Is More Than a Year Too Long?

I guess it is if it's more than a year... We've been away from our blog for over a year...  much has happened in that time and in some ways, many things are the same.

I find it peaceful that amid changing circumstances, there's an unchanging change to the ranch.  It has it's cycles and seasons and sometimes things seem to change rapidly, but for the most part, nature does her thing with a comforting rhythm.  The change occurs a bit like the heartbeat of the land.  Beats, then rests.  Beats than rests.  Beats then rests.

These are some photos from before it got cold here in north Texas.  The land and it's flora are colorful and lovely.

 The photo above shows the grass that Tim planted in the woods.  We weren't sure it would really "take", but it grows when there's enough moisture.  It provides a serene beauty.

 The area where Grandi & Grimpa get to watch the grandkids play - but none of them are little enough any more for that swing (although there's a new grandbaby on the way...)

Our friend, John, helped us build many of these stone structures on the property.  They are great for all kinds of little critters to hide in.

Our trusty protector, Sherman.  Always there to take a walk with us.

Little trees growing everywhere.  Good thing too - lots of the big ones seem to be dying. 

This pond expansion is one of the big highlights since we last posted.  We could use some more rain to fill up the new tank.  We've had more Blue Heron building on the tank since we expanded.  Lovely to see them take to flight when they hear us coming.

Mushrooms that look like golf balls.

Some of Tim's industrious plantings for the butterflies, the birds and the deer.

More of the plantings

More of the new trees

And, as always, my rose garden.

Life is good.  The blog is back.  Watch this space for more great ranch and nature musings.