Monday at the Ranch

After we did our final round of Critter Chores this morning, we drove the truck up to the big tank aka Lake Toguchi. This is one of Dean's favorite places to train and is a peaceful pretty spot year round.

The ducks have been staying out here the last two nights and we wanted to make sure they were okay.

You can see them on the far left if you look closely.

They swam up to greet us and I was sorry I had not brought a can of cracked corn with us.

Then one of the Great Pyrenees swam out there and sent them scurrying off to the island.

The dogs think it is great fun.

The ducks are terrorized.

But I have to admit, these are beautiful dogs.

There's not a lot blooming here at the ranch these days.
No rain at all came our way and there's a lot of crispy brown plants around.

Still, I found some pretty flowers here and there up on the side ranch road that Sherry has made with her tractor. 

Louis Dean is the most patient man in my world.

He asked me several times, "Do you want to get a picture of this?"

Of course, I did!!!

It's good to know the bees have some flowers from which to get pollen and nectar.

Sherry has been bucket feeding the last few weeks since so much of the flowers have died back.

I have no clue what the honey made from the things that are blooming now would taste like.....

but it doesn't matter because all the honey they are making is for their own use this winter.

I'm glad the flowers are near the hives.

We drove down yesterday just to look and and I saw the openings covered in bees 'fanning' the hives.

That's the way they cool them off.

This morning they were all buzzing in and out as they were busy gathering.

One evening - or early morning - this week we will don our suits and check on our 'girls.'

Louis Dean pointed out this bunch of flowers.

You gotta love a man that notices wildflowers.

And I do!

Even in hot dry weather, the ranch is a beautiful place.

I guess I understand now why some people love the land.

I love this ranch and have ever since the first time I visited it long years ago.

I did not blog then so it must have been in 2007 or there abouts.

The first time we came was for a Karate Camp.

I fell in love. With the ranch and with Dean and Sherry.

It's been one of the biggest blessings of my life to be so welcomed here.

I have painted every day and today I went back to the Christmas ones.

I did the second session on the manger scene.

Much more to do. Layer upon layer.

Only two more sessions on this one.

I have a 16x20 of the same scene based in and will work on it the next time we are down here....

which will be at the end of October.

So far I have been here every month this year! 

A first, although I have tried for several years.

Once I missed February and then I missed August.

I am determined to make it at least a monthly  visit this year!

Dean and Sherry are home again and Rufus is really glad to have them back!

I just have to brag on my step-son!

He is a master of martial arts.

Karate has been a huge part of his life since he was a young boy.

He came up to visit with us a little while tonight and said they had a great gathering with 38 people. 

I am so glad we are able to give him and Sherry an opportunity to get away without having to worry about all the critters - of which there are many!

Welcome home, Dean and Sherry!!!