Workin' in the Timber~

It's been two-weeks since the Cabin arrived.  Butch got the walls insulated this last weekend & the ceiling will be next. Items that had spent years on the Cottage, are sprucing up the Cabin.  I'm leaning away from a western theme & more toward rustic.  We found a weathered cedar paneling with a nice reveal.  The edges overlap, giving the look of individual planks.  The chairs came & fit perfect on the small porch.  Eventually Butch will add a step & side railings.  We're going to change out the pickets for the same wire we used on the house porch.

Late afternoon~

I had the curtains from the Cottage & only had to order a couple more panels to do all the windows.  With only one nursery in town that carries any kind of yard art, I was lucky to get end of the year prices for the concrete pillar & indigo blue gazing ball.  We've found galvanized sheeting Butch plans to use for skirting.

Final three Serviceberry planted

You can just see the orange string marking the north property line.  We sat the bushes in five feet & the Cabin in ten.  Now, my job of moving out all the rotten wood, dumped over the edge of the hillside has taken some priority.

The property line along the edge of the Timber~

It took me half a day just to clear out the NW corner enough we could put in a corner post marker. I'm tossing it up from below, then we'll back the truck up & fill it I'm sure.  Probably at least one more trip to the landfill.

My brush pile~

This pile is the one I made last year working to clar the trail.  A hollow spot, made a natural place to toss it all out of my way.  I've learned letting it dry for a few months, makes it easier to cut it into smaller pieces & load.

Trail & horse trailer~

The horse trailer has become multi-purpose.  It works for bike storage.  We couldn't build a garage without combining all three lots into one.  The City doesn't allow a garage on a property, without a house.  Of course we didn't realize that when we bought the lots.  The idea was to sell one - if we wanted to eventually.  A garage has not been in the cards, but having space around us works! 

Start of the Trail~

Deciding where the trail would go was relatively easy.  Between the trees, cutting across the slope, down the hillside & over to the creek.  From there we can turn east toward our backyard, or west out along the creek for quite a way.  The west end will take a lot of work too.  A couple big, old trees are down & there's plenty of greenbriar.

Looking SW, down the hillside from behind the Cabin~

the first post, marks our corner.  We'll put in a couple sign posts & I hope to paint them this winter.  I've done so much work, but there's a lot to go, clearing to the far west corner.

Looking East up at the back of the Cabin`

We've finally had a couple days of decent weather.  Sunshine & temperatures in the 40's during the day.  The nights are unseasonably cold though, low 20's.  It takes things a while to warm up in the mornings.  I go from fleece, to cotton, to fleece & finally a jacket by late afternoon!

November - Gray Card Day~

I love being back to central standard time.  If - please - we could stop resetting our clocks twice a year wouldn't it be nice?  Today - early November -  was a very gray day.  It was the color we were taught of as a middle gray, perfect for a consistent exposure.

Looking toward Iowa from the Nebraska side of the Missouri~

 With a misty rain most of the night, the temperature was mid-40's.  We had an errand to the north of Plattsmouth, NE & decided to stop at Mom's Cafe for a late breakfast.  I ordered the french toast made from a cinnamon roll, topped with banana & caramel syrup!  My meal for the entire day & probably half of tomorrow.

From the Plattsmouth Trestle Bridge - South

  We hadn't been able to go this route, one of our favorites for a while.  Last year, we'd taken it with the truck several times, until one day the gentleman at the toll booth told us the truck was too heavy for the bridge.  Today, the weight signs were posted & we were well under the 20,000 thousand pound limit.   It's the same bridge where my Grandfather rolled his truck load of cattle, on the curve at the bottom.  The bent ignition key is among his mementos. 

Color on the hills~

I asked Butch to stop more than once to get a few photos.  Plattsmouth is such a unique town, so picturesque.  The wreath below was such a perfect blend of seasonal colors, especially against the rich color of the brick.

Guns or Jewelry - you choose :-)

Yesterday, we stopped at Sherbondy's Nursery in Council Bluffs. I've wanted to plant more color & we were looking for shrubs that could grow into a hedge. Almost devoid of stock, it's the end of the season & with freezing temperatures just around the corner, it's no wonder. What was left, was 25% off. We've both been admiring the Burning Bushes & have a small one planted at the east end of the house. I had two in Washington, but they're considered invasive. The few there, didn't have many branches.

New blue pot~

The pot was a real find - just the right shade of blue! Just arrived, they are heavy & I'm told will survive the cold. There's a monarch butterfly on the front & a caterpillar on the back. Inscribed with "Monarch Sanctuary 1939". Made in Vietnam.

In place~

Our Garden Club had a presentation last month on the Monarch Biosphere in Mexico.  Fascinating reading, several states are working to preserve the Monarch butterfly by planting Milkweed along the migratory paths.  We picked up rock for a base & to raise the height of the pot.  Eventually, we'll gravel all the way around & have a path from the parking area.  We're having fun with this little building.

Serviceberry in the ground~

We spotted a bit of bright color & found several Rainbow Pillar Serviceberry. The fall color alone had us sold. When we asked about them, they sounded perfect for the north side of the Cabin. Three more will finish off the row.  They are native, produce flowers in the summer & edible berries.  I'm going to enjoy the great color for as long as the leaves last! The day stayed the same hue of gray right through until what seemed like a very early dusk!

What Am I Doin'?

There are those days when I miss - just the smell of a horse.  I found out last Friday, that a cow does Not have the pleasant aroma of a horse.  I spent the day at the farm.  It was gray, overcast, gloomy & fit my mood.  I finally felt strong enough to face going there & not seeing my mare.  I started by cleaning out the last of the loose hay, then going through all Butch's boxes of tools etc, he'd moved from storage.  The mice had found several, even eating through Styrofoam to chew on the cord of a welder.  I opened the boxes, tipped them over & ran!

It took me until almost dark to get everything sorted.  I made up a stack of barn stuff another horse person might want.  I loaded the Bronco with the boxes of Christmas decorations that thankfully were sealed - my original excuse for the trip.

11-3-2015 At Victoria~

 Once home, I decided to take a photo trip back to the same day - the last year we were on the Homestead.  (Third Time is the Charm) I find myself doing this now & then.  A day later, I was riding & we topped 1,000-miles for the year.

10-20-2018 Farah & Renee~

Just a couple days before, Renee sent me this first photo of her & Farah.  It's great to see the two of them getting along so well.  I trust that Renee is what Farah needs at this stage in her life.  A refresher of her training, collection, lead changes, fresh ideas & conditioning for a different discipline.  All will be good for her longevity.

I started blogging back in 2011, because I enjoy writing & having just turned 60, liked the idea of keeping some type of journal.  I wrote about mundane happenings on the Homestead, but it wasn't long until my rides dominated the blog.

I mentioned to Butch the other night - that I feel somewhat at a loss.  My main reason to write a story at all, is now far away...  Horses have been my life.  I'm not about re-living the past, but there have been some good horses & good horse stories worth writing about.  Time will tell, what comes next~

The Cabin Arrives!

We'd been waiting quite a while.  First, we were going to build a small cabin down by the creek, in the timber.  But one of the things that comes with age, is wisdom.  If we wanted to enjoy it - the walk down in the winter months wouldn't make sense.  Butch had built our Garden Cottage on the Homestead, our shed, barn etc. all himself. Only occasionally, could we talk a son-in-law, or later Grandson Ben, to help with projects.

We'd discussed pre-built buildings for years, but most have the look of small barns & we didn't want that.  Going through Council Bluffs one day - we stopped at a Portable Buildings dealer & found a model we really liked!  It had been sitting for over a year.  With just a couple minor issues, the dealer was ready to see it gone.

We had to apply to the City for a variance.  That was approved as long as the building was on skids & could be moved.  The buildings come on skids, are built to housing code specifications & have a five-year warranty.

The spot!

Next, we had to decide on placement.  Close enough to the house for a short walk in the winter & near the timber with access to my trail.  I've always liked having some small space to hang out morning weekends, or evenings.  Here, we've used the camper when it gets too cold to sit out.

Delivery Day!

Butch had to work, so I was home when the truck pulled up.  I was excited to see what was involved in unloading & placing a building of that size.  The delivery driver made the entire process look easy!

Dollies moved it into place

The dollies worked so slick.  There was a lot of shimming to do, I don't care how flat a piece of property may look, it never is :-)  We didn't want to dig things up & make a mess going into winter.  It takes so long for the ground to recover here.

As soon as the driver left, I got busy & moved a set of chairs out of the craft room where they'd been taking up space & to the cabin!  Nika had an extra bed I'd washed up & put away.  It found a spot between the chairs.  I've already ordered small blue chairs for on the front porch.  

First sign, flag &  insulators from the Cottage!

Butch laughed when he first walked in & realized I'd been busy.  Nika was thrilled to find her little bed!  Quite a memory for us, remembering our winter nights sitting out in the Cottage in WA.   We have lots of ideas for the Cabin.  (Of course it will help with storage too.)  The first will be a sliding door on the south side, facing toward the yard & timber.

North side~

I had the purple insulators, flag & first of our of Trademark Collectibles signs ready for Butch to hang.  The Cabin even has its own street address.  As I was leaving this morning, a gentleman on his bike stopped to compliment the Cabin & ask questions.  It fits in so well; it already looks like it's been here forever.

Update on Farah~

I couldn't resist giving an update on Farah.  Yes, I hear from Renee often.  She had dropped her phone in the lake, so I sent out my little Cannon.  The same one that I've carried on the saddle for so many years.  Getting pictures by email is almost like a mini-visit to the farm.

June of 2013 - first time at the beach~

I am so thankful that Butch took the photos of us he did.  Every once in a while when I get lonely for her, I can go back & re-visit some of our rides.

Last week, Renee had company on the farm.  This sweet little girl enjoyed meeting Farah as much as I'm sure Farah enjoyed the attention of another little one :-)

Farah makes a new friend :-)

Farah wasn't really interested in kids when we first brought her home.  But eventually she matured & decided they really were fun, especially when they had treats!

6-11-2016 Farah & Granddaughter Skyla~

 At the beach, when the Grandkids came from Astoria to visit us, we were amazed to find Skyla & Farah enjoying a quiet moment together.  Skyla rode for the first time in several years & did just fine!

Sandy, Ody, Connie & Farah

We also had some interesting news about Farah's breeding.  Sandy had decided to send a DNA sample of Ody's mane (Farah's sire) - to the Texas A&M equine genetic lab.  (Ody had been abandoned as a foal with no papers.)  We'd always assumed NSH, bloodlines.  A farm where Count the Gold, stood at stud was in the vicinity.

The results surprised us.  Ody is, in the order of highest percentage first;  Fox Trotter, Mangalarga & Arab!  Farah's exotic look has been mentioned & now we know where it comes from.  Add that breeding to her Dam's excellent Appaloosa lines;  Dignitary on the top & Two Timin' Woman on the bottom.  (The Appaloosa registry allows crosses to both Quarter Horses & Thoroughbreds.)

I love seeing her out on grass in the sunshine.  No fly mask, no shoofly leggings & probably not even bug spray.  It's a beautiful time of year there & here too.

Enjoying pasture time~

I also love seeing her walk, with such a long, low & relaxed style.  Totally different from the first photos, where she looked very sad.  We both were...

Long, low & relaxed~

This will be the hardest time of year for me to be without her here.  This month & probably November are two of the best months for riding.  The only drawback is how short the days are getting.  We're both adjusting.

Dappled shade~

Busy, has become my middle name.  We've started the shed re-model, I've been working in the yard & have a to-do list a mile long. I may have to break down & join a gym to get in the amount of exercise I've been so used to while riding.  Of course the miles have gone from 1,500 - to 1,000 - to 400 last  year.  Zero - though - will be tough...  We'll see what the next chapter brings~

Home Sweet Home~

Fall, one of the two most beautiful season's anywhere.  I'd missed the first couple weeks & the changes seemed swift.  The weather these early October days, has been beautiful for the third year in a row.  Mid-60's, a light breeze & only a couple nights when the temperatures have dropped below freezing.

Backyard - 10-4-2018

My first week home, I felt like I was in a daze.  Linus said to expect one day for each hour of time difference.  I found that to be true.  I had to fight my way through the afternoon, when the urge to go to bed hit full force!  About 2 a.m. I'd wake up & be ready for the day :-)  I've decided that moving forward in time is relatively easy. Going back though, seemed difficult for me.

10-9 Mr. Squirrel in his fall colors~

Before leaving, I hadn't even begun decorating for fall.  But now, I was motivated to get it done.  My favorite time of year & I wanted to enjoy it - both inside & out.

10-13 Back Deck~

The deck has become everyone's favorite hangout.  Sitting high over the rest of the yard, we were oh so lucky to get the view & privacy.  Not as much in the winter months, when we can see across to the neighbors on the far side, but enough.

Lights on~

I'd ordered more of my favorite fall lights from Ben Franklin in Monroe last year.  They sent me four boxes & I hope they last a long while.  I can't even find them on-line.  There're a combination of brown, gold & orange.  The plant, lasted one more week before it's leaves started falling off.

Hoot~

Hoot - almost didn't make it.  He was one of the last things to come out of the woods.  He'd just been wrapped in a black bag.  He was also one of the last items to be taken out of storage.  A little the worse for wear, with a broken ear & the tip off his nose.  I used super glue & decided that his days of being out in the weather are over.  The deck is more protected & I can enjoy him from the family room too.

Hoot with Mason & Cassidy, 4-11-2010

Hoot's job was to keep Mason & Cassidy on the correct trail in the Homestead's woods.  :-)  One day the two of them were lost.  Butch & I were hiding to see what they'd do.  Mason to Cassidy;  "Cassidy...  There's Hoot!  We've been this way before!"  Cassidy younger but oh so much wiser than her brother replied;  "I Know Mason!"  Neither of them did - but they weren't in the slightest worried about it.

East end of the deck~

It kept my mind somewhat occupied finishing up the Italy stories.  With this weather, Butch & I are working on the old shed.  Time for the tarp we put over the roof last year to go!  Now, it's a rush to get a new roof on before the rain comes!  I'm already looking forward to February.  My winter visit with those five special Grand-kids, their parents too of course :-) & my special mare!

A Walk in the Park~

Nika & I have taken two walks this week!  The first, heading to the bus barn.  On our way, the big yellow bus picked us up!

`

Nika at the Park

 The second yesterday - when we joined Jean's Lake Walk group.  As we were walking to the park for the rendezvous with our friends, Kay drove by & offered us a lift!  I had to say no - it would have defeated the purpose of the walk!  :-)

Along Keg Creek~

  Leaving the park, we walked along the creek & decided to head for Kay & Linus's house.  The day had really warmed up & I'd worn a flannel shirt!  I consumed a glass of cold ice tea & Nika had a good drink of water before we started for home. 

On our way back, we took the Big hill past the water tower.  Though I didn't wear my Garmin, I think we got in an honest 4+ miles.   It's been a while since I've hoofed it that far on my own two feet & I'm feelin' it today. Without the usual riding I've always done, expending my usual excess of energy will be a challenge...

Signage posted today!

We've applied for yet another variance, to place a pre-built building on one, of the two lots we purchased.  The plan is to make it into our little cabin & storage.  A spot in the timber by the creek would have been nice, but practically speaking, difficult to access during the winter months.  Fingers crossed!