Hubby and I are headed to the 808 early in the morning. For those who are not familiar with the 808, it's also known as Hawaii. We are spending the next two weeks on the island of Molokai on a working vacation, yes, I did say working vacation. Hubby will be doing dentistry on the island and I will be hanging with my Hawaiian Monk Seal pal Diane monitoring seals. Can't wait to share photos with you.
My internet access will be limited the next 2 weeks, however I will try and touch base when I can.
Aloha,
val :)
Thursday, September 29
Tuesday, September 27
Random shots...
Monday, September 26
pop....
Pop go the milkweed pods! Today on our walkabout I found this beautiful milkweed pod that had just popped. A friend told me that the "old timers" used to use the silk like seeds from the milkweed for pillow stuffing, interesting ay??
Sunday, September 25
Friday, September 23
checking in...
My apologies for not having any posts for the past week. I just returned from Florida last friday, had a full week of work and we picked up Ron's folks from the airport last night for their month long visit. It's a busy time around the ranch, more about that later. I did manage to grab the camera and enjoy a wonderful stroll around the ranch this morning. Gosh, I was only gone a week, but the colors have sure changed.
Enjoy this beautiful fall day....
hibiscus |
the colors around the pond are changing |
soybeans nearing completion |
sunflowers |
spider... |
yes, the smell of fall is in the air |
Friday, September 16
headed back to the ranch...
Bags are packed and my Mom's "To Do List" is completed. Well almost, I wasn't able to get the scooter running, but I tried!! It's in the mid 80's here in Florida and I've been told it's cold or it least cooler back home on the ranch. I'll probably wish I had long pants and a coat once I arrive in Omaha.
Did want to share two things with you today.
1. I finished another animal story while at mom's. It is called "Dewey" by Vicki Myron. It's about a cat that was abandoned in a book drop at the library in Spencer, Iowa. The cat becomes a permanent fixture at the library and helps the author and a community heal. Here is an excerpt from the book and I think you will get the jest of the message that is shared through out the book
"Find your place. Be happy with what you have. Treat everyone well. Live a good life. It isn't about material things; it's about love. And you can never anticipate love."
So check your local library for the book and maybe you'll even find a cat too.
2. God really does have a sense of humor....found these "oreo" cows not far from mom's house. So fun!!
So enjoy everything around you and give thanks for ALL of your blessings.
P.S. can't wait to see my hubby and my girlz
Dewey...the cat that touched the world. |
Oreo Cows...actual name is Belted Galloway Cattle. Love God's touch. |
Sunday, September 11
Reflecting on 9/11
Today my mom and I spent some time at Florida National Cemetery near Bushnell, Florida. This is my dad's final earthly resting spot. With thousands of service men and women buried here, it is a very sobering place to visit. As I strolled around the grounds looking at all the grave markers I was overwhelmed by the shear number of men and women who have served and protectecd our great country---many giving the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
As we remember 9/11 and all those that lost their lives in NYC, at the Pentagon and on that field in Pennsylvania, we must also remember all those men and women (over 6000) who have fought the enemy on foreign soil these past 10 years so that we can be "free" God Bless the USA
the entrance to Florida National Cemetery |
my dad's marker..George Eschenbacher |
the bell tower...3 beautiful songs played while we visited today |
some of the 1000's of grave markers |
long may she wave.... |
Saturday, September 10
Miniature Zebu Cattle Farm...
I am visiting my mom in central Florida and we found this "little" cattle farm near Ocala. The owners, John and Kathleen Schmidt have approximately 40 head of miniature Zebu cattle. We spent over an hour at the farm learning about these special cattle. On "The Other Side Farm" when calves are born they weigh approximately 23 lbs. and they are taken from the cow immediately after birth and then bottled feed 2-3 times a day until they are weaned at 4 months. The reason they are taken from the cow is so that they are more tame and social--thus they are imprinted with humans.These cattle remind me of big dogs! As adults they weight approximately 200-300 lbs. They had one calf that was just 2 weeks old and followed John everywhere. In fact he could hardly walk with all the younger calves trailing behind him. They are all named, such as: April, Mae, June, Dottie, Edgar etc... The cattle on this farm are raised and sold as pets and show animals, NOT for consumption!
Maybe we should consider raising Zebu cattle on the Bloy Ranch!!
So if you are ever in central Florida and are looking for a new experience please check out "The Other Side Farm" you will not be disappointed.
Maybe we should consider raising Zebu cattle on the Bloy Ranch!!
So if you are ever in central Florida and are looking for a new experience please check out "The Other Side Farm" you will not be disappointed.
Sign at entrance to farm |
love this driveway!! |
the newest calf--2 weeks old |
John and the new calf |
this little gal loved to lick |
a little shy |
cow that is due to calf next week |
just hanging at the water cooler!! |
this one is just a bit bigger than my Schatzie |
Bye for now.... |
Monday, September 5
Hummingbird 411
I had originally planned to post photos of our Labor Day activities, but due to a late developing story I decided to show you a few photos of our hummingbirds. During a brief break from our project I grabbed the camera and headed to the hummingbird feeders. I am trying to get the perfect shot and while I believe I acquired a couple I'm still trying. Anyhow, there were 4 hummers buzzing the feeder as I was snapping away and I noticed that one hummer didn't have any tail feathers. It doesn't seem to impede his flying, however it did appear that the others were "picking" on him/her. I don't know if that is really the case or not since they are so darn fast. I was curious about the situation and contacted a man named Lanny at www.hummingbirds.net He runs a website just about hummers, so I posed the question to him and here is his answer."The hummer has probably lost his tail feathers to a predator, probably a cat. Tail feathers are loosely attached, so the cat probably got a mouth full of feathers and the bird escaped with his life. The feathers will grow back in a couple weeks, and the temporary loss won't impair the bird's life too much."
So there you have it, a lesson learned about hummingbirds.
Here are a couple of shots of the birds today. I will continue to snap away, who knows maybe tomorrow I'll get that perfect shot. Remember you can double click on the photo for a large image.
Val :)
So there you have it, a lesson learned about hummingbirds.
Here are a couple of shots of the birds today. I will continue to snap away, who knows maybe tomorrow I'll get that perfect shot. Remember you can double click on the photo for a large image.
taken this morning, tail feathers intake on this hummer. |
Here's the little guy with no tail feathers. |
Look at the acrobats, love the one on the feeder |
air traffic controller needed... |
I wonder if...
Sunday, September 4
just cuz....
Friday, September 2
Good Morning Sunshine...
Good Morning Everybody,
We woke to a wonderful sunrise, watched the hummingbirds feed,
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