Country Dogs turned Town Dogs

Huckleberry and Daisy are farm dogs.  We got them from a local shelter as puppies three years ago.  The 40 acre farm is all they have known.

When we moved to town we knew there might be some adjustment difficulties.

The good news: they don't bark very much.

The bad news: they like to escape from our backyard.

First it was a gate latch issue.

EJ fixed that.

So, Huck and Daisy found a new way.

They gnawed on the wood gate until they could escape.

One would assume that they are headed out to live exciting lives.  You know, sow their wild oats and all that. 

Nope, they just get out and then go sit on our front porch. 

Weirdos.

Random Moving Notes

1. My beloved Keurig stays UNpacked.  I will need my coffee on moving morning.  She may possibly ride in the front seat of my car...right next to me...with a seat belt on...

2.  My children can definitely feel the stress of moving.  They have zero patience for each other.  It is my job to make sure my patience level does not under any circumstances fall to zero.  That would be a catastrophe.

3.  EJ and I are sleeping on a Queen size bed this week.  Our King is prepped to move.  Now I remember why I love the King.  That is all I am going to say about that.

4.  Poor Bubba has developed a wicked rash.  We are unsure at this point if it is Chicken Pox or just a random virus.  He is being super tough through it all.  I am assuming it will spread through my boys like a wild fire and then head straight for their cousins.

5.  We ordered the Big Table from a local wood worker/carpenter.  (more like Artist who makes furniture)  He will have it completed later this summer.  We are thrilled.   Once we get moved in, I need to start finding the dinning room chairs.  I can't wait to have that project completed.

6.  I finally talked EJ into a new Washing Machine.  I have hated my washer for four years.  I am certain that it hates me back.  I asked Grammy if she wanted to keep it.  She said "No Way" and ordered a new Washer/Dryer for the farm.  She is a smart lady.

7.  Daisy and Huckleberry are moving to town.  Turning country dogs into town dogs makes me really nervous.  I told EJ they have to have a visit to the vet before I will take them into town.  They need an update on their vaccines and a good scrubbing.

8.  I am pretty sure the kitty cats are all staying here.  They are barn cats.  They like the country and they roam around.  I don't think my new neighbors would love them roaming around like a bunch of hobos. 

9.  I got a steal of a deal on my new refrigerator.  It was marked half off in the "scratch and dent" section of the store.  I could care less that there is a dent in the freezer door.  My children will bestow a whole lot more dents on that thing immediately. 

10.  I have managed to keep the eating out to a minimum by cooking last weekend and placing the food in disposable containers.  Now we are just two days away from the move.  This will no doubt begin the week long eating out extravaganza.  Don't judge me.

That is all for now.

No, it's not.  I forgot to say... 

The twitch in my eye that took up residence about a week ago shows no sign of leaving.  Clearly I have stress issues.

Bubba on his trusty steed Huckleberry

Stinkin' Sick

I was supposed to be gone all weekend.  I was headed to an adoption conference with two of my dear friends.  I have been looking forward to it with great excitement.  We were to leave on Thursday night.

On Wednesday, Q started running a fever.  By Thursday, I knew I would have to take him to the doctor.  Turns out he has an ear infection.  We got an antibiotic and headed home to snuggle.

Also, Huckleberry got hit by a car.  We think he got clipped in the face and rolled.  He had a trip to the vet where they sedated him and determined that his jaw was broken.  He was given meds and sent home to recover with special feeding instructions.  We love big 'ol gentle Huck.  We are so glad he is okay!

I knew I just couldn't leave little Q and go to the conference.  Those of you parents know that antibiotics often lead to diarrhea.  I could just picture EJ trying to take care of an injured dog while cleaning up nasty baby poo poos and trying to chase all three boys.  It just didn't feel right to leave.

Turns out it is a very good thing I didn't go.  By late Thursday afternoon I was in a bad way.  A crazy sickness came over me in an instant.  I had chills, aches, runny nose, sore throat and a fever.  I felt like I couldn't lift my head from my pillow. 

Pop and Grammy helped me with the cowboys until EJ could get home that evening.

Friday was spent just being sick.  EJ kept the boys busy so I could rest.  He did have to run to town a couple of times and it was all I could do to take care of the boys. 

The thing that freaked me out more than anything was the fever. I have read that fever in early pregnancy can be a bad thing. EJ called Dr. K's office. Nurse T told EJ that the fever was more dangerous to the babies than Tylenol.  So we kept the Tylenol going and prayed the babies would hang tough through it all. 

My mother-in-law had been checking on us that day and wanted to keep the big boys for us for the night.  We asked the boys if they wanted to go and of course they said yes.

Saturday Q woke up with a rash all over his body and I was still miserable.  We went to immediate care.  Q was seen right away.  He is allergic to the antibiotic he was given.  They prescribed him a new one and told us to give him some benadryl.  I waited another hour and forty-five minutes to be seen.  The Dr. looked me over and said it was probably a virus.  He told me to take Tylenol.  I asked him if he would consider just cutting my head off.  He didn't seem to think I was funny.

When we called to check on the big boys, my in-laws informed us that Bubba woke up with a fever and had vomited that morning.  Poor guy!  They said he seemed to be doing better and was watching sports on TV with his Papa.  We were headed to pick them up and go home.  My mother-in-law insisted that we go on home and let them keep the boys another night.  I was in no place to argue.  I could hardly function.  EJ had his hands full with me and Q.

We came home and I slept and slept.  When I woke up I asked EJ to go get the big boys.  I was missing them.  He called to check on them and they were having a good time and looking forward to staying another night.  I didn't want to upset them.

When I woke up this morning I finally felt human again.  Certainly nowhere near 100% but better.

This afternoon, EJ and Q went to pick up the big brothers.  I was so happy when they made it home.  We pulled out the hide-a-bed so we could all cuddle up and watch a movie.  Pitiful aren't we? 

(I looked at EJ after he took this photo and said, "Do you realize I am snuggled up with our 5 children right now?")

I cannot thank EJ enough for taking good care of us.  I am also thankful for EJ's folks for keeping the big boys for us.  I find it difficult to accept help but there are times when you just don't have a choice.  I am so glad for family that steps in and saves the day when I need them.

(Just a side note: Pop and Grammy are currently taking care of other grand kids so they were not available.  I know you are wondering why the boys didn't just go downstairs...don't worry inquiring minds...I've got your back)

Grammy's Workout

Since I've been living on the farm, I haven't worked out...okay...actually, I have an aversion to working out at all...much unlike nearly all of the Four Sisters Farm family...like Pop who believes in a consistent workout involving strength training and aerobics like running, EJ who loves to run - a long way - like miles, DW who is training to run farther than she's ever run before, and Farm Chick, Pretty Princess, and Rock Star who faithfully go to the gym to hit the treadmill or eliptical. (shudder)

Today, it occurred to me that although I don't run or go to the gym, I am far from sedentary. I enjoy being outside and working on things. So if I'm outside and working, doesn't that mean I'm working out? It's just semantics really, right?

Anyway...I decided to run you through my workout today. You might want to try it and see if you can keep up. Keep in mind that this was just the morning routine (try not to feel sorry for me).

• I began with Flexibility Training - I climbed up and down the porch railing to install steel "eyes" on the roof line trim boards for hanging plants, Christmas lights, etc. repeating this up and down process until the entire porch has enough eyes (it's a big porch, okay?).
• Next I moved on to Strength Training - I loaded firewood into big wagon and drug the wagon to the back door; then carried the wood down the stairs to the fireplace...repeating until the wagon was empty. Next, I grabbed a sledge hammer and pounded the pieces of old damaged firebricks into small pieces in the driveway. (I noticed the dogs backed way off when I started this routine!)
• Then it was time for Aerobics - I watered all the animals by making trips between the well house and the hydrant. Dogs - check! - 1 and 2 and cats - check! - 3 and 4 and chickens - check! 5 and 6 and ...well you get the idea. I'm just glad we don't have a horse, cow, pig, goat or other livestock yet...I'll have to work up to that but it's good to have goals.
• Next, I moved on to Step Aerobics - I began in the basement and carried up a load of laundry, washed it, moved it to the dryer, carried up the next load, etc. and when it was all clean, I carried it all back down the steps and put them away. Granted, it's a slow moving kind of step aerobics but it does involve steps.
• After all that, I went for Advanced Aerobics - I chased the one crazy chicken who "flew the coop" while the water in the chicken watering thing was being replenished. (Note: all the other chickens were being good and patient through this process.)

I think if I keep it up I'll be really fit. Now if I can just "exercise" self-control and limit my portions of Farm Chick's awesome cooking!!

Where are they now? The Failure Edition

The Ducks?  They are dead.  Sorry, I can't sugar coat that one.  I don't know what happened to them but they didn't make it. 

The 4 Wheeler? It got ruined when the pull cord broke off.  Pop sold it.  Maybe there will be another one in our future.

The Cats? Well, we are down to one...The "Lone" Ranger.  Everyone else is missing.  Even Coal the mean cat.  He must have finally used up his 9 lives.  We think we still have some barn cats but they don't let us near them.

The Dogs?  They are still trucking along.  Even Daisy the dunder dog who I ran over and then nursed back to health.  She and Huckleberry are still happily living the farm life.  If only they could learn to control themselves when it comes to the trash.  I don't want to discuss with you how many times I have cleaned up poopy diapers from the front lawn.  Somehow those sneaky little buggers get into the trash even though the bags are in the carts.  I think they get a little help from Ranger.  Perhaps they share in the loot.  That is majorly disgusting when you consider that the "loot" is doo doo from baby diapers.  Seriously, find a new hobby.

Letters from Prison

Hello all, I have taken some time to collect my thoughts from the jail that they have so unjustly put me in. Yes, this is Daisy the so called "dunder heed". How slanderous is that?!! I'm on a short leash these days...if you know what I mean. So between my naps (which are frequent) I have had a chance to create my defense to these trumped up charges.

First, my accusers don't want to take me to trail for fear that they might lose because they have no witnesses. I know, I know Grammy would come to the stand first as the first "witness" however what has she really witnessed? NOTHING! She only saw me and my neighborly friend...we'll call him "Mr. Clucks" (names have been changed to protect the innocent) out on a nice "walk." We happened to be discussing the overpopulation of cattle in our area at the time.

Second, ask the prosecutor if they have EVER found the body?!! NO, it's all circumstantial evidence. These cases are rarely won, again another reason they want to just put me in a "Gitmo" and let me age slowly.

Lastly, it couldn't have been me because, as we all know, I have a bad leg. I believe that we have the documentation to prove this. How could I have done this crime?

Here's my suspicions. I believe it was those crafty cats. Those things have been out to get me from the word go. I think that it was a conspiracy with Ranger as the leader! And I think that it's dangerous to be letting our kids be around such a crafty criminal. I mean, who really wants to have their kids around these hardened thugs?

The first chicken that was hurt on our property was hurt at night before all the problems that we had that following day. Well, I'm kenneled at night so you know that it couldn't have been me. This supports my idea fully, along with common knowledge that cats "hunt" at night. Plus, have you seen the size of the rats that Ranger has killed? They're about the size of a small chicken! Coincidence? I think NOT!

I have snuck into the house unnoticed to post this while the farmers weren't looking. I would like to use the comments under this to be my petition to free me from my en slavery!


FREE DAISY

FREE DAISY

FREE DAISY

Daisy the Dunder Dog

First, a vocabulary lesson. The word "dunder" is actually a noun meaning "the thick lees from boiled sugar-cane juice used in the distillation of rum." It's origin: 1785–95; carries an alternate meaning "to overflow." However, according to UrbanDictionary.com it can be used with the noun "heed" as such: "dunder heed: scottish slang to describe some one who's intelligence is below average."

Hence, the title of this post, "Daisy the Dunder Dog."

Pop says he has never met two dogs of less intelligence than Daisy and Huck...well, that isn't exactly the way Pop says it...but anyway...

Among other annoying habits that intelligent dogs would not be a party to, Daisy has developed an attraction of sorts to chickens...specifically the chickens across the road at our neighbors' farm. She hasn't been found to harm the chickens but she has a record now of transporting the chickens (via her mouth) from the Spice Family Farm to Four Sisters Farm. No one is happy about this chicken thing Daisy has...the Spice Family is not happy, the residents at Four Sisters Farm are not happy; and I can tell you for certain that the chickens are NOT happy!

Now...why is Grammy blogging about this...well, let me tell you the story...

One stormy morning just recently, Farm Chick and the Cowboys were gone for breakfast with friends, Pop and EJ were at work and I was here working on the seemingly endless task of settling in after our move when I heard Daisy barking and a commotion that seemed to warrant some attention. I found some of the Spice Family members at the end of the drive with Daisy and went to see what was going on...you guessed...Daisy had been caught red-handed with one of the neighbor's chickens...again. After a conversation assuring Mrs. Spice that EJ and Farm Chick are working on a solution to prevent chicken-napping, I returned Daisy to her tethered leash and noticed that the storm that had just blown through had broken some lawn furniture and moved other things. I began cleaning up and hosing off leaves, etc. from the house and furniture when another wave of the storm came through and caught me in the backyard...of course with the back door locked since I had exited from the front...all this to say that I was so much less than pleased with the commotion Daisy the Dunder Dog had created that put me out in the weather.


A wet, bedraggled, and irritated Grammy says, "Daisy! You are a 'dunder heed!' Leave the chickens alone!"

Dear Lou Lou

Thank you for turning 8 and having a party at the farm with tasty cupcakes with purple frosting.

Sincerely,
Trigger the Kitty Cat

P.S. Huckleberry thanks you too.

Tots

Our second potato harvest!
The Farm Hands dirty but happy.

Once again...Huckleberry is not a horse.

Baby birds in a nest right above our kitchen window.

Daisy the Wonder Dog

As you remember, I ran over my dog. Backed over her to be exact. She had surgery and was required to be on kennel rest for 6 weeks. At that point we took her to the vet for an x-ray. They determined that the leg needed a little more time before they did the surgery that would remove the pin. They did, however, allow her off kennel rest during the day. 4 more weeks have passed since then and it's time to schedule the pin removal. Here she is enjoying the good life on the farm.

BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES!!!

We are preparing for a winter storm with blizzard capability. Fantastic! We have covered any of the plants that are above ground. What a weird turn of events. It is almost April and we are preparing for a blizzard.

Hang in there my precious onions!!!
The boys and I took Daisy out to go potty (she is still stuck in her kennel). Anyway, it is FREEZING cold out there. The wind is blowing so hard!

Oh man, I better remember to turn the heat lamp back on for the chickens.

I made sure to buy enough bread, milk & juice. Important staples for toddlers!

One more thing...Daisy had her stitches out today. The Vet says she looks great and he won't need to see her for four more weeks. When we go back in they will take the pin out of her leg. She will have to go under anesthesia again.

We will be sure to take pictures of the storm!

Daisy's Do

Daisy came home on Monday. She is on strict "Kennel Rest" for 6 weeks. She isn't allowed to be out of her kennel unless she needs a bathroom break. She has to be on a leash so she won't take off on a run and break her leg again. She is always excited to get out and wants to party! You have to hold the leash tight and encourage her to settle down. She is on a pain pill and an antibiotic.
Here is Huck telling his sister how much he missed her. Then in the next picture he insults her new hair cut.DW hooked Daisy up with a bigger Kennel! We put her there during the day and then at night we put her in her usual smaller kennel. She is already bored and this is only the end of week 1!

Sometimes we kennel Huckleberry next to her for an hour or so during the day so she isn't lonely.

This weekend EJ is planning to set her kennel out by the garden so she can watch us work. We are all glad to have her home! :)

Daisy Update

She came through surgery like a pro. She will have to stay until Monday so the Doc can keep an eye on her. We will have to keep her mostly in her kennel for 6 weeks to be sure she heals properly. I'm so glad they have her fixed up!

Puppy Love is Expensive

Here is my terrible tale...I was backing out of the garage (very slowly!) when I apparently ran into Daisy. She howled and pulled up her back right paw. Upon a trip to the veterinarian we learned that Daisy's femur was broken. Bad.

Tomorrow Daisy will be having surgery to the tune of $800+.

I would just like to say that my love and respect for EJ has grown greatly through this experience. First of all, he never made me feel bad (I did that myself) and he was the one to take her to the vet. I couldn't show my face in there.

Also, he never made me decide if we should put her down in lieu of paying a ridiculous amount of money for dog surgery. I was trying to put on a brave face but my heartache was just below the surface. EJ called and explained the procedure and recovery time. I immediately started bawling and said, "thanks for not putting my doggy down!"

Apparently, I'm not cut out for this country girl, old yeller stuff. I am tender hearted and I really love that dog. Here's hoping she lives a long life at Four Sisters Farm!

A Day with their Daddy

On a recent Saturday, EJ took the cowboys into town to run errands. I was impressed that he was up to the challenge of both boys for the morning. To make it even more impressive...one of their errands was to get the Dog's to the Vet for a check up and shots. Do you love it? It almost seems mean that I let him head out the door with that plan. I mean, a trip to the vet with that bunch makes my stomach hurt a little and I do these things every day!

They had a wonderful time and came back with all kinds of stories to tell! EJ said they were very good at the Vet, the grocery store, the hardware store and the feed store.

I spent the morning organizing my pantry and drinking coffee while having a chat with Pop on the phone (uninterrupted). Thanks EJ! You are my hero.

Daisy and Huckleberry seemed to enjoy the outing too...shots and all.

Free Bird

We were hoping to let the chickens free range but we were unsure of how that would work. They already have their coop and yard to play in but we wanted them to get out and eat more grass, bugs, etc. Give them a little room to roam. However, we were concerned about these guys. We certainly did not want a farm tragedy.
Huckleberry, a face only a mother could love!

We were also worried about all the cats. As you can see Ranger has been dreaming about getting his paws on the girls for a while now.
One afternoon while EJ was outside and could keep a close eye on everyone he let the chickens out. They LOVE the freedom and the other animals seem to leave them alone. Check them out...

Look, Coal has a new BFF
Trigger has an identity crisis
and this chicken just had a heart attack!

Farm life. It's growing on all of us.

Bow wow wow yippee yo yippee yea

(Please tell me someone caught my lame reference to 90's rap)

In keeping with our farm introductions, I would like you to meet our puppies Huckleberry (on the left) & Daisy (on the right)...

We adopted them from our local humane society in September of 2008. We asked for Australian Shepherds. They told us they had a litter of puppies that appeared to be an Australian Shepherd mix. You never really know for sure! Look how much they have grown in 4 months!

So far, they have proven to be good little buddies with the cats. In fact, Trigger and Huckleberry kennel together at night and Ranger and Daisy kennel together. Every night, when we are calling them all into the garage, Ranger plays hard to get. He acts like he doesn't want to get in the kennel but when we carry him near it he starts purring like crazy. He loves his puppy friend! What a dork!

Well, that's it for introductions. We don't have any other animals for now. EJ has grand plans for other livestock but I am thinking we better learn how to garden and manage the animals we have before we add anything else to this crazy life!

P.S. Bubba just climbed in my lap to see these pictures. He wants everyone to know that Huckleberry and Daisy live in the country with him.