The River

For Diana

Diana was someone everyone remembers with love- from her big brown eyes, great smile, to her fun personality - Diana was truly a friend to everyone.  She never needed to search a phone book for friends to call - everyone called her - vyng for her attention and social calendar.  Diana had a social life that would tire the most hardy of us.  Okay, I am her sister, and yes -  I am telling you the truth!

I've never written about my loved ones that have passed before me - except in journals - but I would like to begin to tell the stories that have passed between these people and myself - in Memorium.  I have only just begun.  I can only tell these stories from my perspective - so, forgive me for not remembering all the details so well.

Animal Memories: GERONIMO 1990-2011

GERONIMO
1990-2011
I am priviledged to have lived with a cat having been graced with so many super powers - he lived 21 years - beyond feline normal lifespan, lived inside and out - being master of the woods and the house.  Geronimo tops the age of my dog Spunky that lived to be 20.  Having cared for animals to this lifespan - I feel good about what I do.  But not all of my animals have lived long lives - so it depends on the genetics of the animal, as well, and fate or fortune.  He had an appetite for mouse, bird, and rabbit - which he hunted with an instant kill technique.  Each new dog understood immediately that his space and this cat was not to be reckoned with.  He charmed most family and friends, who asked after him frequently.  Geronimo would keep me warm on many a cold night by myself in the country after a long ride to see after him.  He would stay here during the week, when I was only a weekender at the time - and I would call out his name. An easy name to bellow.  G E R O N I M O . . . And all cats would receive a Native American name for the symbolism of what they represent - the spirit of nature.  Over the 21 years at Ambrosia Farms, he gave us many many moments of astonishment and love - and I cry simply that he will be missed, but I am thankful for his long and healthy life!  I think Geronimo will say thank you for the time we spent together.  I think he was a very happy and contented cat.

 " I was born on the prairies where the wind blew free and there was nothing to break the light of the sun.  I was born where there were no enclosures."


Note on Cat Health
All our cats at the farm enjoy the outdoors and that is mostly where they are roaming with the exception of some frosty winter nights, when not tucked into some hay in the barn or on the furnace in the basement, they are snuggled up near and under the warmth of the wood stove.  For food, I have used the "Dads" brand, the cheapest in the supermarket, which I put out in mornings and at night.  They have free access to water from our stream.  They receive milk regularly as a treat.  I also buy the canned food from Friskies as a treat - Geronimo ate this frequently the last year of his life.  Up until the last day, he ate half a can every other day.  His last day he could not stand, and this was the day of his death.  I do not euthanize my animals anymore - if they are dying from old age.  I allow them a natural death, which generally lasts no more than 24 hours, from the time they stop eating.  This is merciful, to me, for they don't seem to suffer as a numbness develops until they take their last breath.  When animals stop eating and they are aged, they will take their last breath naturally, and this seems okay to me - I try and hold them in the last hours.  They are comforted by my touch, I think.  I try not to interfere with the process of
natural death by interceding and thereby extending suffering beyond 24 hours to months and years.

Cats have access to wildlife which they harvest at will.  They sleep alot on our porch and in the hills. They call out and follow me as I walk and do chores for petting and hugs or food.  We have always had a dozen cats here - it's part of the life on a farm.  There is space.  I think that is the thing that keeps them so healthy.  I have only used Fus-Sol drops on occasion as Geronimo got on in years and periodically developed crystals in his urine.  And this was quickly resolved with the drops.  Also, I used antibiotic drops for severe congestion or colds very rarely.  Cats are the picture of optimal health on our farm.  We have all been lucky that way.

History of Names

I name all my cats after native American Indian tribes and all my goats after Greek gods and goddess.

Ambrosia Farms is about preserving history and tradition.  Learning the history of names brings knowledge of  peoples and cultures.

Baby Goats - Kids born on June 2nd 2011

2011 Births

March 30th - Born to Doe Sorrelina/ Buck Butler
Aither - god of shining light of blue sky.
Khaos - goddess of the gap between heaven and earth, mist , mother of darkness, night, and the birds.

June 2nd - Born to Doe Further/ Buck Butler
Notus - god of wet and stormy - heralded summer
Oreithyia - goddess of cold, gusty winds

We have 2 more kids to add to our herd.  Please come see them - one doe and one buckling.

Very cute at this stage and always!  Goats are fun!