I grew up in the country as a farmer's daughter. And while we did not live on the farm the main portion of my youth was spent living in the country.

My first "job" during the summers, was hitching cotton trailers for my Dad. Of course, this meant getting up at dawn, napping in the truck, ice cream sandwiches at least once a day, riding in full cotton trailers and being exhausted at night. Plus a few bruised shins!

All of my family members participated in hunting, either actually hunting or in processing the meat, sitting in blinds, etc.. Including both of my Grandmothers, my Mother and Great Aunt; and of course the men - my Dad and Grandfather.

After school my preferred "play" activity was taking my 2 German Shephards and playing on the canal bank (of course this was forbidden). Or taking a Classic comic or a book, climbing a tree and reading.

It has always been a dream to own, work and live on a ranch. And when the opportunity occurred, Shadow Mountain Ranch was purchased.

I am lucky and very fortunate to have an extended family of friends that share and/or are tolerate of the dream. Many who have contributed not only fantastic ideas, support and lots of sweat equity.

Eventually we hope to have a compound on part of the Ranch where homes will be built. There is a nasty rumor going around that a house in town will also have to be included!!!