2020-06-04 10:00
The sun comes up on another day during the pandemic. It's peaceful and calm and the gang is all here, if only in spirit (that's Smooch's resting place under the rocks in the… Read More
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The 7msn Ranch Blog
the7msn.blogspot.com
A daily blog filled with photographs and adventures written by an independent cowgirl on a ranch in New Mexico.
2020-05-18 10:00
When I resurrected this blog early on in the pandemic, I had every intention of posting regularly.You can see how well that's gone.I can't focus. My thoughts are too scattered, worrying abou… Read More
2020-04-29 10:00
I know people are struggling with the boredom and monotony that comes from staying at home. I am not one of those people. As long as I can be around my animals, I will never be bor… Read More
2020-04-15 10:00
Alex likes the new couch. She has more room to stretch out, as do I, which was the whole point of buying a new one. The challenge now is to keep her dirt and dog hair on the… Read More
2020-04-10 10:00
I have been shopping for a new couch for three years. I went into one real store and left feeling totally overwhelmed by the experienceand underwhelmed by the pushy salespeople.My onlin… Read More
2020-04-07 10:00
George and Alan have not grasped the concept of social distancing.George thinks it means Alan has to keep his distance from me.Alan thinks that's bullshit......and is not shy about expressin… Read More
2020-04-03 10:30
Today's music is "Lizards Dancing on the Fence" by Gary Bowman Read More
2020-04-01 10:00
2020-03-30 10:00
My chickens never turn down leftovers, in this case raw carrots,which I hate but were included in a bag of packaged salad,which I rarely buy but was in stock when I ordered groceries last we… Read More
2020-03-25 20:33
Alex has gotten short shrift during my blogging hiatus. No blogging = not many reasons to take pictures = not many photos of the cutest ears in caninedom.Hence, I'm trying to make up for som… Read More
2020-03-23 10:00
There comes a point when I have to stop screaming into the void and do it here instead, because these daily press conferences? The excerpts I'm seeing leave me speechless. Why can't anybody… Read More
2020-03-19 19:53
Everything here at the 7MSN is fine. I'm fine, the animals are fine, and life in general has been fine since my last post six months ago. I can't tell you why I stopped blogging because I do… Read More
2019-09-18 22:21
I said goodbye to Smooch on Saturday. She had a seizure, and the poor prognosis convinced meit was time to let her go. I buried her at the ranch, in a spot where she will still be able&nbs&hell…Read More
2019-07-23 18:28
Spoiler alert: This story has a happy ending.It was a dark and steamy night and we were getting ready for bed. I turned on the porch light and opened the sunroom door to let Smooch and Alex… Read More
2019-07-17 21:33
We had a visitor at the ranch yesterday. I wasn't wearing my glasses when I saw him and assumed I was taking a picture of a bat.Turns out it was just a very impressive moth.I texted his pict… Read More
2019-06-10 21:44
I took Alex hiking in the mountains on Sunday. We were looking for adventure. Alex found some before we even got out of the truck.Four mule deer hardly constitute a grand adventure… Read More
2019-05-21 22:55
When I hung a few pieces of art on the back porch,I figured I might have to straighten them occasionallyor dust them off. No big deal under ordinary circumstances. This was not going to be a… Read More
2019-04-29 23:35
I never intended to stop blogging. It just happened – no particular reason other than I haven't felt like talking.This malaise began in early November 2016 and I don't expectit will en… Read More
2019-03-18 10:00
Except for the occasional morning rainbow, not too much is happening at the ranch,which is just fine by me. Smooch is almost back to normal after her bout of old dog vestibular di… Read More
2019-02-20 11:00
Smooch is going to be fine. Let us all remember that as I recap the last few days. Monday morning started out no differently than any other morning around here:feed the dogs, do ba… Read More
2019-02-12 20:34
2019-02-11 11:00
You're probably thinking I dropped the damned door on myselfand have been trapped under it since my last blog post.Not so. The sliding door installation project (click here if you misse… Read More
2019-01-07 11:00
Keeping Alex entertained during a prolonged bout of bad weather is a challenge. She has destroyed every single one of the delightful toys sent to her by friends far and wide.So I'… Read More
2018-12-31 11:00
I've lived here for 14 winters. I know how to deal with inclement weather. There's plenty of food, firewood, hay, wine.I've got this.I keep repeating these thoughts to myself so I won'… Read More
2018-12-19 11:00
December is not our favorite month. It's cold, we have to spend too much time indoors, andthere's simply not enough daylight. I suppose I could use the extra inside time to keep th… Read More
2018-12-03 11:00
Here I sit, one month into owning a smartphone, which might finally make me a bona fide member of the 21st century. Had someone told me years ago that I could deposit checks via a… Read More
2018-11-26 11:00
It probably comes as no surprise to any of youthat Alex no longer sleeps in the crate that used to be an armoire. She now sleeps in my bed, curled tightly against my back, so… Read More
2018-11-19 11:00
a) because chickens are weirdb) to peck poop off the pipec) to hang out with med) to visit her friend Alexe) all of the above Read More
2018-11-12 11:00
I've been known to take a few risks with my d-i-y projects, but I'm not an idiot,so when the fan on the vaulted living room ceiling died last week,I was compelled to call in professionals to… Read More
2018-11-08 11:00
Smooch had a checkup at the vet yesterday, so we all piled into the truckfor our first family road trip. Alex sat in the front, where I could more closely superviseand she could more cl… Read More
2018-11-01 10:00
It seems that Alex is allowed on the couch now. Smooch doesn't seem to mind, although I do.There's barely enough room left for me Read More
2018-10-30 10:00
I've taken myself out of the running for "last person standing without a smartphone."For years, I've never been able to justify having a smartphone because:1. Cell service at the ranch is a… Read More
2018-10-26 10:00
2018-10-24 10:00
My piecemeal approach to freshening up the back porch has taken another step.Whether that's a step forward or backward remains to be seen.Nonetheless, I've been wanting to show it to you,&nb&hell…Read More
2018-10-22 10:00
Alex has finally figured out beds and how to climb up on them,and I have finally figured out Instagram and how to post pictures on it from my desktop computer.#lastpersonstandingw… Read More
2018-10-18 10:00
Alex is an excellent student.She practices the skills Smooch has taught her on a regular basis.Alex has become such a proficient digger that I dare say she has surpassed her teacher's skill… Read More
2018-10-16 10:00
When Danni was here last week, I foolishly mentioned that I have very few pictures of my animals and me together. That is no longer true.Like most folks these days, Danni carries h… Read More
2018-10-15 10:00
Yes, chicken harnesses are a thing and I bought one.And who better to help me train Patti than the chicken whisperer herself (Danni),who also snapped these pictures and video.I told Pa… Read More
2018-10-12 10:00
I've been wanting to freshen up the back porch for a long time,making it more of an outdoor living space and less of a dusty dog playpen.I still don't have a vision for what the final design… Read More
2018-10-11 15:08
Alex started her day at the vet clinic, getting her stitch removed and receivingofficial permission to resume her normal activities......which now include rock climbing with her new BFF.We w… Read More
2018-10-09 10:00
Alex and I picked up our houseguest at the airport Monday afternoon.We made a brief stop at Home Depot on the way back.Since I would be mortified if Alex peed on the floor, she had to r… Read More
2018-10-05 10:00
2018-10-03 10:00
2018-10-01 10:00
This is Alex on drugs. She was spayed on Thursday.The procedure knocked the stuffing right out of her... ...for about 12 hours. She's wearing the cone so she can't lick… Read More
2018-09-27 10:00
2018-09-25 10:00
Not that kind of pothead, this kind of pothead: Let me back up.Every other Sunday, I make a new batch of dog food for Smooch.I started her on this new diet for her kidney disease in early Ju… Read More
2018-09-24 10:00
What do you get when you mix a Boston Terrier, a Shih Tzu, a Siberian Husky, an Australian Cattle Dog and a Chihuahua?You get Alex.I received the results of Alex's Wisdom Panel canine D… Read More
2018-09-21 10:00
2018-09-18 10:00
I tried to show you Alex's new tag in yesterday's video,but it was too small to see clearly. She is now an official member of the 7MSN security patrol.Beware the badass deputy.&nb&hell…Read More
2018-09-17 10:00
Today's music is "Eight-Paw Waltz" by Tim Neumark Read More
2018-09-14 10:00
I need to think of a new title for this annual post,but it's the only one that seems fitting when my feathered friends disappear to South America every September without so much a… Read More
2018-09-13 10:00
2018-09-10 10:00
It was mid-morning Friday, and Alex and I were headed down the driveway for a walk.Apparently, turtles must smell because Alex followed her nose into the grass and found him long before… Read More
2018-09-07 10:00
Alex and I ran into a neighbor yesterday, who of course asked me, "What kind of dog is she?" I gave my standard reply – "Valencia County Terrier."However, in a few weeks, I s… Read More
2018-09-05 10:00
Remember George? Half of the dynamic duo that I used to post about regularly until a certain puppy came along and took over the blog?He's been confined to a pen during all daylight hour… Read More
2018-09-04 10:00
I take Alex on three walks a day. No. Matter. What.It's the easiest way I've found to drain the puppy energy out of her tank.Our first walk of the day happens around 6:30, after breakfast an… Read More
2018-08-30 10:00
2018-08-28 10:00
***For the anonymous commenter last week who said, "Show us a pic of your boots...they look really cute!"They may have been cute when I took them out of the box in 2011, but now? N… Read More
2018-08-27 10:00
Patti is a magnificent specimen of a chicken... right down to her fluffy feathered butt. She's been spending an ever-increasing amount of timeon this fence rail. Every… Read More
2018-08-23 10:00
Finally, my new hens have names, albeit confusing ones.They're all girls, no matter how many times I call them "he" in this video Read More
2018-08-21 10:00
Me: Alex! Alex's recall works great indoors. Outdoors, we've still got some work to do.Alex and Smooch got two new toys last week (thanks, Justina and Don!),which have become… Read More
2018-08-20 10:00
Superdog creates a distraction, luring Alex away from the glass of wine. Superdog clenches the bigass toy a little tighter in her mouthand prepares for the big leap. Up, up a… Read More
2018-08-17 10:00
Justina and Don from Morning Bray Farm were vacationing in New Mexico this week... ...and we got their undivided attention for 24 hours.This was Alex's first experience with houseguests… Read More
2018-08-16 10:00
More to come tomorrow on the too short but wonderful visitfrom Morning Bray Farm Read More
2018-08-14 10:00
2018-08-13 10:00
2018-08-10 10:00
Alex: Please let us in. Alex: I'll help you wash the windows. Me: The door isn't opening until somebody calms down.Alex: Is this better? Read More
2018-08-08 10:00
...even if it's only a stick. ***Refrigerator update:Thank you, dearest blog commenters, for sharing your advice, opinions and refrigerator horror stories. I have decided to purchase a… Read More
2018-08-06 10:00
This is Smooch's and Alex's favorite toy.It's big enough to play with together,assuming both are in a sharing mood.This is Smooch's signature move (paw on head)when she wants a toy for herse… Read More
2018-08-03 10:00
There was a storm here Wednesday evening. It lasted about 30 minutes. The power went out and stayed out for 22 hours because the electric company couldn't get into the area until Thursd… Read More
2018-08-02 10:00
2018-08-01 10:00
I don't think I've ever blogged about my walk-behind weed whacker.It is the perfect device for mowing the grass and weeds in my uneven, bumpy back yard.I also use it to chop down the weeds u… Read More
2018-07-31 10:00
2018-07-30 10:00
At long last, I have expanded my flock of chickens from one to five.Ten has been by herself since Peach died a few months ago.While she did not seem lonely, I didn't want her to lead a solit… Read More
2018-07-27 10:00
2018-07-26 10:00
2018-07-25 10:00
2018-07-24 10:00
2018-07-23 10:00
It was absurdly hot here over the weekend so we stayed inside most of the time.I binge-watched "Downtown Abbey," grateful for the escape,while Alex and Smooch argued over a pig Read More
2018-07-21 15:32
2018-07-19 10:00
2018-07-17 10:00
Alex makes me smile and laugh every single day minute,not an easy feat when you follow the news.I don't think I've shared this picture, taken by Alex's foster mom on arrival day.(I'm the on… Read More
2018-07-16 10:00
2018-07-13 10:00
The video below was edited down from nine minutes of continuous play between Smooch and Alex.Smooch is unbelievably patient, Alex is incredibly annoying, and I didn't intervene once,though I… Read More
2018-07-12 10:00
Since Alex arrived four weeks ago, she and Smooch have been getting along great;however, I never leave them together in the same room or the yard unless I am thereto supervise and separate t… Read More
2018-07-10 10:00
...with her tail. Read More
2018-07-09 10:00
It was a dark and steamy night. I was in my bed, Smooch and Alex were in theirs.At precisely 1:31 a.m. Smooch started barking bloody murder. She jumped off her chair and ran into the su… Read More
2018-07-06 10:00
2018-07-03 10:00
2018-07-02 10:00
Alex visited our vet last week for the first time.As the vet and the tech sat on the floor with treats in hand,doing their friendly best to convince her to come over to them,Alex sat perfect… Read More
2018-06-29 10:00
I love crowdsourcing.Yesterday, I solicited your ideas for an easy-to-operate latchfor Alex's bedtime crate, to replace this plastic contraptionwhich a toddler probably could open but… Read More
2018-06-28 10:00
Alex seems to love her repurposed bedtime crate. While the lights are still on, she can see me in my bed and Smooch in her bed,and all is right in her little world, until I do something… Read More
2018-06-27 10:00
Not much to see here – no barking, hissing, or arguing through the fence. Just a puppy and a cat, casually getting to know each other on their own terms.I'm going to stay out of i… Read More
2018-06-26 10:00
...and gets away with it for the most part. Read More
2018-06-25 10:00
I wouldn't want you to think that Alex is perfect all the time,so I'll piece together the "bad puppy" videos and post them later in the week Read More
2018-06-22 10:00
2018-06-21 10:00
Alex seems to have taken over this blog. Sorry, not sorry.I love her to pieces and will likely wear out the camera before she reaches adulthood.I'll use this post to answer some questions yo… Read More
2018-06-20 10:00
2018-06-19 10:00
Game over.*** I took this picture the first time JCC spotted Alex.I'm quite certain he rolled his eyes a second thereafter.For now, he disappears whenever she's outside.Alex has seen hi… Read More
2018-06-18 10:00
If you've had a chance to watch the video of Alex and Smooch being togetherfor the first time, you know why I'm over the moon with happiness and relief.Never in my wildest dreams did I expec… Read More
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