Wrapping it Up

As we wrap up 2020, my first thought is,”Good Riddance! I’m glad to see you go.”  Oh, this year started out well.  We celebrated Kota’s 10th birthday, conducted several prescribed burns at the farm, 

painted rocks to hide 

and took our bull for a mani-pedi.  Cody and I also participated in herding trials in Bertram and Crawford, and I took photos and scribed at Brent Swindall’s trial in Gatesville. 

Cousin Rosie, Allan and Jef’s Brittany spaniel, grew from a puppy into a terrible teenager, wiping out everything in her path and keeping us all in stitches.  

On one occasion, after being body-slammed for more times than he could tolerate, when he saw her coming Cody responded with his fiercest bark.  It got Rosie's attention...at least for a moment!

But then, in March everything changed.  COVID-19 came to the US and to Texas, and sent us all scurrying for masks and hand sanitizer, trying all the while to keep the recommended six feet from anyone but immediate family.  We took the advice of experts and began self-quarantining at the farm, only returning to the city to check on our home in Volente every few weeks.

Besides the virus, there were other unfortunate events that we don’t want to see repeated.  We lost two family members and several others and good friends experienced serious medical issues.  Lots of stuff broke, like the pump for our well in Volente.  And, the septic system that backed up at a most inconvenient time, to mention a couple.  But we got through them, and those we love have mostly recovered from their health issues.  So, even though I don't want a repeat of 2020, there have been some good things to remember about it.  The coronavirus may have kept us from traditional gatherings at Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Thanksgiving, and prevented our annual RV trip in the summer, but in many ways it has still been a good year.   

The bluebonnets, Indian paintbrush, orange milkweed and many other wildflowers put on a show at the farm.

Baby calves arrived on schedule, or sometimes not, but all have been healthy and strong.

The golden-cheeked warblers, American kestrels and Mississippi kites returned on schedule.

Cody enjoyed his first full year as a member of the Bagley Pack, and all three dogs have been healthy and happy.  

Well, mostly.  Kota did have a mast cell tumor removed from her left foreleg.  The surgery went well, but the recovery was slowed when she tumbled out of the gator and ripped some stitches.  

Once we had gained a better understanding of the virus, its lethal nature and how best to keep from being exposed to it, we began to enjoy, albeit in a different way, some of the things that are special to us.  We spent time with our Cash-Vanderbeck cousins, and got to know the Tigners, our neighbors who live a mile down the road from us at the farm.

Cody and I have also spent a lot of time 30 minutes north of here at Jack and Vivian Christensen’s place outside Meridian.  They have been most generous with their time and their sheep, and have helped us to become a better team.  And, when we were in Volente, we also made frequent trips to Elgin to work with Michele McGuire, further improving our skills.

A few herding trials were held in the fall, including the trials in Bertram, Hillsboro and the Texas Sheep Dog Association Finals.  We enjoyed seeing friends and working our dogs.

The quarantine time at the farm also allowed us to enjoy beautiful sunrises, like this one on Easter Morning,

and spectacular sunsets.  

Christmas found us back in Volente sharing time with Brian, Debi, Mallory, Myles and Gage.  Beautiful weather allowed us to gather outside rather than inside to protect each other from any COVID exposure.  We have had many happy gatherings in this backyard, including graduation parties for Gage and Mallory that will always make it special to us.

  

Although we didn't put up a tree this year, I do cherish the photos of our Christmas decorations.  

Those include several very special nativity scenes.  The first was my mother's, and the second has been in John's family since the early 1900s.  

And, of course, we couldn't forget the annual Bagley Pack Christmas photo in front of the fireplace.

Oh, and did I mention that our months of self-quarantine at the farm convinced us that we should make our home here full-time?  Well, God used that time of isolation and reflection to help us finally to make the decision that has been in the back of our minds and in the corner of our hearts for some time.  And so here we are, about to move into 2021, Lord willing, when we will complete the transition from our home in Volente to our home at Goat Hill Farm.  We will keep you posted, and wish you a very happy New Year!  

Hugs and Blessings, Michal and John.

Remembering Coco

Saying goodbye to a friend is always hard, especially one you have known almost her entire life.  I first met Coco as a gangly pup some 11 years ago.  Full of wiggles and licks, she was rescued by my dear friend from a situation no dog should be forced to endure.  Once she was no longer a cute, cuddly puppy, her owners went to work and school each day, leaving her in a small backyard with no shelter and often no food or water.  And she did what you would expect, she barked…and barked…and barked.  

No longer able to stand her pitiful cries, my friend began tending to her needs, bringing her water and providing pats and hugs.  After several months, my friend and her husband convinced Coco’s owners to allow her to come and live with them.  And, for the next 10+ years, she was privileged to enjoy affection, comfort and companionship in a loving family with daily walks and good dog friends.  

My dogs and I were frequent companions as well, as we took long, off-leash walks in greenbelts and dog parks.  Coco was never the brightest dog in the pack, but she was certainly the most enthusiastic.  When we heard her coming (a 100-pound Labrador retriever is hard to ignore), we quickly stepped aside.  To fail to do so was to risk having our feet taken out from under us by her charging shoulder or by one of the large sticks she was fond of carrying.  

Coco always had a smile on her face and she loved to be loved.  She gave that love back every day and she will be missed. Rest in peace, Sweet Girl.  I know you will be waiting by the rainbow bridge with lolling tongue and wagging tail, happy to see us.