Monday, July 16, 2012

Return of the Little People




It's so neat to see and smell things through the eyes of the little people. They are still so full of life and joy and inquisitiveness. 


Once again, we were graced with visitors, of the small and innocent persuasion. Following their travels around California and Oregon visiting family, our young friends and their 3 children rolled in about 9:00 Sunday evening. It seems to be the popular time for kids to arrive here this year.
They poured out of their vehicle and hugs were passed all around. I had spent the week moving stuff so they could sleep in their “train bunk beds” again, which is one of the shelves in the extra room. They love it there, but I am afraid this is the last year they will fit, so we’ll have to come up with a new idea for next year.
True to form, the ‘polar bears’ had to see everything that was going on. If there are strange vehicles and people on the ranch, they are busybody enough that they have to stick their noses into everything. In spite of the fact that there are no small children here on the ranch, except for the few days a year we have these visits, the Maremmas were thrilled to have them around. Usually its Bruno that puts himself in charge of children, but this year Cletus was tickled to see them back too. Both Maremmas stuck to the kids like glue and loved having them in their face or hugging on them, laying on them and any number of things that most normal dogs find offensive. 






At one point, they made a 'kid sandwich'. One polar bear in front and one behind, ready to jump into action should anything or anyone upset their charges.






Cider was happy too, as it meant there was someone to throw things for him. He was a little depressed as he doesn’t get as much attention as he used to from this little crew, but he tends to settle for what he can get.
As a bonus, he discovered a small 'spa' in the calf pen. He squeezed himself in, even though he had a little muffin top.









In the morning, I had a great assistant helping make whole wheat waffles.




 We had our fill then they went out to play with the meaties.  The boy child found Papa Randy's boots and decided he could fill them. The big, dorky, waddle bodied chickens submitted to being petted, picked up, and pestered for most of the stay.





 As is always the case with little people, anything to do with critters is a highlight. #1 was the chief egg finder, #2 was expert petter, flower smeller and cook's assistant and #3 in all his boyness had an affinity for both  goats and chickens. It was great as the kids did the hard work filling and feeding bottles each day and night.

Don't you just love little boys???















This has been a bad year for bugs. This old drafty house finds itself host to a number of boxelder bugs, and #2 child was kept busy keeping the bathroom free of them. An army of them had to be flushed down the toilet, yet, they always seem to be replaced.








This ultra feminine little sprite is tougher than she looks. She put on her ‘mean and scary look’ to wrestle with her brother, while her ex marine daddy coached them with possible moves. It was pretty entertaining. 






Calf feeding, goat feeding, horseback-riding, egg collecting and goat milking were on the itinerary. In spite of the short visit, that and more was accomplished, although there is still a list of things we wanted to do, those were the top contenders.







Yes, goats give kisses...






...and hugs.


#1, who is 8 now, desperately wanted to ride a horse. I wasn't feeling real well, as the auto-immune was flaring up again, but she was big enough to fit the youth saddle, so I saddled up Wimpy and turned her loose in the back pasture. She was on cloud 9. It was much the same as a 16 y.o. getting their driver's license...the amazing independence and control that comes from riding a horse all by yourself for the first time. She did really well. Next trip maybe she can go out with the cowboys if they have a short circle to do.




SE Oregon has been plagued with 3 wildfires. We could see this one from the house at night. About 1/4 of the ranch's winter pasture was burned, a neighbor lost about 400 cows and nearly his life when the fire doubled back and surrounded him on horseback. His wife drove through  incredibly hot flames  to rescue him. AS horribly sad as that is, we are so grateful there was no loss of human life. Randyman, and all the ranch crew and most of the ranch kids left with the skidgeons, road graders, and big CATs to fight another fire south east of us. I pray for the ranchers who have lost homes, pastures and livestock  in these fires. Lightening is a powerful force, and when it ignites sagebrush and juniper, a half million acres can burn fairly quickly. Life can change in an instant.

Our company headed back home after only 3 days, because they had been gone from home for several weeks already.

The polar bears are readjusting and are back to guarding just critters again.



and I am listening for the sounds of giggles and laughter, waiting until all the little people return. Maybe someday they can all come together, and stay longer.

*most of the pictures in this post are courtesy of Little People's Mom

21 comments:

  1. Such a sweet narration of their visit. I know you love them all as do I and am thrilled that you shared pics and stories of their adventure there. I don't think I could ever get enough of my son and his family. I know how you feel..the time goes so fast and not everything you want to do, gets done, but oh, how I love every minute of the time we share!

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  2. yeah, its always too short! But its so much fun to have them

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  3. What a delightful post. It is evident that the little people enjoy there visit as much as you do. All teh photos are priceless, love the kitchen helper and #1's 1st solo ride :) And BOYS... yes I LOVE the boys. I have two sons and 2 grandsons. Kind of partial to them . LOL All the critters seem to enjoy their visit too.
    Those wild fire look so scary. Thank be to God no lives have been lost. Sending hugs and prayers for a break in the dry weather and relief from fire season.

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    1. The ranch is a great place to live, but its never more fun than when there are kids here!

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  4. What a lovely and fantastic journal of a happy visit. The ex-marine is my nephew and his wife and 3 little ones are treasured and dear family that I also had a brief visit with. Thank you for sharing. I would imagine the activities at your ranch have now become sweet and precious memories for the big kids and for the wee ones, fondly named here as #1, #2, and #3.

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    1. They are all pretty special. I am so glad we didn't lose touch when we left California. The first time they visited, it was at the same time as my son and his family...they only live 45 min from one another and neither knew the other would be here. It was pretty funny they had to all drive 13 hours to visit each other! LOL

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  5. Thanks for sharing these memories in the making. How wonderful to be a child that gets to visit you and Randyman on the ranch! I got goosebumps seeing #1 riding Wimpy. I was that little girl a long time ago.
    Wildfires are the scariest natural disaster to me. I grew up in So. Ca. and they were all too common, I still get very anxious when I smell smoke. Praying for the safety of all fighting those fires, and for you all and your neighbors.

    Kristi

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    1. I grew up in S California too! What part did you live in?

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  6. The Maremmas look like they are doing what they do best. Keeping an eye on the kids is just like rounding up and overseeing the animals on the farm.
    Cider cracks me up. That dog should be in the movies.
    Hope the fires stay away from you and I pray for the farms that have lost so much. We have one burning in Placer Co. between Forestville and Colfax. Folks have been evacuated and animals taken to safe places. The firefighters have trouble fighting in the steep river canyons. It's not under control yet.
    I'm so afraid of fire where we live. We had one last year that burned right up to our house. The goats saved us by eating a defensible area down below the house. The firefighters are heros in my book too.
    Enjoy all the company. Wish I could visit while "D" is there, but it's not looking like that will happen.
    Take care of yourself.

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    1. that is so scary. I hope they get all these under control soon. California always has more than its share. Fortunately, most of SE Oregon is unpopulated and sagebrush...it causes difficult to control fires, but as long as no one is hurt and no ranches are burned, it is good for the land. I wish you could make it while D is here...are you sure you guys can't coordinate that?

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  7. What a wonderful life to have such visitors! The freedom that a child has just "to live" is so contagious. If we allow our selves, we forget for a few minutes that we are grown ups and join in on the fun, maybe even allowing a giggle to pop out! Thanks for sharing this fun time with us petey and may Randyman and all of the farm hands, ranchers and emergency personel be safe. Staci, Stubborn Hill Farm

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    1. Thanks Staci, prayers are always welcome. IT IS hard to remember we are grown up. Kids are good therapy :)

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  8. Petey, I grew up in San Diegos east county, out in the more rural area.
    How 'bout you?
    Kristi

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    1. I was born in the San Fernando valley, but spent most of my life in the Tehachapi Mtns. I have a sister in Orange co tho.

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  9. What wonderful memories the little people will have of their time visiting the ranch! :)

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  10. Call me crazy, but I care less about how the world will remember me, and more about how a child will! It's so neat to be able to offer them a taste of what we have been graced with here

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  11. How does this sound, return to the little people. My dad and brothers watched me walk up to a ridge to watch my cousins and little brother romp in the creek. It was during break and not hurting anything but they must have seen something in my eyes, and I was granted the time my cousins were here. I'm not a real kid. I havn't been for quite awhile but I needed this. How did they know? I'll still do special jobs like drives, cutting male calves and branding, but then we all will even my cousins. I love what you say about how a child remembers you. I'll try to remember that. x-boy

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    1. x-boy you are a hardworkin' responsible lad. I am glad you get some time to decompress. Everyone needs that. Even the Lord used to take time to go off on His own now and again. I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer!

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  12. What a magical time and place for children! And so special for you, too. They are just darling and having so much fun. I hope the fires stay away from you - they are so terrifying. And hope you're doing well, too.

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  13. petra-lady. we moved calves today. I sat bareback all afternoon without turning black n blue. haha. That reminds me, #1 sits that horse really well. x rode azul n handled him like a champ. he looks more an more like a real cowboy instead of a prepie. our cousins r here...like ur kids they come every year and hide not to go back. parents always find them. I wished my uncle would see their love for ranch life. corey is old enough to take part in their romps. the pictures in ur blog r special. so much love. u see that and wonder why some don't have regard for life or realize they live on borrowed time. pray for those families. cya, d

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    1. In my heart I am right there with ya. That's funny that your cousins hide. I love that! Thanks d. It's hard to understand why some people do the things they do. The families of Aurora are in our prayers.

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