Hard Day on the Ranchette

Today, Scout and Phoebe decided to run. We have spent time with the girls, and they have responded well, begging for hugs and treats. They decided they wanted to be in the hen house - they didn't hurt anything, but their barks paralyzed the chickens into not laying! They met the goats and seemed to settle a little more. But, they are escape artists. Over fences, thru fences, over gates, thru gates, in and out of the barn doors. We made decisions and fixes with each challenge. 

But today, they ran. And we aren't sure why. We had done chores and hung out with the girls for a spell. The day was overcast and very humid. We decided we could rest today, as we've worked for days getting ready for and working with the goats and dogs. Sometime between 11:00 and 3:00, they left. 

For several hours, we drove roads, calling their names and pissing off lots of people following us. Frank met neighbors, as he stopped at every farm house he passed. About 5:00 we learned that one neighbor saw the dogs and called their neighbor to see if they were his. That was at about 3:00 - two miles east of us. Not sure how many miles they have covered since then. Our home was new to them, so they most likely won't cycle back here. 

Oh yeah...the second night of awful storms, hit about 6:00. Wind and rain, torrents, pouring hard. I had held it together, but the tears came and have stayed. We can only hope that they've found some place to hunker down, out of the rain, off the roads.  

As I was driving and praying, I wondered if my wish to have this little "complete" ranchette wasn't an overreach, perhaps above my pay grade, and I begged that they wouldn't be hurt because of anything I/we missed or didn't do. I know, in my brain, that we were ready and had done our homework.  My heart always blames me. 

This is the side of being a fake farmer that, thankfully, doesn't happen often. It is unavoidable and sad, and constantly reminds us of just how much control we, the hoomans, really don't have. 💕

1 Peter 5:7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

Phillipians 4:4-7  Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.