The Ranch

A small house in the woods
only 40 minutes from home
horses roaming freely
we make friends with them
feeding them carrots and fresh green apples
majestic peacocks roam and meow like cats
a big fire pit, smokey and full
exploring galore
a pack of dogs with puppies and nursing Mama dogs run around and stop by once in a while
we work on the house
stop to eat
take a hike
continue.
dirty, dirty fingernails
burrs stuck everywhere
a morning ride on the john deer over the dirt path into the expansive open woods
purple flowers burst up into the green
my children holdings hands, balancing on a fallen tree
picture perfect
then the clan returns
loud and rough
playing horseshoes, shooting clay pigeons, pop pop breaks up the wind
drinking beer from the largest cooler one can imagine
family and bratwust, burgers and hot dogs
burnt marshmellows for dessert
the stuff dreams are made of
my son running around in fatigues with an army canteen and boots and a camo hat that were given to him. The oldest grandson who gets to try it all out first.
fishing in the steam with his Pappy
happy as can be
a ride up the road takes us to visit the farm
my daughter cuddles a one day old chick in her hand
the cowboy who runs the farm tells her she can keep it if she wants.
"We'll keep it out here, at the ranch" says Mommy
There are chickens and hens
then on to the cows
we walk right into the field with them
mooing away
they just hang out there
just to roam
stars so bright and many
how did we get here
I ask?
We are tired and spend from our fist weekend at the ranch.
There's a whole new world to explore
a gift that has fallen into our lap
we are happy and grateful
and due to take a good, long, hot, bath
back in the city.