Goin's On

Life's been fun around here on Sand Flat Farm.  My Nashville son left to go back this morning. Always sad to see them go, but I can't keep him here.  We had a great 10 days while he was home.  Of course, the house is a disaster - not because of him, but I tend to let everything just go by the wayside so I can spend time with the family. Plus I was injured - more to follow.  Josh and his lovely wife came over and spent lots of time, too.  And my folks.  We just partied all week long!  It was great!

My guys, all of them including the girl kid when she's here, have to go shooting while they're here. Even me!  It's fun, and we compete to see who's the best.  Stupid me didn't move her thumb out of the way when I pulled the trigger and the hammer got me - took a hunk 'o hide off my thumb.  I took a picture of my bloody stump and told everyone I shot my thumb by accident.  They half-way believed me. I was so brave - I didn't even cry.  It was pretty gross, but no worries. I only had to get 2 pints of blood. (JK) The thumb was saved to pull that hammer back another day...

I'm so glad I'm not a chimpanzee - it's been really hard not having an opposable thumb to work with, do dishes, fold laundry, cook, pull up my jeans, wash my hair this week, etc. ...  ;)

Protective ear-gear is a must. I think it's a new fashion statement.  Here they are "plinkin'" with .22's.

Adam is a bachelor still  >:-/   and so he doesn't get to eat home-cooked food much.  He eats out alot on the road traveling, so when he comes to Texas, his big request is momma's chicken fried steak, real mashed taters, green beans, and lots of thick cream gravy.  He looks extrememly happy doesn't he?  He filled his plate 2-3 times at least.  Makes a momma feel good to make her kid happy!

We've got hawg problems here in Texas, heck, they're overtaking just about everywhere I guess.  Dad's got a few hawg traps set up with feeders here.  They tear up everything and breed like rabbits.  They can ruin a good pasture of crops or hay in a few short hours.

These are baited with corn here... Dad checks 'em every day or two and he's got game cameras set up around them, too, so we can see what kind of activity is going on.  There're always 'coons and possums and other varmints, and of course deer.  But with a game camera one can see what you're up against when trapping hawgs and what times they come and how many, etc.  Helps when planning their demise.

And, with the scattered rains we've been so blessed with the last couple of weeks, the gopher situation has been on high alert.  We've gotten 9 NINE, people, during the month of October, and probably could've gotten a few more with a little more diligence.  We were busy with family stuff.  Gopher huntin' took a backseat while we were kickin' up our heels.  However, for your enjoyment, I have saved a picture of my last hunt.  Three in one morning. I think that's my new best record.  Don't worry - there's no blood.  Laid 'em out here so you can get a reallllll good look.

They thought this photo below showed their best sides...  Look at those claws.  They can really do some excavating, let me tell you!  I guess this is not very dignified to make fun of them in their present state, but oh well... I promise you they had no idea they were being set up for ridicule.  At this point, they didn't care if syrup went to a dollar a sop.

Early in the wee hours of last Wednesday morning, the motion detector light went on out in the front of the house.  It doesn't come on very often, but I saw it and got up and looked out the front window. I didn't see anything, and I'm not sure, but I think I heard a car.  Guess what I found when I opened the front door later that morning?????

THIS!

He's probably 3-4 months old.  Not very big yet.  He's not yellow - he's tan colored with big orange eyes.  Tony says his eyes look evil cuz they have a red cast to them.  I wonder if they'll eventually turn yellow?  He was a drop-off by some kind sweet soul, I'm sure. I think that's how we got our other cats, too. I guess that's what the motion detector light came on for.  Either that person dropping him off or the kitty himself.  Usually something that small doesn't trigger it, but ... whatever...

This is the 4th FOURTH cat that has been dropped here.  He's very sweet, but I'm not spending another arm and leg on a cat.  He is welcome to stay around, but with the coyotes, I don't know how long he'll last.  It's sad, really, and I don't wanna get attached to him.  I haven't even named him yet.  Josh told me to name him "Gepetto" but I think that's too long. We'll see how long he lasts and if he's coyote-savvy, then I'll contemplate neutering/shots, etc.  I love cats, but I'm allergic so he can't come in the house.

Well, I'm outa here, people.  Y'all try to have a wonderful day and keep yo dress down, ya heah?