Half way through ...

Who knew my 'until next time . . . ' at the end of every blog would be almost a month! Wow, it is already July, 19, 2010! Where has the year gone? Where has the month gone? Last I knew it was June and now it's almost the end of July. I noticed I haven't blogged since June so I best get back to it.

Summer-time is always busy, busy, busy. From working in the yard, working in the hay and doing VBS summer is jam packed with loads of fun. Seems like once the weather starts getting nice in March I don't go inside until November! I love being outside working and doing something. I guess that comes from being in a gray cubical all day during the week. Although, when the weather's hot like it has been you will more than likely find me on the couch until about 6 or 7 PM....then outside I go :)

We just wrapped up VBS 2010 at Needmore Church of God. Attendance and spirit were great this year. All the kids (and adults) had a blast traveling back in time to Egypt and learning about Joseph's journey from prison to palace. GREAT WEEK!!

I've had my pup, Jasper, for a month now. Hard to believe I've already had him that long. He has grown sooooo much and is already sooooo spoiled. He's got this thing about chewing on ankles! Got to get that stopped! But, he's already learned to sit. He sits at attention as soon as I say sit. It's funny cute. He's working on shake. He doesn't quite get it yet. He'll shake out of the blue without even asking him. Then when you ask him to shake he looks at you like, "what in the world are you talking about?" hahaha He's just got a lot of funny, silly puppy in him. Like many men (boys) he doesn't multi-task very well at all :) Oh, but I love my puppy. We take walks most every (early) morning and evening. It's funny, Jasper expects that walk and won't leave me alone until we do.

Friday Jasper did have another 'first' and I didn't get to see it :( The girls were taking him for a walk, since it was VBS week and he'd been neglected. Tucker, mom & dad's lab, went on the walk too. Jasper LOVES Tucker and aggravating him. Tucker is much better and is beginning to like the pup. Anyway. So they were walking . . . . walking . . . . walking . . . . and Tucker decides he wants to go for a swim (which he does often). Mind you, we don't live by a river - we have ponds! You see where this is going don't you? Tucker loafs off to the pond and Jasper follows. Of course he does because Jasper follows Tucker everywhere! Dee was terrified because she thought Jasper was too little to get in the pond so she goes running after him trying to rescue. Well, do you think he listened? Uh, no. Tucker's in the pond and shortly behind him in dives Jasper and he starts swimming away! Oh how Jasper loves water. When Tucker was that size he wouldn't go near the pond. In fact, it took Tucker forever to pond swim. But now there's no stopping him. So that's my "Jasper News" for the day.

The countdown to vacation is on too by the way. Normally I've gone on vacation by now and am relaxed from time off. But it was pushed back this year and time off is long overdue. 18 days to go and I can't wait! Would have been basking in the sun while sinking my toes in the white sands of the Gulf beaches but we know that won't happen this year. Oil spill blah!

But the most important thing right now is "Election Day 2010 - August 3rd". That's the day folks go to the poles and cast their votes in the Ozark County Presiding Commissioner race. Oh how we hope and pray dad gets elected. He has worked very hard over the past 20 years to help the county only to be defeated (by a political game) in his re-election 2 years ago. It's time to get dad back in there and get back to serving the people. He is so good at what he does and I'm not just being partial cause he's my dad. There's not many people around anymore who want what's best for others and works hard to do what's right. But my dad is still a man of that caliber. He's the man for the job.

Happy reading and have a wonderful day!

Until next time . . .

Welcoming Jasper

On Father's Day (6/20/2010) I became a mom...well, sorta.

On this day I gladly welcomed a 20-something pound, four-legged, big brown eyed, chewing everything in sight monster, sweet yellow lab into my life!! His name is Jasper. I have wanted a dog for a long time. My parents and sister each have one so why not me? Well, I understand that two big lab dogs on one ridge is a lot and we didn't want to hurt their feelings. Mom and dad have the oldests of the dogs, Ben - he's 12. My sister has the youngest, now middle child, Tucker - he's 7. They are the best dogs. I knew exactly which pup's feelings would be hurt if another pup was brought onto the place..yep, you guessed it, Tucker! Ben didn't mind at all, in fact I think he likes Jasper. Tucker on the other hand, a dog who rarely barks...well, he barked alright and showed some teeth with a growl!! He will get over it.

So blogger buddies..meet 12 week old Jasper, born March 24th, 2010. I haven't nailed down his registered name yet, but he is definitely going by Jasper.

Thunder in February...Frost in May!

Well folks I believe this folklore, wisetale, whatever you want to call it held true to it's name. Thunder in February, Frost in May. We have a couple days left of May 2010, but I seriously doubt it's going to get cold enough to bring a frost. Don't you? It's always interesting to track these things and then see if they ring true.

Until next time . . .

Long time no blog!

Hello blogger buddies. I was just realizing today I haven't blogged in a while; and I have no excuse - except for I forgot!

Nothing really exciting going on in my world that I can think of. Just the normal routine for me. My oldest niece, Shanea, is graduating from high school this week - this is exciting. Boy how time flies. I remember when she came into our family 3 1/2 years ago; as a freshman. Don't know that my sister truly knew what she was saying yes to when she took the girls in that cold December day, but I know she wouldn't change anything for the world.


My, how Shanea has grown up. She was a 'scared rabbit' a few years back and never hardly said a word. Boy, has she changed!! Nowadays you get her going and she doesn't hush. I truly feel fortunate and blessed that I've been able to watch her grow up and mature into a fine young lady on fire for God! I remember her Freshman year being a rough one; didn't want to do her homework, but did and could have cared less about school and making anything of herself. One day during her Sophomore year I think it clicked...she was talking about college and what she wanted for her life. She is on the track to accomplishing all those things. I am very proud of her and the goals she has set. Her life is in front of her and she knows she's worth it and can do anything she puts her mind to.

Shanea has been accepted to College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, MO; she's majoring in elementary education. Seeing her work and grow at church I just know she will make a fine teacher! Congratulations Shanea Renee Smith..your auntie Lindsay loves you so much and is so very proud of you!!! God Bless you Shanea and the entire graduating Class of 2010!

Goodness, what a wild 3 1/2 years it's been. Lots of changes, happenings, tears, laughs and moments in my family. You never know what life is going to throw at you until it's a line drive right at you. You just got to be ready to catch it!



Until next time . . .

Tornadoes, Cows & Calves OH MY!

Hello Blogger world! I'll warn you in advance this is a lengthy post.

Wow...what an interesting weekend I'm coming off of. What started out as a normal Friday at 5 quickly turned into a nightmare and busy time ahead.

Friday after work my sister and I were planned to meet our parents and my sister's girls at Gainesville for the annual Lion's Club Auction. Mom was feeling tired & her foot continues to be sore from surgery so she decided to stay home. Shortly after we arrived at the high school in Gainesville we noticed the weather. Not long after we got there there were reports of tornadoes spotted, headed straight for Gainesville. Needless to say they didn't have to tell me twice to get in the locker room! After the notification of tornadoes we called mom to tell her to get in the basement. She had been working outside in the flower bed when she saw the black clouds roll in.

We kept a constant contact with mom making sure she was ok. At 6:29 pm I was on the phone with mom checking things out. The hail had just stopped and she said the air was eary & creepy..NOT GOOD! As we were talking she was looking out the windows and finally realized what she was looking at...the top of a tornado! She said there were little funnels dropping out the sky near the top of the main twister. Suddenly I get an "Oh my goodness!" from mom and 'click' to the phone. Needless to say I didn't have a calm bone in my body at that moment. I went to find dad and let him know...he wasn't calm either. I think my blood pressure was through the roof because I didn't know if mom was ok or not. Finally at 6:43 pm she was able to get back through; the power had gone out momentarily. She was safe and nothing was hurt.

Across the hollar and on the other side of the hill where mom saw the tornado on the other hand was a different story. The severity of the damage makes the rural area look like a bomb dropped and created a war zone like atmosphere. It is amazing what Mother Nature can do. There is much damage to homes and timber, BUT...all lives were spared. What could have been a terrible situation was protected. At a time when everyone was already home from work God was looking out. Most every home that had damage or was destroyed was occupied by the families living in those homes. They walked out without a scrape! This is the remarkable part of the story and the main theme that is being carried across the community.

Me and my family was unable to help Friday night as we were out of town. We tried getting the tractor to the Freeman's on Saturday but could not go further when we came upon a string of huge trees twisted and splintered by the storm. I hope to help this week anywhere I can.

Yesterday of course was church day. But, it was also cattle working day; the last of the cattle!! Dad, myself & Dee were on duty to get those mommas fly tagged & all wormed. This was the herd of cattle that our oldest cows are in. So, dad wanted to 'mouth' some of them to check if it was time for them to go to the sale barn. By 'mouth' I mean check their teeth to check age. I so wish I'd had my camera with me to take some shots of snotty cow mouths and teeth...so funny! But, I didnt' have a clean hand to hold a camera! We got the job done.

Dad was watching a cow that looked like she might calve later in the day. We put her in the corral so she'd be easy to check. Later in the evening we went back to check on her and she was in obvious pain, but not showing all the signs she was ready to calve...no water bag, no straining really. But, she definitely was in pain and wanted out of that corral. We decided to run her in the runway so we could inspect the situation. She was not dilated hardly any, but that calf needed to come out. We had to go get our light holder, Dee, and pull that baby. Again, wish I'd had my camera or video...but really wouldn't have wanted my slimy hands on my camera! Dad got the pulling chains on the feet of the calf, and away we pulled. Poor momma wasn't helping us at all. We would pull, she would pull..she should have been pushing, but she would pull back on us. My arms are like spaghetti today. Finally after several minutes we just held a steady grip and she gave us one little push. At that moment the head was released and here came the baby. The calf was HUGE...no way she could have had it on her own. Dad made the comment, "there's me a herd bull (it's a Charlois). I said, "that's a heifer!" Dad's remark, "You're kidding me!" Such a big baby calf; half grown. Not really, but it's a thooster!

Finally got in the house yesterday after 9 pm; covered in poo and mud and slimy gunk! Already tired and the week is just beginning. But, it's all worth it.

What God brings us to He will bring us through!

Have a good week everyone

Until next time . . .

checking in...

Well, it's been a few days since I visited the world of blogging. You may be wondering why my tribute to the little black dots..aka new baby calves..has kinda stopped. Well, that's because those mommas aren't popping those calves out every day like they were. They have slowed down. This tends to happen on the farm. You'll have several for days straight and then a plateau. I think we have 7 of our heifers that haven't had their babies yet and 7 of the older mommas in the back patch. Then, we'll be done till fall! Now, those little black dots are growing like weeds! I've been able to capture a few good pics of them.

(little gray calf is #104 II...he is one of the twins we put on momma #104 that lost her calf)
Not much else going on in life or around the farm other than the norm. Life is good. I'm loving the beautiful weather we're having. The trees and flowers are in full bloom. The Ozarks is a sea of color pop! Tis a beautiful place to live!
Happy Spring everyone!

Until next time . . .

Walking is invigorating!

Okay, for a different route to the blog....WALKING!!!

A few girls, or ladies, I work with and I have been walking during lunch; Becky, Ashley and Glenda to be percise. I think we have walked everyday for the last work week except one. Note to self..document days walked!

So walking...we've been walking. I think I have the same thinking as Becky...I feel great! I feel so refreshed, invigorated, and alive!! We have this great 1 mile path we take on our break...see ain't it pretty?!


You know...walking and getting control of one's life is not about what other people think of me. Oh sure, worry about what others think of me and knowing that some don't even give me a chance because all they see is the outer layer does weigh on my feelings. But, that is not going to get me healthy. This is about getting my life back and quit fretting over how others perceive me. It's time to take control of my body. God gave this body to me not the world for the world to knock it down!

I've come to realize that if a person doesn't give me a chance at knowing me because of my outer layer then I'm not not going to worry about it. Not that I'm some sort of wonder woman because I'm just as normal small town as you get, but it's their loss right?! I tell you being heavy most of my life has made me realize that I never want to be a bully. It's not fun being picked on. You might ask, "why do you talk this way, you're an adult?" Well, I'll tell you, it's not fun getting picked on, ridiculed, laughed at, or called mean things; all of which I've had to deal with much of my life because, well, I'm fluffy! For a long time I held in a lot of anger because of all this. But now, I've FINALLY realized, that it's not about them and I feel sorry for them because they have no compassion and feel they have to pick on others to feel good about themselves! WOW...It's taken me 31 years to get that out!!! Anyway, enough of the so called drama.

I'm finally taking control of my life and body. It's mine, God gave it to me, and I'm going to get it healthy. Thank you to my wonderful friends who inspire me to do better and walk with me. It's not easy nor will this battle of losing (all the while gaining my life back) be easy, I wouldn't lie and say it is...BUT I will conquer!!! and polish up this fine body God gave me..lol lol I know gag right?! hehehehe Hey, I have to have confidence and that confidence starts with me and knowing that I am a Child of God, He makes no mistakes, and He made me beautiful in His image!!!

Got a little longer winded than I had intended...with me that happens. Oh no, I hear that Mtn. Home lunch bell! Later blogger buddies.

Until next time . . .

Update to 'Spring-Dandy' post

This is an update to my blog post 'Spring-Dandy'. Sadly baby #104 did not survive a bout of scours. Unfortunately loosing babies or momma cows does occur on the farm. Thankfully it's not that often, but when it does happen it's hard and sad at the same time. Dad and I both attach ourselves to the cattle and their babies....they're just so cute and fun it's hard not to get attached.

But, the high side to this unfortunate event is that another cow had twins a few days prior to loosing baby #104.....so the race is on to try and get momma #104 to adopt the runt twin who dad has been feeding on a bottle. Yesterday we began trying to get the momma to take the baby. Little did we know the runt baby, who I have named Hot Rod, was infact getting a little milk from his birth momma even though dad was bottle feeding it. Yesterday afternoon Hot Rod didn't want anything to do with his adoptive momma so we left them in the corral together to bond. We went back to the barn in the evening to try again to get Hot Rod to suck his new momma. It took him a minute, but after he got everything figured out he was in milk heaven!!! We'll leave the two in the corral together for several days for them to bond. #104 momma was already bonding as she gave motherly moos to Hot Rod last night. Hopefully all goes well and she takes the baby!

Farm life never gets dull or boring that's for sure. As my mother says, "If it ever gets quiet around the house we know something is wrong!"

I hope you all are enjoying reading my spring blogs dedicated to all those little black dots making their debut on the Collins Ridge Farm. This is definitely one of my favorite times of the year living on the farm!

Until next time . . .

Spring-dandy!

This is simply a beautiful morning! The birds are so happy today and the air is so still. Yum...just love springtime!

I stepped to the backdoor this morning to check bulging heifer #104; while I was on the phone with dad who was asking me if I could see her. Reluctantly for a moment as I had just placed my glasses on my face for the first time today, I moved through the house. I got to the back door, peeped out the window and laid my eyes on a brand new life - a charcoal gray little dot!! Still trying to wake myself I told dad, "yep, she's got it," and that was that. It wasn't until after I hung up the phone that I was more awake. Then I was able to witness God is His greatness..that little dot was jumping and bouncing all over the place; all the while making its momma a nervous wreck. Sweet, sweet morning indeed!
(see the grayish colored cow in the middle of pic? her new charcoal baby is laying right beside her)


So, if my count is correct, that is 15 babies...7 more to go in this patch. Shortly after dad called he came up to inspect the new arrival. In a matter of moments that little dot was complete; being adorned with her new #104 3/24 yellow ear tag...so cute!!!
My dad and Tucker-the pup after they came up to inspect the new baby and give it it's new ear tag.


Have a spring-dandy day everyone!

Until next time . . .

Spring has Sprung in the Ozarks

With temperatures near 70 today and we're past the Spring Equinox; I think it's safe to say that Spring has sprung!!! Oh, there may be a few more cold days and nights here and there, but Spring is here. YAY!

The daffodils, aka jonquils, aka easter lilies are in full bloom. One can see hints of yellow bursts all along the way. The birds have also been singing loving, "Good morning Lindsay," tunes. What a wonderful way to be greeted. My yard has been full, I mean full, of big ole fat Robins and little blue birds. I think I counted 50 robins the other morning. I haven't seen any Martins yet; hopefully they'll make their arrival soon.

The little black dots have slowed down a little on the arrivals. We haven't had any new babies for the last few days. Hopefully those mommas will get in gear and start popping again. The little dots we do have are starting to feel their oats; all the while bucking, running, and jumping across the fields. They are just so cute!

Of course one is busy year round on the farm, but this time of year gets exceptionally busy. Dad is starting the fertilizing of the hay fields and pastures. It'll be time to cut that hay in no time...hopefully God will bless us with good rains to have a good hay crop. We've already talked about farming being busy right now with all those babies arriving, and it's time to put in all those cross fences..uggg gaucho wire is not very forgiving at all!!! Not really what I want to spend my weekends doing, but I feel obligated to help mom and dad; plus that fencing will be so nice once it's finished.

On a totally different note....it's now officially election year again. My dad, Gary Lee Collins, filed as a candiate for the Ozark County Presiding Commissioner. The past 20 years dad has been in county government; 4 of that serving as Presiding Commissioner. Not that I'm biased, but dad is very good at what he does for the county. He has a financial mind set and a sturn head on his shoulders to work and do what is necessary to run a productive, in the black, county. I won't say all those years were easy, but he has the know how to make it work. He works for the people, not a political agenda. So, don't forget to vote in Ozark County, Missouri on August 3rd, 2010.

Well, guess that's enough for now.

Until next time . . .

Springing Forward & 365

Well, daylight savings time 2010 has arrived, although I think I'm a little spring-lagged. Normally the time change doesn't affect me, but I was tired going into this one. It's weird...I can't go to sleep at night because my mind is telling me, "it's only 10 pm," when now it's actually 11. Then in the morning, I can't get up because my mind is telling me, "it's only 6 am," when it's actually 7 and I've got to get up for work!! Strange how our mind tricks us. Anyway, I always welcome daylight savings time because that means for more daylight in the evenings for walking and just being able to be outside.

Last night dad and I were driving steel pipe posts for our corral fencing. Before we knew it it was dusky dark, thinking it was around 6:30 and it was after 8! Wew, time flies when you're having fun. I hadn't even been in the house yet from being home from work and it was after 8. But, we got all the post drove so dad could go back today and get them all perfectly level and the same height. We got a couple of them a tad bid off the straight line, but dad said, "In 100 years it won't bother me." That got me to thinking, "who will own our family farm in 100 years? Will it be my children's children and their children; pending I ever have children?" Pondering thought!

The little black dots have slowed down a little. For the first couple weeks in March a steady stream of the little calves were arriving. We are now up to 12 calves with 10 heifers yet to calve. They are so cute. They are getting big enough now that they venture off from their mommas and buck across the field....so cute.

Even though the heifers behind the house have slowed down, the older mammas in the back have kicked in. I think we've had 4 calves in the back pasture just this week. So there are little black dots everywhere on the Collins Ridge Farm. That's one of the things I love about spring; the new baby calves! It never gets old, I don't care how old I am. Love it, love it!

On a totally different note, today marks the real countdown....in 365 days is the 2011 Mediterranean Journey to Italy & Spain!!!!!!!! Yahoo!! I'm not at all excited, can't you tell? haha. That's 365 days to mentally prepare...365 days to physically prepare...and 365 days to healthily lose XXX number of pounds. We'll see.

Happy almost Spring everyone. Have a great day.

Until next time . . .

Sunshine, Sports, Travel & Black Dots!

It was a busy weekend on the farm. To start the weekend off, my sister and I along with our friend Debbie from church traveled to Poplar Bluff, MO for the 2010 Maximizing Ministries conference being held at the First Church of God. It was an awesome conference w/Steve Rennick serving as guest speaker. He spoke on holiness. GREAT JOB!!! On Saturday we each attended two break-out sessions. We all attended the Seas of Change conference by the speaker. Then Renee and I attended the youth ministry session: Daycare Part II? and Debbie attended the children's ministry session: Fun with PVC. After the individual sessions we all met together again for a final worship service with the awesome praise and worship band from 1st Church an the speaker. Great time!

Since I wasn't home Friday night or Saturday I missed out on the new black dots being born. It was a busy night for dad. Friday there were three new baby calves: #145, #114 and #141. Saturday there was one new baby calf: #138.

We had to hurry back on Saturday because both the Lady Falcons and Falcons from Dora were playing in the District Class 1 Championship games. I think we got back around 4:30pm. I took a brief nap....guess I was really sleeping good because my family honked at me for 10 minutes and I never heard them. Finally my dad came in my house to see if I was going. I was SLEEPY. It took me a while after I got to the game to wake up. Anyway, this isn't about me. So, the girls played agains Bakersfield and brought home the victory; 45 to 40. Then the boys played Eminence and brought home the victory; 62 to 47. What a spectatular night for Dora Falcon Basketball. This is the first time in a long time the Dora boys have won the district title, but the first time in the school's history the girls have won the district title. Plus, it's very rare that both teams from the same school win the district title...PLUS, we were on our HOME COURT!!! Great night!

Sunday morning was active for dad as he had to pull another calf before coming to church. #110 delivered this morning. I might add she is very proud of her baby and extremely particular. As dad says, "She's a little ronchy and would like to get my hip pocket if I get too close to her baby!"

Had a great service at church this morning. Everyone seemed chipper with the lovely weather. We had an awesome service with Justin F. filling in for our pastor. He grew up attending the Needmore Church of God, but has since married and moved to Springfield; serving on the police force and actively involved in the First Church of God. We are so proud of Justin and his work in the Church.

I grilled out today on my BBQ. YUMMY is all I have to say. Mom and dad were checking cattle when I was grilling and wanted to know if dinner was ready. I told them they weren't invited, but I was just kidding. They thought I was kidding when I hollared at them later and told them dinner was ready. It was nice having mom and dad up. As always, we had a lovely visit. Had contata practice today for the Easter Contata. It is a very pretty piece and arrangement of music. I just hope we can pull it all together in the next few weeks. I'm sure we will.

Sunday evening I made my normal 10 pm cattle run with dad. One of the soon-to-be mommas was showing signs that she would calve soon. We figured this particular girl would be a bit salty..aka she's somewhat on the sassy side, so we decided to go ahead and put her in the corral for 'just in case' she needed help getting that baby here. Of course this would mean coming back in a couple of hours to check her, but I'd rather try and put her in the corral at 10 pm when she's not hurting as bad than chasing her after midnight when she's really hurting and doesn't want anyone to mess with her. So, that's what we did. We didnt' have too hard a time getting her in the corral. Dad picked me back up just after midnight to go check her. Still no baby. So to help her out and insure the calf was ok we ran her in the runway of the corral and assisted in the delivery. I really got to help on this one. I held the tail for a while, but dad needed help with the pulling. So, dad and I both were in there behind that cow, pulling chains on the calf's front feet, dad had one hook and I had the other and away we went to pulling. It didn't take long (about 15 minutes maybe) to pull the calf, but she sure needed help. That calf hit the ground with a thud and we then went to tickling it's nose with a stick of straw to get it to sneeze give. It's so funny when those little babies are all gooey and shake their heads and blow snot so they can breath. New life is awesome to experience!!! Soon after we let new momma #108 out so she could meet her baby. She looked at it a minute like, "what is that thing over there?" Then she went to smelling it and mooing like crazy at her new baby. Needless to say, she's a proud mamma. But, much to our surprise, she wasn't salty at all. She just stood there until that baby hit the ground.

So 11 babies in 9 days = 11 more to go!!

To top off this wonderful, yet extrememly busy weekend....the weather was sunshinny and BEAUTIFUL!!! Windows are up a little and the heat is OFF!!

Until next time . . .

Little Black Dots & Sunshine

We were blessed with sunshine yesterday....I have so missed the sunshine. Even though the sun comes up everyday, thankfully, it is not always visible and covered by chilly weather clouds. So it's exceptionally sweet to see it!

Another black dot arrived on the Collins Ridge Farm yesterday; a healthy strapping bull. It arrived in what is becoming the all to familiar fashion; needing help and having to be pulled. Although this sometimes is a common thing with first calf heifers, it can be stressful because you don't want to lose any or the momma. I wasn't there for this birth :( because he made his arrival in the daytime instead of his momma waiting until after 10 pm!! Whew, those births make for some late nights!

This particular black dot needs a few days of pampering. He was so cramped in tight quarters that he needs a few days to <::S::><::T::><::R::><::E::><::T::><::C::><::H::> out so he can stand up on his own. Last night was church night so I didn't get to help dad bottle feed him (had to give him colostrum which is the first most important milk and nutrients for a newborn calf), but did participate in making him a lovely, warm place to sleep. He and his momma got to sleep in slumber inside the nice warm barn complete with a fresh hay bed.

Momma #147, birthed on 3/3/10, with some help - loves her baby because she would just lovingly moo to him. Plus, she really doesn't like anyone messing with him. She'll give a snort and a head butt if you're not careful. Oh, she's not a mean cow, just protective.

Oh, and since he is a special black dot he has been dubbed the name Chief! Since he's the biggest calf naturally he's going to be the big Chief when he gets to go outside and romp and play with the other black dots! Hopefully Chief's front legs will stretch out and he will be okay.

Let's see if more black dots arrive today. So far dots have arrived everyday since 2/28.

Until next time . . .

Little Black Dots; numbers 3, 4 & 5

So far the spring calving season has been consistent and hasn't left any room for dull moments. Babies number 3, 4, & 5 have arrived and more are expected today.

Here's the rundown thus far:

Momma 109 birthed, on her own, the first of the black dots on 2/28/10 - a heifer
Momma 137 birthed, w/some help from us, on 2/28/10 - a bull
Momma 136 birthed, w/some help from us, on 3/1/10 - a heifer
Momma 114 birthed, on her own, on 3/2/10 - a bull

And, in the other batch of mommas, my cow had a shinny black dot on 3/2/10!!! YEAH!!!! I was so excited. Dad and I were making our 10 pm baby check last night checking the mommas and making sure they were okay. When we got to the back field we discovered a new baby back there!!! We drove up close to the cow and calf to see which cow it was. As soon as her number was visible I was like, "Yeah, that's my cow!!!" Doesn't take much to excite me. lol

The heifers are always interesting. Since they are having their first calf you never can tell about them on if they are close or not. Momma 136, from above, is a perfect example. During the day on the 1st she wasn't showing any signs of being sick. But, on our 10 pm run we discovered she was trying to calve and needed help as she was barely dilated. So at a little after 10 pm dad and I were trying to get her into the corral so we could give her some help by pulling the calf. Had to go get mom for this one....needed a tail holder! She was not a happy camper with us. She tried jumping over the corral runway and would not help us out at all. Can't say that I blame her though. How would you act if you had something pushing and pinching on you like that and it wouldn't come out?! Anyway, after a little excitement of containing her to the head shoot we finally got her calmed down and pulled that baby. I think the baby arrived somewhere around 11 pm or so.

It is amazing to me how those mommas instantly start mooing to their babies and immediately know what to do once that baby hits the ground. This is natural born instinct. God's creations are amazing!

We'll see what's waiting when I get home from work today. Can't wait!!

Until next time . . .

Little Black Dots are arriving!

I just love, love, love spring; for so many reasons. One, after long gloomy winters it is refreshing to see color and breath crisp air. Two, my morning greetings usually come from the sweet splendor of the singing, chirping birds. And three, spring brings new baby calves on the Collins Farm.

This year I am exceptionally excited because 22 heifers are in the lot right behind my house. Ok, here's my back door, which goes into my yard, which is separated from the lot by barb wire fencing. You get the picture on how close that lot is? Yep, it's close. I go to the back door every morning to see if anything is out of the norm. Spring calving season also means for a late night stroll on the 4-wheeler w/my dad. He checks those girls like a hawk! Anyway, back to the babies.

You might be asking, "Why do these heifers bring more excitement?" You see, we raised these baby girls and now they are fixing to be mommas for the first time!! They are so special when you raise them and have seen them grow up. Sunday morning, February 28th, 2010 started all the excitement!! I was taking my morning trip through the house to the back door to check out the girls. Down in the far corner of the pasture I saw something that looked a bit unusual; unusual in the sense that it wasn't there the day before. It was early so my eyes were still adjusting. To see if that unusual spot was really what I thought it was I gave out a hollar, "Good morning Girls," to the heifers. To my surprise that unusual spot moved followed by the spotting of ears! I was so excited. I ran, got the phone, and dialed my mom and dad's house. See, dad usually calling me of a morning to see if everything looks ok. Well, I beat him to the punch. He picks up the phone and w/o me saying hello I said......"Get up, get up, get up, we have a black dot!" His response was, "REALLY?!" Yay, #109 gave birth to a beautiful little heifer calf; so black and shinny!

Yesterday was such a beautiful day so I was outside much of the afternoon painting my storage building. Have to have it painted before Tuesday because my car canopy is being installed in front of the building. YAY! Anyway, while I was enjoying the sunshine I kept my eye on the heifers. This one fat girl kept pacing the field. Knew she wasn't feeling good. After a while I noticed one of the heifers balling continuously, a distress call, so I decided to check it out. Much to my surprise baby number two was on it's way. But, she was needing some help. So I hollared at dad. Yes, we don't usually need phones at my house cause I just hollar across the hay field and they hear me if we're outside, and he was on his way. Got the expecting momma into the corral and runway to help her out. Ten minutes later a strapping black shinny bull calf made is entrance on the Collins Farm. His momma loved him instantly as she began mooing to him and cleaning him up.

Jasmine, Renee's youngest, was there for the excitement as I held the tail (and pulled on skin, but no need for graphics here) while dad and Renee pulled. Jasmine was in awe! I asked her when I was washing my hands if she'd ever seen that before. She gave me a quick grin of amazement and said, "No." I told her that was her initiation to farm life!

So an exciting weekend on the Collins Ridge. Two little black dots made their arrival. I suspect there will be more by the time I get home this evening. Hopefully I can get my camera out there and bring you pics!

Until next time . . .

No Thunder...No Frost!

One of my favorite 'wise tales' or folklores is this: Thunder in February, Frost in May. Meaning, if we get thunder in the month of February then we will see a late frost in May. Well guess what? February 2010 was very quiet and no thunder rolled across the hills and hollers in my neck of the woods. So keep your eye on May and let's see if this rings true.

Until next time . . .

Got a surprise!

Hello again Monday and blogger friends!

Well, over the weekend I received quite a surprise...and was too startled to get my camera! I was going outside Saturday to burn trash and take out the garbage. I noticed my trash can was slightly off it's blocks so I needed to adjust it to keep it from falling over. You see, there are silly heifers behind the house and they like to push around my trash can! Silly cows! Side note - what's funny is where I'm burning trash and the calves curiously come up to the trash can, w/burning trash inside, and put their noses to it! They quickly snort and back off! Anyway...back on track now. So I'm leaning over the barb-wire fence to pull the barrel back on the blocks. Normally I would never lean over the fence; I would just throw the trash in and light her up. I leaned slightly to scoot the barrel and I saw something in the bottom of the barrel that wasn't quite right...so, I carefully leaned a little further. Much to my surprise and being completely startled, there were two HUGE opossums curled up in the bottom of the barrel!!! Like to have scared me to death. Wish I would have had dad's .22, but I didn't. I had to resort to the only other thing I had to get those gross creatures out of there. So, got me a 2x4 (no I didn't hit them with it), turned the barrel over on its side and proceeded to beat the barrel like a drum; all the while I was hollaring and screaming at them! Well, you know the more noise you make the more they play possum!!! Finally, several barbwire-to-arm cuts later they were out and scurrying off to find shelter! Completely disgusting those nasty creatures are. I'm just glad I happened to look in the barrel before filling it with trash and striking the match. I can't imagine the noise they would have made let alone the smell. But, it was quite an exciting few minutes on my Saturday.

Until next time . . .

Imagining some place warm

As the temperatures dip back down into the low 20's, snow is falling from the sky, and the whipping wind is causing for a very cold wind chill...I find myself imagining some place warm!

My mind is going to a place where the waves are crashing softly on the sand...a place where all I can hear is the sound of the waves, seagulls, children laughing and my heart beat...a place where the sun gently kisses my skin (as long as SPF Sweater has been applied)...a place where shoes are not a necessity but toes digging in the sand is...

...a place where I don't have a care in the world...a place where I feel completely at peace with myself and the world...a place where I willingly get up at 5 am for a nice beach walk to watch the sunrise...a place where I feel there is nothing between me and God. To some this place my sound impossible to find and nonexistent. Oh, but it does exist. My mind is taking me to the beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama.



I close my eyes and picture walking myself up and down the coast; all the while talking to God and reflecting on life. I can hear the waves just this second as I visualize the rays of the morning sunrise beaming down on the water.

Ah, what a place.

If I ever need to relax or warm up this is where my mind takes me. And I can't wait to go back here sometime.

Until next time . . .

Organization

I started off the year wanting to get more organized. I used to be and the last couple of years I don't know what's happened because I can't find anything! I lay "it" (whatever that 'it' may be) down and then it's lost until I come across it again; if I ever come across it again. I'm still looking for a flash drive that somehow got lost about 8 months ago.

Anyway, I've started w/my kitchen. I don't know why I've never done it before, but it's never too late to start something. So, I picked up some of those handy dandy Rubbermaid storage containers. Ah, the difference those things make in my cabinets is unbelievable. I had boxes or bags. Now I have one place for pasta, beans, rice, flour, sugar, etc = all inside Rubbermaid storage containers neatly placed in my cabinets! It's great. I'm not quite finished yet, but way closer than I was.

A few months ago I upgraded to stackable (frontloader) washer & dryer; which I love by the way. Well, that extra space, where my washer used to be, was now free for shelves!!! Happy day, storage space. I've never understood why kitchens in mobile homes have hardly any shelves or drawers. Anyhow...the shelves are now up so I'm starting to get this organized as well. **Note** this is in my kitchen so this organization is apart of the kitchen cabinet organization. This new storage location has given me a partial pantry. It's wonderful. My daddy does good work!

Now if I could just get my new linoleum tiles down in my kitchen and laminate flooring in my living/dining room. Sad thing is that stuff has been in the boxes for well over a year now. But, that's my next big task as soon as my dad is available. Why does this fall under organization you may ask? Well, you see these boxes of flooring are in my spare bedroom taking up much needed space. So, as soon as the flooring is down I can begin the organization of my spare bedroom (where guests, if I ever had any, could actually sleep) and I can get my home office set up and ORGANIZED.

We'll see what the next few weeks bring and hopefully my dad can help me. I'll keep you posted.

Until next time . . .

Down 4 on day 406

Wew..progress..two posts on the same day!

Many of you know I tried starting to get on track to healthy living the first part of 2010..and I haven't blogged about it since :( Well, I'm one month in. January wasn't so good on the loss side of things, as I only lost 4 pounds. But, I did get better w/my menu choices which is a key factor towards health living. Still love those potato chips though...uggh my weakness! So I will tarry on! I have high hopes of February being a better month.

Here's the stats...I'm 406 days away from departure to Europe for a Mediterranean Journey and 4 pounds down on my goal of 100 lbs by departure day...only 96 more to go!

Until next time . . .