March 19, 2011
Our friends Stanley and Cindy did it again. They captured the emotion of every moment they were here last Saturday.
Just like they did last August.
Thank you once again, Stanley and Cindy. ♥ You both are amazing, talented and wonderful… and the boyz love you! (So do we.)
You can also visit Lei Photography on Facebook here. ♥
March 15, 2011
There was no midnight raid. Bernard didn’t have bolt cutters. We aren’t on New Mexico’s most wanted list.
We’ve named him Patrick, he’s here and he’s safe. And he’s already been surrounded by people who love him.
We spent a wonderful day on Sunday at 7MSN with Carson and Danni from Critter Farm.
On our way home from 7MSN, it happened. For a couple of weeks now, Don and I have talked about making an offer to buy Patrick as soon as we saw his people. As we drove past Patrick’s corral on Sunday evening, we saw they were there.
We pulled in and Don got out. I stayed in the car and pretended to read the newspaper because I couldn’t be involved in the conversation. Don is much more even-keeled than I am… if Patrick’s person had said no, it’s likely that I would have either started crying or yelling at him.
It turns out that Patrick’s person said yes, and here’s what we now know about Patrick:
By the time Patrick arrived at Morning Bray Farm on Sunday evening and we got him settled in, it was dark. That explains the pictures in yesterday’s post. (We were exhausted after a wonderful day, but we had to let you know that he was here.)
He is a very sweet boy and he’s going to do well with lots of love… which he got lots of yesterday, thanks to Carson and Danni.
He’s handsome too.
He’s hiding underneath a bit of hair.
We are so fortunate to have such wonderful friends. Carson and Danni spent the day working with and loving Patrick while Don and I were at work. Thank you, Aunt Linda and Aunt Danni. We love you.
Don came home bearing gifts for Patrick. A brand new, shiny green halter and lead rope.
Green is Patrick’s color.
It makes him look exceptionally, super cute.
We have no doubt that life is going to come back into Patrick’s eyes. Bernard will make sure of that.
The vet is coming this morning and we’ll start introducing Patrick to the boyz as soon as we get the all clear. ♥
To read more about Carson’s and Danni’s day of love with Patrick, be sure to visit their blogs at The 7MSN Ranch and On the Way to Critter Farm.
January 24, 2011
It was one year ago today that Bernard and Ellsworth made their world blogging debut.
Since then, we’re thankful that our herd has grown to include Fergus and Nigel.
We’re so thankful every day for each of our four-legged children. All 14 of them! We’re also incredibly thankful for the many wonderful new friends we’ve made this year because of this blog.
To celebrate one year and 311 posts, we’re having a contest. One lucky, randomly chosen winner will receive a Morning Bray Farm 100% cotton Hanes tagless t-shirt.
To enter our first anniversary contest, simply leave a comment on this post. The contest will close Wednesday at 7 p.m. (Mountain time) and we’ll announce the winner on Thursday. ♥
January 15, 2011
December 31, 2010
December 28, 2010
Don and Bernard have a new game they play.
Don puts his finger in Bernard’s mouth.
Bernard pretends Don’s finger is a bit.
Barnyard appears to enjoy this game very much.
Sometimes Bernard closes his eyes in concentration as he’s chomping at his make-believe bit.
And sometimes he even puts a big, contented smile on his face. ♥
December 6, 2010
We visited Wildlife West Nature Park yesterday. Unlike a typical zoo, Wildlife West is a preserve for orphaned, injured and certified non-releasable animals and birds in natural habitats.
This is Morley, a golden eagle. Morley is missing his right eye, making it impossible for him to be released into the wild.
Here’s Dia, a western red-tailed hawk. Dia was found on the ground, injured in the right shoulder and wing – the result of a gunshot.
Magnificent.
Here’s Don having a chat with Lucky, a white-tailed deer rescued by the New Mexico Game & Fish Department.
I couldn’t get over how beautiful the pronghorns were. Tonto was orphaned as a baby and brought to Wildlife West by the New Mexico Game & Fish Department.
Did you know the pronghorn is the only living member of its family in the world? They are not antelopes. They’re the fastest land mammal – they can sprint up to 60 mph and maintain a speed of 30 mph for miles (they can sustain high speeds longer than a cheetah). They can see 320 degrees without turning their head and can see movement up to four miles away.
This is Forrest, a gray fox. He was found orphaned as a baby in a train car in southern New Mexico.
Meet Ernie, a great horned owl. Ernie is at Wildlife West due to a serious injury to his right wing, most likely caused by a collision with a vehicle.
And, last but certainly not least, Don and I were intrigued by Max and Polly, a pair of crested caracaras.
Max and Polly are at Wildlife West because they were illegal pets.
They are members of the falcon family, although their structure and habits are quite different from those of other falcons.
Stunning.
November 11, 2010
In America, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge their contributions to our national security, and to underscore that all those who served – not only those who died – have sacrificed and done their duty.
Don is a veteran and I’m proud of him. In his 20 years of active duty service, he served three tours in Kuwait, one in Kosovo, one in Afghanistan, and two tours in Iraq.
Here’s Staff Sergeant Don in Kosovo, 1999.
And here’s Master Sergeant Don in Iraq, 2006.
Welcome home. ♥
November 7, 2010
I think yesterday was one of the best days of young Bernard’s life. While his brothers were contentedly eating breakfast, Bernard wanted a part of whatever was going on as soon as Don started backing up the trailer.
It was a perfect New Mexico day as we drove to The 7MSN Ranch.
As soon as we arrived, Bernard expressed his excitement by letting out a big, loud bray. George and Alan were so excited, they floated on air.
I simply loved seeing Bernard in this environment.
After a delicious lunch on the porch – while watching the burro brothers and Bernard gallop past in single file – we all took a walk in the pasture. Bernard made himself completely at home and led the way.
George, Alan, Carson and Hank were right behind us.
And when it was time to head back to the barn, Bernard led the way once again.
At the end of the afternoon, parting was such sweet sorrow. By the time we arrived home, the sun was beginning to set as we crossed the Rio Grande, and the only thing Bernard could talk about was the next time he visits The 7MSN, Ellsworth will be along for the ride. ♥
October 27, 2010
I officially have a new favorite tomato.
Thanks again to Danni over at On the Way to Critter Farm, I grew these egg yolk heirloom tomatoes from seed this year. Just as she promised, they’re a sweet, yellow tomato about the size and color of an egg yolk.
We had our first frost on Monday night, which means no more tomatoes from our garden this year. Hmmph.
I think it’s possible that instead of visions of sugar-plums dancing in my head over the holidays, I’ll have visions of egg yolk tomatoes. Seriously. Go figure. ♥
Morning Bray Farm 