FAITHFUL FRIEND:

Born the same year I was, 1948, my Ford 8N tractor is true-blue, just keeps on chugging along and WHAT we can do together! Here she is with a mole-board plow behind her and this is what she did...

the entire garden area is turned up and waiting for manure to be tilled in. Yep, she can do that too!

Now, if I can figure out how to move those heavy railroad ties out from under the 2nd set of bows, we'll get that area done also. Plastic will be stretched over them and will be removed when all danger of frost is past.

This is gross but funny...

Chelsea created a "Monumental Turd" today. She looks a little embarresed, doesn't she? Just had to share...sorry!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY:

I love this pic of my mom and my sister who is 6 yr. older than me. It was taken during WWII and sent to my father overseas. Even tho the colorist got the eyes wrong, mom has light blue and Patti green, (there was a time, before color film was available, an artist would tint the pics w/ color paint to make them more realistic), I thot my mother was the most beautiful women in the world. I was always resentful she married an almond eyed, long limbed, bumpy nosed Irishman whom I resemble!

My mom, Ellie, will soon be 85 and is still a beautiful, talented artist and wood carving instructor. Hope I have her energy when I get there. While she admits to never wanting children (only poodles), she's been a wonderful mother and I love her w/ all my heart!

AWAY WITH THE OLD, UP WITH THE NEW:

Russian Thistles from last year going away. In MT, we had to get rid of Russian Knapweed...what's with the Russians bringing weeds to America, anyway?!?



This is alfalfa. It is a GOOD thing. Hopefully we will have enough moisture and it will spread out so the ground will be totally green and lush...that is my dream. Simple life, huh?!



Grass and alfalfa growing on 150 acres across the road for wildlife. Domestic animals don't eat here; just elk, deer, moose, coyotes, badgers and lots of birds.

SPRING HAS SPRUNG IN WA...FINALLY!:

So excited! Spotted this little bit of color today, a Grape Hyacinth. Looked around for others and saw this...

my cocker pup, Chelsea, EATING the Grape Hyacinth! Check out those eyelashes, how could I ever get angry at this baby?

Omar, enjoying the sun. He found some beauty too...

ordered Honey Bees today, just in time! Now if the frost stays away...we'll have cherries!!

KEEPING IT REAL:

Me before farm... Me now...

I rose with the sun today. Rain was expected and I had a million things to do outside so an early start was in order. We have these big, stickery tumble weeds called Russian Thistles that blow in from God knows where, seed themselves and then roll on to someone else's field. Last year I didn't have cows so the thistles grew and grew and grew. Cows don't eat them but their hoofs knock the little ones out of the ground and end their pesky lives.

It's been windy and I noticed yesterday the weeds are anticipating their journey into our neighbors newly planted wheat fields...this is NOT good! So, armed with a couple small propane torches, a lighter, rake, shovel and pitchfork, I set out this morning to attack the enemy before they got too wet to burn.

Starting in acres where equipment is stored, I toured the area and checked out implements I didn't want to burn and noticed how old they are. Plows, packers, weeders, seeders, harrows and disks, some with old metal wheels hunkered here and there. Still usable but rusty and worn!

As I went to work, had to smile as I compared this equipment with our neighbor's tractor set up with a GPS system. I see that rig pulling new, shiny implements across perfectly precise planted hills. Farmer John doesn't even have to steer!

The rain never came and I kept pulling up and burning those blasted tumble weeds and working till I felt like I was going to drop. Finally, it was too dark to see so I gave up and trudged into the house. As I passed the dining room mirror, I caught a glimpse of myself. Stopping to ponder my reflection, I realized that I'm not the same person who came here to take care of Old Pa and this farm years ago. Letting my hair grow out grey isn't the only change, ... still usable but rusty and worn!

THE WINNER IS... :

Laura~peach~

This quiet reflection of her best friend, Bridgette, is beautiful.
"she was murdered 18 years ago. Bridgette was beautiful but all mixed up like the branches of the trees. Her spirit shows through the tangle."

Incredible! Congratulations Laura~peach~!! Please e-mail your address so I can get the $40.00 Charbonneau's Chocolate Co. gift certificate to you. Hugs, Grammie

HONORABLE MENTION:

It was hard for Old Pa to choose a winner in this contest. This one from Deb Dub spoke to him also.
"reminds me of my brother, as he was always a very cut and dry kind of guy, yet he definitely was a shining star. He was strong as this sunset and will always shine eternally in my heart."

Try as I did, I couldn't enlarge this one to do it justice.

Thanks to all that entered my first contest! The next one will be a "what is this?"... something from the attic that even I don't know what it is. Fun!