Summer is Almost Here at Thistle Hill Ranch!

I can't believe it's taken me so long to post on my Blog!

Rushing to finish up with school so they don't go to far into June, rains putting a damper on every ranch duty, {Pun Intended}, and technical difficulties.

I had issues with storage on my phone, uploaded photos to my laptop and apparently didn't know that would delete them from my blog! Who knew???? I have no clue how to correct the issue, so if you see random missing photos in previous blog posts, well...now you know why! So bizarre. Sometimes I hate technology, and my lack of knowledge in the field. UGH!

Moving on...

Our Homeschool year 2014-15 is coming to a long close! This has been the LONGEST year Evvvvveeeeer!

We learned we do not like the math program we chose for this year...it's not enough practice, (so we supplemented), yet, too many lessons for a normal school year, so Double YUK! You live and you learn, and thank god for a knowledgable tutor.

We finished the entire book of Mythology, that covered Greek, Roman, and Norse gods, "Mythology", by Edith Hamilton. We loved learning all the gods and goddesses, for me it was a slight repeat of a High School; although, I'm pretty sure we didn't read the WHOLE book. We read this while learning Ancient History, Greek, and Roman History at the same time. I found that the boys were coming to me bringing examples of Greek and Roman influences in society, architecture, art, and even modern advertisements.

We had a very busy year of homeschooling and ranching, but somehow we managed it. While coming to a close in our school year, I stumbled on an ad for music lessons. They are an amazing family, that I'm lucky enough to get to visit with, while the dad/husband teaches my boys guitar.

They live in an amazing home that they've built all on their own. They keep telling me all they want to do with it, and looking around you see it is technically in various stages of renovation or construction. Yet to me, it's perfect! It's so welcoming and cpmfortable. It could be the beautiful spirit of the family. I feel very lucky to have stumbled on them to teach my boys. The boys feel lucky too!

Here is their darling momma cat with her babies.

This is the head of the family, Mr. Grubb, who has made guitar so much fun, that the boys practice without reminders. Thanks to Mr. Grubb, we may have campfire songs after all.

Back to ranching!

The prep/clean-up for Summer begins!

And here we are in FULL Thistle Hill Ranch Bloom! Purple Thistles Galore!

The rain in our area has been relentless, as I'm sure most of you have heard...Texas is a swamp!

The rain has held us back from a lot of ranch duties. This just means twice the amount of work, which means I stress out and freak out!

Last week, we had a few hours to get up the temporary fencing of chicken wire, to start training the ducks and geese to swim and come back to the coop.

Guess who did the fencing? Oh My GOSH...it was ME! I swore I would never put my pinky toenail in water I couldn't see my toe in...well, I guess sometimes you have to do what you have to do.

My hair went into a bun, and into the pond I went! I won't lie, it was so slimy and disgusting. Not to mention, any person who has ever watched the movie "Lonesome Dove", has that fear of going in any Texas water after a rain..."WATER MOCCASIN!" Is all I could hear in my head for the first few minutes.

 

But, I got the job done and the ducks and geese LOVE it!

 

For those of you that don't already know, we call our weekend the days my husband has off. He's off Wednesday and Thursday. So today being Wednesday, it's the beginning of our weekend. We finally have some sunshine, and at 6AM, we got up and got the day going before the storms roll in this afternoon.

First we dropped off Momma Sandy and baby at our vets for Sandy to be bred. Hopefully if all goes well, we'll get her at the end of the week. Her buddies Bailey and Classy had a hard time watching her leave. It was so sad...

Baby Koa wanted to be right by Mom, and Momma Sandy was happy to be able to see his face.

See you soon Sandy and baby Koa!

Then we returned to inspect fences after the storm and get started on projects.

Here is a picture of our normally dry creek bed overflowing this week, and moving water into the real creek.

When the rain receded, we discovered rock formations that have been revealed after all the dirt and sedement has washed away. The creek looks new to me again, almost unrecognizable.

Wildflowers are everywhere...I never tire of them!

Finding critter prints along the creek makes me smile. So much we don't see, that's happening here at the ranch.

While finishing things at the barn, Daisy called to us to let her in the back pasture with her girls. I guess she was ready to be a Nanny again to her girls, after a two week vacation with the horses in the front pasture.

Today the main focus was on Duck Mahal. It was so disgusting, I had a hard time even standing by it! "Gagging"!

But, luckily my guys helped out and we got it all done! Hopefully we'll get some nice days next week, so I can get my shelves up and the outside plantings around the duck coop finished.

Have I mentioned how much I hate pending projects?

HAAAATE Them!

But....I wait!

Luckily today we have a little sunshine before the afternoon storms. But the clouds are already closing in.

Below is what I call the Hobbit Tree. The previous owners stacked fence posts around the base of the tree, and I won't let anyone move them. They make the tree look like something in the Shire.

But, hard work and rummaging in ponds and around the woods does have it's dangers. I'm not afraid of bugs, but there is something about them in my hair that makes squeal like I'm 5!

I was so itchy and shaky after pulling it out of my scalp, I couldn't even take a good picture!

 

So, off to the Doctor I go. This was a week ago, but a few "iffy" symptoms warrant a check. So pray it's not Lyme. So gross, so gross, so gross!

Preston got it last Summer, and after antibiotics is Lyme free. Hats, Deep Woods Off spray, and you can still get critters on ya! So always check yourself and loved ones...have I mentioned it itches and it's gross? What do you do? Check for ticks and if you get one get checked out.

Lots to do, but somehow it never gets old and we always love the rewards! Thistle Hill Ranch is a true example of a labor of love.

Do what you love, love what you do, and SNAP the jobs a game...wait...I'm pretty sure I mixed Mary Poppins and Confucious, LOL!

I will leave you now with pictures of baby birds about to leave the nest, snuggling before the rains come in; and our beautiful sunset here last night.

Have a Great Week!

 

 

 

 

Posted with Blogsy

Thistle Hill Ranch or Swamp?

We have been inundated with rain! Texas has been in a horrible drought for years. Our part of the state is finally relieved of drought conditions! But, unfortunately now it feels as if we should build an ark.

I thought it was April showers brings May flowers?

This is a dry creek bed, for overflow, funneling into the Spring fed creek. Both are running like crazy!

I know the rain is always welcome here, but I have been desperately missing my walks around the ranch. If I want to take a walk, it now requires gallons of Deep Woods Off and rubber boots.

A little less than pleasant!

I did however, manage to snap some pictures of our busy couple of weeks. So I apologize for the delay in posts.

I guess when life happens, sometimes you have no choice but to just keep going!

Today I finally have time to share the last couple weeks in pictures!

First, our poor little duck with a bum leg, needed to be looked at. Our poor "Limpy"! Luckily, the vet said he has already learned to live without. So he's back with his friends and happy!

We call our place "Thistle Hill Ranch", & this is why. Beautiful purple thistles on the hillside. The rain knocked them over, but they sure do brighten a rainy day.

Our girls grazing after a big Texas storm!

Daisy looks so small in the waves of rye grass. The rains have the grass growing by leaps and bounds. I feel like I live in the English countryside, with everything so lush and green.

This was the last "boyfriend in a box" for our mares, that I had to pick up. Now we cross our fingers and toes, say a prayer, and hope the last two mares are finally pregnant. I will let you know the good news as I get it!

Did you see how I did that? Think Happy Thoughts!

My Mother's Day gift from my boys! I have always wanted an antique scale. This one is actually from an old grocery store in our town. It makes it even more special!

This is from today..darling new baby birds in another one of our bird houses. I just love opening them to peek inside...it's like a present!

When you live on a ranch, there are beautiful things to look at, fun things to do, and a lot of HARD work!

One of the reasons I wanted to move to the country, was to show the boys what hard work really is. Funny thing about hard work...it grows on you!

They never complain, they just DO!

They know they have to finish school work and chores before they can "play". I've noticed they seem to understand now, how hard work goes hand and hand with good character and success. Now they ask me what more they can help with!

I KNOW!... WHO KNEW?

This is Preston vacuuming the house. This is one of his everyday chores...did I mention that living on a ranch is messy?

This is last Wednesday...Stripping stalls is really hard work, and kinda yucky..let's be honest..it's GROSS! But, it has to be done!

And...creatures large and small appreciate your hard work, even if they don't say it. The key is to not look for approval from others, but to be satisfied in your work.

 

Our Baby Koa is growing like a weed! He is always curious and always wants to know what I'm up to. I could just eat him up he's so darn cute...although, I know I'm slightly prejudice.

And we have an announcement! Drum Roll Please!......................

The Boys Are in 4H!

I told you, we've been busy!

We are so excited! They went to their 1st meeting a month ago and the connection with the other kids was amazing! They were immediately welcomed into the greatest group of kids. This is what every parent hopes for. The parents of this group of kids are just as amazing. God has a way of leading you in directions and putting you exactly where you were meant to be. This wonderful Cooke County 4H group was such a gift. Wonderful parents, wonderful kids, and the opportunities for the boys are limitless. We can't wait!

Here are the boys, on the far left, with some of the kids, working the Bake Sale! We had a blast!

Hopefully next week I will have more fun pictures to share! Still working on getting Duck Ma Hal the way I want it...farm animals not helping the cause...ugh! Wish me luck!

More rain is expected, but luckily we are on a slight hill. Hopefully I will have more pictures to share sooner than later.

Have a great week!

Posted with Blogsy