The day arrived when Tommy's Fish Truck would be in our local area and it was time to stock our two ponds. Rhonda and Rachel traveled to
Carmi to purchase the fish, while Mark was at work, and Trey and Amanda took Maggie for a rabies shot, and Rio Bravo to be gelded. Divide and conquer!
The order of fish was large, and the twelve bags filled the back end as well as the middle seat of the Escape. There were
Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Red-ear, and Minnows.
Once Rachel, Rhonda, and the fish arrived at Providence Prairie, Trey and Amanda were waiting with a stake and some twine to help float the fish in the water to
acclimate them to the pond's temperature.
After about fifteen minutes, Mark arrived home from work and helped in the process of removing the fish from the bags, freeing them to their new life in the ponds. Strangely enough, the minnows looked like small slender goldfish.
In our recreational/swimming pond behind the cabin, we watched as the fish swam away. Soon, our Muscovy duck arrived back from his wanderings at the barn.
We wondered if he would eat the fish but figured they would be under the water enough by then that he couldn't harm them. Catching the movement of a fish out of the corner of his eye, he began swimming faster and faster until he caught up with the fish and gobbled it up! We were horrified as we watched him eat five or six of our newly purchased minnows! If you look closely at the picture, you can see a tiny little spot that he is eyeing---the fish.
Maggie, a few sticks, and some waving arms helped to scare him away, but I'm sure he'll be back. In a short time, they should be dispersed throughout the pond doing their job of feeding the bass that we anticipate will grow and reproduce. We sure hope Mr. Oliver Muscovy won't eat too many new fish before they do.
Maybe in a few years, we'll have some good
fishin' in our ponds!
Our stairs are installed, calculated and crafted by Trey and Rhonda, complete with a hickory railing. Upstairs bedrooms are finished and in place, and we are moving on to the downstairs finishing the walls and moving our way to the kitchen. 
Before long, we won't know what to do with ourselves- our house will be done! Well, we are sure to find lots to do besides! 
We have barns, a workshop, etc. to build--- and is a house ever really finished???
Coming to the United States on "holiday," Kay escorted them to Providence Prairie for a grand tour of the countryside and to see our menagerie of animals up close and personal! 
We had such fun showing them around. Ed took up with the equine.
The young calf fell in love with Ann and vice-versa. 
England has arrived to visit Providence Prairie! And we are so glad they took time out of their busy travels to visit. Thank you Kay!
"See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. 
Our pigs are out on the field again with a purpose! With the panels that Trey and Mark fashioned our pigs have become root-a-tillers! Using their noses as plows, they are turning the soil as their pens are moved twice daily down the field.c.jpg)
The pigs root up the ground, while dropping natural "fertilizer" as they work. Our root-a-tillers are hard at work!
Clancy is a young boy who was very sick with pneumonia and is just now recovering. The doctor bills were high and Ruritans helped to raise money to offset the medical costs. There was a silent auction, singing by several different groups, a meal, etc. The whole event raised almost $6,000! They were quite pleased with the result of the effort put forth by so many!
Happy Birthday, May 6
Happy Birthday, May 12