Secret Places in the Ozark Mountains

Yesterday was a rare and treasured gift, my dear husband and I spent some time driving the back roads of our Ozark Mountains.  We have had an extremely long, hot and dry summer and after working from dawn to dusk, day after day all summer long.....a country drive, just the two of us, seemed like a gift.  I took along the camera because I wanted to share some of these rare seen sights with those of you that have never been to the Ozarks.  Each region of this world has things that can be found all over the world and they also have other things that are unique to that specific region.  Ours may or may not be unique, but they are extremely Ozarkian in nature.  One can still find extreme isolation in these mountains

Welcome to Our Woods

 

If you've never been to the Ozark Mountains, let me give you glimpse of what spring time looks like around here.  Everywhere you look, the dogwoods are blooming.  This picture was taken as we walked across the pond bank.  They grow wild across the landscape and their lacy appearance as they cascade to the ground is breathtaking.     

Feeding Time

 

One thing about living on a farm, no matter the weather, livestock has got to be fed.  Good thing is that most of the time, they make it fun.  It never fails, we will struggle with putting on our muck boots, bundle up in two to three layers of clothes plus coat, hat and gloves, and brave the winter winds and not always have a cheerful heart about doing so, but when they see us coming, their behavior and personalities will always bring a smile.  They continue to remind us why we love our animals, how grateful we are to God for His blessings and with more spring in our step we make our way back to warmth of the fire in the ole' homestead.

How one testy mare puts up with all of the cows and their horns.....well she still isn't sure she's crazy about it, but ever since the heifer was born, she gets to play Mama.  They are inseparable.  She'll come running for her grain and there a runnin' behind her is the little heifer.  Actually the little heifer is almost full grown, but she stays close to her Horsey Mama. 

 These are Scottish Highlands and they have got to be the hardiest cows alive.  Fool proof.  Believe me, if we haven't had any problems with them, they are fool proof!  We didn't know the first things about having cows when we got these and they are a dream.  They withstand winters very well, they don't have the issues that most cows can have and they will clean out the brush if you let them.

Well the snow is gone, although I'm sure we will see at least one more good round of it before spring comes on strong.  Our family made it through the whole winter without getting sick......until now, so here we sit, snuggled under blankets in front of the fire enjoying some Good Earth tea and relaxing.  We don't mind a small cold, sometimes it gives us a reason to slow down, let the world pass by and quietly watch it.

It's been raining and thundering most of the day and the birds have been crowded around the feeders in expectation of the falling temperatures I suppose.  Speaking of birds.....who else likes bird watching?  We sometimes participate in the National Bird Count, ever done that?  It's a great way to involve children and get them interested in wildlife.  Some of our most fun home schooling lessons have to do with nature and nature's lessons.  We have gotten some great help from our local conservation center.  They will send out some really neat packets to classrooms and homeschoolers, free of charge!

Well I'd better get out from underneath this blanket and fix some supper because it's getting close to our own feeding time!

Bread Making with Amish Friends

Recently my daughter and I were invited to an Amish friends home in order to get a copy of their wonderful bread recipe.  Boy were we in for a few lessons!  Nothing more humbling as an "Englischer" than to learn how to do things from someone who is completely self sufficient!  When I was asked what I cook with, I replied "an electric stove".  Response?  "Tsk tsk tsk".  :o) 

When we first arrived, we sat down while she wrote out the recipe. The plainness of the home was overwhelmingly peaceful and extremely clean with fresh white paint.  She asked me how I got my yeast, in packets or in a bag.  Since I usually get it in a jar and she had never seen

Championship Bareback Riding

Here in the Ozarks, as in the rest of the world, we treasure our horses and those who have created a unique bond with them that can be seen when they ride.  This video demonstrates that very thing and is also quite a tribute from this young lady to her father who had recently passed away.  This is for all of my horse loving friends, family and the girls in the local 4-H horse club, you know who you are!    Enjoy!