Author Archives: llzranch

About llzranch

parent, writer, counselor, gardener, environmentalist

How to be happy in January

Posted on January 28, 2019

I’ve been thinking about selecting a good topic to discuss this January, but the grey sky, wind chills, and snow are like a blizzard in my brain, obscuring creativity.  Some days, when the sun shines on new snow, however,  my … Continue reading →

Posted in Gardening, horses, Mental Health, peace, pets, Uncategorized, writing | Leave a comment

Retirement Anxiety

Posted on December 29, 2018

I’ve worked part-time selling irrigation parts, in a kitchen dish room, and winding used film.  My full-time jobs include working for a grant-funded group home, a developmental disabilities office, and a state college. I’ve been employed in some capacity for … Continue reading →

Posted in Age, Change, Mental Health, peace, Travel, writing | Leave a comment

Water

Posted on November 17, 2018

Managing Without Plumbed Water I’ve been writing this blog to help me think about how and when to retire.  My decision is made.  I’ll be parting from my employer at the end of November, but I’d change that date if … Continue reading →

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Seasons

Posted on October 23, 2018

There’s been a little snow here early this fall after weeks of wet cold, and now late October warm sunshine.  As the season progresses, I’m progressing toward retirement.  I selected a last workday, and turned in a letter to make … Continue reading →

Posted in Age, Gardening, horses, Mental Health, peace, Uncategorized, writing | 2 Comments

Barn Swallows

Posted on September 23, 2018

The barn swallows are gone for this year.  They left sometime in September. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Barn_Swallow/id I watch for their return Mid-May every year in Nebraska.  I know they will leave end of summer and think I’ll say good-bye this year. I … Continue reading →

Posted in Age, birds, Change, Mental Health, peace, writing | Leave a comment

Animal Friends

Posted on September 4, 2018

We make commitments to each other in our marriage vows, to our children when we decide to become parents, and to the animals that share our lives.   Dogs and cats sometimes live 15 years, but horses can live 25 … Continue reading →

Posted in Age, Change, horses, peace, pets, writing | Leave a comment

Hail Storm to Heat Wave

Posted on August 15, 2018

A severe thunderstorm with hail swept though eastern Nebraska  and into Iowa on Father’s Day.  I drove from a family reunion 70 miles west of my house, back toward home late afternoon.  It was sunny and 75 degrees at the … Continue reading →

Posted in Age, Change, Gardening, pets, Travel, writing | 1 Comment