Decatur and the Highland Games!

Once again, we were at the Texas Highland Games in Decatur.  And once again, it was a great time!

Great music, sports, vendors, and food!

And this year representatives of Clan Fraser were here, and they brought their Scotch whiskey!

Sadie even got a pic with Jamie Fraser, Outlander fans!

Sadie and Fergus won the Westie category in the dog show, and the "Wee Beastie" costume contest as well!  Ferg really cleans up at these things!

Our friends, the Simpsons, were here and we got to visit briefly.  They were volunteers so that limited our time for sure.  Perhaps one day we can sit down and have a proper talk!  Perhaps over music and a dram!

It was hot, and I think this affected the crowds,but certainly a good weekend for a kilt!

And to wrap up Saturday... Casa Torres!

#Summer2022: Oak Park COE at Navarro Mills.

I suppose this could be called the jump-off to #Summer2022. It has long been our goal to try to take out the RV at least once a month, but given work requirements, running garage sales and general busy-ness, that didn't happen.  Technically, we began this trip in April, so that counts.

This time we returned to Oak Park on Navarro Mills Lake.  This is our backyard park.  And family joined us.

A bit about this park:

There are 48 sites of varying length with a few with full hookups.  The rest have water and electric.  The sites on the circle with the nature trail and fishing dock have 50a service.

Sites have a nice distance between them and most are well-shaded, particularly on the southernmost loop.

There is a boat ramp with courtesy dock. There are also 3 bath houses across the park, and a swim beach and playground as well for the littles.  

It really is a nice park, but check the site spec before booking, especially if your rig is big!

We plan to return once more before our grand departure for #Summer2022.  It is hard to believe June is only a month away!

Spring Blooms!

Honeybee!

Summer Plans and Dreams...

 The time has come to start planning summer travels, and the truth is, the planning has been underway for almost a year now.  

Here is one hint of what we are considering, although the final decision has not yet been made.

Enjoy!  And more hints for more destinations may be forthcoming!

https://www.keywestharborwebcam.com/

New Life on the Farm

Life on a farm is always interesting.  Last week we were dealing with death;. This morning, life!

As with spring, the wildflowers and fruit trees are in full abundance with some even beyond flowering and now in full leaf.  

And new babies enter the world.

Yesterday we were leaving the house for a quick jaunt to East Texas and the world famous First Monday Trade Days in Canton when were were surprised to see one of our cows in the last throws of calving.  As we sat there we watched the birth and new calf until it stumbled to its feet.

Later in the day we saw another newborn, and our neighbor said she saw what she believes to be a third new calf as well.

Then, last night we noticed that one of our ewes was showing signs of lambing so we quickly spread fresh shavings and prepared a place for new arrivals.  At 11, no lambs.  But when I woke up at 1:15 or so and went out we had a bright eyed baby boy.  I checked one more time before heading back to bed and there was another lamb just born and being cleaned up by Grace (the momma).

 

This morning found us all tired (including Momma Sheep) but excited. It is hard to get pictures through the enclosure wire, but we were able to get a few.  I am sure more updates are upcoming!

 By the way, our LGD (guardian dog) looks rather confused this morning.

Problems on the Farm (Update)

When you live on a farm there are issues that must be dealt with.  Most of the time cows have their calves without trouble.  But sometimes they have trouble.

Last week one of our cows had a calf that was much too large.  The calf was pulled but it didn't make it.  And #45 was injured in that she was unable to stand.  We have been feeding and watering her in place.  Tonight Sadie helped.

Our next step is to try to help her up (so more on that later).  She is bright-eyed and strong, but her back legs are weak.  Some ranchers say that she might need a month.  Hopefully, we can help her along and get her back on her feet.

Day 2

With new tools built to try to lift her, we tried twice today to get her on her feet.  She still eating and drinking, but still weak.

As with PT, these things take time.  Hopefully she will continue to improve.

Day 4

We tried again tonight but it isn't looking good.  There seems to be complications from the birthing.  You can only attempt to help so much and for so long.

Day 5

She didn't make it.

Sherman Celtic Festival, 2022

The Sherman Celtic Fest has gone through a number of changes since it first began some 5 years ago.  The first year or two was single day, and with growth in attendance now covers a weekend.  It has also now at it's third location , and with the end of the lockdowns and craziness of the last few years, it seems to be going strong.

Vendors, music, good trucks!...  Always a good time!