Don't faint! Yep it's me once again after a 2 or 3 year absence. I just ran out of things to say. The ranch is pretty much running itself with an assist from Pa. Every day is pretty much routine which I thought we would get away from by moving here.
Sad days behind us as we had to put Harley and Jaz to sleep from complications of bad teeth. I don't know what it is about Arizona but as soon as we moved here, the dogs teeth started going to hell. Tilly visited the dog dentist and had 11 teeth pulled and was on antibiotics for a week. She is feeling lots better and can eat just like all her teeth are there. Harley and Jaz were over 10 years old so they had a good life. We adopted a rottie from our neighbor whose husband passed away. She had been pretty neglected. After coming to live with us, she refused to go outside except to go potty. She loved being in the house. She was such a sweet thing. Unfortunately about 9 months later, she came down with pancreatitis and the Dr. couldn't save her so we had her put down. I adopted a German Shepherd from the pound in Saint Johns. Best $25.00 I ever spent!
He is completely bonded to me and never leaves my side. That can get pretty irritating sometimes. He was about a year old and we've had him for about 3 years. Turns out he has hip dysplasia but he isn't in pain and has figured how to get up and down. Slippery floors are his downfall but he manages to get back up. He is extremely gentle and gets along with everyone and other dogs.
I told Pa that since Tilly is getting older (she's about 14) that I wanted to get another Mini Schnauzer because I needed somthing to sit in my lap to love on when she goes to dog heaven. I was a member of the Holbrook Animal Shelter Facebook page, so was always getting pictures of dogs for adoption. One day this little guy showed up.
I knew right away that my son-in-law in Vegas would want him so I sent him a picture. Love at first sight. He contacted the animal shelter to see if they would allow adoptions out of state and they said they would. Off I went to the shelter which is about 90 miles away to get him for his new Vegas family. I offered to meet them in Flagstaff but they said no, he would come and get him. Two days later my daughter called and asked if I was still willing to meet them in Flagstaff so they could get the dog sooner than later. Of course I said sure. Three hours later, Ringo as he was known at the pound met his new family. They loved him and named him Stanley (don't ask) Who would name a dog Stanley? Someone who loves ice hockey, that's who.
About two weeks later, this little lady showed up on the shelter web site.
Her name is Chloe. Her owners had to surrender her to the shelter because they were living in a motel and were told to get rid of her or find someplace else to live. Lucky me! Chloe is 4 years old and became an instant member of the family. She acts like she's lived here forever. We've had her for 9 months or so. I keep seeing all sorts of dogs I'd love to adopt but Pa says absolutely NOT!
Our winter this year was pretty mild until the last week of December. It got very cold and we had 7 inches of snow in one day.
Our friend Nick came from California and spent Christmas with us. He spent the entire day playing in the snow while Pa and I hugged the stove. It was cold. In January it actually got to 6 degrees below zero. January was cold, February was cold and so far, March is windy. We've had more snow since the third week of December till now than we've had the entire 8 years we've lived here. I don't mind since I don't have to be anywhere.
This past summer, Nick and Pa built a patio onto the front of the house. It is made with hand made Mexican brick given to us by another friend named Nick. The steps were added before the snowstorm in December.
It was a lot of work but so worth it, says I who didn't do a thing except provide drinks of cold water. Pa might have another opinion.
We got a new toy to run around the ranch with. It's is so much fun but I always worry I will run out of gas somewhere far from home so I don't venture far.
The Grannie Mobile is nice but it doesn't go off road very well like an ATV will do.
I am still crafting and spend hours a day in my craft room. It's much more enjoyable than cleaning house! We tore out the garden after finally giving up on the darned thing. After two years of not getting enough to can or barely eat, I said tear it out!!! I do miss it tho. A friend in Australia does classes on Strawbale gardening so I may try a few bales this year. What I really want is an underground green house but Pa isn't the least bit interested in building one.
I'll leave you with a few pictures of things I've made. I know you are dying to see them, ha ha.
Guess that kinda catches us up for now. Until next time.....if there is a next time.
