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On Mondays - just because - Phil has been feeling better, we take an adventure with my daughter Noelle. It's a celebration of healing....cancer has and continues to be a tough adversary. We have the attitude that love, nature and beauty is healing us, we proceed with hope. This Monday ended up being incredible, we learned, we laughed and we loved. There was much to love, people, animals and scenery. We visited our friends who live......well as I said, way the hell in the country. I had seen wonderful photographs of their property and animals online and I believe I wished out loud and before you knew it David and Amanda had invited us to a day we are still talking about. They live in a beautiful area surrounded by hills and wildlife. Sustainable homesteading is their gig, they built their own home, raise animals that are treated with dignity and love. In this blog I'm going to try to share their amazing story and the beautiful animals that they call family.
Our day started with a story of what was going on at the homestead. This beautiful fellow was having a procedure that had to be done that day. A snipping so to speak. The vet had been there that morning. David and Amanda were caring for him. I could see the love and concern in both of their eyes. Kota is his name, what a incredible animal he is. I'm sure he will heal up and maybe will be less time checking out the ladies.
The dogs on the property were friendly, working and were getting along with all the other animals. All the animals got along, it was harmony, amazing!
As far as I can tell Jessie was in charge of everything. She kept tab with all the animals which were co inhabiting in the most amazing manner.
Dollars won our hearts without a doubt! Personality, love and sweetness.
Making sure the goats behaved during our visit.
Emma, she was with us all over the property but when we went to the river, Emma shined! Her talent was swimming, I've never seen a dog swim for that long and just have fun.
When we first arrived at the property the first animals you notice were two beautiful horses. Bullseye and Luna.
The dogs escorted us everywhere, gently making sure everyone was doing what they were suppose to do. David and Amanda worked the ranch as they entertained us. They were amazing, they reminded me of animals themselves. Ears perked at every noise. One minute you are visiting and the next Amanda was running to save a piglet. The next, David was making sure everyone had water........Then, helping us feed the horses. The work and fun blended together in the most harmonious way.
The next thing you noticed was the birds. There were birds of all types, everywhere. Chickens, turkeys, ducks, pigeons and wild birds. There were baby birds everywhere, I mean everywhere. Shifting of cages, baby's cheeping, the sweetest turkeys all walking around among dogs, pigs and humans. It was peaceful in the most profound way. I am still marveling at how peaceful everyone was coexisting.
Yes I'm taking a minute in the middle of birds to talk about a pig. That is Phil feeding a cute pig Pua that was just eating right along with the chickens. They get produce everyday that the local market is throwing away. The food looked good enough for us to eat. Small bruises, slightly wilted, I think it was wonderful that it was feeding animals rather than the landfill. The food the animals were eating was healthy and natural.
I fell in love with one little rooster, I feel like this little one is an upcoming champion.
Chicks of all ages were popping about. The biggest surprise to me was Big Mama and Rex. Rex had recently been shown by David's son Matt at a competition, he is an award winner. Champion Turkey winner with a purple ribbon. I found them to be very sweet birds, I fell in love with them. I took many photos, I spared you, and only picked a couple. In the photo below Rex is on the right, Big Mamma on the left.
There was a love story going on during the day. Mr. and Mrs. Mallard had eggs by the river, but they were having a little vacation from the eggs for a drink and some social time at the ranch. David also raises pigeons, they were pretty and flew around the property.
Which takes us to pigs, they went from the very small squealers to Daisy who was pretty dang big. I found the pig pen fascinating in many ways. Weaning was going on, that I have seen with the seals, this process can seem quite cruel to us and is only natural to them. The size of these animals is stunning. How they were being treated and being fed was marvelous. Sunscreen in the mornings, watering and rinsing, the feedings were beautiful fresh food and it fun to watch them go after the food. The size of the adult animals compared to the babies makes it a little bit scary to watch. But everyone made it through just fine.
The next stop was goats and a couple of baby bovine. It was fun in the pen with them, it was like going to a petting zoo. We had a good time.
We relaxed and had a tasty lunch. Of course while we were waiting it was like being on a wildlife show. There were animals still to hold and cuddle.
They said they introduce all the animals to each other when they are young so that they will be good to each other. Peaceful.....well besides all the work that was going on Amanda and David kept hopping from one task to another. I found myself admiring their work ethic, realizing the love and energy that was going into what they are doing.
There are some youngsters at the ranch, some would call them whippersnappers. The younger horses, magical.
This was a fun day for Noelle too! Noelle as a baby didn't walk until she was about 5, because of muscle development problems. Besides walking on the beach she used therapeutic horseback riding to strengthen her muscles. She even participated in the Special Olympics where she won several medals. Only to turn around and be able to be the person helping out the other people who need help, right where she had been herself. She has a deep love of horses, from her experience.
To top off a beautiful day we headed to the river. There something happened, that Phil and I wanted to try out for some time. Phil's legs have been very weak, the left one has had to be rehabilitated into cooperating, both legs are weak due to the steroids causing atrophy problems. Phil and I walk a few miles each day plus he incorporates other exercises and weights into the routine. With him being so much larger than myself, we have been worried for him to get all the way onto the ground because I might not be able to help him up. I watched David and Amanda do all kinds of heavy lifting, moving and shaking. I knew if he needed help he would have it, they could help us. He got to sit on the ground for the first time in over a year. Not only that he got himself up. A miracle in our eyes...... We all had a grand time at the river.
What better way to end the day after a swim, why just dig a hole and rest right in there. Ha! Thank you David and Amanda, what joy you brought to us on that wonderful Monday adventure.
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