Sherry wanted some dirt to refresh the coops and lacking any, I ventured out with the tractor and a box blade and started scraping the NE corner of our open field. I chose this area because it is where we will eventually have a sanitary lagoon for any future building and the more dirt I can remove now, the less will need to be done when we tackle that project.
However, once I got the grass out of the way and started scraping, we found a mother-lode of rich black dirt – no rocks. Considering the rest of our property (including the garden) appears to be class 5 (road base) gravel, this was a huge and pleasant surprise. With more than enough to do the coops, I just kept scraping and now have a sizable pile for our planting and future needs. The best part is when we need more, I can just scrape it up and keep making that pit deeper. It was quite the pleasant surprise for us.
That was a bright spot for a day that didn’t start off so well.
Earlier, like every morning, we let the chickens out of their coops around 7:30 and fed them and refreshed their water(s). All 3 coops now share both “runs” as well as the entire fenced off barnyard area, which gives them a huge and safe (we thought) area for foraging, dust bathing and exploring the tall weeds we leave for them.
Sadly, later in the morning I was working out behind the barnyard and was alarmed to see the remains of one of our newest hens in the corner of the barnyard by the back gate. It was obviously killed by a predator that tried to drag it through the fence, was unable to and left it there partially eaten. We are unsure of what it was at this point. I’ve caught possum, racoons and skunks back there previously overnight. All are capable of that mayhem but they are usually opportunistic and typically will only attack a sleeping hen that is perched rather than an active one that can escape – as well as dealing with the rooster tasked with protecting the flock.
Also, this was a daytime attack and all 3 of those critters are mostly nocturnal. We are guessing this was the work of a fox. We’ve seen them back there behind the shop and barnyard, but in 3 years have never shown any interest in our birds. Now, my dilemma is that now that it has a taste, will it return to the smorgasbord for another entrée?
I guess I’ll be watching the girls closely for a while, with my rifle close at hand. Long term, Sherry is working with Cooper so he can be trusted to be with the birds unattended. He seems to be learning well so hopefully, he can become our LGD.
In our location, we have access to nearly 20 sawmills within 10 miles – with a small Amish mill right across the road where I get a lot of freshly cut pine. That pine is not kiln dried or treated in any way so I need to work against warping (as it dries) as well as preservation going forward.
Up to now, my method was simply to get someone to paint eventually but that’s not ever a huge priority for me and some gates, fences and outdoor projects remain completely natural – with the expectation I’ll need to replace in a few years when they eventually rot.
I think I will give this a try. With a very modest “Cylinder Index” of only 30+/Rural, I will still certainly have a regular and ample supply of used oil available.
Cylinder Index The Cylinder Index (or C.I.) is a measurement device in which the total number of internal combustion engine cylinders (working or non-working) owned by an individual (single-cylinder chainsaws, lawnmowers, 2-cycle, 4-cycle, multi-clinder diesels, trucks and farm tractors) are tallied. The Garage Logician who attains a C.I. in excess of his age is revered. – Joe Soucheray, Mayor of Garage Logic.
We put up a Purple Martin house in October of 2023. It was fun to construct and I planned to add a few more, once the Martins arrived. Unfortunately, last summer was disappointing as various other birds took the spots and there were no signs of any Martins present at all.
Well, the planets have aligned this year and we’re excited to have some new feathered residents to welcome to the farm. There seems to be quite a few of them and most seem to be fairly young – with only a few fully developed adults.
But they certainly seem to be enjoying the place and there is quite a bit of activity building nests inside with many birds coming and going continually. Close to sundown, they all take to the air depleting our area of flying insects so we are happy to have them around.
Initially, I thought we’d put up the house and be done with it. I have since learned there is a bit more to it. The houses need to be cleaned out after they migrate south. This one is bolted to the top of a 15′ 4×4 so I’ll be changing that design to make access easier. I’ve also learned about a threat to these beautiful birds by sparrows and starlings, who compete for nesting spaces as well as attack the very young in their nests. So I’ll be modifying the openings to deter those attacks as well.
They really are entertaining though. I must walk between the garage and the shop a dozen times a day and pass right under their house, where they all greet me and will then take to the air to accompany me on my trek. They are quite active and it’s a hoot to watch them during their swooping flights – chattering all the way.
It’s really an ideal location for them though. They are on the corner of the garden, just at the edge of our farmyard with 9 acres of pasture open to them right out their door. There are 3 (maybe 5) more locations around the garden where I plan to add more so I’ll be building some more houses this winter.
Today was the annual springtime plumbing day. With an extensive above ground PVC plumbing network, periodic repairs are a necessity. This encompasses addressing freezing issues as well as upgrading for better functionality. Most of todays effort was to replace the line at the eastern edge of the garden. That line also feeds the southern edge and a simple garden hose has been temporarily bridging that gap since the previous piping froze and split.
Being the pack rat that I am, I utilized the pvc piping that I attempted to cover the pool with this past winter. That effort failed miserably so was glad to repurpose that piping where I know it will make things easier.
Luckily, I had many apprentices assisting me today.
Any time I bring the work cart into their run the chicks get excited and swarm all over everything I am doing out there. It gets to the point that there are so many clustered around, when it is time to leave I need to crouch down and make sure I won’t drive over any hiding underneath. They also like to stowaway in a cubby under the work deck in back and I’ve driven back to the garage to find them hiding under there.
Anyway, from our single outside water faucet located just off the back porch, I’ve expanded water access to reach all the essential areas of our operations with 27 faucet/access points distributed where needed.
It gets busy at sunrise. Luckily, it’s only for a half hour or so AND it is entirely of our own design by spoiling our critters with gourmet feasts to no end.
Most “chicken folk”, throw the days ration of store-bought generic feed on the ground as they let the birds out of their coops. For us?
Prepare chicken feed:
In a large bowl, add 7 scoops of organic/non-GMO feed.
Add 3 hard boiled eggs and any eggshells used the previous day.
Add a heaping tablespoon of cream cheese and or cottage cheese/yogurt.
Add 8 good shakes of cayenne pepper (organic of course – as all ingredients are).
Add 8 good shakes of oregano.
Add 6 good shakes of garlic powder.
Using a potato masher, grind up and mix thoroughly all ingredients.
Set bowl aside.
Prepare feral cat breakfast:
In a bowl, add scoop of cat kibble.
Mix in about 1/3 of a can of mackerel/salmon or tuna.
Sometimes, we’ll crumble in some stale white bread or buns.
Head out to the barn with both bowls. I first ring a cowbell as I walk out the back door to summon the cats and announce breakfast. I’ll typically feed the cats first so they stay out of the way while addressing the chickens. (The ferals also get another helping of the same at closing (coop) time, which is sundown).
Returning to the counter outside the front coop, for the chickens, I’ll scoop 3 cups of the feed mix into each of the 2 larger feeders, which are 4″ pvc pipe cut in half lengthwise to make 2 trays. Lacking protection from the elements, these go in the back chicken run/barnyard that is protected by the barn lean to roof.
As I venture to the back with the trays, this is when I’ll know if there is something in the live-trap I set out there (with peanut butter bait) overnight. More days than not this week, I’ve either trapped another possum or more often another skunk. If it’s a possum, I throw a towel over the trap and carry it to the back of the barnyard by the big gate. These are turned over to a local trapper who is releasing them at his farm, since he claims their numbers are way down (you could have fooled me). If I can’t reach him, I’ll release them in the National Forest up the road about 5 miles. However, if it is another skunk, they are humanely dispatched and I drag the trap over to the gate. Later, I’ll dump their carcass in the opposite corner of our property and the coyotes typically haul them away within a day or 2.
With that out of the way, once I place the trays in their holders, I fling open the barn door and the chickens rush out to feast.
Then, I’ll return to the front and scoop out 2 more cups of feed into each of 3 more trays (2″ pipe). 2 go into holders in the front chicken run. Depending on the weather, I’ll put on the “roofs” to these if needed. Then, I open the front coop door and that flock rushes out. Some instantly go directly to those feeders. Others rush to the back to eat out of the bigger ones with no roof, and a surprising number of them skip the feeders altogether and go out into the barnyard to find worms and bugs in the morning dew.
The 3rd tray goes in the middle chicken run, outside the infirmary and middle coop, which we call the battered hens shelter. This also gets a roof if needed.
With everyone in the barn now fed, I’ll check all the water stations and top off as needed. The chickens will get a 2nd helping as I replenish the trays from the remainder in the bowl around noon – usually 6 or so more scoops.
Meanwhile, the dogs are watching my every move in the morning because they know they are next. As I return to the house, they excitedly run to the front door for they know I’ll be coming out the front to retrieve their dishes from the porch. Once I do, they sit patiently at the door and will whine if I close it as they like to watch me prepare it. To pacify them during this, I give them each a pro-biotic chewy to munch on.
Prepare dog(s) food:
In each bowl, add 1 tbsp of coconut oil.
Add about 2 cups of veggies. These are the store-bought frozen variety and is typically a mix of carrots, squash, beans, cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower etc.
Add a large tbsp of cottage cheese or yogurt.
One tbsp of raw ground meat. This is purchased from a local butcher shop and is labelled as “pet nutrition – not for human consumption” and is either ground chicken, pork or beef.
I’ll also conceal a omega-3 fish oil capsule inside the glob of meat.
Add 4 or 5 chunks of organ meat. We started with partially cooked beef liver but now prefer beef hearts since the liver is where toxins are filtered out. We’ve also used beef tongues when that is all that is available.
Add 1 raw chicken wing, purchased frozen in a big 10 lb bag.
Add 7 shakes of apple cider vinegar (about 1/4 cup).
Add a cup of 2 of “organ juice” from when we thawed/partially cooked the organ from step 6 or will use organic beef broth when that’s all we have.
The final topping is a sprinkle of frozen blueberries.
I’ll set their bowls down on the front porch and they both eagerly “wolf” them down. They both save the chicken wings until the end and will carry them off to their favorite places to munch and enjoy. In the evening (sundown), they simply get kibble – which is also their treat/reward during the day for frisbee time or other activities. They are very easy to bribe!
Prepare Luther’s food.
Luther is our remaining domestic cat who resides on the front porch, when he’s not out hunting. As I let the dogs out to pee at 5am, he is already there on his perch by the door whining for food, as his dish is often raided overnight by the ferals and is always empty by morning. So I will scoop him some kibble until I get some coffee in me. However, when I feed the dogs, he is ready for more but not more kibble. Instead, he gets a simple delicacy that is easy to prepare. In a small dish, he gets about a teaspoon of fresh tuna bathed in a good portion of hot water. He sips the water mostly but sometimes will eat the tuna as well.
Then, around 4 in the afternoon, the chickens get their “treats”, which is chopped lettuce/cabbage, a little more cottage cheese and then filled out with scratch grains. These are tossed around the barnyard while trying not to step on the crazy hens clamoring at my feet.
That’s it. That’s my morning. What do I eat? Who has time for that? No wonder I am getting so skinny 😉
My transformation is nearly complete! It only took a little over 2 years, but I think this pretty much closes out the old version of me. I’m still a little sad about it but with limited resources and ever increasing demands, it was time to say goodbye to my girlfriend of the past 9 years. Being the classless pig that I am, I ditched my 19 year old sweetheart for an experienced 39 year old farm girl.
Although, I’d love to keep the car to drive the twisting, winding and hilly roads around here, but I just don’t have the time or dollars to keep up on all of the maintenance needed for a nearly 20 year old classic. It was maddening that although it always starts, runs, and drives great, what caused me so much trouble were always the stupid Mercedes gadgetry, that may have been cool to someone (like me years ago) but just isn’t worth the constant effort to stay on top of keeping it all working as it should, when the only remedy turns out to be hauling it to the dealer for another thousand dollar repair. I’ve survived this long on YouTube videos and some creative ingenuity to win a few battles, but unlike an unnamed eastern Europe dictator, it became obvious to me that I was losing the overall war without the funding to keep that battle going indefinitely.
This actually came out of the blue and wasn’t at all expected right now. I had listed the car for sale as recently as last June for $14k – not really expecting any action but just to test the waters. In that ad from June, I mentioned possible trades for farm equipment since my only options now are a zero-turn mower, a few small trailers and an extremely overworked golf cart that simply refuses to fail.
At that time, I only got a few scammer responses, as well as a young, single mother who wanted a sweet looking ride as her “daily driver”. I felt I had to respectfully decline her offer, stating that this wasn’t the car for her situation.
Well, whaddaya know? Out of the blue came a FB message from a dealer in Arkansas that was interested in a trade. I asked for details of what he was offering and suddenly got very interested. Although, it seemed a bit small initially, researching the model (and learning what it can do), it seems to be an ideal fit for our needs.
Here is his ad listing the tractor that we agreed on for even up swap.
(click on the ad for full details)
After much research, this might be perfect for us. We have no real plowing needs. My primary concerns are tending to our field and moving spreading materials around without giving myself a hernia.
The loader will greatly ease the strain on my back hauling and spreading dirt and rock around the farmstead. We now desperately need about 4 truckloads of rock (they call it “chat” down here) to refresh the rutted driveway as well as add some new pathways to alleviate the mud issues we experience quite regularly.
The 60″ belly mower will address keeping our field tended initially (and save wear and tear on the 54″ zero-turn mower). Eventually, I’ll want to find a sickle mower, rake and small baler to provide us with enough hay for our operation as well as selling off the extra bales that are always in demand in this area.
This area of Missouri (Texas County) is very similar to Texas itself. There are no croplands within 50 miles and it is all cattle/goat/sheep/horse grazing lands.
The rear box blade will assist in keeping those paths and roadways from becoming motocross tracks and will also help spreading/distributing the rock/chat.
Before this fell into my lap, I was resigned to settling (we are Missouri settlers after all) for a much older/tired International Farmall or ancient Ford model in the sub $2k range that may or may not suit our needs but still requiring the much needed maintenance to keep it running. And, although this is nearly 40 years old, it has very low hours and has been well maintained. As a bonus, this model (series) has quite favorable reviews and has been holding its value quite well. Best of all, it was produced before John Deere transitioned to the dark side and is still very simple to work on without requiring hauling it to the dealer.
Down the road, besides the baling options previously mentioned, some other future attachments I’ll be looking for (mostly at auctions) include:
A backhoe. I have many digging projects on my radar.
Additional septic/lagoon system for future dwellings.
Accessing our current septic tank and drain fields.
Ongoing drainage issues.
Rainwater retention.
In ground greenhouse.
Creation of a water-retention pond w/possible fish farming.
Possible cultivator for our garden. Although, I bought a good/used rear-tine walk behind tiller last fall that will likely suit our needs in the garden as we still only plant about 1/2 of the available space until we improve on our canning expertise.
A grapple would greatly ease the strain on me clearing/cutting firewood.
An auger would enable us to more easily expand our fencing.
I thought about a snow blower but decided we just don’t see that kind of snow in southern Missouri. Just a few weeks ago, they assured us we’d get dumped on with 14-16″ inches forecasted and we ended up with 4 1/2″ – that completely melted within a few days. I just made a path with my truck and neither of us had any trouble at all. If we do get that much snow, everything would be shut down and there would be nowhere to go anyway – until it melts. And we have everything we need right here. We now have about 8 dozen eggs sitting on the counter, as well as nearly 2 dozen chicken dinners tearing up the ground out back.
As far as dollar values go, the tractor was a priced a bit high (for a 2wd version) but we don’t need 4wd and my car isn’t exactly flawless either as I can no longer keep up with its constant maladies. Adding to the problem was there is little market down here for such an extravagance so I’d continue to have trouble selling it off, while trying to keep it maintained and sellable.
If I use that $9k mark he was listing the tractor for, that means I am selling the car for over half what I paid 9 years ago, and in this market, that’s pretty good. CarMax offered a whopping $3100 and Carvana an insulting $1929 (I never understood how those businesses can convince sane people to sell to them for 1/3 the actual value). Edmunds True Value lists the private party sale value at around $6500. Kelly Bluebook has it up around $7200.
All in all, this will solve multiple problems as it gets me much better equipment than I was expecting for my farm duties, as well as no longer needing to fret about further issues with the car. Now, I can fret about issues with the tractor 😉 But, at least it is much easier to work on – once I get up to speed on the how/why/what/where of this new (39 year old) machine.
So, I’ve convinced myself it’s all good.
The final determination will become apparent in the coming months but I have to start somewhere.
After trapping 3 of the beady eyed critters in the past 3 days, I’d say it is once again, Possumseason. Just like last year, the first was bigger (probably mama) and those that follow are the smaller youngsters. I believe last year, we topped out at 8 or 9 so I’ll continue to set out the trap each evening until they are gone.
When we first noticed them (again), they were inside the coop in the barn but likely were just stealing eggs and didn’t mess with the birds. They can do much damage and decimate your flock,… if the conditions are right. But, they are opportunistic and typically won’t mess with adult birds during the day when they are awake and alert. If they were to get in the coop (or inadvertently locked in) after sundown, they will likely attack the sleeping birds on their perches. We are doing a better job of “sweeping” the barn at sundown now but there would still be plenty of places to hide and remain undetected so we’ll see how that goes.
Like the others, these are being released at a local trappers property so he can restore their numbers (which seem fine to me). But now, I am having second thoughts. The trapper told me that the very first one (that was shot last year), yielded about 12 ounces of “possum oil” that he is selling for $60/ounce!!!
Apparently, possum oil is a valuable commodity in antique firearm circles (cap and ball, muskets, muzzle loaders), as a superior lubricant that doesn’t break down over time as other oils do. So now, I am looking for YouTube videos on rendering wild game. And from what I’ve seen, it’s not too difficult. Ka-CHING!
And on the “GOING” side of things
Today we lost one of our Cinnamon Queen auction hens. She’d been sick for a few weeks so it wasn’t too surprising. When I fed everyone this morning, she was still upright but had such a terrible posture that I knew her time had arrived. She didn’t move and ignored the food I brought to her in the infirmary. When I checked on them a few hours later, she was already on her side and stiff as…. a chicken in the supermarket. So, I prepared a fire in the burn barrel and she is “cooking” in there today as I write this.
She had long stopped producing eggs so it was just a matter of time before we had to decide to cull her anyway. So thank you Lillian, for saving us the trouble.
Update: 2/13/2025 Any suggestions dealing with that exotic skunk “fragrance” wafting in the air?
After waking the past 3 mornings to another possum captured in the live trap each day, I could tell today would be different before I even turned the corner to enter the chicken run. Sure enough, I managed to capture Pepe LePew. This is the 2nd time now. Like the previous time, this one took the “22” train to skunk heaven. I feel guilty dispatching a caged animal but what else can you do?
It had already released its “olfactorical delight” (likely when the trap sprung shut) but I wasn’t willing to be bathed in it to humanely let it out. Then, I dragged the trap to the far corner of the barnyard and will dispose of it in the woods later.
But for now, everything reeks. The chickens came out to eat but quickly ran back inside the coop so we moved their food inside for now. It’s also pretty cold (15 now, high of 30) so using the hose is out of question. We had to change our clothes so they could be thrown in the washer and am certain our noses are retaining some of it – but it’s much more intense outside the barn and wondering if there was a powder that could be applied to absorb the odor.
The area where the trap was located is gravel and was up against a pile of hay being stored under the lean to for Sherry’s goat farmer/friend. I think I’ll try to scoop out as much gravel as I can. But there won’t be much I can do if the hay got sprayed – other than insist they take it now, instead of later.
On our journey for a more perfect planet (and a desire for more eggs), we decided to add some more hens to our flock. Egg production has been down to 1-4 eggs/day out of 11 hens lately (which isn’t abnormal for this time of year). But when we feed 1 or 2 back to the flock in their feed each day, that doesn’t leave many for us. So now that we’ve got our current flock of 13 pretty much under control, it was time to expand.
Seeking to avoid another batch of auction birds, that are often factory hatched, typically received in poor health and are often bred specifically to produce fast out of the gate, but with little sustaining ability, we knew that now 2 years into it, we needed some new blood to keep up production.
In talking with others, we want to get to the point where we can just keep rotating new birds in and, for lack of a better term, cull the older “class” or group when their production drops. I am still not proficient processing them but each time it gets easier so will keep at it. None of these are “meat” birds so when “processed”, they’ll be destined for the freezer as future dog food.
Did you know… The chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus)is the closest living relative to the Tyrannosaurus rex of millions of years ago? Thankfully, their diminutive stature keeps them from preying on us. As of 2023, there were 26.5 BILLION chickens sharing this planet with us!
Anyway, we got a tip from a couple at church, who told us of a home breeder/brooder in Pomona (about 40 mins away), so we made contact and arranged a visit.
On Saturday, we ventured over and saw a virtual chicken heaven. Dozens and dozens of beautiful birds, all free ranged and healthy so we picked out 9 young hens to bring home.
After moving our existing flock to the back 2 coops/runs, we settled the new girls in the front coop/run, since it is the most secure. Besides the quarantining required when introducing new birds, we wished to keep the 2 randy roosters away from them while they acclimated to their new surroundings.
Unfortunately, we quickly learned that area wasn’t as secure as we thought. Within 2 hours in their new home, a new arrival hopped over the entry gate and was free ranging in the yard. We managed to capture it and return it. Then, we added a barrier above the gate to prevent future escapes – or so we thought.
Live and learn. Within an hour, we had another escapee. This one was difficult to catch and ended up squirting through our yard fence and buried herself in the vacant property next door which is thick with brush and thorns. After a futile effort of trying to retrieve her, we gave up and guessed she would be some other critters dinner that night. I continued to check the fence line throughout the afternoon, hoping I’d see her again, but, there were no signs of her.
However at dusk, when we were putting the rest of the flock to bed, I glanced out at the driveway in front of the house and saw her pacing back and forth at that fence trying to get back into the yard. It was quite a happy reunion. We opened the gate and got her back inside, and returned her to her mates in the coop. This one will be named Emelia (Earhart) for her uncanny ability to disappear.
Lessons learned?
All of the 9 new birds had a wing clipped – although, this doesn’t seem to deter much. It may disturb their attempts to fly (straight) but doesn’t seem to inhibit their ability for the short leaps needed to scale the gate.
I literally had to turn their run into a fortress. It is already covered with bird netting to deter eagles and vultures but the flimsy lattice I initially added above the gate was reinforced so they no can longer jump up into it and have it bend forward (and down) so they can escape. After making the modifications, we enjoyed watching them leap against it – only to be rejected/bounced back into the run with no more flex to assist their escape.
We are hoping they’ll eventually give it up and figure out the best place for them is right where they are now. In a week or 2, we’ll open the internal gate (between the runs) and they can enjoy the whole barn yard with the rest of the flock. It’s always interesting to watch how the (now 20) hens sort out their pecking order.
I decided to have a little fun today. Fun for me anyway, since it doesn’t involve politics, chickens, dogs, kittens, haybales, rain or wind. I am dying to go see my new granddaughter but that has to wait a few weeks.
A few days back a friend posted a video of a bluegrass band performing the Christmas song “Angels We Have Heard on High“. My reply was that they can bluegrass almost any song and I am liking and appreciating those performers skills the more I listen with a preset in my truck to the Sirius Bluegrass channel.
The musicianship of some of these folk is astounding!
And since we are now living smack dab in the middle of hillbilly territory, I’ll leave it to the masters of the genre to tell that story – which is the reverse of our story.
But, did you know a vast number of popular songs have also been bluegrassed?
Below, I’ve compiled a list of some popular songs you very likely have heard played on the radio over the past 40 years in a way you’ve never heard them before. In listing them, I’ll include the song title as well as the artists who performed the original hits. You’ll see the artists performing them now as you view each one. Sit back and give them a listen and let me know what you think.
Sorted by (original) Artist/Song. Also noted are “live” performances where you can watch them play, as well as just “audio” w/lyrics, plus a few “instrumentals” as well w/no lyrics.
Wildwood Flower (Jim Stafford) – live OK, this wasn’t the classic about ganja we remember but the song is correctly titled. But I wouldn’t put it past the Amish to have a sense of humor – some do. However, since we are surrounded by Amish, I included it here as well. They have a huge playlist of mostly gospel music (surprised?) and they do it very well.
Here are a few more that aren’t really much different in their bluegrass outfits than they were originally.
There are many more if you just look. Some of the links above are compilations where you can discover additional songs. Now, after compiling this list I feel obligated to go make myself a playlist.
I close with one of my favorite renditions of one of the most famous bluegrass songs of all time – that is a hit on its own standing. This star-studded lineup performs it with the master who started it all.
Banjo: Earl Scruggs 2nd banjo solo: Steve Martin 1st electric guitar solo: Vince Gill 2nd electric guitar solo: Albert Lee Acoustic guitar: Randy Scruggs Dobro: Jerry Douglas Fiddle: Glen Duncan Mandolin: Marty Stuart Bass: Glenn Worf Drums: Harry Stinson Harmonica: Gary Scruggs Piano: Paul Shaffer Organ: Leon Russell
Just a few notes about this piece. Steve Martin disclosed he was petrified with performing with this group. But, he actually did quite well and you could see his immense relief when he made it through his solo. Marty Stuart got his start as a 15 year old musician with Flatt and Scruggs before he launched his own career years later so he was more than familiar with all of them. Paul Shaffer is,… well,… Paul Shaffer. I just hope he has a good chiropractor.
Although I was disgusted, it was totally expected and am really only annoyed at those who continue to be OK with the daily BS we are fed and expect the rest of us to also happily swallow it without question.
From there it turned to alarm
as we learned mid morning that our daughter was being rushed to the hospital with late term pregnancy complications. We were somewhat prepared for such news but still set off a desperate scramble for Sherry to rush north to MN (a 10+ hour drive) around noon, while the roads in northern MO were still covered in snow. I had to remain behind to stay with the animals – which is the worst feeling ever.
Feeling that helplessness, I asked many for prayers today for all 3 souls involved (mother, baby and grandmother). My sibs, our other 2 kids, our church, a few local friends were all asked to pray hard today. They ALL came through!
At last, it was time for some joy and gratitude.
After an afternoon on pins and needles, about 3:30, I received a text from our daughter announcing our newest granddaughter had entered the world at a whopping 4 lbs/1 oz. She is tiny but she is a fighter. Both mother and baby are doing pretty well now, although they aren’t out of the woods quite yet.
I was still concerned with Sherry meandering her way north. Luckily, she had a “go bag” already packed and was ready to leap when needed but it was still a sudden departure for such a long journey. Add to that, she’s not a comfortable night time driver and half of this trip would be in the dark. I had calculated that she could make Ottumwa (half way) by sundown and the roads are considerably better the rest of the way but just wasn’t sure how much the snow may have slowed down her progress in Missouri.
And finally, some relief.
Finally, she called at about 7:45pm to let me know she just cleared Des Moines and was on I-35 heading north. That was a HUGE relief as that final leg is easy lighted freeway AND she sounded upbeat and excited to see the baby so I hoped the adrenalin will keep her going and all the prayers would keep her safe for about 4 more hours.
I only needed to wait for her text that she arrived safely around midnight and looked forward to some good sleep. That text never arrived so it was a bit of a restless night but woke up to her email explaining her phone died and she safely arrived at 11:15 last night after a smooth trip. Other than needing to replace her phone, which was garbage anyway, everything went off without a hitch. God is good!
Today was the annual springtime plumbing day. With an extensive above ground PVC plumbing network, periodic repairs are a necessity.… Read more: On The Job Training
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