I love that this is a normal sight now....

I remember being on vacation in Northern Minnesota with my family as a very young child.  While on the lake, we saw a beautiful bald eagle soaring above.  Dad told my brother and I, "remember this kids, it may be the only one you'll ever see."  At the time, this was a true statement.  They really were that rare and it was quite a sight to see one.  I love that now I see them all the time.  Its not rare, its hardly even noteworthy to be honest.  Quite a success story for the eagles.  I drive over the west fork of the Des Moines River everyday on my way to and from work, and certain times of the year you can just about count on seeing at least one of them daily. 

Who ever would have thought that the wide eyed little girl in the boat with her dad would one day own an acreage and have a bald eagle that hangs out there on a regular basis.  Certainly not me!  I took this picture last year, while this guy was perched a top my tallest evergreen tree.  Pretty awesome indeed!

Yang and her ying

Meet my two good friends, Arin and Yang.  Arin is a very special lady.  She has a love of animals that rivals (or even surpasses) mine.  I love people who's best friends are animals.  She and her goat, Yang, have a connection that is very touching.  That little goat lives for her.  I have never met another animal (other than a dog) that loves their "person" so much.  Once she is out of her sight, Yang will practically have a melt down.  Arin can "call" to yang from across the farm and he will answer her every darn time.  I tried it repeatedly, and got no response.  They go for walks on the walking trails together.  He is a celebrity at the Dickinson County Nature Center, where Arin works.  He shows up for public events and get togethers and is the star of the show.  And such a well behaved and polite little gal at that!  (more than I can sometimes say for Arin :)  Arin is truly the ying to her Yang.  If, one time in my life, I found someone who loved me as much as that goat loves Arin, I'd consider myself a very lucky lady.  It makes me miss my old goats very much.  SO much personality per pound!  They have to be one of the most enjoyable animals to just sit and watch. 

Roger, Polly, and I.  Oh how I miss thee...

Can you tell which one is named Marshmallow?

A dog's life....

People say, "its a dog's life" like its such a bad thing.  I guess it depends on who you belong to.  I would be my dog any day of the week!

A ginger in the sun

I went boating this weekend with some great friends.  ***A note to all gingers, if you buy the good sunscreen, you can do it too!  I look a little red in this pic, but I did not get burned after a full 4 hours in the sun.  Neutrogena Ultra sheer broad spectrum SPF 45.  Its the best money you'll ever spend.****

Pictured with me is one of my all time favorite kids, Sharon's daughter, Addison.  Love her!   She was even very brave and got in the lake with us.  We had such a good time and it felt good to take a day off from mowing and chores and...well...life in general.  So yay for fruity cocktails, crab salad, jumping in the lake, and good friends. 

 So for those of you who don't know me well...I love politics.  I watch a lot of news.  I am a democrat, through and through.  I wouldn't call myself a feminist, but others might.  However, there are two things that fly in the face of my liberalism, and I'm OK with that.

One is my love of shooting guns.  I don't do it often, and never shoot anything living.  But when I am in the mood, nothing else will scratch that itch better than pulling a trigger.  I own one shotgun, but my dad owns many.  Since he lives in town, he sometimes uses my farm as a shooting range.  This is great for me, since I never have to buy guns or ammo, just join in for the fun of it every now and again. 

Last weekend, I got to shoot an AR15 and it was a most excellent experience!

The second is my love of cooking and serving food to people.  I am all about women's rights....but oddly I am normally happiest in the kitchen.  Nothing gives me more pleasure than cooking for others.  That pecan pie you see above?  It is so good it could make you cry.  Granted, if I was married to someone and was "expected" to provide a daily meal, I would probably get all kinds of irritated about it.  I guess it being my choice to cook when I want to is what makes it enjoyable. 

My point being, labels can be misleading.  There is an exception to every rule.  There are democrats who love guns.  There are republicans who value education.  There may even be smart tea partiers for all I know. 

One more pic for your enjoyment below, the best Halloween costume I've ever worn.  I have to say, I really nailed this one.  I can't stand the woman, but that was one fun  night!  Me as  Sarah Palin:

Pretty sure this picture sums up my mood for the day