Grandpa’s new therapy, Honey’s kids, Dolly the dog

Several days ago, Grandpa asked me if it was okay for him to use the tractor to brush hog the property. Of course, the answer was Yes. Well, Tuesday he finally felt up to the challenge. I made sure he was okay with repeatedly getting on and off the tractor to open gates, move smaller obstacles, etc., and he assured me he was. So, a little after noon that day he took the tractor and began working in the barn lot. He was out for a couple hours but came back to the house to tell me he had lodged a piece of wood in the blades of the brush hog that he was not able to get out on his own. Having been shut down for the day, he collected the mail – which included one fairly heavy box of books – and set out to rest for a bit. He had not been in the house for long (only a moment really) when we had a downpour of much need rain. Grandma has shared the story of the log that brought Grandpa back to the house before he was stuck out in the rain. God’s timing is still perfect.

I was able to dislodge the log – a piece of firewood – from the blades. It took me some effort to do so along employing a sledgehammer and a wedge. That allowed Grandpa to get back out on the tractor Wednesday morning. This time he stayed out long enough that Grandma began to worry about him. To assure herself everything was alright she and Mama drove over to the barn lot. They took a picture of Grandpa on the tractor so Grandma could share it with those who have been praying for Grandpa. He is still a little unsteady on his feet, and struggles with his energy levels, but I can tell it encouraged him to be back on a tractor. The nurse who came to do his weekly checkup was thoroughly impressed with his progress. She especially liked is new form of physical therapy.

I generally hurry out of the house when I am working from home to help Mama with the morning feeding. It does not take long to do so, and it is a help to Mama. However, this morning took a bit longer because as I was walking into the enclosure of our nanny goats, I noticed two little additions to out flock. Somewhat unexpectedly, Honey kidded earlier this morning and delivered us two beautiful little girls. By the time I saw them, they were cleaned up and fluffy, so the kidding had happened several hours before. Probably in the wee hours of the morning. Neither Mama nor I were expecting her to be the first to kid. We are looking hard at Lilly who will be kidding within a few days followed closely by Dolly. Both of those nannies will probably give us triplets no later than early next week. Sugar and Jewels may come within that same timeframe, but on the first kidding, as it was with Honey, it is very difficult to predict.

Recently, Mama and I contacted an animal rescue facility to see if we could find a Pyrenees to replace Samson. We are hesitant to start with a pup – especially since Gemma would be the senior dog in charge of training the pup. So, we began looking for an older dog. We are not sure if integrating a two-year-old dog into our farm will work, but we are willing to give it a try. Having a dog past the puppy stage will be a benefit. Having a two-year-old that has already developed her personality, her habits and her routine could prove unfruitful , but we will give it a try if we are allowed by the adoption shelter that will choose to release release the dog to us or find her a better home. We are still waiting to find out if this will work from their perspective. If so, we will meet the current caretaker of the dog and see if we like her. Yes, her. Mama insists on getting a female.

The hummingbirds have been very active lately. We are seeing four, five or even six at a time swooping to the feeder.  It is an almost transfixing acrobatic show. I took a video, but it was too long to place on the blog site. The heightened activity will not last long, but we are enjoying it as long as we are able. To attract even more hummingbirds Mama has been faithful to refresh the sugar water every other day. Whatever she is doing, the tiny birds are taking advantage of what has been made available to them. We are enjoying he show.

Mama is watching Rosa Lee today. It is not a big deal, but we may have to meet the owner of our perspective Pyrenees this afternoon – if they like our application – and Rosa Lee would have to make the trip with us to Muenster. Mama will not leave her with Grandma and Grandpa even though that has been done in the past. Grandma has already lost her temper a couple times when Rosa Lee would not instantly obey her instructions. Since the baby is not used to following instructions, it is not surprising that she would resist any directions or instructions, but her steadfast resistance is an affront to Grandma. As much as Rosa Lee loves Grandma, the child has had no training in being subject to anything but her own whims. She does what she wants, when she wants, and her parents bend to her will. So, we cannot leave her in Grandma’s care…for both their sakes

I am waiting to see if we will make the drive today or some other day. Life is always interesting with Mama.