Aspermont flora and fauna

Aspermont, Texas, the home of the S.M.S. Ranch, see this url for details http://mykindred.com/cloud/TX/getperson.php?personID=I56855&tree=mykindred01

We arrived in Aspermont on Saturday, October 16 and made our way to the S.M.S. Ranch, working cattle ranch complete with an array of flora and fauna. Hopefully, I'll have some pictures later, but for now, here's my list.

Flora: mesquite, cats claw, prickly pear cactus (tall and short), cockleburrs, barrel cactus, jumping cactus, ragweed, broomweed, some kind of greenleafed, stickery bush/tree with berries, and yes, in honor of the Sunflower Open All Age Championship field trial, even some sunflowers.

Fauna: rattlesnakes, scorpions, wild boars, coyotes, deer, raccoons, hawks and cows, many, many cows, also saw a few quail... very few.

Dogs had to wear leather boots on all fours as did people, but of course just the two, horses walked on prickly pear cactus and got pretty good at dodging all sorts of stickery things. Harsh country but no one got hurt, everyone made it home, few will go back...

the Parsons garden

For those of you who trekked out to the empty lots in Parsons and envisioned with me how a garden might look if there was one... these pictures are for you! Taken in mid August, this was how things looked at what turned out to be pretty much the end of the summer growing season, stopped in it's tracks due to very hot, dry weather, even though committed gardeners continued to water... :)

how my garden grows

These are two pictures of my fall garden, mustard greens, onions, lettuce, radishes and I have a third bed that also has carrots planted... O'donna is taking the K-state master gardening course starting on Friday... I'm no expert, but I have completely enjoyed gardening in Parsons and at the farm. Tonight I'm freezing apples with the intention of making apple butter later.

Lucky dog

So she's a lucky dog and I think she knows it. Ginger thinks she's an invader from a distant galaxy and Julie just loves her 'cause she'll go out with her at night... Seems low expectations may offer unexpected rewards. Here's Dolly!

the rest of my birthday story

Ok, finally, the pictures arrived... the sunflower card is from the bank, I got two from them, I don't have an explanation for that. Then O'donna and Bill sent me a card with the cutest dog and a caption that reads Celebrate like someone forgot to lock the gate... love it! A "rock" from Kathy in honor of our gardening partnership and hopeful harvest. The cover of the selected music cd that Rachel and Amanda sent. Robin sent me a great box, artfully decorated that contained a movie and a game that will be enjoyed immensely as well as a watercolor of one of the iris that Terry, Robin and I "rescued" from Mrs. Adelgren's (Bill's second grade teacher I think) a few weeks ago, in a packet of artistic drawings, collages and other creative interpretations of things known and non known. Appreciated and now the painting is clipped on the painting holder and every time I look at it I smile. I had more delicious birthday cake for supper and a news worthy and very welcomed phone call from Amanda from the far and distant state of Washington USA. All in all, best birthday ever. From my pinnacle of advancing years, one bit of advice, when talking about time, spend joyfully rather than killing even a minute.. Wishing you all the best, ap/p

My birthday was today - part 1

Today is my birthday. Aunt Jackie sang Happy Birthday cha cha cha about 7 am and the birthday party people arrived about noon. We had fabulous food, grilled chicken, Helen's famous potato salad and green beans, and a gorgeous and equally delicious birthday caked baked by Rachel. Rachel and Amanda gave me a cd of favorite melodies with one of a kind playlist and cd cover, Mimi, Poppi and Terry gave me singing cards, they added a musical dimension to a wonderful day... and the final picture is THE CAKE! more on the next post, only a few pictures loaded on this one. Love to all who love me, ap/p

my horse

By chance do you notice something odd about this picture? Hint, you have to count. This evening I walked to the top of our hill to watch the sunset. Toby chased the farm deer herd of four who with regularity circle our property. I checked the asparagus plants along the fence, enough for a meal if we weren't letting them go to seed. Henry, in the picture, saw me, quit eating and came to be petted... a good way to end my day. I think I'm happy. Reread post, not inspirational or profound, but maybe enough. :)