me: You like your new box?
Billy: YEAH!!!

Planting my Christmas gift

2011-10-07T19:22:00.003-04:00

I participated in a Secret Santa exchange this past Christmas. I love these. Buying presents for someone knowing they don't know who you are...and waiting for the mailman to deliver your gifts. The box was packed full. Candy, hat and BULBS! Tons and tons of BULBS! I love flowers...and I really love daffy's. So my wonderful Secret Santa (Christine from CA) indulged me.

I planted them this weekend. I can't wait until Spring!

Okay guys...rest up...I'll see you in a few months. (and I'll be sure to get pictures!)

7 years old

2011-10-05T19:14:00.001-04:00

A recent event in my life had me searching for this photo. Boy was I happy when I found it. It clearly marks a special time in my life. It was my 7th birthday and my father (my biological father) had rented this pony for me and my cousin. It had to have been the best gift a 7 year old horse crazy little girl could have ever wanted. (a special thanks to Deb for retouching this for me)

Pink Skies at Night

2011-10-03T19:50:00.002-04:00

So gorgeous.

Yard ornaments

2011-09-30T20:36:00.000-04:00

Seriously...we have so many of these guys...I feel like they are a permanent attraction. They often eat things they are not supposed to (or that I don't like that they eat) but I do love spotting them from my windows.

At first I thought she was alone...

But then I noticed a rustle in the overgrowth. Can you see it? A small orange blur?

There she is! She emerged...triumphant. How cute is that?

Spots and all..she was all a twitter...hopping to and fro.

Eating my Red Bud tree. BAD deer baby! Bad!

Watercolor Sky

2011-09-28T17:51:00.002-04:00

Words can't compare. Well there is one word. WOW!

Fixing the aftermath

2011-09-23T10:53:00.035-04:00

In an earlier post I showed you the damage our farm sustained from the recent deluge of rain. Never fear...Mark and I don't take long to get things back in order. No moss grows under these stones! A few more pictures of the damage...and a few of the cleanup. Enjoy!

Our poor gate. It didn't stand a chance. :(

We removed all of the fence boards and the "no-climb" fence from the posts. Mark cleared all the debris from the area and we hung strands of electric tape. A much better design don't you think?

The debris was piled pretty high when we started. Thank goodness we have the skid steer. BTW...Mark bought new tires for it to thank it for all its hard work.

Thank goodness it didn't take out our new bridge. Phew!

Now THAT is a sexy look. Mark was preparing to get in the stream and remove more debris. He had to do it. I was busy taking pictures for you all. I know...the sacrifices I make. You're welcome.

Isn't he the cutest?

Unclogging under the bridge. Good job Mark! (I was on the sidelines...taking pictures and cheering him on...fanning him too.)

The finished product. This design is much better. Now if we have flooding issues, we can either unhook the three strands of electric tape and let the water flow freely, or we can just let it break. Either way a much better design. In a battle with mother nature, she will always win. So we think it's best to figure out ways to work with her. Works for me!

Mother Nature's Fury

2011-09-22T20:03:00.026-04:00

Boy...who the heck pissed off Mother Nature? Whoever you are (and you know who you are) please stop! Apologize...buy the woman some candy. Our farm is suffering her wrath. But never fear...we fixed all the damage and made a few improvements. That post to follow soon. For now...the wrath. Yikes!

Inside my barn (which is 20 or more yards from the stream) the water was 6-8" high. Joy. Not.

You can see the water line on my trunks, filing cabinet and trash can. Oie!

The grasses indicate the water was this high...holy moly. Glad I slept through most of it. At the edge of that woodpile there is a 7-8' drop off. Thank goodness. My house sits high and dry. Phew!

The rushing stream (and debris) took out several sections of fencing.

Do you see the debris on the bridge? Yup...the water came THAT HIGH! Eeeeek!

It also took out our gate...you can see it in the middle there...barely hanging on. That gate needed to be replaced. It was almost bent in half. Drats.

This was 5 hours after the rain had ceased. When I first looked out (it was still dark) this entire field was under water...bridge included. I was happy to see it survived.

More shots of the damage. I just hope Mother Nature is once again happy...and will give us a reprieve. We certainly need it.

Repair and "after" photos to come! Stay tuned!!!

Tablet blog posting

2011-09-20T21:07:00.000-04:00

Loving my new Samsung Galaxy Tablet 7. Playing with the Blogger app now. Fun!
Hmmm. Let's try to include a photo. Now to check it all out in my reader.
Wish me luck!

Loving family

2011-09-19T19:52:00.000-04:00

Mark and I are very fortunate to have such loving families. Families who are giving and caring. Recently my Aunt (who also lives in Carroll County) phoned to ask if we had room for a few plants at our farm, I jumped at the offer. Heck we have 22 acres! Of course we have room! And when I heard a large part of the donation was cone flowers I was thrilled. I love this flower. We recently got everything planted and can't wait to see them bloom this coming spring.

The motherload! Plants galore! LOVE this. (also love that the skid steer carried them for us.)

And dug the trench to plant the cone flowers. Lots of labor saved here. (thank you skid steer)

The lineup! They are going to look so pretty this spring. I hear they attract birds and butterflies too. BONUS!

They are behind our house...just in front of a really nice rock outcropping. The color will be wonderful.

We also received a hosta. Love hostas...unfortunately so do the deer. Drats. We already have plans to spray it with deer away. PU. But it works well.

And this little guy is already flourishing in my front bed. Yay!

Tough life

2011-09-15T20:33:00.001-04:00

Yeah...his life is SUPER tough. Really. What? You don't believe me? Here...let me zoom in closer for you.

See? Told you. His life is tough.

Special notes

2011-09-13T20:30:00.000-04:00

Earlier today I returned from an overnight retreat for a program I am enrolled in through my job. Warmed my heart to find this note from Mark. Could he get any sweeter? (Nope...he's pretty damn sweet).

Would you believe...?

2011-09-10T19:31:00.000-04:00

That some of this stuff was gifts? (for other people?) No? I didn't think so. Hey you can't expect me to travel to OC and then the boardwalk and not completely O.D. on sweets. O.D. in OC. Yeah!!

He's so fine...yeah yeah...gonna make 'em mine...yeah yeah

2011-09-08T15:25:00.000-04:00

Oh wait...he's already mine. Yay!

Do NOT...I repeat...Do NOT feed the seagulls

2011-09-06T20:22:00.000-04:00

Mom learned this little tidbit the hard way. (I tried to tell her...she didn't listen)

Life's a beach

2011-09-04T19:19:00.000-04:00

And our time there this past week was so wonderful...beyond words. If you have not made time to visit a local (or maybe not so local) beach lately...do it. You won't regret it. Promise.

Irene? Pffft...she's no match for Mark

2011-09-02T20:58:00.000-04:00

We were prepared for Irene...Mark spent the better part of Friday and Saturday making sure every lantern had oil, every flashlight had fresh batteries and we had overnight bags packed should we need to evacuate.

I was not worried at all...I mean...look at him? Would you have worried? (okay...don't answer that)

It was a rough night

2011-08-30T19:08:00.001-04:00

Somebody had to stay up and make sure that no trees crashed into the house and the creek didn't flood the barn. It's a tough job huh Diesel?

Diesel?

Diesel? Helllooooo...Diesel? Okay...never mind.

My favorite past time with my farmily

2011-08-26T21:52:00.000-04:00

I love when Mark and I can steal a few hours to go trail riding together. It's so relaxing and really makes us realize how lucky we really are. Lucky to have each other, lucky to have amazing horses, lucky to have the lives we have and lucky to be able to do this activity as much as we do.

Muzzle love

2011-08-24T21:48:00.000-04:00

How can you not LOVE this muzzle. He's my buddy Buddy. I heart him. (again...do NOT tell Mark)

Clouds

2011-08-22T20:35:00.000-04:00

I literally ran outside to get this photo. It was an amazing site from my living room. One I needed to capture and save. Hope you like!

Crookie

2011-08-20T19:01:00.000-04:00

This is our very last "original" barn cat. Mark named him Crookie (cause he has a crooked tail). In the past few weeks we've really made headway with him. This is a kitty that would cower and not let you get anywhere near close to him. Now? He comes right up and happily accepts scritches (like scratches only better).

Hosta flowers

2011-08-18T19:18:00.001-04:00

These are going to be so beautiful when they fully bloom. Don't worry...I'll be sure to get a photo.

Dinner time at Meadow Creek Farm

2011-08-16T19:17:00.001-04:00

Girl talk

2011-08-16T19:06:00.000-04:00

Cheech: Man it's so awesome having a big sister like you.
Seti: Yeah I know.
Cheech: I mean I can talk to you about anything...
Seti: Yeah I know.
Cheech: Like...you know...the boys I like...my favorite singer...gossip I hear about.
Seti: Gossip? What gossip?
Cheech: Well Lily told me, that Faith told her, that Manolo said that he heard Doc telling somebody that Buddy and Puddin were kissing in the run in!
Seti: No way! Really? Does Buddy know that we know?
Cheech: I don't think so, but shhhhhh...he's right over there.

Cheech: Do you think he heard us?
Seti: Doubt it. Boy ears. You know?

Buddy: Doo bee doo bee doo...eating my hay...wonder what the girls are talking about?

Seti: Told you.

Tomatoes!

2011-08-14T18:55:00.001-04:00

Look? See them? Right there? TOMATOES! Guess the experiment worked. Know what that means? Next year I'm gonna do more veggie pots! Woot!

Love on the farm - Rated R - Contains nudity

2011-08-12T20:37:00.001-04:00

I feel I should explain quickly. Puddin LOVES Buddy. And when I say LOVES, I mean LOVES! The sun rises and sets on that boy for her. So when he indulges her in some lovin, she is in heaven.

Enjoy!

Breakfast at Tiffany's?

2011-08-10T20:55:00.000-04:00

Okay so maybe it's just breakfast here at good ole Meadow Creek Farm, but either way Buddy and Puddin' are thoroughly enjoying their time together.

Patti - Wasp killer extraordinaire

2011-08-08T20:50:00.000-04:00

She ain't messin' around. Luckily that wasp made the right decision by laying low (after it stung Mark). Me? I was hiding in the truck. Me no likey wasps.

(Note: Yes, that is a BBQ grill cleaning brush she is wielding...I told you she wasn't messing around!)

Steering Committee

2011-08-06T20:46:00.003-04:00

I'm not sure this is what they meant when they came up with that term, but it sure was an interesting sight. Can you imagine the homeowners surprise when they returned home from their outing? And just imagine the fun of mowing after their visit? Ewwwwwweeeeeeeee...land mines is an understatement. (the photos are a little blurry because we were in the dually...shake rattle and roll)

Sunset (with Droid Phone)

2011-08-04T20:41:00.000-04:00

I have been experimenting with the camera on my phone and think I'm getting the hang of it. At least I'm able to capture moments I may have otherwise missed because I didn't have my camera with me.

Another reason why I love him so much

2011-08-02T20:38:00.001-04:00

A few weeks ago we celebrated Mark's mom's birthday. We thought it would be fun to buy a few balloons. Mark picked them out all by himself. Isn't he sweet? (and cute as a button)

I see London I see France

2011-07-31T21:40:00.000-04:00

I think I see Frolic's underpants? Do you see them? (hint...they are white)

Painting Project with Patti

2011-07-29T21:31:00.000-04:00

My very good friend Patti is visiting from KY this week. Mark and I look forward to her visits for many reasons...the biggest being that Patti is HILARIOUS...I mean really...we laugh the entire time she's here. But the other reason is that Patti inspires us to do projects that we want to do, but for some reason keep putting off. This painting project was one of those. The items needed a lift...and I think we succeeded in giving them just that. Thanks Patti!

The trunks before their makeover.

A little scrubbing to remove cobwebs etc.

Bright blue to wake things up a bit.

Lovely purple to balance the bright blue.

The file cabinet got jealous, so we squeezed in another makeover.

The dresser patiently waited its turn.

The paint. Pretty huh? Best part? This was a gallon of oops paint that only cost $7.71! Nice!

The first stroke. Lovely!

The finished dresser. I LOVE it!

The entire cast...post makeover. It changes the entire space. Yay!

Tomato Flowers!

2011-07-27T21:30:00.000-04:00

Looks like I may get a few tomatoes from my little guys. Although they aren't so little anymore. They're all grown up...learning to drive...going off to college...getting married.

Stream Splashin' Equines

2011-07-25T19:16:00.006-04:00

Guess they aren't afraid of the snakes. Brave horses. Cool horses. Smart horses. I think I need to hit the store for some oversized waterwings...and a couple of noodles.

The nightmare before Christmas

2011-07-23T20:14:00.000-04:00

Why does this photo remind me of that movie so much? I took it with my phone. I sort of like it. Looks like there's a hole in the sky.

Sandye's Birthday Tractor Ride

2011-07-21T19:13:00.021-04:00

This past weekend Mark's mom celebrated a birthday. We struggle as to what to get the woman that has (or can make) everything. Mark managed to come up with two gifts he thought she would find useful. And then Mark had a fabulous idea. (he has those alot)

Our tractor was purchased by Mark from his Grandmother's estate. (Mark's mom's mom...got it?) Mark's mom used to help work her family's farm on this very tractor. She was delighted to know that Mark had purchased it and was planning on using it on our farm. I think she likes knowing it lives close by and is being well cared for. As a matter of fact we just had extensive work done to ole Fergie. She is running better than ever.

So Mark decided to drive Fergie over to the party and offer his mom a little ride. Let me tell you...she was grinning from ear to ear! I think this Birthday memory will last a long time.

Airstream gets new shoes!

2011-07-19T20:26:00.009-04:00

We are getting closer and closer to getting the ole girl back on the road. Mark and I have all of our trips planned. We just need to get the Airstream to fall in line. She's been very patient with us. Thank you Airstream.

Tomato Pots

2011-07-16T20:54:00.001-04:00

I am in an experimental mood. I'm experimenting with tomatoes in pots. I have more control over the soil and the watering this way. I'll keep you posted. I sure hope they produce...cause I LOVE tomatoes. (BTW...thanks Jen!)

Should I name them? (by the way these are old photos...they are three times this size now. See below!)

Is it Tomayto or tomahtoe? Hmmmmm...

See? They are GROWING!

Ahhhhhhh...Lavendar

2011-07-13T21:21:00.000-04:00

Lavendar smells soooooooo good. We have four bunches we planted and they are all doing wonderfully. Man does the stuff smell good...and it's pretty too. (like Mark...except he's handsome...not pretty)

The ants go marching

2011-07-10T21:17:00.000-04:00

two by two hoorah, hoorah. Or is it two thousand by two thousand? Holy heck...that's alot of ants. Luckily a few hours later they were GONE! I don't even want to think about where they went. Can you say heebie jeebies?

Hydrangea

2011-07-08T20:50:00.000-04:00

This Hydrangea bush makes me smile. Not just because it's so lovely but, because last year we really thought we had lost it. The drought wreaked havoc on many of our plantings. I'm so happy to see that it pulled through and is gracing us with it's loveliness. Hello gorgeous!

Rockin Walls...seriously ROCKIN!

2011-07-05T18:52:00.003-04:00

Mark finished his latest project. Go HERE to read all about it. Oh and while you are there...be sure to comment on his creation. I know he would be happy to hear from you. This latest wall is truly a masterpiece and I couldn't be more proud of my honey bunny and his amazing talent. He ROCKS! (pun intended)

ENJOY!

Happy July 4th!

2011-07-04T21:05:00.000-04:00

Declare your independence! Show your pride to be an American! (Buddy sure did!) Enjoy the fireworks!

Harvested Ferns...round two

2011-07-01T20:42:00.001-04:00

You may remember last year when I harvested ferns from our woods. I mean really, why pay for something when you can just rehome it temporarily? You may also remember (or not) that I also returned them to the woods at the end of the season. I'm happy to report they are flourishing in their new (old) home.

Since that experiment was so successful I decided to give it another whirl. The new kids are doing great! I wonder if their predecessors told them it was fun to hang out at MCF for the summer?

Turbo Diesel? Ummmm...I don't think so.

2011-06-29T20:33:00.000-04:00

Would Sir like some lemonade? I mean really...is he for real? All that's missing from this picture is the beach and...well...a glass of lemonade.

Dogwoods

2011-06-27T20:08:00.001-04:00

We have two small (for now) dogwoods in our front yard. They are late bloomers and boy am I happy about that. Just when all other blooming things have come and gone, these guys present us with lovely blossoms.

I wasn't originally going to include this next photo, well cause it's just not that good. But that blur on the lower right caught my eye. Then I realized...that's CB! Speedy Kitty!

Swim in the stream? Would you?

2011-06-25T19:03:00.000-04:00

Everyone (and I do mean everyone) that visits our farm always ends up asking, "So do you swim in the stream?" To this I always (and I do mean always) say "NOPE!"

Why do I say no you ask? Simple.

THIS is why. (and what you may not be able to see, are this momma's offspring...who are also tucked up under those rocks.)

Our lilies

2011-06-23T19:59:00.002-04:00

I have only a few varieties, but they are so gorgeous! And look at all those blooms that are yet to flower. The gift that keeps on giving.

Frolic? Why?

2011-06-21T18:22:00.000-04:00

Clearly frolicking takes WAY too much energy. (so says Frolic)

Rough day at work

2011-06-19T21:35:00.000-04:00

So he says.

Natural Fly Spray

2011-06-17T19:30:00.000-04:00

I have really tried to reduce the amount of chemicals I use in the barn. So, I have been experimenting with natural fly spray. I think I have it down...for the most part.

Witch Hazel, White Vinegar, Peppermint Oil, Eucalyptus Oil, Cedarwood Oil, Citronella Oil, Tea Tree Oil and a dash of water. Works great and you wouldn't believe how shiny and healthy my horses' coats are. Costs me pennies compared to chemical sprays from the tack store and makes me feel better about my effect on the environment.

Cat Labor Laws

2011-06-15T20:28:00.000-04:00

Thank God they don't exist. Otherwise Mark and I may find ourselves in a heap of trouble. I mean really...just look at how hard we make these guys work? It's terrible...we should be ashamed. We are.

CB Stalker

2011-06-13T21:26:00.000-04:00

I sure hope whichever boy cat she has her eye on, has eyes in the back of his head.

Laundry on the line

2011-06-11T20:24:00.000-04:00

Saves money, makes your clothes smell good and is fun to look at out your kitchen window. You should try it sometime.

They're BAAAAACCKKKK!

2011-06-09T21:17:00.000-04:00

I love barn swallows...call me crazy. But they make me smile. Especially when they build their nests above a stall so that their droppings don't paint my barn aisle. So considerate of them. Thanks guys!