A request came in last week for a map of the 7MSN. Diane said, "I would like to have a mind-picture of the layout so that I can follow in your (and the four-footed people's) footsteps as you go about your day."
Well, y'all know how much I love to use my crayons. Let's see if I can take Google's satellite view
and make some sense out of what you see here every day.
Think of the ranch as a great big rectangle. The long sides of the rectangle are a half
mile, the short sides are a quarter mile. Divided in half, the rectangle
amounts to two 40-acre squares. The dashed green line in the drawing is the fence. I fenced the 40 acres where the house
sits first, so I call that the front 40. I fenced the other 40 acres last, and it has since been known as the back 40. A cross fence splits the ranch in half, and there's a gate in the middle, which I usually leave open. The ever-deepening trail that leads from the barn to the back 40 heads right through that gate.
The house faces west, more or less. I found the drawing below in
a post about poop from 2011. It might give you a better idea of the inhabited corner of the ranch.
Diane, I hope this helps explain what's where and where's what. Thanks for asking the question. Anybody else have a question? Something about the animals that you'd like to know? Not much has been happening around here lately and I'm running out of things to write about.
this is great, thanks
ReplyDeleteI love how the poop track shows on G.Earth. And I bet the #1 item on Smooch's wish list since forever is a run surrounding the entire house.
ReplyDeleteHow far are you from your nearest neighbor? And how far from your beloved Walmart?
ReplyDeleteNeighbor, one mile. Walmart, 39 miles.
DeleteHistory of Hank, please. Complete with baby pictures if you've had him that long.
ReplyDeleteOh, you betcha .. I've got lots of questions.
ReplyDeleteFirst, the dog and cat thing .. I know you had house cats before Johnny came into your life, and Smooch must've gotten along with them, so what's up with the he/she issue? (Or is it Johnny's issue? Inquiring minds ...)
I think we're about the same age, and I consider you fearless, since you're living on your own in the middle of nowhere! As another single female (who's not nearly as fearless as you), how do you manage in times of trouble? (Illness, power outage, pet emergency, yada yada ..)
How are the chickens faring? How many eggs do you get from them each week?
Are you thinking of getting any more animals? (I miss Wynonna, who, I'm sure, is having a blast in Pig Heaven.)
I've bugged you enough for now, but I have more questions. Be careful what you wish for ... :- ))
Maggy
PS .. I think that all of your blog buddies will agree that we don't need comments; pictures say it all. It's like our "Calgon, take us away" moment!
ReplyDeleteM.
How about a few "reruns?" Your earliest posts -- telling how all things "7 MSN" began. How you first got started in New Mexico, and re-introduce how you got some of your many animal friends?
ReplyDeleteWhat about a detailed show & tell of Lucy's tack, plus how her saddle came about?
ReplyDeleteAnd does the road really end at your driveway?
How has the solar water tank worked out? What temp does it work down to?
And feeding - what do you feed?
My son asks, "How far away from the nearest hospital is she?"
ReplyDeleteHa! About 65 miles, I think.
DeleteI would love to know more about Hank, or link to posts that tell his story. I enjoy your photography......minimal words needed if at all.
ReplyDeleteDo you have an idea of about how many of us follow your blog? Lisa G in TN
ReplyDeleteThat is nice to see your map of the ranch, and where the fences and buildings are.
ReplyDeleteCarson, me too! (Running out of things to write about...) Fortunately, I got out a little bit Friday and I did make it up the mountain yesterday. I saw a herd of 8 bighorn sheep, stopped, watched them, and took photos. Had a good day, too with the horses! Got all 5 of them out for R&R, grooming, and some lovin'! I've been sick with a virus for over 6 weeks now and, after day 4 of antibiotics, I FINALLY felt normal yesterday!
ReplyDeleteCheryl Ann (Desert Horses)
in the past, you entertained us with some of your cooking exp. Are you still making your own bread? and all the pumpkin stuff you love? Do you have holidays project? Also, you could take some time off your blog, just tell us beforehead otherwise we become so worried of you. For ex, you could say: I will take a one-week off-writing and see you back on April 1 with new stuff.
ReplyDeleteQuestions?
ReplyDeleteDo you have a back up generator? How long have you gone without power? Have you ever considered solar panels?
Hubby wants to know if the equines get grumpy & chase people? He was once chased by an old donkey years ago & he's still not over it! And when I say chased, it was more like a brisk walk!
Would you ever consider a second dog, a pal for Smooch?
Have the coyotes returned?
Ok, I'm out of questions ....for now!
Geez...I forgot how much land you have. We only have two and a half acres. We have been busy getting rid of toxic weeds the last few weeks. How do you manage by yourself? I live in fear that our mini donkey or one of the horses will ingest some that we might miss. We also have two dogs. Have you ever considered getting a companion dog for Smooch? Do you know or ever see any of your neighbors?
ReplyDeleteI have more questions, but I will save them for another day. :)
I too want to know more about Hank! Is there some reason that you ride Lucy but never speak of riding Hank?
ReplyDeleteI also echo the question about tack & such for Lucy; & could you speak to how riding a donkey is different from a horse (for those of us who have never had a chance to compare)?
Of course the photos 7 videos are wonderful, but I also visit for the stories, your commentary, and the 'conversations' with & amongst the animals.
Also, do you think you will ever get another pig?
ReplyDeleteI loved the Wynonna posts.