Unloading Llamas

I helped a friend take in a group of llamas, including an adorable cria. Such beautiful animals!

Beware of Geese

Every year the ravens collect and eat goose eggs as soon as they are laid. Last year one pair managed to hatch a clutch by laying in Jesse's crate. This year the other trio have taken over a dog house that was waiting to be moved in with the dogs.  So far it's working great for them - no ravens have predated on these eggs.

It might be better for me if the dog house weren't located in the middle of my driveway, next to the van. The geese now own that plateau, and attempt to keep away all intruders. One must keep a watchful eye when exiting or entering a vehicle. Or the gate.

Getting Hay

My life seems to revolve around hay. My friend and neighbor just got a pickup load for me, and we are about to unload it into the shed.

I have a huge van with rear seats removed that I use for a farm vehicle.  I get hay from a local large farm, with a fairly large crew. One of the guys has to pretzel himself into my van, and then solve the Rubik Cube puzzle of getting as many very heavy, very large bales of hay to fit in. Needless to say, it isn't their favorite task.

The other day I pulled in at the shop/office, and started walking to the side door. At the corner of the building I almost ran into the two men who most often load my hay. They were sneaking around the corner to see if the van they saw was mine. It was one of those moments you wish you had on video.  They said if it was me they were going to pull the fire alarm, but I'd foiled their plans. We were all laughing hysterically, it made my day. It's great to work with a group of fun-loving people.  

The Red Boys

Shades of Green

Visiting Neighbors

Magic Rainbow

The good thing about having lots of moisture in the air is that rainbows become frequent visitors. They certainly brighten up a gray afternoon.

Dogs and Food

As we all know, food is one of the most important things in a dog's life. Their behaviors around food can be very interesting and entertaining.

Millie: What? Why would you think I bury my food?

Jesse: Why are you looking at me? I don't have anything to hide.

Jesse is a food hoarder. He will hang on to his latest meal most of the day, moving it from comfortable sleeping spot to comfortable sleeping spot. Jesse also provided me one of those moments when I realize exactly why I have dogs. Yesterday was warm and sunny, and I took my lunch outside to eat. As soon as I sat down Jesse grabbed his bone and brought it over to eat with me. Meals are for family.

Regal Zander

Big Voice, Small Frog

Frog Song in this area can be deafening. Frogs like damp areas, and this county specializes in soggy, boggy clay ground. While frogs can be heard nightly, finding them in another thing entirely. This lovely little one is in a driveway, and disappeared again almost immediately. For being so loud they are mighty shy. 

Evening Light

The Cat In The Van

Can I drive?

Let Me Drive!

Paradise Recloaked

Paradise Unveiled

Hey You!

Puss, letting me know I'm late with breakfast.

Flashes of Beauty

Promises

Moments of sun

through a cloud-laden sky

reminders of times

yet to come

Waiting For Dinner

New Shelter

The sheep had been using the kennel/chicken coup I moved the goats into as a shelter, so I needed another shelter for them. One of my carport shelters partially blew down a couple years ago, but was still useful until recently. I pulled the skeleton apart and attached part of it to the kennel and covered it with tarp - voila, a sheep shelter! Groucho the cat supervised the process.

This is the third use for this carport. They may not withstand the wind well, but they are inexpensive and seem to remain useful even after wind collapses.

What 'cha Doing?

One of my goats was injured, so I sequestered both of them in the kennel that doubles as my chicken coup. The horses are very curious about the new activity in this area, as well as the food now going in. They had to come over and whinny at me while carefully watching my every move.

Another Side of the Mountain

Mt. St. Helens from I-5 around Woodland - pretty much due west. Quite a different outline. It isn't easy taking a good picture from the freeway, and I managed to miss all of the unobstructed views - or they came out fuzzy. It's easier to imagine the pre-eruption shape of the mountain - Washington's Mt Fuji - from this side.

Spring Sunrise

I love watching the sun move from south to north as the year progresses. It is now rising near Mt. Rainier, barely visible on the left. I also love having a clear morning after months of over-rain. All the clouds give one a great appreciation for a clear day, for the sun, for warmth and beauty.

I woke last night around 2AM to see a huge red moon rising, glimmering, delighting in it's beauty. Whispering words of gratitude I turned towards the window, and let the red light lull me back to sleep.

Cat Choices

Cats choose the strangest perches. Groucho is enjoying the sun on the 2 x 4 under the picnic table, rather than on top of the table. Interesting choice.

The Red Boys

Trojan and Bear. Bear and I have been riding a few times, getting used to each other as I re-familiarize myself with riding. He's a real trooper. Trojan is a gaited Morgan, Bear a Missouri Foxtrotter.

Red Moon

The red moon rises
Gleaming in the light mist
It is much quieter
And more mysterious
Than when it is yellow or gold

Sunset

Alert!

I heard the very strange alert call the Alpacas make, and they were at attention, staring towards the next field. What could have claimed their attention?

The yearling ram I had moved into their field on his way back to the rest of the sheep. He's very small, a long way away, and minding his own business. Alpacas don't miss much.

Lambs!

Babies are so adorable. These lambs are so innocent, enjoying spring grass and a sunny day.