Autumn in July...

that's what it felt like early this morning, a low of 46 at 6am. Reaching for a blanket in the night and a dog snuggled in made for good sleeping. We have taken advantage of the cool, took a stroll and ride ending with a drive-thru at the Capital City Farmers' Market. Many, many people have seen their photo, heard of their antics so today we did a quick meet and greet. Carlee kept her distance and Buster greeted heartily.

Keisha and 7 growing pups.

Keisha, new friend.

This week we read a post on Facebook inquiring Pierre and local community for help for a Momma and her 7 puppies. A friend introduced us to a website that helps reservation animals when they are at their worse, have a team of fosters to help heal them and get into a loving home. They have rules like a humane society and since they were searching for local help, we called and offered our assistance. We purchased dry and canned food. I would deliver asking if I could meet the bundles of fur. Absolutely was the response. She helped haul inside the added food supply.

The foster Mom sat inside, picked up each pup introducing them and then came the Mom, her name is Keisha. She is on meds fighting infections. The medications work with nursing mom's and is safe for the pups. Sitting on the floor I was able to hold the pups, cradle, watch their faces fall asleep and rub Keisha's ear. They will all need home soon.

Little girl hangs around wildfire management site near Rosebud, SD.

Keisha is 2-3 years old mix bassett hound and maybe border collie. The pups are possible rottweilers and just plain cute. The puppies are 21 days old and growing quickly. Upon leaving, we were no longer strangers and a hug before going. More stops to visit.

Many hearts including ours go out to the lost and abandoned. My crew is protective but in hopes accepting because its part of their background, still nagged by past issues we work on daily.

Another photo noted last night of this little girl. When the call comes through for help, we will do what we can. It takes a village to raise a child, it takes that same village to care for lost and abandoned animals. Just want to scoop her up and tell her it'll be okay. Her ears have been eaten by nasty flies, she needs food and vet attention. A local gal that has a rescue called several places with recent update someone was going to look for her. Trust and hope little one, hang on, someone is on their way. If you are interested in the pups above, meeting or helping. Let me know and I'll give you the information that will put you in touch.

Blessings to you this week, hug your animals and help those that are less fortunate. Help where you can or call someone that will help. Thank you.

Knee high by the 4th of July!

That was often a statement made in our household as I was growing up. Farmer's wanted their corn knee high by the 4th of July! My Dad was a grain elevator manager, many nights our family would pack into the pickup and take a spin in the country looking at the various crops raised in the north central part of South Dakota. We learned the different crops back then, but I can only pick out a few when driving down the highway, other than wheat, corn and of course sunflowers.  A friend and I had taken a ride not long ago heading out past the Oahe Dam and I mentioned "knee high by the 4th of July!" She laughed and said, "Only farmer's know that saying." Good to know I'm part farmer!

Independence Day, let freedom ring! We need to individually thank everyone, including bomb sniffing dogs, that has served in any capacity of the armed forces and thank them. A ceremony will soon fill a local gym to send forth local troops into a far away land. Pray for them daily and their safe return to waiting families.

July 4, 2000

Thirteen years ago, 13 dozen cookies were baked on a hot 4th of July in a tiny rental apartment with the promise of the start of a new home, a view of the world with nothing but blowing-in-the-wind  prairie. That evening, sitting in the middle of the "great room",  fireworks were large in the sky from across the river. The next day work began, strong men and women showed up early and ready to tackle a puzzle. The puzzle was putting together a log cabin, people asked to help. The hottest weekend of the Summer. Cold bottles of water, wash clothes soaked in ice water and the cool of the basement were used considerably. It was a home raising party and our day began with prayer.

1st stain  August 2000

To this day, each day begins with prayer and ends the same. We are blessed to celebrate Independence Day, see the corn that is knee high this 4th of July and thankful for home. The past many years our family has grown and no different than others, we sit in our Great Room and watch the fireworks set off from across the river. The flash as big as the sky. Blessed.

Have a great week friends. Keep your fur friends cool, help others that stray and be blessed.