Get Away

It's hard to get away from the farm.  Animals require feeding at least once a day, at least those inside or on limited pasture.  Water is essential and should be freshened.  With the coyote situation it is harder to get away, even for a few hours of running errands.

I requested daughter attend her PhD convocation as she had not attended any other graduation ceremonies.  Knowing the date of this event and noting it was one week prior to my mother's 75th birthday, I suggested to my siblings we get together the day following the convocation since I'd be in town.  Unfortunately, our sister was planning to be away.  On the one hand, kudos to her for landing a series of speaking engagements in Australia.  On the other hand, she would be absent for these family events.

We mustered together a number of folks to check on the animals and feed and water over the two full days we would be away.  The beast requiring the most interaction was Beau dog.  And counting sheep was a task to be done numerous times on account of the coyote situation.  It all came together beautifully.

A couple from up the road came by twice on Friday and once on Saturday afternoon to count sheep, play with Beau and feed him dinner.  Apparently, he bonded with Ruby and they are now best buddies.  Another friend came and stayed overnight, checking critters and amusing Beau.  On my antiquated cell phone I received text message updates, photos and videos - which would not play.  The photos included Beau on the couch, happy chickens eating breakfast, and Ruby in her usual spot at the gated doorway of the Big Barn.  And on the Friday night, before our friend arrived, the neighbour-girl did evening chores, feeding everyone and locking up the sheep for the night.  It was  truly a community effort that allowed us to attend the family events.  We are very appreciative of the many hands that allowed us to get away.

 
Okay, we do look alike a bit, mother and daughter.  We are all very very proud of this very awesome young woman and her amazing accomplishments.  We will miss her as she sets up house in California for a few years for her post-doctoral at CalTech.  She and her husband - yes, they will finally live together in one place, in one country - are coming here for Christmas.

Before heading out to lunch at a restaurant we met at Mom's for a visit - she had yummy chocolate.  Sister's absence was filled with her photograph :)  She was certainly there in spirit.  Happy 75th Birthday, Mom!





When we arrived home on Saturday evening all was in good order.  We each headed off to do respective evening chores.  The sheep were already in the barn, peacefully lying down and chewing their cud.  Their 'dog-thing', Ruby, thumped her tail on the ground in excitement.  As long as she stays low and down they don't whack her.  Less and less do I find her in her pen; she stays in the larger area with the sheep.  The chickens were roosting and their egg laying Christmas light rope which is on a timer was still on to brighten things up.

I fed those who needed feeding, checked water, gathered a few stray eggs and tucked up everyone for the night.  We petted Millie and Beau and unpacked ourselves, finding our respective comfort zones and tasks to get settled back into home.