On the road

Just south of the bridge

2009-07-29T13:33:00.000-07:00

South Beach is separted from New Port by a bridge. They say its historic.

We found this really great place, just south of the bridge, to eat our fresh fish. Even got Gordon to try a fresh (cooked) crab sandwich the other day. He liked it, he liked it. (:
Its the busiest place, from morning to nite.

Still at Whaler's Rest

2009-07-28T17:21:00.000-07:00

We got a weeks extention here on the coast. Good thing! Its been really hot (100's) the natives say, but here at Whaler's we have been really cool. We are back up at Dry Camping again, but we can do that. Hopefully it will cool off before we head for Eugene area.

Did I mention that the kitten has a name? Kristi asked how we found him. Told her he was under the MH. She suggested AXEL. Sounds good to us. Thanks Kristi

Jerrie's mom fell in love with him too.

The other day he discovered someone in the mirror. He wasn't quite sure what to think of that other cat.

WHERE WERE WE

2009-07-27T13:55:00.001-07:00

Pictures of Agate Beach, South Beach, OR People are telling us that it has been unusually cool, windy and foggy this past week. We were wondering if this was usual. We're not complaining when we hear its breaking heat records inland.

On to The Dalles

2009-07-23T13:29:00.000-07:00

The 3 of us stopped in Baker City, OR at an Oregan Trail interpretive center. Very interesting & sobering. To think our ancesters made this trip on foot, with oxen and wagons, no real roads. And we think we have it bad now.

We had a great time with Scott and Tia, Gordon's cousin. Tia wanted to show us some wild life. This is for you Tracy

This post is out of order

2009-07-23T12:29:00.000-07:00

We finally have full hookups. I guess we did when we were in Blue Mesa, CO. But there we couldn't get cell phone or internet. )o:

We got to Whaler's Rest (South Beach, OR) Monday afternoon, but we were told we had to wait until morning to get in.

We drove down the coast several miles, but couldn't find anywhere to park. State Parks were full. KOA wanted about $60. Come on! Just for over night?! Forget it! Then we found a parking lot of a real estate gallery. Asked a neighbor who said as long as we were out of there by 8am there would be no problem.

The next morning we were waiting at Whaler's gate. We were told there was dry camping up the hill. A nice place - cell phone and internet worked. The next morning we went for a walk and were told by one of the campers that there was a space we could pull into. Sure! we kept on walking. A little later this guy came by again and told us the office said we could have it. Gordon went to check. SAur enough! They said they had looked for us the day before, but find us. Funny, we didn't leave the sight. Anyway, we are now all set up. I have 3 loads of wash done, and the sun is finally shining.

There are wild raspberries right out the door.

We are set for at least a week. Its cool, mist rolls in each morning. So far its been rather cool, better than 100's.

Stowaway

2009-07-08T19:45:00.000-07:00

When we left Marilyn & Dave's this kitten had hidden under the MH someplace. Kept hearing him and checking, but we couldn't find him until the next morning. Where he was or how he stayed under there for 24 hrs. who knows. But as you can see our little stowaway is making himself at home.

Sorry the image is so large. I lost my programs that could reduct the size.

Happy 4TH of July

2009-07-03T09:36:00.000-07:00

We are in Twin Falls with Marilyn and Dave. The falls are great this year. They had lots of rain in June, so everything is beautiful and green too.

Oregon Bound

2009-07-02T11:21:00.000-07:00

Can't believe its been nearly a month from last post.

After Mesa Verde we went to Durango & Montrose. Enjoyed the church there. Met the pastor's parents who happen to have a home just a couple doors down from Becker's in Surprise.

In Blue Mesa we thought the sun would never shine for good pictures. It did and we did. Get pictures of the Black Canyon, Cresent City and other great pics, but while we were in Hartsel, Co with friends (thanks guys) my computer died. Will have to retrieve those pictures when we figure out what we are going to do about the computer.

We went on to Teri & Gary's in Green River,WY. Great time. More pics, but can't cut them down cuz, Ggrama Eva's computer we got from the estate, doesn't have my programs.

Teri & friends and Gary and one of his horses. Thanks guys.

On the road again

2009-06-06T06:41:00.000-07:00

Now that graduations & confirmations are over, the heat is back in Surprise and we have things to do and people to see, we have headed North.

The last 2 nights we've spent in Mesa Verde National Park, just out of Cortez, CO. Nights are cool and days are great. Yesterday was cloudy with spits now and then. Toured as much of the Park as our legs would take us. Some great sight!

I took a picture for a couple and they asked if they could take ours. We are standing above and infront of Spruce Tree House. Why they call the cliff dwelling that we couldn't figure. It was really great. Much bigger and in better repair than Montezuma's Castle in AZ.

We are getting ready to pull out on our way to Durango and up to Gunnison, CO.

Now This is Red Neck Driving

2009-02-20T14:11:00.000-08:00

Trying to teach Maggie to stop. The wagon had no breaks, so Mark thought maybe she would learn using the Cushman's brakes.

gardening fever

2009-02-14T15:45:00.000-08:00

Gordon is getting spring fever so he is supervising as Robert runs the rototiller.

Of coarse Poncho has to get in on the act.

Snow on the Bradshaws

2009-02-12T15:08:00.000-08:00

Woke up the other morning to a bit of a frost. We looked to the north and were surprised to see the Bradshaws all white with snow. We don't get to see such a sight too often here in the low desert, so we really enjoy the sight when we can.

This Time of Year is Surprise at its Best

2008-12-04T12:04:00.000-08:00

Its 70+ degrees & partly cloudy today. Even then, its beautiful. So what am I doing sitting here at the computer? Just had to share this beautiful weather specially with our family and friends in the North. It rained 2" the day before Thanksgiving, so the dust has settled, everything is clean and turning green again. With a few more rains, we should have some beautiful wild flowers this spring.

Realized I hadn't taken time to update since we came back to the ranch, not that we have been all that busy, but just don't know where the time goes.

This "depression or recession" is taking its toll here in AZ too, but grandson Clint (Rox & Jim's oldest) got a good buy on a model home out here just off Jomax Rd. He also has a job with Sheriff Joe. From the video that was taken of his graduating class, you'd think he was the star student. Even his class mates thought he he got more video time then the rest of the class.

Speaking of graduating, Alex (Mark and Tracy's oldest) will be graduating now mid term and she's working at Word of Life Preschool. Its hard to believe that half of our grand kids have graduated high school already.

Noticed when we got back that Mark had accumulated a few more animals. A couple more donkeys and horses. Thankfully some of them are paying customers. Maggie, a new rescue donkey, is now Mark's favorite for pulling the wagon. Poncho is still a little young and could do some damage to his young frame. Have to give him another year or so, I guess. He does get bent out of shape a bit though when he see's Mags getting the attention.

Mark fell in love again. Patch, Patches or Apache, (he hasn't settled on one exact yet) an Australian Heeler, I think he said. Cute little guy and seems to be really smart.

We were out helping Mark get the Christmas lights up. Sure glad he likes to do it. Don't think it would get done if it was just up to Gordon & me.

Rox just called to tell us her little hen just started laying. Two eggs so far. We have one who has decided to set on her clutch. Maybe we will have baby chicks before Christmas.

Will try to get pictures gathered of some of the things going on here.

Bye for now.

Have a Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year, if we don't get together before then.

Heading towards Home

2008-10-01T11:03:00.000-07:00

After helping Rog and Donita celebrate their 50th we headed south to Red River RV just north of the Red River on ther OK, TX boarder.
It had been dry, so the fall in the Arbuckle Mts. was all but dry, but the springs in the Chickasaws was great. We hiked back in and filled our waterbottles with the water that came out of the rocks.
On the way back we stopped at the town of Gene Autry, OK . Roy Rogers was always my favorite, but they had all the old singing cowboys there and even those that didn't sing.
Visited with Rick & Deronda in Desoto, TX. Thanks cousins. So nice to spend time catching up on family.
We are spending a couple weeks here in Bay Landing out of Bridgeport, TX before heading on to LasCrucas for the Bailey Reunion.

Beautiful Nebraska Day

2008-08-18T11:44:00.001-07:00

What a gorgeous summer day. I couldn't help but take a picture of the hole in the clouds. When I noticed it

Visit to some of southeastern NE

2008-08-14T08:11:00.000-07:00

We have been in Schuyler for a couple months now.This weekend we went to Humboldt with Auntie "B" to see cousin Deb and husband Ron.We had a great time. Ron was a terrific guide showing us around his farm and the town of Humboldt.

The town is doing a great job of restoring. This is a section of mural being done.

We enjoyed our visit with Jeannie and Bernard and the town of Auburn.

Did you know there was an Indian Cave along the Missouri River?
Such a beautiful day for a picnic with family

Maggie

2008-07-11T14:45:00.001-07:00

Now they have a team.

Robert can sit on her, but she hasn't figured out that she need to go. They have some work to do before they get this gig all together.

Poncho is a bit bent out of shape with all the attention Maggie is getting. See his ears in the lower left corner of the picture.

Working on a team

2008-07-10T13:19:00.001-07:00

Robert says she sits fine, but hasn't figured out how to make her go yet.

Poncho is looking on

2008-07-03T12:05:00.000-07:00

Mark was wondering how much Poncho could pull. In this picture he doesn't look too happy.
But Mark said it was because he had to stand still while they took the picture. He really enjoys pulling. Grampa Dickson came over so they added him to the load. Poncho did great, but the wagon broke down. Mark's design has a few structural bugs to work out. Robert is getting to be quite the welder, Mark says.

The calf is really growing. They just sent us a picture update.

Back at Bailey's Ranch

2008-06-30T08:17:00.000-07:00

Mark has been wanting to build his own wagon for some time. He started just before we left. Wrote that he had finished his prototype and sent us some pictures.

This will give you a better idea of the size

(If you click on any of the pictures it should give you full size )

Here in NE the kids are enjoying Holly. (Linda's horse)

On the Farm

2008-06-27T07:47:00.000-07:00

Linda's back yard is our front yard.

She does the work, we get to enjoy the color.

Lot's of weather this year, but its gone around us. Just the interesting skies.

Weekend in Branson, MO

2008-06-20T17:18:00.000-07:00

We took Jeannie & Bernard to Branson to meet their family.

The weather forcast was not at all good. All that rain on IA and they were predicting tornadoes, wind, hail etc for that area too. Monday morning after the weather looked a bit more settled, we took off for NE.

Hiway #2 was barely open.

Up farther north they had closed the river crossings. We stayed the night in Lincoln's WalMart. Had dinner with Rog & Donita and left for Schuyler the next morning.

Mark's New Hobby

2008-06-08T14:38:00.000-07:00

This is Mark's label for his brew.

(You can double click on the picture for full size)

2008-06-06T12:00:00.000-07:00

Mark is having fun brewing his own beer for his saloon (tack shed).

A picture of a piece of cactus a friend gave us a couple months ago. Didn't think it would bloom this year.

We Have a Calf !

2008-05-16T18:36:00.001-07:00

She was born about 3 pm May 15th.

Mark had to give Cow some help, but he said all went well.

We are waiting for the kids to think of a name.

Therapy

2008-05-13T13:15:00.000-07:00

Don't know if you really want to see this!

Gordon's first visit to the therapist and the unvailing.

It really was clean and neat. They said he is doing real well.

10 days later

2008-05-08T10:08:00.000-07:00

Just to let you all know how things are progressing here at the ranch.

This was Gordon' first time out to check on the situation.

Cow hasn't had her calf yet! Really hard to tell her due date (we weren't there when the deed was done)

Held up in AZ

2008-05-03T11:37:00.000-07:00

Gordon had to have his right elbow redone.

He really did a job on it this time. Totally wore out the second prostesis and then broke the shank on top of it.

We are just thankful that we had a great surgeon in Sun City West that could put him back together.

The only problem is that the doc won't let him drive for at least 2 months. Will put a bit of a damper on our travel plans this summer.

We will have to wait and see.

You can click on the picture for a larger view if you really want to.

Need Help?

2008-04-18T10:26:00.000-07:00

The guys were doing some plumging repair.

Poncho thought they needed some help.

He did got the hats a couple time, of course I wasn't able to catch him on camera.

The Desert Blooms

2008-04-02T08:24:00.000-07:00

Orange bloosoms smell so sweet.
This fall and next spring should be a good year for the oranges.

Hedge hog cactus will be in full bloom shortly.

a baby barrel cactus has some new growth (bright red).

This bloom is nearly as large as a dinner plate.

A friend gave us a piece to plant. We are hoping it will grow and we will be able to enjoy blooms like this on our property.

Ariz Shade

2008-03-25T07:20:00.000-07:00

As the weather gets warmer we decided to get shade over the horse pens.
Mark says some horses need shade.
At 120 degrees this summer, they all should appreciate it a bit.

First we had to weld together length of pipe to make it 80 foot long.

Robert, Brian, Dean, Bailey and Mark carried it down to the corral.

Then they had to hoist it up on the uprights, and screwed it down.

Then it was time to put the "tin roofing" up.

Bailey really pitched in so her horse could enjoy the new shade. She was a bit concerned about how long her "farmer's tan" would last. Told her to wear it proudly. Its was a badge of honor for all the work she did.

Joe is waiting to get back in his pen to try out the new shade.

After The Rain

2008-03-14T14:37:00.000-07:00

Can't believe its been over a month.

The desert is green and blooming.

I love the view we have of the mountains to the north.

Got some pictures of a few wild flowers blooming.

Mending Fences

2008-02-09T05:56:00.000-08:00

Gordon and Mark are mending fences on the south east corner.

I was helping for awhile, but decided to take pictures. Its been around 50 years since I was my dad's helper in doing these jobs. No boys in my family. Forgot how old I was till evening!

The weeds are really coming up now with all this nice rain, so we decided it was time to fix the fence between the two pieces so "Cow" could keep it all down . It should be a lot more cost effective on the feed bill.

2008-02-05T08:34:00.000-08:00

Surprise weather has been a surprise this winter.

We thought January was cold. February has come in with wind, more freezing, rain and now hail.

(yes, that's an outhouse in the back, but its just for effect. We use it for a tool shed)

But this weekend is supposed to be in the 70's.

Shadow was barking last night. The coyotes were really busy.

This morning we were missing a couple ducks and our little red hen.

2008-02-02T10:39:00.000-08:00

Trying the video of one of Poncho's first rides with Mark. (our first try with Poncho and our first try with the video)

Just click on the arrow.

2008-02-01T12:52:00.000-08:00

One of the things we have been doing this winter is getting Poncho harness trained.

What fun.

2008-01-27T16:13:00.000-08:00

This is a picture of the wash. It really doesn't show much. Took a video, but haven't figured out what format will work on this. But the sound of the water is just great. Its probably about 4 ft deep.

The ducks are having a ball. The whole back yard is full of puddles.

Its been a while

2008-01-27T15:16:00.000-08:00

The first good, I mean, really good rain in years.

Can't wait to see the spring flowers

Coming home from church this morning the road was full of puddles. Its been raining hard now (4:25pm) and the wash to the west of us is half full and rose several inches while we were out there. Guess we'll check it again in a half hour or so.