So being in a wheelchair, pretty much sucks, fortunately I can run the zero turn riding lawn mower and not be 100% worthless. Of course I need help to get up into the seat, but then I’m good to go. I need help to get off too and must time mowing so someone will be there to help.

Yesterday was mow day, we’re not talking small yard by any means, and it’s anything but a nice shape for easy turns and long straight stretches. A couple of side hills thrown into the mix make it even more difficult to stay in the seat.

North East Side

South Side

Back Yard on the East Side

Front Yard on the West Side

It took me two and a half hours to finish in 85 degree heat, I was trash the final half hour. My legs were Gumby Guy like and worthless to keep me sitting upright, I was slouching sideways as I finished. I might have to stretch this out over two days in the future.

Until next time. Be someone’s hero.

I’m hanging around at a Shop Raising, in my wheelchair, staying out of the way as much as possible. My feet are starting to ache and I need to get out of this chair and put in a little standing time. I spy a four wheeler with the perfect handles to hang on to while I stand and move my legs. Score.

It’s five o’clock and a nice gentlemen brought a cold coors light in a coozie.

Okay getting back on track, as I was hanging off the back end of the four wheeler next to a row of Cotoni Aster bushes I couldn’t help but notice they were swarming with Bumblebees and Honey Bees. They were very busy and paid no attention to me. But darn it they wouldn’t slow down and hover long enough to have their picture taken.

It wasn’t snowing this morning but it was a little iffy.

Out of the corrals over the bridge and we’re headed for the hills.

Almost to the top, hardest push is over, a bull laid down and refused to participate, one calf got back in the trees. Those two will get a trailer ride.

Over the top and having a refreshment before the final push.

Destination! Mother up the pairs and let them drift through the last gate. Hope the coffee is still hot I guarantee the beer is cold.

This team of horses, mother and son, are 23 and 18 years old and have never been separated. Serious separation issues, actually dangerous. I’ve never seen anything like this.

Well it’s weaning day and I will be dealing with a screaming mare looking for baby for a few days. I just hope she doesn’t hang her self in a fence, she’s not my pony.

I will do a follow up in a month or so after the drama.

The Sorrels are nervous, do they sense something’s not right.

The lid was sealed on another generation of the McDonald family with the passing of my wonderful Aunt Peggy McDonald Collins.

Brother and Sister McDonald

Further more my mobility passed as well, drastically changed anyway. I was given a wheelchair. I never in my wildest dreams thought this day would ever come, but it’s my new reality. I’ve been in denial, fighting my way through declining mobility with canes, walking sticks and walkers. Apparently only fooling myself, someone who cared enough noticed and brought a wheelchair.

My new Reality

As we work our way up the mountain, through the remaining snow, mud and a small lake sized pot hole. A left turn sends the Jeep down alongside the fence that has suffered another winter of fallen trees, leading to the cabin.

Improved pond at the cabin

We didn’t stop, to much run off. Didn’t bother me as my mission was getting to the top of the ranch to check on the cow turn tree.

The tree stands for another year