Montana Morning

I am an early bird.

These days it seems it's because I need to catch up on work during the quietest moments but when I am free to do as I please, I still need to get up and at 'em before everyone else.

This photo is a case in point. Two years ago, on a ranch holiday in Montana (check the link for the Rocking Z on the right), I was up before the other girls every morning. And so as not to disturb my roommate, I would just put a jumper on over my PJ's, boots, gloves and off I'd slip to make coffee in the lodge house or as on this morning, would grab my camera and go for a wander.

Imagine his surprise, when this shepherd came over the hill and was confronted by a wild haired tourist, in her pyjamas taking photos of sheep! Zack, the ranch owner told me later that most of the shepherding in the area is done by Peruvians, another case of the pay/conditions being too bad for Americans to consider it worthwhile.

Anyway, I remembered all this reading comments on Karen's Blog over at Karbon Kounty Moos - check her site out for a flavour of the real Montana.

Sleepy not Sulky

But just to show there's no favouritism ...

Reflection

"I am I because my little dog knows me" Gertrude Stein

Henspection

Bunny update - looking good so far. We're off to the hospital next week for a scan to try and see what's gone on.

Eggspecting a good outcome!

Little things ....

...please little minds (and little trousers fit little behinds as my Mum would say.)

I was recently given a big bag of buttons from a good friend, mostly passed down to her from her mother & grandmother. As I was sorting through them to find a few for a particular project, I was subconsciously arranging them into a shape on the table. So, adding a few more round the edges, I created my own Turner Prize winning exhibit. (Oh yeah, in my world I have won the Turner prize, Booker Prize and an Oscar OK?)

Anyway, the arrangement turned out better than the project fyi.

Talking of things passed down the maternal line, I am researching my Mum's family tree. It is so thrilling to find a name, a date, an address, an occupation on an old register and I feel like a detective piecing together the clues and stories from our shared past.

Mum, if you are reading this, I am back to Ann McConnell, married to James somewhere in the early/mid 19th century. It's getting a bit tougher now as I think I'll be crossing the water to Cork for the next installment. Haven't found the McCulloch link yet but I'll get there.

Early Morning View North from Duncton Hill

Bunny Bulletin: So far, so good, as twice daily hosing and lots of TLC from assorted friends (thanks all) appears to be having the right effect. Next bulletin follows when vet comes again on Wednesday.

Not a Happy Bunny

Oh dear. If only they could talk. A torn tendon. Did she trip up the stairs, slip in the bath, run for the bus, or overdo it at aerobics? Or did she just fancy spending all Winter indoors? Mmmm.

Shetland Smiles

So, which is my best side? This one?

Maybe this one?

Ah, go on and scratch my nose, you know you want to ...

Ooh baby, that's it, right there ..

C'mon, your turn.

Peekaboo

More of me later.

Of dogs and hogs

I have learned to keep my leather gardening gloves handy. Not for me a bit of late night weeding, nor do I plant by the moonlight as some gardeners recommend.

No, I need the gloves to frequently carry a hedgehog from our dog-proofed but seemingly not hog-proofed rear garden to the safety of the front garden. Safely away from the dogs who delight in the company of their new prickly friend, rolling him around, picking him up (I'm not kidding) and generally keeping him (or her, who knows) from finding that special place to nap this Winter.

Maybe all dogs do this? Do they also chew slugs as though they were licorice every time it rains? Crunch snails as though they were ferrero rocher? Suck frogs like jelly babies?

I'll spare you those photos.

In the moment

Never work with children or animals.

Actually this shot was fairly simple. After the inevitable cheesy grin shot, then asking a couple of times to move her hand out of the way, and then finally suggesting she didn't look at the camera, the willing subject gave us this peach.

She shall remain anonymous for the purpose of the blog as readers will know I don't like to give too much away. But thanks to her Mum & Dad for letting me post it.

Reservoir Hogs

Lookin' back on the track for a little green bag .... Ha! Couldn't resist.

Blogging should be fun. It can be political, meaningful, useful, informative, artistic, whimsical, humorous or serious but the author needs to feel a drive to keep on posting. Cherry over at Pixie Wood has been feeling guilty for not replying to people's comments - silly girl! I've felt a bit bad leaving long gaps between postings (thank you Smoo for nagging me). I am also quite self-conscious sometimes and spend forever trying to write the right thing. Then it's not fun and so I leave it for a day or so.

Anyway, today, you got pigs AGAIN. I make no apologies. These dudes are so photogenic (to me anyway). If you could see their expressions when they hear the shutter whirr...wos that?! Did you hear it too?! Makes me die. And then I sit there, for far too long in the mud and take 20 more pics.

Anyway, have been thinking of a few ways to pep up the blog, returning to some original themes. Perhaps you have some ideas/requests?

*I have to credit Husband with the amended title - why didn't I think of that?

Time out

Been way too busy of late. But it's Friday and I'm off to the farm tomorrow to check on these dudes, have a little girlfriend chat and generally forget about work.

Have a great weekend.

A Grand Day Out

If they still looked like this, I'd go everywhere on one!

And just look at the upholstery. What a work of art. Nostalgia never felt so good.

Working Hard

Glad it's the weekend.