Absorbing Life

Obviously, I have been on a break from blogging. Writers block...maybe. I'm not sure. Period of unhappiness...ahhh..more likely. I've been doing a little life maintenance. Working on the nuts and bolts so to speak.

The other day I was chilling on the front porch. Soaking up the sun must have done me some good. I realize that life isn't that bad, and I'm pretty darned lucky. Lucky to be able to live where I do. Lucky to be alive and blessed with such a great family. I should count the things I am lucky for, because they way outnumber the bad things.

Life is what I make it...

Surgery Day

Cado Man's surgery was today and all went well. Got home a little after 9 this evening. We settled the star of the day in bed with his fancy ice machine helping to keep the swelling down on his knee. Fixed him some chicken soup, because his little tum tum was empty. He hadn't eaten since 8 or so yesterday evening. I just gave him another pain pill, so he should drift off to sleep before too long.

It's been a long and tiring day, but at least we're over one of the hurdles in his recovery. Rehab is going to be grueling for Cado, but he's a pretty determined kid. I'm optimistic that he's going to be back stronger than ever. He's got a state title in track to win, and I have no doubt that he will do just that.

State of the Tia House Address

Here's the way we rock right now.

Okay, I'll admit it. I'm scared crapless about the state of our economy. I've been through bad times in my life before, but I'm the parent now and I've got two children to worry about. Now I really do understand what my parents went through when my dad was laid off. Or...the time he fell and fractured his skull, broke both his legs and couldn't work. Our family lost almost everything we had. The hubby and I aren't up against the wall like that, but I'm starting to really think about it. He's in the building industry and well...I'm sure I don't have to explain that.

Cado Man is having his surgery next Thursday. Finally time to go under the knife and fix the torn ACL. Mission accomplished with rehab to get his range of motion back, and the doc has given the go ahead. Cross your fingers and send a couple of prayers our way!

I'm battling bronchitis this week. Darned it! I've got better things to do than be sick, like worry all the time. On second thought, maybe being sick could be a good thing...if I could sleep through all this mess!

Nocturnal Visit

Last night I was sitting on the couch surfing the net, and I heard this eerie howl. The hair on my neck stood straight up. Coyotes!

There has been a pack of them roaming nearby the past month or so. Every once in awhile we'll get a glimpse of a couple crossing the back pasture. One day we saw about five going into the woods on the place next to ours.

This time they were close. I could tell from the howls and barks. They don't sound anything like any of my dogs. Lonely and sad....

I was worried about my outside dog, so I grabbed the spotlight to check on him and of course, to see where they were. I finally got a glimpse of them moving in the darkness. Their eyes were glowing a greenish yellow. I can't really describe how it made me feel. They weren't scared and just stared back at me.

I think they were about a hundred yards from me, down by the pond. My first instinct was to get a gun, but I quickly decided against that course of action. I knew they wouldn't hurt the horses, and Ruger (a Pit Bull Labrador mix, we think) weighs more than they do. I decided to let them be. Besides...my light was losing it's charge and starting to dim. I didn't want to star in my own version of a horror movie. It's creepy being outside alone with a bunch of coyotes so close.

I've been in the coyote range all my life, but I don't remember them ever getting up that close except in hard winters. I guess they're a little braver in this area. I really don't know why they are roaming across this place, but I guess I better get used to it.

Gone For the Year

I had more fun this year with these little hummingbirds than you can possibly imagine. The summer started out with just one feeder and one bird. Before the season was over, I had 3 feeders up and the birds were draining them on a daily basis. We had hummingbirds zipping around everywhere. Twittering, chasing, dive bombing.....never-ending activity. Entertainment was always available right on our front porch, and we were lucky enough to have a front-row seat.

I found egg shells, so I'm sure they were nesting in the pecans. I never did find a nest though. They must be really well-hidden and tiny.

I promised some hummingbird pictures, and here they are.

Here's one trying to guard this feeder. In this picture, she is trying to nip another bird.

The Recipe for Fun:

4 cups of warm water to 1 cup of sugar. Mix and fill 'em up!

Every time you fill your feeder it needs to be flushed with warm water. If a build up of black mold occurs, soak the feeder in bleach. Never use soap! The hummers don't like it. If the water becomes cloudy, you need to change it. Keep any unused nectar in the refrigerator.

I can't wait for next year!

I'm Just A Little...

Homesick.
I don't know why. Maybe I've just got the blues today. I miss the grocery store being five minutes away. I really miss the malls and shopping centers. All of our friends...

I just have to keep reminding myself of all the things I don't miss.... TRAFFIC, some of the neighbors, the HOA (Home Owners Association), no privacy. The list goes on.

Out here we can build a little fire and roast weenies and marshmallows if we want. We can shoot off fireworks on the holidays. None of that goes on in the burbs. I can walk out on the porch in my nightie to take the dog out, and no one will see or care! I love that one! Best yet....I've got two horses in my "sorta backyard." Horses would definitely get me a nasty letter from the HOA.

So, I guess there are some pluses to living in the country.

I'm glad I wrote this I feel better all ready.

Texas Armadillo or "Possum on a Half Shell"

Lilly, this is an armadillo. Lovely, freaky creature isn't it?

They're funny looking mammals covered in armor that are extremely common in our wonderful state. Kind of like an anteater with a shell. They remind me of a football with legs. They're not very big, I'm guessing around 12 to 18 pounds at most and around two feet long including their tail. They love to dig and are notorious for destroying lawns. They're just looking for food, insects and grubs, but they make a real mess and a heck of a hole.

Armadillos are often found in the road with tire tracks down the middle of their body. No, I'm not kidding. Very common roadkill. I think it's because they're nocturnal and hard to see at night. It's certainly not because they're slow. Trust me, those little boogers can run! Also, they jump straight up in the air when they get scared. Not a good idea in front of a 60 mph car...

Around here we have what my hubby and I term the armadillo wars. I hate to say it, but he does shoot them when they start tearing up the yard around the house. They think our yard is the local "All You Can Eat Buffet." If they're not tearing up the yard, we leave them alone. I heard they eat snakes. Not for sure on that one, but I'll pick an armadillo over a snake any day.

Question Why did the chicken cross the road??

Answer To show the armadillo that it could be done.

(Just a note....This is not one of my photos.)