While the nation and Arkansas celebrated Martin Luther King day with Parades and closed federal agencies, there was another, quieter state holiday here in the natural state. The third Monday in January is also Robert E. Lee day here. An interesting contrast to say the least. From KARK 4 News UALR Civil

Here is a shot of the new clan at feeding time. I put out three bowls but they all like to crowd into one. Apparently their new job is to keep the pond safe from cows, and they are quite diligent [...]

A few weeks ago our dog Snarky got out on the highway and was killed. I have now finished installing fence, gates and a substantial doghouse for the Grand kids puppies and dachshund that are coming to stay. There was 4 foot welded wire fence around half the yard with barbed wire fencing in the rest. [...]

After 47 years living in Los Angeles with a population density of over 7,500 souls per square mile, then 6 years in the Portland, Oregon metro area with 1500 people per square mile I have arrived in Montgomery county, Arkansas, an area with a whopping 12 people per square mile. Needless to say most people know [...]

…Right on his head! LITTLE ROCK — A Pulaski County circuit judge came to the rescue of his bailiff Monday, using his gavel to help subdue a jail inmate fleeing from his courtroom. The inmate was struggling with bailiff Ronnie Smith, two attorneys and at least one courtroom spectator just outside the courtr

We had another round of rain here with about two inches. Unlike the Portland Oregon area, we get the rain here all at once, usually with thunder and lightening, and not the Oregon constant drizzle. I took a few photos of the seasonal creeks and the pond. The old farm house in the back does not [...]

As example of the difference between the coasts of America and the flyover states, I read this article today. It seems one of the large parks in Little Rock has been taken over by Canadian geese. Instead of trying “humane” i.e. useless methods of dealing with the population, the powers that be are charging $1

A few pictures from nearby. The first picture is the Ouchita river, about a 10 minute walk from here, the forest adjoining the property, a view from the back yard looking at the trees across the highway, a couple from the forest view point a few miles from here, and what is left of an old [...]

The neighbor has moved the cows to the winter pasture which includes our 15 acres. They are fun to watch, especially the little ones. The oak trees are really starting to show their [...]

After three months of over 90 and overnight barely under 80 we get some nice temperatures. I love the heat but this is really nice. I might even be able to do a little blogging here Today 9/5 77° Sunny Tue 9/6 77° Sunny Wed 9/7 77° Sunny Thu 9/8 82° Su

This is the second time I have witnessed a pair of warthogs here. Not what you are thinking, the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II tank killers live somewhere around here. They fly low and slow but can stand on their wings. They have a gattling gun in the nose that can destroy any armor. [...]

The recent rains have reduced the temperature from over 100 to in the mid seventies. It has also greened things up [...]

I posted this today on http://www.homesteadingtoday.com/index.php Advice needed on baby skunks They sure are cute. The one that was obviously abandoned under the double wide waddled and looked like a little panda bear. I felt bad having to shoot him and seal up the skirting around the trailer. Now there are

Had thunderstorms the last two afternoons, it really cools things off.

There certainly is a lot of it around here. I try to live and let live but I did have to dispatch a 5 foot rat snake as he was living in the attic of the old farm house and I wanted to do some work up there and just don’t have the nerve to go [...]

and move to the rural mid-south. They still allow their citizens a lot of personal freedoms. Los Angeles county long ago outlawed even sparklers for the Fourth of July and Oregon only allows “safe and sane” i.e. boring fireworks. Well, here in Arkansas one can purchase some pretty serious stuff at fai

Picked these up fairly cheap. They have been abused and neglected but they run well. With a little work and TLC they should run for years. We will not be racing them, rather just use them to putt around [...]

It is that time of year and this photo of our pasture is typical of scenes all over the place here. Our neighbor did the mowing, raking and baling, and picked them up this evening. Of course with the horses coming we are going to need a couple rolls back from him over the winter.

We were practically given 3 horses, A stallion and a mare in foal. Pictures will follow. For the price of a couple saddles and some tack, we are now horse people. The mare was originally our neighbors, the minister, and he gave it to one of our ministers, who in turn is selling us all for [...]

Now for the other 99 things on my to [...]

The recent record rains are supposed to clear out of here today, and not a moment too soon. The rivers and creeks around here are over the banks and threatening a few bridges. Our spring fed pond is at capacity and with a pretty big flow from the outlet, and things are generally pretty soggy all over. [...]

As most have heard by now, the South was hit with a huge storm last week, triggering tornadoes and killing 44, including 7 in Arkansas. The storm hit us about eleven thirty pm last Thursday. We were watching the news and as they were tracking it, the front was just 25 miles east of us heading [...]

A little different than the flat postage stamp lawns I have always dealt with in the big city. The front is over and acre as is the back. Front is on  an incline up to the highway. At least I have a new mower and a brand new place to park it.

We live in a 10 year old double wide in front of the original circa 1950 1000 square foot house. It is our exercise room, recording studio, patio, etc., etc. Some pictures.            

I attended my first formal family function here Monday, unfortunately it was a funeral. Mary, Martha’s second cousin was only 42 years old when she went in for heart surgery last week. She did not survive the operation. Fortunately she was very involved with the church and was prepared for the journey she made last

Living in the country requires some specialized tools and machinery that city dwellers really do not need. A tractor with bush hog and a front end loader is high on my must have list. Living bounded by national forest and other farms there is lots of wildlife as well. I was told that last year a [...]

*Some assembly required. In the back of the fenced back yard is an existing 12 x 20 foot slab. The new barn will have a roll up door on the end, a door with window on one side and a window on the opposite side, looking out to the pond. It will have a green tin gabled [...]

I am learning very quickly that rural living has a down side; everything is far away. Our nearest neighbor is a half mile to the east, and the nearest town is another 3 miles from there. That town only has a post office. The next town has a gas station with a tiny store/deli, so the [...]

It has been sunny and the mid 70′s all week, but got a drenching overnight last night. Rode one of the Honda 90′s up to the top of our pasture and took a couple of pictures.  

Martha had to go into the city today, so after I finished a few projects this morning, I decided to have a little fun. I bought a Ruger 10/22 before we left Oregon, and tested it out in the back yard today. As advertised one of the best bargain small caliber rifles out there. I then walked around [...]