2023 - In Review~

 The seventh year in Iowa - on the Home Place!  The New Year dawned chilly & gray, but the temperature was moderate, especially for January!  What little snow we had left on the ground was melting.  

New Years Day - Tinkle Branch Trail~

Mari Jo & I decided if the weather was decent, we'd start the year with a bike ride.  Even without sunshine, it wasn't too cold.  It was great to get out in the fresh air & it felt pretty amazing to be on our bikes so early in the year.  Butch pulled in at home by 8:30 p.m. in the evening.  It was a short stop, but he managed to come by again a day later & a total of three times during the month. The last time was the saddest - we lost Nika...

2-16-23 Lots of snow!

February was a tough month for me.  Nika had helped to buffer the loneliness of having Butch gone.  Without her, it was so quiet, so still & so lonely.  Butch completed his first year of OTR driving on the 25th.  (He made it home for our birthday weekend, but Nika's recent loss cast a long shadow.)  During the winter months, Butch made some interesting drives through snowstorms in WY, CO & CA.  The weather cooperated enough I could do some riding at Lake Manawa.

3-9-23 Beautiful Snow~

March gave us a couple good snowstorms with several inches of white stuff.  I met Mari Jo & Gracie for a few walks on the trail, but it wasn't the same...  Luckily, when I saw the first of the tulip emerge from the ground, my spirits lifted.  Butch made it home & we had fun riding our bikes at the Lake.   By month's end, the Wabash was open again & we loved getting back out in the countryside.

4-7-23 New trees planted~

April - with nice spring days - I decided to get some long overdue projects done.  The first, was to get all the old Mulberry tree trunk & limbs we'd had stacked against the east fence since May of 2017 - removed!  That was a nightmare.  The fence ended up with a $800. repair.  The yard was torn from end to end, but having the mess finally gone was worth it.  Butch came home & we took Traveler to pick up new Emerald Green trees to plant along the now bare looking east fence. 

5-18-23 The Marsh~

May, the most beautiful month of the year, didn't disappoint.  It was dry, I did spend a lot of time watering, but it was so rewarding to see the flowers I've planted grow & bloom!  The end of the month I took my yearly trip to Greenfield & Creston.  The weather cooperated & the flags flew at the Memorial Day Service in Greenfield.

6-1-23 Rain!

June roared in with 3.1" of badly needed rain!  The novelty of it kept me outside watching most of the morning.  The month was wetter than usual.  It didn't make up for the deficit - but it was a huge relief anyway.  I almost was caught out in a thunderstorm on the trail.  Beautiful, but scary at the same time.  On the seventh - a bad hailstorm hit.  It was hard to watch as the vehicles got plummeted.  Two of the three sustained major damage.  Only the Bronco - solid steel - had a few minor dents.

7-12-23 Skyla, Josie & Jentry Visit!

The highlight of the year was a long overdue visit from our daughter Jentry & granddaughters Skyla & Josie!  Butch made it home & we enjoyed every minute they were here.  We visited our favorite attractions, Fontenelle Forest & the Henry Doorley Zoo.  As always, it's so hard to see them leave. 

8-8-23 New Gravel~

With Butch parking the semi on the drive by the cabin - it was ready for another layer of gravel.  Pat, one of the volunteers who keeps the Wabash trail passable, was available to do the job. Since we were hauling gravel, I decided to add rock along the drip line of the Cabin's roof.  On his home time, Butch installed new shutters on the front of the house.

6-18-23 Picking up a Jacko Trailer~

September, Butch passed the 200,000-mile mark driving OTR.  After just over a year with Blake Scott, the owner turned over Authority to Jacko LLC.  Butch had been pulling Jacko trailers since the middle of June, but now Butch would be driving for them.

 Later in the month, the front hose spicket broke. While the plumber was here, I had a new hose bib installed at the back of the house. Next, the AC quit cooling.  Mari Jo's husband repaired it & replaced parts in the compressor, along with an overhaul of the furnace.   

10-11-23 Butch, Lake Okoboji 

For our 41st Anniversary, we drove up to revisit the Lake Okoboji area.  Our first time here had been for our anniversary in 2017.  A favorite restaurant with lake views had been torn down, to make way for expensive high-rise condos.  The main street through town was completely torn up & the two detours took us through some beautiful residential areas.  

Returning home, the garden style tub in the master bath developed a crack.  We hired a contractor to tear it out & replace it with a walk-in shower.  The same week, my Speed Queen washer quit, we replaced it & the water heater too.

11-27-23 Butch & Maverick~

Butch gave notice to Jacko in October & started driving for Nationwide out of Omaha November first.  He was ready to be done with the winter driving in the west.  He enjoys his new truck, Maverick.  A 2022 Volvo with a large interior & more amenities. Dispatches have taken him to IL, IN, OH, KY, MI, WI, NE, KS, MO, TX, etc.

12-20-23 - Finnigan~

As the winter months approached, I found myself browsing dog adoption sites.  When someone would ask what kind of dog I was looking for - I couldn't answer.  I just knew if the right one came along - I would know.  Well...  That happened & December fourth, Finnigan came home!  I feel very lucky to have found him & it's wonderful to have a companion again.

__________________________________

12-31-23 - Butch takes us for a ride!

The 31st., Butch came into Omaha.  He dropped a trailer at Nationwide, Maverick was serviced & he arrived home before noon!  He left again on the second.  Soon his second year of OTR driving will be in the rearview mirror & he'll be starting his third.

I continue to pedal the trails & rode just shy of 700-miles, mostly on the Wabash.  Working outside is still my favorite pastime.  

Happy New Year!  Welcome 2024! 

Past Year - 2022~ 

Walk with our Friends ~

 It was a beautiful day!  Chilly, with a breeze coming out of the north, but still so nice for late December.  Finn & I met up with Mari Jo & Gracie for an afternoon walk!  

Finn, Gracie & two shadows!

Mari Jo was sitting at the picnic table by the shop when I pulled into the parking area.  Gracie's tail was wagging from when she saw the Explorer coming down the street!  Finn couldn't wait to get out & jumped out on his own.  He & Gracie did a bit of playing - both have domineering traits.  Loose in a fenced area, I'm sure they'd work things out.   

Finn is  a changed dog!  It's hard to believe it's been almost a month since I brought him home.  He's gained a pound & now has some padding over his ribs.  He's literally my little shadow & follows me everywhere I'll let him.  He's also been holding out on me!  I'd found the K9 Frisbee Flyer we'd bought about 20-years ago for one of our dogs who never wanted to play with it.  I took it out, asked Finn if he wanted to play?  I tossed it!  He went flying after it, grabbed it & brought it back!  Not just once - but four times!  

Where a tractor had crossed the trail~

Above shows what damage can be done to the trail this time of year.  Finn is standing at the edge of the limestone.  The tractor had crossed over from one side to a field on the other, then back.  Just walking, we weren't sinking in yet, but if we get more moisture, we'll be staying on the concrete.

Stretching the limits~

Finn has also learned he's not allowed on the furniture...  The pouf is not - for those of you who don't know - considered "furniture". :-)  Plus, it has the added benefit of enough height so Finnigan can easily see out the windows!

I'd moved his crate out on the back deck, it was in the way in the utility room & he's now using his bed in the family room at night.  I finally decided to move it into the craft room.  Soon, Finn was disappearing now & again.  I'd find him resting in his crate!  

When Butch was home over Christmas, the two of them took off for Bomgaars in Butch's truck. Finn got to ride on the padded arm rest between the seats.  I got a look that plainly said; "Dad's truck, Dad's rules!"  It was so sad when Butch left.  Finn kept checking both the front & back doors - looking to see if he was out there.

He's so much more confident now.  Every day he shows me more of his personality.    

Development along the Trail~

 A day of moderate temperatures & no wind!  I should have taken the bike out, but instead I decided to walk Finnigan.  We went to our favorite park in Malvern for the second time in just a few days.  On this afternoon though - the sound of heavy equipment - close by - interrupted the usual quiet.  It seems development - anywhere - is always determined to take their property right to the very limits of the survey.  The word "buffer" isn't in their vocabulary...

As we turned onto the trail, the sound became intense & Finnigan was scared.  We'd only walked a short distance & I could see a track hoe just a few feet away.  The operator was busy knocking down a tree.  The sound of trees going down is awful - at least to me.  Anywhere, but especially where there are so few.  

Dirt Moving~

The development area is much larger than I originally thought.  It seems to cover both the north & south sides of West 11th street.  With all the noise, it was far from the usual quiet walk in the country.  At least through the first quarter mile or so.

The wide-open views~

Soon, even walking, we outdistanced all the noise.  It was a relief to us both!  The sky was the beautiful hazy gray/blue color of the upcoming winter months.  Still without any snow, it's so strange to still be enjoying such warm, moderate weather.

Just north of Jahnke Road - looking south the way we'd come ~

I had the Garmin today & at this point it read 36:36 for our time & 1.35 miles.  Finnigan had really kept up a nice pace, averaging between 3.1 all the way up to 4.0.  My legs are not at all happy with walking & would prefer peddling along on the bike.  It's been 20-years since the implants in my right femur & 3-years since the repairs to my left tibial plateau. (I loved every minute of those 30-years of riding, but the price has been steep.)

Finn on point!

On our way back, I could see a couple with a large pit-type dog ahead of us.  They were huddled off to the side of the trail & the dog was on alert.  I picked Finn up as we approached & they said, "Sorry".  I didn't know for what & didn't want to find out.  (I've started carrying my riding stick, but had forgotten it today.)  I told them Finn was recently from the shelter & scared of most everything.  They replied they had picked their dog up from the shelter too.  We continued on without incident.

Recognizable name & from my hometown~

Back at the pond, we stopped again & admired the last day of the fall season.   As we returned to the Explorer & passed by the jetty, I paused to actually read the sign!  I was so surprised to recognize the name & town of the Foundation who had provided funds for the project.

I called Butch & he's on his way Home!  Always the best news ever!  Later in the afternoon he sent me a photo of a blown-out drive tire.  The truck was soon in the Love's repair bay & he only lost an hour's drive time.  (I appreciated the all-new tires he had on Traveler...)  It will still be a big push for him to make it home tomorrow, 650-miles worth!  But if anyone can do it, it's my husband!  

Walk from the Pond~

 A bright sunshine day, after two days of gray & a little drizzle we'll call "rain".  Our total was .22 - it did get the ground wet - but that was about it.  I've wanted to get the bike out, but with 30 mph wind gusts - Lake Manawa didn't sound too appealing.  

Instead, I decided we'd drive to the little park in Malvern & walk the concrete portion of the Wabash, north toward Silver City.  The park is where I take my break when riding my bike.  (The limestone trail surface is deep into the freeze/thaw cycle now & not rideable).  We were the only ones there.

Finn - ready to go!

Amazon delivered Finnigan's new escape proof harness late last night.  I tried it on & the fit was just right.  A good excuse to go for a longer walk.  We'd gone out with Mari Jo & Gracie for the second time on Friday.  I forgot my phone, so no photos of us, walking in the cold drizzle with two very muddy dogs!  Mari Jo had tempted me to make the drive - with sugar cookie fudge & homemade rolls! 

Around the pond~

Today, was ever so much nicer!  Finn was on a mission - to mark every large tree.  Thankfully, there are only a couple!  We've been walking every day at home.  By about 3:30 Finn makes it obvious - it's time for his walk by standing halfway between the kitchen & the back door.  We walk the entire place & end up in the Cabin.  I turn up the heat & he sleeps on my lap while I listen to my audio book for a while before going back to the house for his dinner.

This dog would be gone in a flash, chasing a squirrel, bunny etc. if he were off leash.  A squirrel had run across the trail right in front of us on Friday & he about took me with him!  His kennel cough is gone now, he's gained a pound & is enjoying life.

Where's Finn? - Perfect camouflage!  

He blends in perfectly with the colors of the late fall landscape!  It's almost impossible for me to see him until he moves!  I was so used to Nika's wheaten color standing out against anything but snow.

Our turn-around at Jahnke Rd.

I'd forgotten to wear my Garmin.  I'm going to next time & keep track of Finn's miles on the trail.  We were just over a mile north of Malvern & at the end of the concrete. (I've entered our first three walks, manually.)

Heading back~

We made a stop at a corn field & hadn't been there more than a minute or two when Finn pounced on something in the field grass!  A second pounce & his nose went in up to his eyes.  Not wanting to continue on with him carrying a catch.  I pulled him back!

Ready to pounce!

Back at the pond, we took advantage of one of the benches to soak in the warmth of the late afternoon sunshine, before leaving.

Finnigan's profile~

The days are so short now, with the sun so low in the southern sky.  I'll be much happier to be on uphill side of the winter solstice.

We sat for a few minutes, before he jumped down - turned towards me & starting barking.  It was obvious he was ready to go home!  He knew where the Explorer was & led me right to it.  Such a smart guy!  

(Adopt-a-Pet offered us a free gift.  I took the dollars off a DNA kit & ordered it.  I'm looking forward to seeing what different breeds make up our cute, smart & opinionated dog!)

Finnigan's Run-a-bout~

 Sunday started out sunny & beautiful, if chilly!  Mari Jo & I were meeting for a walk on the trail.  I hadn't told her about Finnigan yet.  She & Gracie arrived at the shop parking ready to go.  I told her to wait a second, I had a surprise!  

Finnigan & Gracie meet!

Finn jumped out of the car very excited to meet Gracie!  Gracie was very interested in meeting Finnigan too!  (I know she had expected Nika.  The two of them had an understanding but weren't exactly friends.)  Both Gracie & Finnigan showed an equal amount of curiosity toward the other & neither backed down a bit!  Finn having been an intact male until his capture & now four - he'll retain those characteristics.

Gracie & Finn heading north~

We were out of town a short distance when a tall man with a large Weimaraner came up behind us.  We moved off to the side to let him pass.  We continued on & had just reached the limestone, a mile from town when the man & dog were returning our direction.  They were about 50 feet away when Finnigan just went nuts!  He whirled in a circle, jumped, pulled backward & slipped his collar!  All in less than a split second!  He'd caught me totally off-guard!

He took off at full speed back the way we'd come.  He ran until he was almost out of sight & stopped - turning back to look at us. (Thankfully the man with the dog stopped too.)  I really wasn't too worried at that point - I really thought he'd come right back to me.  I started walking toward him & called his name.  He ran further away!  I tried twice with the same result!  Mari Jo asked me to take Gracie, she was going to give it a try.  She moved toward him & again he ran a short distance further away!  I warned her not to push him further.  She got down on one knee, called his name & said the magic words; "Do you want a cookie?"  

It worked!  He ran toward her!  But - about 50 feet away - he stopped cold.  He looked at her, then looked at me - standing behind her off to the side.  He ran past Mari Jo & straight to me!  He was shaking all over & wanted me to pick him up!  I did!  I was SO Happy he'd come back!  

The man said his dog, a female, did not like other dogs, so I thought maybe Finn had sensed that?  He asked how long I'd had him?  When I replied less than a week & Finn had come from a shelter, he was amazed.  He congratulated me on Finn's returning to me after such a short time together.

On our way back to town!

We let the man go ahead of us, then started back.  Finn was nervous & kept looking back over his shoulder.  When another couple came walking toward us, without a dog, Finn came to me & wanted me to pick him up again.  He was trembling in fear.  I just couldn't figure it out.  

On our way home I stopped at Bomgaars & found a harness that fit. Later I looked at Amazon & saw a video of a dog pulling out of a harness!  Now, I've ordered an "escape proof" type harness that will be here tomorrow.  I told Butch what happened.  He thinks Finn was probably chased more than once during his time on the streets & no longer trusts people.  I think he's right!

Finn in his new harness~

I was so proud of my boy!  It took a lot of courage for him to return to me, as scared as he was.  I hadn't really considered what all he probably went through before I found him.  I will have cookies in my pocket from now on when we walk!  He had several when we returned home!  I chose him at the Shelter & now he has chosen to be with me.  My heart is happy!

First Ride of December ~

 

Mari Jo - on the trail~

The weatherman had promised us a record-breaking day & today was it!  We needed 61 degrees & I'm sure we made it.  The wind was much stronger out of the south than was originally forecast, but it brought the warmth with it.

Water in the creeks~

Mari Jo met me at the shop, both of us looking forward to time on the bikes.  Coming up to the first bridge crossing, it was a surprise to see water in the creeks again.  At home, we managed .48 of rain on November 20th.  The light dusting of snow on the 25th, didn't even register on our rain gauge.  The rest of the month was dry.

A softening surface~

The picture above doesn't look like the surface of the trail was too bad, but with the tires sinking it - it didn't take us long to feel the additional effort it was taking. We wouldn't have been riding at all if it had been any softer.

At the Trestle~

Already committed, we decided to amend our goal & were happy to just make it to the Trestle!   I was sorry I'd worn my thermal pants & we both removed layers!  Then - there was the wind!  We were riding right into those strong blasts from the south, gusting up to 20 mph.

Silver Creek~

 The afternoon was so incredibly beautiful & warm!  We enjoyed the sunshine & talked for a while before turning back.  Now, the wind was to our backs - we were happy to have it!  Even so, my legs felt like they'd had a workout. 

Mari Jo brought me a loaf of her banana bread & a jar of apple butter to go with it!  I could hardly get home fast enough to try both!

Banana Bread & Apple Butter!

I'd left Finnigan in his crate & he was barking when I left.  Last night, was our worst...  He barked for over an hour.  It wasn't a "oh Woest me" bark!  It was a "I'm Mad" bark!  I didn't respond at all.  I had to remind myself he is a grown dog, not a puppy. He finally gave it up & I hope things go better tonight.  We both expect him to be crate trained & this little guy would like to train me!  When I got home, he was just fine & very happy when we left for our walk.  He's learning the routine & becoming more confident - which I love to see.

Finnigan Comes Home!

 I was awake most of the night - thinking about the dog at the Midlands Humane Society.  He was listed as a Fox Terrier, but after doing some research at the AKC website, he looked to me more like a Cairn Terrier.  I joined a Facebook group, posted his photo & the consensus was the same as mine.  

We had our Garden Club Christmas party this morning & I mentioned my dog search.  My friend Ruth has a new Schnauzer puppy & told me how much she was enjoying him.  She had searched for two-years for a dog.  As soon as the party was over, I called Midlands from the car to ask if the dog was still there?  He was...

Our meet & greet~

The minute he came in the room, he made eye contact with me.  I got down on the floor & even though the lady who works there was also on the floor with him, he came over to me.  She left & I soon discovered he was the friendliest little guy ever.  I asked if we could take him outside on a lead & we did.  He did just great & was very aware of his surroundings.  

I couldn't fill out the paperwork fast enough!  He had been microchipped & I had that paperwork to fill out - which included his name.  One of the staff had named him "Geppetto" Pinocchio's creator.  No way!  His new name is Finnigan!  Though they had no information at all about him, his birthday was listed as 9-3-19, making him four-years old.

While I was waiting - they'd brought him into the reception area, behind the desk.  He sneezed & coughed a little.  The staff mentioned it might just be stress, or possibly Kennel Cough.  I told them we'd be making a trip as soon as possible to see our Vet - Dr. Darnell.  

Finnigan was happy to go with me to the Explorer!  As I started driving over to PetSmart, he moved to the front, trying to sit next to me with his paws on the arm rest. We needed to pick up some necessary supplies.

At the checkout~

Everyone in PetSmart had to come & see him - but he was so scared - they stayed a distance away.  We bought food, cookies, a new collar, bed & shampoo!  I'd called Dr. Darnell & left a message before we left Midlands.  Just as we were leaving PetSmart, he called & said to bring Finnigan out!  

On the console~

We drove right to the farm.  Dr. Darnell went over him from top to bottom.  He has an underbite - which may cause some issues as he gets older, but otherwise seemed healthy.  He received the kennel cough internasal vaccine & antibiotics.  As long as he doesn't get any worse & is eating & drinking - all should be well!

In his new bed~

Once home, I walked him around the yard on the leash, then turned him loose.  It was too dark to get video.  He took off at 90 mph running in huge circles as fast as he could!  When I called him, he came running but at the last second flew past missing me by a couple feet :-) I went back up to the deck & sat down in my chair.  I soon had my new buddy sitting next to me. :-)

He waited for me to invite him back in the house, which really surprised me.  I started putting his new crate together & he left the utility room.  I went looking for him.  I have no idea if he's house trained or not.  I'd tossed his new bed to the side of the front door when I first got home & that's where I found him!    He had one thing to call his own & that's where he was...  

Finnigan in his new crate~

I gave him his dinner & a big bowl of water; when I asked, he went right into his crate.  I was going to give him a bath, but that can wait until tomorrow.  

Sound asleep~

I was sitting on the floor, talking to Butch when somebody made a few circles & promptly fell sound asleep.  I'm so happy he's home!  It'll be fun to see him adjust to a new life. Wednesday, he'll accompany me to mat making & we'll do more shopping.  I think he'll need a coat & Butch mentioned toys too.  Welcome Finnigan - here's to many fun filled years together!

December Arrives ~

 It's been cold, windy & dry.  I've been busy with seasonal decorating.  Every year I say I'll do less, but when the boxes come out, I end up doing it all. The Cabin comes first, since I enjoy it more in the winter months.

Christmas at the Cabin~

I'm using both bird feeders this season.  I put one down by the swing & the other is at its usual spot on the post just down from the Cabin. Now, if I could just keep the neighbor's cat from stalking the birds!  I've been chasing it off with the blower, when I have the blower handy.

11-27-23 Butch & Maverick - Stop & Go~

We used to have Vet checks for the horses on endurance rides, called; "Stop & Go".  When you arrived - your horses heart rate was checked by the Veterinary staff.  If it was within parameters - you were allowed to continue without a hold.  Butch did get a stop - but it seemed short.  The Go came fast!  He arrived Thanksgiving morning, delivered a load the day after & was dispatched out early Monday.  

From the Cabin~

I haven't had my bike out yet this month, but a couple warmer days are forecast for the upcoming week.  I miss the exercise & even miss mowing, now that it's over for the season! :-)  

The woods~

I did get the leaves raked off the trails in the past couple of weeks.  I was working by the creek & received my last sting of the season, just under my eye!  I have no idea what kind of bug it was, but it must be hearty to withstand the hard frosts we've received.

Straw over the flower bed~

When Butch was home, we picked up a bale of straw.  I spread it along the south fence, where the marigolds were.  I finally pulled the flowers & scattered the seed on the hill.  I'm hoping the straw will prevent any further runoff - if & when we see any rain.

12-1 Hazy sunshine & "antique" windsock~

I've also been looking at rescue dogs...  I'm still not sure I want another dog - but I do miss having a companion. While Butch was home, we went to the NE Humane Society & the Midlands Humane Society in Council Bluffs.  It's so very sad to see so many animals in need of homes. I've been looking on-line too - but any dog that seems like it might work for us - is usually adopted fast.  The shelters we visited were populated with at least 75% pit mixes.  There's lots of applications to fill out - just to qualify - a good thing.  I won't know if I want a dog, until I see it in person.  So far, no luck.  Then, there are days I ask myself why I would want to take on the responsibility again...  Maybe yes, maybe no...