russ-stickacres.com Blog

May 31, 2009

Frolic ~ from Frenzy to Believer

Filed under: frolic — Tags: , , , , , — Administrator @ 6:49 pm

Let’s start where all stories should start.

At the beginning.

Last week, Memorial Day weekend, Rustic Russ had the pleasure of placing manure compost on our garden space.

Fast forward to this past Saturday.

Our 2nd Frolic - planting the garden.

You can imagine my horror on Friday night, when I arrived home from a 12-hour work day to find the garden had not been tilled.

Friday’s tasks had bumped the tilling to the bottom of the list.

What would we do at the Frolic?

First, I had to remember that I was on “Sutherby” time.

Russ-Stick Acres. Where time stands still.

It’s my sage walk.

To learn how to relax and live in the moment.

I fell in love and married Rustic Russ because of his ability to believe.

He trusts, in himself, but first and foremost in God, and always keeps on track.

Over the years I’ve tried to let go and let God. It’s hard. It’s not what I’m used to.

But I see that it never fails.

Ever.

Our Frolic was fine.

Everyone was flexible. Amy, Francie and Joy. And their canine companions.

We took advantage of the early morning hours and ran dog teams.

We hand tilled the soil for Morning Glories and Sunflower plants.

We grilled hot dogs and enjoyed a lunch in the wind-protected Wee House, watching the rain storm roll in and out, and listening to Jason Barron on Sled Dog Podcast.

Rustic Russ worked from mid-morning (after running a team) until late afternoon re-fitting and formatting our new, never been used tiller on the Hudson Tractor.

Once the mechanics were completed, the garden space slowly morphed into a beautiful island of rich black planting soil.

The smell of fresh turned earth soothed the senses, and snapped me back to reality.

Although I’m in charge of a lot, I don’t have control of much.

And there is always a reason for my timeframe not to line up with everyone elses. I just may not be aware of it.

Like many times before, I realized the “master plan” the next day.

In this case, frost.

Lucky for us, the tomato plants remained warm all night in the Wee House, and not within the frost covered Frolic planted garden.

“Then Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?’” (Luke 12:22-26, NIV).

Until tomorrow ~ continuing my sage walk-worry free ~ God willing,

Woodswoman

May 29, 2009

Small Town USA

Filed under: farm — Tags: , , — Administrator @ 10:34 am

There are different kind of communities.

Mushing communities.

Horse communities.

We are fortunate to belong to both.

The other morning, around 6:30 a.m., I looked up from the computer at the Wee House and saw our local Sheriff, Dan Bean, heading down our long drive with urgency.

Rustic Russ was doing chores, and had already fed the horses.

Upon Sheriff Bean’s arrival, we found out the reason for this early morning visit.

A horse was loose, down the road a bit.

Our dirt road.

Sheriff Bean was concerned it might be in danger of being hit by a passing vehicle during the early morning hours.

Our horses were all accounted for, even though the description of one fit our “Buck”.

Our friends, the Troyer’s, were on standby with their truck and horse trailer to pick up the early morning equine.

Sheriff Bean returned about a half hour later, with good news.

The horse had been trailered and hauled over to Troyers for safe keeping until the owner could be located.

Later that night, Rustic Russ and I went over to Erv and Deb Troyers to take a peek at the runaway, and to see our new horse, Comanchero.

You know you are with horse people when you pull into the Troyers.

There’s no mistaking it.

Yes, my new horse is Comanchero. He won out over that smooth, handsome black beauty, Calvin.

Plus Deb and Erv knew what I needed. A horse that would fit “me”.

Just like the girl at the Prom, pining for the handsome football star across the crowded dance floor, I quickly realized my heart truly belonged to the boy I had originally sought out.

The one with the chunk taken out of his lip from his years as a stallion on the range.

Comanchero.

Chero is a gentleman and will treat me like a lady.

And that will suit me just fine.

While visiting, and combing out Chero’s over-the-winter tangles, we heard the story of the loose horse.

And the outcome.

Erv said later in the morning a young girl stopped by their place, appearing worried, looking for a runaway horse. Keep in mind, Erv and Deb own many horses, Mustangs, as they have a riding stable located on a little used road one road over from us. Hobby Horse Riding Stable.

Erv: “What can I help you with young lady?”

Girl: “Have you seen a horse today?”

Erv: “I’ve seen a lot of horses today…” **smile**

Girl: “I mean, have you seen a horse come by here?”

Erv: “Was it a sorrel?”

Girl: “Yes…”

Erv: “With a white blaze?”

Girl: “Yes!”

Erv: “Was it wearing a red halter?”

Girl: “YES!!!”

Erv: “Sorry, haven’t seen it.”

Of course, by then the girl realized Erv was pulling her leg.

The girl and her horse were reunited and all was well in our Small Town.

A small town where the Sheriff knows your name, and the Animal Control officer stops by for coffee, and your neighbors get up at the crack of dawn and treat a horse as their own.

I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Until tomorrow ~ loving my small town life ~ God willing,

Woodswoman

May 27, 2009

Trail Blazer

Filed under: Mushing — Tags: , , , — Administrator @ 11:00 am

Our friend Francie is cart crazed.

If it’s got wheels and will roll, she’s there!

Monday night, she needed a tad more power for her new rig.

Our Union fit the bill.

Francie’s leader, Koyuk, appreciated having a sage leader, such as himself, by his side.

And Union enjoyed a little stretch down the drive, through the trail and back.

Next time, our Astro boy will join India in wheel.

That will make for a nice little 4-dog jaunt.

A nice way to end an evening. Treats upon return and lots of praise.

And next time, little Mac may even join them in the basket. Toto style.

Until tomorrow ~ keeping it simple ~ God willing,

Woodswoman

May 26, 2009

Whimsical Weekend

Filed under: farm — Tags: , , , , — Administrator @ 11:18 am

I love weekends.

I feel free.

And I don’t take freedom lightly.

I get to watch my hubby play cowboy.

He does on a daily basis, but I’m usually not home to see him in action.

I get to see who’s moved into the neighborhood.

And watch the cows get excited about new grass.

And new pens.

Really, really excited.

And see our friend, Francie, make nice with the piggies.

And put up new housing.

More pig play with Zip.

And getting the garden area prepared for the fruits of our labor.

Getting the “black gold” all mixed in for next week’s Frolic ~ planting the garden.

Join us, won’t you?

Remember, you can also plant your own slice of Heaven, along side our goods.

First come/first serve, as our garden space is limited.

Until tomorrow ~ honoring our fallen heroes, may God rest their soul

~ God willing,

Woodswoman

May 24, 2009

Plow Days

Filed under: farm — Tags: , — Administrator @ 12:51 pm

Until tomorrow ~ watching pigs be pigs ~ God willing,

Woodswoman

May 23, 2009

Country kids vs. City kids

Filed under: farm — Tags: , , — Administrator @ 12:34 pm

Back in my day, it was pretty clear.

The country kids rode the school bus.

Or their horse. Or their snowmobile. Or their John Deere.

Or if you are Amish, a horse and buggy.

It wasn’t that the country kids wouldn’t walk to school, it was just too far. Up to 30+ miles for some in the district.

The city kids walked to school.

There was no in-between.

This past week, a local middle school in a nearby city celebrated “Walk to School Day”.

Have you ever noticed how many things we took for granted as a kid, now becomes a special day?

Police and volunteers assisted middle school kids on the 1/4 mile walk.

Growing up on the edge of our beautiful Petoskey town, I had the pleasure of walking to school, year after year. Each year was a milestone, as the school locations changed.

East and North for grade schools. West for middle school and high school.

Those walks created who I am today. Smelling the budding fruit trees in the spring, learning neighbor’s dogs, cutting through farmer’s fields, feeling the warm breeze coming off Lake Michigan in May, contemplating how to handle classmates before entering the school, battling strong winter winds against open fields.

Yes, like Opie from Mayberry, some of my life lessons were learned on the walk to school.

Street smarts.

Parents didn’t drive us if we were running late. We simply ran, clinging to our small paper bag filled with a PB & J, an apple and a cookie.

It was simply your responsibility each day to get to school. Rain/sleet/snow. Didn’t matter. You dressed the part.

No police escorts, no orange cones, no volunteers.

My heart aches for children today.

Please folks ~ know that “doing for” sometimes actually means depriving your child.

Until tomorrow ~ grateful for my past ~God willing,

Woodswoman

May 22, 2009

Hogz and Dogz Piggery…is back in business

Filed under: farm — Tags: , , — Administrator @ 10:34 am

God gently nudges me awake each morning.

Early.

He wants me to see what he has created.

I smile.

“This is the day which the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Psalm 118:24

Today I have even more to smile about.

It’s my hubby’s birthday.

And, we are getting piglets.

We picked up three little grub muffins from a local farm, over by AC Ellen’s place.

Of course we had to stop at Ellen’s on the way home, since we were in the neighborhood.

We caught her doing farm chores and ready for a coffee break and farm talk.

She took a peek at our six-week old gilts riding in the back of the truck.

These gals were caked with dirt and mud.

Lucy.

Ethel

And…

Rosie.

Yes, Hogz and Dogz Piggery is up and running again.

After seeing Lucy and Ethel, we both came to the conclusion, right on the spot, that we miss raising our own little squeeky clean piggies.

So Rustic Russ got his wallet back out and we purchased Rosie as a third, to raise as a future Mama.

We will start anew with Rosie being our “gilt-turned-sow” come winter.

A suitable boar will be located when the time comes.

Welcome home Rosie.

And Lucy (aka “bulk sausage”) and Ethel (aka “sausage link”).

Until tomorrow ~ back in the pig business ~ God willing,

Woodswoman

May 21, 2009

A-Tisket, A-Tasket, a Green and Yellow Basket

Filed under: Meet the Mushers — Tags: , , , — Administrator @ 3:01 am

Don’t miss out folks ~ 10 more days to take advantage of the early discount for the Meet the Mushers event.

We are having a special feature this year. “Bid on a Basket!”

Silent auction bidding on a picnic basket of your choice. The winner receives the basket…and the Musher it is assigned to!

You will have the opportunity to have a light supper picnic with Dee Dee, Ryan, or Jason after the presentation on Sunday, if you are the lucky winner!

Imagine…

A delectable dinner with Dee Dee, talking dogs.

Reminiscing with Ryan about races, analyzing runs and hearing Redington stories.

And last but not least, jawing on some jerkey with Jason, shooting the breeze (and maybe the bull), with Beargrease Barron.

Don’t let August pass you by, only to look back with regret for not attending.

Musher Tim Riley will also be speaking and Ann & Will Rowland are returning again this year to sing and play!

Act now and save!

Come on ~ join in! Your friends will be here!

Until tomorrow ~ dreaming of baskets and bidding ~ God willing,

Woodswoman

May 20, 2009

Engulfed by Golf

Filed under: family — Tags: , , — Administrator @ 4:17 am

My son, Mark, has been playing golf for nearly all of his quarter century on earth.

I recall one of my proudest moments as a mother.

It was at a Michigan Jr. PGA Final when Mark was about 15. It was his second year at the finals.

One of the fellow golfers was nervous that day, as he wasn’t doing so well on the course.

The boy was literally petrified as to how his father would react. However, Mark’s gentle nature calmed the boy and Mark assured him he should relax, and be proud of his accomplishments.

That, and seeing Mark shake everyone’s hand while exiting the course that day, made me one proud Mama.

It was difficult when Mark decided to join his older brother, Charlie, in California to attend golf school, where green grass was plentiful year ’round.

Saying goodbye to old friends and family was heartwrenching.

But it was necessary to follow a dream, just like his brother had done, when he left Michigan to head to California to produce films.

Attending golf school, working at a long-standing golf course after graduation, playing in front of a T.V. camera, a Nike contract, and playing the PGA apprenticeship circuit was the payoff for Mark.

“The only time my prayers are never answered is on the golf course.” Billy Graham

Prayers were answered, and things rolled along good for Mark last week.

PGA Tournament. 72. In the money. 4th place.

I only wish I could give him a hug…and congratulate him in person.

It’s wonderful to follow your bliss.

Until tomorrow ~ proud as heck Markie ~ God willing,

Woodsmom/Woodswoman

May 19, 2009

Barron Land

Filed under: Mushing — Tags: , , — Administrator @ 10:35 am

“Nothing makes the earth seem so spacious as to have friends at a distance; they make the latitudes and longitudes.” Henry David Thoreau

What a delight to have met a new friend ~ Jason Barron.

You can meet him too.

August 7th through 10th at our Meet the Mushers event!

Until then, get to know him, his multi-talented wife Harmony “Harm”, and their daughter, Oksana, through their new website ~ Kanabear Enterprises. Complete with weekly videos.

Jason’s the real deal folks.

Click HERE.

Follow along…it’s a beautiful thing.

Until tomorrow ~ enjoying new friends ~ God willing,

Woodswoman

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