Turkey Terrors

 

This is Nikki's tom turkey. He is one of 3 turkeys ( 1 Tom and 2 hens) given to her by a couple that had to move and couldn't take them.   I never realized until today when we were loading up a cow at her place to take to market just how totally scary turkeys are! I was down at the back of the trailer directing to line up the gates and low and behold there was this waist tall dang turkey hen standing beside me! She was S-C-A-R-R-R-Y-Y-Y !!! I couldn't shoo her away for nothing! and NOISY! People think guinnies (sp?) are noisy! You get a waist high ugly bird standing beside you making this kind of loud chucking noise and you will see what is noisy! LOL good thing turkeys are dumb. They could be dangerous with real brains.

Ranchmama

(totally needing to get used to a big bird but can't forget the Rooster that pecked my rear in the outhouse when I was just in the 2nd grade or so at my Grandmas house)

Extract Warning!

This is a email my daughter in Arkansas sent me:

I used my homemade vanilla from you yesterday.  Boy - I could taste/smell the vodka in my snow ice cream!  I don't know if that's good or not.  But definite taste was there.

 *******************
Me:
 I imagine the difference was it wasn't cooked.
I think if you had cooked something the vodka would not have been there so much
try it on cookies, cakes or something cooked.


So funny!
You spiked the kids snow ice cream!!! LOL

love mama
******************** 
Daughter:

Yea - I made a funny daiquiri for the kids I guess...

***************************

SOOOoooooooo.........!!!WARNING !!! 

IF you make home made extract using a alcohol base to extract the oils and flavor ...... Do not use it in a uncooked recipe unless you are of legal age!  LOL

Oh my goodness! Such a funny accident!

I bet you after she tasted it the kids didn't get any after all !  LOL

I am still chuckling.....


Ranchmama
(sober but apparently only because I use my homemade vanilla in COOKED recipes!)

Brrrrrr....

We were in prep mode when we heard of the cold weather. It's always better to get as many things as you can done while the weather is pleasant before you get ice and snow.

    Animals always come first on a ranch. So it was time to make sure everybody had enough hay. That was four different stops at four different places . The hay was put behind what wind breaks could be found for about 30 cows or so at most stops. Thank goodness for JD 4 wheel drive cab tractors! 

   Check the alternative electric devises and move into position so we won't have to do it in ice and snow. Got the tires aired up an covered with a tarp everything ready to go. 

   Did what laundry and dish washing needed doing while we have electric. Fridge is stocked. Potato sack ready for some really good potato soup with lots of butter and bacon in it. 

    Cell phones charged and flashlights handy. 

   We were as ready as u could be. Thank goodness the electric stayed on. Other than some really cold wind and wet shoes it's all snug and going smooth ..... At the moment anyway . 

    Poor doggies get kicked out for bathroom breaks and Sassy wobbles out to do her thing. Heidi Ho has no problem and goes out to play. 

    Would love to go to Wally World when roads are better. Even with 4 wheel drive it's still slick. The stores are going to be bombed with all the cabin fever that is being had I am sure. 

Here is the view out my front door. You can't even see the target on the 700 yd range in the top right of the pic on the hill.  Notice the thermometer is around 20* F on the porch. Sure feels a lot colder than that! 

Ranchmama ( keeping warm & snug)

Extract Fun

Here are eight different extracts I made the first one is 

Lemon on the left then 

Blackberry 

Raspberry 

Coffee 

Strawberry 

Blueberry 

Coconut 

Lime 

I started with the lemon and lime extract from a recipe I found on the net. After that I wanted to get a more exact formula so I used one cup fruit to 2 cups vodka so I would have a formula to work with in the future.

    I never did see how long to let the extracts brew. I read the longer they brew the better the extract. These extracts have been brewing for four months. I can't decide if brewing four months is too long or not. I do know that the smell is very very strong. Since I don't like to drink vodka I'm not about to taste it. LOL

   Now I need to figure out how much to use in the recipe. Since it seems so strong. Do I use a full measure or maybe a half measure.? So maybe next time I use it I'll use the full strength and go from there.

    See the little strainer in front? I didn't have a small tea strainer so when I went to the grocery store all they had was a strainer for you kitchen sink. Well, that seems to work really good I love it. It fits right in my jar or my glasses I'm using to pour the liquid in and I don't have a handle on the way! 

    Next I'm going to try alcohol extracts you know like rum an other flavors. 

Have fun ya'll

Ranchmama 

20 Ways to Become More Self-Sufficient

20 ways to become more self-sufficient before 'the crunch' arrives

by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor

(NaturalNews) One thing you don't want to be during the coming "crunch" -- a polite word for "collapse" -- is dependent on the system. The more you can take care of yourself, the better off you'll be physically, financially, emotionally and even spiritually. Here are 20 ways to become more self-sufficient while you still can:
  Remember it doesn't have to be some kind of economic crunch or governmental failure. We have many times in our lives when it is good to be able to take care of you and yours. Here in Oklahoma is a perfect example with the tornadoes and earthquakes we are getting now days. Then their is catastrophic illness, or just a good round of flu to deal with. It is so nice to have your stuff all stocked up and having it on hand when you can't wiggle to go to the store. 

I am sure it is never enough but I can check off about 13 1/2 of these.

How many of these can you check off?  

 
1) Get a small solar system that can be used to run a laptop or recharge batteries

2) Drill a water well and install a hand pump or solar-powered DC pump

3) Set up a rainwater collection system or barrel

4) Stash some cash: stock away some green dollar bills and lots of U.S. nickels

5) Own and learn how to use a handgun, rifle and shotgun

6) Store some ammunition

7) Own and know how to use a water filter

8) Start a garden this spring and acquire more food production skills

9) Save garden seeds so you can plant the next generation of food

10) Acquire a wood-burning stove for heat and cooking

11) Possess a large quantity of stored food; enough for at least 90 days

12) Get to know your local farmers and ranchers

13) Store up valuable barter items that are relatively cheap today: Alcohol, coffee, ammo, matches, etc.

14) Safely store extra vehicle fuel (gasoline, diesel) at your home or ranch
Be sure to use fuel stabilizers to extend their life.

15) Learn emergency first aid skills and own first aid supplies
This could save a life or possibly save a trip to the emergency room.

16) Start growing your own medicine
Plant and grow aloe vera, oregano, garlic, cayenne pepper and other medicinal herbs that can replace a surprisingly large number of prescription drugs. Oregano, for example, is a potent antibiotic. Aloe vera treats cuts, scrapes and burns.

17) Own emergency hand-cranked radios so you can tune in to news and announcements
My #1 recommended brand is Freeplay.

18) Boost your immune system with vitamin D and superfoods

19) Increase your level of physical fitness

20) Learn how to raise animals such as rabbits, chickens, goats or cows. 

60# Black Diamond Watermelon Heaven!!

This summer we had some really good watermelon ! This one weighed in at about 60#'s. You can see where one of the hail storms left it's mark but believe me it didn't hurt the taste at all.

   Oh My Goodness!!! It was SOOoooooooo Sweet! Homegrown local watermelon is always so tasty compared to what you buy in the stores. Every year this man has his truck sitting on Hwy 99 in Prague, Ok and he has the very best watermelons and cantaloups your can put on your table. Lots of hard work but I am so thankful he grows these delicious biggies for my table and very happy tummy!

 

And the watermelon was so good I decided to save the seeds for next year to share with my friends and family so we all could enjoy such nice sweet melons! Look at this I got a full cup of seeds from this 60# melon as I took those sweet bites out of the rine and put it into a large container into the fridge. 

Ranchmama 

(now having golden leaves and light freezes to deal with and remembering the summer joys )

"Eyes Wide Open"

There are many times in the last few years and especially the last 2 yrs I have gotten images / messages that certain areas around here will be in bad shape........ the words I get to describe these images are <desolate > not like a war image..... just <empty> not able to grow grass in some areas like the ground just can't do it ....... like people don't want to live in the area because it just can't support life there. Not like contamination but for some reason it is just dry/ empty/ no reason to be there. Several times it is the word <drought> I keep wondering about things like war and it just isn't that........it is something else.......... tonight for the first time the word is ...<famine> ........

these images and thoughts came way before this travesty listed below so I can't say the news is influencing me it is just little things. Like when my husband drives by somewhere on the way to the city and says things like " I can't imagine how crowded this will be 20 yrs from now." I tell him it won't be. Then there is times we drive by a place of ours and I am told that we won't be able to grow things like grass in a certain area these thoughts just pop up out of the blue.I just don't see a "growth" kind of thing going on. If anything I see the opposite whatever that may be.< Struggle> is also a word that comes to light.


http://www.naturalnews.com/042952_Fukushima_fuel_rods_inadvertent_criticality.html

<Tepco's removal of radioactive fuel could set off uncontrolled chain reaction

<One wrong move and Fukushima could poison the entire northern hemisphere with deadly radioactive plutonium and uranium isotopes with half lives of millions of years. In the worst case, it could turn the soils into poison across nearly half the planet, causing much of the northern hemisphere to be uninhabitable by humans

I have to wonder about all these thoughts and images I am given when I see news articles like the one above.  Some people say prayer is the answer. That may be but if anything you need to pray for wisdom to take the proper actions in your area/ life/ future preparations to be able to deal with adversity. Money is a good thing but in this case money won't do it all. I don't think money will be able to even come close to touching this. It is a action, way of doing things on your own for your family and the people or community around you to be able to cope and adjust to what is possibly coming our way.
       It may sound like no big deal when it appears more weather related but think again, that is a HUGE thing! There are just too many things involved when I say weather. Our weather could be effecting us not only because of just natural drastic weather changes but also we have no clue how things we are doing or possible disasters man made or otherwise can determine this kind of thing. 
    You can't sit around and worry about everything but you sure can go forward with a "eyes wide open" attitude.
Try not to be to distracted by our daily struggles.

Keep looking ahead as to how to keep things in a "prep" mode.

Educate yourself and yours on various subjects. Diversity in knowledge is a good thing. You never know when you may need that little bit of info someone around you may have.

Encourage those around you to learn useful things whether it be medical, farming, cooking, even how to be a supportive counselor to others (believe me it will be needed)

Teach. Anyone and everyone that is receptive to learning. Old or young. If someone takes a interest in something you are doing share this knowledge. It is like in the garden world. We have extra plants so we share it with neighbors not only to be kind and generous but also because if something happens to yours and they die you can get a new start from the neighbor you shared with.

Well that is enough of this stuff. I try not to let these images overtake me. I try to keep going with daily life and thinking about how the things I do today will be a help for the tomorrows to come.

Ranchmama
(Who tries not to dwell but sometimes you just can't help putting the puzzle pieces together some days)

Water Trough Fun

Sometimes you get in the rut of hurry up and get things done mode on the ranch. Things just keep lining up in your day making it longer and busier.

    Then as your doing a little chore so hubby can be efficient and get something else done you have a moment of silliness that gives you something to smile about the rest of the day.

Heidi Ho has her own idea as to how to water the calves getting ready to go to market today.

                             

                             

                            

                                  

She seems to think if she hangs on to the water hose then I can't water the calves and get them ready to go to the sale barn today. She has this thing about baby calves ... They are her best Buds!

Ranchmama 

(thankful that although it is in the 90+* range today, it isn't as bad as it was last year.)

Cow Hunt'n & Stuck

During all the tornados going through we had a good bunch of rain in the pastures. We were out feeding cows an had to go looking for one in Ol'Blue which is a 1986 Chevy 2 wheel drive hunk of stuff. 

   Don't u just love it when u know u shouldn't go drive around in a wet pasture and u keep U'r mouth shut because he knows what u think an u don't want to be a witch and u ............ GET STUCK! 

 Now the really hard part is not saying "I told u so!"

   At least I don't have to walk a quarter of a mile to get the tractor!

This is the front wheel as I lean out carefully to take the picture. Lucky I didn't land on my head! LOL 

Ranchmama

Fathers Day Treats

What do u do for the man that has everything ??

   This morning he had one of his favorite  breakfasts, cornmeal mush with lots if bacon , toast, and OJ.

  You also make him Hostess Cupcakes ! This is the first time I have made theses so next time there R. Few things I would do different. 

    Those little swirls on top are not as easy as they look! Some of my practice ones reminded me of hair so a few of them got faces :-) 

   Supper ? I have no clue. These silly cupcakes made such a mess I don't know if I can wiggle in there without bumping into chocolate somewhere.

  I hope all the dads out there have a great dad day!

Ranchmama

                          

4 Legged Tornado

We thought it would be a good day a couple of weeks ago to catch some calves for weaning and move one of the bulls from this 120 acre pasture to the house to put with some heifers for breeding. He has always had really good babies with heifers without much trouble.      

     We were getting everything separated and one second the bull was in the corral the next he was stepping over / thru the panels like they were nothing. Something about at least a 1500 lb bull crashing around that turns everything he touches into a tangled mess. I looked around thinking maybe Heidi Ho had put him through the fence for some reason but I couldn't even blame it on her. She had been helping us all morning real good moving cows but she didn't do this one. I have no clue as to why this bull decided to all of a sudden go though over $300 worth of panels to go head to head with the other bull in the pasture. 

     We normally keep 2 bulls in with about 80 head of mama cows to take care of everything and they normally get along really well. Just for some reason the other bull must have been sniffing the wrong tail or something and he just had to go over and give him what for. Of course neither one was hurt just had to be boys!

     We have yet to figure out how to unbend, unwarp cattle panels good enough to be reliable to keep cows in again after being damaged.  We just keep them around for emergencies 

   Oh well, another day another few hundred dollars............... 

Ranchmama 

This is what a normal corral panel looks like

This is what 3 of the panels look like after one bull decides to leave the corral and go head to head with the other bull in the pasture.

Why NOT to Bug Out of Oklahoma

One good reason not to bug out of Oklahoma is..... IT WOULD BE FLAT OUT BORING!!!

Other states just do not have the adventure we do.

Where else can you live and get shaken and stirred all in one day?

Where else can you live and have snow in May with tornadoes right behind it?

Where else can you live and have a tornado in the morning and another one on the same day in the evening like we did here in Prague,Oklahoma?

If I lived in a area of Oklahoma that is known for having repeated tornado dances I would for sure not be living there.

Where I live now there are 100 yo homesteads still here that have not been touched by the storms

That doesn't mean it can't and won't happen but my odds are better.

IF I would be wiped out with the house gone and all I would for sure think about moving to a place that doesn't have weather "episodes" frequently.

My family is small. We no longer have a lot of family close by. 

The kind of work we do being self employed we can do somewhere else.

Not only that as tied down as we have been it might be the only time I get to travel and see things as we are scouting out someplace pretty to look at as we think of relocating.




Ranchmama

Breaking the Law

It's dark.
It's scary.
Even with warnings it is sudden and violent.
Everything is flying in the air,
Cars, houses, cows,
Large and small pieces landing who knows where.
Taken away from homes and businesses and yards and schools.

Little pieces of people, not only their hearts but actual physical people.
We listen, we practice how to stay safe.
Yet when it is REALLY BIG and REALLY DARK
Sometimes no matter how much you practice to be safe,
No matter where you hide in your home or business or school,
It isn't enough.

As they scramble to what they hope is safety,
Sometimes just in time, sometimes just barely hanging on and praying.
You hear, you see, everything around you disintegrating.
Your wondering as you see and hear, just what will be left, who will live and you cry and pray in fear.
You pray for your children.
You pray for your spouse.
You pray for your parents.
You pray for friends.
You pray for even the critters, Gods simple creatures.

But what I think is best of all.........
Is all those wonderful teachers.,
Holding and sheltering the best they know how,
Our little ones, our future,
Sometimes with their own body.
When asked on the news what one of them did
She said that she did something she probably shouldn't have done.
     "SHE PRAYED!!!"
She broke the law.

So ok all you Idiots making all the laws,
You think you can keep prayer out of schools with making it illegal ?
You think you can threaten the teachers in charge of our children with losing their job?
You might as well fire every Oklahoma Teacher there is today,
Because every one of them was doing the best they could to save a child,
Then when they did what they could they sent up prayers.
Leaving all the rest in the Lords hands.

So as you can see,
Making it illegal will do no good.
When it is time they will all do just exactly WHAT THEY SHOULD !
 PRAY WITH ALL THEIR MIGHT !
That they are all not taken and can live another night.

Ranchmama
5-21-2013