Hey, Chick!

Wish these little guys could have made their grand entrance last weekend when Connor and Casey were here, but the hatching continues even  as I type this. They weren't supposed to hatch until next weekend so we were a little surprised. So far, we've got 10 chickens and still 20 eggs in the incubator. A new chick is nothing like you would expect-they're just as ugly as a newly hatched robin. These are several hours old-and have learned to old their heads up. They don't know how at first. They walk like a blind, drunk. Dwight dips their beaks into water and it forces them to take a small sip. They're getting strong by the hour. We have to keep it really warm for them-over ninety degrees or they'll freeze.I'm going to go check on the eggs again.

Turpentine Creek

We went to Turpentine Creek this weekend and I learned some things. First of all, I'm proud to say that Arkansas is a state that outlaws the ownership of exotic animals. Turpentine rescues cats-but they probably wouldn't refuse to help any one.They have a coyote, a monkey, and several bears-along with over 130 rescued cats. 130! These cats on average eat 5 to 10 pounds of fresh meat per day. They walk using their claws-so declawing them causes walking problems later in life. No two tigers have the same facial markings-their faces are like fingerprints or snowflakes. Tigers and Lions respond to all scents but they love Calvin Klein's Obsession. They love to make noise at night-Chalupa wasn't going outside to investigate either.

Eureka!

Eureka -Springs that is -where we're headed this weekend. Can't believe it's the weekend already-haven't had time to post my pictures from my last wonderful weekend. Have some great shots to post as soon as I can.
I'm looking forward to exploring Eureka Springs-it's been a very long time since I've spent any great deal of time there. Chalupa's bed is all packed-along with a leash-and I think we've moved into the motor home. Camera is charged-and a kite festival is scheduled at the Turpentine Creek Reservation.Gps is loaded, food, beer(can't forget the beer), blankets, and clothing. See you Sunday night.

Friday at work

The only good thing about working on a beautiful Friday-lots of goood parking places.

Happy 20th...

Happy Birthday to my baby girl Lauren. She turns 20 today and is probably way too busy to stop and read her mother's blog, but someday she'll get bored and catch up on my goings on and what not.
If there's one thing I want her to know today-it's that I gave birth to her but every day since then she's given back to me. I feel blessed 20 times over. I'm very proud of the woman she has become. I'm amazed at her energy, her strong will, and her love.She's one of the most caring people that I know-and she sets an example for others to follow...if she loves you-you know it. I hope she knows how very much I love her.Always have and always will.

"The greatest weakness of most humans is their hesitancy to tell others how much they love them while they're alive." by Orlando A. Battista

Mr. Battista my daughter shows no weakness..

Arkansas Calendar of Events

If you've never gotten on the computer and checked out the Arkansas Calendar of Events-please do. I was first exposed to this when my kids were all under the age of 12 and were young enough to compete in the Fishing Derbies sponsored by all of the state parks. Lots of fun and cool prizes too.
The calendar lists festivals-Trout Festival in Cotter, Pink Tomatoe festival in Warren, Elkfest in Jasper, Tontitown's grape stomping(must get picked to do this..have to stomp the grapes!!)
it lists events-Junkfest in Mountain View and Marshall, Ice cream social in Berryville, cheesedip contest in Fayetteville.
Lots of great things to do and almost something every weekend. Weekends really should be three days long.
Speaking of days-only seventy five until I will be the proud parent of not one but two college graduates.

Thought for the day

"As we grow up, we learn that people that weren't ever supposed to let us down, probably will. You'll have your heart broken and you'll break other's hearts. You'll blame a new love for things an old love did. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll cry because time is flying  by and eventually you'll lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, forgive freely, and love like you've never been hurt. Because every second you spend angry or upset is a second of happiness that you can never get back."