The last few posts have been about family and struggles and cancer and well…

Today is a very sombre day for our family.

My dear Aunt Jeannie passed away from that evil cancer.

Aunt Jeannie was born May 11, 1939 – married to my Uncle Alex (fathers brother).

Five children – Lori, Leslie, Shawn, David and Kelly. My first cousins.

As Dad and Uncle Alex were close in age – and geographics had us living fairly close to each other – we would spend alot of time together.

I personally spent long weekends and summers in their home – treated as one of their own.

Our family is a large network of Aunts, Uncles, 1st, 2nd, 3rd cousins twice removed – thrice removed who knows.

While over years – we have lost touch here and there – we are family.

Our dear Aunt Jeannie was a force in life. Funny as all hell! and so very wise.

When I was 15 I had a crush on a local boy near them. He fancied another local girl and I surely thought my life would end. I was dumb FYI – Aunt Jeannie took me aside and told me that I was young to which I am sure I eye rolled her – and that I needed to stop worrying about this boy and focus on myself and my self worth and that I was a good person and nice and pretty and that any boy who did not see that was not worth my time.

Of course I thought she was wrong because what did she know right?

Well – as a parent – been there and done that and boy was she right!!! and I thank her for that!!!

When my own mother passed – Aunt Jeannie was at the hospital and she said to me – “I am sorry does not even begin to tell you all how much I hurt for what you are all going through right now. Be strong and know that your mother has done her job here and now it is time for her to go help God do his”.

My personal political and religious views are exactly that – my own. I do not broadcast – I do not push them on others.

To my cousins – whom I love dearly and I know that time and life and shit has kept us apart at times – I wanted you to know that I echo your dear sweet Mama’s sentiments.

Aunt Jeannie – you have done your job in raising a fine family- now God needs your help raising his.

It’s been a somewhat odd winter thus far.

We’ve seen every kind of weather imaginable thrown at us from mountains of snow to mild days filled with sun.

We’ve seen blustering windy days that freeze your cheeks and make your eyes water.

Days where the rain has come falling from the sky like Mother Nature is crying and then gaining her resolve into deep freeze where even the most sure footed creature goes ass over tea kettle.

But tonight – tonight was special for me.

As I stepped out of the warmth of our old stone home filled with secrets and mystery – I walked into a land of darkness.

The full moon has passed so I make my way to the barn to feed the herd with my trusty flash light.

Careful not to be one of those creatures that goes ass over tea kettle, I shuffle along on the icy surface to the solace of my barn to gather the hay for the horses to eat on the over night.

They are all fidgeting around – waiting for me to toss them their snack.

Each ones gets a pat and a good night. I hug them tight and breath in their scent and press my face to their warm necks. So comforting.

One last look around to make sure blankets are straight and everyone is eating – I flick off the barn lights.

I turn and before I turn on my flash light that will illuminate my path back to our cosy home – I look up.

I see the stars – the stars so bright that I swear that I can reach up and grab one and hold it close.

And I stand there – I stand there in an almost profound silence of the herd munching away.

No traffic – no wind – no noise – just happy horses.

I scan for the brightest star and I make a wish.

I cannot tell you my wish. But I wish with every fibre of my soul that this wish will come true.

I believe in miracles.

You know all those posts that go around with quizzes about what your superpower is? or the question of asking IF you could have any superpower – what would it be?

I sort of/kinda like them – they are silly and fun and mindless.

BUT – what if – you could have any superpower you wanted?

Would you shape shift, fly, read minds, be super strong, heal? That is a common one – to heal the sick.

Were I granted the superpower of healing – there are alot of people I would heal right now for sure. No questions.

I just came back in from hanging with the herd and checking on the bockers.

It is really quiet tonight and clear with no wind.

As I was walking back from the barn – I looked up and I saw the most beautiful not quite half but not quite quarter moon and it was smiling at me. Like that big ol’ Cheshire cat grin. It is a little cloudy so it had an almost halo effect to it.

It was to me – in that instant – that moment in time where it stopped and only I got to see that special effect.

So I decided that if by some miracle I was granted one superpower – I would want the power to stop time.

Life situations as of late  – boy I sure wish I had that superpower.

My family – our family is going through some really tough times right now.

My dear cousin is battling for her life. She is so cool. I looked up to her as a snot nosed kid and I still do.

My friend – again – fighting and fighting – tough dude – smart ass with the most amazing outlook. I have not even known him but maybe a year and that man has made such an impression on me.

My “mother” Aunt – I can’t even get through this sentence without getting emotional.

Freezing time – that would be a cool superpower. It really would.

I always try to put a positive spin on these posts. Sadly tonight I am fresh out. I’ll try and do better next time.

Here is a picture of Steve for no reason in particular other than that she cracks me up.

 Love you all!

2016…

The mere mention of this year has struck fear and loathing into the souls of many.

2016 saw us lose many many musical legends – Bowie, Frey, Prince, George Michael, Cohen, Merle, Joey Feek, Maurice White and I am sure many more.

2016 saw us lose many many Hollywood legends – Wilder, Rickman, Shandling, Doris, Florence, Thicke, Zsa Zsa and my favourite Debbie Reynolds and I am sure there are many more.

2016 saw us lose many many amazing humans – Glenn, Ali, Safer, Palmer and I am sure that there are many many more.

Cuba lost it’s often criticised leader – Castro – love him or hate him – his life/death is the end of an era for the Cuban people.

A rather odd and often criticised leader was elected president of the most powerful country in the World – Trump.

Our family personally suffered a major loss when my ex husband committed suicide- my children both dealt with their grief in their own way and are strong and thriving.

I have members of my family plus dear and close friends who are suffering from that evil cancer. I pray for them daily, support them wholly and love them dearly.

But my dear dear friends – there was a lot of good shit that happened in 2016.

I met some amazing people!!! I forged even stronger bonds with others. I woke up everyday healthy and happy. My chicken obsession, while still slightly out of hand, continues to grow and thrive. Our farm is thriving – we are broke but thriving.

The Ice Bucket Challenged raised an amazing amount of funding for ALS. As with the major strides made in Alzheimer’s study.

Three species – considered endangered are growing in numbers (Tiger, Manatee, Panda).

Leonardo DiCaprio finally won an Oscar!! (just checking to see if you were still paying attention – there will be a quiz at the end).

My son – my dear son who suffers from mental health issues – powered through – pushed and worked his ass off through one of the worst years in his young life to further his education – finish his semester – even when he wanted to give up. He did it!!!

And my daughter – my oh so beautiful daughter is engaged to an amazing young man. So much joy and love to them.

My family, my friends, my loved ones are safe and alive to see 2017 unlike many in the world.

Ya – 2016 sucked – it was not a great year for so many reasons…

…BUT…

It could have been a helluva a lot worse don’t you think?

To all my family, my friends, my dear ones – I wish you health, happiness, prosperity and love into 2017.

The YEAR OF THE ROOSTER!!!

(Steve is a hen but you get the idea)

I do my best to not make this blog all about me and my adventures.

Being a blogger somewhat makes you incredibly narcissistic because really – you are writing about what is going on in “your” life – what is happening on “your” farm – what “you” think.

I really do try to intersperse some of everyday goings on from time to time so I don’t sound like “it’s all about me”.

Nothing ever is all about me. Occasionally maybe I get a little prickish and bitchy because I’ve had a bad day or week or month but please recognise that I love people and the human race. I love my children and I love my family.

My fondest wish is that everyone is happy, healthy and doing just fine.

Sometimes that unfortunately does not happen though.

Remember when we were kids – when something did not go your way – you yelled “DO OVER”.??

You lost at the game of Red Rover – DO OVER or you missed that catch – DO OVER.

(Here is where I talk about me – just a heads up).

I – by no stretch of the imagination wish I could call DO OVER on my life.

I’ve had a great life. It’s had a few bumps and hiccups but each of those has made me the woman I am – has brought me to this place in my life and has taught me valuable lessons.

These past few months – hell – this past year – I’d like to exercise the childhood right of DO OVER!!!

This past year has been particularly stressful on me – my family and my friends.

My children have had to endure the worst imaginable pain of losing a parent.

My family is currently enduring the stress of dealing with an ill mother from that evil cancer.

My cousin is fighting for her life from that evil cancer.

My friend is fighting for his life – again from that evil cancer.

I – personally do not need a DO OVER. I want to use every DO OVER that I have to grant my children,  my family and my friend a DO OVER.

Sadly – DO OVERs don’t exist and we must make the best of the situation be it bad or good and keep pushing through and keep our heads up and keep loving each other and keep supporting each other.

Life is short – love each other.

I said that back in January of this past year and I will continue to say it as often as I can.

Life is short – love each other.

I’m a bad blogger – I really am.

I was so good in the beginning – what with all of the posts and daily interaction – then life happened.

Stuff happened  – the spring turn into summer – turned into fall and here we are – winter again.

BLINK – where did it all go?

Our chicken “mall” almost complete. What is the mall you ask?

Well it is our storage area converted to a one stop shop where our bockers will live for the winter.

A series of “store fronts” each designed to give our flock a place to sleep and a place to hang out should they feel inclined to do so. We will also house our duck ducks in there.

While this is designed for their comfort – it is a bit selfish as it allows me to make “one stop” in the morning to feed/water and check in on their morning/night time routine.

Like all malls – it has a recreation area – a food court and countless activities that will keep the flock amused during those long and boring winter evenings.

For instance – the hanging pumpkins will be a source of endless amusement while the music area (xylophones affixed to the walls) will allow the bockers to stay entertained.

Once construction is completed- I will post pictures and will accept and all comments on any suitable activities that you all feel will best keep my flightless children entertained.

My friends – we are in for the long haul this winter I fear.

Farmers Almanac says a cold, blustery and long winter.

Let’s all just take a deep breath and stay entertained.

I’ll try to be more diligent in my posts and be as amusing a possible.

Love to all!

#$#()*$#)(*$)(#@*  – OK  – who invented daylight savings time?? We need to talk!

1. I am not saving any time  – how am I saving time? there are 24 hours in a day -did we magically get 25?

2. Extra hour of sleep my Aunt Fanny!! – I still got up at 5 which was 6 or was it 4? I’m not sure now.

3. The herd does not comprehend the new time zone – 430 = 530 which = feeding time which = feed me now!!!

4. Who turned off the friggin’ lights?

5. OK – the bock bocks get it – for the most part – so who is the smarter species now??

6. It’s dark – I’m scared – there are wolves out there – I don’t like to the look of those teenagers (insert cheesy Simpson’s cliche here)

I want – I want – I want daylight until minimum 800 pm please.

Is that so hard??

OK – I could get down with 730 but I have stuff to do universe – you think that this farm just stops because you decided to change the time on me? I don’t think so!!!!

Sigh – acceptance  – it will now get dark at an incredibly early hour – I will power through – I will get my trusty hand lamp and try not to fall in the muck pit paddock – I will persevere!!!

What’s next??? -hmmmm?? – snow??

I need a drink!

I simply cannot believe it has been so long since I created a post!!!

Where did summer go??

I’m not even sure I know how many chickens I have any more – they just keep showing up ;).

We’ve gone the fires of hell hot to chilly back to the fires of not so blazing hell but unseasonably warm for October.

We’ve gone from drought to mud to drought to hay shortage to mud to what’s next season!!

But – sadly we all know what is next right?

Winter my friends – winter – she’s a coming and we can’t stop her. We can hope – we can pray but we can’t stop Mother Nature from dropping that snowy blanket on us.

Fortunately – a major foundation repair on our home will keep us warmer and air tight.

The Bock Bocks will have new digs within the next two weeks to keep them all safe and sound.

Big Horse, Girl Horse and B Horse have already started to “fuzz up” for the onslaught of less that favourable temps.

What saddens me the most – it’s the darkness.

I don’t mind the winter  – I just hate the darkness. I hate that it’s dark when I drive into work and soon it will be dark when I come home.

My flock will not get the free ranging joy that they so love.

Boredom will soon set in because I am not a television watcher so it’s time to start hitting the library.

But- there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Come December 21st the days start getting longer again. I don’t know about you – but I am already counting down.

https://www.facebook.com/regina.fallangi.79/videos/10153789993331331/

This is a link to a video that I really hope works – if not -let me know and I’ll show you where to go get it!!

This tree sits on my sisters property in Arva, Ontario. (Southern Ontario) – and this picture does not do this tree justice!

This tree is one of the first things that I saw when I arrived to my sisters on  July 28th to attend an much anticipated family reunion.

I was unable to attend the last one in 2008 so I made sure that I was on point to attend this one.

My sister work tirelessly arranging every tiny little detail – Huge Applause please!!!

Onward – my other sister and I arrived on Thursday (ya I have lots of sisters) to assist in whatever way we possibly could because the big day was Saturday July 30th.

We spent the afternoon on Thursday and the better part of Friday organizing – drinking wine – swimming in the pool – and drinking wine – oh did I mention we had wine?

The weather – oh it was stellar – hot and sunny – perfect reunion weather.

Saturday morning (day of reunion)- we wake up – to rain – rain rain rain rain rain – son of a…!!!

BUT we had a massive tent to which we could congregate and eat and drink.

That my friends is when the fun started.

Family arriving – familiar faces – some not as – but family – so many people. I had forgotten how large our family is.

As cars were arriving and people were exiting I saw faces – faces I had not seen in years – faces I had never seen but knew and I felt an overwhelming sense of home.

Cousins I had hung out with as a kid have all grown up and have kids of their own – when did that happen?

Aunts and Uncles who while are older – still are the sophisticated cool grown ups I watched at family functions.

Two aunts that bore the most uncanny resemblence to my mother and grandmother  – I had to do a double take!!

Aunt Heather – dear sweet nutty aunt Heather who looks like she stepped right out of the time of childhood to now and dear Uncle Greg who I did not get a chance to know as a child but we have so much in common.

Aunt Teresa and Uncle Tim have not aged a day!!! The time we spent at the farm as children and then taking my children there to run and play!!

Aunt Lynn  -Uncle Pat – so helpful- so very very funny – Oh Lord – I can’t wait to spend more time with them as well.

I do not even know who to mention or to shout out to  – writing this it is all flooding back. Such an amazing perfect day.

I am ashamed of myself for not keeping in touch with everyone and not making more of an effort.

But like most – life gets in the way and work and – and – and this and that and the other thing.

So what does all this have to do with the tree you ask?

Well that tree – that tree I am sure has been around for many many many years and God willing will be around for many many many more.

It is majestic and proud – like our family – with it’s branches reaching up to the sky and welcoming us as if to say – come in please and make yourself at home.

Family – those are ties that bind.

THIS is all of us!! – we are a formidable bunch and I love each and every one of you.

Who knows when we will all be together again but I’d like to take a moment to thank my sister Cindy, her hubs Ted and Sammy and Chrissy for allowing us all to descend into your space for a few days.

I’d like to thank Keith – Aunt Heather, Uncle Greg, Andrea, Tom and Petey for rocking out with us to really really bad karoke – if I missed anyone – I am sorry – I had a couple glasses of wine 🙂

To my sister Lynda for making the trip with me and singing epic Eagles tunes there and back.