Uncategorized Archives - A Country Girl's Heart -Beats that Matter

November 12, 2019November 12, 2019

10 Reasons Chickens are Right for You

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Lets have a little fun and look at 10 reasons chickens are a great fit. How many of these resonate with you?

1 You want to eat fresh chicken eggs

Fresh eggs that are locally sourced have their own taste I have heard. For myself, I find local fresh eggs agree with my stomach over store bought eggs. You will not find eggs much fresher than right out your back door.

2 You want to know what the chickens that lay your eggs are eating.

Owning your own chickens gives you the option of choosing organic, non-GMO, whole (not processed), locally sourced or commercial chicken feed.

Knowing what goes into the food you are eating allows people to work to attain health goals. The choice is your when you own your own chickens and you may allow them to free range if you choose to.

3 Watching chickens relaxes you.

One rainy afternoon, my friend Beth and I sat and watching roosters that hung out in the barn free to roam. We discussed their strong and weak points. Notice the higher wing set of the rooster on the left compared to the rooster on the right.

As we both enjoy taking pretty pictures, we spent at least a half hour entertaining ourselves snapping 20 to 30 pictures. We have a few good ones out of the bunch.

Chicken behaviors make you laugh. They can do the funniest things. Rocky lives at Beth’s house and she told me how he would peck at the chrome bumper on the truck. It was shinny enough that Rocky seen his own reflection and pecked at it.

4 You want to show or exhibit chickens

County Fairs offer opportunity for ages 9-18 to take part in 4-H shows. If you are over 18 some county fairs offer open classes for all ages.

Most states have chicken shows through out the state. Find a local chicken group on Facebook or Me We. Contact your local county extension office as another source to connect with chicken owners.

National and State poultry shows provide a place to compete with your birds and meet other poultry enthusiasts.

5 You love the sound of a rooster crowing

I wake up every morning to the sound of Cherokee and others crowing repeatedly. Personally, I love it. I am reminded I live in the country and enjoy the sounds of animals. I have a pen set up outside my bedroom window so there is no way to miss it.

If you live in town you can still enjoy chickens, but not roosters. Urban communities often allow hens, but do not permit roosters. Not everyone enjoys the sound as I do.

6 You like to care for animals and birds.

Do you find joy in knowing you have provided for animals and birds?Does it make you feel good to know you have provided food, water and shelter and dry bedding? I get this warm satisfied feeling when chores are done.

If that is you, having a pen of chickens in your back yard is for you. I feel good laying down my head at night knowing my animals are fed and provided for.

7 You desire a small side income.

Selling extra eggs at local farmers markets

Another idea is selling eggs to others who want to hatch thier own chicks. For the eggs to be fertile you will need a rooster.

Do you want a little egg money on the side? Want to sell baby chicks or hatching eggs? Chicken can provide a bit of side money. Nothing one will get rich on, but if you watch your expenses, they can bring a bit of income in.

I want to note here that if one is breeding chickens for the betterment of a breed , it may be a longer and larger investment before seeing much return.

Allowing chickens to free range reduces feed costs.

8 You want a chicken as a pet

People enjoy chickens as pets. They are funny to watch and have their own personalities if you take the time to know them.

Some of my chickens when they free range will come running to me when I walk out near them.

When I was a youngster, my sister and I tamed one of our farm chickens. We called her Debbie and she would sit on our lap or arm.

I now have a Swedish Flower Hen named Debbie. She looks like the Debbie of my child hood. In fact, a Swedish Flower Hen pictured on Facebook that looked like the pet of my childhood started my on my Swedish Flower Hen journey.

Some of my chickens when they free range will come running to me when I walk out near them.

9 You want to teach children in your life.

Chicken provide lessons to children in your life from daily responsibility of doing chores to facts of the birds and the bees.

The lessons of where food comes from also can be learned from chickens. Teaching children a hard fact that animals give their life to provide meat and how to value them while they live.

For the little ones

You are looking for reasons to get outside and move around in all kinds of weather.

Feeding animals get me up and moving even on days I do not feel my best. Movement helps me with my health goals. Thinking of the animals instead of how lousy I may be feeling drives me outside. Truly, this allows me to keep going in all areas of my life.

I struggle with low energy levels due to sugar levels, thyroid levels and cortisol levels. Fresh air does wonders for the soul and mental state. I encourage you to push a little and reap the benefits of movement and fresh air. Caring for my animals helps me do that.

Bonus

Chickens prep ground on the homestead

Read how chickens have contributed to the homestead here at CG Heartbeats Farm on the blog post Chickens on the Homestead

NOTE: This page or post contains affiliate links. When you click and make a purchase I earn a portion of the money you spend at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you for your support.

I wonder what you would add to this list. Leave me a comment below or send me a quick email using this form.

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October 29, 2019November 12, 2019

Heirloom Seeds

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What is an heirloom seed? What value do they bring to a homestead lifestyle? I say lifestyle because not all live on a homestead right now, but are working to incorporate homestead and sustainable practices right where they are.

Heirloom seeds have no patent, are not genetically modified and not their own brand. These seeds are generations old, handed down seeds, some in existence for hundreds of years or more. Flowers, fruits, grains, and vegetables all have heirloom varieties.

Drawn, in part, by the independence an heirloom seed provides, I strive here on CG Heartbeats Farm to use as many heirloom seeds as I can. In 2019 almost everything I planted falls under the heirloom category: Tomatoes, Cherry Tomatoes, Glass Gem Popcorn, Sugar Baby Water Melon, Sweet Potatoes, and Squash. The carrots and potatoes did not.

Want to win $50.00 worth of Heirloom Seeds? I learned about this giveaway and when I entered I found out that I could share a link to gain more entries. How fun is that. Seeds For Generations is giving away $50.00 in FREE heirloom seeds. Click here to enter. When you do you will find ways to get more entries. (Yes, I too, gain entries when you enter) Lets have fun, support each other, heirloom seeds and Seeds for Generations.

An heirloom seed will reproduce itself. In other words, the fruit or vegetable that a seed comes from produces a plant that grows the same product with little or no variation in size or appearance.

If you choose to save seeds from an heirloom plant you will not need to buy any more seeds to grow that particular food. Cha-Ching! Money in your pocket!

As with any thing plant and animal small mutations occasionally occur. Even natural production is not a perfect operation perhaps more imperfect when compared to modern selection process.

Many modern seeds on the market produce a perfect looking crop for one year. If you save those seeds, they will not be able to reproduce themselves. A plant may grow but the product may be a different color, shape, ect. My thoughts on this topic of old genetic selection vs. current day start flowing fast.

I am reminded of the modern day meat bird that is F 30 or more. It cannot even live the life of a normal chicken. It has been developed to become highly proficient at growing fast and heavy muscle. What does F 30 mean? That is the number of generations that a breed has been bred back to a type of itself to promote the traits it is know for today. A lot of traits disappear in the process. I am not criticizing anyone who chooses to raise and eat these bird. They serve a purpose.

Rather, I mean to share the way certain traits disappear in both plants and animals when breeding for specifics. Disease resistance, drought or cold hardiness, and longevity may disappear over time. Isolating a particular trait can be a good thing in the short term, but diversity keeps life moving forward for future generations.

If suddenly seed companies failed to produce seeds, where does one find seeds? It takes seeds to grow food. We rely heavily today in our ability to run to the store, or jump online to order.

How does the human race survive with out these modern conviences? Heirloom seeds to the rescue. Saved in dry conditions they do not expire in a year or two (or three). In fact, seeds that fall naturally in the wild sometimes stay dormant in the soil for many years until the conditions are right.

The flavor of the heirloom tomatoes I raised this year compares to no other tomato. I wonder how much is lost in flavor and texture when moving toward the perfect modern vegetable and fruit.

Are foods produced from heirloom seeds healthier? I am not certain the true answer to that question will be revealed in my generation. I do believe in some regard they are, but I have no research to quote backing up my opinion.

Downside of Heirloom Seeds

In order to preserve the integrity of the next generation of heirloom seeds the current crop must be planted out of reach from pollen from a different variety of the same crop. For example, I planted Glass Jem popcorn this year, but will not be saving any for seed. All the farmers planted corn near me and next year they will plant beans. Next year, I will save the seed.

Right now, through November 30, 2019 enter to win $50 worth of free heirloom seeds from Seeds for Generations a family owned business located in Virginia. When you enter you will be given a discount code to use on a future order. They will also show you how you can gain additional entries.

Because there are only 11 acres here, I do not have enough space to plant multiple varieties of certain vegetables and maintain the integrity of the next generations seed. While productive, the land here is not enough space here to plant different varieties of one kind.

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June 3, 2019June 3, 2019

Down Home Discount

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Past blog posts have taken a look at different farmer’s markets I have attended. In this post I am excited to share a story about a little different place to find farmer market items. When I am in the Cody and Powell, Wyoming area, I always stop by to shop for great deals on foods and other items from Down Home Discount.

Down Home Discount in Powell, Wyoming offers a unique service to both local farmers and area consumers. Staying within the local and state laws they provide a venue for goods to be available from producers in the surrounding area. Keep reading to learn exactly what locally produced food you will find.

What: Down Home Discount
Where: 410 South Clarke Street
       Powell, Wyoming
When: Tuesday – Friday 9 am – 6 pm
      Saturday 8 am – 4:30 pm

This store opened in August of 2017 as a place to purchase name brand products at a reduced price. While some products are out dated or dented, most of their merchandise is with in a use by date and with no damage at all. Use this link to read about purchasing items that are damaged or past the date. Since their purchase price is a fraction of what other stores in the area pay, they are able to pass these savings on to their customers. Owned by a local family with 4 children, they understand the struggles of making ends meet and are excited to offer a lower priced option to the public. A fun part of shopping here is the excitement of discovering what great deals are available each week. Along with groceries DHD also offers a variety of household wares, clothing, and personal hygiene items at a fraction of prices at other locations.

I enjoyed sharing in the opening of Down Home Discount located at 410 South Clark St. This store owned by the Ruckerts was about 3 to 4 years in the making. After many conversations, meetings and plans it felt like a dream come true to finally have their store open. As with most new business ventures, there were and are details to be figured out.

Meet the Owners

Both Brad and April grew up in the Midwest on a dirt road, but not the same one. Brad on a dairy and crop farm and April in a 5-acre woods that included many different animals including horses and goats. Now longtime residents of the Cody/Powell area, they have settled here to raise their own family of 4. Often, on the trips back home they found enjoyment and value in the many discounted stores thriving in their hometown and surrounding area. It was here the dream began to bring this shopping option to their neck of the woods in Wyoming. I admire the fact that it was at least 4 years in the making. The many steps and meetings as the researched this dream. Tenacity is a character trait they both carry, although they may or may not realize its presence.

I was scheduled to be on hand for the grand opening. However, a death in the family, left me with a decision to make and I choose to stay home for the funeral. I enjoyed helping in the store when I did arrive in the first few weeks it opened

Local Farmer’s Contributions

The Ruckert’s understand the importance of supporting local business and the health value of local produce and other foods. Happily, Down Home Discount has made space in the store for local vendors to display their wares. Along with finding great deals on groceries and other products you will find some of the same buying options as if you were attending a local farmer’s market. Keep in mind these items are going to support local families and may not be discounted, but their value comes in the form of health and homemade/produced goods.

Local Baked goods

Local Dairy Products

Farm Fresh ice cream is one of the items available at the Powell store.

Mexican Cuisine

Local crafted Tamale after being purchased and then cooked at home.

Eggs are available. Look for other locally produced foods to be available when you visit Down Home Discount.

A New Location

New in 2019, Down Home Discount and it’s owners opened a new location in Cody, Wyoming about a 30 minute drive from Powell. This location is also a little less than an hour from the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park making it a great place to stock up on supplies for your trip into the park.

What: Down Home Discount
Where: 2621 Big Horn Avenue
       Cody, Wyoming
When: Tuesday – Friday 9 am – 6 pm 
      Saturday 9 am – 5 pm

This new location offers a different buying option. A percentage of merchandise can be purchased in bulk at an additional discount, on top of already low prices. For example, 12 cans of baked beans for the price of 11 when prices are already lower. Get together with your friends when shopping Down Home Discount in Cody and save even more. This new location brings a larger selection in clothing, shoes, health and beauty, and

Facts to remember:

Both stores do not always carry the same merchandise from week to week. It can be like opening a present and you find your self surprised with new items on a regular basis when shopping at Down Home Discount. Stay informed of the weekly deals and new products on Facebook: Down Home Discount on FB.

Attentions local farmers and producers:

Are you a local farmer and produce local food in the Cody, Wyoming or Powell area? Be sure to contact Down Home Discount to speak with them about offering your local produce in their store.

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November 28, 2018December 4, 2018

A Holiday Farmer’s Market

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With the garlic planted, I was ready to turn my attention to the upcoming Indoor Farmer’s Market and cweek to prepare for the first Indoor Market in Bremen. Knowing that the hens were molting I wanted to have more to take than eggs, if I would have any. Egg production drops off when the hens molt. I contacted my Mom and she was trilled with the idea of making crafts for the sale. Earlier in the fall I had looked over boxes of craft items my Mom had stored for future creations. The only item I was sure she had was A LOT of fake evergreen.

She had many birds, little wooden bird houses, other wooden pieces, ribbon, beads, fake snow, bows, and other pieces to create to our hearts content. I picked up some paint and found more in my own craft supplies. I probably have not even looked into my craft boxes for over 5 years.

Day 1:
Armed with my hot glue gun, a few bottles of paint, along with purchases I had recently made, I set out on an almost 2-hour drive to spend an afternoon painting little decorative bird houses. My Mom had come up with the idea to make the bird houses as if they were gingerbread houses, but first they would need a base paint. These cute things were no taller than 4 inches. I had purchased brown paint to hopefully resemble a gingerbread house.

After painting a few brown ones, I wanted to play with the red, green and white I had brought along. Time flew by that first afternoon. My mom and I had planned to take a break and make a short trip for coffee and donuts (for Mom) and food with more substance for me. A special way to spend time with family hanging out and expressing our creative side.

Day 2:
I looked out my window to see a whole bunch of white covering the landscape in the beautiful way only fresh fallen snow can. The drive took longer, but the pretty view along the way left me feeling like I arrived in no time. I sat down and went right to work with a paint brush. I seemed to move from one to the other thinking on ideas of what I wanted to create on a previous house as I worked. I switched from painting to work on a wreath. I needed to take a break from the brush. As I worked my thoughts went from gingerbread houses to a winter scene with snow covered pine trees. Humm I wonder…. if I could paint a pine tree….?

I recalled a time in fourth grade, that I had sat down with a blank piece of card board and various colors of chalk. I had messed around a bit with drawing, as a child might, but not with any flow or success. Drawing usually felt like a struggle, something that I had to think hard about. This day I was recalling, the picture began to appear beneath the splashes of chalk. I was looking a painting of 3 collie dogs, but drawing in chalk. I sat alone in our living room, mentally tuning into a creative, artistic zone. I heard the voices of people working in our house trailer that day as if they were a TV playing in the background. In reality, there was many who had come over to clean up a big mess, made when I had unleased an entire fire extinguisher on a single electrical outlet. The act alone, I was told, is why there was a heavy covering of dust like material in the entire house trailer. Had I not acted quickly, there would have been NO house to clean. I felt terrified when I saw flames coming from the outlet. Looking back, I now believe the drawing of the collie dog provided an outlet for emotion overwhelm. That day, the face of a collie seemed to me to simply appear from the strokes of chalk, there was a flow I had never felt before. I struggled many times after that as I attempted to draw pictures, but rarely, if ever, felt the synchronicity of seeing with my mind and creating with my hands. On the day in my memory…I wondered, ‘Could I draw the face of a collie with those pieces of chalk.’ I had found them when working to clean up the mess.

Back to the current day, sitting with a paint brush in hand I again felt the flow from my mind to the picture that appeared as I painted. The fact I was feeling a similar connection between my hand creating and the picture I was seeing in my mind had reminded me of the day of the fire.

Market Day

The day of the market arrived. I made use of the option to take items in the day before, so set up was fast on Saturday morning.

Having been a vendor at Bremen’s summer Farmer’s Market, I enjoyed seeing familiar faces of both vendors and customers alike. This time I sat painting, while chatting with people new and old. I enjoyed this version of a market. There were new to me vendors attending the indoor market, such as Millers Goat and Garden.

This of course caught my attention since I grew up around goats. A bit more about my child hood in the blog post titled: Roots and Wings: New Life ~ Goats. Word has it, a Valentine’s Day Market is in consideration for February. Be sure to visit and like the Facebook page for Bremen Farmer’s Market for updates using the link posted below.

www.facebook.com/BremenFarmersMarket

And stop by the CG Heartbeats Farm Facebook page for farm news, local market updates, new blog posts and other interesting bits of info.

In summary, Bremen’s event, A Holiday Farmers Market, was a success for me. I sold a few things, and conversed with people in the community I had not met before. I also had reason to spend 2 days with my Mom as we prepared. Simply put: A Holiday Farmer’s Market equaled a fun time! This years indoor market was a first time event for Bremen, Indiana. A first of many, I hope!!

A big thank you to Yoder’s Bremen Hardware in downtown Bremen, Indiana for providing the venue along with chairs and tables for the event.

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May 1, 2018June 7, 2018

Pryor Mountain Horse Range ~ Part 1

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I ended the blog post titled Yellowtail Swimming Hole sharing my belief that the Lord had an encounter with the wild mustangs that was just for me. That a special moment would happen and I would know without a doubt it was intended for me. That is all I had was belief that had well up in me. Truthfully this doesn’t happen often to me. I had no conscious idea of how it would happen or when it would happen. Simply a belief that it would. This happened on a Sunday. Fast forward to Wednesday when a friend of my sister offered to take me to the Prior Horse Range. This time we were driving to the top of the range and the top of the Pryor Mountains. The Yellowtail, where we had been swimming a few days before was visible from our location on the mountain.

The Yellowtail, where we went swimming a few days before is pictured in the distant body of water. Photo credit: Denise Connelly

But first we spent about 2 – 3 hours driving. The first half of that time we were on paved roads, but the last half was a rutted, bumpy, dirt track. The closer we came to the top, the worse the ruts, it seemed. I was naushas going up and down the mountain. Oh, no worries, I would do it all over again. The experience at the top was worth it all. Life is like that too, isn’t it?

We finally reached this sign, but no mustangs in sight.

A short while later we pulled to the side of the two track drive. My new found friends believed this area to be one of two watering holes in this area of the mustang range. Here was a sign with a few need to know facts and important behaviors to maintain around the wild horses. As a horse owner for over 30 years who had earned a reputation (I have been told) for being a bit crazy, I honestly did not give much thought to the ‘rules’. I felt super excited to be on the mustang range…now to see some wild mustangs!!! I am not sure if I realized at this time that this range was home to Cloud. Cloud, made famous by the 3 part PBS series to increase awareness for wild mustangs, lived out his life of 20 years under the watchful, but non-intrusive, presence of humans with cameras rolling.

Wild horse habitat had my attention. The dry forage, trails and this beautiful watering hole, but so far no mustangs.

There was one more watering hole to check out farther on ahead. Oh when I think of physical peace on earth, it was the time spent on this mountain top! A similar feeling to what I often had when foaling out mares. The view that appeared before me became eye candy to my soul.

I bask in the breezes and deeply smelled the fresh mountain air as I found myself walking across the mountain top.

I told my compainions, “Don’t mind me, I am gonna go be with the horses.” I took a deep breath as I walked away down the hill. To translate my meaning..“I am gonna go be one with the horses.” After all, I knew the Lord had a special moment for me, as promised a few days earlier.

A cremello colt caught my eye and I ambled that direction.

Camera in hand, I took pictures of 3 adults and 2 foals walking along.

I did not see a stallion with this group, odd I thought. I took a few more steps toward 4 horses to my right. I seen a stallion, obvious to me, root his nose in the air, toward the other 3 horses directing them to run towards me.

My thoughts were racing. ‘Nothing around to hide behind‘ as my first instinct was to run and hide. Next idea: An embankment, ‘perhaps if I could reach the other side it would offer some protection’. I took two steps to my right only to realize the timing did not work for that plan. If continued on that path those 3 horses would plow me over. On the path ahead of me the stallion charged toward me, ears pinned back.

Now I have been rushed by a stallion before, but NOT a wild one! At which time while somewhat fearful, I side stepped at the last minute to avoid being trampled. This was different. I felt scared, picturing a rearing, stomping, wild stallion. I am not sure scared truly defines the emotions I felt. Terrified might be more accqurate, as my mind logically realized potential death by trampling. I planted my feet. As he barreled toward me, I waited briefly until he was almost a stride and a half from me. I extended my arms out in front of me, placing one hand over the other and clasping my fingers together. Intuitively, I waited for the perfect time, feet still planted, I decisively pushed my hands up and down in short motions. These movements communicate to a horse that I am creating a boundry or in human terms personal space. Amazingly he shifted his direction and ran by me, kicking out as he went by. Perhaps he was being playful or defiant, but at least he was respectful of my communication to him. I immediately dropped my hands, shoulders, and head to indicate I presented no threat. I might have snuck a peak over my shoulder to see his response, an ear was cocked my way. Guess I had his attention.

As I walked up back up towards the others, I felt alive, more alive than I had in some time. Exhilerated might describe it, but I don’t know that I have felt quite the way I was feeling before or since. “I don’t want to do it ever again, but that was AWESOME!!!!” , was my statement. Denise told me, “I was sure we were going to need to have you life-flighted off the mountain.”

Another look at the stallion I later learned had a name. His ear was still cocked my direction. I snapped a quick picture.

How special to have a moment of communication with a wild stallion, I thought. I will be honest, I had a desire to continue interacting with him, but my common sense and logic won. A reminder from my fellow man regarding the rule to stay 100 feet from the horses chided my wish. “Perhaps another day, in another place and time the opportunity will present itself,” I consoled my desire with that thought. I decided to be happy with the moments I had been given.

In awe, I strolled, at safe distance from the other bands, and took pictures.

Remember the first watering hole we stopped at? One more treat awaited me back there…to be continued.

Denise and her husband kindly transported and shared this adventure. Denise takes beautiful pictures and owns a better camera. Generously, She allowed me to use photos of me shot the day we experienced this story. Credit for her photos are noted under applicable pictures. Every year she offers calendars for sale featuring Wyoming wildlife. To order your own beautiful calendar, email her at:

dconnelly1970@gmail.com

Read other posts about the Pryor Mountain horse range:

Yellowtail Swimming Hole

Pryor Mountain Horse Range ~ part 2

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April 13, 2018June 7, 2018

Yellowtail Swiming Hole

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A few years back I learned of a beach in Wyoming. In the past I never associated swimming with Wyoming. Horses, ranches, cowboys and cowgirls, even hiking, came to mind but not a day at the beach.

This particular trip to Wyoming I found a desire to spend time with wild mustang herds. In my mind, that would be awesome to simple be in their presence and observe their behavior. I learned that sometimes one might see wild mustangs from this swimming hole. That, along with the desire to spend time with family, motivated me to make the trip, despite feeling rather poorly that day.

We were greeted with a warm sun, red dirt, and cool water that one needed to gradually aculamte to. Oh the site was lovely! Gorgeous! These pictures hardly do justice to the beauty.

A small party store allowed a place to purchase snacks and ice cream. For the price of $50 per person one could take a trip up the canyon on board a ferry. We chose not to that day.

A few of us did look down on that river and tall canyon walls a bit later in the day. Oh what splendor! One day I hope to see the canyon looking up.

We packed on our lunches and snacks and spent the day relaxing. I do remember the air turned chilly when the sun went behind a cloud.

The Yellowtail Swimming hole, near the bottom of the Pryor mustang horse range had me looking above the campground for horses all day. Not sure if expressed my disappointment out loud, but when every one else left, 4 including myself took a short drive to cross through a small part of the Pryor mustang range.

It was easy to know when we were in the range. Cattle guards lined the roads on each boundary.

Passing through the mustang range we came to a look out point over the river. Amazing hardly describes the view. If you do not like heights, I suggest you refrain from looking down.

A lone sheep made an appearance.

There was more to explore, but the day was fading. We decided to begin the drive back through the Pryor mustang range to our overnight accommodation.

We stopped a couple times to look for mustangs from the road. We seen evidence, trails and horse droppings, but no horses. At one stop, a thought welled up in my heart that the Lord would have a special encounter for me with the mustangs. That it would be for me and I would know it. I envisioned a mare and foal beautiful, innocent sweetness. My passion for foaling out mares burned despite no longer working at the foaling barn. My disappointment of not seeing any mustangs left me. I trusted that, in time, I had a special moment coming for me alone. With that belief in my heart, I informed the others I was with I was ready to head back when they were. Oh little did I know…. to be continued.

To read more about my experiences on the Pryor Horse Range check out these blog posts:

Pryor Mountain Horse Range ~ part 1

Pryor Mountain Horse Range ~ part 2

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March 28, 2018April 11, 2018

Roots and Wings: New Life

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Almost all of my life, I found time standing still for the presentation of new life in animal form. I have not kept track of the times I have observed, and sometimes assisted, in animal births. I am pretty sure the list includes goats, pigs, cattle, dogs, cats, horses and chickens. From an early age the process has inspired me, leaving an almost spiritual experience impression on my heart. Now to be sure the few times a mother’s life was lost in the process damped my enthusiasm, but has not eradicated my love for the process of new life appearing to the world. Oh yes, I have been privileged to observe the appearance of human babies on 3 occasions, but with an almost tear in my eye, never my own.

New life in the form of animal and human births present like the beauty of a new day, a sunrise, a new start, a new journey. Maybe that lies at the heart of my passion for the birthing process. Beautiful expectations for all the untapped possibilities, dreams and discoveries of potential capabilities envelope new life. I often felt a bit of anxiety and fear as well. Knowing the importance of timing for everything to go right leaves me feeling I witnessed a miracle. New life amazes me for all the development that occurs out of sight with a mothers womb. Aside from a larger abdomen and some rapid belly movements there is no outside indication of the inside growth and development. I think God works in our lives that way from the inside out. He speaks to our hearts and helps us make these little changes that over time appear in big ways. I suppose, truthfully this process might lead us the other direction if we are giving an ear to the devil. Makes a pretty strong argument for the importance of learning to know the voice of Lord.

On a complete side note: As I was writing this last paragraph I heard the distinct chirp of a baby chick from the incubator. No visible pips yet, but there is a definite chirp coming from across the room…New life! My heart leapt and I felt compelled to put the computer down to have a look. I could not find a single pip, perhaps it is out of sight or not quite through the shell. Fitting for the current topic!

Spring represents new life. Flowers, and plants begin pushing new growth up through the soil. Trees grow new leaves. Spring commonly presents the time frame for animal births too. While I have been present for the birth of several different species, I am going to speak to the three most common in my life: goats, horses, and chickens. This post is the first in a short series of 4 where I will be sharing a few stories of my animal birthing experiences.

To be honest, there are a few times the stories sadly ended in the loss of life. In those hard moments, I have questioned if I ever wanted to be present for another birth. The truth is, the good out weighs the bad for me. I would not trade the moments of joy just to avoid the painful ones.

Have you ever experienced the birth of an animal? If so please leave a comment telling about it. Would you like to see a chick emerging from its shell? Use the form below to receive a free video of a chick hatching.

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November 6, 2017November 7, 2017

Banff National Park

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In Canada, Highway 1 runs from Calgary, AB to Vancouver, BC through Banff National Park. In an effort to protect the wild life from humans and vise-versa a tall fence has been constructed to keep wild life off the highway. “Natural” over passes have been created so animals can cross from one side of the highway to the other. Underpasses exist for the wild life, as well, but I did not get a picture of those.

I had never seen an animal overpass in person before. I was excited and enjoyed the beauty they added.

Each mountain range had its own look.

We found a rest stop that allowed me to capture a little of the beauty in Banff National Park.

Along with a place to pull off the road, there were primitive wash rooms.

Here a nice display described the program to help keep the park wild life segregated from the travelers. A scaled down version of under and over passes gave kids and grown ups alike a place to stretch their legs.

Another picture from our drive through Banff National Park.

We stopped two places at Lake Louise and town of Banff. In the town of Banff we ate on the patio of the Waldhaus Pub, viewed the Bow River Falls and stopped at the train station for a few pictures. A treasured tidbit from my Mother came down the tracks, if I may? In between taking pictures I heard a story about her and her sister from when they were teenagers. It involved a train track, and Elsie (her sister) who had passed on only 3 weeks prior. Another precious moment in our day trip to Banff National Park.

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June 27, 2017June 28, 2017

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