:: fortyacresandafool.com ::

Last week we had a visit from a beautiful bobcat. He was gorgeous and regal and completely unaffected by our presence.

We believe him to be the bobcat that was rescued and raised by a neighboring ranch which would explain his lack of fear of humans. We can only hope that he learns to live further away from humans, as we have heard that other neighbors of ours have shot bobcats that were near their property. Supposedly, they needed to kill the bobcats in order to protect their chickens, ducks and geese, but in my opinion it is our responsibility as livestock owners to ensure that we keep our animals protected from the wild via fencing and pens. I would never let chickens run loose on my property, except during the day when I was outside with them. Otherwise it is like putting out bait for whatever wild critter is walking by and in my opinion that is not only irresponsible but inhumane.

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching I have been giving lots of thought to all that I have for which to be thankful. This list is endless, as each day brings new blessings into my life. My morning ritual begins with sipping a cup of coffee as the sun rises over the Peloncillo Mountains. I begin my gratitude list with whatever jumps into my head, a stream of consciousness, a river of grateful thanks. Hot water, electricity, indoor toilets, the refrigerator….things that might get taken for granted but these are luxuries that many in the world do not have. How blessed I am to have been born in the United States. I learned a deep love of my country from my father who proudly served in the US Navy.

He sacrificed much because of his conviction and love for his country, neighbors and family. I watched my dad tenderly unfold and put out the American flag on national holidays. He taught me the importance of taking down and properly folding the flag at the end of the day. I am so thankful for my father and how well he cared for his family. My dad is proud of his family and always remembers to tell each of us.

In additon to learning a deep love of country from my father, I also learned to assist others whenever possible. Dad is the kind of man who always stops to help at the scene of an accident and will also give whatever assistance he can to a stranded motorist. He always carries a first aid kit and fire extinguisher in his car for such emergencies.

I am thankful for my father who instilled in me a deep appreciation and gratitude for our beautiful country!

We spent the last of All Hallow’s Eve at a fabulous party hosted by our friends DiAnn and Leese. It was a grand gathering of costumed friends, bone-chilling fog, delicious food, a coffin filled with beverages and fabulous music.

Dori, as the Old Crone

Chris as frightening crazed jester

Kathleen as a Tornado

Our beautiful hostess DiAnn

And beautiful hostess Leese sitting with scary and still beautiful Dori

Many more pictures here: Halloween 2008