January 2011

January's weather has been "interesting" in Central Missouri.  Like the rest of the country, snow and bitterly cold temperatures.  Filling up the hay rake just wasn't getting the job done.  The critters went through a 1200# bale in less than a week.  We are thankful for the slight warm up today.  It was "0" driving to work yesterday.  Had to go the long way again as all of my back road route is snow and ice covered.  Oh well it's January..  Baby goats will be hitting the ground before we know it... First of April is just around the corner.. (Ha.. I keeping telling myself that!)

 Trance is making sure nothing "evil" has moved into her pastures.

Beka just wants a hug..

First Snow 2011

Well, we knew it would happen sooner or later... We've got snow!!!  Not a huge amount 4-5".  Just enough to really mess up the roads, followed by high winds and VERY cold temperature's.  It was 3 degrees this morning with blowing snow showers.  I normally have a 50 mile drive to work, this morning I had to take the southern route which meant 65 miles.  I love driving the rural back roads to work but...not when they are snow and ice covered..

Fire Wood

We've got a couple January Storms headed our way...  We are now stocked with firewood to help us get through the "events".

Merry Christmas 2010

Merry Christmas from Black Rock Ranch 2010

John & Phyllis Williams

American bittersweet (Celastrus scandens) is one of the most ornamental of our hardy northern vines.

Ring out, wild bells - Christmas Poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Make it Snow !

Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light;
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.

Ring out the grief that saps the mind,
For those that here we see no more,
Ring out the feud of rich and poor,
Ring in redress to all mankind.

Ring out a slowly dying cause,
And ancient forms of party strife;
Ring in the nobler modes of life,
With sweeter manners, purer laws.

Ring out the want, the care the sin,
The faithless coldness of the times;
Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes,
But ring the fuller minstrel in.

Ring out false pride in place and blood,
The civic slander and the spite;
Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good.

Ring out old shapes of foul disease,
Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;
Ring out the thousand wars of old,
Ring in the thousand years of peace.

Ring in the valiant man and free,
The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
Ring out the darkness of the land,
Ring in the Christ that is to be.  

Miniature Biography
Alfred, Lord Tennyson
Nationality - English
Lifespan - 1809 - 1892
Father - Reverand George Clayton Tennyson, Clergyman
Educated - Trinity College , Cambridge
Career - Poet and dramatist

A New Barn Guest

This little guy was first noticed this past Monday, when my DH went to use the tractor.  It has found a really cozy spot, and the barn is full of mice and other little goodies..I haven't had a chance to find out what type of owl this is.  I am sure it is a screech owl, just not sure what it's official name is.

Baby Deer....Button Buck

Well, deer season starts in the early a.m. tomorrow and it sounds like Armageddon around here tonight.  Doesn't seem to bother the baby deer...it is a little button buck.  Thought this picture without the dogs slobbering all over it would be good.

Graphic Update on Amazing Dogs

The baby deer is doing much better today.  Here is a rather graphic picture of the deers problem.  The little guy is giving the dogs a bunch of attitude today..  I think we may be on the mend.  We have also left water and grain out for the little guy.