Mid November 2014

Another hard day. Everyday brings choices. We try to make the best ones we can, some have been good, some bad, some glorious and some painful. I'm grateful for a man who has a heart not just for me, but for our animals. He's been a gentle rock for us to lean on and I wish I could show him how much he is appreciated. He is the best choice I ever made in my life. He's been more patient and kinder than I could ever ask anyone to be, as he has tended to not just our outdoor critters, but to me, in my infirmity and to my much loved Golden Retriever, Cider.

As many of you know, my dear and faithful Cider was failing. At 14 yr, he suddenly started aging and quickly went downhill. Keeping him with us as long as possible, he finally awoke early one morning whimpering and unable to get up. We made the difficult decision to put him down as we knew he was never going to get better and we did not want him to suffer. He kept his attention on me whenever he was wakeful, as I had given him a strong painkiller that made him drowsy as well as kept him comfortable for the long drive to the vet. As long as he could see me, he was quiet, but when I was not in his line of sight, he cried pitifully. He died with me holding his paw. My heart is so broken I wonder if it will ever mend. He was my best friend aside from TheMan, but unlike TheMan, he was my constant shadow, keeping me company everywhere I went, from the bathroom, to long rides across the ranch. His absence is felt far more deeply than I ever imagined it could and as this has been a difficult year already, with much pain and much loss, I am kind of reeling with it all.

On a happier note, as I have been wheelchair bound for over 2 months after a joint injection gone wrong, TheMan bought me a powerchair so I am no longer trapped in a recliner 24/7. I am able to do a lot more towards taking care of myself and am able to resume making the soy tarts, candles, body butter and with some difficulty, soaps for the online store. I've had to be creative about things, such as spot cleaning carpets…but I have found that if I can get my sock off, I can spray the rug, use my toes to sort of agitate the carpet fibers, then pick up a rag with self same toes to blot up the spot. Works pretty good. Who knows what other skills I might discover?

The Maremmas' little flock has thinned down considerably, as the 9 lambs all went to sale and SushiMoo and her wild heifer are out with the ranch cattle for the winter, they’ve only the 4 ewes, ram and a handful of old chickens to care for. Coyote activity has been pretty heavy around here, though, so their job hasn’t actually gotten any easier. They’ve done a great job and since putting up the radio fence, they are content to stay within the boundaries we set for them, which makes me feel they are all much safer. I miss seeing them, as they are outside working and I am inside, waiting for surgery. I can occasionally catch a glimpse of my old horse, Mister, through the bathroom window, but it’s always brief.

The ducks are the main entertainment, as they are in the yard and I can sometimes see them through the window, splashing and playing in their water or grubbing for whatever they find in the lawn, even though its been below freezing for a week or more. The poor blind drake, Magoo, has been a pretty good sport as the others seem to find it amusing to ‘ditch’ him and run behind something impassable then quack at him to get him to run into stuff. Kids can be so cruel.

One of them has begun to lay eggs, so I am anxious to try them out.

I’m still awaiting word on when they can do the knee replacement for me as there have been some complications, but I am anxious as it means I will be walking again soon after and can resume my life.

We have a new grandbaby down south and hope to see family soon, but again, all depends on the Dr.‘s decision.

Meanwhile, I hope you all have a fabulous Thanksgiving holiday. Hug your loved ones, both human and non as they are not with us here forever.

Visit the etsy store for Ranch Rustics soaps/candles/body butter. They make great Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers, but order early, before inventory runs out! 

Yours,

Petey

And Another Week Goes By

Mr Potamus is still suffering from being trapped, so he has been confined to the sheep pasture by himself…well…by himself with the sheep and goats that is, with his leg wrapped to keep him as quiet as possible hopefully allowing it to heal. I brought him in to check on it. He was being a pitifully pathetic Potamus, hiding in the bushes when I wanted him to come inside. I called him again to come in the house so I could unwrap his leg.

He made it three or four steps and then….

I think this was his way of saying his foot was killing him. Not that he is a drama queen or anything…

 Bruno relentlessly teases, chases and wrestles with him, so Bru is usually confined to the house or yard. He’s been climbing over the fence at night to patrol alone, which causes me more than a little stress and apprehension…and I guess, technically, it also means he isn't confined at all…but I digress. There really needs to be at least 1 other LGD with him, to back him up against the predators we have here, so having one dog down and injured really concerns me. It’s already tough enough for Potamus when he ISN’T injured, because he has to somehow keep close to protect the stock and still back up Bruno, if he needs help. I am praying for an answer to this dilemma. Stress just messes me up on all sorts of levels.

Because of a 'Potamus hug' deficiency, I sometimes switch dogs and put Bru in with the sheeple while Potamus comes to sit with me on the couch for awhile. Bru comes in to visit, but he isn't as needy as Potamus, therefore isn't quite as much into the touchy-feely thing. He'll come and ask for a belly rub, and of course to pay attention to his ears, but then he is satisfied to go outside on his loveseat for the rest of the day.

There are days you just need to be able to squeeze someone big and fluffy in order to get through it.

We had some pretty nice weather for awhile, then the inversion layer made it here. I think it caught Cowboy the rooster by surprise.

We really need snow on the mountain and rain down here in the basin. The county has been declared a disaster area because of the drought. I can only imagine what it must be like down in California.

I took a little road trip last week. I haven’t seen my brother or his family for several years and they only live about 5 hours away so I have been anxious to go visit. After mentioning this to TheMan, I found out that he couldn’t get away until sometime this month but the sheep are due to lamb soon, so that wasn’t going to work at all. I decided my best option was for him to feed the critters for me, while I went on to make the drive alone. Now, this may not seem like a big deal to MOST of you, but consider the fact that we own ONE vehicle and we always do everything together...this means I myself, have not driven for over 8 years. I used to pull a big gooseneck trailer full of show horses all over through traffic, with no problem but now, 8 years is a long time, especially when we have been living where there is NO traffic at all. So, it was a pretty huge undertaking for me just to drive our little old truck.

I packed my bag and carried it out to the truck. As soon as I opened the door, Cider tried to stow away. This was not a trip he could come on and I had to use a lot of cheese to get him back OUT of the truck, because even warning him about my deteriorated driving skills wasn't enough to scare him out of the back seat. He's either very brave, or very foolish. Perhaps both.

The boss passed by on his way to somewhere and said he'd go get TheMan so he could say goodbye. I waved goodbye to the Maremmas, who were devastated that I would even consider leaving the house, and headed to Reno. I turned an audiobook on the iPod and tooled on down the road. Three hours later, I was slapping myself in the face, trying to stay awake on the way into Winnemucca, NV. I wondered how on earth I was ever going to make another 2 hours to Reno without falling asleep. I stopped to top off the tank with diesel. My credit card got declined. I had no cash. So I called the company to find out what was wrong. As we usually use our card in Idaho, not Nevada, they flagged it as possibly stolen. I assured them that it really was me trying to use it. After that was straightened out, I found a cappucino machine that said “French Vanilla ALERT”. Sounded like just what I needed. I also had a revelation. Everytime we go to town, we turn on an audio book, I go back to sleep and TheMan drives...I realized I am like Pavlov’s dog. The book was putting me to sleep, even though I was enthralled by it. So off with the book, on with the music and I rocked out for the next two hours, wide awake, with a death grip on the steering wheel as traffic moved at 85 mph. I was sooo happy to see my brother when I finally made it there.

We had a good time. We were hoping to go out and play in his ‘gator’ but it rained all day the next day. My niece and her family came for dinner both nights. I brought down lamb and some homemade applesauce so we had a lamb roast one night and laughed at u-tube videos. It was great to see my family, but the next morning brought heavy snow and the forecast said snow at our house later, so I figured I had better hit the road and try to beat the storm home. There was no way I was gonna be able to make that drive in a storm. 5 hours later, as I came up the road to the house, a bunch of deer stood up to welcome me home. Well…probably not intentionally, but it was nice to see them anyway.

 When I finally arrived, there were two big white fluffy dogs bouncing up and down, ready to have a full on puppy party with me. It feels good to be loved.

Being the only cook in the kitchen again, it is time to restock the pantry. I got some meatballs canned and chili is on the stove today. We’ll probably have that for dinner and I will can the rest tomorrow for future dinners. No one in MY crew seems to be wanting to help out much…

UPS brought me packages today. Some new fragrances for soaping, more Himalayan Salt for Salt Bars and the meatgrinder finally got here from Japan so I can get the rest of the tallow rendered for Body Butter.  Spring will be here before long and I need to have the spring scents ready to ship.

One of the guys walked in the house today and asked “What scent do you have in that thing there, now?” (Pointing at my tart warmer)  I told him what it was and he said “I like your choices”  Who knew guys were fragrance fans?? At least when it smells like food, they are.

The Ranch Rustics webstore is still evolving. I think it is going to be a long process to figure this all out, but there is a ‘gallery’ showing photos of most of the products ( I still have pictures to take) and there is a ‘forum’ for customers to leave their ratings and feedback. If any of you who have used  Ranch Rustics products have a minute to take the time and leave a review, it would be much appreciated, and helpful for those who have not yet tried them. That’s http://ranchrustics.com.

Hope you all have a great week!

Horsin' Around

My health is so much better than it was earlier this past year. The constant and intense pain I was living with is very much at bay, so the newest treatment is definitely successful for now. I’m still having a few issues from the cold virus that seized us but I am slowly recovering.

We went riding yesterday. Cider so desperately wanted to come with us. He used to go everywhere with me but his advanced age and the graying of his eyes and muzzle in addition to his recent stroke and weakness made me a little reluctant to think about it. However, seeing the disappointment in his eyes when I shut the gate on him, I considered how unappealing my life was before I started being able to participate in the things I love again. Knowing that like me, he’d rather live a shortened life of quality than a longer life of disappointment, I opened the gate and he bounced past me in great joy and anticipation.

 As neither Chery nor I can mount from the ground (at least not yet) it takes quite a bit of effort to dismount, open and close a barbed wire gate and find a spot to remount. We managed however and were able to chart a path with LOTS  of open gates as they are still working on putting in pivots on the ranch and the trucks are in and out. We moseyed along for about 3 hours, Cider covering at least twice as much ground as we did on horseback. He ran through willows, rolled in creeks, followed bird trails and had an incredible time.

 As always, I appreciated the vista and the vastness of thousands of acres of the ranch as I gazed off at the silhouettes of the mountains in the distance.

We rode under groves of giant trees who have put their fall colors on display. The sheer enormity of them is overwhelming and the thought of what they have seen in their life intrigues me. Indian, cavalryman, cattleman and cowboy, they have seen it all. How I wish they could tell me their stories.

Cider did a great job of keeping track of us and staying close enough not to get lost. Once back, he did collapse next to my horse and I had to work hard to convince him to go into the shed where he couldn’t be stepped on, as he is no faster at getting up than I am and it could be a disaster in waiting. In spite of his initial exhaustion and soreness, he recovered quickly and even has wanted us to throw things for him last nite and this morning. Like me, he has been revitalized by the activity and I think his life has been lengthened by the trip, rather than shortened.

He had fun rolling and splashing in any and every body of water he could find.

And of  course, his trip would not have been complete without a souvenier to bring back, as you can see in the photo above. Of all the millions of sticks that must be on this ranch, I'm pretty sure the one in his mouth is irreplaceable, having just the perfect amount of age and seasoning on it, as well as perfect aerodynamics for throwing. It was well worth carrying miles and miles back to the house.

The other night about 2 a.m. I awoke and could hear the Maremmas barking far away. Then I THOUGHT I heard commotion in the chicken coop, which I had forgotten to close. I was worried that a coon or something had gotten in while the dogs were busy keeping the coyotes and a cougar (that was less than a mile from the corral) at bay. I jumped into some shoes and quietly snuck out to the coop in the moonlight. I could see the dogs way down at the bottom of the pasture. I went inside the coop and quickly flashed a light long enough to see if anything was in there. All the hens were roosting and everyone seemed fine. I turned around to leave only to hear a deep throated growl and see both big dogs charging my way. As they were coming through the last gate they recognized me and met me with bouncy bodies and wagging tails. I was totally shocked they had heard me and how FAST they arrived! No predators would have stood a chance in my coop.I have no idea what I had heard. 

Chery, our ‘roomie’ was riding the 4 wheeler home from the corrals the other night when she spotted a mountain lion. There are a lot of them on the ranch so it was of no surprise, but he is pretty close to the house. It just means the dogs will have to work harder to protect the stock, if said cougar should consider lamb for his menu.

This morning, Potamus came home 4 hours later than usual. One leg had evidence of a great deal of blood having run down it, but not his. He’d licked most of it off but it could still be seen. I considered that perhaps he’d found a carcass and had been disposing of it, but there is none of the telltale smell on breath or body and no blood anywhere else on him. I’ve no idea what he tangled with or why he was gone so late, but other than being exhausted and sore, he is none the worse for wear. I don’t imagine we could make the same statement about whatever creature tangled with him. 

The bucket list for today is cleaning the chicken pen and stripping out Emma's shelter. The horses get a day off, but God willing, we'll be back at it tomorrow!

A Dog's Life

Whoever said “It’s a dog’s life” didn’t know Cider. His enthusiasm for all things gets him in a heap of trouble sometimes. Baby animals are there to be licked, loved on and flea bitten until they fall over, start screaming or someone comes to their rescue.

 All things able to be carried in a mouth are to be delivered for throwing so the process can be repeated over and over, ad nauseum. If you don't partake, he will give you either the 'magnum stare' or a very sad, pitiful face.

All bodies of water, no matter how big or small, are to be laid in, played in and enjoyed. 

Cider was a Christmas gift from my youngest son and a friend, and has been with me for 10 or 11 years now. He has been my therapy against the devastating condition of empty nest and is the Prince of the house.

He is my 24/7, faithful, constant, bosom buddy. No matter how crabby I am, how scary I look, or how bad I screw up, he still loves me with his whole being.

When he was a pup, I did some clicker training with him. The accompanying book warned to only work a dog about 15 minutes a day, to prevent burnout. Well. Cider didn’t burn out. He has ADHD and all he wanted to do all day was play with the clicker. So he learned to crawl on his belly, turn around in the direction my hand indicates, back up, bring me items I request and put his toys away in the toy basket. Most of this was in 2 days time, as he is very smart for a dumb dog.

I used cheese as a reward. Unfortunately, the day after our incredible sessions, he was really sick. He laid on his pillow refusing to get up. Normally he is at my heels everywhere I go. I suddenly realized I had not vaccinated him yet for that year and I panicked that he might have distemper. The lethargy sure did suggest it. I called the vet whose receptionist said there was NO way he could see him until the following day. I told her it was important, I wanted him in first thing in the morning because he was VERY sick and VERY lethargic, which is NOT like Cider.

The next morning, as I was getting ready to take him to the vet, he drug himself out to the back yard and took a 10 pound poop. He suddenly felt worlds better! That’s when I thought about the cheese...I took him anyway, as he had a chipped tooth I wanted looked at. 

We entered the vets office, Cider’s tail wagging like the rotors on a helicopter, as he skidded around the tile floor. The receptionist checked her chart and with a puzzled look over the counter said,

“He’s lethargic??”

To which I replied,

“You should see him when he's feeling GOOD!”

Live and learn. Now he gets cookies for treats at least half of the time.

He still puts his toys away, and if I ask him to bring me a pillow and blanket to the couch where I am sitting, he will promptly bring me the tv changer, a checkbook, random tools, coins and sometimes a candy wrapper. That is to 'prime me'. Then he chooses which toy he wants me to throw. Once I accept the toy, he brings my pillow and blanket and I throw it for him. Yup. That clicker method is really something. It worked great  on  for me.

Empty nest syndrome is the best way to ruin a perfectly good dog. Cider has his own chair at the dinner table.

 He used to sleep on the bed, until a grumpy Randyman kicked him off, so now he has a bed of his own. 

We wound up buying a crew cab truck so he had his own seat. 

He has a basket of toys. He's very good about sharing them, but he lives in fear of every dog on the ranch stealing and gutting his toys. They are obsessed with taking the stuffing out. Otherwise, they last him years.

His favorites are stuffed animals, but he's not averse to the real thing either.

Which brings to mind the night we slept with the back doors open and he invited a skunk into the house. We even locked his doggy door after that.

Like most Golden Retrievers, he is a great family dog, and loves kids. He's a great babysitter.

Even the Maremma's know Cider is the Prince. They sometimes even pretend to be afraid when he tries to be tough. Most of the time, Cider wants to best Cletus. Cletus is willing to engage him playfully, but Bruno always sneaks up behind and jerks Cletus' legs out from under him, thus protecting Cider without injuring him or his pride.

Cider doesn’t know he is adopted, but he does know he loves water. I had a beautifully landscaped yard when we lived in California. Nothing was sacred. Not the koi pond, not the horse troughs, not mud puddles, not the whiskey barrel waterfall. He thought that had been placed there for his enjoyment, as his own personal spa.

Our surroundings have changed a bit, but not Cider.

He has spent his summers here enjoying his various personalities as the Alvord Alligator, River Rat and Wildly Wet Whiskey Barrel Bad Boy.

Yesterday was the most pitiful thing I have ever seen him do. The waterfall is dry.

Cider climbed in, all ready for a refreshing spa experience but it was still dry. He waited patiently for someone to fill it, to no avail.

He waited patiently.

He was certain help would come.

He tried so hard to believe.

Doesn't ANYONE on this ranch with opposable thumbs have a hose??

As you can see, it’s tough being a dog.

 Good boy Cider.

April 2010-year in pics

March 2010 Cowcamp left me with 15 orphan calves, or leppies, to bottle feed. April brought more. Two of the boys went coyote hunting one very cold and foggy April day and ran across a cow who had gotten herself stuck in the mud. Predators had attacked and mutilated her while she lay there defenseless in the creekbed, so the boys humanely destroyed her...then noticed her stomach roll.
They realized immediately she had a calf inside, and with a quick cell phone call to the vet 7 hours away, they were told they had 3 minutes, so with the vet walking them through the steps and armed with a pocket knife, they delivered her by Cesarean section.
When they finally got her to me, she was so far gone, even the inside of her mouth was cold. We worked on her with towels, hair dryer, and blankets, but we got no response. Eventually, we gave up. That is when Cider took over. He licked her for hours and nurtured her until she finally got to her feet and we got a bottle of colostrum in her. He babied her through the night and the following morning, she was strong enough to go to the barn with the other babies.

Where we failed and gave up, Cider took over

Hours later...

later that night, a kitchen cruise!

Can you spot the imposter??

Little Rio is now 8 months old, she and two of the other 26 leppies are being raised as nurse cows for future orphans. Good job Cider!!