The Inadvertent Farmer

Life is not Complete without a Camel

I was pulling thistles yesterday...

The beautiful yet painful nemesis of my garden existence.

Anyway, I was pulling thistles and putting them in a pile for Gizmo, they are his favorite.

Then I remember that Gizmo is gone...

I hate that.

Life is just weird around here without the big guy.

Sigh...

This has been on our counter since he died...my kid's little memorial to their friend.

I have spent some serious time looking online for another camel...I know, I'm crazy.  But somehow life just doesn't seem complete without one.

How weird is that to say out loud? 

"Life is not complete without a camel."

 

How Did We Come to Have Camel?

Our church does a 'Journey to Bethlehem' live nativity each year.  Each season thousands of people pass through.  Each season people look forward to the live animals...especially the camel.

For years we had been renting a camel named Gizmo.  With the popularity of the nativity growing so rapidly we (the church) decided to purchase him.

This conversation happened over 10 years ago between myself and a friend who happened to be on the Journey to Bethlehem committee...

"Kim, this is Annette"

"Hey Annette"

"Have you heard that we're purchasing Gizmo the camel? In the long run its cheaper than renting him every year"

"I've heard you were buying him, congrats!"

"Well , we were are needing a place for him and we were all talking and thought of you"

Now I would have loved to be a fly on the wall of that meeting...Hmmm who can we get crazy enough to take a 1500+ pound 9 foot tall camel?  Ohhh lets call Kim!

Choking... "You're serious, a camel? You know I've been known to bring an animal or two home unannounced, but I think even I  better check with hubby first on this one."

"OK, just let me know, I think it would be fun to have a camel, your boys would love it!"

Hanging up the phone I imagined the conversation with my darling husband...

Yes honey I did say camel. 

Yes he would need some kind of shelter,

Yes I'm sure he eats a lot.

At least he doesn't have to be sheared, I don't think anyway. 

Yes I've also heard that camels spit.  

But Annette said it would be fun and the boys would love it!

No Annette won't be coming over and cleaning up after it!

Please...

I must say that I am married to a saint for not only did he let his crazy wife bring home a camel, but builds what we loving call the 'camel shed'.  It is a great building with windows,  salvaged glass door, metal roof and siding...much more than your typical shed.  He even decided to pour a concrete floor for ease of cleaning.  Yes camels poop ALOT!

Over the last decade we came to learn that this certain camel didn't spit, loved apples, adored pushing over fences and eating heirloom tomatoes and climbing roses.  He hated to be ridden, detested rain and snow, and didn't really love riding in his trailer.

He also had this great way with the girls...

All through highschool my boys would use the line 'hey baby, want to come see my camel?'.  Teenage girls would then come and line our fence with our boys grinning from ear to ear in the middle of them.  These girls took picture after picture with their phones to say that they had gotten to pet and feed a camel!

Yep who would have thought that owning a camel would have helped so much with my boys' social lives?

 

When Baby Boy gets to be a teenager I guess he'll have to attract the girls in the old-fashioned way...good looks and charm...no camel to break the ice and entice girls with!

He will be at a distinct disadvantage compared to his older brothers...

Well that is unless we decided to get another camel someday!

Honey?

Oh Sweet Hubby of mine.

Are you reading this?

Hello?

I know you can hear me...

 

Gizmo the Camel has Died

I have putting off this post since last week when I found Gizmo the camel dead underneath the giant fir tree up on the hill, his favorite place to sleep and take dust baths...his tree.

I have avoided coming here since his photos are everywhere...

It frankly has still not completely sunk in that my friend and nemesis Gizmo has died.

No more loooking out the window to see him staring in waiting for a handout.

No more yelling at him for pushing on the fences.

No more people showing up unexpectedly at our doorstep wanting to see the camel.

No more Gizmo adventures here on the blog...

So as a tribute to him I am going to be re-posting some of my favorite Gizmo stories throughout the next couple of weeks.

So come back tomorrow and I'll tell you all how I got a camel to begin with...

A day over ten years ago when life on the farm would never quite be the same!

 

Snow Covered Camel and other assorted Critters!

While the kiddos around here (and most of the adults) loved the break from the usual wet soggy Northwest weather, the animals on the other hand seemed perplexed and annoyed with it!

The big guy hates, HATES the snow.  He stands in his house glaring out, waiting for it to go away.  The only time he ventures out is when someone comes near the fence...he is hoping for a treat.

Sorry buddy, no apples...just my camera.

Your stinkin' camera does me no good...seriously I left the shelter of my house for a camera?  Where is my payment for this photoshoot?

I guess your payment is me putting up with you destroying the fences, eating my garden and costing a fortune in hay, grain, and worming medicine.  Really your payment is not being made into a very large rug for the family room!

Well....I've never!

At least take a picture of my good side.

Some of the critters are much sweeter in disposition...and cute to boot!  Baby Dolly Llama seemed to get a kick out of the snow, she loves to jump and run around in it.  She also gets it on her nose and then wiggles and shakes till she gets it off!

While the chickens hide in their house the ducks seem unaffected by the cold and snow...they make just as much noise as usual.

May we talk a minute about ducks?

I have never in my life had a group of animals make as much racket as a few ducks do.  When they hear us crack open the back door they start setting up such a fuss you would think they were being eaten by coyotes or something!  It is their subtle way of letting us know that they want to be fed first.

What is funny is that if they are indeed fed first the camel comes and leans menacingly over their fence and they are too afraid to go near their food bucket until he leaves...which of course is not until he gets fed. 

Maybe they are actually saying,

"Feed the camel first, feed the camel first so he will leave us alone!"

And finally there is one particular critter that has simply buried his head in the snow whilst praying for spring! 

So what about you?  Are you embracing the last remnants of winter...or are you praying for spring to hurry up and get here?

Cranberry Stuffing and the Camel

Here is my bit of advice for this Thanksgiving season

Everything is good when covered with enough gravy...

or

Snow!

*****

I hope you all have a great day slaving over the stove, oven, microwave or crockpot.

Just remember it is not about how good the food is...

It is all about who you get to share the food with!

And yes he gets some too!

He is particularly fond of the dressing with cranberries...

 

Happy Thanksgiving all!

From Kim and Gizmo

Wood, Heat, and Miserable Northwest Weather

I spend entirely too much time complaining about the weather.

You see I live in Western Washington, the only place in the continental US with its own rainforest.

By March we all call the rain 'liquid sunshine' because we have forgotten what real sunshine looks like.

Most of the world has toe jam...we have webs between our toes...heck we even name our football teams after ducks (go Oregon Ducks!)

In other places men have hair removed from their backs...from our's its moss.

I could go on...but I said I already complained too much!

So today I'm going see my glass half full...although if I left it outside it would actually be full and overflowing...sorry

Really.

Anyway I'm thankful for...

I am grateful for all the trees that fall around here and all the trees that neighbors need to cut down.

I'm especially thankful when I'm warming my hiney by our woodstove.

And besides it gives me just another unique thing to point my camera at.

Which falls into a slightly less unique category than this...

 

But then again...most things do.

Hope you all are staying warm, cozy and dry this fine, albeit, wet day.

 

 

 

First Frost, First Wedding, Jealous Camel

I was not prepared for this...

Is a gardener ever really prepared for it?

The first hard killing frost of fall!

The tomato vines are blackened and dead.

The peppers thankfully are covered so although a little sad they are not gone.

The kale seems to love it.

The sunflowers hate it, as do the pumpkin vines and my pretty little nasturtiums!

But somehow the weeds keep going strong...

What's with that???

*****

On a completely separate note my oldest son has finally decided to marry his girlfriend of almost 6 years.

They are getting married on New Year's Eve (yes the one just a couple of months away!)

In my house.

Oh my...if you have any great, classy, inexpensive decorating ideas please let me know!

*****

I haven't broken the news to Gizmo yet...the big guy adores my oldest son.

He's gonna be mighty jealous! 

Don't worry buddy, you're not losing a friend, you're just gaining another family member who will feed you apples.

What?

No!

You cannot be the ring bearer.

If I was Supreme Empress of the Universe

Do you ever wake up on a Monday morning and lay in bed while silently going over your 'to-do' list for the week?

Do you ever pull the covers back over you head hoping that if the new week doesn't see that you are awake it will just go away?

Do 'to-do' lists ever go away?

Do they ever get shorter?

If I was Supreme Empress I would outlaw 'to-do' lists!

And while I was the Supreme Empress I would enact a few more laws...

First chocolate would make your thin.

Secondly the sun would make your skin look younger and baby soft.

Third nursing would make your boobs perky.

I would also make it mandatory to dance on the beach no matter who is watching.

Every single person would have a field of daises to run through...

I would have the cosmic bakers make everyone a fresh loaf of cinnamon bread...ohhh wouldn't the universe smell good?

Each would have their own garden...with no weeds!

Jumping in leaves would be more important than raking leaves...it would be the law.

And everyone would have someone that loves them to the moon and back!

Yep that's about it...

If I was Supreme Empress Monday mornings would be a LOT different!

Oh and one more rule...

Everyone would get kissed by a camel at least once.

Why? You ask...

Well because it is hard to be too serious when you have been kissed by a camel!

*****

So if you were in charge of the universe what law would you enact?

*****

I'm also over at Not Dabbling in Normal where I'm discussing a 'Cancer Diet' or what we already know is good for us!

 

Summer's Simple Things we Share!

In honor of summer.

In honor of my pledge to slow down.

In honor of my promise to enjoy the very simplest things of summer in their purest forms.

I honor of that all that is good in summertime I am sharing this with you...

What says 'summertime fun' more than a pair of little kid feet covered with newly cut grass?

You know those feet have been running and jumping and wiggling in the grass!

Hubby had just mowed the grass and the kids had discovered it in the wheelbarrow. 

What fun...what a laundry nightmare!

 

The only thing more fun than a pair of child's feet covered with grass would be two!

Two very dirty...

very grassy...

very happy...

pairs of summertime feet!

Pretty sure I won't be getting the bathtub ring off till next winter!

*****

Oh and yes...the big guy LOVES freshly cut grass too! 

In case you were wondering.

 

So here is where you get to share.

What are some simple, fun, summertime things you have been up to?

Do tell...

Derelict of Duty. Camel vs Elk

Last night hubby and I heard the dog going crazy.  We went outside and could hear the familiar sound of the elk jumping the upper fence.  There is nothing quite like the sound of wire being pinged by elk hooves...unforgettable!  As we stood listening my thoughts strayed to the camel who before he was used to the elk would stampede them down the hill and away from the pasture...

No more...now he just stands and watches them...doing nothing.

This following story is from over a year ago.

Unfortunately nothing has changed!

*****

Having a camel is useful for two things.  He adds authenticity to our church's live nativity and he is to keep the elk out of his pasture.  I ask nothing more of the big guy...

 

Good morning Gizmo...whatcha doing?

Watching the elk.

 

 

Ah I see they're back.

Yup.

 

 

Hey, wait a minute...aren't those two on your side of the fence?

I suppose they are.

 

 

Well don't just stand there...chase them out!

Hmmm...well...nope.

 

 

LOOK you big dummy, they are all lining up to come over the fence!

I see that...no need to shout.

 

 

Ohhh they are going to wreck the fence...

Wow, that one can really jump!

 

 

and eat all the grass...I'm gonna have to buy more hay!

 I love hay!

 

 

Hey that one is just trying to push his way through!

I thought only I did that, chuckle

Very funny, now do something...

 

 

GIZMO!

Boy I wish I could jump like that!

 

 

Yeah that is what I need,  a jumping camel!

Do I detect a bit of sarcasm?

Just a tad.

 

 

Look you big good for nothing, even the baby elk aren't afraid of you!

 

I'm a lover not a fighter, what can I say!

Ughhhh...

 

Normal is relative with a Camel Friday Funnies

What is normal is all relative...

  

Then again so is what is considered abnormal...

I'm just gonna leave that lying there for you to ponder.

 

Its Raining its Pouring and I'm making Pasta!

I'm spending the day learning how to make homemade pasta for our Real Food Challenge.  Since it is pouring outside I am reaching back in the archives for these photos.  I figure it beats going out and getting drenched for a new set...yes lazy I am!

Although these pictures are over a year old they are pretty much spot on for much of the late winter, early spring anywhere in the maritime Pacific Northwest...the rain-belt of the west...where if you look really close you will notice the webs between the toes of us lifelong residents!

Now I'm off to learn how to use this new fangled pasta roller thingey!

 

 

Just how wet is it? 

Well...this is not a creek but my driveway!

 

 

The animals are soaked, even the baby llama!  Poooor baby...

 

This slug followed me into the camel house to get out of the rain! 

I hate slugs...I will spare you the photo of it speared on the end of my pitchfork like some kind of gruesome kabob!

 

   

The rain chain can't even keep up!

 

But the ivy...

 

   

...and ferns are thrilled!

 

 

And the camel? 

Well just take a look at that face...no, Gizmo is not a fan of all this liquid sunshine!

And for the record I think whoever coined the phrase 'liquid sunshine' had a screw loose, there is nothing sunny about it at all!  Its just wet, cold, dark and annoying...

That is why I am staying hunkered down inside with my pasta maker!

Speaking of pasta... any advice on making homemade pasta for me?  Any secrets you're willing to share with the novice?

 

Valentines Day Garden Update.

First let's get this out of the way,

Gizmo wanted me to say to you all...

Joyeuse saint Valentin!

GARDEN UPDATE:  It has been so wet around here this week I have gotten nothing done outside.  I have finished a garden gate intended to keep the chickens out of the raised beds...its stained and waiting in the garage to be hung if it ever stops raining!

Seeds have been started and concrete blocks purchased for the cold frames.

I just have two more beds to clear and weed then all 12 will be ready for planting.

When I was cleaning out the last tomato bed a couple of weeks ago I noted these...ghosts from last summer!  Strange how the insides are gone but the empty paper like shell still remains of the tomato!

All right...you guys have a great Valentines Day. I'm off to string hearts!

New Baby Llama and so much more, Camel alert!

(Note all of the photos in this post were taken from the exact same spot, I did not move an inch...but as you will see what is in front of me moved...dramatically!)

We have a new addition to our little herd here on the farm...

It is a little girl and her name is Tolkien, J.R. for short! 

I have neglected to share her with you, she is now a couple of months old.

She is as sweet as can be! 

 It was feeding time so all the llamas had gathered 'round to eat.  Gizmo was in his house, I feed him there so he doesn't bug the llamas.  Of course he eats like, well a camel, and finished up before everyone else...

Hey big guy...you're blocking my shot of the new baby!  She is just too cute isn't she?

Just darrrrrlllling...

Do I hear a bit of sarcasm in you voice?

Where is my apple?

Sarcastic camels don't get apples...

Hey move over!  I can't see anything but your neck...

You have sticks and needles and stuff in your fur...you really should do something about that.  Your personal hygiene needs some work.

Your beard is getting a bit long... and what is that on your chin? 

Now wait a minute...my beard is just now starting to recover after the embarrassing shaving incident, you leave my beard out of this!

 

You know, I have some tweezers in the house, I could pull out those long chin hairs for you.

You and what army?

I was just saying I could if you wanted...no need to get all huffy about it!

 

Your lip is getting a bit hairy too... 

And Gizmo?

Yes.

You are invading my personal space.

And?

Well it is getting a bit crowded with both of us trying to occupy the same little area.

Your point?

Gizmo...MOVE!

 

Is this better?

You are doing this on purpose aren't you?

Did you bring me an apple?

No

Well then yes ...I'm doing this completely on purpose! 

 

You know that sneer is not an attractive look for you...

Again...your point?

I just thought you should know...

I'm going in the house now...suddenly I have this overwhelming urge to brush my teeth.

Fine...and next time you come out bring me an apple, would ya?

I will...and maybe some tweezers too.

 

 

 

Winter Beautry and Winter Weird Snow Camel

I just love this photo...we so rarely get snow here in Western Washington that it is such a delight when we do.  I always grab my camera and head out to see what I can find through my lens.  This is an old maple tree in our lower pasture that has the tire swing on it.  It is a favorite of all the kids and it makes me smile every time I look out the window and see it...even when its all lonely in the first snow of the season.

Oh yeah I am also throwing my hat in the ring over at Gardening Gone Wild photo contest with this photo too.

Sooooooo....

You thought you would get off easy today did you?

All beauty and no weirdness from the farmer chick...

Hahahaha...

No way!

 
Ever see a camel try to shake snow off like a dog shakes off water?

Now you have...and it is weird even by my standards! 

Now let's do a little recap of what we know about Gizmo...

Loves roses broccoli, and apples,

Breaks fences,

Works but once a year,

Makes lots of poo for the garden,

Has stinky breath and chews with his mouth open,

Has to have his neck shaved now and then,

Has his own fan club, and...

HATES snow!

What are you looking at?

Just you, in the snow.

You know I hate snow...why did you make me come out anyway?

Well I was just wondering.

Wondering what?

If you would mind if I took your picture?

Do you have an apple?

Do bears bear?

I don't care about bears...the apple?

Here you go buddy.

Don't buddy me...

 

Gimzo?

Yes?

Chew with your mouth closed! 

This is my best side...take the picture at this angle

I didn't know you had a best side, thought they were both equally...shall we say unique.

That isn't one of your underhanded digs is it?

No of course not.

If you take a picture from down there you can show everyone just how large and imposing I really am...Huge actually...Gigantic...Enormous...

Gizmo

Yes?

You're drooling on my camera.

Oh, sorry.

Got anymore apples?

Nope you ate them all.

I'm so out of here

See ya buddy!

Don't buddy me...

 

 

Happy New Years from Gizmo and Kim!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and blessed new year!

Gizmo does too...

I do?

Yes Gizmo you do.

That's awfully presumptuous of you don't you think?

I know under all that grumpiness you are really a sweetheart. So wish everyone a happy new year Gizmo.

Happy New Year Gizmo.

That is not what I meant...

Well that is what you said.

Fine...no champagne for you tonight.

You don't drink...

Well if I did I wouldn't give you any...

Now is that anyway to act on the cusp of a new year?

You know that some new years don't have camels.

That would be a very sad year for everyone on your blog...

You know not everything is about you.  Perhaps people read my blog for my lovely garden and adorable children.

And let's not forget your dorky poems

My poems are not dorky they are funny.

To who?

I think it is "to whom"

You are correcting the grammar of a camel...this does not bode well for your metal state in the new year you know.

Gizmo?

Yes.

Happy New Year.

Happy New Year to you too....and Kim?

Yes.

It really is all about me.

Yes Gizmo...I know

Not Me Monday the Camel Kiss

Oldest son is home from college for Christmas.  Gizmo loves oldest son...

In spite of their great affection for each other...

This never happened!

Because it just never could...

Hey...don't I know you? 

Snifffff...

Aren't you the one that always brings me apples?   

I knew you were...

Hey dude thanks! 

Come a little closer old buddy...

You know I had a cool beard like that till your mother shaved it off...

I know, its a tragic story...

Hey man...I sure missed ya!

And while you're home...could you tell your mom it wouldn't kill her to give me an apple now and then...

And a little extra grain would be nice...

And could she do something about the fence?

I think its broken again.

 

Hello?  Still there?  This is me...this did not happen. My oldest, my precious college educated first born son, the one I raised so sensibly, would never, ever kiss a camel...never!

Come on over to Not Me Monday to see what else we are NOT doing!

 

 

 I can also be found over at Not Dabbling in Normal today talking about my grand and sweeping New Year's resolutions...or not!
 
 

Christmas Snow CAMEL...be careful what you ask for!

Some of you have asked about the photo in my header...well here is the story behind it!  Be careful what you ask for.

 

Here be popular demand...GIZMO, Super Duper Snow Camel!

 

 

Gizmo...oh Gizmo, come on out and play!

 

 

Come on boy...I have an apple for you!

 

 

Besides your adoring fans are waiting to see you...

 

 

What are you lookin' at...dumb llamas!

 

   

This better be a good...you know how I hate snow!

Sorry buddy, but you have some friends in blogland that want to see you...

Hrrrmmmmfff

 

 

What do you mean you only brought one apple?????

 

 

I suppose you think that hat's funny?

Giggle...yeah I do!

 

 

Well  Ho, Ho, Ho....................my arse!

 

You know that if you talk like that Santa won't bring you anything in your stocking!  You'll just get a lump of coal.

What as opposed to one measly apple?

That is NOT the attitude Santa is looking for...

What's with the old guy anyway...doesn't' he know that camels are the only really cool way to travel? 

Reindeer???  Really....

Merry Christmas Gizmo...

Merry Christmas Kim...can I go now?

Yes Gizmo...you can go now.

Merry Christmas all...

     

All I can say is "I'm Glad he's Neurtered"

Someone found my blog by searching

"Pet Camel Fences"

I am sure they read my many tales of woe concerning Gizmo and his habit of breaking fences.

Well on the same page of google was this story...

About a woman killed by her horny camel.

All I can say is...

Good thing you're neutered big guy!

Hey hold on one minute...who are you calling neutered???

I am the epitome of masculinity...

I just have discerning tastes that's all.

I haven't found the right girl yet.

Neutered...Hmffff!

 

Lock Him up Judge! Camel Prison...

No judge!  You've got the wrong camel...

I'm innocent!

It was the goat...

The DNA is wrong!

I did not eat those roses...

And it was the llamas that broke the fence! 

I swear it wasn't me!

I'll do anything...anything I tell you!

NOOOOO!

When I get out of this joint someone is gonna pay...

And pay dearly...

Mark my words.

 

Gizmo is off to earn his keep. Stay tuned to see how this all turns out and if he indeed does exact his revenge upon me.  And for those of you trying to figure out what is going on I bet if you poke around my blog a little you can figure out where the big guy is going! You might want to start with the camel button in the sidebar...

Not Me Monday Outdoor Shower in November Brrrrr!

If you have read my blog for very long you know that kids that live on a farm tend to get outrageously muddy and filthy.  Mine are no exception...

But although they may get dirty they are oh so careful to not get my house dirty or muddy.

No they would never leave muddy hand prints on the door...

Or the knob...

Or the window...

Certainly not the patio...they must have been walking on their hands!

Certainly my small children would never ever paint the dog with mud...

Sorry Sugar.

Being that its November and quite cold out I would never ever strip my kids of their muddy clothing outside and put them in our outdoor shower...

 
 

You know I would certainly do it in the heat of the summer months due to faces like this...

But never at Thanksgiving time because it is too cold and they would certainly not like it one bit, no my kids aren't that crazy!

I did not smile as steam rose from them while they danced in the shower...in November...when it was in the 40's!

Wait what is that I see in the mist?

Is that a camel I see in the distance?

Hey Gizmo...want a shower?

No I do not give my kids showers outdoors in the late fall while a camel watched them...no that would just be too weird. 

Even for me!

 
 

Come see what else we are not doing today!

 

I can also be found today at Not Dabbling in Normal where I share why remodeling is a family affair!

Putting my Garden to Bed a Poem

 

 
 
 

My garden is sleepy so I've put it to bed.

The squash has been gathered, the pole beans are dead.

The tomatoes are gone, the sweet peppers are too

I've put down the mulch nothing's left there to do

So goodbye dear garden, I'll think of you often

Your beauty and bounty will not be forgotten

I'll see you in spring when all things are new.

So rest my dear garden under a blanket of...

Fresh camel poo!

 

 

 

I get no respect!

Gizmo the Camel has a Fan Club

Yep...you read the title correctly

It all went like this...

You know everyone comes here to see me.  Just look at your stats...aren't your days with me featured your biggest traffic days?

 I think it is just because you are such an oddity...weird actually..like the sideshow at the circus

Are you saying I'm something like the bearded lady?

Yes, just not as pretty.

 It is because I am so charming and devastatingly handsome that people flock here...if you ask me.

I don't recall asking you, frankly

I think I need a fan club.

A WHAT?

You heard me

Are you serious?

It only seems right that you make a way for all your readers to bypass all the drivel about kids and gardens and that silly goat. Yes they should be able to link to just me...all Gimzo all the time.  We'll call it Gizmo's World...Camel Tales!

Ohhh my!

Yes you need to get on that right away!

Well?

Well what?

What are you waiting for...my fans await!

Ughhhhh.

Gizmo?

Yes?

You see that in my sidebar?

Excellent!  It is my very own button and link to my very own page!

Do you like it?

Yes but...

But what?

I think it ought to be bigger.

Gizmo?

What?

Shut Up!

My glamorous life...

Yesterday I admitted that my life was not let us say...typical.

Today I am going to prove that although it may be slightly unusual it is indeed glamorous!

First there is the fancy schmancy car I drive around here.  Meet my 1972 3/4 ton Chevy pickup truck!  I love this truck...seriously I do.  It can haul gravel and manure like nobody's business.  Today she is hauling brush.  Yes I know, you can hardly stand the excitement of it all...

We enter the pasture through our lovely gate...the one that the camel bent the heck out of by leaning over.  Yes thank you Gizmo!

 
 

Baby Boy and I take the bumpy ride to the bottom of the field where the burn pile is...the one that we keep saying we're going to burn.  We started it 10 years ago.  Right now it is just a very slowly decomposing compost pile.

All the while we are dressed in the newest designer farm-wear...Carharts and muck boots!

As I start unloading brush Baby Boy jumps into the truck in a panic and starts yelling and pointing at something.  Does he see a bear?  Maybe a cougar?

What is is wrong baby?

 

Ohhhh I see.

He is not a fan of Gizmo except from a distance. Notice the little girl hiding behind the tree?  Yep even brave Sweet Girl is a little wary when our 1500 pound pet is near...go figure.

 

"Camel get me"

"No sweetie, he is just hoping we have a treat for him"

"Go way Dizmo...no tweat for you."

"You'll be safe up on the top of the truck."

"Dizmo...me bigger en you...HA HA!"

 

 Hey big guy!

Don't big guy me...where are the treats?

I've got some nice tender leaves and shoots over here for you.

BRUSH...you've brought me brush?  What no apples? No yummy oats?  Just old sticks...hrmmfff!

Come on...you'll love it! 

I don't know...it smells kinda funny.

 

Ok fine you big baby...I'll feed it to you.

Of course you will...you are wrapped around my little finger...so to speak.

Notice to those reading...those are the latest gloves straight from Paris, really they are.  All those with any fashion sense at all wear rubberized teal gloves...really!

This isn't too bad I suppose.

 

I told you that you would like it...you need to trust me.

 

Trust is earned...aren't you the one that entices me with grain and then shaves my neck?

 

Ummmm...well...yes that would be me.

 

You see my point then?

 

I suppose I do...

 

Note to readers...again...check out the shadow in the above picture.  Yes that is me feeding a camel with one hand while taking a picture with the other, now that is glamorous!

 

Meanwhile Baby Boys had decided to come down and join me in the bed of the truck.  He is busy picking leaves off and tossing them over the side for Gizmo..

 

That is nice of you to feed the camel sweetie

 

Me nice to Dizmo.

 

Here Dizmo...you wike weaf?  Yummy weaf. 

 

Mama...Dizmo eat wike this.

 

I love it when he makes camel faces!

 

But wait where is Sweet Girl?

 

Oh yeah...

 

 

She's doing her Laura Ingalls impression!

 

So as our little adventure ends, we pile back into our beloved old truck.  Take the bumpy ride up the hill and through the bent gate.

 

Back to the rest of our glamorous life!

 

Let's see, there's manure to be shoveled, dishes to be done, laundry to be folded, bread to be made...

 

Yep, just call me the Queen of all things sophisticated and edgy!

 

Bye now...all come back, ya hear?

 

(giggle...I always wanted to say that!)

 

 

 

This is my life it is NOT normal

Every person has their own life.

To that person their life seems normal, it fits them...it is comfortable.

There are parts of my life that are not as normal as others...I homeschool, I am a vegan, I have 5 kids 21 year apart, and only one husband through it all!

But these things are normal for me.

But once in a while I will catch glimpses of my life from another perspective, usually through the lens of my camera and I will have to pause and admit that my life is NOT normal at all...

This is not normal for a middle class white girl of Irish descent...

Ever scratched behind a camel's ear? 

Maybe if I was a middle class girl from the middle east...

But Washington State?  I'm thinkin' not...

No my life is not normal at all...its actually kinda weird!

For those of you wondering what in the world I am doing to get these strange shots...come back tomorrow for the whole glamorous affair.

Sorry, I hate it when I'm watching a show and up pops

To be Continued...

But there you have it, my first ever cliff hanger...

A camel cliff hanger to be exact!