Welcome to Fern Valley

Here in central Alberta prime farm country,my husband Martin and I work together raising beef cattle and Appaloosa horses. Fern valley appaloosas have long been known for their quality of temperament conformation and color.I have recently rediscovered a love of writing and have published 2 collections of poetry. "Telling Tails" and Tails Trails and Campfire stories" . I look forward to a future spreading my wings as an author and as a horse woman .

Friday 11 October 2013

Fall at Fern Valley

Not critter  pictures  today, (well I might have  suck in one or 2)  Just a  bit of  the color here this  fall, we have  golds and reds, and still some green.
This is out  Thanksgiving weekend, and we are  busy  here  getting ready  for  winter. Tomorrow will be  setting up  for  weaning , but as there is so much  going on, with family dinners, and I have an early  appt  with my  rheumatologist on Tuesday I decided to wait till next weekend  when I will be home  more , and actually Martin  will be home  next Monday as well to help out if things  get  goofy. Am I worrying too much?  probably  but I learned a long time ago to trust my instincts. They are not always  right on  the money but if it "feels " like a bad idea, I assume it is . Still we  can  get  the pens  set up and get things  ready , and I will have help tomorrow  to do  this so...
And help I do  need, my  left arm is in  pretty  rough  shape (hence the appt  with  rheumatologist ) severe arthritis in  the elbow as a result  of a  fall, and I have  recently been diagnosed  with rheumatoid arthritis as well, so off to see  the wizard, so to speak! Though on the upside, I  learned a  new  trick due to my  sore arm. I needed to take a salt  block out to the cows, they  weigh about 50 lbs and are awkward as heck! I was  standing looking at it thinking I needed to either wait  for help, or it was gonna hurt! then it occurred to me that the block  would fit nicely into an empty mineral pail, I rolled it in and viola! I had a  handle! was able to lift and  carry it  with my good arm! Necessity is truly the mother of  invention!
Anyhow, on to the  pictures !
 a little gold and green 
 Might  have to change his  name to shotgun!  seems to be his seat of choice! 
 the  road  to the field



 heading back  home 
 a glimpse of  the lake 



 the  stack  yard,and "retirement are  for old equipment "
 the  view  from my deck
my driveway.
There you  go,  we have  good weather  still,  not super hot, but pretty nice for  fall here in  Alberta . Hope everyone has a  Happy Thanksgiving  and is mindful  of all of  the  blessings  life brings. And as always my  friends, Stay safe!  


10 comments:

Buttons Thoughts said...

Happy Thanksgiving your photos are beautiful it sure is pretty in Alberta this year.
I am so sorry about the RA diagnosis my cousin has that, you are the toughest girl I know you will be OK. HUG
Love the name Shotgun:) very cute.
Take care my friend. HUGS B

Nuzzling Muzzles said...

There's gold in them there pictures. You know, I'm convinced that some of the highest souls (or old souls as some people call them), meaning people nearing the completion of their spiritual evolution, have R.A. It takes a strong spirit to push through the pain, and most of the people I've known who battled the disease were definitely close to being godly. You always carry yourself and what you say with care. It's a bummer that you can't be rewarded for your good character with good health. You deserve better.

phaedra96 said...

What a beautiful view from your deck! So sorry about the RA, just be careful in what you do. I always hated weaning, the crying and carrying on! The last foal I weaned, I took her to a neighbor's barn for a month. Brought her home and her mama went berserk...never was able to put them together ever.

Willow said...

Happy Thanksgiving to you.
SUch beauty and color on that road , looks like a beautiful road to travel at the moment !

Cheyenne said...

Friend, I do believe you live in some of the prettiest country. Must do your heart good to soak in that view from your deck. The leaves are outstanding!

I'm so sorry to hear about the RA too. So rough. Hoping your rheumatologist is knowledgeable and kind. I'll be thinking of you this week.

Sherry Sikstrom said...

Thanks for your kind and thoughtful words ladies. Yes I will be OK, its just another hill to climb. and my rheumatologist is a good one and kind Cheyenne, I have seen him off and on over the years and Dr Skeith is one of the best I am told

Paola said...

Fall is so pretty were you live.

kden said...

Your place is so beautiful this time of the year. Happy Thanksgiving!

GoLightly said...

Happy Thanksgiving, dear Fern.
I count you amongst my blessings.

I'm struggling with joint pain, too. Hand, shoulder, back.. BAH. Sucks, to be getting old.

Hope your doctors can ease your pain, you have so much to deal with in your life, RA just isn't fair.
Then again, no-one ever did say life would be fair...

We are having a very strange fall, not complaining, it's been warm and sunny and gorgeous here. BUT, the tree colours haven't done much at all.

Love to my Johnny!!
And to you, wonder woman.

aurora said...

Wow, you live in a pretty area!! Sorry to hear you are hurting. Modifications are key, and allow us to keep on doing the things we love (within reason). I learned a long time ago when I was injured, sometimes you have to swallow your pride and know when to ask for help. Doesn't make it any easier tho... Hoping you find some relief, and solace in the beauty that surrounds you.