Some time the best things just show up

I visited Lynda and Polly last night and they have a new dog-a guardian of the flock-they thought it belonged to a neighboring sheep outfit and it didn't-he's very skinny and very shy-but went right to work at the Drift Fence Sheep Company. Their llama is quite upset and has taken his place between the dog and the sheep. They wanted to give me the dog, if it can be caught, but I think this fellow knows where his home is, and he is there. SO often in life the best things just show up. My dear adopted daughter is like that-she adopted me years ago when she showed up at the "little blue house" at Arapahoe. She has spent so much of her life filling my life with joy. Shelly just showed up one day and has been a wonderful part of my life ever since. We don't always know what we need in our lives, but there is a bigger plan. Bad things also just show up, but for a reason, to teach us. Every thing that comes to us has a lesson for us, if we only take the time to listen. The moral of the story is never , never overlook those things that come your way. Things that are not the establishment are often intriguing, invigorating and fulfilling. They also seem to be my favorite.

And these few precious hours

A beautiful day-chilly this morning-I broke the ice on the water before I let the sheep out for the day. Partner was up with a smile on and so he helped with chores, got a shave and is napping. Yesterday was fun-kids came to steal wood but no time to visit, but that was okay as Steve came to retrieve his wonderful hat and helped us with the Oriental Palace left overs. He got tickeled at Rasty's newly acquired table manners- but we had a good visit. We always have a good visit as he knows how to get a laugh and a smile out of Rasty! Later that afternoon our deck builders showed up to measure and recalculate the new placement of the ramp. They visited and stayed for supper and helped me get the dreaded pill down partners gullet. My ebay has taken off, with good sales and encouraging emails from lookers. First born emailed to say how busy she has been with work and of course church and Halloween, but perhaps Wednesday---I advised her that I quite understood as I had juggeled schedules with work, family, husband and life for all the years I was luckily enough to have my father. Neglected to add the band of sheep and bum lambs but I think she got the picture. I then advised her that we were, however busy on Wednesday. My father would say that I had a long tongue and sharp nails. probably so. It is their loss as there are few precious hours and perhaps I don't want to share with those who are not worthy. At this point it is my choice.

The deck

Big and Beautiful Day

Where to start- THe night before was a no sleep night-partner up and down and I finially gave up on sleep about 5 a.m. and opted to stay up and see the sunrise. Guy Janet and Steve were bringing dinner-that much I knew and I was looking forward to it, and Rasty was too when I reminded him about it. The day started off slowly, and we got shower and shave done and the chores. We just went oh so slowly and quiet and then WOW! The great crew arrived to work on the deck and ramp. Veronica, the boys and Will came with smiles on faces and tools in hand. They got started and we got Rasty outside to help. Veronica is so good with her "dad"-having lost both her parents she understands the value of old folks, and as an elementary teacher, she is just wonderful showing and telling and making all well with Rasty. SHe gathered him up and they were building the deck. I loved it. Will is a man pf few words but many smiles and a kind heart like Veronicaa-they are good together and he is so good with her boys. It was great to see everyone happy and working together. Steve and Guy and Janet were bringing supper, and Steve had called to see if the builders were here earlier and I had said no-I called and he laughed and said-"the more the merrier"-part of what I love about him! He brought the entire oriental Palace to our house, and Janet and Guy probvided desert and the party was on. Steve made me believe that I had sneaked my birthday by him-not so! He is the most thoughtful gift giver, and replaced my Martha Stweart grilling kit with great tools-we laughed and giggeled. I even have a tool belt and new tape measure, along with a brand new needle nosed pliars-not not to worry-I now have a complete new nice barbeque set of tools that would put even Martha Stewart to shame-ablolute shame. The chain on our gate, which seems to grow shorter every time it is opened and closed, not has three-count em-three new links on it-thanks again Steve. Soon all were full and happy and Rasty was ready to "hit the sack"-but he didn't know where the sack was" we disbanded. As I looked around the kitchen, which Janet had cleaned up for me, I saw it. Remimded me of the geenie who comes, does good deeds and then is gone with only the hat left and a tiny puff of smoke-

Mary

The joy of youth is something to behold. What fun it is to watch our cria-she delights in the pidgeons. She first follows them at a distance, then pushes them around with her nose. After she tires with that, she makes a fast run at them watching them fly. I know that one day she will take a run at them, then fly off too. She and the lambs have yet to play together, altho they do eat together now and the ewe doesn't get after her anymore. Cinnamon is feeling so very good,even she bucks and jumps when I let her out of the barn for the day.

THe deck is four big boards now-with lots of lumber stacked up and ready to go. I think today is the day, as Will can borrow Veronica's boy for a "gofor". Steve and the kids are bringing dinner tonight, once again spoiling for before Steve's departure next week.

Norma's husband ran away and was found by troopers in Natrona after receiving a call about erotic driving. Luckily, a trooper was coming from there to here, and delivered him to his front door. Today she has to go fetch the van-which I told her not to bring home. Her days are going to be harder now as she doesn't dare let him drive again. Rasty doesn't get into the vehicles and try to drive like he used to-just the last two weeks he has stopped that. He used to try to start them without a key, and pull out every knob and turn on every switch while he was there. When I started the pickup the radio would be blairing and the wipers going, the emergency brake on and it would be in 4 wheel drive.

It was very hard on Dode to see his dad Wednesday when they brought dinner. Rasty went into the bathroom, after I showed him where it was. He closed the door, and didn't come out for a long time. When I checked on him he didn't know how to get out of the bathroom, and Dode was so sad. The difference must be so hard on the kids who don't often see him. Bridgett is just sunshine-she is an old fashioned girl, sewing and gardening and mothering. A delight and I am so glad that Dode has her. Hope he hangs on to her.

THe sun is getting ready to come up, and we are going to make this a good day-

a little more time

A good day-each day that is good is so enjoyable-managed a short ride-to the Fort and home with a good look at those mountains on the way up. I am thankful to have a friendly market so close, and we always manage to see a smile or two from an old friend there-we didn't really need groceries, just the ride. Guy, Janet and Hollis came to visit, and Hollis gave me his washer and dryer, and even installed them and hauled the old away for me. Talk about brownie points---He is good to me and so good to his Grandad. I must find a way to spoil him. He comes over to visit occasionally and brings a little sunshine when he does. Watched the cria play with the pigeons-she and the lambs haven't really visited much-they are a "gang" and don't really race around the corral like she does-perhaps when they get a little older they will. SHy made a run for her this morning, and mama llama ran her out of the corral then ran to me, as I was still at the barn door, wanting in the barn. I cought Shy and tied her up-this is the first morning that I let Shy have the opportunity to be bad and she was. Rasty had a pretty good day, making it through the activity pretty well and not stressing at all. I had to show him where the bathroom was each time today-he gets like a puppy-very nervous-then goes to the door and I ask him, and then I show him and all is well. I can do it. He called me by name once this week, and the only children he mentioned by name were Guy and Ronnie. Each night he talked about going home, but was satisfied when I told him we would stay here tonight. He no longer misses Elllen at night-for which I am relieved as that was a rough one. He rearranges the furniture but doesn't hide things quite as much as he used to. THis morning he got dressed all by himself and did a good job. He hasn't tried to start the truck or the car for over a week, but can't open and close the front gate without help anymore. THe bad days still have a not wuite so bad days to follow it-makes things a little easier. It is good we can still go outside for walks and chores-we both enjoy that. One day at a time.

leaps and bounds

It is leaps and bounds, but they are backwards. We are no longer socially appropriate. THe cat is furious-at first I thought the cat box was leaking-it is more than he can handle. Poor old cat. We did get out for a ride yesterday- just a beautiful day with high Wyoming skies and nice cool, but not cold air. Off to Lander for sweet feed for the animals and dog food, a trip to the library and then to McDonalds. We got shakes there, and my poor partner would put the straw in his mouth and tip the cup up at the same time. Luckily, the shakes were chocolate, and he had his brown vest on. THe highlight of the trip for me was the Ethete post office, where I saw so many smiles and got so many hugs. I had hoped to take Rasty there for Haloween as the toddlers come trick or treating, but it was too foggy. When we got home he hurried to fill a bucket with sand that he raked up from under a tractor-he was furious with me and I'm still not sure what he wanted. First born child called to see if I wanted her to come over this week one evening-she teaches school and comes from 5-6;30. I told her that was nice of her, but it was chore and dinner time so made it difficult for me to do anything then anyway and suggested she try Saturday-met with silence. I told her Ijust needed to get to the feed store, but instead we got it done today-no need to worry. Guy, Janet and Hollis came Halloween with sugar cookies and smiles and visits. THe boys are fencing off the silage pit getting ready for the cows to come home. The ramp crew is supposed to be here this weekend-if they come it should be fun. Had a good visit with Jenny-she pledges suppport. Poor Katie is in trouble, she got a B in spelling-told Jenny to lighten up. She sometimes sounds like my mother-I spend so much money and time on private school and she gets a B???? I remind Jenny that she took dumbell spelling at Casper College. I also reminded Jenny of her teacher who said she expected perfection and knew that she was perfect. I think she lightened up. Sometimes I wish I could try at being a parent one more time, but them I sober up.

THe sheep are being perfect, and Rasty does enjoy watching the cria play during the day. Her weakness is corn-she now lets me scratch her back-quickly-very quickly! I love her, and I told Katie she was softer than a teddy bear-"thats pretty soft" she said. Kaycee told me she was "fantastic".