Fall; a Change of Seasons; a Time of Pleasure

This Time of Year

One of the most asked questions Katrina and I always get from local folks in Tennessee is why did you move from Southern California to Middle Tennessee. That answer is very easy this time of year. Actually, it is easy anytime of year.

This morning I got up at sunrise to go out and feed the animals and pick up the morning newspaper. It was a crisp fall morning, the sun was bright and the sky was clear. The birds were singing a wonderful melody and the miniature donkeys were providing a not so harmonious backup of hungry braying. As soon as my feet hit the ground Dolly was running and playing. She turns into a pup again as soon as the temperature drops and there is a crisp in the air. I instantly had a smile on my face and was a peace, there was no bad in the World just the tranquility of living in such a beautiful place.

These are the older Cobra miniature donkeys, all Jennets, in the big pasture.

This is my view as I walk our to pick up the morning newspaper.

I am no where good enough with words to explain how different the changes of seasons are in Southern California vs. Middle Tennessee. I can not explain how rewarding it is to be living in the rural environment surrounded by trees and animals.

We have a very quiet highway out front but every morning someone will wave as they go buy when I pick up the paper.

For an instant this morning, for me, it did not matter who won the election on Tuesday, it did not matter that my 401k is in the dumps, it did not matter that a gallon of gas costs more than a combo at the local burger joint. I was happy to be healthy and able to enjoy what God has provided.

As you approach the house.

I am not a great photographer or fabulous word smith but I would like to share with you the wonderful morning I had and up date you on a few of the animals on the farm. I hope you will in someway experience the blessing that I did on this day.

This house is a home and we love it.

As we walk back to our stables you can catch a glimpse of our neighbor’s barn.

From the back of the property their barn is in clear view.

Here are some of the younger Cobra Miniature Donkeys in their yard.

Look at these two faces. How could you not have a good day when you are greeted with such cute little critters every morning?

These little jacks (left to right); Comet, Dynamo, Cougar and Neery are the most lovable and gentle little animals on the farm.

It has been a very dry year and the pasture provides little in nourishment but is beautiful this time of year.

Middle Tennessee is very rocky in places, our property being one of them. The land is not great for crops but is very similar to the miniature donkeys native habitat and them seem to love it.

Here are those lovable little jacks again. (Comet, Neery and Dynamo in back)

For those of you who have been following the site regularly you probably have been wondering about an update on Topper. Well, here he is! 11 weeks old and acts more like a loving lap dog than a equine.

When he sees either Katrina or I he comes running and won’t leave our side for anything.

This is where Topper and his mother Jetta now live. It is our “back yard” and also is home to other mature miniature jennets. Topper bosses them all around.

Here is Topper and Jetta together.

Jetta is very curious and is always looking around.

Topper looks mad in this photo but he is playing and is about to charge me. It was very difficult to get photos of him because most of the time he is right under your feet.

Here is Dixie (mule) and Daisy (her mother the black and white horse). They are both doing very well and very curious about all the little critters.

Ever wonder about the difference in size between a miniature donkey and a full grown horse? See for yourself.

This is one of my favorite places to rest after the chores.

Dolly really enjoys the cool weather; she runs and hunts in the cool mornings and then lays out in the sun all afternoon.

This is one of my very favorite spots on the entire property. Sitting here and listening to the waterfall and watching the animals makes the time fly.

If you would like to read more about our change of life style from California to Tennessee, Click Here.