Busy being country!

I haven't been home much on the weekends, and when I am home, I am busy catching up. Brian and I went out to the Rocking HI Ranch for the opening of deer season. We didn't get any bucks, but both of my brothers and two nephews all did. There has been much digging and leveling to build a "pad" for a well. In doing so, lots of sandstone boulders were exposed. Pop now has them spread out around the place. I brought some that we were able to lift home.

The largest is at the edge of the stock tank. We refer to it as the fishing rock.

On Veteran's Day, we went to my Grandmother's house and trimmed trees with my Dad and Stepmom. Pop taught Brian how to use the Pole Saw.

Brian was hard to stop once he got started!

My stepmom, Barb, and I got to drag the limbs to the tractor to be hauled to a burn pile. We also raked the whole backyard.

Y'all come back,

Lorilee

Easily entertained!

I spent Saturday with my Pop, brother and 2 of his darlings! We joined Pop at the Rocking HI to watch the pipeline crew bore under the corner of the property we call Sherwood Forest. The Mule needed gas!

We took a break for lunch at the "White Leghorn Cafe" a few miles down the road.

It is a VERY interesting place. The old wooden floor looks like the swells in the Gulf of Mexico! All the tables have shims to keep them semi-level!

Pop and Brandon found a cool spot to sit and observe the action on the boring pipes.

One of the crewmen was happy to explain how this instrument helped them pinpoint the location of the boring pipes underground. Pop and Alec were very interested. Trixie, not so much!

Then we went to another fenceline and watched the track hoe dig the pit where the borer would come out.

This dog showed up and kept us company while we watched!

Bug was more interested in what I was up to than the machinery at work!

She also entertained herself looking through my binoculars. I entertained myself taking photos of her entertaining herself!

It was nice to get away from all the housework awaiting me after a work week! Sadly, the housework is still awaiting me, so I best get busy!

Y'all come back,

Lorilee

Ranch Hands for a day!

Brian and I spent a day at "The Rocking HI Ranch" helping Pop and Barb put up a new deer blind. It was a hot day-102 degree heat index! By the time we arrived, they had already built a base for Pop's blind at "Deer Crossing".

Grandma Barb's stand also needed replacing. It didn't take long for Brian and I to tear it down.

Then we had to assemble the "stand". We had no directons, just Pop and Barb's memory of stands they saw assembled at the store.

There were LOTS of nuts and bolts, and the metal got really hot in the sun!

Trixie, Pop's dog, supervised from the shade of the mule!

Pop used his new Kubota to lift the stand into place with guidance from Grandma Barb.

The stand is 10 feet tall. I guess Brian is checking out the view!

Next, we had to get the blind onto the stand!

The job required concentration from Pop!

ALMOST there! (holding our breath)

Time to remove the strap!

Just a few more bolts and the job was DONE! Time for some shade and a cold R.C. cola!

Y'all Come Back,

Lorilee

Boys will be Boys!

Brian and I went out to my parents' house during Christmas break to help cut up his deer. Barbara fixed lunch and also invited my brother and his boys. I think Pop asked them to move the hayring.

Grandma Barb asked the boys to carry off some lemons that weren't edible!

They found a piece of insulation that had blown from somewhere.

What a bunch of rapscallions!

As usual wrestling was involved. It is what boys do! Walker and Chase attacked Brian's ankles.

Brian got Walker in a headlock!

Devin joined the fray.

What is Brian doing to Walker now? Chase still has his ankle! Grandma finally put a stop to their rough housing.

Y'all Come Back,

Lorilee

At Grandma's in the country!

Christmas Eve is always spent at Grandma Bessie's house! When the feasting is done and gifts have been opened, the outdoors usually calls. Paw Paw and Brian have been out here awhile. Where could they be?

Ah, there they are on the next hill. It looks like the cattle have been fed.

The feed shed looks the same as always!

The haybarn never changes! Oh, the fun we had hiding among the haybales as children! Round bales aren't nearly as much fun as the traditional bales! But they ARE easier to feed!

The Chili Petin is lending a Christmas touch to the barnyard!

Paw Paw and Brian are heading home.

I love old barns and fences!

What could Dustin be contemplating?

And what is Paw Paw inspecting?

Where are those Eurasian Doves flying? And WHAT could Brian be texting?

GASP! How did that Deere get on the Zetor?

Who could have done such a thing to the Zetor?

We must inspect her closely for those Deere! None must escape!

This looks like the work of Uncle Brandon and Willie! Payback for the Zetor patch on that John Deere Cap!

Ya'll Come Back!

Lorilee