There is a fungus among us!

When I first moved to Weiser I was met with suspicion which turned into a polite tolerance which then turned into appreciation and respect. Suspicion maybe a little because I was an outsider but for the most part because I was taking a small piece of what was once a thriving farm. Tolerance because I admire and respect the farmers and ranchers that surround me and have always let them know that. Appreciation and respect because I support and promote our local farm community and, even though it is on a very small scale, practice family farming. I used to chuckle at the established farm families, who were leary of me at first, thinking to myself that, "...they will be glad I am here when they get to know me." But now the tables have turned.

When I came to this little valley in Weiser, (affectionately known as "the flats"), I was told that no property could be subdivided into less than 5 acre parcels. I thought that the flats would be a perfect place for me to settle because no one anticipated much growth and what growth would occur would take quite some time. Alas, this was not an accurate assessment. Just across the road and kitty corner from me a large piece of property has been bought by "some dude from California". I'm not sure exactly how much property he has purchased but it is somewhere between 20 and 40 acres. Rumor has it that said property was subdivided into 1 acre parcels before the 5 acre rule came into effect. Now, because of some kind of "grandfather clause", the "dude" plans to put in a subdivision of houses on 1 acre lots! That means that 20 to 40 houses are going to go up right before my eyes (literally)! That is one heck of note and not at all what I had bargained for. A subdivision of one acre lots and 20 to 40 houses is much different than 4 to 10 houses on 5 acre lots!!! I now have a new appreciation of how the established farm families felt when I, and several others, moved in. There is nothing to do but watch helplessly as one house after another creeps over this beautiful rich farmland until it is overcome with houses, cement, cars and everything else that goes along with PEOPLE, i.e. septic systems, wells, phone and electric lines overloading the already stressed landscape, soil, and water table. This in turn will create a demand for outside services and soon the city will get involved with providing water, sewer and utilities which in turn will raise taxes...blah, blah, blah...the list goes on and on.

A friend of mine put it well when he compared this invasion to the growth of fungi. Now, we all know that a little bit of fungi is a good thing. Take cheese for example. Before curds ferment and become cheese they are somewhat tasteless and bitter. A variety of fungi act on the curds during fermentation which actually gives cheese its flavor. Fungi also can form a protective shell on cheese allowing the core to be preserved thus being able to be used latter on. BUT, if the fungi gets out of control, or the wrong kind of fungi gets in the mix, the cheese becomes inedible and putrid.

Isn't that the way it is with people too? Just like fungi creeps and spreads over an area, so do people creep and spread over the beautiful earth that God has created, (and given us charge of I might add). Hopefully, there are people left who choose to manage the earth and protect it for future use (like the good fungi) rather than consuming it until nothing is left to value (like the out of control fungi). I could go on and on but I won't.

Here is hoping the fungi creeping in on the flats
will be good fungi :)

Spirit and Determination

I was living in Nampa County, California on the outskirts of a town called St. Helena. I lived in a small farmhouse, down a dirt road that took 45 minutes to an hour to navigate. Because of this, my midwives wanted plenty of notice when I went into labor. So, on the 7th of March, 1976, when I started having contractions I called them. It took them about 8 hours to get to my place. By then I had been having regular, strong contractions for quite some time. They expected to find me nearly ready to deliver but instead ended up camping out for the next three days, along with several of my friends.

March 9th at about 9pm the midwives told me they could no longer detect a heartbeat from my baby. They said that they were very sorry but they thought the labor had been too much for me and my baby. They said that I was suffering from exhaustion and in order to save my own life, I should go to the hospital to complete the expulsion of what they thought would be a dead baby. A wave of panic overcame me, the like of which I had never before experienced. But as quickly as I was overcome with that awful panic, an intense, energetic warmth flowed through my very being, such as I cannot describe. Along with this surge of warmth and energy I clearly heard, "Don't worry, I'm okay". Those gathered said it was as if I were a-glow as I sat up and told the midwives that I would be delivering my baby right there and that he was fine. My midwives said that I had such a peace about me that, even though their logic was telling them differently, they believed what I was saying was true. Non-the-less they told my friends that they could not guarantee the condition of the baby and if they didn't think they could handle a bad outcome they should leave. I knew without a doubt that all was well and announced the same. No one left and all were glad they had stayed.

A renewed strength and energy came to me, not from within, from around me as though I had scores of unseen arms surrounding me, shoring me up. My bag of water was broken and I was ready to push after the next 3 contractions. After 3 hours of pushing Dillon greeted this earthly world on March 10th, 1976. He was alive, alert and well. He didn't cry or fuss right away. He blinked and stared intently as we talked to him and fussed over him. After about 1 1/2 hours he squealed a little which was my clue to feed him. He ate heartily and thrived.

Just as Dillon's birth took a strong spirit and determination so has Dillon's life. Dillon has had to rely on his strong spirit and determination to get him through many a trial over his 30 years on this earth. He has been a good example for me. I love him dearly and am glad he is a part of my life. Happy Birthday Dillon :)

My Dear Friends

A tribute to my dear friends who are facing loss and hardship. I love you and my thoughts and prayers are with you. May you be comforted in the journey which lies ahead.

TWO HORSES

Just up the road from my home is a field with two horses in it. From a distance, each looks like every other horse. However, if one stops the car - or is walking by - one will notice something quite amazing.

Looking into the eyes of one horse will disclose that he is blind. His owner has chosen not to have him put down, but has made a good home for him. This alone is amazing, but close observation will reveal something even more amazing.

Listening closely, one will hear the sound of a bell. Looking around for the source of the sound, one will see that it comes from the smaller horse in the field. Attached to her halter is a small bell. It lets her blind friend know where she is, so he can follow her.

As one stands and watches these two friends, one sees how she is always checking on him and that he will listen for her bell and then slowly walk to where she is, trusting that she will not lead him astray.

Like the owner of these two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. He watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need.

Sometimes we are like the blind horse, being guided by God and those whom He places in our lives. Other times, we are the guide horse, helping others see God.

~ Author Unknown ~

A Little Drama

I haven't spoken much about Star. That is because I am not too sure what her condition is. Not too long ago one could see and feel her foal move. Star had a definite posture which I mentioned in a previous blog. Looking at a picture taken the first week in February, just after Dagney's kids were born, Star looks pregnant!

Doesn't this look like a pregnant mare?

Now suddenly she just looks like any other healthy horse. You would never know to look at her that she is (or was?) pregnant.

Seriously, does THIS look like a pregnant mare?

These pictures were taken yesterday. As you can see, I have trouble getting a good picture of Star. When she sees me coming she heads right for me and wants to get up close and personal. But, I digress. The point is, I don't think she looks pregnant! I have not seen the foal move about nor have I felt it in quite some time. I was told that she could have aborted the foal. I never found any evidence of this but several people have said that she may have reabsorbed it. I started to research this and I ran across a web discussion I found quite interesting. Now I am wondering if the foal just shifted its position as it got bigger and it is just harder to detect.


Looking at the anatomy of a horse I can see how she could carry a foal and not really show.




YourHorse'sHealth.com has a good article (along with the above diagram) on "The Expectant Mare" . According to this article,

The average length of pregnancy in the mare is 338-343 days. However, normal gestation can range from 320-380 days. You needn't become overly concerned if your mare is past due. Prolonged gestation is not generally associated with problems or extra large foals. If your mare's pregnancy extends much past 340 days or you're concerned, ask your veterinarian to examine her to determine if the mare is still pregnant and confirm that all is well.

I am tempted to spend the money to get Star vet checked, but as my friend says, if she is pregnant I will find out sooner or later. If one day I walk out and find a foal at her side I will know she was pregnant, eh!? Oh the drama! TTFN :)

Do you believe in magic?

Nolan was born on a magical day in a magical way. February 29 only comes around every 4 years and they say that leap year is very special. February 29, 1980 I was driving in my Volkswagen bus, my mother in the passenger seat by my side and Dillon and Sasha romping on the queen sized mattress in the back (seat belts weren't required back then). As we were driving along I was talking with my mother and had to catch my breath right in the middle of a sentence. My mom asked if I was alright. I could only reply, "I think I just had a contraction!" "Oh my!" said my mother in her soft squeaky voice, (those of you who knew my mother know what I mean). I drove home and birthing preparations were made.

I don't think Dillon and Sasha knew what was happening even though when I tucked them into bed I told them that when they got up in the morning there would be a new baby in the house. Hugs and kisses as usual and to bed they went. And sure enough, when they woke up the next day they were greeted by their new baby brother!

Each birth is unique but Nolan's birth was especially unique. Not only was he born on a special date, the bag of water never broke! He came out completely surrounded by the amniotic sac which the midwife had to open to finally expose him to the world. It is called being born in the caul. Legend has it that being born in the caul means you are born with a magical aura which would manifest as talents later in life. Twenty six years after his birth Nolan has exhibited many tallents.

He is artistic and creative. Those of you who have seen his art work can attest that he has a nack of bringing out the beauty of nature where you might least expect it.

He is strong and kind. He is a joy to the lives of his family and friends but his infulence extends beyond that. Working with Hospice patients he touches lives of people every day in a very special way. He helps people live with dignity the last days of their time on this earth. He cares for his patients making them feel safe and secure with his strong but gentle hands. He treats them with kindness and compassion, unconditionally.

I thank God for my dear Nolan and the love and joy he has brought into my life. Happy Birthday my sweet son. I love you :)

Flooding Again

I am sitting at work wondering if my house will be flooded again when I get home in the morning. The water district dudes were all over the place today trying to make sure the cannals were clogg free. The cannals were already full to nearly overflowing. Now I find out (from the police scanner at work) that Hwy 99 is being closed due to flooding. There isn't much I can do even if I am being flooded. I just worry about my critters, (maybe I need a critter sitter!). The last time this happened my neighbor said she would call me if any of my animals were in danger. I haven't gotten a call yet so I guess they are all right. I guess I'll find out soon enough, (or not!). Arrrggghhh!

BTW - Cerra, can't wait for you visit in March :)