finally, fences

Finally, I am finishing my blog with photos from a favorite place, the ranch. I've been considering this for a few weeks & it feels time to do this. (I've learned to listen to my inner voice.) I want to thank everyone who has stopped by. I think there are interesting things to photograph all around us in our day to day lives. Maybe I'll have inspired you to photograph those things for yourself. And have fun with it!

Austin's turkey

We had great hunting weather on Saturday (despite the bad weather elsewhere). Yizhi went out hunting with Austin, wearing some camouflage that we borrowed from Don's cousin, Ward. On his second trip out hunting, Austin came back with a jake. They picked it clean then gutted it. Austin is planning a turkey party this weekend. Don did not get a turkey. Yet.

in the mood

Don's aunt & uncle, Mardene & Delane, visited us at the ranch Friday night for supper. Mardene brought dessert, strawberry shortcake. She also checked out that old accordion that we hauled back to the ranch just so I could hear her play it. She forgot to bring any sheet music, but she played this Glenn Miller piece from memory. She did tell me this accordion was for women. If it had been a man's accordion Mardene said she wouldn't have been able to pick it up. I'd not thought there were different sizes. I don't think it's been played for years but it sounded pretty good! Thanks, Mardene!

on the road again

The opening of turkey season was yesterday, so Friday morning Don & I headed for the ranch. The skies were full of clouds that portended of things to come to the plains over the weekend. The hunters had great weather all of Saturday & it finally rained heavily Saturday night. We did not see the bad weather that affected Norfolk & other parts of Nebraska & Iowa.

fading tulips

Elise

Don & I picked up Dad Sunday morning & headed to Nancy & Mike's house for Easter dinner. Adam & Laura were there with the kids, along with Ashley & Jason. And I finally got to meet Elise who is already nine months old. Crawling all over & standing by furniture. The charts indicate she'll be tall. She is wearing her sister's old but beautiful pink sweater. She's a cutie!

Jack

It's 7:15 am. That time of day. To walk Zeke
and the old dog, Jack.

Harnesses are fastened. Zeke has killed the brown fox
and is first out the door.
Following,
is the old dog, Jack.

First stop is the tree in Al's yard. Sniff around
then he'll pee on the trunk. Zeke patiently waits.
For me & the old dog, Jack.



Before we get around the curve
there is business to put in the sack.
We all know it's because
of that old dog, Jack.



We've finally made it to Sumner.
Go straight or head back?
We ponder these things by the hydrant
with the old dog, Jack.



At Franklin we turn to the right.
The roar of traffic is two blocks away.
Birds sing in the branches above.
And I'm grateful for this walk with my old dog, Jack.





We're coming upon Roberts' Park.
I linger to smell the lilacs.
His nose in the flora at my feet.
Again, it's that old dog Jack.





We head down the hill to come home.
It's shorter to step off the curb & just jaywalk.
I stand my ground
the speeding car may not notice
the old dog, Jack.



We are back in the comfort of home.
He is curled up in his favorite yellow chair.
Life is good.
Thanks to our old dog, Jack.

red tulips

I've had four red tulips blooming under my gingko tree this spring . . .