The Week in Review

Saturday 12/16/17

Beautiful sunrise. 

Dust from a truck travelling south. We sure could use some rain.

Sunday 12/17/17

We woke up to fog. This is the view from my kitchen window while making coffee.

When I went back for a second cup, to my surprise, this was the view from my kitchen window. I asked DC if he knew we were going to have cattle grazing around us, but he hadn't heard anything. 

Unsure whether or not these cows were escapees or supposed to be here, I sent a text to our landlord. She said the cows were trespassing and they were on their way. 

Seems there was a gate open between this property and the property to the west (where they were not supposed to be either). They asked us to watch and if they went back through the gate to close it. 

Soon they wandered through the gate and DC went to close the gate. Gate successfully closed.

Later we rode over to BE and CE's house to see their new calves. On the way I saw a Blue Heron standing hip deep in a pond we were passing. I screamed for DC to stop and I hopped out with my trusty camera to sneak back. Sadly, he flew. As I was looking for another photo op at the pond, I saw DC motioning me to come and pointing toward the south side of the road. I sneaked back and saw this armadillo. Now they are normally dead on the road, but I have seen 2 live ones running across the road in front of me. However, they ran into the tall grass before I could snap a pic to prove they were alive. So I did not let this opportunity pass. I snapped several headless pics and then started calling out, whistling, and DC even honked the truck horn. Still that silly animal kept rooting. It was as if he couldn't hear us. Finally we gave up. But at least I had proof there are actually living creatures.

When we arrived, I found Little Bob inspecting the newly installed cattle feeder. 

And then I saw the new calves. Nice looking critters! Their names were still 37 and 38. The E grand kids will eventually name them. 

This is 38 enjoying the hay. Sadly, she disappeared sometime in the night. Now only 37 is left. Hopefully, 38 will turn up in the neighboring pasture. As of today, she is still missing.

Monday 12/18/17

We drove into town for breakfast and saw Scout guarding the perimeter at the EE ranch.

Tuesday 12/19/17

Laundry day. Since we are living in our RV for the winter, I'm remembering what it's like to do dishes without a dishwasher and do laundry at the laundromat. I drive 16 miles to a pretty nice laundromat, as laundromats go. I like to go early before the rush. It was another foggy morning with some rain.

Wednesday 12/20/17

It was overcast, but in the mid 60s, so decided to take Gus for a walk down to the back pond. He liked running and stopping to sniff all the strange smells and then running again. Being a city dog, he isn't used to the freedom. Gus is loving it here.

Thursday 12/21/17

Absolutely gorgeous day. Mid 70s. Had errands to run in town. On the way back I stopped by the Double E. They were hauling hay. 

Friday 12/22/17

Poured down rain all day. Braved the weather to go grocery shopping. Must have food for our Christmas meal. We will have a guest. In the evening, we were invited to a Christmas meal with friends. Fun time.

Merry Christmas!

Linking to Saturday Critters

Meadowlarks

Meadowlarks are plentiful around here. I only saw them on occasion in Illinois, but here in Oklahoma they are all around us. I first spotted these two on the wire behind out house.

This one was in a tree beside the road.

This guy was standing on a weed in the pasture beside our driveway. He posed quite a while before flying away.

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday

Tuesday Treasures

Television was limited in my dad's house. We were never allowed to watch shows like Bewitched or I Dream of Jeannie. Witches and Genie's were considered the work of the devil. But robbing banks and shooting people seemed to be okay. Every Saturday night, we would load up the car and drive to my aunt and uncle's house to watch Gunsmoke and Have Gun Will Travel. I'm not complaining. I enjoyed them almost as much as my dad. It just seemed odd that comedy was out and killing was in. But then like most men, he loved westerns. 

Last April, DC took me to the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City. It was an awesome experience. Below are a few examples of the western treasures inside. My header photo is from the museum.

Matt Dillon

Festus

After Gunsmoke was over we watched Have Gun Will Travel. These are Paladin's guns.

On Saturday mornings, we watched The Roy Rogers Show. 

And who could forget all those John Wayne westerns. 

Linking to Tuesday Treasures

Birds and Barns

I put up bird feeders last Thursday. Since my feeders in Illinois are usually emptied in little more than a day, I was surprised to find the feeders here in Oklahoma still full this morning. 

 This mockingbird stopped for a brief visit and then flew away.

And this Savannah sparrow spent some time right behind the feeders. He flew away, as well. Hopefully, they noticed the food and will inform their friends.

On my way into Ada this morning, I saw this white-crowned sparrow on a gate. 

This guy was on at the other end of the same gate. This shot was taken through a dusty windshield, so it isn't very clear. I'm not sure what kind he is, but believe him to be a Harris's Sparrow. Anyone know if this is correct?

I'm fairly proud of this Red-tailed hawk shot. I chase them all the time, but rarely get a good pic. 

Linking to The Bird D-Pot 

Below is a barn full of hay.

 Linking to The Barn Collective

Horse Critters

Sleepy found a particularly tasty spot of grass in the far corner of the pasture. As he was chewing a strange sound reached his ears. His head shot up. "Bo, did you hear something?" Bo continued grazing. "I think it was that new food fella calling us up to the round pen." All chewing stopped so he could hear more clearly. "Yes! That's him. Come on! I bet he wants to give us a treat."

Sleepy took off, barely missing Bo as he charged past.

Bo, Dylan, and Little Bill were not far behind.

Sure enough, the new food man was passing out treats.



Life is good.

Linking to Saturday Critters

Thursday Fences and Doors

While driving the back roads, although mainly looking for birds, I often get to see other critters. These beauties just happened to be behind a fence, so I didn't have to worry about them running out in front of the truck. They stopped long enough for me to snap a couple of pictures...

...and then ran away.

And while we are on the subject of deer, this pretty lady wasn't behind a fence. Last evening I came up over the crest of a hill, probably driving a little faster than I should have been, when two deer jumped out in front of me. I slammed on the brakes. Good thing they were in good working order or DC wouldn't have been happy with a dent or two in the front of his beloved truck. One made a u-turn and the other went on across the road. Knowing they usually stop and turn around to satisfy their curiosity, I drove slowly past a clump of brush. There she was, posing for her portrait.

Linking to  Fences Around the World


I haven't been looking for doors recently, but last summer I did take a picture of these doors at Lincoln Log Cabin Historical Site in Illinois. 

Yesterday, I stopped to take a picture of this dilapidated building. I thought it was a barn, but after downloading the picture I believe it is a house. Check out the two doors on the side.

Linking to Thursday Doors

For the Birds

I spend quite a bit of time traveling the back roads searching for birds. I'm finding birds I don't normally see in my home state of Illinois. All of these birds are from my trip to the grocery store while spending time in Oklahoma. Yes, it takes me about twice the normal drive time. 

I think I have them identified correctly, but if you disagree, please let me know.

Loggerhead Shrike 

American Kestrel 

Eastern Bluebird (male) 

Eastern Bluebird (female) I do see these birds in Illinois, but in the summer, not the winter months.

Ring-necked Ducks

Wild Turkey

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday

A Chair and a Tree

I love these old shell chairs. They were sturdy and still comfortable, especially with a cushion tossed in the seat. Sadly, this one has rusted so much it is rickety and unsafe, prone to falling backward. Thus it is propped against the tree.

Linking to Tuesday Treasures

Sunday isn't a day of rest when there is work to be done. This tree was cut down and will be used for fire wood. A rancher's work is never done.

Linking to Our World Tuesday

Mural

One of the amazing murals in Buffalo, WY where we went for Longmire Days.

Linking to Monday Mural