We're Thankful for SO MUCH!

The last month has flown by.  We have had adventures and special get-togethers with family and friends.  Much of our time has been spent at then farm.  Even though it’s dry, there is still enough water in the stock ponds to attract south-bound ducks.  I think these were mallards.

Cody is getting accustomed to being a farm dog.  He thinks cows are big, scary creatures and is happy to leave them to Rue.  He is fascinated birds, though, and often uses his border collie stare on them.  He doesn't understand that he can't control them the way he can sheep but it doesn't keep him from trying.

The dogs had quite an adventure when we arrived at the farm last week in preparation for Thanksgiving.  On our morning walk, they surprised one of the resident critters and “treed” it under a large log in the middle of a brush pile.

They circled and circled the pile, then Rue dove into the brush beside the log, barking and growling furiously as she lunged at something under the log.  Cody was at the other end of the log, and Kota jumped up on top to peer down at the fugitive.  John thought it was a squirrel, but it didn’t sound like Rue’s “squirrel bark” to me, so I followed Kota up on the log to have a look.  (I was hoping it wasn’t a skunk!)  

The brush was very thick, but just beyond Rue’s snapping jaws I could see a mound of thick, light-fawn-colored hair sticking out from under the log…the back end of something other than a skunk.  Then, as I peered around the other side of the log, I saw the delicate, pointy nose of a small coyote.  It was huddled under the log, making itself as small as possible and hoping for the best.  Not wanting any blood to be drawn and wishing to avoid a visit to the vet, you may not believe it but I didn't even try to get a photo.  I called off the dogs and was very relieved when they responded immediately and left their quarry.  They made a couple of attempts to return, but turned back at my “leave it!”  I was proud of all three of them.  It was an exciting morning with the best outcome possible. 

Our Thanksgiving holiday was also just about as good as it gets.  On Friday, Brian and Debi arrived, along with our grandkids, Gage, Myles and Mallory, as well as Mallory’s fiancé, Daniel and Gage’s dog, Zelda.  I love this photo of the family.  Zelda is even showing off the star on her chest.

In the evening, we were joined by cousins Kathy and Eric and had a feast of John’s BBQ ribs with all the trimmings.

Cold, rainy weather kept us inside for most of Friday, but didn't deter Gage, Myles, Mallory and Daniel, who took a walking tour of the farm in the drizzling rain.  There were spirited games of Scrabble and lots of catching up on everyone’s activities, not to mention celebrating Myles’ 19th birthday.  

Cody found a way to get more than his fair share of attention.

On Saturday morning, we took a walk around the farm but thankfully didn't see the coyote or any skunks.  

Then, my brother Allan and sister-in-law Jefflyn and their family arrived from Fort Worth.  My nieces, Erin and Anna, with their husbands Jeff and Joel each come with two children.  Noah is the oldest at 13, followed by Rachel, Jamey and Laura.  The adults circled the rocking chairs to visit…

interrupted several times to look skyward and try to spot the flocks of sandhill cranes making their way south.

Jamey and Laura had fun climbing the big Spanish oak in our back yard.

The Jones Clan’s three dogs joined the Bagley Pack and Zelda to liven up an already rowdy gathering.  

Little Rosie, Allan and Jef's three-month-old Brittany spaniel, was a bit skeptical of her bigger dog cousins, but she quickly warmed up to them and was too busy to pose for a proper picture.  

Zeva, Joel and Anna’s English Brittany spaniel, took a break from hunting and got a little petting as well.

Clover was quite smitten with Cody and flirted shamelessly.

By the end of the day, we were all exhausted and happy to have shared such a wonderful gathering.  We all have a lot to be thankful for!