As I write this, Freckles, our only named cow, is staring into the window of my studio. I believe I have thwarted her desire to come into the space between our studios and leave many non-verbal negative messages which we'd have to shovel out tomorrow. I have parked my Honda sedan and the farm truck across the entrance and have put six saw horses in the spaces inbetween. Freckles is always the leader of the herd. Her calf, almost full grown and ready to go to auction next month, has the same rotten personality as his mother. I think they are out to get me. A friend is coming next week to fence the area.
When we bought this place twenty years ago, the herd of cows came with the deal. They were owned by someone else who pastured them and kept up the grass and fences in exchange for us letting the cows be here. Also, we could claim an agricultural exemption for taxes. A good deal for everyone. But now, the farmer who owns the cows had a stroke and can't manage any more. So, now in the fall we will buy the cows from him. Aargh! What will we do with a herd of cows (some with rotten personalities)? I am thinking that it would be interesting to make this herd a premier grass fed, no hormones, no antibiotics crop. Now I need to see if there is a slaughterhouse in the vicinity, a market for high end grass fed beef, how do we market it, how do I fertilize the pastures? I need to know about grasses, cow vitamins, cow obstretrics. I could just let the herd do as it has always done, that is just 'large around' in the words of my grandson Pablo.
Thank god for our neighbor and ranch manager, Warren. He's got some ideas and a lot of energy. Together we'll figure it out.
Not enough time in the day. Tonight I am finishing a fabric wall hanging and preparing for my volunteer day tomorrow at Lacoochee Elementary School. The theme for Pasco this week is 'teeth' so I have assembled a number of mammal skulls with teeth so the kids can look at them. I will also take cheese and veggies (good for the teeth) for a healthful snack, and one of my favorite stories- "The Big Cheese", a true story about the humongous cheddar cheese that was presented to the White House. And then we'll make chalk on wet paper drawings of TEETH.
Monday, August 28, 2006
Saturday, August 26, 2006
Friends
In retirement we need friends as we always have. I wonder about the people I know who pull up stakes in the places they have lived in forever and move to another place, perhaps a retirement community, or a place in the sunbelt. They seem to be forsaking their networks of old friends of all kinds and move on to a new world of convenience friends they make in a new place.
When one gets older and joins the ranks of the seniors and the retired, it seems to me that you need friends more than ever! You lose the friends of convenience, the people in your workplace you used to see everyday. Inevitably, some of the people you worked with for years drop off your list of friends. They never call or write, nor do you. If you met them in the supermarket you'd be very glad to catch up and if they ever needed to make more substantial contact you'd be more than willing to pick up.
Then there are the old old friends, the ones you have known and loved for most of your life. These friends may not make contact for prolonged periods, but you know they are there. There are Susie and Vicky and Ann, so many others. I think of my friend, Marie, with whom I have shared a work life and many adventures to third world countries. We have laughed and cried about our families and we have built a school together. I will always love this woman!
I think also of my friends, the two Nancys. One Nancy has been my friend for as long as I have been in this area. She's not a workplace friend, but just someone who stubbornly maintains the network of friendships. She's an artist, a gifted potter and a wonderful dependable friend.
The other Nancy, more chancy, the most fun and ascerbic, knows where I am coming from. She aslo owns daschunds and we have dog sat each other's critters for years.
There is the woman I met when we were four years old, Juliet. We have always been best friends, but our geographic ways parted in high school when I went to Lebanon wth my family. Both of us went to college in the northeast, she to Smith, I to Brown. But we always stayed in touch and never a year went by when we did not visit each other. When I went to Maine to see her last week, we could amazingly just take off from where we had been the last time. Working in her kitchen, I just knew where everything would be. The meal was what I would have had at home. We were easy.
Even in retirement/senior years there is the excitement of making new friends. I think of Virginia, one of the smartest people I have ever known. For years she was kind of on the periphery of my life. When we moved up here to live more or less full time on our ranch and I realized that Virginia not only lived very nearby but also was engaged in teaching as was I, our connection was sealed. I worked as a volunteer in her classroom last year and we began to bond. It is exciting to get to know a person! The unfolding of a personal history is so interesting. This summer we had Virginia and her husband, Norman, over for dinner. It happened to be my birthday, which I mentioned at the end on the meal. (No big deal.) A couple of weeks later when we went to their home for dinner, it was Virginia's birthday. (No big deal.) So we keep discovering things about each other.
I am so happy to be making new friends who are younger. At the rural school where I volunteeer to teach one day a week, I am making friends with several of the staff. There is CareyAnne, a stellar by-the-books teacher of a primary class. She's warm-hearted, smart, loves those kids, and artistic. She's only a bit older than my oldest child, a single mom of two. I think she'll be a good friend, certainly interesting.
Maybe the best friends of all are family. You welcome new members as they marry in; some take time to be friends. Natalie, the quintessential mother of two grandkids was not soneone I thought would have children. Over the years we have become good friends and I think she knows I think she's amazing. Gina, another daughter-in-law, fairly new on the scene, feels to me to be a really solid friend, a person I can count on. I am hoping that my son's new wife will be a real true friend.
I am blessed to have wonderful siblings. They are truly some of my best friends. Several years ago, because I have such an incredibly artistic and supportive sister, I truly wanted to have another sister. My great friend, Maria, an only child, agreed to be my adoptive sister! So now I have two sisters, much better than one. And I get a wonderful brother-in-law in addition.
On this day, our anniversary, I count the many friends I have and rejoice in their abundance. I hope that I can be as supportive to them as they have been to us.
When one gets older and joins the ranks of the seniors and the retired, it seems to me that you need friends more than ever! You lose the friends of convenience, the people in your workplace you used to see everyday. Inevitably, some of the people you worked with for years drop off your list of friends. They never call or write, nor do you. If you met them in the supermarket you'd be very glad to catch up and if they ever needed to make more substantial contact you'd be more than willing to pick up.
Then there are the old old friends, the ones you have known and loved for most of your life. These friends may not make contact for prolonged periods, but you know they are there. There are Susie and Vicky and Ann, so many others. I think of my friend, Marie, with whom I have shared a work life and many adventures to third world countries. We have laughed and cried about our families and we have built a school together. I will always love this woman!
I think also of my friends, the two Nancys. One Nancy has been my friend for as long as I have been in this area. She's not a workplace friend, but just someone who stubbornly maintains the network of friendships. She's an artist, a gifted potter and a wonderful dependable friend.
The other Nancy, more chancy, the most fun and ascerbic, knows where I am coming from. She aslo owns daschunds and we have dog sat each other's critters for years.
There is the woman I met when we were four years old, Juliet. We have always been best friends, but our geographic ways parted in high school when I went to Lebanon wth my family. Both of us went to college in the northeast, she to Smith, I to Brown. But we always stayed in touch and never a year went by when we did not visit each other. When I went to Maine to see her last week, we could amazingly just take off from where we had been the last time. Working in her kitchen, I just knew where everything would be. The meal was what I would have had at home. We were easy.
Even in retirement/senior years there is the excitement of making new friends. I think of Virginia, one of the smartest people I have ever known. For years she was kind of on the periphery of my life. When we moved up here to live more or less full time on our ranch and I realized that Virginia not only lived very nearby but also was engaged in teaching as was I, our connection was sealed. I worked as a volunteer in her classroom last year and we began to bond. It is exciting to get to know a person! The unfolding of a personal history is so interesting. This summer we had Virginia and her husband, Norman, over for dinner. It happened to be my birthday, which I mentioned at the end on the meal. (No big deal.) A couple of weeks later when we went to their home for dinner, it was Virginia's birthday. (No big deal.) So we keep discovering things about each other.
I am so happy to be making new friends who are younger. At the rural school where I volunteeer to teach one day a week, I am making friends with several of the staff. There is CareyAnne, a stellar by-the-books teacher of a primary class. She's warm-hearted, smart, loves those kids, and artistic. She's only a bit older than my oldest child, a single mom of two. I think she'll be a good friend, certainly interesting.
Maybe the best friends of all are family. You welcome new members as they marry in; some take time to be friends. Natalie, the quintessential mother of two grandkids was not soneone I thought would have children. Over the years we have become good friends and I think she knows I think she's amazing. Gina, another daughter-in-law, fairly new on the scene, feels to me to be a really solid friend, a person I can count on. I am hoping that my son's new wife will be a real true friend.
I am blessed to have wonderful siblings. They are truly some of my best friends. Several years ago, because I have such an incredibly artistic and supportive sister, I truly wanted to have another sister. My great friend, Maria, an only child, agreed to be my adoptive sister! So now I have two sisters, much better than one. And I get a wonderful brother-in-law in addition.
On this day, our anniversary, I count the many friends I have and rejoice in their abundance. I hope that I can be as supportive to them as they have been to us.
Friday, August 25, 2006
Anniversary tomorrow
Tomorrow is our forty-sixth wedding anniversary. I remember it because our oldest son was born on this day, five years after our marriage. We are not romantic souls; on a few occasions I remember receiving roses at work, but mostly we have not especially noted the day. One year, to the horror of our daughter, we went out and bought a garden tiller! But, mostly, there is nothing either of us wants. We live pretty frugally and can't think of anything we want from each other that we don't have already.
Even after all these years he can surprise me. There have been long dry stretches when I have felt unappreciated. We have had terrible arguements. With each anniversary, roses or not, we sort of recommit. Tomorrow we have a date to speak to each other about what this year's marriage has been for each of us.
It has been raining most of the day, a blessing right now when everything has been so dry even for the so-called rainy season. I was working in my studio glazing the ceramic objects made by my primary students. Then I had to load them into the kiln, all with stilts so they won't stick to the shelves. When I walk up to the main house I am thrilled by the green views and the cows in the distance. I notice that a lot of gardening needs attention.
Even after all these years he can surprise me. There have been long dry stretches when I have felt unappreciated. We have had terrible arguements. With each anniversary, roses or not, we sort of recommit. Tomorrow we have a date to speak to each other about what this year's marriage has been for each of us.
It has been raining most of the day, a blessing right now when everything has been so dry even for the so-called rainy season. I was working in my studio glazing the ceramic objects made by my primary students. Then I had to load them into the kiln, all with stilts so they won't stick to the shelves. When I walk up to the main house I am thrilled by the green views and the cows in the distance. I notice that a lot of gardening needs attention.
Thursday, August 24, 2006
August 24, 2006
August 24, 2006
It has been awhile since I last posted. The oldest grandchildren have gone, and I have taken a trip to Maine to visit an old childhood friend. It was wonderful to take a trip by myself, no expectations, just the time to see a woman I grew up with. For a person who lives in subtropical Florida, being in coastal Maine was an August treat. No need for air conditioning, open windows, hikes along the coast without breaking a sweat. Without spouse or children, it was freeing.
When I returned the dog greeted me with many barks and loving licks, there was a wonderful supper in the works, and the owls were calling. I love this place in Florida!
As a retired person I am still trying to get a schedule going! There are so many things calling for my attenion: the community boards I sit on, the one day a week I volunteer in a local classroom, the ranch needs, the vegetable garden, physical activity, the book I am writing, our social life. When I stop to wonder at the incredible work of a golden orb weaver spider or the magnificent blooms of the ironweeds my old work ethic comes back- "You don't have the time for this!". But, now, I do.
I am constant in taking the time to be with Quincy, my almost two year old grandson. He's not very verbal yet so our time together is mostly me talking. He accompanies me on errands and sometimes we go to parks and museums. I see him in the rearview mirror. He's interested in all the stuff we pass. He tries to help with the car seat as I get him in and out of this diabolical array of straps. I think sometimes that I am too old for all of this! Scrunch down, fold up, undo all the straps, lift the baby! But it is all worth it. He is entranced with the museum, the carwash, the post office. He lifts his beautiful face for a kiss. He is so jolly! He never whines or cries. But I have to be on duty incessantly. I wonder, how did I ever do this as a parent of three?
It has been awhile since I last posted. The oldest grandchildren have gone, and I have taken a trip to Maine to visit an old childhood friend. It was wonderful to take a trip by myself, no expectations, just the time to see a woman I grew up with. For a person who lives in subtropical Florida, being in coastal Maine was an August treat. No need for air conditioning, open windows, hikes along the coast without breaking a sweat. Without spouse or children, it was freeing.
When I returned the dog greeted me with many barks and loving licks, there was a wonderful supper in the works, and the owls were calling. I love this place in Florida!
As a retired person I am still trying to get a schedule going! There are so many things calling for my attenion: the community boards I sit on, the one day a week I volunteer in a local classroom, the ranch needs, the vegetable garden, physical activity, the book I am writing, our social life. When I stop to wonder at the incredible work of a golden orb weaver spider or the magnificent blooms of the ironweeds my old work ethic comes back- "You don't have the time for this!". But, now, I do.
I am constant in taking the time to be with Quincy, my almost two year old grandson. He's not very verbal yet so our time together is mostly me talking. He accompanies me on errands and sometimes we go to parks and museums. I see him in the rearview mirror. He's interested in all the stuff we pass. He tries to help with the car seat as I get him in and out of this diabolical array of straps. I think sometimes that I am too old for all of this! Scrunch down, fold up, undo all the straps, lift the baby! But it is all worth it. He is entranced with the museum, the carwash, the post office. He lifts his beautiful face for a kiss. He is so jolly! He never whines or cries. But I have to be on duty incessantly. I wonder, how did I ever do this as a parent of three?
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
FLORIDA GRANDMA
August 9, 2006
It is day ten with my two oldest grandsons here at the ranch. In some ways I am exhausted with the endless words they generate. They tumble into the studio and the woodshop full of creative energy. They want pieces of wood and pieces of fabric, paints, glue, scissors. Diego has made a beautiful quilted bag, a rug, a scarf, and they have collaborated on renovating the dollhouse and it is almost done. They swim several times each day; it is too hot to play volleyball or badminton. They have had old friends up to the ranch, we have made some field trips. Today we went to Bok Tower and gardens. But this is Grandma and Grandpa and everyone knows we are not about to visit Disney or any other theme park. The kids are o.k. with this, I think.
At dinner tonight I asked each of them to name six things they have learned so far this visit. Diego mentioned that he has learned to drive the stick shift farm truck, learned to shoot a 22, can now make a braided rug, and learned that "To Kill A Mockingbird" is a wonderful book. (I am reading this to them every night.) Pablo learned how to play Canasta, how to make meatballs, and how to saw wood with a miter box. And I think they have learned much more.
It is day ten with my two oldest grandsons here at the ranch. In some ways I am exhausted with the endless words they generate. They tumble into the studio and the woodshop full of creative energy. They want pieces of wood and pieces of fabric, paints, glue, scissors. Diego has made a beautiful quilted bag, a rug, a scarf, and they have collaborated on renovating the dollhouse and it is almost done. They swim several times each day; it is too hot to play volleyball or badminton. They have had old friends up to the ranch, we have made some field trips. Today we went to Bok Tower and gardens. But this is Grandma and Grandpa and everyone knows we are not about to visit Disney or any other theme park. The kids are o.k. with this, I think.
At dinner tonight I asked each of them to name six things they have learned so far this visit. Diego mentioned that he has learned to drive the stick shift farm truck, learned to shoot a 22, can now make a braided rug, and learned that "To Kill A Mockingbird" is a wonderful book. (I am reading this to them every night.) Pablo learned how to play Canasta, how to make meatballs, and how to saw wood with a miter box. And I think they have learned much more.
Friday, August 04, 2006
August 4, 2006
When we got up today and were ready to go for our morning walk a mile or so up the road to get the newspaper, Nick appeared, then Pablo. They all wanted to go along with Lola, our miniature dashchund. Nick was eager to try out a pedometer I lent him. Along the way we saw some deer and an oppossum, many tracks of the nocturnal critters who move along the sandy road.
This has become our routine, a basic exercise walk we have to take if we want to read the papers. Then breakfast with all the boys. Diego, the oldest grandson was up when we returned, softly playing a Bach tune on the piano. Another hot day is in progress so I must get the water going on the flower beds. Hopefully it will rain before night.
The boys are all busy this morning renovating and adding to an old doll house left over from our now grown up daughter. They are preparing this jazzy new abode for the littlest grandsons who will be visiting in a few days and love to play with their tiny action figures.
There is so much to do in these lazy hot August days of a Florida summer.
When we got up today and were ready to go for our morning walk a mile or so up the road to get the newspaper, Nick appeared, then Pablo. They all wanted to go along with Lola, our miniature dashchund. Nick was eager to try out a pedometer I lent him. Along the way we saw some deer and an oppossum, many tracks of the nocturnal critters who move along the sandy road.
This has become our routine, a basic exercise walk we have to take if we want to read the papers. Then breakfast with all the boys. Diego, the oldest grandson was up when we returned, softly playing a Bach tune on the piano. Another hot day is in progress so I must get the water going on the flower beds. Hopefully it will rain before night.
The boys are all busy this morning renovating and adding to an old doll house left over from our now grown up daughter. They are preparing this jazzy new abode for the littlest grandsons who will be visiting in a few days and love to play with their tiny action figures.
There is so much to do in these lazy hot August days of a Florida summer.
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