Eaglewhensheflies, Author at A Country Girl's Heart -Beats that Matter

August 19, 2019August 23, 2019

Culver Farmer’s Market

0 Shares

Warm, summer months, fondly reminds of time spent in, on, or at a body of water, be it lake, river or stream. What a better way to shop in the summer, than at Culver’s Farmers Market located on Lake Maxinckuckee in the lovely town of Culver, Indiana. One fact I like about Culver is the small town feeling and the locally owned business that line the street across from the lake shore. A public beach and boat launch provide opportunity to enjoy the water in a way that suits you best. Here every Saturday morning from 9 am to 1 pm and Tuesdays from 5 pm to 7 pm.you will find local farmers and artitisans displaying their wares and produce. Not only does this add to the old time feel of the town, but it provides the opportunity to purchase locally produced food and art. The health benefits of locally produced food last longer than the delicious taste in ones mouth all while supporting a local family and business. CG Heartbeats Farm is happy to be a vendor for the summer of 2019. I can tell you first hand the breezes of the lake have already proved better than any air conditioner I have encountered, but then I do prefer fresh air over air conditioning. In this post, we are going to meet the hard-working folks that bring their unique products to the Culver Farmer’s Market.

Market Days

Tuesdays from 5 pm to 7 pm

Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm

The Shook Shack

Do you enjoy baked goods such as homemade bread, cookies, pies, and cheesecake? Stop by the pink tent to find a local delicious favorite treat and visit with Tara.

Find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Shook-Shack

Flower Hill Farm

Rebecca brings a variety of in season fresh locally and organically produced fruits and veggies, along with fresh flowers. You may also purchase her local produce at their farm stand open on Tuesdays from 9 am to 12 pm and Fridays from 4-7 PM located at 2366 700 E, Akron, Indiana 46910

Find Flower Hill Farm on FB: https://www.facebook.com/FlowerHillFarmm/

CG Heartbeats Farm

Do you like local fresh farm eggs? Chickens from CG Heartbeats are fed Non- GMO feed. Maria enjoys painting birdhouses. You will often see her painting at the market. She also brings fresh garlic, tomatoes, onions, and other seasonal items. New for 2019 she is bringing Glass Gem popcorn and Jacob Cattle Beans (a pretty soup bean). CG Heartbeats Farm focuses on raising heirloom plants working toward increased sustainability.

Find CG Heartbeats Farm on FB at www.facebook.com/countrygirlheartbeatsfarm

IG at www.instagram.com/countrygirlheartbeatsfarm

website: www.dontclipmywings.com

Jim and Peggy Metz

Are you looking for a custom corn hole game? Be sure to check out the variety of options, or chat with Jim about a custom-made game. If you just want to spend time enjoying the market, they always have a set out for all to enjoy. Grab a few friend or family members and play a quick game at the market. One of many ways to enjoy Culver Farmer’s Market. Along with other craft items, you will also find Yardzaee, a yard game that is a spin-off of Yatzee.

Jan Peyser Jewelry

Jan sells earrings, necklaces and other jewelry.

Check out her complete inventory at her Etsy shop: www.etsy.com/shop/janpeyserjewelry

Amor Farm

Are you looking for locally raised grass-fed beef and local raised pork? You will find it at the Amor Farm vendor tent. A family farm located near Culver and made up of 3 generations. Eldon and Sandra Sr. their sons Eldon Jr. (wife Sandy Jr.) and Paul (wife Andi) and grandson Wyatt started coming to the Culver Market 4 years ago as Wyatt had extra produce left from his 4-H projects. As of a year and a half ago, they bring meat and jerky from grass feed beef.

Two Acre Farm

You can not miss the creative birdhouses hanging and sitting at the canopy of Two Acre Farm. They offer other uniquely crafted items.

Check out their FB page to see pictures. https://www.facebook.com/TwoAcreFarm/

Hole in the Woods Farm

A ten-year vendor of Culver Farmer’s Market, Chad is in charge of managing not only Hole in Woods Farm, but also running the market. His wife, Xenia, creates beautiful jewelry in part from repurposed items and pressed flowers. You can find her booth under the pavilion alongside their locally produced fruits and vegetables. Sometimes they may even have a goose egg or two. Their Culver, Indiana farm is Certified Naturally Grown.

Find them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hole.in.the.woods.farm/

Website: https://shop.holeinthewoodsfarm.com/

Ma and Pa Craw

Michelle brings locally raised honey, farm fresh eggs and other handmade items. She makes cute, uniquely shaped treatments for cast iron. I vouch for their effectiveness as I have used them myself. Here you will also find hand made creations by Mary.

Find them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mapacrawhoney/

Matt’s Frames

Specializing in sales of historical images from Culver, Marshall County and the surrounding region, they use creativity and imagination to make stunning framed artwork for area images and found objects including local postcards. All are carefully UV protected before final assembly. Need artwork or pictures framed be sure to find Matt set up near the railroad station. To reach him outside of the market, call: 574-842-8864

Barb’s Place

Barb brings unique jams to the Culver Farmer’s Market along with homemade dog treats, and peanut butter brittle.

Culver Creations

Find uniquely painted furniture in a variety of options. Ask for custom options.

Debra Imhoff

Check out the homemade baked good at Debra’s table under the pavillian.

Lisa Goble

Lisa makes hanging towels, aprons (including child sizes), and various sizes of hot pads. Get you kitchen up to date with her matching sets. If you don’t see what you are looking for, be sure to ask her for a custom set.

Maxinkuckee Corn

Find many flavors of popcorn at the market. It is a must have like cotton candy at the county fair. This way you can snack while you shop.

Zen Farm

This is your one stop shop for all soap needs, shower and bath too!

Union Church of the Brethern

Find pretty, woven rag rugs. Long before repurposing was popular this was a way to put older material to good use, such as cloths belonging to a loved one passed away. Today, they are still a pretty way to decorate a home.

110 Blackberry Farm

Check out the delicious healthy blackberries that are lower in sugar, higher in vitamins and minerals. Yum, the blackberries are so good!!!! Brian brings other fruits to the market for purchase as they are seasonally available. I thoroughly enjoyed strawberries earlier this summer.

Click on 110 Blackberry for their Facebook page.

Blooms on 800

Julie creates beautiful arrangement with succulents, air plants and fresh cut flowers. She continues to expand her inventory with new creative ideas. This summer she can be found at the Tuesday Culver Market from 5 pm to 7 pm.

Connect with Julie on Facebook at her page Blooms on 800.

Taco Truck

A favorite of the Tuesday markets, Las Palmas provides authentic Mexican cuisine. Check out their menu below:

Non Profit Groups at the Market

Friends of the Library

This group brings older books to sell and gives the profits to the local library. Look for them set up on a picnic table. Pictured below are a few of my finds.

Lions Club

Freida, faithfully attends the market to sell nuts and brooms for the Culver Lions Club. She has proven to be an inspiration to me. At this past winter market, I found my table next to hers some weeks. During these times, I found myself challenged in listening to her stories.

0 Shares

August 15, 2019August 16, 2019

Homestead Diary ~ Week 2

0 Shares

Picking up from where I left off last week. If you recall, I had been up late to catch Prince Charming. He is a sweetheart, but such a sneaky boy!

Thursday, August 8, 2019

I woke up at 3:30 am. I felt horrible and knew a low sugar level was the cause. I grabbed candy I keep near the bed and ate 4 to 5 pieces several times until I felt my body begin to no longer feel like I was going to pass out. Next time I was coherently awake was 10 am. My head hurt. But nothing like when I had a Traumatic Brain Injury. That headache hurt on a whole different level. Now I have to stop and pay attention to notice a head ache. I ached. A combination of a short night and bad sugar low told me I would have a slow day today. After caring for animals, I headed into town to work online. I noticed Sage had stayed in her dog house each time I had looked her way and when I checked on her she lifted her head. Sage, a blue healer and terrier mix, at 18 years old would not be with me much longer. I prepared for taking her in the following day to end her suffering.

Friday, August 9, 2019

The dreaded chore awaited me the following morning. I took her water and she drank. As the day progressed, I processed if this was the best thing to do. I struggle with these decisions. Once done they cannot be undone. I value human life and that of animals as well. I took care to spend time praying for others, my decision and praising God throughout the morning. I have been nose to the grindstone, but this morning I sat and watched inspirational messages and teachings from the Bible. I gathered emotional strength. Making sure all the chickens had water I had 2 tasks at hand: picking up chicken and horse feed, which for some reason I do not enjoy, and the final decision about Sage. I noticed it looked like she had vomited. To give you her history, she has had a mass under her belly for 4 years and up until 2 days ago has had normal body functions, eating and drinking. When I seen she had vomited I knew it was time. Making the appointment I teared up a little. In less than an hour she was no longer suffering. I drove her home and I took off to pick up chicken feed.

I write this and still will be unloading chicken feed and doing PM chores. I know Brian will be helping me say the final good byes to Sage this evening. I want to share a bit about her as she brought much joy and laughter to my life. The first time I met her she barked at me when I left as if to tell me, don’t leave me here. I suppose the telling of Sage will be another blog post in the future cause as I think about my memories of her, I see 1000 words in my mind. She was about as bossy as a dog could be, and had a mind of her own. I was right there by her petting her head and talking to her. It was about as peaceful as it could be.

I believe the Lord has shown me that I have created a habit of avoiding or ignoring painful or uncomfortable situations. Today I faced it head on, even if I took 6 hours to prepare.

It wouldn’t hurt as bad if I did not love as deeply.

Saturday, August 10, 2019

Off to Culver Farmer’s Market where I sold eggs and garlic. Here I had several wonderful conversations with friends and market patrons. At the close of market, I hurried on to have a late lunch with family. I felt wore out emotionally. I grieved noticing how Sage did not bark at me. I heard her bossy bark in my head. Prince Charming escaped Saturday evening again as I headed out to do late chores. I had been resting reading, Betty Zane, a good part of the evening. I decided to sit out on the porch and read waiting for Prince Charming to show himself and be caught. At first, I felt frustrated and angry, a product of my grieving process, but as I sat out in the night air, my heart began to feel peaceful. I enjoyed the story about Betty a frontier girl living along the Ohio river. Her settlement was the first in the area. The story, written in the 1920’s and based on diary entries from the 1700’s of her brothers. Zane Grey, a descendant of the Zane family authored the story surrounding her historic act. As I understand in the town of Wheeling, West Virginia there stands a monument commemorating the siege of Fort Henry September 1782. This book was one of several that I picked up at the Culver Farmer’s Market. Reading stories of heroes who settled our country revives the pioneer/homestead spirit in me.

Sunday, August 11, 2019

A longed-for day of rest, which is what I did, while caring for the animals of course. A late evening visit at friends, where I took a quick picture of a couple of the pullets, she has from CG Heartbeats Farm stock. After catching up I watched her husband ride one of her horses tracking the hot heels. Hot heels are a training/practice tool for rope horses. They are usually pulled by a 4-wheeler and imitate a roping steer. Monday morning as I write this, I again feel a longing to ride. My work awaits to be completed first.

Monday, August 12, 2019

A hot, humid day with rain in the forecast, but it was after noon, evening and overnight until we happily received 3/4ths of an inch of rain. I feel deeply thankful for the rain. I felt super excited to find a Silver-Gray Dorking hen (with a red tag) sitting on the eggs this morning. To this point, I am always excited for a broody hen. They make my life easier as I have shared.

I moved chicks and grow-outs that are living in tanks outside in cages and began the process of cleaning the tanks. I first drag to the manure pile and dump, next drag to the side of the chicken barn where I spray out with the hose. This part of the process looks different each time. It varies how long I soak the tanks, if I use apple cider vinegar to clean, or if I scrub them with a brush. When they are clean, I drag them near-by, tip on their side, leaving them until they dry. If I don’t want to use them right away, I store them tipped upside down. I drag them back into the barn when I use them. On occasion I will have someone help me carry them which is much easier. Usually as I am solo, I drag them. These are plastic 100-gallon stock tanks and not terribly heavy. My cell phone was on the verge of complete shutdown due is age of 6 to 8 years. At times the screen would go white and I could see nothing. The evening was spent shopping for a new phone. I did finally against by wishes, end up with a smart phone. This is my first. I suppose it will have its benefits, but I like a phone to be a phone…

Tuesday, August 13, 2019

Caring for animals, prepping for the evening market, and working on a blog post took up most of my day.

I thoroughly enjoyed Culver Market chatting with other vendors and friends. I gathered the remaining information I needed to complete the upcoming blog post on this market. Look for it to post on the coming Monday.

Wednesday, August 14, 2019

This day has been an almost repeat of yesterday in the fact that I cared for animals, worked on a blog post and prepared for market. Feeling tired, I tried to stay focused on only what I needed to do. Do you have days like that? As drove into Bremen, I was watching the sky (and the radar). It sure looked like we were going to get hit with rain. I opted to wait to set until it past. The rain took its sweet time and it was almost 5 pm before I set up my table. People started trickling in. Tonight was FREE cupcake night for school students. I am certain all were given away. A cooler air settled in for the night. Upon arriving home, I seen we had been given ½ inch of rain. I feel blessed to have 1 ¼ inch of rain this week. The ground has been getting pretty dry and now I will be relieved of the duty of watering garden and pots. I had just settled into bed when I heard the chickens carrying on. NOW WHAT?!? I felt tired!!!! Dressed and armed out I went to see what was going on…. OH, the pen that has been eating their eggs, had laid an egg and had started to eat it. To tell the truth, I felt relieved, a bit happy and my rather irritated attitude left. I felt like laughing. I could to back to bed and sleep with no worries of a predator tonight.

A quick word to chickens eating eggs: based on my observations, this act lasts for a season and then seems to resolve itself. I am not fond of it, but I have yet to have a hen that does not stop such behavior on her own over time.

Wow, this ends the 2^nd week of August. Did you read the first week? Thank you for sharing in this journey via my diary entries.

0 Shares

August 8, 2019August 15, 2019

Homestead Diary ~ Week 1

0 Shares

Although I have been around animals my entire life, I feel like a newbie many times in this homesteading journey. New lessons with new species, raising animals in a new way, new goals aside from living an equestrian lifestyle, learning what it means to have an online business are all changes I have chosen for this season of my life. Thus, getting real about what a month of the journey really looks like feels scary and vulnerable. Here goes as I diving in head first.

Thursday, August 1, 2019

Yes! I love a new month and a new morning! AM chores completed I headed into town to work online. I was excited for the work I wanted to do on the hatching course. I ended up with a bad low sugar level. I ate and waited until it was safe for me to drive. During this time, I focused the best I could on the online work I wanted to get done. Once home, I took a long nap, before heading out for evening chores. I hate these disruptions to my day, but I am learning to be thankful for all the good. It seems a lesson that, while I can see progress, is a mental battle I continue to fight.

Friday, August 2, 2019

I awoke feeling terrible. As I lay in bed I thought, “I am do not have to do much today. I am staying right here! Oh wait! I have a meeting planned to send pullets to a new home. I need to stay consistent with my social media posts. I need a box or two for the pullets to travel in. I need to go to town.” I groaned inwardly. Slowly, I began my day. When the above mentioned was completed and chores attended to. I rested the remainder of the day. On this day I felt blessed and thankful that while I needed to attend to certain items of business, I could rest with out feeling any quilt. Rest I did.

Saturday, August 3, 2019

Normally, I attend the Culver Farmer’s Market, but I still not feeling good, choose to stay home. To be completely honest, I want to share I also felt a bit overwhelmed with what I have not been getting done around here and online. I squash thoughts tempting me to waste energy wishing I felt better. I know the best thing for me today is rest. After the daily quiet time of writing what I am thankful for and reading a chapter in a book by Kathy Lee Gifford titled, The Rock, The Road, and the Rabbi, with a cup of coffee, I headed outside to feed the horses, cats and share an IG story and post. My first stop was checking if the Swedish Flower Hen of Pair # 2 was indeed broody. YES! She was. I decided since I was moving slow anyway to put out the broody hen and her chicks, the 5- 4/5-week old chicks and the 4 from pen #7. I began the work of watering and feeding chicken pens. In the mix I watered the potted cherry tomato plants and some of the sweet potatoes. At some point I added 7 eggs to the 4 or 5 the broody hen had already laid. I have been saving her eggs and leaving a few in with her, hoping she would go broody a second time this year. Feeling so blessed that she did, especially given the fact the coons had eaten her chicks.

Brian and I grabbed a bite to eat and then I was back outside feeding chickens. This process stretched on into the afternoon. I say I was moving slow….I started this at 10 am and it was now 4 pm. I spent an hour working on a blog post I am putting together. Then back outside to find Kit Kat was shadowing me and meowing intensely. ‘Now what does she want,’ I wondered. I looked closer at her, feeling under her belly. I now suspected she was close to having kittens. She likes to show me where she is having her kittens. I spent the next several minutes with her coming and going in the underbrush next to the house. Yes, this is one of those areas that need work here. Anyway, she settled down in a corner. I will keep checking on her this evening, but I am certain she is having kittens. I tamed her when she was feral and it took me 8 weeks to even touch her. Unfortunately, I did not get her fixed and now our cat population has taken off. Several cats have been fixed here and she is one of the next ones on the list. It feels like slow progress. But it is progress. I gathered eggs which I do through out the day. Relationships with animals bring joy to my heart and to be honest at times pain. I wrote a bit more and headed back outside until dark. Chores consisted of bringing in the chicks and grow outs I had put in cages outside earlier in the day, feeding horses, and watering the garden near the chickens. I finally transplanted the cherry tomato plants where one of the garlic gardens had been near the house.

3 sister garden plot, behind is the heritage tomato plants
out of site are the yellow and white onions and carrots

I found myself remembering the joying of riding bareback on a horse at a walk. For the first time in years I longed to ride. One of my goals for this year was to start riding again. I do not believe I have been on a horse since 2017, 2 years ago. That year I only rode two times, once in WY at Shoshone Lodge and Guest Ranch and another time in Alberta, Canada. I determined I would ride Navajo Bo. If I get into the reasons why I could write an entire post telling the story of each horse I was not riding. I found Bo’s bridle. Oh dear, that was a mess. I decided to put a halter together with reins that had snaps on them. That is how I learned to ride a horse, bareback with a halter and 2 lead ropes snapped to the halter. Yep, why not start over the same way. If you want to read more about the time, I spent with Bo last night, check out her FB page where I posted a bit about it.

When I went to feed the dogs, I called softly to Kit Kat and shortly she appeared with a messy rear end. Yep, she had birthed kittens. Her belly still felt hard in one spot. Perhaps she wasn’t quite done. I gave her food and water. She hung out with me for a while before returning to her babies. I heard them fussing a couple times. I felt good, peaceful and happy with the enjoyment of my day.

Sunday, August 4, 2019

One of my goals in the last few years is to make Sunday a day of rest. It does not always look quite the same. I did not do much other then care for animals, write, and hang out at home. The broody hen was still on her eggs.

Monday, August 5, 2019

The temps were forecasted to be in the high 80’s. In the mornings after my quiet time or devotions, I started making a schedule for my day. On Mondays this takes a bit longer as I also brain dump of what I want to get done for the week. AM chores include feeding chickens, gathering eggs, horses, cats and dogs, checking gardens and potted plants. I found a few beans (Jacob Cattle Beans) ready to harvest. This morning I took a look at the wild grapes and even ate a few that looked sort of ripe. I hope the tart taste diminishes as they ripen more. If not, I will still eat them, and I am going to be looking for a way to use them. I dove into a daydream imagining where I would keep a cow. I think I forgot to mention I have been in conversation concerning a Jersey cow, bred to a mini Jersey. While I feel drawn to Scottish Highlands and American Milking Devon, at this time the Jersey/Mini Jersey seems like a better fit for the immediate time frame. In all it doesn’t sound like all that takes much time, but 3 hours flew by. The afternoon was spent working on the computer. Brian decided to address the slow water flow and needed my help so after starting house chores, I helped him. One or two more tasks before I was done for the might.

I cleaned the music variety of garlic I want to sell and kept back what I will plant for next years crop and my own use. Not only do I use for cooking, I also put cloves in the chicken water from time to time to boost their immune system. PM chores took close to an hour. It is 10 PM as I write this and I will be going back out to finish up a few things. I felt refreshed today after a day of rest.

Tuesday, August 6, 2019

I desperately needed to work on laundry. First thing I did was get a load started. AM chores went faster today and I found time to wash a quart sized water container for Cisco. When I first brought them home, I had given him a little plastic container and I found myself filling repeatedly through out the day. I felt good knowing this 5 min act would be saving me time in the coming weeks. A lunch time I continued to work on laundry. I usually enjoy laundry, but I have found a way to look forward to it. I pile up a few loads that are ready to be folded then listen to one or two podcasts while I fold. The times flies by fast, I have learned something new and the laundry is folded and put away. I spent 20 min writing out the content for a video I want to add to the course I am working on. Out to wash eggs and load the car for the Culver’s Farmer’s Market. I had this, last minute, idea to stop a local Dollar store on the way. I wanted to get brown paper bags and blank stickers to write on and stick on the bags when I sold garlic. I found regular plain brown lunch bags and shipping labels. I was hoping for a fancier bag and a cute cut to the stickers, but I spent $2.14 on them, so who am I to be picky. Down the road I intend to pay to have printed stickers with the info I want to share. I did the math sitting at the market later in the evening: I cut one shipping label in 4 strips for the egg carton labels. 18 labels cost $1 so each label cost around .05 cents. Divided by 4 (4 strips) that is around 1 cent per shipping label. The quote I currently have for pre-printed egg labels is around 34 cents a label. Of course, they would look much prettier. For now, I will use these, but future goals include pre-printed labels. As for the garlic bags, I will continue to use the shipping labels, but as I sat here writing I remembered I have several sets of ‘fancy’ cut scissors in my craft box. Now that would make for some fancier looking labels. I intend to get them out for today market in Bremen, Indiana.

Leaving the dollar store, I began feeling anxious. At first, I chalked it up to worrying about being late to market, but no amount of self-talk made it go away. I realized my sugar levels must be dropping. I started eating the snack foods I had purchased at the Dollar store. I took a different route since I had gone into town on my way. In my path ahead I seen a traffic backed up for a train. Oh, not now! As I sat there waiting on a train that was NOT moving, eating cause my sugar, I am not sure how much time had gone by. I looked at my phone to check the time and to my dismay it was after 5 pm. I wanted to go home and be done for the night! Instead I text a couple different friends that were at the market to get directions how to get around the train. I did eventually get to the market. I want to give a big shout out to my friend Julie and Blooms on 800. She helped me get unloaded and set up. The market proved slow and my sales were $0. But I decided to look at it from the perspective that, as I sat there, I worked on my egg labels and spent time with my friend. I enjoyed the cool breezes coming off of Lake Maxinkuckee. We chatted as I helped her load her van. Driving home, I fought off negative thoughts of my evening. Even this morning I needed to chase them away. I made progress yesterday even if no sales. Julie shared helpful ideas how to give my market table a new look. It is August and I have been sporting the spring look. I am overdue for a change. Chores went well and all the animals looked good, giving a good feeling. I was tired, but looking forward to feeling rested in the morning.

Wednesday, August 7, 2019

Bremen Farmer’s Market takes place from 4 pm to 7 pm on Wednesdays. I spent around 4 hours going through my morning routine: devotional and quiet time, am chores, and checking the plants. Next off to town looking for what I needed to change the display at the markets. I admit I found pleasure in shopping at a local dollar store. Ideas of what the table could look like as I browsed through items. The final look came together when I arrived at the market. I picked flowers, and grabbed garlic that was still drying, cleaned a coffee cup tree that I have not been using. Off to the Bremen Farmer’s Market and another evening of visiting with patrons and friends. The small crowd produced a few sales for me. Check out the slide show of the new display below.

At home I unloaded the car, rested 20 minutes before heading out to complete PM chores. Unfortunately, Prince Charming (the cat) snuck out the door and it was well past midnight before I located him to bring him in. He seemed to think he was on a grand adventure. I was reminded of how the Jesus shared the parable of the shepherd who would leave the fold and go look for the one lost sheep. I thought, ‘I know how overjoyed I will feel when I have Prince Charming safe in my arms and back in the house. Imagine how overjoyed the Lord is when a lost soul returns to Him. No greater love…..’

This completes the first 7 days of August. Did any parts of my last week stand out to you? Send me an email telling me about it. Send your email to maria@dontclipmywings.com or click here

0 Shares

August 5, 2019August 5, 2019

July on CG Heartbeats Farm

0 Shares

As I look back at July 2019, I cringe I have not posted on this blog. I written bits and pieces, taken pictures and shared a glimpse on Instagram and Facebook. What have I been doing?

I enjoyed time with family and took a business trip where I met up with other bloggers. I have been living a life that allows me to focus on my health.

Chickens

I received my Indiana farmer’s market egg license, and NPIP recertification keeping the farm up to date. I am looking into becoming Certified Naturally Grown and still learning about the process.

I lost a pullet and six 5-week old chicks to racoons. Not everyone agrees on how to deal with predators. There are different ways to address the problem. Let’s look at a few of them. Hopefully, you will either avoid the issue all together or have a plan in place to limit the loss of life to your chickens.

Trap and remove the predator
Increase the strength the chicken pen
End the predator’s life

I lost the only Lemon Cuckoo Niederrheiner rooster I had, but now have 2 Lemon Cuckoo Niederrheiner cockerals from another farm.

Meet Clinch and Cisco. Clinch the quicker of the two to be in charge, and lighter in color. Cisco, with a darker color has a sweet personality.

I took a break from hatching eggs, but I plan to start setting a few select eggs this month. A Swedish Flower Hen went broody so I have new chicks despite my break from using an incubator. This hen is three years old and this is the first time she has went broody. This is my second Swedish Flower Hen to go broody this year.

Cherokee growing up last fall. His girls hatched from Pen # 5 earlier this year.

Two evenings after moving Cherokee in with his pullets from Pen # 5, I found Cherokee overheated. After working with him to cool him down, he was able to once again stand and walk with out assistance. I probably spent 30 minutes helping him. It is a good feeling to know you likely saved one. It doesn’t always turn out good working to save an animal, when it does it makes up for all the times I tried and did not.

Earlier this year I met Maddox when he and his mom picked up chicks. Fast forward to the Marshall County Fair where he showed 2 (rooster and pullet) in an exhibition class. His face when he showed me the first place and grand champion ribbons radiated his joy. I must say I was trilled for both him and the fact the chickens had hatched at CG Heartbeats Farm from a pen I had put together from chicks I had hatched here. I was seeing the fruits of my breeding program.

Farmers Markets

Culver Farmers Market located on the beautiful Lake Maxinkuckee occurs Tuesdays from 5 pm to 7 pm and Saturdays from 9 am to 1 pm. Bremen Farmer’s Market happens on Wendesdays from 4 pm to 7 pm.

If I am to continue attending the 3 markets, I believe I need to find additional produce/crafts to bring for the value to be worth the travel and time involved. These markets provide me a place to learn about what is selling. I also see them as a place to be creative with ideas of what a buyer might be interested in. I enjoy attending farmers markets to be clear.

Vegetables and Fruits

This year I added a new garden space with additional garlic, large, heirloom tomatoes, and a 3 sister plot, made up of glass gem popcorn, Jacob cattle beans, butternut squash, and sugar baby watermelon.

To date I have harvested the 4 varieties of garlic: Music, Montana, German, and Spanish Rojo. At the moment it is hanging to dry, but it will be available to either order online or at the local farmers markets

2019 Garlic Harvest.

I am looking forward to planning and planting even more for 2020.

These plants are heirloom, as you can save seeds from them, and they will yield the same produce year after year. Working toward increased sustainability, one of the goals at CG Heartbeats Farm, includes planting and using seeds that will reproduce themselves and are not genetically motified.

As July has been a much drier month, I have needed to start watering the plants, fruits, and garden. There is a large amount of rust in our water. I did not see a sprinkle a good option as it would spray rusty water all over the plants. I found a soaker hose and gave it a try. Another downer to the rust is that it seems to plug the holes in the soaker hose. I have at times stood with the hose nozzle on shower and low to the ground while watering it myself. Does that make me the sprinkler? I have been known to carry water in buckets to the grapes, and potatoes planted in buckets.

What I have learned:

Pay better attention to the lack of rainfall and water the raspberry plants quicker. I pruned the black raspberries, but not set up ropes or wires to keep the plants in check. Picking would be considerable faster and easier if I had.

I tried planting candy onions in between the rows of garlic, but that did not work out well. The garlic grew much faster blocking the sunlight to the garlic or perhaps the onions needed moisture at the time when garlic did not. What ever the cause I will not try this next year, unless I plant the garlic much farther apart. I found it hard to stay off the onions when harvesting the garlic as close as they were planted.

Going Forward

I have shared the highlights of life on CG Heartbeats Farm in the month of July. For the month of August I plan to share a weekly blog post of daily diary entries of what my life has been. I strive to be open with this. You may or may not agree with it all and at times farm life is not rosey. But if you like the truth, you will appreciate my honestly. I am completely open to your thoughts on the format and opinions. I look forward to hearing any questions you may have.

0 Shares

June 28, 2019June 29, 2019

The Cody Stampede

0 Shares

Cody, Wyoming hosts a nightly local rodeo in the months of June, July and August. In the past, I wanted to haul horses out there for the summer just to get them seasoned or at least get them ready to hit the road. As of now I have not made use of this idea. On July 1-4 Cody’s arena hosts The Stampede, a PRCA sanctioned rodeo. While some locals may be entered, the entry fees are higher and the card holding members get first dibs. These contestants are not only running for larger purse payouts, but they are looking to add points for the year end championship title. They are also vying for a spot in the Finals Rodeo held in Las Vegas. Before some of the events created their own association the PRCA was the highest level one could compete in rodeo events. Now there are the USTRA (team roping), PBR (bull riding), Barrel racing futurities and NBHA, IBRA and so on.

I have attended The Cody Stampede 3 times and yes, I have only ever been a spectator at this event. I do not really get into watching activities, that I would rather be a competitor in. My niece, (again) was the reason for my attendance. “Aunt Maria, I am so excited to the rodeo with you,” followed by a high little squeal. Yep, I will have fun going if for no other reason than to please this special young lady. My nieces have a way of motivating me to do things I otherwise might not do.

Last year my husband and I had only arrived in the area a few hours before the rodeo was scheduled to start. We were coming off a 2-day road trip, and I received several phone calls that afternoon wondering how close we were.

At last we arrived with the excited little lady to the rodeo grounds. Here is a look at the events we enjoyed.

Saddle Bronc Riding

These riders attempt to NOT hit the ground or touch the horse with their free hand for 8 seconds. Using a special ‘bronc’ saddle and halter. They are judged on how the horse bucks and how they ride it.

Bareback Bronc Riding

In this event the riders use a bareback rigging which is like a suitcase handle strapped to the back of the horse. The horse also wears a bronc halter with a thick rope attached.

A look at the bareback rigging. If I remember correctly this horse was called Maria.

Judges look for a few different details compared to the Saddle Bronc Riding, but the basic idea is similar. Riding the 2 different styles is not the same.

Calf Roping or Tie-down Roping

A horse rider gives a calf the head start, chases after it while swinging a rope. Then (if) when caught, the rider jumps off the horse, runs to the calf, flips it on its side and ties 3 of the legs. During this time the horse has been trained to keep the rope (that is attached to the saddle) tight so the cowboy can work. The tie then has to hold for 6 seconds. The winner is determined by the time the fastest time.

Steer Wrestling

A mounted rider chases a steer that again has a head start, leans off his horse to grab the horns and wrestle the steer to the ground. All this while they are running 30 plus miles per hour.

Halftime Show

The clowns provide entertainment throughout the rodeo in between events. But just before the intermission at this event they put on a special show. This was a new to me clown act.

Barrel Racing

Warm up time for the ladies almost always happens during the intermission. Intermission follows the Half time show and the barrel racing follows that. Three barrels are set up in triangle or also called a cloverleaf pattern. If you look a horses set of tracks after a clean run, it would look similar to the drawing of a cloverleaf. Here it is simple: the fastest time wins with all barrels still standing. Five or ten seconds are added to the time for each barrel knocked over. Also the horse must continue in a forward motion and correctly execute the pattern with the choice of going to either the left or right barrel first.

Team Roping

Two mounted cowboys chase a horned steer (or cow) which is given a head start. One rides slightly ahead for the purpose of roping the horns. The second rider hangs back a little and when the header (first rider) turns the steer, rides in and ropes the heels. The header pivots his horse and the heeler (second rider) slows his horse down. This action pulls the ropes taut. At this point the timer is stopped. The fastest times wins. There are penalties for only catching one hind leg instead of two or not giving the steer its head start (breaking the barrier).

Bull Riding

Almost always the last event in a rodeo and seemingly the most trilling. The announcer builds the excitement saying, “Are you ready for the buuulllll riding?” There have been serious injuries in the other events, but the bull riders have been known to say, “Its not if I get hurt, but when.” A rope tied around the circumference of the bull just behind the shoulders, a bit of rosin to help the hand stick and a flank strap in front of the back legs with a nod of the head, the chute opens. Let’s see who can stay on for 8 seconds. Of course, these cowboys get a score too, also based on how the bull bucks and how the rider rides. Two judges score up to 25 points for the bull and up to 25 points for the rider bringing the total possible points to 100. Highest score wins. There are ways to be disqualified such as touching the body of the bull with a free hand, not marking the bull out, and falling off before 8 seconds are over.

Yes, this was an exciting rodeo to watch. Certainly not your average rodeo compared to the ones I have competed in. Instead of the same old jokes, the clowns had new material to entertain or new to me. Want to see the Cody Stampede Rodeo? Visit their website.

0 Shares

June 21, 2019June 21, 2019

Summer 2019

0 Shares

Spring of 2019 is nearing its end, although some days have reminded me that it is indeed still spring as the temps have been unseasonably cool. In this post, I am going to share some of my homestead goals for the coming summer months and take a look back at the past three here on CG Heartbeats Farm.

A Look back at Spring 2019

Our Indiana spring produced a lot of rain. The saturated ground has created a delay in getting crops seeded, including on this homestead. While I have planted some seeds, there are several that still need to be planted. The big hold up is getting the ground ready as my plan was to have some ground plowed. There are a couple back up ideas floating around in my head that will be decided on soon.

I am excited about trying a new to me way of planting corn, beans and a third cover plant. Right now, I am using watermelon and squash, but more on that later this year. For now, here is a picture of what it looked like as of the beginning of June.

My first 3 Sisters Garden… This picture was taken June 10. Would you believe now, 10 days later, the plants have doubled in size!!

Using wood chips has proved effective in week control in the garlic gardens. I planted candy onions in between the rows of garlic. So far it appears to be working well. The garlic will be harvested in another 3 to 4 weeks.

Sweet Potatoes

9 Sweet Potato plants with 3 more to be added this week.

I used 3 different methods to start sweet potatoes this year. I, spontaneously, tried removing the sprig from the potato and planting it directly in soil. To my surprise, the little plant thrived. Thus when it was time to plant sweet potatoes in buckets I removed springs from a potato and planted them directly into the soil. They are doing well. Look for more info on this year’s sweet potato crop on this web site after harvest this fall.

Shipping Chicks

I shipped chicks for the first time this year. This is a first for my journey and I look forward to successfully shipping additional chicks in the future. If you want to pre-order chicks(deposit required) or have your name added to the list(no charge) be sure to send an email.

Shipping Eggs

I have continued shipping eggs and to the credit of the Post Office, the eggs arrived in great condition for every shipment this year.

Broody Hen

A Swedish Flower Hen went broody for her second time. One of my breeding goals is to increase the number of broody hens in my flock. As I understand this is a genetic trait. I intend to keep all pullets from the group of six chicks she hatched to add to my breeding stock. The first time this pretty hen went broody she was less than a year old and there was no rooster in her pen, yet. I ended up giving her fertile eggs from another pen. You can read about how that ended up in the blog post titled: A Broody Swedish Flower Hen Breeding goals aside, I find the tenderness demonstrated between a momma and her babies endearing and the beauty of it all warms my heart a way nothing else does.

Silver Gray Dorking

I am excited the fertility has improved in the Silver Gray Dorking eggs over earlier this year. It is not as good as last year, unfortunately, but then summer isn’t over. Due to the eggs not staying viable long enough to hatch, my next step is going to be adjusting the temperature on the incubator slightly.

Lemon Cuckoo Niederrheiner

I am still facing difficulty with fertility in the Lemon Cuckoo Niederrheiners, unfortunately. I intend to continue to work with this pretty breed.

Grapes

I admit to feeling a bit disappointed to ending up with only an additional 2 grape plants after caring for almost 20 starts over the winter. I will say I am happy to have 2 more plants in the ground outside. My latest experiment, if you will, is taking this year’s new growth from a grape plant outside and placing into a jar of water. My hope is that it will grow roots. Look for a coming post about the process.

Summer 2019 Thoughts

Finish Planting

For a stretch of several weeks northern Indiana experienced excessive rain. The first round produced over 5 inches in less than a week. After the ground was saturated, the rain continued to fall almost daily, or often nightly. Thankfully, I was able to get some seed in the ground as I mentioned above. I find I enjoy this venture, planting and learning as I go. Onion bulb(yellow and white), potatoes, carrots,

Attending local farmer’s markets in Bremen and Culver

One of CG Heartbeats Farm spring market display.

Last year I attended a local farmer’s market for the first time in Bremen, Indiana. I also attended another on in Nappanee, Indiana on Saturdays. Over the winter, I found a local indoor market to attend in Culver, Indiana and have continued to attend their outside market. Their summer market occurs on Sat and Tue. CG Heartbeats Farm plans to have a vendor booth at Culver on Tuesdays (5 pm to 7 pm), Bremen on Wednesday’s (4 pm to 7 pm) and back at Culver on Saturday mornings (9 am to 1 pm). Products available include seasonal items such as black raspberries, black raspberry plants, mint plants, farm fresh eggs, 4 varieties of garlic, soup beans, decorative and edible popcorn, black walnut tree seedlings, popular tree seedlings,

Maintaining Gardens

Keeping up with weeds and my case, the weeds are actually grass that works hard to take over, seems to be continuous, but using wood chips and chaff, helps to keep them at bay.

Pasture Maintenance

Summer always brings the need for pasture maintenance. Mowing down weeds (I do not use chemicals on the pastures) and keeping the fence rows cleaned out seem to be 2 jobs that I am always behind on. There are new fences to construct if I am to continue with my plans. These jobs are a bit tougher for me now as I work to balance my activity level with getting enough rest.

Black Raspberries

I am looking forward to eating these soon! The extras will go to the local farmers markets and my freezer!

This spring I pruned 3 of my 4 Black Raspberry patches. I am impressed with the berries that are appearing on the pruned plants. I will also be offering black raspberry plants for sale at the farmers markets I attend. One of my goals is to also look into shipping plants and selling from this website.

Garlic Scapes

Notice the curl on the top of the garlic plants? These curled tops are the scapes.

As of this week the garlic scapes are almost ready to harvest. Garlic scapes, you may ask? These are the top part of a garlic plant that will produce a flower and seed if not removed. The plants energy is directed into producing a larger garlic bulb instead.

Ongoing Projects

There are always chicken pens to clean. I have started a new manure pile leaving the previous one to compost. I started work on a container garden area, but the progress has slowed in the last 6 weeks. I want to continue working in the beds near the house. They were intended to be flower beds, but I have been using them for planting vegetables too. There is an area back of the chicken barn that needs to have old boards removed to the burn pile. The hold up is I want to remove the hardware on the boards It seems I have accomplished that step, yet.

Personal Goals

One of my personal goals for this year is to spend some time riding again, even if it is only a short jaunt in the round pen or around the pasture. I intend to enjoy these summer months. A final (personal) goal is to begin playing fiddle again, perhaps practicing on my fiddle again would be more accurate. What are your summer plans? Leave a comment below to share your plans.

0 Shares

June 15, 2019June 15, 2019

Horses of CG Heartbeats Farm

0 Shares

Five horses live on CG Heartbeats Farm. In the past I continued to challenge myself with horses I found tougher to connect with, lead and train. Now I don’t mean the actual act of leading a horse with a rope, but rather the act of leadership in the process of teaching a horse to respond in a safe, trusting manner. After my traumatic brain injury in 2011, I found a had a strong desire to branch out my activities and knowledge to include other topics besides horses. Somewhere along the way I began to wonder who did God create me to be? Who was I beyond who I was as an equestrian? The idea of having horses was my sister’s idea when she was 6 and I was 7. I loved my sister that was 13 months younger. I wanted to help her in her desire to have a horse or pony. I jumped on board. Now here I was over 30 years later, realizing for the first time this passion of horses did not originate with me. I had to wonder who I would have become if I had found my own direction, what would I have developed into if I had not been concerned with those closest to me as a child. I do not recall exploring what I liked in any depth. Most of my thoughts concentrated on those around me. Well enough of all that, for now. These ponderings led me to begin looking around.

Horses still put a smile on my face even if all I do is feed and care for them right now. I am not in any way, shape or form ready to no longer own horses. Thus I have found one way for now they can contribute to my homesteading journey. Meet the horses of CH Heartbeats Farm.

Roses Casino

Out of an appendix Quarter Horse mare named Mismatched and a Quarter Horse stallion with Sugar Bar breeding. I purchased Mismatched pregnant, so I have owned ‘Rosie’ her entire life. I spent many hours riding her first training her to be ridden, trail riding, training and conditioning her to run barrels, of course, competing on her at more shows and rodeos than I can remember, team roping practices and simple rides down the road. I would have to stop and count, if I can even remember, the number of little girls we have provided rides for. The longest was one of my nieces when she was only 3 years old, we rode 3 and a half miles before she was tired.

One of my nieces riding with me several years ago.

Brave Diamond Dust

‘Dusty’ is the only horse I bred myself, meaning I picked out the stallion to cross with her dam, Melanie Lynn. This mare is another I have raised from a foal. The story about her that stands out to me the most was the injury she sustained as a 4 or 5-year old. A puncture wound that required surgery to flush out the hock joint to give her a high quality of life. It was a long 4 plus months of rehabilitation. She has a cute, knows what she likes, personality.

Dry Doc Drifter

Drifter before I started riding him with a bit.

‘Drifter’, who was purchased as a 2-year-old was foaled in South Dakota. He was the horse I was riding when I came off and sustained a TBI. He has wonderful stamina and I have yet to truly tire him. He has the breeding to do a job all day long. When he doesn’t have a job to do, he seems to spend his energy behaving badly.

Zips Country Bar Maid

‘Cider’ was bred by one of my sisters and I purchased her as a yearling. She is an intelligent horse who learns quickly, but I have not spent much time riding her. She needs more training, only because I have not made time for her.

Navajo Bo

One of many photos taken the summer we prepared for the 2015 TCA Thoroughbred Makeover.

‘Bo’ was bred to be a racehorse and fulfilled her job at Indiana Grand. A timid mare, on the track, she would back off trying to win if she was bumped. She has a personality all her own. Expressing her displeasure, when not happy with her circumstances, she has proven her willingness to learn. She looks for a leader, but likes to challenge the leader. She is a bit nosey always wanting to know where all the other horses are at and unhappy when they are out of site. My favorite story with Bo is the year we competed or rather participated in the Thoroughbred Makeover at the Kentucky Horse Park. I was not riding at my best level that year, but I enjoyed the entire process. The experience of showing at the Kentucky Horse Park proved to be my favorite venue to complete at. I was sponsored by an amazing grooming product Espana Silk and others helped to make my trip to Kentucky possible. As a part of the competition I was given a blog to share my journey. I wrote 140 posts and, in the process, realized that I liked to write. As a result, the desire to blog about my homesteading journey was beginning to form.

How Horses Contribute to the Homestead

Horses collectively contribute to the soil I use for container gardens. The manure they have produced several years ago now provides a rich fluffy (from the shavings) place that I dig up dirt any time I need to plant in any containers. Basically, this is where I dumped manure, located under trees. I have 2 other piles composting now for future use. These newer piles have more chicken manure compared to the first so time will tell which produces the best.

This is another example of how I have been able to use what I have. I wonder how much money I have saved using my own composted soil instead of buying bags of potting soil? Like everything else one produces themselves, this is the way to know what is in what you are using, or eating. How are you using what you have on your homestead?

0 Shares

June 3, 2019June 3, 2019

Down Home Discount

0 Shares

Past blog posts have taken a look at different farmer’s markets I have attended. In this post I am excited to share a story about a little different place to find farmer market items. When I am in the Cody and Powell, Wyoming area, I always stop by to shop for great deals on foods and other items from Down Home Discount.

Down Home Discount in Powell, Wyoming offers a unique service to both local farmers and area consumers. Staying within the local and state laws they provide a venue for goods to be available from producers in the surrounding area. Keep reading to learn exactly what locally produced food you will find.

What: Down Home Discount
Where: 410 South Clarke Street
       Powell, Wyoming
When: Tuesday – Friday 9 am – 6 pm
      Saturday 8 am – 4:30 pm

This store opened in August of 2017 as a place to purchase name brand products at a reduced price. While some products are out dated or dented, most of their merchandise is with in a use by date and with no damage at all. Use this link to read about purchasing items that are damaged or past the date. Since their purchase price is a fraction of what other stores in the area pay, they are able to pass these savings on to their customers. Owned by a local family with 4 children, they understand the struggles of making ends meet and are excited to offer a lower priced option to the public. A fun part of shopping here is the excitement of discovering what great deals are available each week. Along with groceries DHD also offers a variety of household wares, clothing, and personal hygiene items at a fraction of prices at other locations.

I enjoyed sharing in the opening of Down Home Discount located at 410 South Clark St. This store owned by the Ruckerts was about 3 to 4 years in the making. After many conversations, meetings and plans it felt like a dream come true to finally have their store open. As with most new business ventures, there were and are details to be figured out.

Meet the Owners

Both Brad and April grew up in the Midwest on a dirt road, but not the same one. Brad on a dairy and crop farm and April in a 5-acre woods that included many different animals including horses and goats. Now longtime residents of the Cody/Powell area, they have settled here to raise their own family of 4. Often, on the trips back home they found enjoyment and value in the many discounted stores thriving in their hometown and surrounding area. It was here the dream began to bring this shopping option to their neck of the woods in Wyoming. I admire the fact that it was at least 4 years in the making. The many steps and meetings as the researched this dream. Tenacity is a character trait they both carry, although they may or may not realize its presence.

I was scheduled to be on hand for the grand opening. However, a death in the family, left me with a decision to make and I choose to stay home for the funeral. I enjoyed helping in the store when I did arrive in the first few weeks it opened

Local Farmer’s Contributions

The Ruckert’s understand the importance of supporting local business and the health value of local produce and other foods. Happily, Down Home Discount has made space in the store for local vendors to display their wares. Along with finding great deals on groceries and other products you will find some of the same buying options as if you were attending a local farmer’s market. Keep in mind these items are going to support local families and may not be discounted, but their value comes in the form of health and homemade/produced goods.

Local Baked goods

Local Dairy Products

Farm Fresh ice cream is one of the items available at the Powell store.

Mexican Cuisine

Local crafted Tamale after being purchased and then cooked at home.

Eggs are available. Look for other locally produced foods to be available when you visit Down Home Discount.

A New Location

New in 2019, Down Home Discount and it’s owners opened a new location in Cody, Wyoming about a 30 minute drive from Powell. This location is also a little less than an hour from the east entrance of Yellowstone National Park making it a great place to stock up on supplies for your trip into the park.

What: Down Home Discount
Where: 2621 Big Horn Avenue
       Cody, Wyoming
When: Tuesday – Friday 9 am – 6 pm 
      Saturday 9 am – 5 pm

This new location offers a different buying option. A percentage of merchandise can be purchased in bulk at an additional discount, on top of already low prices. For example, 12 cans of baked beans for the price of 11 when prices are already lower. Get together with your friends when shopping Down Home Discount in Cody and save even more. This new location brings a larger selection in clothing, shoes, health and beauty, and

Facts to remember:

Both stores do not always carry the same merchandise from week to week. It can be like opening a present and you find your self surprised with new items on a regular basis when shopping at Down Home Discount. Stay informed of the weekly deals and new products on Facebook: Down Home Discount on FB.

Attentions local farmers and producers:

Are you a local farmer and produce local food in the Cody, Wyoming or Powell area? Be sure to contact Down Home Discount to speak with them about offering your local produce in their store.

0 Shares

May 26, 2019July 9, 2019

Roots and Wings: Beats that Matter

0 Shares

Often, I share what is happening on the farm, how I move forward in my homesteading journey or enjoy other parts of the country I have visited. In this post I get a bit more personal sharing about my unseen journey, of the heart….Beats that Matter.

I have always had an interest in animal husbandry and the biology of how a body functions both human and animal. There has long been a special place in my heart for the appearance of new life. The wonder of it all, the few moments that life hangs in the balance before arriving, the nurture of a new mom and the trust of a new born have repeatedly touched my heart in a special way. My first experiences go back to my childhood, observing, learning, and assisting with the birth of baby goats. In high school as a part of the farm lab in an Ag and Natural Resource class, I assisted a sow(pig). My journey with horses was only beginning and it has continued to this day.

I have consciously made the decision to step away from horses while pursuing different areas of my life. Music, the beginning of my homesteading journey, raising chickens, producing vegetables and fruit, and attending farmer’s markets along with this website have taken hours of my time, energy, and money. Yet, in the last 3 weeks, caring for equines, felines, and supporting those practicing veterinary medicine seemed to take up a much of my emotional and physical resources. Now, for certain, I do not regret any of it, but rather I have enjoyed the moments as they came. Anytime I have been involved in caring for animals both good and bad, tears and joy abound. These last few weeks have been no different. I have learned new information and put to use my previously acquired knowledge. One such way was in the joint effort of mare watch and foaling. I made an exception to my decision to step away from such activity while focusing on growing new ventures. Largely because, this was to help another human with her animal when she was not in a position physically to do so herself. You see, I have had to rely on others to help me with my animals when I did not feel good. Another time, I found myself alone, no help, with serious health struggles with a horse that needed around the clock care. I jumped at the chance to support another. I am not sure how many times I teared up, happy to be a part of helping. I felt the old adage, ‘It is better to give then to receive’. I will say no more, but rather share this 12-minute video of my wonderous moments.

These past two weeks allowed me to add to the portrait of who I am created to be. This journey called life unfolds much like the stroke of a painter’s brush bringing details of a picture into being as the Lord shows me who He created me to be. For that I am deeply thankful and growing confident in His leading while I grow roots in unseen soil. As the roots develop I am learning it is not about what field I work in, but rather, no matter where I am, I find much joy in encouraging others. Heartbeats that make a difference to those you are around. What are you doing while your heart beats?

0 Shares

May 20, 2019May 26, 2019

A Guided Trail Ride

0 Shares

My lovely niece expressed her strong desire to me in a phone call one day, “Aunt Maria, I want you to go with me on a trail ride when you are out here,” something to that effect, but if that was really going to happen or not was uncertain. That was the year her parents opened a discount grocery store. The excitement of my visit later that year was largely focused on helping as a cashier during the second week after opening. Her Mom, my sister, did managed to make time the day before I was scheduled to return to Indiana. In a previous blog post I shared about my experience enjoying the Shoshone Lodge and Guest Ranch for a few hours.

At last, the anticipated event was to take place. We walked a short distance to area out of sight from the front porch of the Lodge. Here there was a small cabin like structure with steps leading to the door and a small porch. A 2-hour trail ride was getting underway as well as our 1 hour guided ride. I was looking forward to enjoying a ride on a trained horse. I have rode green horses almost as much as finished horse, barrel raced often and a bit of team roping. Until that day I had never been riding in the mountains of Wyoming. For various reasons, this was to be one of only 2 times I sat the back of the horse in 2017. Consequently, the other time involved a different niece in a different county, but only the week prior. I wrote about that ride in a blog post titled Seasons. I felt a bit nervous, knowing my riding skills had suffered since experiencing a TBI. There are few others besides one of my nieces that would have even motivated me to ride that summer.

I did honestly feel unsure riding in unknown terrain, given my belief that my riding skills were lacking compared to past horseback ventures. For this reason, I decided to refrain from sharing that I knew anything of what I was doing. It felt quite odd to have a horse lead to me saddled, held while I mounted from the afore mentioned porch and led to stand behind the horse my niece sat on. I decided to simple enjoy the experience. In the past, if someone lead a horse, I was sitting on it was because the horse was misbehaving. Perhaps I should clarify misbehaving: a gelding that was refusing to enter an arena who reared and escaped the grip of the person leading him, proceeding into the area at a run with no response to attempted guidance of the reins. I strongly believed the horse I sat that day was in need of ground support. I was informed this horse liked to be lazy. Sounded good to me, better than one trying to dump me or run off.

I was not about to miss the opportunity to take pictures while I was riding. I snapped a couple while we waited for our guide, Aaron. I later had the pleasure of meeting his wife, who was working in the reception area of Shoshone Lodge and Guest Ranch. They own Hartley Welding back in their home state of Arkansas. Turns out, our guide has many talents as he also works as a farrier, a line of work operating anywhere a horse does.

At first, we rode on fairly flat ground (for being in the mountains) along a creek bed. While the trail was not steep, at times the bank down to the creek was. The smell of pine floated across the fresh mountain breezes. The peace I felt and beauty that surrounded us, simply can not be shared in these pictures.

We started up a steeper slope. As we rode, I listened to the voice of my niece chatting away. She was riding an old, as in 20 +, horse that was worth its weight in gold when it came to toting young children around.

Aaron, our guide, shared that at one point in the summer, a bear had been sighted right there near the trail we currently were on. My response? I ask if he was carrying a gun. As he turned to answer I seen a gun on his hip. I felt satisfied that there was protection provided and continued to enjoy the ride, while keeping my eye out for bears. The fact created a sense of adventure beyond riding in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains.

Check out this video of pictures taken along the trail.

We had climbed higher than I realized. We came to a path wide enough for motor vehicles. It either went up or down.

I was a bit disappointed we were headed down. I would have been excited to continue riding higher, and knew the ride would soon be over.

Do you see the buildings nestled below? That is the general area we started the trail ride at and where we were returning to.

Arriving back at the Lodge, my niece gave me a big hug and said, ‘Thank you, Aunt Maria’. The ride was amazing, but her little hugs trumped it all.

0 Shares