A Small Herding Dog

Jul 22, 2026

Do you know any of the small herding dogs? There are several breeds, and we have one of them, Pembroke Corgis. Affectionally know to many older folk as “the Queens dogs.”

As well they should be. It was because of Queen Elizabeth II that the Corgi officially became a registered dog. Someone wisely decided the Queen should have registered dogs, after all she bred them all her life, and she was the Queen of England!

I must like herding dogs too (of mostly mixed breed) as I have had several over my lifetime. They are energetic, active dogs—most certainly not lap dogs.

For the first time we now have purebred ones, the Pembroke Corgi. HoneyPie is five years old, Buster is three.

They came from breeders in south-west, Virginia. We waited a couple years before getting Buster because we still had our good, old mixed-breed herding dog, Dandy.

*Taking a walk with our old dog, Dandy, teaching puppy HoneyPie.*

*Dandy took his job seriously of watching the farm.*..

We purchased Buster two years later. Bill wanted a tri-colored, HoneyPie. I wanted a gold and white one, so we got Buster.

I have always admired the herding dogs ability with livestock. Sheep trials are thrilling to watch the way those well-trained dogs and owners work sheep together.

It interested me to train our dogs to herd. With only articles off internet I worked at training mostly HoneyPie. We do not have sheep. We have chickens. The articles I studied said it helps to have the flock (in my case) know where they were to go. This was very helpful because at dusk chicken head to the henhouse.

She learned as well, I suppose, as any greenhorn could teach her. We have had fun. She will do right nice with the cattle as well.

Having a second dog made for more difficulty with training two dogs. Buster is exuberant, but not as well disciplined. That is my fault.

*They are waiting for Bill to whistle for the horses to come in.*

They enjoy bringing the horses in, though they would never win any herding competition.

*They will go get the minis after High Hope and Duke come in.*

Really, they are far from being a good herding dog, but we have enjoyed learning and trying.

Have you ever gone to sheep dog trials?

*We do enjoy this active, happy breed of dog, now for a swim HoneyPie & Buster!*

Meet Napoleon

Jul 14, 2026

We have a new addition to our farm. His name is Napoleon. This name given to him by his previous owner.

We like the name. It seems to fit this little fella very well. Good thing he is not a fit travel companion, otherwise he would now be on the PCT (Pacific Coast Trail) with our son, Gordon, who likes him very much. I believe if he could have figured out how to take Napoleon he would have.

I can see him right now riding on Gordon’s shoulder! Since he was not able to join Gordon, Napoleon sent him good wishes for hiking.

*Happy Trails to you, Gordon, from* *Napoleon.*

He earned the name Napoleon, because, well, he is tiny! He is a Bantam rooster. His previous owner did not want another rooster. Neither did we, but she gave him to us anyway. Such is the way with daughters that think we need more chickens!

In spite of ourselves we like him. He is so little. When he crows he sounds like a wind-up toy! He is also quite friendly. The hens do not seem to have any opinion of him. He is still a baby and has a bit more growing to do.

*Actually he is very pretty. Blue, and green* *feathers shine in the sun.*

We get a kick at how his tail goes straight up. Like a sail. He is fun to watch.

He has settled nicely into life here at the farm. He will be here when Gordon returns from his hike.

No to T-Bone, Hamburger or Sirloin

Apr 27, 2026

We are small-time farmers. We have heard it said ‘go big or go home.’ So what? We do not care what ‘they’ say. Our little farm is big enough for us. Sometimes it feels like a thousand acres.

It is big enough to handle three miniature beef steers, and four horses. Two of which are miniature the other two are full-size horses.

We always purchase three. One is kept for our freezer. The other two are sold to customers who are looking for well-raised, grass-fed, premium beef. Our customers tell us it is the best beef they have ever had. Five-star beef.

It is satisfying and comforting to know how well our little cows have lived before, as I say, “They have one bad day in their life.” It is hard when their time has come. We do that as gently as possible.

We have been thanked for raising these little steers in an environment that is healthy and caring to them.

What we do not do is name them those “funny”, thoughtless names such as, ‘Sirloin’, ‘T-bone’, or ‘Hamburger’. It is hard enough knowing their ultimate demise. We pick silly, fun names that help make this job of raising them a bit easier.

May I introduce you to some terrific steers we have had over the years?

*This older photo is when we had four miniature horses. The three steers are in top center of photo. They are Kevin, Bob and Stewart (the three Minions).*

We also have had Mario, Luigi and Bowzer.

*We do not notice any difference in quality/taste of the beef between Angus or Hereford.*

*Larry, Mo and Curly on a cold, wintery morning feeding.*

*This photo of Mo won a blue ribbon in our county fair with his peaceful repose.*

I grew up on a big farm in Virginia. I have always enjoyed cattle.

*Hewey, Dewey, and Louie enjoying the lush pasture.*

Miniature Herefords are our choice of steer to grow out, but we have grown out miniature Angus as well. This year we have one White Face steer. He is a cross between a Hereford and Angus.

Athos, Porthos, and Aramis are with us now.

Thank you for ‘meeting’ some of the great steers we have raised here on our farm. We take effort and pride in them, and raise them to the best of our ability.

*We take this stewardship of these animals seriously.*

*They live very nicely with the horses. Horses rule over cows.*

A horseshoe cow I had made for our porch.

A man told me once, “You call yourself a horsewoman, but you’re a cow-woman at heart.”

Sometimes I believe he may just be right.

Is it Over?

Mar 2, 2026

It seems so during the day but nighttime is a different matter. The deep freeze that held our Northern Shenandoah Valley in its icy grip seems to be gone except at night.

Daytime temperatures have been rising steadily above freezing pushing onto two weeks now. Today is to be in the 50^’s. Night times drop into freezing.

Still, there are piles of snow in parking lots, around houses and the most interesting part to me, the ponds are still covered in ice!

Wednesday’s rain turned into Thursday morning ice sheet, while back in the mid 50’s and 60’s today.

The deep freeze hit us the last week of January. Our pond has had ice on it from then up to today. It has looked like one giant white ice cube for a month. And the astonishing part is the past two weeks have been above freezing during the day.

I cannot recall the last time we had such extended cold weather. Usually it lasts only several days, surely not weeks.

It appears all over with now. Daffodils are making their appearance, our Red-Winged Blackbird is home singing his happy song, and the horses are shedding some of their full winter coats.

Hurray for Spring!

*HoneyPie slid all over after her frisbee. Please don’t strain a muscle.*

*I walked on top of the snow for two weeks, not breaking through.*

*Only footprints were made on top of snow.*

*Over two weeks later. Middle of February, pond still covered in ice, snow in the woods.*

*February 21st, pond* still covered in ice. See what Buster found in the thin ice?

These last two photos are from today which reached into the 60’s, and still ice! Cannot recall last time I saw this ice for so long.

Yesterday found our pond free of ice, not so with our neighbors.

BTW, snow flurries are blowing all around right now.

Are You Ready for It? When is It Coming?

Jan 24, 2026

These questions wafted around the grocery store yesterday as I was filling my list. Folk on phones or talking among themselves wondered out-loud.

“It’s winter. What do you expect?” Our old neighbor would say. Very little frazzled that wonderful old woman. She lived through lots of winters.

It is snow. Apparently a BIG snow. Radio stations and news headlines blasting warnings and predictions of freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall for much of the East and South.

I do not mind weather forecasts. They help keep us informed of possible inclement weather. ‘Be Prepared’ is a good motto to live by (Thank You, Boy Scouts).

However, I do object to trying to be made fearful or worse, panic. Weather forecasts for small or large farmers is important and more often than not dictate our days work. So when the sky looks threatening and storms are in the forecast we do pay attention. We prepare. We will not worry. It is wintertime.

*We squeezed the tractor inside. Giving us one less machine to clear of snow.*

*Plow attached and ready (a little hard to see).*

*Full bags of horse, cattle and chicken feed.*

*Extra bedding on outside of barn warms the barn and provides bedding for cattle. When horses are stalled on bitter nights the cattle will bed down here.*

*Dukes frosty whiskers! A portent of what’s to come?*

Farm Life—What’s Your Life?

Jul 12, 2025

Life on the farm is unique. What compares? Share your thoughts. We grow our own food, raise a bunch of critters, have a bunch of fun, love the land. Outdoors is best. I’m bias? Yes, I am… May I ask you this—Do you love the land?

How about you? What’s your ‘jam’? Tell us, please! As my mother used to say, “It takes all kinds to make this world, Midy”.

She was right.

*Pond reflections of windmill.* *Have you ever considered the life of a pond?*

*Good day of fishing…* *he is the small one….*

*Nothing like line-dried clothes, yeah!*

*Our broody hen, Fifi…setting on 7 fertile eggs.*

*Coveralls are essential items out here! I love this land. I love my farm…what do YOU love?*

What’s Your Name?

Jun 13, 2025

We all have more than one name. Think about it. How many names do you have? Mom, Honey, Babe, Aunt, Granny, Mrs., and sometimes, “Hey, you!”

I have another name too. All the animals know it well. Know what it is?

FOOD!

Oh, it is sweet to think when our animals look at me, whinny, moo or follow me it is because they love me so. But it is not. Truth is, they are

HUNGRY!

Yes, in their world, my name is Food.

My husband says I am not happy unless I am feeding something. Guess he is right.

They also have the mistaken notion that every time I come around them I owe them a treat. I do admit these animals are a bit spoiled. Most especially our horses. They are all seniors. In my mind they have earned their semi-retirement. Their treats are their ‘retirement pay.’

But, good grief, must they stare at me with such begging faces? Tell me, could you tell these faces no to an iddy-biddy treat?

*Fork it over, I can smell it in your pocket.*

Tell me, how can these faces be turned down for treats?

How About You?

Jan 6, 2024

I grew up on a big farm, we now live on a small one. Just the same, animals have been a part of my entire life. They have taught me more than I may ever realize.

I am also a photographer. Though that title seems not to fit me, as I don’t really consider myself a photographer. Yet, I’ve taken photos since I got my first Kodak camera at eleven years old. Many moons have passed since then.

I am also unashamedly a Christian. These three loves of my life have lived together in harmony and beautifully. Hardly a day goes by where these three passions do not meet.

May I prove my point to you and share a few photographs of my love of animals and farm life and beliefs?

May you find your peace, joy and passion in this New Year…I have a thought, ask God. He loves to answer the seekers of life. God bless you.

How about you? Where do you find meaning and direction and purpose in this earthly, ephemeral life?

The Lord causes rain to fall on the earth.

Faith, Love and Hope

Aug 17, 2023

Faith, love and hope go a long way in this world. Even in the life of a little chicken named Sally Lind.

Chickens and horses get along well together around the barn. Chickens follow the horses around while grazing. They eat the bugs the horses stir up. They help compost the manure in the way they scratch through it looking for worms. It is a good set-up for the most part.

Horses move incredibly fast and sometimes even too fast for a busy chicken. High Hope came tearing into the paddock last week at feeding time, and Sally Lind was busy scratching around. She got stomped by High Hope.

I was in the barn and heard her squawk. She quickly limped into a corner of a stall and sat down. She was hurt.

I gently picked her up. No blood, her wings looked and felt fine. Nothing seemed too wrong, she just limped. I put her in the coop.

I called a good friend and long time chicken owner for instruction on culling her. But held onto hope, faith and love. She would eat when I set her in front of food and water. I kept her quiet and away from all activity and other animals.

About five days later I was prepared to ask my husband to cull her out the flock when I noticed a tiny improvement in her limp.

She steadily improved and now nearly two weeks later, she is fine and out with all of us! Such joy!

Yes, faith, love and hope go a long way in this world. Even with little chickens!

Lesson learned? Clear the paddock of all chickens before calling the horses in!

*High Hope loves running like mad to the barn at feeding time. Duke will too, just not as often.*

*Duke is coming in nice and quiet, but that does not always happen.*

*Even the miniatures accidentally can stomp and hurt chickens. Raggedy wants his dinner!*

*Sally Linds first day out of the infirmary.*

*She is enjoying being out with everyone again.*

*She is doing very well. We are grateful.*

He Waters the Earth

Jun 23, 2023

Our prayers were answered as the kiosk outside our local nursery had posted: Pray for Rain.

We have had the most gentle, lovely rain fall for the past three days. It truly is heavenly, and an answer to prayer. Glory!

I heard we are 8″ short of rainfall. It has felt like a desert here where we live. But not anymore. It has rained. Flowers have opened up, the earth smells good, the horses hooves will soften. We gardeners and farmers are grateful.

I like Benjamin Franklins quote: “When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.”

Though our well did not go dry, our daughter & son-in-laws well went murky. They came to farm to give their well a rest.

All is well now because He waters the Earth. Amen.