Well, it's been a couple weeks since we lost Scruffy and it has been difficult for me. I have hardly gone outside to see what the birds are up to. But when I went out to fill the feeders on Thursday (1/21), I noticed that the forsythia in the patio is blooming!! I was so surprised, I couldn't believe my eyes. We have had a very mild January this year. Usually it is our coldest month but this season it was in December. Our temps have been in the upper 40s and 50s. This week it almost made it to 60! So much for old man Winter. I'll bet the Groundhog will be surprised. Any way, I haven't noticed any new birds yet but I will try to go out more and be more observant. Gee, I hope the hens don't get the idea to start laying again, at least not until we can get them a coop or something. It is very hard to find their nests in the yard until it is almost too late to gather the eggs. They are very sneaky ladies. Ciao for now.
22 January 2005
05 January 2005
Sad News at the Rancho
Beloved Scruffy Dog 5-January-2005 
We have some of sad news to report. Today we had to send our dear little dog Scruffy to be with our other dogs in doggie heaven. He had been experiencing seizures for the last couple months and today it was time to let go. We found Scruffy hanging out around our other property in November 2000. He was a Bichon Frise-Poodle cross with the sweetest disposition. It was six months after the last dog had passed on. He was Sabra's constant companion from the beginning. We saved him from the streets and we loved him dearly. He has been such "a brave little trooper" through all of his troubles with diabetes and loosing his eyes. He never acted sick or let the blindness hinder his progress in life. He had a great positive spirit. He will be greatly missed.