jurneez Institute For Better Living, where the Dogs run wild and the wild run fast.

Hints, Lessons and Wisdom

2011-12-26T19:07:00.012-05:00

It seems when you live long enough, you see clearly the the values and priorities for their true worth. I mean, younger folks may not see the insight or experience the knowledge given, but the older folks lose the ability to see and think like a child. The children glow from the inside. They question. They challenge.

Recently I've been spending time with younger family members and it returned to me a joy I lost along the way. Where? Don't know, but when I hear laughter of children and see how their brain works, it makes me wonder about a lot of things in life...

I've been living in a rural area for 33 years, although with the growth of the towns it seems less rural, none the less, when folks at the general store are talking about a bobcat or mountain lion, it's rural.
Oh yeah, I was going to talk about the ritual of mice patrol. It happens every 5 or so years on the farm. Fall comes, they want in, and I say -NO. Well, This time after I washed out the entire kitchen drawer cabinet again, all the silver wear, I at the end added, dryer towels, and charcoal. I hang charcoal in the tips of nylon stalkings under the hood of my card and it seems to work. Done, still catching a few mice in the cellar but wow, they hate my messing with their homes.

2 weeks later: not a mouse in sight.
And what about what's in his grimy little hands, my food?
We had a snowfall today, not much but winter is off to a late start. So 7 inches now is nothing. I'm planning the spring garden already. Oh my, with the toxins in most food, I hope to eat healthier this spring and summer.

I have a dear friend who lost his farmhouse, all belongings. Reminds me of a story where upon greetings for good bye this family would always say, "I wish you enough" and I absolutely love the reason behind it, it means, I wish you enough hardship to appreciates the gifts, enough pain to appreciate the glory of a good day, enough etc. etc. etc. The point is beautiful. I wish you all enough ..................

After T-Day

2011-11-25T09:54:00.004-05:00

Hello All.....Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving Day. We did. Traveled to my daughters a couple of towns over. No big traffic jams or anything. We live rurally so the biggest thing we saw were the farm tractors still trying to get in some time before dinner. Laura, my daughter made a spectacular dinner. Tried several new items for the menu and all were a great success. Was a good time and great food.

It is a time of Thanks and we are all thankful. I am very thankful for my family and friends. I have great abundance in my life in terms of rich relationships. Hope you all feel as lucky as I do.
Peace and Love, stay healty,
jurn

REALLY?

2011-11-21T21:24:00.002-05:00

I Mean Really?............

Ramblings About Life, Decisions, And Turning Points. = Where And When To Make Choices.....

2011-08-04T19:25:00.013-05:00

Life presents moments of decision times and awakenings. It is the human will - needed to create movement towards or away from situations. All situations present danger momentarily as they confuse the human mind. Junction times, the decision can mean harmony or chaos. We need clarity in spite of it being chaos or harmony. It's the attitude. Clarity - how you go into it.

Stand still......think calmly...Research and try to resolve, quiet the never endings in your mind. Take the risk,......Unknown risks are healthier than remaining in risky health conditions.

It's not to be known what's to be with any human life - will - but what is known shows up where we are. This essence - will , well it is what it is. It tells us to move forward, sideways, backwards or remain. I am so confident that we are given all we need to strengthen ourselves as we move forward though life. Then there's the entire discussion about this being only on the way to real life, eternal. (some other time). But let us be thankful for our experiences as we grow and learn from them, so when it's over, the experience has pasted, we carry another aspect of wisdom. Well folks, I know this is a little abstract, so just take from it what you need. Love and Peace.
jurn

Nearing the Winter of Life with the Begining.....

2011-07-18T19:33:00.030-05:00

This is not me!!!!!!!

Well, here it is one year since the last post about closing the circle. We’ve all come together many times in this past year. I met up with my very first boyfriend from when I was moving through the years of 11 through 17ish…..we started as kids building forts and playing hide-n-seek. We spent summers shooting bow and arrows, swimming in the old swimming hole, hiking in the woods, climbing mountains, ice skating on the small pond across from the general store in our small town, and in general just being kids. Then we grew into our teenage years together and he was still my best friend. We had so many experiences together for years that no one else could ever replace him in my heart, but as time has it’s way with humans, we drifted and I eventually broke up with him.

Decades have gone by and each of us devoured our independent and new directions.
Then we met up with each other and just like that,... we were kids again. Just looking at each other brings calmness. Holding hands is like being 15 again except with a lot more wisdom.

The Best Part:
I gave birth to a daughter from him during those later years. We all knew about her - his folks, my folks, etc...it was a family issue that had many aspects to work out.
In those days it was a very secretive thing.
Simply go away until the event was over, but of course it always got found out. Ya have to appreciate today's honest and openness about it. She was raised by a wonderful family who had it in their soul to adopt. I searched for her for decades and found her 16 years ago. We have had since,... had a wonderful, fulfilling relationship with no guilts on either side......BUT she found him. At her request I called him. He wanted to meet her. They met last summer (2010) and have since established a new family branch on the tree. They are so alike in so many ways. DNA at work. Imagine meeting your 45 year old daughter for the first time.

The Best Part #2

We (he & I) are dating. No we aren't spring
chickens anymore, so it warms my heart to
say, he's been my best friend for almost 50 years.
That's not to say, we both haven't
changed, of course we have (mentally and
physically). But when one sees through layers and see the soul mind, ya gotta know it's someone who knows you well, your best friend. This pic is Daddy and Daughter looking at some old pieces of jewelry he gave me and I passed on to his daughter. Talk about a full circle. He has met his grandchildren and my entire side of the family.

Who knows about us old birds ( in our sixties) and what will happen but...

Call it what you will.....luck, destiny, will, coincidence, who knows???

My friend and I will enjoy friendship for a time to come but his daughter now knows both her birth parents.......She is thrilled and now has her full circle.

Take care, and try to stay in good health..
jurn

Closing the Circle - June, 2010

2010-07-31T10:15:00.005-05:00

God delivers what we need. Not always is it what we want. Wishes and wants are not always what we need.
They are glitter, they are shiny, they are useless in the real existence of your life usually. What we need doesn't always seem like it at the time. Angels of loved ones past, are here to help us. They hear you. They watch you. Angels are always around until they have done their job in that realm. My angels brought to me many gifts of love, in many forms.

Recently, without going into details, I was in touch with a dear loved one from 38 - 40 years ago. The voice was uplifting. The energy was warm and healing. The need to want to see this person is high. No need to establish anything, just to see....

Getting older has brought much wisdom. Long hours of thought has given me realistic outlooks on the avenues in my life.
Finding Freddie is heart warming for Krista. My heart strings are being tugged at the foundation. My heart songs are being played.
My circle is rather complete now. All is well. All is calm.

An Angel Brought Mya Home

2010-06-01T08:55:00.004-05:00

A neighbor, JoAnne Freeman, lives three houses or so down called me at 10:00p.m. last night - She was passing one of the 5 signs I painted and put up. She backed up and wrote down the number as her friend (Don) from another town was visiting her and working out in the woods, a Wildlife Conservationist" person for CT. He is the one that freed her, ... well, released her. JoAnne called me and I then in turn called him.........He spoke so kindly of Mya and what a sweetheart she is......not wanting to set her free, he took her home and sheltered and fed her. We are meeting this Tuesday morning for the exchange.

Mya is home and safe......I am now a happy camper. Don, the man who found her is a really special person and has a huge heart. His wife and grand-kids loved Mya, ...wife was crying to see Mya leave......they bought her chewys, tennis balls and food.......she had a good vacation.......Thank You GOD and thank you for having kind loving human beings on the planet........Angels....
best regards, and believe................
jurn

Lost Dog Puts Fear in my Heart But God sent an Angel

2010-05-31T18:27:00.008-05:00

Although my Blog Title is about where the dogs run wild and the wild run fast, they actually are maintained according to the law. Both dogs are usually on 60 foot runs, leash or inside. Rarely do they really get to run, but occasionally they do by accident. Sat, May 29th around noon, I had one dog on leash, Mya, and knowing how strong she is, I decided to switch hands as I have a brace on my right hand to assist in prevention of surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. Well, the leash dropped and Mya scooted at 65 miles an hour over the stone wall and into the woods.

Dread came over my entire being. It's bad enough to have a dog get lost, but to have a dog lost in woods dragging a leash, is the worse scenario there is. The leash could snag on anything, straggle her while running, snag her until she starves to death, ...oh God, so many dangers could happen...not to mention the coyote's, fisher cats and bear.
I immediately went the 4-5 miles a long logging roads calling her name. Nothing. More dread came over me. I walked through the woods, visited every swamp and pond, nothing. So many times calling her name, still nothing. Of course my fear of all that could happen to her was exploding.

I had wonderful friends helping me. Charlie's, my friend from VT came with a hand held gps and he worked grid lines in the woods, walked so many acres. There are 1800 ac, give or take, back there behind my house and a lot were covered by him. Nothing, still nothing. My girlfriend heard yelping during the night and so we set out for another search in a more southern grid.

Two nights, 3 days went by. I was by this time panic strickened and emotionally I melted down.
Of course I went to the general store right away and posted signs.....Finally today, I painted signs to make them weather proof and posted about 5 at intersections near by..... We travelled the road and knocked on doors. Soon we came across a household where someone else stopped today to ask if this was their missing dog. The dog he had, sounded like Mya. He said he was doing conservation work in the works and heard the dog whining and yelping. He always carried dog treats in case he meets up with wild dogs, which this dog wasn't - obviously with a collar, tags and a leash. No one knows who this man is but my signs are huge and I'm in hopes he'll drive by again or call the vet to get an identification on the dog from her tags.

My prayers to God were to not take this little dogs life when she did nothing. It was I who dropped the leash. I prayed for help and an angel to guide her and protect her. By now she lived through a rain storm with thunder and lightening and then severe heat the next day.

My angel appeared in the likes of the conservationist. Don't ever tell me there is not some higher power that hears our prayers. There most definitively is. How do I thank him enough.

I still don't have my dog yet as we don't know who the gentleman is that cut her free and picked her up and started searching for her home......but I know now, shes not in the woods, snagged on a tree and starving to death....my angel did the work I asked for, Of course I'm hoping to find results tomorrow (hoping he'll call the vet, as she has tags on) as today is Memorial Day. Nothing is open, so tomorrow is the real telling time. I sure hope he calls the vet or sees my signs..........Thank You God for at least getting her out of the woods.

My daughter rescues horses and I rescue dogs. The animals run deep in us so to have one lost is so painful.....Can't wait until tomorrow to see if I hear anything.

Best regards and I'll post what happens. Be kind to all animals please.
A special Thanks to Charlie who was an endless supply of strength and energy for hiking.
God Bless.......

Spring on The Farm

2010-05-08T18:04:00.013-05:00

Life is good. So many, too many see only the potholes of sin in life. Folks need to look up and see the rainbows. With Spring I am encouraged to write and I want the few readers to know what a kind world this can be if we allow compassion to enter our hearts.

Look, reach out, touch the gifts around us.
There are so many.

I have been trying to realize it’s not so important to do that last chore of the day when a grandson is waiting to play. I had a wonderful experience with one of them on Sunday. I did not control the direction of the day, I allowed him to, for the most part. He read to me, not I to him. He taught me things on the computer, not I him. He was so much fun to be with. He climbed up on the couch and we watched a movie and repeatedly he said “Nani, I love you” or “Nani, I’m so glad we could spend today together” He melted my heart. What a joy.

This is Heather and Zyg. Daughter-in-law and grandson. Back a few years ago. The other is Ryan, my son and his daughter Nikki. The kids: Laura and Ryan:

My own children are doing well. They continue to help me out here and take the burden of heavy chores off me. I am so very content to remain in my home and continue to renovate and do the gardens. I remain active around here but find I sure do like relaxing at night. A summer’s eve here with the sun shining in is so very soothing.

Krista: Found my Krista, what else is there to say. My circle is whole now.

Although, I enjoy a summer rain on the front porch where I can watch the clouds drift by and get lost in the music of the rain drops. A symphony of sounds as they say. Last night I saw a rainbow while driving home from work……..what a gift., wasn’t a rainbow a gift from God to Man? I think so.

The house: Always still coming along with projects, never a dull moment. Had 5 huge trees taken down this winter. One was 42” across the base, (not around) but across.

Yeppers, that’s firewood for next winter. Yee Haw! Won’t be spending money on wood……..Cutting and splitting is a gift from my son and two friends who are so gracious to assist me and I’m feeling lucky to have them….When someone feels as lucky as I do, it almost comes off as bragging, but I’m not, I really feel thankful for my luck……….it’s most appreciated.

The Dogs: As most of you know I save and rescue dogs from the kill shelters or .org’s that are searching for “forever” homes. My two are doing fine, pics are in other spots on the blog. Same old, same old. Of course this is besides working full time a the daily newspaper. This is a shot of them relaxing, and the bamboo shades making stripes on them....and everything else.

FACEBOOK – I’ve entered the world of virtual reality. With the prodding of my friends I have become one of the many FB addicts. I admit, I check in often and plan some things around the times of gaming chores to do. Well, I find I’m as much of an addict as all my friends…….my friends live all over New England, as most and many come from the Honda Element Club I belong to. We have a club that is very active with meets and friendly camping trips all over New England. Anyway, It’s been fun to see them in fb and chat a little. Who wadda thunk it? Me, the hermit, the loner, the home-body, all of a sudden on facebook……geeese, what’s next?

So with this quick note, I call to all of you to let life be enjoyed. It's a pleasure to be alive and try not to waste time, it's a very valuable item to have. I was really intending on saying something really important on this blog but as usual I just blogged about life....

Stay Healthy, enjoy your family and pets.....
Regards,
jurn

One more view

2009-09-11T10:05:00.004-05:00

Just another view or two. What doesn't show is the wood stove on the bed side.

Of course, what's a post from me without a shot of a dog.

This is Pate.

jurn

Construction Update

2009-09-11T09:51:00.004-05:00

Hi All,
Finally the project is coming along. Here are some pics of the new room. The trim, wanes-coating and a few other things are not done yet, thus unfinished areas. But with winter coming that's the perfect time for completion.

For now, I'll get the home ready for winter, repairing and installing new chimney pipes, turning off the outside water valves, backing out the screws in trees and the list goes on and on.

I'm on my way now. Of course we all know one project leads to another. On this one as I said the wanes-coating, trim, and the beams need to be dressed off. Today though I'm hoping to get the wood stove hooked up as it's a cold rainy day indicative of winter coming.

Stay Healthy and find your solitude. Stay in Peace.
Regards,
jurn

I Missed Spring Because Noah's Arc was floating by....

2009-07-21T17:23:00.014-05:00

Hello Everyone,
Finally I decided to blog again. I missed spring. It rained so many days, every living creature here was frustrated, yearning to go outside, but not a one wanted to pee in the wet. (the animals I speak of, of course). Just coming to an end was my huge winter / spring project on the house. To remove a wall between two rooms, making a huger L-Shaped room, bedroom / living room combination.I spend all my time in this area. So, combining the two seems so natural to me. This is when construction was midway. The floor getting laid. Next month, I'll post the finished product.

The Garden: I decided to do a deck garden this year, and after many years of doing this the one thing I learned was to prepare for long hot dry summer days. I use to do great veggie gardens when the kids still lived home. Big 10x10 foot blocks with pie tins down the middle to scare away the crows and canned more than I want to remember. The switched to freezing. Now I just choose to grow enough for me. This deck faces the south so it gets a huge amount of direct sunlight. I did it up right. I slit florist blocks, you know those green things one can stick stems into to hold them upright as well as they hold water so plants / flowers don't dry out.
I painfully slit a half dozen making 12 pots worth and put them in the bottom of every pot to get the plants through the summer without wilting. Tomatoes, Zuc's, peppers, etc.

You can imagine how I felt when the National Weather service announced this will be the wettest summer since 1848. Yep, that's right. How many times my plants wilted and I finally do it right to hear this. My plants are just now, in July, starting to show growth and it's going to rain 10 days straight now. Oh well, life is still sweet. The dogs don't care if a veggie plants soaks in water.

The Kids: Daughter Laura is doing fine. Busier than I can ever remember being but there are kids to raise, chickens to feed, pigs to raise, horses to train, gardens to weed, vet school in the evenings and real estate to sell in between. How does she do it all?
Laura on the left and my daughter-in-law, Heather on the right.
Both these women are absolutely incredible. They are accomplished and supportive towards others. Always ready to meet your needs. Love them dearly.

Son Ryan:

Ryan is my protector in the family. He is such a help to me and with the chores around here, I'd be amiss if I didn't say I wouldn't be able to do it all without his help. He owns his own home so it's not like he has a lot of time. But he manages to squeeze in time for the homestead. Again God has blessed me with good hearted human beings for children. I always told the kids they picked me for their mom at birth and I am so lucky they did. The rewards have been all mine.

The Planet: Recently I found out a good friend has cancer and when I look at the era we live in I am amazed with the toxins in the air, water and all around us, that we are not disfigured or ill with serious diseases. We really need to be as green as we can to protect this gentle planet for the children and loved ones, inclusive of our pets. Be it a pain to recycle and go green, nature calls out to us to do it. Let's try a little harder to improve our habits and do our part.

As always, May you have good health and remember the glass is half full.

Regards,
jurn

Winter On The Farm

2008-12-21T18:46:00.007-05:00

Here's a few pics of the place where the dogs run wild......(not really of course).
But the Wild does come in and visit. Wildlife;
Deer, bobcat, fisher cats, turkeys, neighbors dogs, roaming cats, other small critters and once in a while a bear. Although not seen by me, only my neighbor. Pics were from the phone so not quite clear.
One is the unused fire pit on this cold winter day and one is part of the driveway. Well, back out to shovel again. Will post later.

jurn

Fire Alert - Friday, 14, November

2008-11-16T08:19:00.007-05:00

Sixth Sense or Science?
Well, I came home on Friday night after work as usual for my "chill" night after a long week, of course , they're all long weeks to me. Anyway, some dinner, news, and just being with the dogs hanging out. Later I put them out to relieve their bladder, I call it "peeing the dogs".

Dogs peed, lights out, etc we all went to bed.

At 2:15a.m., My bigger dog Pate came and woke me up. I was first somewhat grumpy, thinking, "didn't you pee already? Now you've got more?, Well, maybe you have an upset stomach"
SO I bring him out to the deck area and instead of turning right for the steps, he went left to the far end of the deck, smelling the air ...........sniffing constantly.

It was silent outside so I thought he caught wind of some animal. We do have fisher cats, coyote's, bear, bob cats, and some stray wolfs (they actually got free by accident from the local university study program). He sniffed the air constantly, but was only slightly alarmed. Dogs, in general, (varies with species) have a 1000 times greater sense of smell than humans.

I brought him in. The next morning was Saturday and while I was watching the news, there it was, a story about a house that burned to the ground, at exactly the time Pate was sniffing the air. The house is about 3/4 of a mile away through woods, on another road that runs parallel to mine.

These animals of ours DO have a sixth sense. No doubt in my mind. However, perhaps it's not a sixth sense but a enhanced version of the 5 senses. I've read articles that explain, perhaps as I said, animals have an increased ability in all their senses, they are JUST BETTER than us. Either way, I feel lucky to have my fiends along with me in my travels through life.

The cats and dogs that find their owners miles away, the dogs that predict illnesses, cats predicting death, ....wow, there is so much more to our animal friends.

Well, I was proud of Pate and if there ever was a fire here, I am comforted he would wake me immediately.

Have a Good Week, and drop by to say hello, but remember to give extra hugs to our feathered and fury friends sharing the planet with us.

jurn

Mike's Corn Maze - More Than A Maze....

2008-11-07T19:26:00.005-05:00

The last sunny day and a corny thing to do....., yeah, I stooped to use that phrase.

Some friends and I had a Fall outing to Mike's Corn Maze.

It's 8ac. of madness.

The game is a scavenger hunt within the maze, collecting data, and there by getting points. In the end we ended up lost for 3 and a half hours in the maze. Fun with some good friends is a lovely way to spend a sunny fall day. Enjoy pics.

p.s. and we won a pumpkin!

Dogs, Kids, and Grandkids,….Oh My…..

2008-11-06T18:38:00.006-05:00

The 2 wood stoves that keep Jurneez End Farm warm.

Today’s entry will be various subjects. Last night I was visiting a couple of Blogs that I like to read, even if I don’t log on. The Old Fart is one I always enjoy for he finds such wealth in life in his daily existence. I like to believe we should all give 30-60 seconds of gratitude when we wake up in the morning or go to sleep at night. It is this gratitude that awakens us to a more spiritual side of life.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t have a totally blissful life, I attract the same daily thorns as others. Last week my toilet seat cracked and there is nothing like getting bitten by the seat at night. My accomplishment is I went to the local Home Depot, bought a replacement and then put three coats of polyurethane on it, then installed it by myself. Although my proud feather in my cap was blown as I discovered told by my dearest friend I put the washers on the wrong side. Re-installed.

Dogs: Well, my newest shelter rescue Mya, has been here 4 months now and really is a little leaping gazelle. Smallest dog I’ve owned in 20 years at 50 pounds. She’s inquisitive and nosey but as cunning as a jackal. She bounds past my legs and gets out on me all the time.

Training? Well, it’ll be a long time. She’s defiant and stubborn. Pate is still mostly the good ole boy he has been except for separation anxieties. Upon coming home from work one would think I’ve been gone for 3 days. Jeeeese, give it a break, will ya.

Kids:

Daughter- Laura has moved back to the country and lives rurally near here now as does her brother. She’s working with horses still and running a life that seems to be 90 miles an hour all the time. I look at that and think “Was I like that?” “Did I have 101 things to do every day?”.

I certainly couldn’t now, I come home from work and the sweats are the first thing to go on.

She explained this morning, graphically I might add, which I will leave out some of the details here, so save your skirmish stomach, how she had to medically assist her horse last night. It appeared the guy has been standing and looking uncomfortable with shifting feet etc……so she had to enter him up to her elbow and retract some private areas to apply some medication. Long story short, it doesn’t look good for the horse, might be cancer. I have greatly softened the adjectives used here.

How she does this is beyond me. She has medicated large wounds, inches deep, with the steadiest hand. She should have gone to Vet School. Perhaps, when she comes into her own with her kids grown, maybe she’ll investigate that avenue. I applaud her. I am proud of her knowledge and whom she is.

Son- Ryan has always lived near by and is a steady reliable source for me. He has his own family but none the less always carries a strong emotion for family ties. He is a strong devoted father and husband with children to teach. I am also proud of him and the man he has become. He has an unending source and ability to help others. What a wonderful attribute. He’s sometimes driven nuts by his teenage daughter, but then I remember doing that to my folks. Harmones. That early teen thing….pheew, am I glad I’m well past that (by decades) with my kids……

This sounds like my boasting but actually it’s my gratitude showing.

Grandkids- What can I say…..some drive, some don’t.

How remarkable to see them. They each individually learn, grow, and behave so differently. I see many elder family members, who have passed on, in them. Funny how cycles happen. Just nature.

Farm – With still living here, I do need assistance now and again with chores and this year I called upon Jimmy, Laura’s son to help dig and clear a ditch that is about 100 feet long. He toughed it out all day. Of course I paid him but I’d like to pay no one else than my own grandchild. We named the ditch “Jimmy’s Ditch” that way I can call him every year. He politely smiled, but inside I’m sure he grimaced.

As for winter prep, one can read any Fall post and it’s always the same, bring in the wood, stack nearby, clean the chimney, etc. etc. and it goes on and on.

So Fall for me is a work period for 5 weeks as is Spring, but ya know what, so isn’t summer. Actually, winter is the only time I can slow down and do some stain glass or work on the train table.

Be Safe,

jurn

Winter is a blessing for giving us the slower pace in life.

Excuse me, I see something shiny over there and need to go investigate and play.

jurneez Jamboree II Campout - Not Just Camping

2008-11-06T18:22:00.006-05:00

August - Jurneez Jamboree II Campout with my same corny friends.

Good friends and some free time.

Annual campout in my back field for 3 days. We all work on our cars by day and exchange talents as a barter system for about 25 people. Repairs, installations, new batteries, sidesteps, radios, camping platforms, rear latches for hatch doors, brush guards, horns, etc and then wonderful color flamed campfires at night. Always a productive time. Thanks Guys.

July 4th Boom Box Parade

2008-11-06T18:09:00.013-05:00

July 4^th Boom Box Parade - A small towns’ antics with doing a parade without a band. Accomplished by all folks having a boom box radio. Oldest continuous Boom Box Parade in the country for 23 years straight. No rules, anyone can march or drive, motor vehicle or tractor, Just have to wear red, white and blue. There’s water sprays on hot days. Candy for the little folk. Political banners with satire for the adults. Of course there is music, how you ask? The local radio show plays marching music through speakers on Mian St. and all the Boom Boxes folks brought tune in.

So, my corny friends and I came up with a - .................

“Planet Theme” - “Don’t Step on the Bugs”

We all decorated our Honda Elements are insects with hairy legs, long antenna, etc. and drove in the parade, just to make a statement. And this is how a small New England town has fun, although this town is MUCH, MUCH bigger than my town.

And Yet Another Rescue

2008-07-31T18:48:00.003-05:00

It's been sometime since I posted and months fly by and yet I know no one will ever see this. When I pass like a fall leaf, no one will ever know I shared all this, except a few who have become internet friends. This last year I wrote about the passing of my dearest best friend, (dog) Vinnie, then I wrote about the rescued shepherd mix, Pate.

Pate came with some issues that required training. we worked through his negative issues and I stayed in touch with the rescue org from MA and kept them appraised of his advancement in training. Now he shines and I felt we were ready to take another rescue from the shelter. These org's are filled with dogs and cats that need our homes and love.

This new little mighty bit of dog is only 4 in August, 08 and has had 3 homes, 1 shelter, 1 dog pound and 1 litter (before she was 1 yr.) That's some amount of changes in her short life.

Her name is Mya, She's a little nervous, but has really come a long way in only 2 weeks. She's so trusting and wants to learn, once again, the new rules of the house. Pate her big brother has been just the best. Not once has he played the alpha role. He has shared his toys, his dog bed, his water bowl and his owner me.

Two nights ago, after walking on leash every day for 2 weeks, twice a day, Mya and Pate got to run free for their first trail test. They did great. I believe they like hanging out together. Tonight I was only going to let Pate run and he wouldn't leave the porch, waiting....looking back....at the door for Mya, so I let her out and she flew past him, looking over her left shoulder, as if to say, "hey slow poke, what's keep'n ya, can't you run as fast as me?"

Just rewarding to see their friendship blossom. If only mankind could get along and play like these pets.....our planet would be so much better off.

Sunday before Winter...burrrrrr

2007-11-04T09:23:00.000-05:00

Well, here we are again, just on the doorstep of cold winds and snow. I spent the last few weeks prepping for winter. Today I'll finish up and turn off the outside water. etc etc etc.

Pate, my new friend has come a long way since June 17, the day he arrived here on the farm.
Because, I need to get outside before the air is too cold, I'll attached pics here of Pate and blog later.
Regards,
jurn

Pate the Dog and Vinnie my loss

2007-09-10T20:51:00.000-05:00

Well, Vinnie died on my birthday last Feb and I have come to grips with it. In June 2007 I decided to rescue a dog. My cousin said, and rightfully so, "Vinnie wouldn't want to see you like this, so sad", and she's right. She also said, "he would want you to open your heart and home to another dog", and she's right again. Thank You Debbie.

I rescued Pate. A three plus year old Shepherd mix. Pate has some issues but after all was not treated kindly before and he'll outgrow his issues with time. He's come a long way in almost only 3 months.

Warms my heart to see his intelligence begin to shine. He was so shut down before. We walk just after sunrise in the morning when the dew is so thick we can see a spider walk along the grass. Pate's nose is twitching all along the walk.

There is a cat who lives here too and after this weekend if no one claims the little kitten that's been around, we'll take in another. Somehow they find jurneez End Fram.

It is my interaction with the animals that really heightens my life. I have a blog friend, someone I've never met, but I check in and follow his blog and sometimes, he's never even known I was there. When he lost his friend Roxy, (cat) I felt it. People are missing out if they are not connecting with our animals. I thank him for his kind words and perhaps someday I'll travel in Canada and thank him in person.

Enough........be strong, and live in harmony.
Much love,
jurn

I lost.....

2007-06-07T19:43:00.001-05:00

Vinnie Died. He could not over come the intensity of the illness. Three specialist could not figure out why he was growing extra bone on his skull while at the same time decaying bone in his jaw.

Had to put him down on my birthday.

Was sad. I cry still. My best friend gone.

I still hurt and it's been 4 months.

jurn

Sleet - Snow - Ice and Wind

2007-02-14T17:40:00.002-05:00

Hello Valentine's Day. I was hoping to reach February with a winding down feeling for the farm. Rather like a warm month near the woodstove, waiting for spring. I knew when we had no snow, warm temps and sunny balmy days throughout Dec. and Jan. we would pay, but believe me I'd rather pay with snow any day, not ice!

4x4 trucks and all of us with 4 wheel or all wheel were not safe out there. As I slowly crept home I could see the "drive off the road locations" on both side of the road. So many people fell off the road. Mind you , I know up in Oswego, Parish and Mexico New York they're dealing with 6 feet of snow in places. I don't envy them.

I'm just complaining that driving on ice is so scary. When you feel the vehicle slipping away and you're only going 9mph. That's slippery.
There enough said.

Friends, they mean a lot to me and I've got some really sincere ones. About 3 years ago I fell into a group of friends that all live out of state in different states, but we meet 4-6 times a year and I consider them to be family now. God has blessed people who have many friends.

Vinnie:
My beloved pet Vinnie is going through a strange time. The CT Scan came back and the specialist from another state wanted to talk to me in person. I sighed. They also brought in two other Doctors. I worry.
The Caved in Head - Muscle around his head has atrophied on one side giving the caved in look. Looks like the head is dented but it's actually the shape of the skull.

Took Him for X-Rays - Nothing Showed. X-Rays only work for bone, not soft tissue, growths etc.
Took Him for CT Scan - (which shows all matter of soft tissue, tumors, infections etc) But on him it showed massive infection, no tumor, but severe infection. The infection has migrated throughout the entire half of his head affecting many bones. We are hoping it's not fungal as that is so hard to treat. The infection they found does one of two things, it either adds bone or eats bone. In my sweet Vinnie it's doing both which further stumped the specialist because they have never seen this happen before. It's adding bone to the cheek area and eating bone in the back of his jaw area. The Lab part of him so so pain tolerant. He still chews his food although in the last 3 days he has slowed down on that.

1. We are hoping it's a bacterial infection, treated aggressively with antibiotic's, (not usually stocked by vets) But what does one do ????? Last night cost $440, just for the meds for 30 days.

2. If they is no improvement in 10 days it's probably bone cancer, it's been 14 days and there is little improvement. We probably cleared up only the ear infection he had as well.

Bone Cancer requires a biopsy for testing to be sure. My spending has reached $1800. I am not rich but I always thought I was rich with mother nature, my best friend, my dog. He has traveled all over New England with me and I have his presence every day in my life. We speak.
We have serious eye contact. He knows many commands as well as about 7 sign language commands, used completely with nonverbal hand signs.

I really don't want to put my 8 year old dog through bone surgery and recovery. He has so many bones infected it would be radical bone reconstruction. Cost would soar upwards to $5,000 - $12,000.

Pray it's an infection and I get to keep my best friend a few more years.
I pray every day he lives. Losing a pet (best friend) is so very hard.

Well, 6 more weeks of meds and we'll see, so 'till then I will give him his 7 pills a day and wash out his eye and nose. I hope Spring brings his health back.

Always,
jurn

Fall Again Already?

2006-10-03T05:19:00.001-05:00

Like everyone else I'm saying where did the summer go? I spent this summer repairing the homestead. I've been painting it for two years a s single person job. Of course my painting entails, brushing and prepping it first as the anal side wants the job done right. I did sneak off a couple time with the Dog Vinnie for camping with E friends and still one more camping weekend coming. The house has 4 sides done now and two more to go. Phew, feel like I've been at it for years. The heat wave this summer, both, that lasted 10 days each time wiped out many good painting days.

And now we're heading into Christmas time. Jeeeeze, and they keep coming.
This year, things will be a little different. As life changes and events roll through and roll on. The events in my life have taken a new twists upon my changing an old friendship for the most part of 20 years and having it become an intimate part of my life. My friend, two states away,in Vermont, has put some life back into this soul. (friendship is good)

Exactly what are expectations anyway? I have them all the time for the homestead, for the kids, (now grown and married themselves) My personal expectations are much tougher now. I place on myself expectations to meet my own criteria, which is constant and forever changing. I am a believer that all is good, but one must work within the confines of being a good soul and collecting karma that is always going full circle, always coming back to you. Do as you would want done for you, or what goes out comes back. You know the golden rules of life.

When I see the leaves turning with fall I realize the planet is once again about to generate a new cleaning of it's self. Winter will bring the cleansing of the planet, freezing the ground and cleansing it's self of negative things.

Fall is winter prep time. Wood needs to be brought in, and the farm needs to be put in order. The gardens need to be bark nuggeted and the new bulbs need to be put in. The front porch needs to be cleaned and furniture covered. When guest come we shall sit around Maggie" the kitchen cook stove and we shall chat about the migrating birds and the wonders of living rurally. Fall is the prep time for the soul as well. Getting it ready for some solitude and winter experiences.

This year closes into winter on a good note.
I shall write more often instead of only seasonally.
Life is good. Life is real. Life is short. Use it to it's fullest.
Always,
jurn and Vinnie the Dog!

The smells of earth and of the flowers

2006-04-17T17:33:00.001-05:00

It shall pass, the spring iffy-ness and we will enter the season of summer soon. The birds and insects are patiently waiting for warm weather.

Across the way in the woods I've been watching a Hawks nest. It's been more vocal this year that I ever recall. The activity is relentless and loud. I wonder if the nest is going under attack occasionally. I had a pair of Sharp Shinned Hawks for four years nesting in the back, but they moved on. The hawks across the way are new, I think Broad Winged or Red Shouldered., I'm still pinning it down.

The Red Winged Blackbirds have returned along with all the other migrating birds.

I shall nip and tuck the gardens and later in May head north for some bird watching on the resevoirs.

I have put my ho train table to rest until next winter when I will resume painting the mountain I built.

Sometime, I'll find the time to get back into my glass shop. It's really a good thing I don't have any more interests than I do, I'd really be spreading myself to thin.

Take care and remember to look at the stars.
jurn

A "No power" New England night or three

2006-01-22T20:07:00.000-05:00

Oh yes, here we go again. Another windy winter night and the power goes out. One would think the next you hear is a line of complaints, but reality is the opposite. I really love those nights. When it's a snow storm, it's quiet gentleness is a beauty to see, but this week it was a wind storm, pelting rain, and quivering wires. Then the power went out as expected. I live on one of the last lines to ever get repaired. I understand that, as I chose an out of the way place to homestead years ago. I battle daily that I didn't go out far enough into the wilderness as I see the Box stores coming closer and closer. I expect someday I'll see a stop light in my small rural town. Oh no, I'll dread that!

Anyway, I sat during the storm, in the light a lanterns, by the wood cookstove, and rocked. My dog faithfully by my side. (snoring). We were warm and have gas cooking, so we're all set. I remember the storms when the kids lived home. Oh they were really exciting. We'd do all sorts of things, you know, the "Never Ending Story" where you add one sentence and the next person gets to add one more so the story is constantly changing. Or we'd hide things and go searching with flashlights. But this storm is different. The kids are grown and married and I am in the storm alone. I thought to myself, what a great thing, how many people can enjoy such an evening with Mother Natures outside doing her thing and really enjoy it. No worries, no expectations, just enjoy what's happening.

I thought, I'll read. A good friend gave me a book named "How My Mother Raised 10 Kids on 25 Words". I thought, this is charming, I'll read by lantern light and be really "New Engaland". Very quickly I realized I needed two lanterns.
I guess I have all the memories from years ago, but I have the eyes of now. I added another lantern and convinced myself to read on. When only on page two, and I was struggling to see those tiny little black letters that by now resembled little ants, I knew I had to give up my evening endeavor. How silly to think I could do that.

Then it struct me that the fridge had to be boosted, the rain had pelted for hours and the wind was still howling, - I had no doubt we'd not have power for days.

I have a sump pump outside a cellar door to assist the lower level and a small generator that does the job, then boosted the fridge. All's well.

Next day, no power. I call to get a status report with and estimated restoration time. The automated tape said, "the origanal team for my area was rerouted to a crtical area with lines down.". Also said "there is no restoration time available and a guess would be in 3 days". Okay, this will be fun, stated flatly back to the electronic voice. Kind of like - if one speaks to an electronic voice are you heard?

The wind calms, the rain stops, the clouds break up and the sun comes out several days later. Auuuhhhh, I can take a shower with the pump running. We go again for another regular week in New England.

And today I saw a Canadian Robin, always first to come befor the American Robin. So, you see this is a good life.
I remained blessed,
jurn
and Vinnie the Dog.....

Kids, the farm and now a days

2005-12-19T06:40:00.000-05:00

Ya know I was thinking, a dangerous route for me these days, when I speak about the farm, as it’s still called Journey’s End Farm, it seems like an old fashion farm from 50+ years ago. Wood burning cook stoves, wood piles, the woods, the fields, etc. etc. But in actuality Journeys End Farm has come along way. There was a time when we had goats, pigs, chickens (and roosters), rabbits, horses and of course the beloved house pets.
The children, in their day, would have to carry 5 gallon water buckets out to the barn for the horses, water the chickens, feed the goats etc. etc. all before school on any given weekday.
We never had the fancy electric water heaters.

Then of course came the interruptions of life in their (the children) teenage years, which put all chores, responsibilities etc on a slow burning back burner. Decisions had to be made about priorities and needs. That in itself is also a lesson we need to learn in life

The farm didn’t win.
The horses went and the boyfriends came.
The rabbits went and the cars came.
Well, today it’s no longer a mini-farm, like we use to boast in the 60’s and 70’s. The Mother Earth Farm. Today, it’s rather quite different. The farm is mostly my flower gardens, (which are turning into bush gardens to eliminate the deer problem) and my bird feeders.
I still sit and identify the birds and I’m thrilled to see the Pileated Woodpecker who so loves his privacy and rarely is seen. He also pecks rectangle holes, square shaped.
That’s odd.

The times are quiet. Peace has entered my life as I watch my children raise their children.
The very best times are when my kids are telling me about heir kids. This one or that one hasn’t done his homework, or hasn’t cleaned her room. I am absolutely dying in laughter on the inside and yet I remain still with great composure and say nothing……
Wanting to say, “yeah, well now you know how it feels”, or “didn’t I tell you this would happen” BUT I remain quiet and nudge along the conversation with slight confirmations that I’m listening.

My Son-

Last week was the best. My son came over and proceeded to tell me how he asked his teenage daughter to clean her room. Of course to her that meant slide everything under the bed and what’s left goes in the closet on the floor. Well, Dad (my son) use to try the same old trick and was caught time and time again. I pulled it all out from various locations and dumped it all in the center of the room and flatly state “Try Again”.

In his conclusion with his story, he said “I pulled it all out and dumped it in the center of the room and said try again” The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, eh?

My Daughter –

Well, she’s traveling through life with many of the same lessons and now be stilling them on her two boys.
Only difference is she now has the horses again. I always knew they were in her blood.

Both as adults –

It is my blessing to have the recognition and praise from them now as adults, that they liked their life and I’ve done a good job. One always wonders until they tell you themselves.

They now enjoy bringing their kids over to hang mittens by the wood stove to dry, to bring in some wood for fires, or pick flowers and blueberries in the warm weather.

They explain how I cook on wood fires in the winter on Maggie, my wood – gas combo cook stove. They explain why I needed to have four wheel drive vehicle to live where I do. My kids complained in their day but now miss the features of country life.

Sometimes they show up just to watch a snow storm from the farm!

I am blessed.
Always,
Jurn and Vinnie the Dog.

jurneez - the unconventional

2005-12-06T06:44:00.001-05:00

Chapter One
Where exactly do I began? The beginning is too conventional. The beginning is only the beginning chronologically, not in reality. Maybe I'll start from here and go backwards as that's the truest form of expressing my lessons learned.
Lessons learned – where do they come from and why do we resist the lesson?
I hug trees. They know more than I do. I cry at beauty, it shows me more than I look to find.
At this stage in my life, I'm giving away the stones I've collected over the years. Pieces of great grand mothers collected items. Stones of various shapes and sizes, not really stones at all. Meanings and items that no longer hold emotion.
It is a good thing to transcend the corral of physicalness. Once you can say you're stepping outside the corral, you'll discover how much you've gained, by discarding the stones which are weight on our plane of attachments.

And slowly we start....dah dah dah dahhhhhh.....
“Entering what she says?”
“ Entering a world different than
you know.” (said the voice)
“Oh how wonderful, but will I miss the world I know?”
Said she....
and the voice says, "your world travels with you, you
make your world where ever you are, They (worlds) are
not a possession, they are a feeling”.....Said the
voice,
She wept as she heard truth.
Has this ever happened?....When you realize you put your own constraints/restraints on yourself.
Open up as many worlds as you want and travel with them all, once created, never dissipates.
Once energy, it doesn't fade away, it only gains more strength with every thought given to it. Our thoughts will create our environment, our reality, our personal world. Our souls have to gain awareness and experience to age. Oh yes, they age, but it's not that an old soul is better than a young soul. Yes, it has gained more experiences and thus possibly more wisdom but at the expense of losing spontaneity and the desire to break out of boxes.
Young souls with less experience have excitement in them but lack discipline. They look outward whereas older souls look inward. Older souls may be any physical age, did you ever look into a child's eyes and think he looks like a wise old man. Perhaps, exactly, he is a wise old soul.
Listen to your heart, hear it. Speak with your soul. Experience with understanding. Get outside, for the trees know more then we do. Touch one.
Jurneez and Vinnie the Dog

Fall Already?

2005-11-15T20:09:00.000-05:00

Oh my God, it doesn't seem like I spent this much time away from my blog but time flies and with summer time hours and sunlight lasting longer I can't seem to get in the house. One more smell of one more flower, or one more bulb to plant keeps me outside. I'm an outside person no doubt. Oh wait, fill the bird feeders and then watch the turkeys try to get it, only to find the bear are getting it first. Well, damn if the birds were quicker they'd get it!

The front coverd porch was finished in June and I loved sitting on it this summer listening to thunder storms roll in and then the rain all around me but not on the porch. How great it was. I always wanted a covered porch and now I can't get off of it.

BUT, fall is here and all my winter prep chores are done, finally. Three walls of the house got stained, wood is done, gardens are planted and mulched, birdbath is covered, garden items are in, and yet I know I'll still have things I forgot.

Settling back to days end routines of winter darkened hours and shorter days. There is serenity about the winter hours and times. It comes with the smell of Maggie ( my 100 year old wood / gas cookstove) buring away. The smells of hickory or ash burning. MMuummm, what a great time. I slow down and finally find time to get into my stained glass work shop. (or work on my train table).

What is it about human beings that in general most of them require great amounts of socialization. Or should I say, what is it about myself that requires great amounts of homestead time, private and alone. Although, am I so different, I reach to the world through a blog?

Relationships are also such a tangle most of the time. My best friend is my dog Vinnie. He and I have made many travels around New England together. I buy my cars according to how well they fit Vinnie and myself, just incase we do a little camping in them. I no longer want to drag around the huge 28 foot camper. I find I like going light these days. I also have a great friend in my ex--- always willing to lend a helping hand. It's nice when two people can still be close and remain tight after a split.

Well, I guess I'll close this blog knowing I feel blessed with such a complete life and hope you feel the same about you're own. I guess this note had no real meaning to it but I have a good old New England sense of closure about winter prep and that it's done!

I'm sure the holiday rush will expand my frustrations and I'll vent a Christmas blog.

Be at peace and drop a note if you like.
jurn

Spring?

2005-04-12T19:34:00.000-05:00

Well, I know I said in my last post "Bring it on" meaning winter - I was ready, but ya know what? I've had enough. Isn't that just like human nature. But it seems mother nature has dropped us directly from winter to almost summer with no spring once again.
I really don't mind the spring chores but let's at least have spring temps. Nights still at 25 degrees is a bit chilly for the middle of April.

Journey's End is now 27 years old and under construction again. A new front covered porch with easy to care for everything. I shall enjoy it this summer as I sit and relax, thinking about the next blog statements to be made.

I turned in my jeep plates today, how sad, it was in good service for so long. I drove it 17 years, top on, top off, on roads, on mountain tops, on river beds. But eventually it had to go.
Vinnie and I are now trundeling along in a Honda Element. Square, but very comfy.

This month I really don't have much to say. In the hopes you all had a great winter and refreshing spring I bid you goodbye. I'll step back in soon. And by the way Maggie the woodstove, my 100 plus year old wood gas combination stove did fine once again this winter.

In a month or two! Peace and please be well read.
jurn

New Year 2005

2004-12-31T14:27:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year and Be Safe My Friends........
from jurneez end digital farm

Home at Days End

2004-12-30T20:22:00.000-05:00

The wood fires are going and Vinnie is inside and resting. I relentlessly took care of my responsibilties and now am wrapped in the warmth of "Maggie" the wood / gas combo cast iron woodstove in the kitchen. Over 150 years old and still heat'n up. Both stoves going tonight, it's a cold chill out there. Time for renewal of planet earth. Time for renewal of human souls I might add as well. Bushes wrapped in burlap to survive the cold air, 84 jars of Bread and Butter pickles, (home-made) put up, and the wood under cover. Bring it on! (the cold winter that is)
jurn

jurneez blog

2004-12-29T14:21:00.000-05:00

There's always time for the first time!
But Remember less is more......
which is what happens later on..........tee hee