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I'm still here, just getting ready for the wedding. I'll be back after the 14th with pictures of the happy couple. Thanks for stopping by to check on us! Regina |
Posted in farmlife
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Each year in May, the cacti bloom. If you don't live in an area where they are a part of your everyday life, you may not know of their beauty. I told Jack that I wanted to take some pictures so he drove while I stood in the back of the pick-up with my camera. We also saw lots of wildlife, but I thought I would share cactus pictures today. Enjoy!
Regina |
Notice that on some of the prickly pear cactus there are more than one color of blooms.
Tomorrow I'll add a few pictures of other things blooming. Have a good day.|
With just 6 more school days, I'm getting ready to spend more time outside. Well, we actually are outside a lot now. Just ask any of our kids that try to call. Right Kayla? We will call soon. The temperatures have been perfect and Jack and I are both ready to start our summer vacation. That's when the real work begins. But the payment for all that hard work is unbeatable. Nothing tastes better than a home cooked meal right from the garden. Of course, the grandkids will have other things on there mind. Like swimming, fishing, and more swimming.
Regina |
Just a few more days. Posted in family
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Today is my mom's birthday. Since she and I live so far apart, I don't get to spend special occasions with her. Last year however, we surprised her with a party. Many of her friends and family came out to help her celebrate. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAMA. I love you very much. Here are a few pictures from the party last year. We made a video of her 70 years.
Mama with her cousin, Dorthy.
From the TX clan, Happy Birthday. We hope it's the best year yet! Regina |
She cried while watching.
Mama, me holding Carsyn, and Jennifer. Four generations.
This is my dad. He's such a handsome thing I wanted him on here also!|
Our son, Kyle, emailed and said he was having problems with his squash and zucchini plants. The leaves are getting splotchy, then turning brown and falling off. He wanted to send some pictures so that Jack could look and them and tell him what he needed to do. Here is the first picture he sent. Maybe you can see what the problem is.
Now isn't that the cutiest little zucchini you have ever seen. I can't believe Trent is almost three months old. Of course, he sent the pictures of the plants afterward. I'm sure Jack has already emailed Kyle to let him know what to do. All seven of our kids were raised on the farm. Just like any other teenager, they hated the work but loved the food. Our son, JD, even told us that when he grew up that he was going to plant a garden so that he could blow it up! Guess what, they all grow, have grown, or come home for veggies. You can take the kid out of the country but you can't take the country out of the kid! Here's the zucchini plants.
Regina |
What do you think the problem is and what can he do?Posted in family
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Because we are so close to the end of the school year, I haven't spent a lot of time on the computer. Everything is growing on the farm. The baby chicks are getting feathers, the onions look wonderful. Jack told me last night that it was time to STOP buying onions. Everything looks great except that we lost all of our peaches. We have one peach that survived the freeze. I think Jack is watching it as close as I am! Just 4 weeks and 2 days until JD and Cassidy are married. JD is the last of our kiddos to tie the knot. Cassidy just finished her 6th year of college. Yes, we are going to have a rocket scientist in the family! We are so happy for them and very proud of both.
We are counting the days with you and know you will have a long and happy marriage. Regina |
Here is the happy couple.
Posted in family
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My sister sent me a few pictures of a poplar tree in her yard and blooms from it. I've seen poplar trees but have never seen them bloom. The flowers are beautiful. Maybe they don't bloom here because it's too dry. In MS they receive a lot more rain than the poplar trees is West TX. Here are the pictures. Have you ever seen poplar trees in bloom?
Regina |
Posted in family
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Last Friday, my daughter Jennifer turned one year older. She is now 32 which makes me feel very old. I completely forgot to put a post on here for her but want to make it up to her now. I would write 32 reasons why I love you but I have to get back to math. However, if you will take out the card I sent last year and read those then add this... You make me laugh, telling stories about Carsyn. That should now be 32. I do love you bigger than Dallas! I hope your birthday was as special as you are.
Thirty-one years ago!
I love you Jenn, Mom |
And now with her precious daughter, Carsyn. Time sure flies when you are having fun.Posted in farmlife
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Yesterday afternoon, Roger came by to take Mawmaw to eat, so Jack and I used the time to get the animals fed. This has become our Sunday afternoon ritual. As soon as Roger picks up Mawmaw, we get the feed ready for the animals. Our first stop is the goat field. Our babies are growing so fast and some are almost as big as the nannies.
My sister, Laurie, needs a new buck. I think this is the one for her. Then on the feed the cats at Mawmaw's house and to the tanks to feed the duck and the catfish. I hope you can see the fish. They are fun to watch.
As soon as they hear the pick-up, the catfish begin to top the water.
Here's a picture of JD"s duck.
After feeding the goats, dogs, cats, duck and catfish, we made out way to the pasture where the cows are grazing. We found a new calf that was born in the last couple of days.
No, that's not a milk cow but she looks like she has enough milk for two calves.
Until next time, Regina |
Our pup is also getting so big. She looks just like Jake.
He's a beauty. He is as black as our bull but with a touch of white. Speaking of our bull, he is now on the ranch that borders our place. The rancher was kind enough to pen him up so that we could go get him this weekend. Before the day was over, he was back on the neighbor's ranch. We haven't found the hole in the fence yet, but we will. I guess the grass really is greener on the other side, or maybe it's the ladies that hold his interest.|
After a few calls from the girls, I thought I better get a new post on the blog today. Our chicks hatched Sunday and Monday. We put 13 eggs under the hen hoping for a baker's dozen and she hatched 12. Unfortunately, one didn't make it. We also found three kittens this weekend. Of all the places to have kittens, this mom chose the grass catcher for the lawnmower! We did lose all of our peaches. We still have apples and pears but will sure miss the peaches. As a matter of fact, our SIL John wants to buy peaches in Fredricksburg so that we will have a good supply of peach butter this year. Here are a few pictures that I thought you would enjoy.
Until next time, Regina |
A very contented Trent.
Mawmaw & Trent
Three cuties.
We laughed at all the different colors.
This was taken at Kyle's but I thought it was beautiful.
One of the girls looking for a bug.
No, this little chickie is not on the farm but we hope to have her here one day. Maybe her smile will bring joy to you today!|
There's not a lot going on right now. Oh, there are many things that need to get done. Hopefully, this weekend we should get a few things finished. I think we should also have a few chicks hatching. If so, I'll post pictures. Until then, Regina |
Posted in farmlife
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This week we have had rain. Our first rain came earlier this week and after three different hail storms, we ended up with 2 1/2 inches of rain. Last night we watched storms form all around us with both hail and tornadoes. We are thankful that we missed the hail and tornadoes this time. We did however, get an inch of rain. 3 1/2 inches in one week is wonderful for our area. This is our planting rain! I found this picture of one of the storms moving in.
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Posted in farmlife
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Every Spring we look for signs that tell us the cold weather is gone. One of the first signs we see are buzzards back in our area. They have been here for a few weeks, even though we have had a few more days below freezing. Other signs we watch for are ants crawling, ground squirrels running around, and horned toads making an appearance. Usually, the mesquites do not leaf out until after the cold weather is gone but last year and this year, they have bloomed and we have gotten at least one more freeze. One of the last signs that says "Spring is Here" is the scissortails coming back. Late yesterday evening, I heard them chattering to each other and grabbed my camera. My dad was the first person to tell me about scissortails. They are beautiful birds with long tails that open and close like a pair of scissors. And, they are fearless! They will chase away anything that they think is too close to their nests. I've watched them chase buzzards, hawks, cats, and even people. My dad remembers as a boy being a victim of these birds. They will dive at you and some times even touch the top of your head. They do mean business. But, as ornery as they can be, I love to hear them chatting to each other. Their chattering and singing is like no other bird around. When I see the first one each Spring, I always call my dad. He may not care that they are back but it gives me a good reason to call. Here are a few pictures that I took. I hope you can see the birds and that the pictures are not too small. If so, I'll try to enlarge them. Have a Happy Easter weekend and enjoy the beginning of Spring!
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To Our Children: Last night your dad and I went to the ER and watched The Biggest Loser! Oh yes, and while we were there the doctor thought he might need to run a few tests. Yesterday afternoon, God sent Sandy to visit Mawmaw. That's the only reason that we can figure out that she came by after a month. While she was visiting, Jack and I left to feed the dogs and see the new baby goat that was born yesterday. Then it happened. That special pain that moves down your left arm along with nausea and elevated blood pressure. Nope, it wasn't your dad...it was me. My BP was 166/114 so I took two asprins and we made the trip to town. Right before the big weigh in on Biggest Loser, they decided to let me leave. We made it back in time to see who was kicked off but missed how much every one lost. Oh yea, back to the tests. The doctor was a very nice man who said he couldn't figure out what was going on. My tests came back negative except for my white count being up. He said that could be caused from stress. TAKS tutorials are getting to me! He also suggested that I see a doctor for a complete checkup. Your dad said that we could find one that might do a "two for one" kind of thing and see both of us. He is so smart. Kayla, when she started the IV line, I thought of you. She really did a good job but when you are starting one, don't tell people that there is going to be a little stick...it wasn't little. When she pulled out the needle to get started, your dad had to turn away. You know how he is about needles. Ok, so don't panic like I did. I'm so glad I had Jacky-pooh to help me through this. He said it was very strange to have me on a bed in the ER and him sitting on the stool beside me. Sort of a role reversal. We both know that God used this to get our attention and tell us that we need to start exercising and taking good care of ourselves. My BP did come down before we left. It was 139/83. This morning 124/77. I feel much better about all of this but just in case, 2nd period I'm going to teach Misty how to use the defibrillator! Just kidding Jen, I'm ok and I love you all. Regina, Mom, Nonna |
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Here are a few pictures to show what is growing on the farm.
Have a wonderful weekend. Regina |
Apple Blossoms
Onions! They needed a drink.
Blooms on the peach trees,
gave us many peaches.
The wheat also needs a drink, but it's still green.
One of the windmills.|
Claire's first year in soccer.
We love them all! Pawpaw & Nonna |
Nothing says Spring like kiddos playing outside!
It's baseball season for Colby.
Colby lost his first tooth!
Our oldest grandson, Tristan, handsome as ever.
Our own little cheerleader, McKenzie.
Fun at the bookfair, McKenzie & Colby.
Yes, I can do this by myself! Carsyn
This is so much fun! 
Trent napping before his afternoon stroll with Mom.
I'm ready to play.
I might have guns up, Pawpaw, but I'm still an Aggie!
They don't get any better than this!|
Recently, Marci at Amazing Graze Farm held a giveaway. I won the great prizes! If you have not been by to meet Marci, stop in some time. She has a great store to visit and always is willing to help with ideas and advice on farm life. Thank you Marci for sharing and caring! Regina |
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well, maybe not yet... Right now the temperatures outside are perfect. The lows are not too low and the highs are just right. But, that's all supposed to change on Friday. I'm glad, though, that it isn't going to hang around. By Saturday, we should be setting tomato and pepper plants in the ground. Jack picked up most of our plants on Saturday. I usually go with him but this weekend, I was in Mississippi. I was able to fly (thanks to sister, Laurie) to MS and visit all of my family there. Now that I'm home, I'm ready to start digging in the dirt. Our onions look great. Many of the trees we planted this year have new leaves and the others will soon follow. Even our pecan and mesquite trees are beginning to put on leaves. If Friday is our typical "Easter freeze", then I think we should have a good fruit and pecan crop this year. I'll take a few pictures this weekend and share. Until next time... Regina |
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Count your blessings instead of your crosses; Count your joys instead of your woes; Count your smiles instead of your tears; Count your full years instead of your lean; Count your health instead of your wealth;
I wanted to share an Irish blessing today and thought the above was perfect. If we all lived our lives counting good instead of bad...what a wonderful place it would be. I did find another that was too much fun not to add so to all have a Happy St. Patrick's Day. I hope you are wearing green! May the light always find you on a dreary day.
Regina |
Posted in family
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Jack and I are home from Kyle and Lauren's. We enjoyed our visit so much and both spent as much time as possible holding and loving on Trent. He is such a cutie. I'm not sure yet who he looks like but he has his dad's feet. We are already counting the days until we see him again. I will post a few pictures sometime this weekend. After months of no rain, this week we have gotten over two inches. My family in MS gets tickled because we count every 100th of an inch of rain. We have gotten a little more than 1/2 inch since last August so this rain has been a wonderful blessing. The weekend before Trent was born, we planted 29 fruit trees. I'm sure this rain will really help them sink their roots and begin to grow. I can already taste the jams and cobblers. Jean is doing well. Jack's youngest sister stayed here with her while we were gone. They enjoyed their time together and Tammie is sure that she can now live on a farm. We would love to have her close by. Since she is an OB nurse, I bet she would do a great job tending to cows and goats while they are giving birth. Don't you think it would be about the same Tammie? Until later, have a blessed weekend. Regina |