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!)