​Twenty-one thousand and nine hundred days old. Plus some days for the occasional leap year thrown in along the way. A number that size conjures up thoughts of relics and historic artifacts. To me, those would be compliments. There is a lot of history attached to anyone entering their seventh decade. Let's face it, one could be called worse. 

I find, at this precipice of the seventh decade, I am at a place where life is getting started. It’s a simmering pot of the previous six decades. Waiting to explode on the horizon with me holding the reins. What a ride it is going to be!

How do you feel about the age you are?

​Ann Edall-Robson
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life​​​​

What’s in a name?  That, I suppose depends on what the name is being used for. 

Product and websites need a catchy tag that gets your attention. People on the other hand have names that they had no choice in receiving and sometimes wished they didn’t have. 

Towns and cities may have started with one name when our forefathers arrived, only to have it changed to something quite different when railroads, governments and more people infiltrated the land. 

It is interesting to learn about the history of the towns and their names. I have found one book to add to our library that has been a reference point for a lot of our road trips. ​

Harry M. Sanders wrote a book called The Story Behind Alberta Names - How Cities, Town, Villages and Hamlets Got their Names. It’s a source of excellent historical and travel information.

Ann Edall-Robson
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life​​​​

Goodness from the garden. Be it your garden, a neighbours or the local farmer's market. Fresh vegetables make all the difference when you are baking something good to eat. One of my favourite loaf recipes uses root vegetables.

This versatile loaf pairs nicely with tea and coffee. Serve to guests, add to lunches or eat for dessert.  

​Ann Edall-Robson
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life​​​

The first time I drove the narrow dirt road to Silver Valley Ranch, I was on a quest to clear the mind and pursue the importance of living. I figured joining others for one night of Hearts in Harmony Women's Connection Evening, would be just what I needed. I had done my homework and read up on the ranch and its herd of horses that can help you heal, make changes, move on (if you let them). This, I was told, is what these horses that live here, are notorious for. They are known as The Tribe.

It was not a shock to this woman, who had been raised around horses and ridden for years to be drawn to a particular mare. It was like a slap in the face to have her wait for me to reach her before she turned her back on me. I felt like I had been snubbed by a best friend. 

I couldn't believe what I actually said out loud in the ensuing circle of other like minded souls. "It was like she told me to get my shit together. Find your priorities, and then we will visit." But, like they say, you can't take words back, and these ones seemed to have a profound impact on me. Along with the fact that that my hard headedness was going to prove the mare wrong! 

I know, this sounds hokey. Horses can't talk. But from years of experience, I know they will guide you if you connect with them. 

Twice more, I spent evenings at the ranch, with the same result. I wasn't interested in being accepted by any of the other members of the four legged tribe or the people who came out. It was this mare that I had connected with. It was her acceptance that mattered. 

Making change for someone who is constantly busy with multiple projects, is not easy. But, I can tell you, it is do-able. Reducing the load. Saying no. The infusion of me time. And, the thought that maybe, the darned horse had been right, all made it easier to refine life. 

Several months later, on a whim, I decided to attend an open house at Silver Valley Ranch.  I already knew about the programs they offered (none of which include actually riding a horse) and decided I would go. I contacted owner, Meagan Saum to get permission to take my camera. My thought was, I didn't need the horses. I already knew how that was working out, but I had also been drawn to the land surrounding the buildings and perhaps the opportunity to take some pictures would sooth the soul. 

Others that attended made a b-line for the horses when that part of the afternoon was offered. Me, I headed for the gate to the pasture to take pictures. Relaxing in the sun. Listening to the geese flying overhead. Not paying any attention to the goings on across the yard. 

It was Meagan who came to me to say someone wanted to talk to me. Not knowing the other attendees, I went to see who she would introduce me to. What a surprise when she took me to the corral at the back of the building where there were no people. Standing to one side was the mare that had snubbed me for months. Her eyes, like the first day I met her, were focused on me. Drawing me in. 

My thought, "Your're kidding!". She wasn't. The next half hour was spent quietly with this compassionate being. Again, I know it sounds unreal, but the acceptance by an animal and how they react to you is paramount in how your life can unfold. 

This is only the beginning of the many gifts I have been given because of my first visit to this beautiful place called Silver Valley Ranch. My travels there to visit are casual. A place that I have been privileged to roam. A place I can unplug. A place that I know I am welcome, weather to visit The Tribe or walk the land.

And yes, the mare still speaks to me from across the expanse of land that she calls home.

People. The kind that smile when they say hello to strangers and give hugs to newly acquainted friends. Those you might meet and never see again, but they make an impact on you. They leave a footprint in your heart and soul. They made you smile. 

People. Their memories and anecdotes conjuring up scenarios intertwined with life. Moulding the stories and poetry on the pages of Moon Rising: An Eclectic Collection of Works. ​

People. They inspired pen to paper and ultimately added Moon Rising to their collection of books and gave them as gifts.

People. Thank you for your support and your comments. 

​Oh, man! What was I thinking? The 4’ x 8’ chunk of potential xeriscape land is way bigger than I thought. Well, I guess it isn’t, but it sure seems that way. 

“Where to start?” Was the question that almost ended the transition from old flower bed to planned new garden space. 

I needed a list. I always work better with a list. This one received the heading of “Flower Bed to Xeriscape - How to Tackle?”. 

As the list progressed, the project was starting to look good (on paper). Everything seems straight forward. No roadblocks or snags. I’m already liking the paper version of my Xeriscape garden. 

Excerpts from Flower Bed to Xeriscape - How to Tackle?

1. Assess the situation. 
    - Make a list of plants I think I want here. Yes, I am notorious for lists. They work for me, what can I say. 
    - Assess the situation, again. Short list the plants.
    - Contact friends and family to see if they want any of the plants that have to go.

2. The work begins.
    - Clear the space.
        Rake out any debris, ground cover and dead plants.
    - Dig out ALL the plants. 
        Ready space in the rogue garden or flower pots for the keepers.
3. What's currently planted in the space?  
      - Day lilies, peonies, rue, flax, daisies and a few hyacinth and tulips and sedums thrown in for filler. 
4. Hope the friends and family show up to pick up their plants. 

I wonder if everyone will stay away until I am done all the preliminary work? 

​Life was good, so to speak. The project was on track, and then it started to rain! And it rained, and rained and rained. Day after day after day. Mother Nature managed to put the whole thing on hold and until things dry out some, the next phase will have to wait. The promise of hot, dry weather is in the forecast. Since this is not a hurry up job, it’s time to review and reflect on where I am and where I am going with it. 

More reading and planning. More wandering from here to there looking at the space to see if I need to change my thinking.  Time to re-visit the paper version to fill in holes of the recorded
thought process and adjust the lists. ​Oh yes, there is more than one list!

Soon, it will start to come together (I hope). 

​Ann Edall-Robson
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life​​

In recent years, flea markets, junk yards, garage and yard sales, basements and attics have all been recognized as treasure chests. These places are home to antiques, memorabilia and junk. 

A little imagination, along with the unique suggestions from the pages of this book, and your yard will have a character like no other. The operative word here is imagination, because after reading this book, you will chastise yourself for throwing out some perfectly good garden accessories. Incorporate everything from tin cans to car springs and cutlery into your outdoor setting. Your deck, patio and yard can have unusual pieces that will not be found at the local garden and yard decorating centres.

Visualize old garden tools as a support for clematis, scarlet runner beans or sweet peas. Metal containers such as pots, buckets and tin cans housing your herbs. Books and foot wear that have been damaged beyond repair or restoration once again come alive and will become the centre of conversation when used as planters.

This book provides an abundance of pictures that give you every opportunity to invent a work of art that adds personality to both inside and outside decor.

The old adage that one man's junk is another man's treasure is confirmed in page after page in this intriguing by Leeann MacKenzie.

Ann Edall-Robson
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life​

​The trailer’s unhooked and parked at the edge of the field in the trees. Horses have been unloaded, brushed down and are tied where they can relax until they're needed. The truck, backed up to the arena fence and tale-gate dropped. Ready to become front row seating for the early morning slack and afternoon performance. ​

Hamburgers and onions cooking on the grill at the outdoor concession stand. The smell waifs through the air along with the aroma of strong brewed coffee.  All mingling with the odours of the rodeo grounds.

The announcer has done his sound check. The rodeo clown is finishing his face paint and running through his scheduled antics in his mind.

Stock contractor trucks had pulled in the day before to unload the rough stock. Local ranchers supplying calves and steers have long since been and gone in the early morning hours. All the animals safely penned in corrals behind the arena.

The performance starts with a grand entry. Introducing community leaders and organizers that have worked hard in preparation of this day. Recognition will be given to the oldest and youngest entrants, local celebrities such as a student who has won a scholarship, rodeo royalty from another town, the timers, the judges and pick up men.

For those who came, performed their best, and maybe, just maybe, were lucky enough to take home a little bit of the prize money, the luck of the draw was on their side.

​At the end of the day when the trucks and trailers pull out of the rodeo grounds, heading home, there was a comfortable feeling of belonging. ​

This was rodeo forty odd years ago.

I didn’t have to go very far to find the recipe for Bread Pudding. The old fashioned kind that was a dessert main stay from kitchens of the 1900's. Easy to make from memory and then found in cookbooks written in that era. 

Mom’s Blue Ribbon Cook Book (circa 1940’s) is my go to book for these old time favourites.  Instructions, as you can see, are interesting, to say the least. ​

Bread Pudding (Steamed) - 2 cups bread crumbs, 1/2 cup molasses, 1 cup hot water poured on the bread, 1 cup flour, 1 cup raisins, 1/2 teaspoon Blue Ribbon soda, 1 tablespoon melted butter, 1 egg, Blue Ribbon spices to taste, milk if required. Steam 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Good and inexpensive. (Verbatim)

Download Recipe for Not Your Momma's Bread Pudding. 

Now for the topping.  This is one of the best sauces I have made. A little goes a long way, but it compliments anything it is paired with.