Saturday, January 19, 2008

Tagged Again--Mememememememe!

Mary, at Mary's Writing Nook has tagged for this new meme, which is to list 15 things that make it great to be me. (Oi!) Since I have done a couple of meme's about myself already, I thought I'd do a lighter, more fun one this time. So, here it goes...

1. When my children were grown and living lives of their own, I decided to follow my dream of living in the country. After all, I was newly single, and the time was right to seek and find my own way of living. And my grown children were happy for me.

2. In August of 1983, I moved to this beautiful Ozark hill country, thrilled to be here, and even the heat of August in these hills, didn't dampen my joy.

3. I brought with me my dear Grandma, who was 83 years old at the time, and had always seen me through thick and thin. She had to be a part of this new adventure.

4. Our family also included two large dogs, and a couple of cats. The dogs loved their new life in the country, the cats did not!

5. My new neighbors were nice and welcomed us with home made peach pies, and friendly smiles. I felt at home among them instantly.

6. As an animal lover, I soon began to acquire more animals to add to my place in the woods. Within a short time, chickens of various sizes and colors scratched around in the yard and edges of the woods. I was happy, so was Grandma. "Csirke, csirke," she would call out to them. And the chickens came running to her. I couldn't believe those American chickens could understand Hungarian!

7. After the chickens, my sweet neighbor Bessie, brought over a couple of guinea hens, as a gift. Oh, goody, more animals. They made noises like a machine gun, and caused a great deal of excitement in the woods. And they were better watchdogs then the dogs!

8. Since I had a pond, the next logical step was to get some ducks and geese, of course! And soon, there were Peking's, Mallards and some downright homely Muscovy ducks swimming around in the pond. Free meals for marauding coyotes, raccoons, Bobcats and even owls, I soon discovered!

9. I also discovered that my nice new neighbors and friends loved to give some of their animals as gifts. It was an easy way to get rid of ones excess animals. I got into the habit of giving them away, myself, after a while.

10. I love rabbits, of course. So very soon, I had some adorable bunnies in my menagerie as well. Unfortunately, black snakes love baby bunnies, and baby chicks much too much, and suddenly there I was, a former city gal, battling black snakes in the Ozark hills!

11. As I surveyed my animal kingdom in the woods, it dawned on me that I was missing one of the most fun animals that ever boarded Noah's Ark-the goat. So I acquired a black and white pygmy goat. Grandma was elated and named him, Kecske, which is the Hungarian word for goat. (Catch-keh.) My dogs seemed elated as well with their fun loving new friend.


12. I loved to go hiking around in the woods, accompanied by the dogs, Dobie and Samson, and Kecke, the goat, who by this time thought he was a dog, too. (Hiking is still my favorite past time in the woods.)



13. I got lost in the woods several times, until my son Greg bought me a compass and taught me how to use it!

14. Those first few years in the woods were full of fun, excitement and even chaos. There is always chaos with a bunch of animals around. But the fun and companionship they provide makes it all worthwhile.

15. Although I no longer have a huge menagerie of domestic animals, there are still a couple of dogs and couple of cats. And there is a large menagerie of woodland animals now that call my woods and field home, and grace my life with their beautiful presence. I am ever thankful to God for the gift of these 24 years in the woods. And remembering all the sweet and fun moments with the animals, warms the cockles of my heart on this mighty cold winter morning.

Thank you for tagging me, Mary. It was fun.

And thank you for reading. Stay warm and have a blessed week!

40 comments:

Jmkdreak said...

Chaos doesnt even begin to explain!
Nice mememe! Hope you stay warm.


xoxox

Renie Burghardt said...

Hah, funny!

I can see my breath outside, this morning. But it's colder in your neck of the woods. Your brother just got up. Wear your snuggies when you go out.

xoxo

Michele | aka Raw Juice Girl said...

Hi Renie,

What an interesting read! I never knew you brought your Grandma with you! How exciting was that?!

Thanks so much for sharing. Although I knew most of it, I sure didn't know about your Grandma moving here with you, and I didn't know that the chickens would understand Hungarian either!

Stay warm!

Smiles,
Michele

Renie Burghardt said...

Hi Michele,

Yes, I brought my dear Grandma with me. She went to Heaven in 1989. I miss her to this day.

Yes, those chickens understood Hungarian. LOL.

I'm staying warm and toasty. Tonight will be bitterly cold. So stay warm as well.

Thank you for stopping over.

Warm Hugs,

Renie

Mississippi Songbird said...

The little goat sounds so cute..lol
You certainly had a variety.. I can see you in the woods, just like Snow White.. I need to learn to use a compass..We have those Canadian Geese out by the lake. They are there nearly every morning during the winter..
It was a interesting meme. Thanks for sharing. Have a terrific Weekend.

Renie Burghardt said...

Hi Stephanie,

The goat was cute. I had him for several years.

Thank you for stopping by. Hope you didn't get your wintry mix. Have a wonderful weekend.

Blessings,

Renie

Deborah Wilson said...

Good meme, Renie..:)

You had a pygmy goat! I've never known anyone who owned a pygmy, only read about it - but I know about those bigger billy goats. haha

2 LMZ FARMS said...

As always you enlighten me with your post. Wanted to drop in and check on you. Hope you and yours have a blessed weekend.
Laura

Mary said...

Renie,

I certainly enjoyed reading your meme. You are such an interesting person and I'm so glad you've realized your dream of living in the woods.

Blessings,
Mary

BClark said...

Oh, What fun you have had creating marvelous memories. I can in some small way relate to #10, not snakes but mice!! The little devils have raised havok with my wardrobe, they seem to have the same taste I do. I have gone from thinking they are cute, to being an expert trap setter. The results become kitty treats for the barn cat. Love Your Blog, Barbara

Renie Burghardt said...

Hi Deborah,

Yes, Kecske was a pygmy and he was also a billy goat. I say, was, because he got altered and de-scented as well. Billy goats can be ornery, can't they? But funny.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope you're enjoying the snow!

Renie

Renie Burghardt said...

Thank you kindly for checking on me, Laura. It's frigid but dry in the woods. Hope it's warmer at LMZ farms!

Have a good weekend.

Renie

Renie Burghardt said...

Mary,

I enjoyed doing the meme. Thank you for tagging me. And I enjoyed reading your answers to this meme. Have a blessed Sunday.

Renie

Renie Burghardt said...

Hi Barbara,

Cute little mice can do a lot of damage, can't they? I had problems with some of them making a home in my car! Had to evict the little buggers. :-)

Thank you so much for your kind words. I'm glad you're enjoying my blog. I enjoy yours as well.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Renie

Patty said...

Nice to read more interesting things about you and your life. You certainly have led a full and wonderful one. Keep warm, here it is 9 above, so I know it's going to be pretty darn cold by morning. The only thing that could be worse would be for snow or an ice storm with temps. like we're having.

Renie Burghardt said...

Hi Patty,

I think most of the country is in the deep freeze today. We're to get down to 9 above tonight. Much too cold for me and Arthur! LOL. I think Arthur acts up more during the colder weather.

Thank you for the nice comment. Snuggle close to Abe and keep warm! LOL.

Renie

j said...

Yikes! Snakes - I think I would have packed up then and there. I really enjoyed reading your "history by number". Be blessed - Jennifer

Renie Burghardt said...

Hi Jennifer,

Thanks so much for stopping by, and the nice comment. Snakes are a part of life in these here woods. LOL. One learns to live with them.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Renie

Grandy said...

Great job of sharing, Renie! Thank you so much!!!

audrey` said...

Dearest Renie

This is a very interesting post.
You describe your surrounding in a very exciting way.
I love it =)

Susie said...

Hi Renie,
I enjoyed reading about your early days in the country. What a fun place for your children to live too :)
It must have been just wonderful having your Grandma with you.
((hugs))

Renie Burghardt said...

Grandy,

Good to see you! Thank you for stopping over and the nice comment. Hope you're doing great!

Renie

Mountain Mama said...

I also had a home in a wooded area with lots of critters and that was a wonderful time. I also had four children then and was a lot younger so I could keep up with it all. I understand why you love it so well.

We don't have snow here right now but the wind is blowing and it is freezing. I am bundled in a fuzzy throw with a cup of tea.

Renie Burghardt said...

Thank you, Audrey! I'm so glad you enjoyed my meme. You are so sweet, my friend.

Hugs,

Renie

Renie Burghardt said...

Dear Susie,

It's nice to see you again. Thank you for taking time out to visit.

My children did not come with me. My one son was in the Navy, the other one was in the Police Academy, and my daughter had gotten married that year. They came to visit often, but did not live with me. I did bring my Grandma with me. She seemed to enjoy it in the country.

Take care of yourself at this difficult time, Susie. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Renie

Renie Burghardt said...

Dear Mountain Mama-Bev,

It's nice to see you again. I hope you are doing well. I know you went through some sadness. Thanks so much for stopping by.

Blessings,

Renie

Nonnas News said...

I enjoyed reading your mememe!

Thanks for sharing it with us! You sure have an exciting life in the woods!

Renie Burghardt said...

Hi Patti,

It has tamed down quite a bit now, since I no longer have all those domestic animals. But there is still a little excitment, I guess. LOL. Thank you for coming by. I hope all is well with you, and you got to see sweet Avery this weekend. Take care!

Renie

Merle said...

Dear Renie ~~ Thank you for sharing more interesting facts about your life. I am so glad that you are happy in your home near the woods. But do be careful my friend. Thanks for your comments and I am glad you enjoyed the story of the Leaning barn. We all need a bit of a prop up at times. Glad you liked the jokes too. Thanks for wishing Robyn a Happy Birthday. I hope you have a wonderful week Renie,
Love, Merle.

Karen H. said...

Good Afternoon Ms. Renie,
I am trying to catch up with everyone. It was a busy weekend and I didn't do any posting or commenting. I did do a post this morning and I am out trying to catch up with my daily visits. Boy, a couple of days can set you way back. LOL. It was a bitterly cold weekend here. At one time yesterday morning it was 14 degrees with a windchill of 6 degrees. They are saying we might get some freezing rain late tonight. Do you think we could get that lucky? LOL. I've seen where they have some Winter Weather Advisory's out around your area on KAIT8. I do see a little something on the radar. I hope you are staying warm. Is your Son still visiting with you? Take care my friend and have a great day. May God Bless You and Yours. I enjoyed reading your Meme. I always love hearing about days when you were growing up and all. "THANK YOU" for sharing them with us.

Love & Hugs,
Karen H.

ancient one said...

Hey Renie,

7. After the chickens, my sweet neighbor Bessie, brought over a couple of guinea hens, as a gift. Oh, goody, more animals. They made noises like a machine gun, and caused a great deal of excitement in the woods. And they were better watchdogs then the dogs!

I agree. I like the guineas that we have. They are entertaining and loud!!

I loved your meme. I'm glad your grandmother got to go to the country with you!!

Your posts are always so interesting!

Unknown said...

Wonderful post. Great story.

Renie Burghardt said...

Dear Merle,

I had a busy day and am just now getting back on the computer. Thank you for your nice comment and concern. I do try to be careful! And I always enjoy hearing from you, dear Merle. Have a wonderful week as well.

Love and blessings,

Renie

Renie Burghardt said...

Hi Karen!

I just came back from visiting you. Since I was late, as usual, I did that before replying here.

It was a frigid weekend, but I was out enjoying it. My son went home Sunday. Then I was gone all day today, and even went to the store to stock up, just in case the weather people have it right this time, and we do get some of that sleet, snow, or worse-ice! I'm praying that it won't be ice!

Thank you for coming by this morning. Sorry I missed having a cup of coffee with you. Perhaps tomorrow morning. Have a restful night, Karen.

Hugs,

Renie

Renie Burghardt said...

Hi Anne,

Oh, you have guinea's? How nice. I miss mine. They noticed everything. Nothing unusual escaped their attention, and they would sound their alarms. LOL.

Thanks so much for the nice comment! Any snow yet in your neighborhood? If we get some tonight, I'll be out there with my camera tomorrow. If we get ice, I'll be staying in the house! :-(

Have a great evening!

Renie

Renie Burghardt said...

Thank you kindly, Mr. Nick!

Karen H. said...

Good Morning Ms. Renie,
I'm dropping by to see if you have any coffee ready. LOL. It is 34 degrees here this morning. I think we just got rain last night. I don't think it got cold enough to do anything here. What about in your part? Did yall get anything? They say another cold blast is coming this week as well, but I don't think it will be anything like it was over the weekend. I hope not anyway. Take care my friend and have a great day. May God Bless You and Yours. I enjoyed our coffee together this morning.

Love & Hugs,
Karen H.

Renie Burghardt said...

Good morning, Karen,

Just got on here with my coffee. Yes, we had some sleet. Not a bunch, but it's white and crunchy, and slick. I stepped on the deck to try it out. Guess I'll have to be very careful feeding the birds. And the bitter cold will return for a couple of days. But I think we are to warm up some by the weekend. I hope so!

I'm glad you didn't get sleet or freezing rain. Hope you feel much better, and have a great day. God bless!

Hugs,

Renie

Tina Coruth said...

Renie,

What a wonderful meme! I enjoyed reading it. I got an especially big kick out of it when you wrote about realizing how folks get rid of their extra animals by making them gifts to neighbors. And of course you caught on. LOL

I hope it has warmed up!
Take care. :-)

Hugs,
Tina

Renie Burghardt said...

Hi Tina,

You have been doing a lot of reading!

The meme was fun to do, but I think I'm all meme'd out for now.

It has warmed up nicely here now, but rain coming in again. Oh, well, have to take whatever Mother Nature sends our way. I hope you get a break from the snow soon. Thank you for stopping by.

Hugs,

Renie