Zeek And Bo

 Zeek"s hip dysplasia reached the point where the pain was too much for him and there was nothing more we could do for him.  He arrived as a rescue from The Heart of Texas Lab Rescue about 8 years ago.  I went to a Meet and Greet and he picked me.  From day one, Zeek had his own agenda.  He was not interested in pleasing anyone or in winning awards for most obedient.  The first several months after he arrived, I worked with him on all the usual commands and people pleasing things most dogs are only too happy to learn.  Zeek would arrive at these lessons everyday like it was the very first day of our training.  He could care less about any of it!!!   But as I say all of the above, he was always very loving and sweet.  He became "top dog" holding his tail high and moving deliberately thru his domain.  He showed great patience towards the antics of visiting dogs and puppies.  He knew this was his home and we were his people.  

Bo, in recent months, had been treated for heart failure.  Her good nature and calm demeaner were always appreciated and admired by all her knew her.  Tho she was slowly loosing her hearing and her eyesight, she responded to our commands as soon as she figured out what she needed to do.  Trained as a bird dog, her skills and knowledge were exceptional; so she was especially fond of her stuffed duckies which she carried around with her.  Bo enjoyed the company of visiting dogs and puppies.  She played and shared her toys with them.  All who met Bo loved her for her warm greetings and attention.  She was strict about meal times.  Although I never saw her look at a clock or wear a watch, she knew when it was time for meals.  She never missed one and never had one she didn't enjoy totally.  

Having said all of the above, I guess you've figured out that we lost both of our friends.  Their passing has left a big empty hole in our home and world.  RIP Zeek and Bo!!!!!!   

July Rains

A couple days ago we got a nice slow two inch rain.  Within 12 hours the water was absorbed tho it remains muddy in low spots.  The grass has started to grow again and there is renewed hope for a good second hay cutting.  The farmers are not pleased because they were planning to begin harvesting their corn this week.

The white deer we are seeing is not an albino, it is a leucistic (piebald).  Our neighbor was able to get a good look at her thru her binoculars and says she has a tan nose and belly.  Also I've seen her running thru our pasture with a fawn.  So far she is sticking around our property so we see her often in the mornings and evenings.  The poor thing has no camouflaging so if she's standing up, she's easy to spot.

The swallows are horrible!!  I was ready to order the sonic bird deterrents, but got on line and did not read even one halfway decent review.  So I'm not sure what I'm going to do...  At this point, the only good news is they will head south around the 25th of August.  

The Purple Martins moved on a couple weeks ago and I already miss their sweet warbles.  The scissortails and blue birds are around and busy catching bugs and training their babies for life lessons.  Alos a lot of painted buntings around, which is wonderful.  they have a very sweet song. I heard an owl the other evening but I was not able to see it.  They are easy to hear but unbelievably hard to see!!!

Summer's In Full Swing

Unlike last summer where we enjoyed relatively reasonable temperatures, this summer is turning into the typical oppressive Texas summer.  The problem has been the humidities which are in the high 70s to mid 80s.  We'll survive as we always do, but not without a whole lot of complaining!

The albino deer has been named Luna.  She is still hanging out in our trees around the culvert.  I expect her to stay put for now as there is plenty to eat and a water source.  

Last year our cows birthed mostly bull calves.  This year we have mostly heifers.  With our original mama cows going into retirement, we plan to replace them with those offspring.  This will mean Lance, our bull and the father of those babies, will have to go.  Where?  Who knows....

Knock-on-wood but the new world screwworm has not arrived in our neck of the woods yet.  We have stuff to treat any infected members of our herd; I hope we don't have to mess with all of that!!

We managed to break our washer stuffing it full of towels, etc. that we have to use to wipe the dogs and floors off with.  We are to get a new commercial grade washer today.  None too soon as far as I'm concerned!!!  Washing dirty ranch stuff by hand is not fun!!! 

Our flag is up and we look forward to fireworks and celebrating America's 250th!!!!  We are blessed to be citizens of this great country!!  Happy Fourth of July!!!!