Birds are Back Brunch

invite I

invite II

Table setting beginnings

         This is the beginning to our Birds are Back Brunch, invites are sent out to neighbors around the ranch and the table setting and baking begins.  
        The birds came back early this year, as most of our winter was filled with springtime temps.  This year three pairs of sandhill cranes are here with their loud gurgling sound at dawn and dusk.  The meadowlark, our state bird, is back along with the bluebirds, my favorite.  Lots of swallows, finch, and curlews sprinkle the pastures, luring the dogs to run and exercise to extreme fitness.  What a life we live, thank you God+

Irish Inklings

Happy St Patrick's Day

Snow christened the ground this morning in lace-like patterns.  The new green sprouts of grass are a softer green like my cabbage on the table setting.  The setting is really to celebrate the birds being back after winter.  Sand-hill cranes are heard at sunset and an array of little birds including my favorite mountain bluebirds have been flittering about for the past couple of weeks ushering in springtime weather patterns.

An Irish Prayer for you…

May God give you…

For every storm, a rainbow,

for every tear, a smile,

for every care, a promise,

And a blessing in each trial,

For every problem life sends,

A faithful friend to share,

For every sigh, a sweet song

                                                                 And an answer for each prayer

Here in Montana, Spring includes snow, so here are a couple of midnight guest prints.  

one of the BLT cats

bird tracks first

 

BLT, the Banter of the Barn

Our mini Lion king

       BLT, the barn cats,  have been staking out their hay bales in the loft as winter shivered in again with frosty cold temps.  Another stray visited last night and I asked Bear to share but no such luck, so he has taken over the stairs again.  Lion , who really looks like a miniature lion, is soaking up some sunshine this early morn' as last night was too much  chaos for him.  Tiger, is the most intelligent and friendly of them all.  This is a first time photo op. for Lion so I can include pictures of each of them

Bear, guarding loft

Lion in the morning sun

Tiger the scouter

Watercolors and Welding

We want to share our gifts with purpose in mind.  Form and function bring balance to our lives.  So selling personalized gifts is the purpose of our mission.
All items use recycled ranch materials and times.  The horseshoe welding projects come with a description of the horse who once wore them.  The watercolors can be made into cards or prints.  Custom orders are welcome, just need a picture of your pet.  Thanks in advance for your time.

summer moose

Ranch Horses

Barn hooks and hangers

wine holder for 3

decorative cross

book ends

door holder

Country Crossings life, love, and light

Country Crossings, a way to see light and life simply

A friend and I were walking around the ranch.  I was kicking piles of horse manure around the pasture as we visited.  So she said to me, "your life really is all about poop!"  Most people might take offense to this, but I agreed and thanked God for all of my blessings.  Cows, horses, dogs, barn cats, and being a steward of the land has brought me such peace and happiness, I am forever thankful.  
Most of my cows are called Black Baldies or Brockel-faced cattle, but I like what a special little girl once called them; "Broccoli cows."

Our dogs are working-cattle-breed dogs.  Border collies and Blue healers.  Each have there special talents but when we work together it is a dance.

Our horses are the stars of the show as everyone loves the freedom they whisper to  our souls.  A majestic creature for sure, they can stir-up many images in our minds.

This is a dedication of a wonderful rancher, husband, friend, father, veteran, and patrol skier.

Thank you Notes and Flag dates: 2015

Thank  You Notes

         If you have not seen American Sniper, you must, what a humble, devoted life he gave for so many men.  It was a real tribute to our soldiers, men and women, to whom devote their lives to God, and country.  Even if we don't like war, we should be thankful for those who try to keep America free and safe.  A thank you note to Chris Kyle, his friend, my husband, and our soldiers:  sincere gratitude to you and yours for all your devoted service and sacrifice.

    Flag Dates for 2015 (days to remember to raise up our stars and stripes to honor veterans ):

May 8   VE day (1945) & Truman Day
May16    Armed Forces Day
May 25   Memorial Day
June 6   D-Day (1944)
June 14  Flag day to honor veterans
July 4th  Independence Day
July 27  National Korean war & Veterans Armistice Day
August 15   VJ Day (1945)
September 7  Labor Day
September 11  Patriot Day
September 18  US Air Force birthday (1947) & POW/MIA recognition day
October 12  Columbus day & US Navy  Birthday
November 11 Veterans Day
December 7  Remembrance of Pearl Harbor Day

*Last but not least, Thank you note to God;  thank you for the rain and moisture, thank you for the birds and  spring, thank you for the land and home,  thank you for the creatures on the ranch and every where.  Thank you for the cats & dogs,  horses, cows and calves, thank you for friends and family, thank you for your grace, your son,  Jesus, and the Holy Spirit.

birds are back

Argyle, my brothers dog's caption

Spring calving season always begins on my birthday.  This year it began with super nice spring weather.  Winter is quietly falling in again with large, lacy,  white flakes.  The mountains always bring gifts just like country crossings