We're back.....again

Yep, we are back.  We still exist.  I know it is hard to believe, but we are here none the less.  let's see it was 2013 since the last post.  My how time flies.  Quick update, the last post showed a calf that has grown is gone.  Momma cow is still with us, but Bro-daddy bull is gone.  Two of his sons are still here.  We had chickens and LOVED the fresh eggs.  Unfortunately, the fox, neighbors, and dogs like chicken meat and we lost our entire flock in various ways.  Someday we hope to get more chickens.  We have even discussed new designs for our coop.

As far as the ranch is concerned we have reined it back quite a bit.  The boys now in college are no longer at home.  Ray and I are working and don't have the energy or time to do a lot.  We still love our little ranch, but we are considering downsizing.  Our ten acres and 127 year old home requires attention and finances.  Ray and I are at a time in our life when we would like to do fun things on the weekends and not chores. 

We have spent the last three weekends on the road.  The first weekend of October, Ray and I attended a Knights of Columbus installation weekend.  What a fun "date" weekend.  It included dining and dancing.  We really enjoyed it.

The second weekend of October found us in the state park in Abilene, TX.  We rented a large house with 10 other people.  It was a geocaching weekend called the TXGA Lone Star Roundup.  There were several events and lots of new geocaches to find in the area.  We cooked breakfast and dinner at the house to save money and did lots of hiking.

The third weekend of October took us to San Marcos, TX.  Our youngest, Chris, attends Texas State University there and his twenty-second birthday was at the beginning of October.  Since we had other commitments this was the first time we could get together to celebrate.  We (Ray, Andy (the oldest), and I) picked up Chris and headed to North Padre Island to enjoy some family time and the beach.  What a wonderful time.

We drove through Port Aransas on the way back.  Hurricane Harvey did a job there.  There are still houses missing shingles, even entire roofs, and piles of rubble everywhere.  They truly need our prayers.  That got me to thinking about Puerto Rico and the islands that were hit.  Some in our church have family there and they are still without power, water, and basic essentials. So much devastation and we are so blessed. 

So with the last three weekends being so busy, we are spending a boring weekend at home this weekend.  It has been chilly the last couple of days but tomorrow should be warmer.  I probably will mow the lawn tomorrow.  Talk about excitement.

Not sure if anyone is watching this any more, and can't blame them if they aren't since it has been so long, but I am going to try to write every so often...not every few years.