tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40237702461667476822024-03-13T23:34:29.336-06:00City Girl Gone Ranch Mama~The Ramblings of an Innkeeper's WifeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14622308357491089645noreply@blogger.comBlogger255125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023770246166747682.post-47911866694466998492014-08-19T00:04:00.001-06:002014-08-19T00:04:40.918-06:00Road Trip'n<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sometimes you just need to get away...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qdrm47iUfCk/U_LotM5uyDI/AAAAAAAAFoQ/yb54g_nZmwo/s640/blogger-image-937417539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qdrm47iUfCk/U_LotM5uyDI/AAAAAAAAFoQ/yb54g_nZmwo/s640/blogger-image-937417539.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RsLG-MKaBQk/U_Lo9ugTrII/AAAAAAAAFpY/8FiqYM7Fwxw/s640/blogger-image--696599439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nDo9ca75iEE/U_Lo6Lm956I/AAAAAAAAFpI/sAAVhodVQUk/s640/blogger-image--1296969999.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mwiFxVQakHs/U_Lo0225cZI/AAAAAAAAFow/bS6TmHafj04/s640/blogger-image-208953387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mwiFxVQakHs/U_Lo0225cZI/AAAAAAAAFow/bS6TmHafj04/s640/blogger-image-208953387.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-SBlt2siwsM4/U_Lo2munjNI/AAAAAAAAFo4/nuNoT3nS0Uo/s640/blogger-image--774235991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-SBlt2siwsM4/U_Lo2munjNI/AAAAAAAAFo4/nuNoT3nS0Uo/s640/blogger-image--774235991.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aVge6c8v0WY/U_Lou9osXWI/AAAAAAAAFoY/duxl--fO_dA/s640/blogger-image-1613966439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-aVge6c8v0WY/U_Lou9osXWI/AAAAAAAAFoY/duxl--fO_dA/s640/blogger-image-1613966439.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fiBt2L6SZ7I/U_LoynYDTFI/AAAAAAAAFoo/fRe3OrCskVk/s640/blogger-image-918987136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fiBt2L6SZ7I/U_LoynYDTFI/AAAAAAAAFoo/fRe3OrCskVk/s640/blogger-image-918987136.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xg1KRGVK_wE/U_Lo8Mp8Y0I/AAAAAAAAFpQ/TA-juYYMA-g/s640/blogger-image-525835202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xg1KRGVK_wE/U_Lo8Mp8Y0I/AAAAAAAAFpQ/TA-juYYMA-g/s640/blogger-image-525835202.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's about time to head home.... </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14622308357491089645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023770246166747682.post-40596386080092676562014-07-11T18:15:00.000-06:002014-07-11T18:15:01.935-06:00The Resort Spa: A Moment for Me One of my favorite things about working for resorts is getting to utilize the spa! So when Adventure Man asked if I wanted a facial I was like, "Hell yeah!"<br />
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I used to work as the office manager for a resort spa. Because we were in a remote town, our therapists would have to commute. And sometimes they would be running late. So we all decided it might be a good idea if I knew how to set up for their treatments. And to <i>really</i> be good at this, it would be good to experience the treatments. (You see where I'm going with this…) And because I was saving their butts, they were more than willing to offer services. Plus, I was just really cool and they liked me. </div>
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This past experience has kind of made me a bit of a spa snob. But the spa here in our Wyoming town is awesome. We have a new manager who is changing things up. Change is always good. Especially when it means they have to practice. And that's where I come in!<br />
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This morning I got to enjoy an hour long therapeutic facial. We don't have an esthetician so we are limited on some services. But really, this is my favorite spa service. All our stress and emotions end in our faces and to have someone focus on detoxification, hydration and massage, well, it's just an amazingly relaxing thing. </div>
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If you've never experienced it, you really do need to give it a try!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14622308357491089645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023770246166747682.post-68752403424250059762014-02-20T09:10:00.000-07:002014-04-14T17:30:27.972-06:00Another Place to Play - My New BlogAbout a year ago I started to realize that there was a change coming. In this the hospitality industry, when you are experienced with what is called a specialty property, you can find yourself being approached by other employers. The average general manager only stays in one place for about four or five years.<br />
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So we had had enough contacts just through LinkedIn to know the winds of change where starting to blow. </div>
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That's when I realized that this blog, though I love it so, may not fit our life's description much longer. I may still be the Innkeeper's wife. But how long would we still be on the property? We lived on two different guest ranch properties for a total of eight years. But that's not as common as my kids seem to think. </div>
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This line of thinking bright me to the conclusion that I either needed to change the name of my blog, or start a new one. Or maybe both. And then there is the fact that I'm out of photo space. So, the desition was practically made for me! </div>
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I started a new blog. It's not meant to replace this one. It's just an extinction of my life. I went with a blog that I could talk about my other love, or passion, or, well self. It's my place to talk about my <a href="http://kristenrandall.blogspot.com/2013/09/being-gf-it-not-just-fad.html" target="_blank">health</a>, my <a href="http://kristenrandall.blogspot.com/2014/02/getting-stronger-one-day-at-time.html" target="_blank">fitness</a>, my spirit, my <a href="http://kristenrandall.blogspot.com/2013/10/witchy-woman_30.html" target="_blank">soul</a>. That is how <a href="http://kristenrandall.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mermaid on the Mountain</a> was born. I added it to the links up top almost a year ago, but never formally introduced it till now. </div>
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<a href="http://kristenrandall.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-blog-in-waiting.html" target="_blank">I was waiting</a>. I needed to let it evolve a little bit. I needed to see where we as a family where going. I needed to see how my life would play out. Now I've found that most of what I have to write about fits better over there. For example, I started to write about my thoughts on body Imige and public nudity in this post <a href="http://www.citygirlgoneranchmama.com/2012/11/the-japanese-onsen-and-public-nudity.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. I will finish that series with the Mermaid. I may never finish it, it's kind of my life's philosophy. You'll have to stay tuned. So head on over and follow my mermaid self. </div>
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Oh, one of the reasons I didn't share it until now is because my parents follow the City Girl Gone Ranch Mama blog. I was afraid of the shock factor. I'm over that. So just a little warning, I'm a lot more myself over there. And since it's a blog mostly about my health, I may talk a lot more openly about things that some might deem TMI. Just saying. </div>
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Don't worry, I do have lots more stories about resorts and hotel life, so don't give up on Ranch Mama either! Really! The new resort is also a bar with a brewery. Let me tell you, there are already tales to tell! </div>
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Do stay tuned! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14622308357491089645noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023770246166747682.post-38249151925493806332014-02-12T09:18:00.000-07:002014-11-26T18:04:06.602-07:00The Artist in Me - Stranded on The Mountain<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've heard that those who are artistic can be eccentric. Dramatic? A little crazy?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Living on the guest ranch in the off season is a very different experience. One day it's a busy little valley with people coming and going. The next day it's a ghost town. A cold ghost town. And just as the summer nights meant hours of sun, the winter brings the endless darkness. Sunsets at 4:30 anyone?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Then comes the wind. Howling like a lonely wolf lost from it's pack. Whipping through the roof and the trees and the canyon. We get winter storm warnings that state 90 mile an hour winds in the mountain passes. Uh, yeah, that's our mountain by the way!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Adventure Man would take the kids to the bus stop. During one wind storm the bus was having a hard time keeping the door open. When Adventure Man lunged to save a little girl from getting hit with the flapping door he let go of Bear. Bear was picked up and flew three feet before Adventure Man grabbed him again! Granted, Bears not too big, but still! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Then there where times when the wind would blow the snow in drifts into the road of our mountain pass and we'd be snowed in. Up here in the north, we don't have snow days. The schools don't cancel! But the two families who live up on the mountain? Well we had snow days! Sometimes for days and days! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What did I do with my time while sitting atop that beautiful, dark, cold mountain? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I started this blog, of course! </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And what did my kids do while the wind blew and the power flickered? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Yeah, you get the idea... </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All work and no play makes Kristen a dull girl. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All work and no play makes Kristen a dull girl. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All work and no play makes Kristen a dull girl. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All work and no play makes Kristen a dull girl. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All work and no play makes Kristen a dull girl. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All work and no play makes Kristen a dull girl. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All work and no play makes Kristen a dull girl. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All work and no play makes Kristen a dull girl. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All work and no play makes Kristen a dull girl. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All work and no play makes Kristen a dull girl. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All work and no play makes Kristen a dull girl. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All work and no play makes Kristen a dull girl. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All work and no play makes Kristen a dull girl. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All work and no play makes Kristen a dull girl. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All work and no play makes Kristen a dull girl. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All work and no play makes Kristen a dull girl. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All work and no play makes Kristen a dull girl. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All work and no play makes Kristen a dull girl. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All work and no play makes Kristen a dull girl. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All work and no play makes Kristen a dull girl. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All work and no play makes Kristen a dull girl. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All work and no play makes Kristen a dull girl. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All work and no play makes Kristen a dull girl.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">........ </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit to:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Top: Adventure Man</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Bottom two: screen shot of movie The Shining </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">All edited by me on Snapseed</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14622308357491089645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023770246166747682.post-84099958783072857182013-12-27T00:00:00.000-07:002014-11-26T18:04:43.186-07:00Dying A Little<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14622308357491089645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023770246166747682.post-24639850535116348822013-12-23T00:00:00.000-07:002014-11-26T18:04:18.597-07:00Change<div>
Our roads sometimes turn in ways we do not see. Change can bring the snow after the wind has stripped the trees of their color. </div>
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And sometimes change can bring the moving van. </div>
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Yes that's right, we are moving on. To another resort where we will have more stories to tell. So stay tuned for some changes in 2014! </div>
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But until then, I'm trying to keep the baby off the boxes! </div>
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Heaven help me! She climbed up there herself! Yikes! </div>
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This stack has grown. And our holiday décor has a different look about it than past years. </div>
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Enjoy your simple moments, they are fleeting! And may you have a wonderful holiday season! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14622308357491089645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023770246166747682.post-79747501155139835272013-12-03T21:53:00.001-07:002014-11-26T18:04:35.743-07:00In the Beginning - How I Got Started<div>
I stood at the window, holding my sweet newborn baby. I studied these majestic mountains in my new back yard. So close I could walk right out the door and up into them, I would one day, hike these trails. But for now I knew. I knew this new home would be a home of healing. For all of us. </div>
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Postpartum depression hit me just a day or two after Bunny, our youngest, was born. I remember standing in the hotel room with all my kids around me and just bursting into tears. I couldn't stop it. I couldn't hide it. The joy that I felt after each of my other kids was replaced with a sorrow as deep and as black as the ocean. </div>
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One of the most common questions in the blogosphere is, "why did you start your blog?" <br />
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This is a question I have avoided for the past two years. I've tried to write about it, but then I would decide I wasn't ready. For some reason, however, I keep coming back to it. Like it's just got to be out there for me to move on. On to big things that I'm really excited about. But, ok like, then there seems even more stuff that's got to be said to make even that stuff make since. </div>
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(Ok, my California City Girl just came out big time in that last sentence.) </div>
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But just as Charles Dickens relates in A Christmas Carol, “There is no doubt that Marley was dead. This must be distinctly understood, or nothing wonderful can come of the story I am going to relate.”</div>
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Except there really isn't all that much about my story that's wonderful. Well, not to me, anyway. </div>
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There were many events that led up to the start of this blog. </div>
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• First we were given a book. I will share the title of this book. But not today. </div>
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The original owner of this Guest Ranch liked to write. And when she past away, the ranch managers found a box of her journals and stories. She read them, and then had some of them published into a book. </div>
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We arrived here just over two and a half years ago. I read the book that was left for us, as a little history lesson, and felt my calling. I had to continue the stories. I had to continue to share the adventure, the beauty and wonder of this special place. </div>
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But there was more. I needed to heal. </div>
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• I had to find a way to fight Postpartum Depression. </div>
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When we arrived here at the ranch, our youngest child was 21 days old. Moving is hard. Moving with small children is harder. Moving with a newborn is even harder. But that is not where this story began. </div>
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Before we came here, my husband worked for another resort. He works hard, he is patient, he is likable. At this resort, we found that not all the people he worked with, or for, shared these qualities. My husband found that many of the upper management (of which he was a part) would get fired if certain people were unhappy with various outcomes. He found himself outlasting all of them. Still, as we saw people come and go, we realized that it really was just a matter of time before our number was up. </div>
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Our number did come up. On October 31, 2010. I was five months pregnant. </div>
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I handled it well. Oh sure, we cried. But emotionally I handled everything very well. Of course I wouldn't have if my amazing mother-in-law hadn't come and spent two months with us. She was an amazing packer! She moved faster than anyone I had ever seen, getting us boxed up and ready to go. Go where? We had no idea. </div>
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We lived in employee housing on the property and HR had told us we could stay past the usual 30 days. In fact, as time ticked on, and baby got bigger, we were told we could stay until baby came. We had one more month to go. </div>
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Then, certain people heard about it. Certain people said no. We had to go by the end of the week or we would be charged by the day. </div>
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We went. With no offers in sight, we put our stuff in a storage unit and got a hotel room in town. </div>
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I tend to deliver my babies quickly. I also go a week or two early. My doctor advised me not to leave town. </div>
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The wonderful story of how this remarkable person came into this world is another story. And she deserves to have it all to herself. But job offers did come. And so did the baby. And with her came my PPD. </div>
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It has been a scary thing. It's been hard on all of us. I am so sorry for the torment my family has gone through. I haven't been the mother I once was. I get angry faster. This results in me hating myself more. This left me with thoughts of suicide. This escalated to a plan. </div>
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I am medicated now. Along with PPD, people with MS have a higher rate of depression than any other chronic illnesses. <br />
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But I'm doing much better. And so is my family. We've all grown. And this litte valley in the mountains has done just what I knew it would. It has given us a place to rest and recover. </div>
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So now we can move on to greater things. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14622308357491089645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023770246166747682.post-69238700378362187912013-11-14T15:05:00.001-07:002013-12-23T11:57:30.925-07:00For the Happy KidsIt's not just an excuse...<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-n9mGNpabOHA/UoVJEWf24NI/AAAAAAAAFI0/hEg7T6C3NGc/s640/blogger-image-1110646850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-n9mGNpabOHA/UoVJEWf24NI/AAAAAAAAFI0/hEg7T6C3NGc/s640/blogger-image-1110646850.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>I swear! </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14622308357491089645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023770246166747682.post-35353235595531526902013-11-12T02:00:00.000-07:002013-11-12T09:03:26.156-07:00Company Chicken ~ My Mama's Curry Chicken<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This is my mom's recipe. She got it from one of her best friends. Now I make it, my sister-in-laws make it, my kids love it. It's actually one of the first non baby foods I fed all my kids. We have it about once a week. Plus, it's super easy.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">But here's the secret: </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This is actually from a Campbell's soup recipe! My mom changed it up a bit to make it work for a larger group, cause she liked to serve this to company, as the name implies. So as I said, it's really easy, but not authentic Indian cuisine. Just really good.</span><br />
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<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kakMBPU_Fno/Un_s79A6tqI/AAAAAAAAFIY/RleTvZq3D0M/s640/blogger-image-524410379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-kakMBPU_Fno/Un_s79A6tqI/AAAAAAAAFIY/RleTvZq3D0M/s640/blogger-image-524410379.jpg" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3 to 4 chicken breasts (or, I use about 6 chicken tenders)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">3/4 cup mayonaise</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 cup parmesan cheese</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">2 tablespoons** curry</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Steam the chicken on stovetop in the water. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">(You can steam frozen chicken without even deforesting it, so easy!)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Remove from heat. Set chicken on a cutting board to cool. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Add soup, mayo, parmesan and curry to the pot of water with the heat off. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Whisk together. Chop chicken. Add chicken to the soup mix and put on low heat to heat through. The cheese will melt and the sauce will thicken. If it's too thick add some more water. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Serve over your favorite rice. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Top with raisins, non sweetened coconut flakes and almonds. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I also like green onions on top. It adds a little more heat. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I tend to double this recipe because my kids will sometimes eat thirds or fourths. Plus it's great for lunch the next day.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">**My mom's recipe calls for 2 teaspoons curry. I have NEVER used that little, even when first giving it to my babies. And I have to say, when I make this for my parents, my Dad always raves about it. I also love to used different kinds of curry. Red Curry is usually hotter. Try it all! Find what your family likes best!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14622308357491089645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023770246166747682.post-44076069998254735472013-11-08T23:36:00.000-07:002013-11-12T09:04:13.665-07:00Being Famous<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">When I was in high school I was really into the drama club. It was my life. I am a drama geek. A thespian. I </span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">was</i><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">. </span></div>
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The year after graduation I ran into an old classmate who actually said to me, that she thought I'd be a famous movie star by then. Really? Ha.<br />
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No, not me. I don't have the energy for that. I am not always in a good mood. I don't always look perfect. I don't <i>want</i> to always look perfect!</div>
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I see Hollywood families and feel sorry for them. I can imagine the Pitt-Jolie clan getting ready to leave there house. The pep talk to be on their best behavior. Keep smiling! You never know who's frown will make the cover of Star Magazine with the caption, "Clinically depressed, is her mother causing her heartache?" </div>
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You ever give one of your kids a look to tell them to straighten up or their getting a wallop? You ever look in the mirror while making that face? Not so pretty are ya? Who needs that kind of stress!?</div>
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But this is starting to remind me of someone. </div>
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Oh, yeah! Me! </div>
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In the real world, when our kids are getting on each other's nerves, not to mention your nerves, you send them outside. Go get dirty, go swing, go climb a tree! What ever! Just get out of my hair! </div>
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But we can't do that. When we emerge from our stuffy confides, we become either the spotlight, or the interrupters! You see, when I said we are <i>raising our kids on a guest ranch</i>, I meant it! </div>
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Our beautiful home over looks most of the guest's accommodations. Several of them can see my kitchen door from their bathroom window. The horse hitching posts are straight out my living room. I love to watch them load up every morning. The trail starts at my driveway. We can wave them on as we eat breakfast at the kitchen table. Yeah, we're that close. </div>
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We could also wave them on from our master bedroom. I could lay in bed and watch the guests ride by. (If I wanted to.) </div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We have lots of beautiful views and big windows to take in those views. One of the first things we did when moved in was order window coverings! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">As amazing as this little valley is, and as great this excperiance is, I do sometimes feel bad for our kids when we want them to be on their best behavior. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">But I have to say, the guests do tell us all the time how well behaved our children are. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">And they really are great kids! If I do say so myself! </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14622308357491089645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023770246166747682.post-63894983211377981502013-10-30T04:00:00.000-06:002013-10-30T04:00:12.663-06:00Remembering All - All Saints Day - A Day I Will Never Forget <div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">This is such a fun time of year! Full of fun Halloween activities. I'm trying to get the pumpkins carved and snacks made for school parties. But I have been remembering a Halloween that meant more to me than all the candy and carved pumpkins combined. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I was 19 years old and I had the opportunity to go on a trip the Paris with my college. It was a trip for the interior design department of which I was a part. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">In grade school I had a dear friend who was French and she was here while her parents worked. This of course was when I lived in Palo Alto, California. But anyway, we went to school together in kindergarten and first grade. We were best friends. Then she moved back to France and we were pen pals for many years. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Because of this early association with France, it had always been on my bucket list. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The trip was guided and included all the main attractions. The <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, the Louvre to name just a few. We also travelled out to the country to visit some Chateaux, and a few hunting cottage... If you could call it that. </span></span></div>
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<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: inherit;">On our way back we made a stop that was not on the schedule. The guide saw the sign for the town of Oradour-sur-Glane and since we were passing buy, asked the driver to make a stop. This small village is now a memorial to those who lost their lives there during World War II. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">If I remember correctly, as it was exactly 20 years ago Friday, the Germans marching from Normandy were told that a German from another Battalion was captured and being held in Oradour-sur-Vayres. This group sealed of Oradour-sur-Glane, having confused it with the other village. You can guess the rest. The tour guide informed us that there were only 2 survivors, who had hid in the bell tower. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">I'm not sure if that is true. </span></div>
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The women and children were locked in the church. The men were taken to a barn, and the town was looted and then burned to the ground. In all, 190 men, 247 women and 205 children were lost that day, in June of 1944. The original town has been left untouched.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">As it was All Saints Day, there were lots of people there. The graveyard was full of flowers. No one was taking pictures. I couldn't not. Although my cheap camera was awful, these are some of my favorite photos. I edited them with <a href="http://www.citygirlgoneranchmama.com/2013/10/autumn-wind-cool-free-app-and-secret.html" target="_blank">Snapseed</a> and now I love them even more. </span></div>
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There was a cafe next to the church and the skeleton of the wire chairs and tables were still out front. </div>
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In this home, there is still a sawing machine in the window sill. </div>
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I studied the Holocaust extensively in high school, (a story for another post.) so this first hand experience touched me greatly. </div>
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The US is very good at creating holiday traditions for children, whose dentists benefit more than anyone. I am not against the usual traditions, but this year we are going to take a few moments to remember those we love who have gone before us. </div>
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The traditional beliefs are that the veil is very thin around this time of year, Samhain is the name, pronounced sah-win or sow-in. It starts at sunset on October 31 and lasts until November 1, although it has been celebrated longer. Extra food was prepared for loved ones and seats were left for them at the table. Food was also buried, for those who didn't have loved ones to remember them. To ward off evil spirits, pumpkins and other gourds were carved. </div>
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We have an Indian graveyard on our property. I told my children that we should take some apples to leave by the gate. They were thrilled. And I am, in writing this post, sharing this day, that always makes me think of a small village in France.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14622308357491089645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023770246166747682.post-20383663152924477212013-10-27T23:36:00.001-06:002013-10-28T18:08:49.736-06:00A Day OutThis weekend was the last of it. The last of fall. Sunday night a storm blew in. We all knew it was coming. It's not supposed to let up until Tuesday. <div><br></div><div>So Friday, Adventure Man and I took Bunny and the dog for one of the last hikes of the year. (I say "one" because Saturday he took the other three kids up on a hike too. By then Bunny had come down with the flu, so she and I stayed home.) </div><div><br></div><div>Here are some fun shots and views we enjoyed. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pHzjktqOXjY/Um33yRG3aQI/AAAAAAAAFEM/1A7eTkjxdzg/s640/blogger-image--1298559034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-pHzjktqOXjY/Um33yRG3aQI/AAAAAAAAFEM/1A7eTkjxdzg/s640/blogger-image--1298559034.jpg"></a></div> </div><div>I really love it up here. There's a view around every corner! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UNilC96bqT4/Um331MTOJXI/AAAAAAAAFEU/j3-9ltjHRjk/s640/blogger-image-1235159290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-UNilC96bqT4/Um331MTOJXI/AAAAAAAAFEU/j3-9ltjHRjk/s640/blogger-image-1235159290.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I shared my chocolate with her. Funny kid won't eat m&ms but she loves my Dove dark chocolate squares. I have this way of making my kids like fancy stuff! Darn it! </div><div><br></div><div>It's fun going out with Adventure Man because he's such a great Dad! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ORxhxjyz7eA/Um33tSQ66AI/AAAAAAAAFD8/NP-W5J0oaaw/s640/blogger-image--1664381631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ORxhxjyz7eA/Um33tSQ66AI/AAAAAAAAFD8/NP-W5J0oaaw/s640/blogger-image--1664381631.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Can these two be any cuter!? I mean really! </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xxufyJVqdtg/Um3333odogI/AAAAAAAAFEc/F-FQ0amnGjc/s640/blogger-image--1021437878.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xxufyJVqdtg/Um3333odogI/AAAAAAAAFEc/F-FQ0amnGjc/s640/blogger-image--1021437878.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It's also fun hanging out with Advinture Man 'cause he likes to take pictures of me. Kind'a makes me feel special! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-P5VeOil2H88/Um336Aa-TbI/AAAAAAAAFEk/TtcMM5MEHWI/s640/blogger-image-1044421663.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-P5VeOil2H88/Um336Aa-TbI/AAAAAAAAFEk/TtcMM5MEHWI/s640/blogger-image-1044421663.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I'm planning on sharing this one again, once I've lost my little belly. I know it's not much. I've lost a lot of weight since Bunny was born. But I've got about 10 more pounds to go. Still, for having four kids (and a puppy), I'm feeling pretty good.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Speaking of the puppy, she found an old bone piece and a shady spot. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5EK-FNfmKcI/Um33q-5FOUI/AAAAAAAAFD0/yvT8lb631gM/s640/blogger-image--402995072.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-5EK-FNfmKcI/Um33q-5FOUI/AAAAAAAAFD0/yvT8lb631gM/s640/blogger-image--402995072.jpg"></a></div><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We were having fun. It was such a nice day! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Z09FGR5PjrQ/Um33vg7OtsI/AAAAAAAAFEE/1yC47Pjz2Qo/s640/blogger-image--1575034226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Z09FGR5PjrQ/Um33vg7OtsI/AAAAAAAAFEE/1yC47Pjz2Qo/s640/blogger-image--1575034226.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now on to snow boots and wool caps! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Happy Winter! </div><br></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14622308357491089645noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023770246166747682.post-42739595075932800322013-10-25T22:00:00.001-06:002013-10-28T18:09:12.705-06:00Autumn Wind, a Cool Free App and a Secret<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MWbLsSdUDiM/Ums-UhwOx8I/AAAAAAAAFDM/nEG81XRl_QY/s640/blogger-image-2034882235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-MWbLsSdUDiM/Ums-UhwOx8I/AAAAAAAAFDM/nEG81XRl_QY/s640/blogger-image-2034882235.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The wind was blowing leaves all over town today. I took this with my phone and edited it with one of my new favorite apps, Snapseed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's so fun and free. And not like the "free" that you need to buy a whole lot of extras to get it to work right. The fun kind of free. Free free! Check it out! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So here's my secret. I've run out of photo space on this blog. I actually ran out a long time ago. Like a year ago! I went to update my header and it wouldn't work. It said I had used up 99.9% of my space. This is what happens when people, like me, start a blog without any computer knowledge. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So what have I done? I've used edit apps like Instagram to get my pics really small. I use mostly pictures taken with my phone. If not, I transfer them to my phone and they get really small. I don't even use the PC anymore. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I also started my other blog. But I don't post there very much. Yet. You can find the link in my pages up at the top. But it's not about the ranch so it's not a replacement. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I've thought about ending this blog and just moving on. But it's too much a part of me. I can't up and leave it. It's my story. At least for now. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I may just have to buy more space. But I'm trying not to. We'll see. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In the mean time, here's another Snapseed edit for your viewing enjoyment. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s8Wp72y9R7Q/Ums-XQUumlI/AAAAAAAAFDU/8WJ741fmcU8/s640/blogger-image-1598456619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s8Wp72y9R7Q/Ums-XQUumlI/AAAAAAAAFDU/8WJ741fmcU8/s640/blogger-image-1598456619.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Happy weekend! I'll be taking care of kids with the flu. </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14622308357491089645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023770246166747682.post-23725566475853044982013-10-17T00:13:00.001-06:002013-10-28T18:09:24.269-06:00See Ya!The fall color doesn't last long. Last week I woke up to this...<div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PcIsMzizlYg/Ul-AFN-kbDI/AAAAAAAAFCw/swPHBSUn1u0/s640/blogger-image--2012737567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-PcIsMzizlYg/Ul-AFN-kbDI/AAAAAAAAFCw/swPHBSUn1u0/s640/blogger-image--2012737567.jpg"></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And to this... </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6GU9Sk4CCCI/Ul4ENP8jO_I/AAAAAAAAFCU/gDmTTq-vFww/s640/blogger-image-241253018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-6GU9Sk4CCCI/Ul4ENP8jO_I/AAAAAAAAFCU/gDmTTq-vFww/s640/blogger-image-241253018.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It's awfully pretty. The snow was gone by mid day. But then the wind kicked up and now most of the color is gone. But I've grown accustom to the spooky witches forest. As I've come to call it. Very fitting. That's a graveyard up there beyond the fence, ya know. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14622308357491089645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023770246166747682.post-85570520431954485312013-10-09T05:00:00.000-06:002013-10-09T05:00:12.360-06:00Northern Living<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The north seemed to be having a party the other night. The colors were stunning. Made even better with the long exposure and mad camera skills of my Darling Adventure Man. </div>
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The streaks of light would shoot up like spotlights. And the fade to green then red was ever in motion. Truly a sight worth staying up for! </div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14622308357491089645noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023770246166747682.post-20861661368047321492013-10-08T12:02:00.000-06:002013-10-15T21:01:00.773-06:00A Big Sky Sunset<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I know I've said it before, but there's a reason we call it Big Sky Country. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ROCs9_fv4gk/Ul4BarmtW0I/AAAAAAAAFCI/4mO8ePxlUb8/s640/blogger-image-1105473200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ROCs9_fv4gk/Ul4BarmtW0I/AAAAAAAAFCI/4mO8ePxlUb8/s640/blogger-image-1105473200.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Photo credit to Darling Adventure Man. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14622308357491089645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023770246166747682.post-6403455728788104242013-10-08T12:00:00.000-06:002013-10-08T12:00:12.573-06:00Autumn Splendor and Some Family Time We like to walk the Aspen Loop Trail that is right by our house each autumn when the colors have changed.<br />
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It's just a short little walk, hardly a hike, but it always takes us forever because we have to take hundreds of pictures. </div>
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I actually only used my iPhone this time, because I had just added some great new camera apps that I wanted to try out. </div>
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Adventure Man used the Nikon and the Olympus, which is the one I usually use. I'll share the new apps later this week.<br />
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We found lots of ladybuds and had to catch them and chase them through the wild rose bushes that were covered in red rose hips and thorns. </div>
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The kids loved it. </div>
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We got to see everyone having fun in the fresh air and enjoy the warmth of the day before winter is a permanent fixture in our little Montana valley. </div>
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We got to have some together time without too much griping or arguing. </div>
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We love to take in the view and climb the rocks at the end of the loop. </div>
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One of my favorite blogs is written by Emily at <a href="http://www.theandersoncrewblog.com/" target="_blank">The Anderson Crew Blog</a>. She is the creator of <a href="http://www.theandersoncrewblog.com/p/blog-page_8779.html" target="_blank">Embrace The Camera</a> and is sharing all week long. As someone who would rather take pictures than be taken in pictures, I have tried to make sure I was embracing the camera more often. So I'm sharing these shots with you today. Her theme for today is memories. I hope my kids will have happy memories of our seasonal adventures!</div>
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Head over to <a href="http://www.theandersoncrewblog.com/" target="_blank">Emily's place</a> to find out more. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14622308357491089645noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023770246166747682.post-74317638002002294182013-10-06T22:31:00.001-06:002013-10-08T12:02:35.598-06:00Meet The Girl - A Formal IntroductionI found our first dog. My husband picked the name. I had called the dog a not-so-nice word in Japanese and my husband thought it was the perfect name. <div><br></div><div>I picked this pup from the litter. So I made the mistake of telling my Darling Adventure Man (DAM) that he could name her. </div><div><br></div><div>I will <i>NEVER</i> do that again. From now on, if we ever get another animal. <i>HE</i> can <i>PICK</i> it. <i>I</i> will name it. </div><div><br></div><div>So. With no furthure ado. </div><div><br></div><div>Meet Jessica... </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tOb0j69QXtA/UlJTHkaARJI/AAAAAAAAE_s/uuSyF3WdWKg/s640/blogger-image-275965432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tOb0j69QXtA/UlJTHkaARJI/AAAAAAAAE_s/uuSyF3WdWKg/s640/blogger-image-275965432.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div>Jessica Rabbit, that is. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Uly7HYluiio/UlJIb7OTiQI/AAAAAAAAE-8/NjWg44fNUuI/s640/blogger-image--490292553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-Uly7HYluiio/UlJIb7OTiQI/AAAAAAAAE-8/NjWg44fNUuI/s640/blogger-image--490292553.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Oh yes. My husband named our sweet puppy after a cartoon pinup. (Can you hear my eyes rolling!?)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Luckily (for him) we call her Jessy. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CKLm8wZPeUg/UlJS8_QuaSI/AAAAAAAAE_U/v1Mfa654Bzw/s640/blogger-image-618135260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-CKLm8wZPeUg/UlJS8_QuaSI/AAAAAAAAE_U/v1Mfa654Bzw/s640/blogger-image-618135260.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Much more appropriate for life on a ranch. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Still, they are both cartoon caricatures. But both are redheads. As is the dog. But I digress. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We've had Jessy 10 weeks now. My mother-in-law asked for an updated picture and this is what I shared. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7v7_G7mF-xs/UlJTKpUMWKI/AAAAAAAAE_0/p_kj3UBipWw/s640/blogger-image-1988827467.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7v7_G7mF-xs/UlJTKpUMWKI/AAAAAAAAE_0/p_kj3UBipWw/s640/blogger-image-1988827467.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The first two were the day we brought her home at 7 weeks. She was so sad. The other two were yesterday at 17 weeks! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now another fun comparison is what I went through to get these four shots:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kybyYrV4hfU/UlJTAsSVpCI/AAAAAAAAE_c/Te77RBiZZ0Y/s640/blogger-image--1265110576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-kybyYrV4hfU/UlJTAsSVpCI/AAAAAAAAE_c/Te77RBiZZ0Y/s640/blogger-image--1265110576.jpg"></a></div><br></div>VS. this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xzW-GknOhQw/UlJTD9cguCI/AAAAAAAAE_k/KO4JHZVN9sQ/s640/blogger-image-881062044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-xzW-GknOhQw/UlJTD9cguCI/AAAAAAAAE_k/KO4JHZVN9sQ/s640/blogger-image-881062044.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So now you know. She isn't really bad, she's just drawn this was. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">**wink!**</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Photo credit to funpop.com for the two redheads, and to DAM for the other ones. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14622308357491089645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023770246166747682.post-4904607140834542142013-10-04T21:31:00.001-06:002014-11-26T18:05:09.886-07:00The Big ChillWe've been getting colder and colder weather. Waking up at 5 am to get my basketball player down to early morning practice isn't fun.<br />
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Realizing that I've got to scrape the ice off the car before we leave isn't fun either. Then finding that both rear tires are reading as low? </div>
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What the? </div>
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They just needed air, but that didn't mean we would make it to practice. Oh well. At least the sunrise is nice... </div>
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In the rear view window.... </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14622308357491089645noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023770246166747682.post-615502029537731822013-09-30T22:35:00.001-06:002013-10-07T00:01:24.221-06:00The First Snowfall of the SeasonIt rained a lot last week. When we woke on Friday morning we could see the effect it had on the mountain. <div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-d9PYo_4c6QU/UkpRAlh4_eI/AAAAAAAAE98/PK1e01sBhg8/s640/blogger-image--1597550226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-d9PYo_4c6QU/UkpRAlh4_eI/AAAAAAAAE98/PK1e01sBhg8/s640/blogger-image--1597550226.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">There isn't any snow at my house. Yet. It won't be long. The aspens in the grove by the house haven't even changed yet! Well, they are starting. They're that lime green that is the precursor to fall. The trees along the road by the river have been yellow for weeks though. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6n9__-P0t6Y/UkpQ8TJFGYI/AAAAAAAAE90/GN91u4XEua0/s640/blogger-image--1651094357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6n9__-P0t6Y/UkpQ8TJFGYI/AAAAAAAAE90/GN91u4XEua0/s640/blogger-image--1651094357.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I took this a few weeks ago. It was the last hot day we've had. *sigh* </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yes, there is no denying it, winter is coming. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Plus, our last guests left today. By the end of the week our summer staff will be gone. We're having a party on Wednesday to say good bye. </div> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14622308357491089645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023770246166747682.post-52499993795977387622013-09-17T08:31:00.000-06:002013-09-17T08:32:22.098-06:00Monsters in the FieldI pass this field quite often, on my way to and from kids sporting events. This time I had to snap a picture.<br />
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The oil pumps make me think of monsters sucking from the earth. I wonder what a field mouse would think. </div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14622308357491089645noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023770246166747682.post-46479199300160747502013-09-16T00:00:00.000-06:002013-09-16T00:00:00.838-06:00The End and New Beginnings<div style="text-align: left;">
It was May 15, 2013. This is the first time I've been able to write about it. I've thought a lot about it. I've told people about it. But for some reason, I needed time before I could share it here on the blog. </div>
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I watched my husband leave for the school bus with the children in tow. As he left the yard he bent and said one last good bye to <a href="http://www.citygirlgoneranchmama.com/2013/02/baka-chan-our-little-fool-our-dog.html" target="_blank">our old dog, Baka</a>. He snapped this picture. </div>
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I loaded up the two little kids and got them in their car seats then loaded Baka in the front seat next to me. </div>
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The seizers had started coming so fast that he didn't have time to recover. He was unaware of where he was or who we were. He had paced the small fenced area for three days without rest. Each time he did try and go to sleep he would have another seizer and the cycle would start all over again. It was time. </div>
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He paniced in the car. He usually loves the car. He was eager to meet the "new" people at the vet. He usually panics in the vet. </div>
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We buried him under a tree in the back yard. I planted bleeding hearts over him. </div>
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He was 14 years old. </div>
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<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-089S_wDyRkw/UjEmYNBjwMI/AAAAAAAAE5Q/h6kZEN8_ZDo/s640/blogger-image-1095415123.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-089S_wDyRkw/UjEmYNBjwMI/AAAAAAAAE5Q/h6kZEN8_ZDo/s400/blogger-image-1095415123.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I didn't realize how much of my daily life was spent making sure Baka was ok. Anyone who has delt with epilepsy knows. It was harder to not have him there than I thought. I wanted another dog. </div>
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It was in July that I learned that a neighbor had puppies. Golden retrievers. Exactly what we wanted. We had looked and looked in the local shelters all over Montana. But the shelters around here have fewer dogs than we expected. We knew we wanted breed that would be great with strangers. This is a guest ranch after all. </div>
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Jessy came home just a week later. The last week in July. A crazy week for us because we were running back and forth from town with kids in summer theatre camp plus we had company. </div>
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As I told my daughter after we first picked her out, she doesn't fill the hole that Baka left in our hearts. She just helps our hearts fill with more love. </div>
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Now if we can just get her potty trained! And to quit jumping on us, Knocking Bunny down, Biting, Oh those teeth are sharp! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14622308357491089645noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023770246166747682.post-48713795703142542652013-09-14T11:08:00.001-06:002013-09-15T11:52:31.978-06:00CopingThe past few months, no the past six months... The past year.... The past two years?... Well, however long it's been, it's been the hardest point I'm my life. <div><br></div><div>I haven't been able to share much. I haven't been able to pull myself out and just talk about the ranch, the season, the fun summer activities we've been having. </div><div><br></div><div>But with every challenge life throws our way, there is lots of wonderful opportunity to grow, to see things from a new perspective, and to develop better relationships with the ones we are traveling with. </div><div><br></div><div>Something's are still too raw to share. But I will try to share some of what has changed this summer for the ranch family. In time. </div><div><br></div><div>After all, that's why I started this blog in the first place. To work out some of my sorrows. Again, more on that later. </div><div><br></div><div>For now, thanks for hanging in there with me. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1hZdvG54dek/UjSYCqm62mI/AAAAAAAAE6k/4Y374bOATCY/s640/blogger-image-115061932.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-1hZdvG54dek/UjSYCqm62mI/AAAAAAAAE6k/4Y374bOATCY/s640/blogger-image-115061932.jpg"></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14622308357491089645noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023770246166747682.post-8934787299030568282013-07-17T00:00:00.000-06:002013-07-17T00:00:00.466-06:00None Shall Pass… Or "You Gotta Pay a Toll Mama!" <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We have a sign at the front of our pastrue. </div>
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It says to watch for our children and horses. </div>
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This is way.</div>
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Then they seemed to decide that I needed to pay a toll.</div>
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So they stopped me and asked for payment in full to use the driveway...</div>
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When Sam couldn't get it from me, they had to send in reinforcements. </div>
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Hopefully just love and attention is enough. </div>
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I don't keep grass in my car, and I'm not about to share my groceries with them!</div>
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The neighbor's cattle seem to have the same attitude. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nKnwc5Sxlp8/UeCCtz6LJ6I/AAAAAAAAE3I/15bmhsK4mfQ/s1600/IMG_2982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nKnwc5Sxlp8/UeCCtz6LJ6I/AAAAAAAAE3I/15bmhsK4mfQ/s640/IMG_2982.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14622308357491089645noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4023770246166747682.post-36947907939006769452013-07-16T00:00:00.000-06:002013-07-16T00:00:09.853-06:00My Cowgirl in the Making<div style="text-align: center;">
This girl loved the rodeo. She wanted to see all the animals. She wanted to pet the bulls. </div>
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That was actually how I almost got french kissed by that bull. She was petting him. </div>
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She asked for Daddy's hat and then hollered, "Yee-Haa!" While waving it around. </div>
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Now if we can just keep her away from the likes of these guys in about 14 years…. </div>
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Yikes! I don't even want to think about it! </div>
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