Guess???

Guess what we did yesterday????

Finally, after several missed attempts due to the weather....we woke up to a beautful day of sunshine, NO wind, NO rain...just a perfect day given to us by God!

And...so, now all our babies have their very own ear (rings :D) Sorry, I couldn't resist! And, those babies that were bull calves are now offically steer calves...not that they like that a whole lot either :D

I'm not picture/photo taking savvy like most of my friends...(besides my Mr. would NEVER stand still for it to happen...) so, I don't have any other shots of the fun....but, I'm hoping to catch a few today of the babies sporting their new team attire (as in their brand)!

Overall, I have to say it was a good day...my nephew came and helped us...(Thank YOU so much Eric) and, for once my job didn't have to be pushing the cattle up from behind :D Instead, I just got to catch them in the squeeze chute...help tip the calf table over...get the ear tags set-up, and occassionally, I got to run the shears (or clippers as I like to call them :D)

And, the BEST part...is I managed to escape getting covered in anything green :D (I hope you can guess what I'm talking about?!?!) And, that's not an easy thing to do with you are surrounded by a herd of cattle...who don't like the event anymore than I do!

Hope everyone else found great ways to enjoy the sunshine too....may your Sunday be just as bright! Sweet blessings!

Free Friday

Don't you just Love it when you get a free Friday...or an extra day off?!?!

That was today for me....finally a Friday at home...
We woke up to the sound of rain pounding on our roof....
Today was the "day" to finally get our cattle worked and moved to their Winter home....
Did I mention the RAIN was POURING, literally POURING....????

The Mr. had to take a load of cows to IBP, before we could start...the plan was to start around 11:00....
So....I decided that would give me just enough time to clean my house before the outside "muck" work began....

At 9:00 the phone rang...it was the other cow guy..."Why don't we wait until tomorrow...I think the weather should be better then."! WHOOOOOHOOOOO...."Okay, works for us" I tell him....meaning...it really, really works for me!

So, then, I really worked on my house....that slow-moving, annoying drain in my bathroom came to an end...Do you know what lives inside slow moving drains......it's worse than "muck"...more like "Yuck"...but, I'm pleased to announce the water runs straight through now...and I think I attached all the pipes back correctly as I didn't see water running anywhere!

Then, I washed my bathroom curtains, shower curtain..and are you ready...even the tub! (I hate to admit it...but, I really don't like cleaning the tub...We only shower...and our tub seems to be a cheap one that always looks dirty even when it's clean...) Okay, so that's my excuse...but, I finally gave in and gave it a good scrub...it still pretty much looks the same to me...but, at least now I KNOW it is clean :D

Next, I managed to put away all the "farmer's market boxes" and find a garbage bag full of clutter to put in the trash!

Over all...my free-Friday turn out pretty good...my Mr. even treated me to lunch out.

And...here's a GREAT thing I heard while we were eating...

There was a family that were sitting across from us...they had about three children...all girls...and the girls were arguing over who was going to say Grace! What a great thing to be arguing over....I wonder if as adults we argue over that at all????

Now...I'm headed to cook a "real" dinner.....! And, I'm thinking I'm going to be the one begging to say Grace! Hope everyone else had a GREAT Free Friday too! And...that the rest of your weekend is filled with many Sweet blessings!

T.H.A.N.K.F.U.L.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I Hope today finds everyone full of Thankfulness...yummy food, great family, wonderful friends...and ALL the great blessings of this day!



I can't believe I haven't posted but 3 times this month!!! I wish I had some reasons why....well, of course I could come of with many :D ...but, the simple truth is...I've just found myself tired this month...and when I get a free minute...I keep finding myself snuggled up on the sofa!

I've been blessed over & OVER & OVER again in so many ways......

* We had a good time at the Savor the Flavor show...meeting new friends who are sharing the same adventures in marketing their products that we are....

* Preschool has been filled with activities..from Grandparent's Day to Thank YOU God celebrations...and finally growing into our routines.

* My 17 year old baby (Yep! I'm talking about my car :D) Well, she kind of had a few rough days...not starting...but, thankfully, it always happened at home...and after a new battery, a check-up, and some special additive to my gas system...she's going strong again. I sooooo want her to make it to 20 :D

* Opie kitty has adjusted great to living outside...although, I just came in from chores and found him roaming the house...apparently he snuck in with the armful of wood I was bringing in ! Thankfully, he and Missy kitty didn't have any run-ins!

* My husband has been around home a LOT lately...which is always nice....if only I could get into the cooking dinner mode again :D So thankful for the weeks when his travel schedule is light....and we share that bowl of soup together !

* Thankful that God has a plan...and all those days when we were scheduled to work the cows & the weather was Yucky we were able to wait! (But, if all goes well, tomorrow is the day!)

* Loving the fact that we are involved in a Sunday evening Core group...which means we get together with about 7 other couples, in a home, share some goodies, study God's plan for us, and share our stories. (At first to be honest, we were reluctant to give up a Sunday evening, because sometimes that's our ONLY time home together...but, once again God has a way of blessing things we do to grow for Him!)

* Feeling so blessed by the gift of Friends He has placed in our lives! Thankful for their unending prayers, words of encouragement...and just for being "them"!

* So thankful that our families are both enjoying GOOD health!

* Thankful for all the invitations to join others to celebrate Thanksgiving today ...we truly are blessed by each of you! (but, it was just one of those days we needed to stay in our cozies, catch-up on some rest, and just "be")

* Contentment is happening Right now...I'm sooooo blessed to be in a warm home, surrounded by those I Love most, smelling Apple Crisp baking...and just taking time to remember and be THANKFUL for All that I've been blessed to have!!!

And, just in case you're wondering....There was NO Turkey served at the Mallon Casa today :D .....not that we don't enjoy Turkey...but, feeling the need for a simple day...we opted for some T-Bones instead!!!

So from our little nest to yours.....HAPPY DAY FULL OF THANKFULNESS! And, from our hearts to yours...many Sweet Blessings!

Sunday Adventure...

Did I happen to mention that life with my Mr. always turns into an adventure???

That there is always SOMETHING that happens.....?????

And, that his nickname is Charlie Brown???? (poor guy...if only his Mama wouldn't have given him that nickname...maybe it wouldn't of stuck!)

Well, yesterday was a typical, normal day....that ended with some adventure....

It all started out perfectly....a nice Sunday morning, enjoying the paper, our tea & coffee (guess who drinks which ... :D Oh, that's too easy if you know us!) a little time online....Sunday School (I'm totally loving teaching my 4th grade class of 2!) Church, lunch, a little football/nap time...and then...it was time to sort some cattle.

Off to the property we head....
"Do I need my big muck boots?"
"Maybe, I don't know"

I decided....I don't know didn't sound convincing enough...so, I chose to wear my knee high muck boots anyway. My Mr. assured me his were in the back of his truck, so off we went.

You see we are blessed to have vegetable screenings from one of the processors to mix with hay for our cows...they LOVE it...it's like they get fresh garden vegetables all the time....but, when it gets dumped in a big pile, the juices kind of spill out around the pile making some muck (not to mention, that in warmer weather it tends to smell a little...okay a LOT..and it's just a smell I've yet to acquire an appreciation for!!!)

Of course all the cattle are at the other end of the pasture...so, we had a nice walk (I'll consider it my exercise for the day :D) to gather them & get them all pushed through the gate, down the alley and start sorting them. My job is gate opener....yeahhhh...I know easy job, right??? Okay, not so much, because sometimes I can't move as quick as the cattle to open or close at an exact needed time....but, yesterday, I'll give myself a 10...I didn't let any go the wrong direction!!!

Once they were sorted, we walked them back to their pasture...oh wait...I left out the part that on their way to the other corrals, they have to pass by the vegetable hills....and of course, they run right to the vegetables (or as I like to think of it in their terms...candy piles :D) and start chowing down.....I think you know what that means.....one of us...meaning me...has to go into the slippery wet spots and make them move....so thankfully, my muck boots keep my feet from coming home smelling like that lovely aroma. JOB DONE! And, guess what no squabbles within the work crew :D

Thinking it was time to go I head back to the truck, only realizing the Mr. is not following...NOPE...he's looking at a feeder panel...it needs to come out...there is a broken bar....what???? How will that happen...they are heavy...and guess where the tractor keys are....yep..at home on the counter....MMmmm.....nothing like that will stop my Mr. So, next we are unhooking some panels to move over....and apparently I don't listen to instructions very well...and the Mr. ends up carrying it by himself (okay, there was a little squabble then:D) Now for the very fun part....this panel has to go right by the water trough...which has overflowed into a big MUD HOLE...or pit is a much better description. One of us has to hold the panel while the other puts in the pins that connects it to the feeder panel...since I'm not the strong one..I get to hold the panel by the water trough....Not so bad....well the ends won't line up right so the pin can slip in....so, guess what the panel needs to be moved....inwards...Over the MUD pit! Okay, Okay....I'll try to move my end....and I take one step, try to take another...but, my right foot has sunk into the mire of mud at least 4 inches deep, and I cannot...let me repeat that CANNOT pull my foot out....

"Tam, keep moving the panel"
"I can't my foot is stuck"
"Pull it out"
"I can't"
"Keep trying...hurry up"
"I can't....OH NO my boot is staying in the mud and my foot is pulling out"
"Then take you foot out of your boot..."
"What??? where will I put it...I"m in the mud"
"Just do it!!!" I hear as I see him heading my way, looking as though he's going to pull my foot out himself....
Instead he grabs the panel, so I can use both hands...lifing my foot out of the muck, balancing on my left foot, pulling with both hands my right boot out of the muck....and FINALLY...TA-DA...Whew!!! My boot is out, and, I didn't even fall in the muck!!!

So finally, we can swing the panel over, the pins drop in...and we are done. Thankfully, there are freezerless faucets everywhere there so I could wash off my muck boots (which truly earned their name this Sunday :D) Oh, and here's a fun little fact...remember my Mr. had his muck boots in the back of his truck...well, that's just where they stayed the WHOLE TIME! Yep...he had to step in the muck too, and his shoes were totally covered, and his socks soaked.....see why I wish his nickname was something else :D

Now we can head for home...oh, wait...now, my Mr. informs me one of us needs to drive the truck with the horse trailer hooked on, and the other truck with the dump trailer hooked up to Northwest Farm Supply so they could do some work on the dump trailer. Seriously.....that's the word I needed to use...SERIOUSLY! Did you see what happened last time I tried to drive the truck & trailer...remember I got it stuck in the gate opening??? Remember you weren't very happy that you had to get it "unstuck"??? Remember you said, please don't try to drive the truck & trailer again???? REMEMBER????

"You'll be fine...or do you want me to drop the dump trailer & truck off and walk all the way back down here to get my truck & horse trailer???"
"Okay, Okay"....maybe that's not quite how I said it or the tone :D

You know I was praying the whole time, because I had to drive through a gate, turn onto a narrow gravel road, and then, onto Hwy 395 crossing a lane of traffic, and later get into the turn lane and pull into the parking lot......GOD is GOOD! And, we both made it there safe & sound!!!

It was a LONG day....but in the end, a GOOD day!

So there you have it...our Sunday Adventure....looking back all I can do is smile, and wonder how we make it through those adventures...and, hope there aren't any more for a good LONG time!

Thanks for reading along.....hope your Sunday was filled with fun times too! Sweet blessings!

Meet the new baby....

This time it's not a new calf, or a new horse...this time...it's what else but another kitty! A couple of weeks ago on a Thursday evening I had to deliver a meat order back into town...I had already done my chores and it was still light when I left. After making my delivery I stopped at Walmart to pick up a few things...and I got home around 6:30, and it was dark. I heard a soft mew, and then another....thinking it was my follow along cat Larry, I called for him to come to the porch....he came running, but he looked little to me??? After taking a closer look I realized it was NOT Larry, but this sweet little thing!



I did what ever responsible kitty girl does...I fed him and made sure he had some water...then, posted him on Facebook. Who wouldn't want this sweet face greeting them??? The next morning was a market day, and he was still there...following the Mr. everywhere, even inside the freezer :D By the time, we were packed and ready to go, I told my husband I was just going to call him "Little Cat" until I found him a home....he said, Nope, his name is Opie. Mmmmm....that probably should of been my clue that Opie was staying at our house! But, come on' we already have 8 barn cats, plus a house kitty...and this little guy...well, he was DEFINITELY somebodies pet, because he LOVED being cuddled...more like demanded it...and everytime the house door opened he tried to bolt in! No fears from this little guy...definitely not a scaredy cat at all!!!

You can see he is demanding...as he's whining for me to pick him up as I try to snap this picture :D

Well, I had no -takers on my Facebook AD....only many comments insisting he already had a good home! Not that I couldn't keep him...I think the Mr. had already fallen for him...I just knew he would be sooooo much happier at a home where he could be THE house cat, live the life of luxury and sit on someone's lap all day!

It's been two weeks now, and he's already been to the vet for a check-up, and soon will go again to turn him from a "he" to an "it", has his own little bed on the front porch....and everyone has taken to him...even all the barn cats that he follows around, hiding and leaping on ..... :D

So, welcome to the Mallon Casa...little Opie! We'll try our best to meet all your needs and give you a little lovin' each day....and now you are the baby at the house!

There's just something about kittens that bring a smile to your day! Sweet blessings!

Done!!!

It's finally Done!!!

That is 6 months of....
28 Weeks of...
And....54 Days of...


FARMER'S MARKETS!!!

Can I just say..........YIPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!

We survived it....and, I somehow, don't quite know what to do with a Friday & Saturday morning where the alarm doesn't go off at 4:00 AM! But, I'm sure going to try to truly savor and make the most of having all that time back!!!

To start with instead of spending our Thursday evening loading up my Mr.'s truck & the freezers....we actually had a date night....Yep...dinner out even! It was so nice to be able to come home from work and just relax!!!

And, today...well, it's off to a GREAT start....I slept in until 5:30...have a couple loads of laundry going (cleaned my house yesterday...so, that's all checked off the list :D), enjoyed a cup of tea and some time in God's word, went for a morning walk with my Mr. (Something we're trying hard to put into our routines daily....exercise...yuck...but, in your 40's somehow a neccessity...or at least that's what my body shouts back to me from the mirror :D) Although, I wish my Mr. could spend the whole day at home with me...he has to head out to do some work for his "real" job and then pick up a load of meat that's finished at the butchers.

Next on my list...well, it's simply catching-up....although my house is clean, there are piles that need put away....the checkbook needs balanced, I offered to check the Mama Cows & babies today, A trip to town and a couple stores....and then, I'm hoping to actually curl up for a little nap :D (Shhhh.....the Mr. doesn't know that's what I do when he's away..ha, ha)!!!

So, happy that the Sun is shining today...and giving me an extra spurt of energy! And, so happy that I have this weekend FREE!!!! (Oops! did I mention next weekend is NOT free...we are doing one last show...called Flavor the Savor in the Tri-Cities!) And, then, I truly am packing away all the "farmer's market" tools!!!

May each of you enjoy a FREE weekend too...filled with GREAT things! Sweet blessings!