Summer!!!!

It's beginning to look like I am only checking in here seasonally!!! Must be Facebook's fault! Truly, I can upload so much more info on FB than on this blog, it is easier to just make a general post of photos there. But, I know a couple of you check in on occasion to see what is up at the Ranch, so I will try to give an update at least every season!

The building is growing! Norman has been working hard, even in the oppressive heat we have been having this summer. Thankfully, as the feels-like temps have reached into the 100+teens to 120 even, he seems to have decided to slow it down just a bit. He still gets out there, it's just that he takes a break in the afternoon to sit in the shade, listen to talk-radio, or tend to the animals.

Granny has had quite the garden, every time we are there we are able to enjoy something we have picked...tomatoes, cucumbers, basil, potatoes, okra, eggplant.... such bounty! It is hard to keep ahead of the weeds and fire ants, but Granny manages to get out there and work some quite frequently. She is always finding little things to do to improve the space, and we are glad when she waits for us to come and "do" for her. How she continues to traverse the front deck/back deck to get supper on the table, I will never know. Such patience.

The animals seem to have constantly changing quarters, the electric fence is in a different location each time we visit. Norman is always trying to maximize their lawn-mowing abilities! We will be grateful when the fence doesn't interfere with us getting from "parked" to "enjoying the family" I never know if I will be able to step over the fence without electrocuting myself!

As the plans grow, so do the dreams, wish we had been able to get that "hillbilly water park" in before this summer! While it was hard to even think about it this past winter, summer has peaked our desire for a place to cool off. Maybe that is why there are also trees that have been chipped away at where the "lake" will someday be - each time we return. It may not turn out to be a cool place to dip in, but it certainly would add some coolness to the landscape.

I'm confident you want to see more photos, I have posted some here, but be sure and check my FB page photos under "ranch" to see more.

Spring......finally

February as well as much of this past fall and winter, was fickle. The sun, when it blessed us, was warm, but couldn't maintain it's hold long enough to keep the chill away at night. The rains were abundant and lent an edge to the winter chill that made for several uncomfortable months in the Deep South. I think that finally the sun has recovered her strength and will soon chase away the unpleasant shivers of this very long winter.

It took some time for Lori and the gang to settle into their lives at the Ranch. Even after settling in, routine was difficult to hold onto. It seems as if there is never a "dull" moment to be had. Health issues, appliance issues, travel issues, holiday visitors, and those visits theat didn't happen, all conspired to make each new day different from the last. Thankfully, the health issues while serious, have been graciously inconvenient rather than catastrophic (which they could've been!) Norman especially has the ability to recover relatively quickly......which does come with it's own concerns....(if anyone has ideas of how to keep that good man down-off the roof!- we'd appreciate the suggestions!)

Progress happens despite the struggles. The horses are enjoying new shelter with a roof for their feed. Posts for the expanding "lodge" are in the ground. Gardens are being tilled and planted. And a horsey swing is securely hung...... Ideas for "new and improved" facilities abound and plans for adventures are pondered..... Spring is an ideal time to visit. I look forward to the next big gathering in a week, and will post some thoughts and photos when we return.

Christmas at the Ranch!

In the Christmas Spirit!

ever seen a sittin' lumberjack? That gift next, please! enjoyin' Christmas day!

Well, seems I can't get to postin' regular-like here, but seems as if I do git 'round to postin' every season or so! What a good time we had celebratin' our Savior's Birth here at the Ranch. Lotsa kiddos, some four-wheelin' fun and some four-legged ridin' made for an excitin' time. Of course we adults busied ourselves with fixin' and preparin' stuff all around the Ranch (but mostly in the "kitchen!") We ate and cleaned, tidy-d up a bit, made fires, burned brush (mostly pine!) washed some very muddy clothes, ate and cleaned, tidy-d up some more, fixed machines, hung clothesline, built more tree-house, broke machines (that was me!) ate and cleaned, Worshiped our Savior, ate and cleaned, opened gifts, enjoyed gifts, ate and slept! Boy, it's got me kinda tuckered out just a thinkin' about it!

The cool and rainy weather didn't dampen our enjoyment of each other (though we did huddle closer!) and we are hopin' for a respite from all the rain for a while. The sunshine just makes it so much nicer to enjoy all the outdoor fun to be had. Of course, Norman is busy building and making nicer accommodations for his two newest additions at the Ranch, Maggie May and Elvis. They are both very nice horses and the boys really enjoy them. It is a surprise to catch a glimpse of them through the pines and we all look forward to the arena being finished so that Maggie May can be trained for riding. 9Anthony has high hopes he will get to participate in that!)

Lori and gang are moved in and trying to settle into a routine that includes their academics in the morning and schooling "Grandpa-style" in the afternoons. We are looking forward to interrupting their routine as often as we can! The boys and girls enjoy their cousins so much! They have lots of space that is ideal for kids imagination, tree forts, babbling springs that feed a small creek, lots of pines, a shooting range and stretches of road to ride their machines! It is truly a great time to be a kid in our family....especially if you can make a trip to the Ranch aka: kid-paradise!

Weekend at the Ranch!!!

A bunch of Alabama re-necks visitin' on the bumpers
...... notice the trash hauler in the foreground!

Gerry's new bedroom......where's the AC?

Before- big overgrown pile .... After-nice swath of dirt, ready for grass!

The garden.

Finally!!! Well it has been several months since I have been out to the Ranch! I have been going through "Harmony" withdrawl! It was great to see Norman and Gerry after being away so long. They are doing well and making progress. Norman's grass is growing very well, it is green, lush and park-like. Just the way he envisioned it! Unfortunately, where he hasn't planted grass is green and lush too....very tall and healthy weeds! Thankfully, Gerry's garden is also benefiting from the great growing. Her beans, tomatoes, cabbages and peppers all look productive, and her spent cucumber patch is awaiting her fall transplants. It is looking almost Eden-like with all that is growing! (Of course.....with all the building stuff, it is definitely Eden post-fall of man!)

They are slowly moving their HQ's up to the "lodge," setting up a small bedroom, kitchen and bath in the to-be ladies room. It is roomier than the RV and I am confident they will be more comfortable with those arrangements, especially if we have another colder than average winter. The library is set up with computers and TV, command central if you like. They have also moved the trundle bed there for the comfort of visitors like me and my boys. There is enough room for the two twin beds and a queen air mattress and we still can get up and go pee in the middle of the night without stepping on anyone!

We enjoyed our visit, got some mowing, trimming and party-ing done. Went to mass on Saturday and stayed for Father Ernie's birthday party. We celebrated Lydia and my birthday's on Sunday with a party of our own. Jake and Janelle, and Father Earnie came for grilled chicken dinner and dessert -a yummy dump cake Gerry made. The kids got to go play in the creek and Jake brought his heavy duty trimmer that he used to cut through some really tough overgrowth! (I'm bringin' round-up with me next trip!) We had loads of fun and got some work done to boot!!

Lydia assisting nurse Janelle ..... Emily got hurt too!

While there is an endless stream of work to do, there is also no end to the love and peace to be gained from a visit to Harmony Ranch. It truly is a blessing to have a quiet place to go and enjoy away from the business that occupies much of our lives. I hope for all to find that when they visit.

Spring Blossoms!

Mountain Laurel, the stamens stay tucked into those dark indents until a pollinator triggers their spring-loaded pollen packed ends. Wow, too cool!


Purple Anise Tree, Florida Anise

These are two of the flowering trees we found on our spring walks through the woods at Harmony Ranch. Of course, there were even more flowers that we saw. but these were some that we had not identified before. Even though they are rare and unusual looking, they are quite common in the Southeast. Now we know!

Easter at the Ranch!

What a fun Easter celebration we had!

Our hearts were full of joy being with family.

The kids especially were happy just being together and playing like they hadn't been apart at all. We had a full visit, even though it was just Friday afternoon and Saturday. We did a little work, Ben drove the tractor, ran the stump grinder and he and Bart got the go-kart running. He also made a huge pot of Carnitas in Salsa Verde and though they were delicious and a huge hit, we just couldn't eat all 15 pounds of meat. That was fine by me as we brought a baggie full home! Anthony fixed a peanut butter no-bake dessert on Friday that was gone before bedtime and Granny made a yummy cheese cake for Saturday that was nearly gone even though we shared some of the kids candy from their egg hunt!

I wish I had brought my camera on our nature hike, so many trees are blooming and they are so beautiful and unusual that I can't explain them adequately with words. I will try to find out exactly what they are so that I can share the beauty with you all too. Norman has installed a drain for a pond down by the spring-fed creek and it promises to be a cool respite from the summer heat that is sure to arrive any day. The kids splashed a little and found a salamander that might have been a baby hellbender, though we can't be certain. We will look for him again and if he grows significantly we will know that it is. After climbing up the far bank, we visited the climbing magnolia tree and all the kids ventured up into the branches, with Anthony climbing way too high for my comfort! We plan on bringing our pruners and machete's the next time we go so that the path is easier to manuever, it is still pretty wild back there.

New pants! Easter dress, goin' to mass.

We shared the ranch with a church group who spent the day on Saturday and the kids got to play and share in some of the fun. We adults visited the worship portion of their visit. It was good to share and know that Norman and Gerry are tickled to have visitors of all kinds. I think we will be returning later this week to visit again when Bret, Dorothy, Garrett, Olivia, Tyler and Kaylie are there. I will try to remember my camera!

Here and gone!!!

Another quick visit with Pauli and

Sweet....



Manny growing so big and having so much fun!



We are looking forward to spending Easter with family. I know both the boys can't wait to get a piece of their cousins. I can't wait to get some photos and tell you all about it! Until then........

BRRR

It seems as if winter has lasted much longer this year than any previous year I have spent in the south. I know it has been felt at the Ranch. It seems that it has been rainy and cold for many of our visits. This last trip was no exception. Thankfully, when we went down and got to visit with Butch and Keri before they headed home, we learned that they had experienced beautiful weather up until we got there!!! It was good to see them but the visit was too brief.

Norman has been working on moving dirt, trying to get the drainage around the "Lodge" such that you don't have to walk through mud to get there. As soon as he can get some grass planted on that dirt it should actually work and be a huge improvement. I will try to get some good photos to post next time we visit. We are anticipating a visit from Ben and Jonci this Easter, and I can tell you that my boys are so excited to see their cousins. It has been almost three months now since we have been back and we are all feeling a deep void in our hearts. We trust God has us where He wants us, but it is still painful somedays to be so far away.

Back in the saddle again

Progress! stairs to the 2nd floor!

Lydia gives the boys reindeer for Christmas! I think there was a card attached!!!

CJ- Enjoyed a very quiet Thanksgiving with nary a retail outlet for miles and miles!!!

Bart crooning! (He is actually getting pretty good!)

Steve, Ian and Susie yukking it up over some RUM!

Wow, I can hardly believe it has been 4 months since I've posted to the Harmony Ranch blog!!!! Well, here is the condensed update! The holidays were a hoot, the Ranch has hosted some "angels," it has been sooooo cold and Gerry is back on her feet and doing well after surgery. I anticipate there will be more information in the coming weeks as we travel there and get to see some visiting family while we are there. Brad and Keri are coming this week, and Bret and Dorothy are planning to stop in on their way to see a builder in MS next week. We plan on being there for Valentines weekend and should get to see everyone then. I hope to post some good photos and have some great tales to tell then too!!

Until then!

Happy 72nd Birthday Norman!!! Saturday10-18-08

Libations at the ranch! The rum was a hit!!! Norman was absolutely thrilled that his kids would "bless" him with bottle after bottle of liquid love! Bart commented that he had never seen his dad so tickled over a gift. We spent the remainder of the afternoon discussing the particulars of consumption...who will be visiting when and which bottle to open as each month of the year rolls around. Will was so impressed, he video taped the array! If you haven't talked to your mom and dad recently....why not give them a call!

Little changes, Big impact!

Ok, so maybe the changes aren't so "little." There are thirteen trusses holding up that roof and supporting the two ceiling fans!!!

But what a difference. The deck feels so much bigger and usable, the double sink makes cleaning up much easier than carrying dirty dishes inside. Though there is no hot water yet, the kettle is plugged in nearby and washing up outside keeps the clean up crew in the fun. Norman has continued to chip away at every aspect of the Ranch: trees have been felled and trimmed, plumbing and wiring has been stretched further and further, laundry facilities have been improved, drywall, tile, lights...... Hot water heaters are scheduled to arrive in the coming week and hopes are high for lots of family to come visit this winter. (Hot water in the winter - good!)

Photos

Here are some shots of the progress and fun at the Ranch!

Before and After!

What a difference a weekend makes! So often we head to the Ranch and don't get anything substantial done, but not this holiday weekend. We arrived at the Ranch on Saturday and got right to work (on lunch!) Norman had purchased the materials to begin the screen enclosure on the deck next to the motor home. Norman, Bart and the boys got right to work on various projects - picking up branches and sticks, gathering stuff that could get ruined or thrown around in the effects of Hurricane Gustav and gradually assembling 13 trusses. Sunday was our anxious day, though we really were not that anxious, having kept an eye on Gustav through the internet in Norman's "library". We got some gardening done, planted the mint and some other plants in pots, weeded and mulched around the azaleas Granny planted this past Spring. By Monday, the wind and rain bands began their steady imposition. Thankfully it was mild enough that we were able to continue working and eating (though our brunch was nearly drenched!) By Labor Day afternoon, the men had built the uprights and installed two trusses! Soon, there will be a sheltered place to enjoy meals and fellowship while steady progress is made on the lodge.

Of course there has been lots done to the lodge since we were there a few weeks ago, the electricity and plumbing are getting closer to truly functional there is almost a "laundry room." A bunch of lights as well as a ceiling fan have been installed and many boxes of tile ready to finish the floor in the painted bathhouse. One of the showers has some nice trim-work and lots more tin is on the roof. Grand is an understatement, even the fire escape ladder is built large and sturdy. Nothing is slapped together, it is carefully thought out and finely executed. Still there is a bunch to do, and lots of enjoyment to be had in the process!

Hopefully many of you will be able to come and enjoy the fun and construction that is keeping Granny and Grampa so busy!

Happy Labor Day!

You will definitely want to check back next week as we are heading to the Ranch for Labor Day and hope to get some more good shots of the progress, (I hear there is paint!!!) Pray for safe travels and slow hurricanes! OH, I am delivering some plants, mint, lemon mint, chocolate mint (yes, it does smell like a Girl Scout Thin Mint cookie!) If they all do well, we shall have lots for Mojito's and Chocolate Martini's when you visit!

Progress

Well, despite the rain I got a few good shots of the progress for the lodge. The dormers look great and the back porch, while being used for storage, is still wide enough to enjoy. The built-in bench has a nice finished edge now and is comfortable to sit on. The men's room has a big door and there are several others ready to be installed on the other openings. Norman has started using the brush hog more for "mowing" since it is hard to keep ahead of the grass this time of year and because the bahia grass is going to seed and the hog does a nice job of distributing it. He hopes it will result in more grass all over! Norman is also pushing over trees to thin them, encourage more sun for the grass and make the ranch more park-like and less "tree-farm"-ish.

They have pretty much moved out to the Ranch full time, and enjoy being there with the animals (their own and the wild ones!) We discussed how to make it more comfortable until the lodge is fully functional and decided that screening in the deck (next to the motorhome) and putting in some kitchen amenities there would really help. I am impressed with Gerry's patience, roughing it for a week or two is fine when you know that there is an end to it. But trying to "camp" for an extended period of time and still make it to town for appointments and church, not to mention having her "stuff" in storage or at the Bay Minette house sure would wear me down after this long! I encourage everyone to bless her often by calling and brightening her day!

Lydia turns 40!

Lydia celebrates her new home and birthday with a contingent of friends and the family visiting from the Harmony Ranch!

Welcome to the Ranch!

Greetings!

I hope to keep the family informed (as much as possible) to the going's on at the Harmony Ranch.

While I will be posting to my blog weekly, this one will most likely be updated monthly. Still, you can make comments that everyone can see if they click on them, so there might be something new to read if you check back more often. Book mark the page (and my blog too!http://andreaplusmy3.blogspot.com/) and check back often!