Monday, December 5, 2016

The nine-year itch

 I started this blog in October 2007, a few days after bringing George and Alan home.
That was nine years ago, for those of you whose math and memory is as bad as mine.



 George and Alan haven't changed much.



 They're still as feisty and entertaining as always.
Me, not so much.



 After nine years of almost daily posts, I fear I may have run out of things
to photograph and share, at least on a predictable basis.



 Don't be sad about it, George.
It's not like I'm going to shut down the page.



 It's just that the posts will likely be fewer and farther between than they've already become,



 unless something really exciting and blogworthy happens,



 in which case you won't be able to shut me up.



Meanwhile, I've got some serious d-i-y projects in the works, 
and those are usually good for a laugh or two.



 So don't be worrying about or reading too much into the non-daily updates from the 7MSN.
We'll still be here, if only every now and then...



...like when George escapes into the front yard.



59 comments:

  1. Thank you for 9 years of entertaining us - without renumeration! - almost every day.. I'll check on you and look forward to when you do post.. I'll look for you at Pie Town. ~sniff~ Aunt Jean

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  2. George in the front yard is certainly worthy of a post. and I LOVE your front yard

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  3. Posting has to be about something. Sometimes it just doesn't come up in a day. That is life. Real life. Enjoy your evolution!

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  4. Yes, thank you for so much joy over the last 9 years. I loved watching the antics of all of you! Well, maybe fewer snake wrangling pictures. From Deets to Hank and to George, Allen, Smooch, and Johnny, I have loved you all. Maybe they are ready for fewer paparazzi snaps? I will still check in on you and enjoy your photos and projects.

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  5. Maybe giving yourself a little break will lead to more ideas in a different way. I think bloggers need those breaks now and again even though their readers don't feel it was getting stale for them.

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  6. Love your blog. Maybe on the days you don't put something new you could do "this day 9 years ago"...I know I would love to see it all over again and probably forgot so much. Lisa G in TN

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  7. Ditto, Donatella. We will all miss checking in on the happenings at 7 Miles South of Nowhere. Maybe a once-a-month-summary? Thank you again.

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  8. We all have to take a break from the day-to-day stuff once in awhile, Linda. So, will check this page at least once a week to see if anything exciting has happened down there at your place. I always do a daily thing on Facebook about what I have on the calendar for any given day ... sometimes the only thing on the calendar is the date!! If I can fill in the blanks, great ... if not ... then it's just another day in Colorado. Every single day cannot always be filled with exciting stuff!! Hugs from CO ... Marcia

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  9. Loved the 9 years of the 7MSN. Thanks for sharing so much of your life!

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  10. I've been working weird hours lately and haven't always had time to check in. When I do,i read them all at once, so things will be about the same for me. I can't wait to see some DIY posts though. Have fun and enjoy life.

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  11. It isn't supposed to be a chore. You have lots of those already :) So many memories you have shared. If you never posted a new blog again, an absolute treasure trove is here for the looking. Hard to believe the boys are nine already. And yes, the DIY projects can be entertaining. But don't take chances that can cause injury. We know you.

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  12. I'll miss your near-daily posts a lot, but I completely understand and hope this new space in your life fills with peace and happiness. (And, I'm glad to read this post today - when we don't hear from you in a while I worry about the reason. My reaction today: "Oh no" and also "Whew!")

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  13. Northern AB gal12/5/16, 7:01 AM

    I understand but it still makes me sad :( Will miss reading your blog to start my day but am thankful for all you have shared with us.

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  14. At first I thought George had gone blonde! I don't blame you, I think you'll become more creative in your home and life. Something different...all of us need a change. I also know all the crazy things that happen all on their own on the ranch so we'll be waiting for when it does.

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  15. I'll still check in every morning. Thank you!
    XO

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  16. You will be missed....as you are a part of my morning routine. And I am sure you are a part of many others'. But....after as many years myself, I completely understand. Keep us posted with any changes to the 7MSN....otherwise we will imagine you as you have been for the past nine years!

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  17. I will look forward to your posts no matter how often they occur.
    Lynda in Michigan

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  18. Finding George in the front yard is plenty worthy of a blog. Now you MUST keep us apprised of Miss Smooch's recovery. Is she coneless yet? And don't forget we need chicken/egg updates. And of course JCC....he's a blog unto himself. And if you start remodeling...please ask our opinion...we have LOTS! If you get bored (which won't happen no doubt). Check out the Goats of Anarchy. They're over in New Jersey. She only has a facebook page at the moment. But it might give you an idea for a new resident or two. You and the critters stay warm!

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    1. They're also on Instagram! I happened upon them a couple weeks ago when the story about their anxious goat wearing the little duck suit was all over the news. :-)

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  19. You, the menagerie, and your farm and photos have been such a joy to all of us here on November Hill. I will miss the regular posts because I love them all, even when you find them less than exciting. But I totally get the desire to let go of that daily finding of material and am right there with you when it comes to the number of projects that await - the maintenance here never ends. I don't hope for wild exciting things that beg to be blogged but I hope maybe the photo ops are so spectacular you're at least moved to post them! Let us know if you come east for a visit or to live!

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  20. bettypatton@gmail12/5/16, 7:53 AM

    If you are running out of things to post -- get a couple of goats!

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  21. I am very glad that you'll not disappear completely. I just read the final, farewell post of another blogger that I follow and it was like losing a best friend - how can I not know how things are with her and hers? - so I'm so happy you'll check in now and again. I never did get around to starting my own blog because the amount of time to dedicate to it seemed intimidating (& finding interesting things to blog about in my rather mundane existence?!)so I understand your decision to slow down. From one Golden Girl to another - thank you for being a frie-e-end! See you in the funny papers.

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  22. thanks for the update! You know we worry :-) I promise I won't worry or read to much into absence now. There is a season for everything. We look forward to some good laughs with the upcoming DIYs!

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  23. Michelle from Vancouver12/5/16, 8:40 AM

    Every morning I check in to see what you guys are up too.
    The laughs, tears, hi jinks and everything in between made me feel very connected to the ranch, thank you for sharing. I will check back everyday just out of habit and hoping to see a post.

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    1. Ditto, everything! Me, too.

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    2. Me three! :-)

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    3. me four. can't live happy without news from 7 MSN

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  24. I'll miss your daily posts as I look forward to them but understand it is like a second job for you. I will enjoy them no matter how far apart they are and good luck on your DIY projects. Can't wait to see what they are. Betsy

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  25. I will miss seeing your sweeties daily but please don't forget us!!!

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  26. Your daily posts have been like a friendly talk over the fence with a good neighbor to catch up on the news. I certainly understand but it feels like you are moving! Be well and all the best to you and your animals.

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  27. I understand burnout, sometimes we are surprised to realize something we thought was dear to our hearts just.... isn't so much anymore.
    For a very long time, I've loved visiting the 7MSN, & I'll watch for whenever you might have time or inclination to post/ But (speaking truth) I'll miss you, because who could ever tire of donkey pictures?
    Be well.

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  28. I have loved you. I will miss you.
    Marty in NC

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  29. I know the feeling. Enjoy your DIY projects and we will all get to see what you are up to when you have the time and the inclination. I feel lucky to have stumbled upon your blog so long ago, and then to have met you and to have seen 7MSN. I love my blog friends!

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  30. Have you ever seen a set of cookie cutters in a tin? Well, my heart is like that. I have holes the shape of Smooch, Johnnie, George, Lucy, Alan, Hank, Wynonna, the girls, and you! There is a connection of love that I feel for all your babies and you. I'm so thankful for that. I'm computer illiterate, so I have no clue how hard it is to do a blog. I just know I enjoy, beyond measure, feeling a part of your life while reading all about what's going on at the 7MSN. THANK YOU, for all the years of faithful posts and beautiful images. I so understand burnout. It's no fun. I appreciate you taking the time today to let us know you are ok. I was getting worried! Hoping you will have a feeling of freedom and abandon from the 'dailiness' of the blog. Hoping you will keep us posted from time to time on things. I will be here everyday, reading 'older' posts, with ever the hopeful heart of finding a new page of news. Until then, please know you are loved! and appreciated! Thanks for all the years of faithful posting...

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  31. Enjoyed them all! If you are at a standstill, it's time to get another Donkey!

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  32. I feel like I am losing a friend...but I understand where you are coming from. You do you boo!

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  33. Like others, the 7MSN is a part of my morning routine. I worried at first when the daily news vanished, but then realized you needed more time for yourselves. It's hard to give up a habit after 9 years, but I will still check in and wait for more adventures from the heart of NM. We send you love from the heart of Tennessee. I will let you know when I finally make the snake catcher!*lol* This year I have missed seeing any but the one who crawled along the water tank and put his head on the boss man's boot. It was a grey rat snake and we have been doing our best to yodel up more of them for the barn. (No barn cats anymore.)We are thankful for rain! I helped the firemen stop the brush fire across the street last week...dressed in pajamas and barefoot snugged up leaning into the wild roses and blackberry bushes in the front fence reaching as far as I could with the hosepipe. See, we have excitement here too! Never as much as the 7MSN. Will keep checking in.
    (PS: we had a special service on Nov 16th at Tiger's grave...1st anniversary of his loss. He now has a
    burgundy color Buddha, horse windchimes, and special rocks.)

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  34. Will miss your daily posts, but will look forward to when you do post! Glad you gave us a heads up so we won't worry about you! I can't believe it has already been 9 years! Where has the time gone? Have you figured out where you will retire yet?

    Sydney
    NE Oklahoma

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  35. Send out a tweet once in awhile, so we know you're okay.

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  36. Totally get what you're talking about. Things do change in our lives, and we need to roll with it. Just remember, we're easy to please. And when in doubt, just snap a closeup of Johnny on a shelf. Or not! :-)

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  37. Thanks so much for all the posts.

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  38. I love your blog and the posts you have shared. Your sense of humour and your furry friends/kids always makes me smile. Thank you! I will still look forward to when you do the occasional post. For now, I will most likely read over older posts when I need my 7MSN fix. :)

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  39. An American in Tokyo12/5/16, 4:55 PM

    I understand and hope you'll keep in touch!
    I'll check in every now and then and hope to see a new post.
    Please share your Christmas decorations with us, if you do any this year!!!

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  40. Absence makes the heart grow fonder... (as if that is possible ;D)
    P.S. I have been searching for info about a 2017 calendar. Cafe Press has 2011 and 2016 models listed. Anything current in the works?

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    1. Thanks for asking. Here's a link to this year's:
      http://www.lulu.com/shop/linda-carson/my-calendar/calendar/product-22969008.html

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    2. Ugh - apparently I didn't scroll all the way down. Thanks Linda!

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  41. I had a feeling this was coming. Maybe you can use some time now to do more research on where you want to retire to. You know we'll all have opinions on where you go!

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  42. I have enjoyed reading all that happens at 7MSN over the years, thanks for all the smiles, laughs and yes a few tears. Have a lovely Christmas what you do, and I will still be checking in to see what you happens in 2017! Love and best wishes always.
    Wendy that was in Thailand now back in Australia :-)

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  43. I've enjoyed reading your posts with my breakfast. I will keep watch for all new developments as they tap off your keyboard. Thank you. Laurie

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  44. And we will be out here ... always happy to see an update from your neck of the woods.

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  45. Thank you for the many years of starting off my day. You will be missed! Will keep checking back for all new posts. Karen

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  46. I'm so glad you posted the info on your calendar. I didn't want to bother you about it in case you weren't doing one this year. But I've been buying one each year since you started and can't bear to toss the old ones out. :) I'm sad , but kinda felt this news was coming. I hope you continue to update us as things happen on the ranch. I will truly miss the donkey antics, the hens, Johnny and of course Smooch. I hope all is well with you. I will continue to check in for updates. Thank you for sharing your life with us. Rosanne

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  47. Ditto to what everyone else said. Just don't go away for too long. Sue

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  48. I love the photos. A simple sunrise or sunset will keep me smiling :) ... and the odd fuzzy ear or two ... or 6 !?


    M in NC

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  49. Understable.
    Sad, none the less.

    I know: I'll pray the Heavens will send you a new critter somehow. Wild, tame, young, old, something that needs a warm and loving home. As long as it's got a heartbeat, I know you will love it. And take MILLIONS of pictures from it.
    I'll come round regularly, just checking!
    xxxxxxx from Amsterdam

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  50. How about a 'Live Cam' in the back 40? We could catch glimpses of the herd every now and then, and you would have complete privacy in and around your homestead/bard! I bet there's a solar powered somethin' out there...my wish list for this Christmas.

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  51. We will welcome photos/comments/videos from you whenever you feel like posting them. This is always my favorite pick-me-up at the beginning of the day, even if I don't post a comment.

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  52. glad you're not completely leaving. :) I visit off and on and it's never disappointing. love everything you've done...followed your heart...loving animals. :)
    best to you and your loved ones this holiday and always.
    sincerely,
    Marie aka animal lover :)

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  53. Glad your not leaving completely too.Love your critters and your humor.Keep in touch a lot of people here care.Enjoy your free time.

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