I worked on my coon hide today. I took the pillow off the footstool and used the metal frame to work the hide over. I didn't get it near as pliable as I could have; partially because my hands and arms were getting a little tired and partially because I'd actually rather have my bag, which I'm going to make from the hide, a little stiffer than not.

After working it, I rubbed some saddle oil into the leather part...once it really soaks in, I might take it back to the stool and work it some more, but I'm not sure about that. Anyway, somewhere along the way in the next two weeks, I need to trim it and actually make the bag. I know exactly how I want it to lay out. I'll probably end up making Savannah stand at my elbow for moral support. :D

The main adventure today was picking up the pipe and rolled chain link that Philip and Joel left scattered along behind them as they took down the fence (which I'm quite grateful that they did!) I am convinced that if those boys went to roll up a sleeping bag, it would come out crooked. :D The chain link could have been rolled up more neatly...I only re-rolled one section though. That one was about twice as wide as it should have been and there was no way I was going to be able to get it rolled into the RV tent like that.

I cannot decide whether rolling the fencing across the yard or carrying the up to eighteen feet (I think) sections of pipe was harder work. I got out of breath worse rolling the chain link. (Except when I carried a large armful of posts at once. That really made the ol' muscles burn!)

Due to the muddy state of the yard, I had mud (or whatever sand with decomposed leaf matter in it makes when it's wet) all the way from my shoulders to the soles of my boots. I even had some dabbed on my forehead where I had to wipe the sweat off my face. (Surprise! *grin*)

I was actually smart today and remembered to wear my mud boots over there (I did end up with a swamped foot due to the cracks in my left boot, but that's better than wading in ankle deep water in my leather boots).

I made supper after I came home...a repeat of lunch for Savannah with mushrooms and onions (she's been kind of nauseous all day--one of the things she's taking is making her like that). I also fixed some kale and heated up some beets that I had grabbed while at our place. I warmed up the chicken again and that was supper. Speaking of which, I had better lay something out for tomorrow (this is going to be one of the hardest parts about trying to take over a great deal of the cooking--thinking ahead). I'd better scram and do that before I forget!

You already heard about the first half of my busy day...you game for the remainder? Good. :)

After lunch, I took my essay for the Trinity Foundation essay contest to the Post Office. From there, I bounced over to Save-a-Lot and bought a bag of water softener salt. I managed to knock my new hat off when I picked the sack up and threw it over my shoulder. (Speaking of which, I can feel that spot between my shoulder blades that I hurt this morning carrying all my tack at once--my cellphone had slipped around to the small of my back and my saddle was perched on that, making things uncomfortable.)

Anyway, I decided it was high time for me to visit the "G and W" (as we call Goodwill) and look for some jeans to replace the one I've worn out over the summer. When I walked in (hat and spurs as usual), a tall black guy started singing some song that started out "Yee-haw" and had something about "pretty girls" in it. Apparently some country/rap artist named Micheal Knight sings it. I couldn't help but laugh...I didn't know exactly what to make of it all to start with, but wound up concluding that the man was not being disrespectful, but he was just having fun (and apparently he either works at Goodwill or is a regular due to the way he was interacting with the staff). I was highly amused to say the least.

I poked around and ended up with two pairs of jeans (I tried on three--the third pair I could barely get zipped. When I took them off I realized why--they were size 6!!) I also picked up a really pretty Western shirt ("Designed in Texas--Made in China"; that made me laugh.) The only other thing I got was a wide brown belt--it's too big for me, but that was purposeful...it's to carry my not-yet made coon-hide pouch on my not-yet made 1500's Flemish peasant dress. :)

From there I went and got fuel--both regular ol' gasoline and some diesel. I managed to splash gas all the way up to my elbow on my left arm (it's hardly surprising that my watch band still smells slightly like gasoline--even though I washed it). Now I'm set to mow the grass again (I ran out right before I was done on Saturday, so I finished up with the weed-wacker!)

Then I dropped in to visit with someone for a few minutes before continuing on to our place and checking the electric wire. I had thought that I had seen a place where the electric wire was wrapped around the barb-wire, but I couldn't find it. However, I did find a post laying on the ground holding the wire down--thus effectively grounding it. I set that back up and then cleared the entire length of the fence row (some places still need a little work, but at least nothing is touching at the moment--I would have done a better job only I was beginning to really need something to drink.) I plugged the fence it (had to flip the breaker) and the it started working! I went in and turned the kitchen sink on to clear the pipes so I could have something to drink. Suddenly I realized there was no water coming out of the pipe though there had been when I first turned it on. Sooo...I grabbed some tools and headed for the well. Sure enough, the ants had the points clogged seriously. In a matter of minutes, that was fixed and I got my drink.

I came home, unloaded the fuel, dumped the salt into the water softener, fed the cats, fed the horse, fed myself, scrubbed the dishes, scrubbed myself...and...and...now I'm sitting here!

No pictures...sorry. However, I can explain that.

I was out riding. The cows didn't feel like rotating at the moment, so I went ahead and rode around to open/close the gates into the wood. When I reached the north gate into the trap (y'all would benefit from a diagram when I talk about all these different gates! :D), I happened to notice a round, grayish, furry hump wandering around across the fence in the back 40.

I debated for about half a second as to whether I ought to ride on around to the wood gate (which is not wooden) and go after that familiar looking bump from there, or should I go through the fence (five strand at this particular place). I think I was already putting my earplugs in before I had completely made up my mind.

I was down off Snip in a matter of seconds and in a few more I was through the fence. I had lost sight of said raccoon by this point (due to the height of the grass), but generally knew where he was. As I eased around I slipped my revolver out of my holster and cocked it, so when I located the coon, I was ready.

He was presenting his rear end to me, but he turned slightly broadside and I let him have it. He streaked to the right and as I pulled back the hammer again I followed him with my muzzle. Right before he disappeared into a clump of grass I squeezed off another shot.

I found him moments later at the foot of a tree in spasms. I shot him again through the head. I'm postive that all three shots made contact. I'm actually impressed that I hit him on the run.

What is really weird though--I don't remember sighting. I know I did, but I don't remember doing it. It's almost creepy when you're that familiar with your gun. I also don't remember paying attention to the back drop, but that's ingrained in me too, so I probably did.

I was also impressed with Snip. He stood right where I left him the entire time. He might have acted up some the rest of the morning, but he was practically perfect for that episode.

That's a joke...because even though I haven't felt the best the last couple of days, I haven't been crabby. I'll explain the joke here in a minute.

After spending the night in a hotel, Savannah went to LabCorp and got 22 vials of blood drawn this morning. I don't know exactly what they all are for. By the time she came out, she was rather pale and slightly off-kilter (I think). She needed to be 'replenished' and I was hungry anyway (what do you expect at 12:30!), so we decided to go back to the place where we had supper last night for lunch today.

I drove that far. She ended up driving home...but she'd had a good two hours to rest thanks to my meal choice. This place is a crab-shack. I decided, "Why go to a crab shack and not have crab??" (I love crab, by the way. Last time I had it was about 4 or 5 years ago at a Red Lobster.)

I therefore gamely ordered "4 Blue Crab Clusters"--after asking what a crab cluster was. In case you are ignorant of the fact (like I was), a crab cluster is basically half a crab. In essence then, I had a total of two blue crabs cooked in garlic and butter and some tasty spices.  I also had a plate full of green beans and a couple cups of strong dark roast coffee (which means I had cream--Army style coffee is better with a little cream). Savannah had shrimp and green beans.

Anyway, I sat there and throughly enjoyed the buttery crab meat...I was so greasy. I think I grinned most of the way through my meal. I was in my element...I was dirty, deconstructing something, and eating all at once! ;D Three of my favorite activities rolled into one (not that I'd want every meal to be so messy...I'm not that juvenile!) I think Savannah got a kick out of watching me.

I don't think I would choose crab at a fancy resturant (unless it was already shelled out), but sitting outside on a patio it was the perfect choice and I enjoyed every bite...even when I had to pick shell out of it because I'd missed it.

I was actually quite surprised to find that when I was finished, I didn't have crab and butter spattered down my front. I was told a few times to get something off my chin or the tip of my nose (I actually think  that parsley came off my napkin...), and I almost had butter run down to my elbows a couple of times, but I somehow managed to stay mostly clean. I wonder if that means I've matured some? ;P

I LOVED IT...

P.S. Crab is like ribs...you are supposed to get messy when you eat it! :D

"...so I don't use it." Dr. J said cheerfully.

"Fast" as in not-eating.

We arrived an hour early for Savannah's appointment and sat in the parking lot for awhile. I enjoyed watching the lizards run about and do push-ups in the building walls. Miss Kim, the receptionist (amongst other things) was at lunch. We went in after a little bit and hung around the halls until she got there and let us in. 

Dr. J got there late (closer to 3:30 than 2), and immediately took us into the office. I was prepared to sit in the waiting room, but didn't mind at all the invite to join the party. 

He is pretty sure that Savannah has both Bartonella and Lyme. She gets tested for Babasia along with the some other thing called FL1953...

This is where the "fast is a four letter word" comes in. Lost of times when people get blood work (from my experience), they have to fast. Dr. J doesn't want his patients to fast. (It just so happened that at about the same time he made this comment, I was sneaking a date out of my purse since I was hungry! That cracked Savannah and I up.)

All told, I think the appointment went well. I was somewhat lost half the time, partly because of how Dr. J talks. He kind of rambles and is obviously so at home with the subject he has difficulty remembering everyone else isn't as familiar with it! (I understand that; I probably do the same thing while talking about the Cow Cavalry.) He was really very nice though and made sure everyone understood what he was talking about by asking questions. 

I ended up doing some of the paperwork for Savannah while she and Dr. J continued to talk. I didn't mind that at all as it kind of gave me something to do.

When the appointment was over, Miss Kim helped us find a nice hotel (and it is pretty nice) and then we left. We talked to Mama for a while to determine where we ought to eat supper (she'd been internet surfing for us on the subject earlier in the day), and we picked a seafood place. I had scallops and green beans and Savannah had grouper (aka "grumpy fish"), green beans and cole slaw. The food was really good. It was 'clean', if you know what I mean.

Now, I'm starting to get sleepy, so I think I'll quit rambling. This could have been more informative I suppose, but suffice to say, Savannah is sick and now she has an excuse...which really is nice sometimes.

About 2-ish or so, I went out to tinker around on the lawn mower, the plan being, if I could get the thing to crank today, to mow the grass (which is in dire need of it). I messed around for a few minutes, then decided to try jumping it to see if it'd give it just that much more "umph!" Jumping didn't do any good, but I did check the transmission fluid in the truck when I was done. It was alright.

Anyways, as I was backing the truck up into its usual parking spot, Savannah hailed me on her way back from the gauva bush (under which young Stinkpot was standing happily munching).

My bull, Captain Abraham, was in our neighbor's pasture! (Turns out he'd been there since Sunday.) Anyway, we went over and talked with Mrs. S for a little bit, then walked out to recon the situation at a closer angle. (There was no way in the world my truck could get out there. It would have gotten stuck not half way across the yard!) I should have put on my mud boots, but I didn't...obviously, I wasn't thinking of how wet it is on that side of the creek--or the downpour we had last night. Anyway, by the end of the adventure, I was sloshing wet in my boots and my jeans were wet clear up to the knees. At least I didn't fall down that time I stepped on my spur!

Abe ignored us. He knew he was being a bad boy--you can tell by the way he stands when he knows. A brief look-see convinced me that trailering him out (one of the options) was probably the most practical. We went back to the house and Mrs. S talked to her son...he had to go pick up his trailer. While we were waiting, she mentioned something about seeing Abe walking the fence with cows on the other side of her property. Wondering if they were ours (the colors fit), Savannah and I dashed over to our place to check. All the girls were in the yard, but we (I) decided to go ahead and walk the fence anyway--even though I didn't have my pistol with me.

The fence was nice and tight--not only where the S's had fixed it on their side, but along the back...while there, we walked by Uncle L's barns. One was unlocked with the key hanging out of the padlock. Savannah called Daddy and got Uncle L's number and then called. Aunt C answered and it turns out that Uncle L had just accidently left it like that last time he was down. We checked the place out (no squatters), I locked it and took the key. It's the only key so he'll have to drop by to see us next time he's down! (I won't mind that, I always kind of did like my Uncle L for all his quirks.)

We got back to the S's just about the same time the younger Mr. and Mrs. S got there with their trailer and cow-dog in training. Savannah went on out with the hot-shots and I popped back up to the house because Mrs. S had suggested putting some dog food in a bucket (since we had no feed) to rattle since Abe comes to a bucket (usually).

Anyway, by the time I got out there, they were already working my bull. I could tell they didn't know him by the way they handled him, but since he was already riled up some, I had to go along with what they were doing. (I think if we'd worked him much slower, we'd actually have gotten him trapped sooner.)

It probably took at least an hour and a half, if not more to catch him. We did a lot of running and some of us came pretty close to getting bumped by a running bull. Good thing he's good natured. If not, someone might have gotten gored by those fine horns of his.

About the time Mr. S went for the Gator, Daddy called to see how it was going. He told me to have Savannah run to Smith's and get some feed (that didn't happen by the way; I should have just dashed in there first before we even headed over to the S's) and call Mr. Ricky to please come help. I called Mr. Ricky and got his voice mail. Minutes later, Tommy called and told me Ricky phone was dying so that's why the call didn't take. I told him our predicament and he said that he and Ricky were tied up doing something with a pipe, but would try to come if they could.

Mr. S wore Abe out chasing him around with the Gator. He eventually got him pushed into the little pen (made out of movable panels--great things). Abe walked straight into the trailer from there without needing any urging. About that time Mr. Tommy called me and I told him that we'd gotten Abe. He almost sounded disappointed... :)

From there it was a cinch...drive over to our place and open the trailer. Abe immediately went to sniffing the girls the way bulls do.

I'll skip the rest of the run around...but suffice to say...we went to pick up the Caddillac, I ran back to our place to check the electric wire (it's not working), and then came home. I tried cranking the mower one more time, just because, and wouldn't you know it, it cranked right on up!

"HA!!" I said, "HA!!"

Then I turned it off....

What do you respond when someone asks you that inevitable question which almost always comes up when you first meet someone: "Do you work?" 

Um...yeah...just not the way you mean! :D  (And, I'm curious, do 21 year old boys get asked this question everytime they meet someone new?)

I usually look at Savannah (if she's there), grin a little sheepishly and maybe laugh, then say some version of the following, "Not exactly...I'm a ranch-hand on my granddaddy's 80 acre ranch!"

So yes. I work--we could even jokingly say "outside the home" (but it's not, really). I mow grass, I trim trees, I occasionally get grease up to my elbows from a lawn mower engine, I run a tractor (which really needs to be done right now), I build fence, I chase cows, I work with a horse, I sweat and I burn. Yes, I work...and I love my work!

I also am the main dishwasher in our house. I also have charge of the weekend chores like vaccuming the floor and cleaning the bathroom. Other days I work on filmmaking (that's been a while). Yes, my dear, sweet kindly elderly lady, I do work. I just don't do it outside the home for wages. (Tis true, my dear poppa does send us some "pay" monthly, but even if he didn't I'd work just as hard.)

Anyway, the whole topic reminds me of last week. When I had jury duty, I filled out the "employment" section as "ranch-hand". I showed up not looking at all like a ranch hand in my black skirt, shortleave plaid button up shirt, and Teva sandels (no hat! ;P) The tall prosecuting attorney who was questioning the potential jurors, addressed me, "Miss Parker [it's kind of neat being called that!], you say here that you are a ranch-hand. Do you mind telling me what that entails for you?" 

I was a little flabbergasted. I managed to keep a straight face and burble something about cows and fences and horse and general upkeep...(if I remember correctly, somebody in the courtroom snickered.)

The only other question that is inevitable and equally as fun (or not!) to answer is "Where are you from?" *laughs*

I'll leave that one for another day...

After a somewhat inauspicious start, during which I wrote down the basics of a story I had slap me upside the head this morning while reading Proverbs 20:21 and conquoring the remaining laundry, I dashed across the creek to pick up a box and a few other little things for Savannah, and turn on the fridge (which if you recall, I was supposed to have done yesterday!)

After lunch (around 2-ish), I started on my afternoon errands:

1. Put the chickens in the freezer across the creek. I got over there to find that the freezer was not cold because somebody had not only unplugged the thing but turned it off inside. I turned the cool on and called Savannah. She told me to go ahead and put the chickens in the freezer, after making sure that it really was starting to cool off. I checked and it was, so I plopped the still cold chickens in a pile in the freezer. I'm sure once I quit opening and closing the door that it cooled down fairly quickly since I could already feel the cool coming on.

2. I went to Wal-Mart and picked up two more boxes of salt (to be explained momentarily). I walked clear across the store carrying those two boxes of salt in order to check the ammo case. Of course, there was no .22 ammo left--again. I'll wipe them out if I'm ever in there and they have some! I got a couple of funny looks as I strode through Wally-world in my new hat, knee-length plaid skirt, and spurred boots. I didn't feel like wearing anything else on my feet. I wasn't feeling too grand (probably has something to do with the small amount of bug poison I got on myself yesterday--it seems to be inevitable when worming cattle to not get a little on yourself!), so I could care less if people thought I looked odd. Personally, I rather like the look. ;)

3. I stopped by the produce place for some cherry tomatoes and some more bananas.

4. I went to the Post Office and mailed Savannah's box. I sure hope Miss M. likes the dress Savannah made her...I think it's very pretty! More importantly, I hope it fits perfectly!

It was about 4 o'clock before I got started on the next step of the tanning process. I looked up a straight-salt tanning method since I don't have any alum and I don't know where to get it. Thus the need for extra salt.

The order of business went as follows: 1. Scrape the hide; 2. soak it for five minutes (I fed the cats and horse during this juncture since it was about 5:00); 3. wash the hide; 4. scrape it again; and 5. put the pelt in a salt brine to soak for 24 hours.

Hopefully, all the pictures don't bore you. :)

I thought I'd better share a picture of my new hat. There were only about four in my size left and each one was different. I wanted to make sure that mine looked different from Savannah's. One I attempted to try on would not fit on my head because the band was so oval! There was one with the more classic "Western" look, but since I couldn't see what it looked like on me (they could stand to put a mirror back there for those of us who are vain enough to want to know how terrible we look in our favorite hat... :D), I settled on this one. It most certainly hasn't been sweat on enough to really fit my head perfectly (that happens after a few months), but for all that it sits pretty well.

When I was checking out, I told Justin, "I've been planning all year to get myself a new hat for my birthday--and even though that's a couple months off, I decided to go ahead and get it. This is my town hat!" He agreed that that sounded fine...that's his job you know. This is the same young man who told Philip, "Yeah, I don't wear one [cowboy hat] either...." (Though as you know, Philip went back and got one--looks good in it too!)

I killed my fifth raccoon yesterday morning. I would have gotten number six this morning only the trap stuck again so he managed to eat the bait and stroll right on out of there. Bah!

I'm off here in a few minutes to mail a box for Savannah and pick up some things for me to finish tanning #4's hide and for a salad we're taking to the A's tomorrow. Our SCV/OCR season starts up tomorrow evening with a cookout/meeting.