amtolle

Let Us Celebrate Loved Ones

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, our lives have changed. There is not ever going back to “the normal” we used to know. Some of the routines of how we celebrated events and special days have evolved.

The constant staying at home was depressing, and I choose to fight back. Starting in 2020 after the lockdowns began, I started putting flower arrangements within the décor for each season and holiday. I use artificial flowers so they last from year to year, and I do not have to worry about the care. For Valentine’s Day, the flowers are red and white roses. This year I added red candles.

Traditionally for Valentine’s Day, my husband and I would exchange cards and go out to our favorite restaurant, Red Lobster. The once a year visit due to the prices on the menu. Last year, we did not celebrate Valentine’s Day as we were without electricity for four days, had well below freezing temperatures. We were too busy chopping wood and keeping the fireplace going since it was our only source of heat. We did roast hot dogs and marshmallows over the fire in the fireplace just like camping.

Since the past two years we did not celebrate Valentine’s Day, I decided I would plan something special and surprise my husband. He loves beef steaks grilled. I am fixing steak, with some vegetables grilled as well. I am baking cookies with red M&M’s, as he likes cookies better than cake. We will eat by candlelight. I have gotten him a small gift and card.

Valentine’s Day is one day that focuses on those we love, friends and family, not just couples. Last year I sent Valentine’s to all my grandchildren and I am doing the same this year.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, our family does more phone calls and we try to keep in touch with each other. I send cards and small “I love you” gifts in the mail. We do not visit often. We cancel visits if anyone is feeling a little under the weather, so as to help prevent transmission of illness. We developed a way with video calling to have a “party” together, without physically being there.

What are your plans for the ones you love, children, spouses, friends and family? Maybe it is time to start something new.

Let those you care about know you love them.

amtolle

My Best Ranch Hand

I am a sheep farmer. I enjoy being a sheep farmer. I raise Dorper sheep which originated in South Africa and were introduced into the United States in 1993. Dorper sheep are a hair sheep breed raised for meat. Hair sheep do not need to be sheared as they shed off their winter coat. In my day to day chores, my helper is my dog, MHT Hank, registered border collie. I just call him Hank and he has become my best ranch hand.

Today, Hank did an awesome job assisting with the sorting or pulling of lambs off of the ewes. Once he understands the job at hand, I give very few commands. He and I work as a team. Now I could use alleys and chutes and a sorting gate, but I do not own a sorting gate. Hank and I go into the pen, separate some lambs, and herd them through the gate into another pen. Team work at its best.

**MHT Hank holding sheep in a corner while I look them over.**

I spent six months searching the internet and talking with people on locating a herding border collie puppy. I found a cattleman and horse trainer who only has one litter a year located in Colorado. I know nothing about bloodlines of border collies, but I really like the videos showing the parents working and the man’s philosophy on training horses on his website

http://www.mastershandtraining.com

I purchased MHT Hank at six weeks of age. When he was eight weeks he arrived from Colorado to Dallas, Texas by airplane. Puppies have to grow up before they can start learning to herd, but there are lessons they can learn as puppies.

If you want to learn to use herding dogs, have someone teach you first with a trained dog, before attempting to train one yourself. I did not do that, Hank and I learned together. I did however find a herding dog trainer that is extremely good at training and teaching, Faansie Basson. I paid for two lessons with Faansie Basson.

With two lesson and a DVD, I set about to train my first border collie to work. Thankfully Hank possesses enormous amount of natural ability and instinct for herding. I learned from me and I learned from Hank. His trainability is super, and when I figured I did something wrong, he would change to do things correctly.

People ask me how long does it take to train a border collie to herd. It takes six to eight months to teach a dog the commands. The dog has to work two years to gain experience and solidify the commands to work as a real team, with few commands. And a few dogs will learn their job so well, hardly any commands are needed, these are an exception and MHT Hank is one of those dogs.

Today, we sorted off lambs from the ewes as it was weaning time. The work is so much easier with a great ranch hand working with you. Good working border collies sale for $5,000 to $7,000 USD, and some well above that. For me, no amount of money can purchase by partner, MHT Hank.

amtolle

P.S. One year, hoping for 2023, MHT Hank and I will compete at the Meeker Classic Sheep Dog Herding Trial.

Children and Reading

Children are a joy and a blessing, but they also teach adults a few things. Adults think children are to be guided and taught. When my children were at home, life was very busy, school, work and after school programs. I did not want to hinder my children learning who they were and what they wanted to become. They participated in sports, choir and theatre as well as 4-H and horse activities. Added to the mix of activities was animals.

One fall day, their aunt brought over a gift for the kids, two tarantula spiders, she found crossing her driveway. We had an empty aquarium from the time we had fish. We set up the aquarium to be a home for the tarantulas. Next was a stop at the library to learn how to care for their new pets. We studied the books as a family, learning some interesting facts, like tarantulas are the oldest species of spiders, their fangs do not come together they have to stab them into their victim by raising up and pouncing on them. Tarantulas do not eat dead bugs, the bugs have to be alive.

Challenge number one, it is fall and freezing nightly temperatures, there are no bugs to catch to feed the tarantulas. We called the local pet store to find bugs, they did not carry crickets or any type of bug to feed to our new pets. The kids started reading because of them said they read where you can feed hamburger to tarantulas instead of bugs. Information was found, the person has to get the hamburger to stay on a string and drag the hamburger in front of the spider until it pounces on the meat. The kids and I learned patience in developing the skill of attaching the hamburger to the string, then dragging it to make it act like a living bug so the spiders would eat.

We also learned our tarantulas were males. Once a year, when the male tarantulas are mature they go on a march to find females in their dens. Only the males go wandering around. About three months of feeding the tarantulas one was found dead. Why did it die? It was eating, it had water and was warm. Back to the library to recheck out the books. Through no fault of our own the spider died, and two weeks later the other one died. When the male tarantula matures, he searches for a mate. When he does find a mate, after courtship she kills him. If he does not find a mate, he will die anyway.

The adventure with the tarantulas taught me to not say “Yes” to the request of a new pet until we as a family learned about the animal first.

The following fall, my oldest daughter’s class had iguanas for classroom pets. She wanted an iguana and said mom they are vegetarian, they only eat vegetables we will not have to put hamburger on a string to feed them. To the library again. We learned iguanas use their tails as a weapon and adult iguanas can cause physical harm with their tails and claws. The answer to my daughter’s request was “No”.

We had fun learning about the different animals my children thought they wanted for pets. Several times, after reading and learning, they made the choice to not have the animal as a pet. I learned from our experience with the tarantulas, not to accept a free pet no matter how small.

I share these stories with my grandchildren. Sometimes they are upset because mom and dad will not let them have an animal for a pet. I take them to the library and let them learn about the animal first. Most of the time, the grandchildren learn the reason their parents said no, without having bad feelings towards their parents. Another plus, the grandchildren are reading and learning, and not watching television or video games.

amtolle

P.S. I was terrified of spiders until we had the tarantulas. I still do not like spiders, but I can tolerate their presence.

Soup to Warm the Soul

When it is cold outside, I like to warm up with homemade soup. One of my favorites is potato soup.

First I peel some potatoes.

I dice the potatoes and place in a pan.

I add enough water to cover the diced potatoes.

I add a clove of garlic minced or crushed and an onion diced

I place a cover over the pan and cook on low to medium heat until the potato pieces can be cut with a spoon.

Now to make the soup creamy. I add 2 cups of whipping cream or milk or half and half or evaporated milk. My favorite is whipping cream.

I add 1 cup of sour cream and stir.

Next for the pot is 2 cups of shredded cheese. I love sharp cheddar cheese. Sometimes I mix in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup shredded swiss.

I shred the cheese so the cheese blends in with the liquid easier.

Cook on low heat until the cheese is blended in with the soup.

This is my basic potato soup recipe. There are times I will add bacon bits, diced ham or diced bell peppers to give the soup a different twist.

Ready to serve. Season to your desire.

Cold weather always brings out the potato soup.

Stay warm.

amtolle

First Rain, Second Sleet, Third Ice, Fourth Snow…It is Cold.

It is cold outside. The storm arrives on schedule yesterday, according to the weather person. We had rain, slow, drizzly cold rain. After the sun set behind the clouds and temperatures started dropping, the rain turned to sleet. The rain and sleet froze to everything, coating our little world in ice.

Sometime during the night, the snow started falling and has continued through the day.

**The Pasture covered in snow, trees covered in ice.**

Chores took longer. Covered head to toe in warm layers of clothing hinders my movements creating a need for more effort even to walk. Breaking the ice covered water troughs so the animals can drink adds to the work load.

**Ewes and Lamb in the shelter waiting for feed.**

I watch the weather daily to keep informed of incoming storms. I like to be prepared to take care of my sheep and other animals. All the animals are handling the storm well. Providing a dry place located out of the wind with plenty of feed to keep them warm.

During and after chores, some of my helpers wanted to play.

**Livestock Guard Dog, Sis, wanting to play.**

It is cold and slippery for me. I go inside to warm up

amtolle

P.S. All photos I took. I wish the sun was brighter or shining to really show the clear ice on the trees and bushes.

What Now?

Bloganaury challenge has finished. I will continue to write, goal is a post a day. What am I going to be sharing?

I am going to start a short series of posts on gardening. Do not fret about not having a yard or place to garden. I am going to share how I grow garden vegetables in my house, without the conservatory.

What will you need to grow vegetables and herbs in your home, a window and desire.

I will also be sharing how I start my seedlings to place outside in my garden area for those who have a yard or place to put a garden. In addition I will discuss container gardening for the balcony, small patio or home.

Let us have fun growing together.

amtolle

Star of Wanderers

Once a year my family would go on vacation for one week. Every year we would go camping and fishing. I have always loved looking at the stars, observing their brilliance in awesome wonder. Going camping meant time by the campfire looking at the stars, wandering trails, listening to birds and animals, watching butterflies and fish in the streams.

One night my dad sat down with me and started teaching me the stars and constellations. The first star he showed me was the North Star, and that sailors and pioneers used this star as a guide. The North Star does not move like the rest of the constellations. If you know where the North Star is he said you can always find your way home at night. He also taught me how to find my way in the woods and mountains at night.

My dad had me look up and then told me “The stars were the only thing bigger than you. You can climb the mountains, cross any river, be what you want to be, just do not be afraid to try.” Ever since, when I am confused on what path to take, or feeling overwhelmed, I go outside and look upward remember my dad’s words.

With reading and posting on bloganuary 2022, I saw where a part of ourselves wander within the written words, and those word wander through the reader.

This is the final post for bloganuary 2022. I am new to blogging. I keep a journal, wrote essays and thesis’ in college, but only started blogging. While reading others’ blogs in response to the daily prompts, I have learned a few things concerning writing. I have enjoyed the challenge, although it is time consuming on some days. I think I have found my “North Star” to keep me on the path with writing.

I thank everyone for taking the time to read my posts. Thank you to those who “liked” and left comments. I hope the best for you as you continue your life journey.

amtolle

A Tree with a Purpose

There are various types of trees each with their own strengths and weakness.

I have enjoyed willow trees as a child I played under them at my grandparents’ home. In the heat of summer they provided shade, coolness as you were embraced by their limbs and leaves. The willow is flexible but not very strong.

Cherry trees have always been a favorite of mine. Their joyful, bright blossoms in the spring, marking the change of season. The juicy sweet fruit of summer. I have two cherry trees planted in my yard. It takes two cherry trees for there to be fruit.

The mighty oak tree strong and grand. The timber from these trees is used for furniture and other house hold items because of its strength and bueaty.

Tall pines reaching straight for the sky. The sweet aroma stimulates and relaxes. The wind whispers a lullaby using their small leaves on every branch. I have spent many a day and night in the presence of their beauty.

These trees are beautiful, yet, in their beauty and splendor are not me. I have been alone, fought to survive and flourish. No protection from the storms of life, I am crooked and gnarled, my bark shows many scars. My roots grow both deep and wide, seeking water and nutrients to keep my alive. I have overcome my adversity, thrived and blessed. I am not so different from others as all have faced storms, overcame and thrive.

amtolle

A Wish and Reality

“He who owns all the gold, controls the world”
Unknown

My last post was on a Bloganaury Challenge prompt “How are you Changing the World?”. I answered by the little things I do to encourage others and show kindness. Reality is no one person or country can change the world. The world is large with many people, beliefs and cultures.

Everyone would love to live where there is no crime, no wars, no prejudices, we want world peace. Reality is there will be crime, there will be wars and people are prejudice.

I believe the world is controlled by the love of power, greed and envy.

I strive to help others, encourage others to be better people, to lift the load of those burdened, even if for a moment of time. No, I can not change the world, but I will continue to show some light of kindness to those I meet. As an individual we can inspire others to love themselves, have peace and joy and fulfillment of their dreams.

My actions do affect those around me, and my community. I live in an awesome little town where people help each other. Our town has what we call the “Blessing Box”. When it was started three years ago, it was started in a newspaper distribution box. If you need food, you take, and you can give food at any time. It sits in the open with no locks. This “Blessing Box” has grown to be two bookcases and several boxes. Through facebook, their is even fresh meat available. We have the Clothes Closet, where people drop off clothing, it is sorted and hung up, and free to anyone needing clothing. It is a caring town we live near.

This was truly apparent in February 2021, when the whole town and surrounding area was without electricity for 4 days. The temperatures were well below freezing day and night. A rarity for where I live. Everyone heats with electricity.

We have a fireplace in our home, that is how we stayed warm, but the highest the inside temperature reached was 47*F. Those who had fireplaces and wood stoves, which is rare, opened their homes to strangers. Some people were able to heat their homes using portable generators as a source of electricity.

For us we dug out the old camping equipment we have to cook on, an antique cow camp stove. We made chili and always had a pot of hot coffee. I went through my whole supply of candles for lighting.

Others did the same, they cooked chili and stews, have hot coffee and tea. We met at the volunteer fire station once a day to share with those who were unable to cook would have one hot meal and drink during the day. People here do not cook from scratch, they buy premade frozen meals or something for a microwave. Grocery stores were closed, no electricity for the registers or lights.

People around us and ourselves have livestock. We get our water from a well, but the well pump does not run without electricity. One person had a well he used for a garden powered by solar. The water did not come out of the ground fast, but it was water. Someone gave him a tank to fit in the back of his pickup. He would fill the tank and deliver water for livestock.

When the electricity did return, and it was on and off for an additional 5 days. People had another problem, broken water pipes that froze, then when the house heated up, the water poured in and flooded. Once again our town people pulled together. Those that knew how to repair broken water lines, came together, formed teams and tackled one house at a time to repair the water lines. The hardware store in our town, sold the materials needed at cost, he made no money from the sales, in addition he kept his store open for longer hours.

This year along with the Blessing Box and Clothes Closet, the community started a garden. I helped a few times, most of the people coming to the community garden did not know how to start, grow or tend a garden. It was a big learning experience for them. There is talk of starting a farmer’s market next summer.

We have an involved and caring town and community. People helping people, but we still have crime. There is a theft ring trying to operate, but with watchful eyes they will be caught.

Perhaps we can change the world one person, one community, one country at a time.

Perhaps, one day, people will love themselves and others so there will not be envy, or the love of power over another, and not desire greed but to give a helping hand where needed.

I was told once when we help others, we help ourselves.

amtolle

One Day, One Step, One Smile

Bloganaury 29 prompt is “How are you changing the world?”

Each person, each day is changing the world. Our actions, words or lack of affect those we are around or who see us. Is the effect a positive or a negative? I strive for a positive effect to shine a little light into someone’s dark day.

When I step out of my house or speak with someone on the phone, I work to be positive and friendly. Sometimes that is hard to do. Telemarketers irritate me, but the person on the other end is only trying to support their family. I am irritated because they have my number and I did not give it to them. I state I want to be removed, then tell the person to have a great day. Is it the person’s fault they called me, not really. That person was given a list of people to call.

I am not afraid to smile at a stranger or give them a compliment. Once I was at Wal-Mart for some paint brushes for the house. I am in my work clothes with paint spots for sure. I see this lady, her clothing really makes her stand out, modest, good colors for her, and perfect makeup and jewelry. I walked up and told her she looked very beautiful today. First reaction was shock and why are you speaking to me. I went to tell her I feel people should be complimented as we have enough negative in our lives. She smiled and thank me. People do hear negative things about the world events, work, family and others. People also have worries and pressures they carry with them that we do not see. A compliment gives them a moment of changed focus.

I try to mention a person’s name when I am talking with them. When you address someone by their name, you acknowledge them as an individual and with respect. Waitresses/Waiters and clerks light up when you use their name as you request something. Think about it, they wait on and assist people all day, hear complaints, but are not talked to by name.

I give a smile to those I pass going into or out of a store, while I am in the store and out and about. You never know if that smile is the only positive light in their day.

I want the people to feel better after they meet even if it is for a flickering moment.

amtolle