a little bit of ranchin'

I grew up in the city, moving to a new city every 4-5 years.  I finally settled in Texas in my early 20's and I have been here almost 30 years!  

I fell in love with a cute rancher and I love every minute of it.   

It can be hard work, but watching the seasons pass each year brings me so much joy.

The sunsets do not get any better than this...

Not a bad view....

a trio of trouble makers...

Sunrise..

and barbwire

My life here is pretty great...

first creations of the new year...

More necklaces made of silver spoons and charms...

 I thought I would share pictures of my Aussie Shepard Tess.   Here she is as a puppy....

and now at two years old....

She is a great dog, so full of life and engery.  Likes to heel me every step I take..
She has really helped me cope with the passing of my sweet old Lab, Samantha..

Yipee! A New Year!

I love this old picture.  It is exactly how I feel going into this New Year!  All I want to do is run and jump and just do everything I can possibly cram into my day.....

I have a new lease on life, renewed faith in others and myself.    I am so excited I can hardly contain myself.
No, I haven't won the lottery or been given a big raise, I am just very blessed with a great family and super  friends that makes me want to be a better person.  

The last several years I did a lot of soul searching, digging down to see who I am and what I am suppose to do with my life.   I am still not really sure what I am suppose to do, but I do like the direction that I am headed.   I feel content and safe.  Loved and respected.  I feel like I can relax some and just enjoy each day as it comes.   I guess with age comes wisdom.  I am not so worried about the  things that are out of my control.  I can't make the sourpuss lady in the office happy, I can't stop idiots in traffic from cutting me off and  I can't stop the ignorant  from saying stupid stuff but I can wake up each day and be thankful for all the good things in my life.   I get up way too early, but I get to see the most amazing sunrises, falling stars and birds taking the first flight of the day.   It is a quiet time that many take for granted.  I adore that time to reflect on what I have to do that day, put things in priority and perspective.   And to say a little prayer for the world around me...

As far as New Year's resolutions....get in shape,  cut out the caffeine, get more sleep.....(who am I kidding??)  I guess my resolution is just to keep on keeping on...

Happy New Year everyone!