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RizzieFarms – On the Farm

Life on RizzieFarms

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Life on RizzieFarms is a hands-on, heart-filled journey through rural living. From early morning walks through dew-covered pastures to afternoons filled with building, repairing, and discovering, every day is a story.

We love to build things—from farm structures to clever DIY solutions—and we’re always improving and experimenting. On our morning walks, we enjoy quiet time together, observing seasonal changes and wildlife that roam freely across the land.

Farm equipment is part of the rhythm of our work, and we take pride in keeping it running, often learning as we go. Fixing-it is a constant, whether it’s mending fences or tweaking irrigation systems—there's always something to tackle.

Wildlife at RizzieFarms is abundant and always surprising. From deer and foxes to birds of prey, each encounter reminds us how closely we live with nature. We also make time for having fun—from small adventures to moments of laughter and rest.

And then there’s Rizzie—our namesake, our spirit, and often our companion in all things farm life. Whether she’s running through the fields or curled up after a long day, Rizzie represents the joy and love at the heart of everything we do.

RizzieFarms Projects

Building a Blue Bird House

At RizzieFarms, we built custom bluebird houses from reclaimed fence boards, turning scraps into sanctuary. The results were immediate—dozens of bluebirds nested, hatched, and fledged, adding vibrant life and song to our fields. What began as a simple DIY project became a success story in supporting native wildlife and sustainable reuse.
Wishing Well

Our square brick well pump enclosure at RizzieFarms was purely functional—until we gave it a rustic makeover. Using scrap wood and rusted tin roofing, we transformed it into a charming centerpiece that now looks like an old-fashioned wishing well. The blend of weathered textures and repurposed materials adds character to the farm and makes our once-ordinary pump house a favorite photo spot for visitors.
Bent Wood Sapling Arbor

At RizzieFarms, we harvested slender saplings from our own woods and hand-bent them into a graceful arbor for the well house garden. This natural structure frames the path with rustic charm, blending seamlessly into the landscape. Built entirely from foraged materials, the arbor celebrates both creativity and sustainability—an invitation to walk beneath nature’s own architecture.

Sun Dogs

On a crisp morning walk at RizzieFarms, we were treated to a rare and beautiful sight—double sun dogs glowing on either side of the rising sun. As we strolled with our dog Rizzie and our neighbor walked her dog Tux, the sky shimmered with arcs of light in the cold air. It was one of those simple, magical farm moments when nature pauses you in your tracks and reminds you to look up.
Fog Bow

While on a quiet morning walk at RizzieFarms, we caught a glimpse of a rare and delicate phenomenon—a fog bow arcing silently across the misty field. Unlike a rainbow, it appeared almost colorless, a pale, ghostly halo suspended in the fog. The moment felt otherworldly, as if the farm had slipped into a dream. Nature has a way of surprising us, even on the most familiar paths.
Bridge Out - Road Construction

On our morning walks, we noticed that the culvert in the valley beneath our road was beginning to fail—its small stream undermining the roadway as cracks formed in the blacktop above. It wasn’t long before the county closed the road entirely, citing potential structural failure. Over the next six months, we observed daily progress as crews replaced the outdated infrastructure with a modern drainage system. The detour became a temporary part of our walking routine, and we watched the transformation unfold from start to finish.
Dung Beetle

On one of our early morning walks in Madison, Georgia, we spotted a fascinating little creature hard at work—a dung beetle diligently rolling a golf ball-sized, hairy ball across the road. Despite its size, the beetle pushed the load with impressive determination, navigating pebbles and cracks with precision. We paused to watch, amazed by the strength and purpose of such a tiny creature. Nature always has a way of surprising us—even in the middle of a quiet country road.
Donna

Every morning walk at RizzieFarms brings something special, but passing by Donna’s house is always a highlight. We love Donna. From the very first time we met her—when she gifted us fresh eggs from her flock—we knew she was one of a kind.

Donna’s little homestead is bustling with life: chickens, goats, turkeys, ducks, and dogs all make their presence known. But what really makes her place unforgettable is her over-the-top decorations. Whether it’s Halloween, Christmas, or Valentine’s Day (which also happens to be her birthday), Donna transforms her yard into a magical spectacle of lights, color, and joy.

And if you happen to miss the decorations, you can’t miss her tiny car—there’s an alien in the window, always waving back at you with a grin.

Donna brings a bit of whimsy and warmth to every day. We’re lucky to call her a neighbor.
Gymnastics

A cool morning stroll turned into a joyful parade as our visiting Texas family joined us for a walk down the quiet country road. With a big group in tow—including our energetic 14-year-old great-nephew—we laughed, caught up, and soaked in the fresh air. He flipped and cartwheeled ahead of us like a one-man acrobatic show, full of energy and ease. We all agreed: youth really is wasted on the young.
Lucy

Every morning starts the same—with a joyful ritual we’ve come to cherish. Our neighbor Debbie’s dog, Lucy, an energetic Australian Aussie, was born to catch a frisbee. Before we even head out for a walk, she’s already waiting, eyes bright, tail wagging, ready for her big moment.

It’s become a highlight of the day—for us and for her. There’s just something special about watching her leap through the air with that natural Aussie grace. She knows it’s her time to shine, and honestly, we look forward to it as much as she does.
Patterns in the Pavement

Every morning, we head out down the quiet country roads near home—no agenda, no rush—just the rhythm of our feet and the rustle of the breeze. The roads are the kind stitched together with old cracks and tar patches—“tar snakes,” they call them. But to us, they’re more than just road repair. They’re sketches. Stories. Rorschach tests etched in black.

With each step, our eyes find patterns in the pavement—like a hidden language whispered by the asphalt. A coiled serpent here, a flying bird there. A face, a fern, a mermaid tail. Strange and beautiful shapes that seem to shift depending on how the morning light hits them, how our minds are tuned.

We started taking pictures—not of the landscape or the sky, but of the ground at our feet. Because in these cracks and swirls and scars, we found imagination. A gallery of accidental art, renewed each morning.

These are a few of those patterns. What do you see?
Country Road Mailboxes

Out here, the mailboxes come first—long before you ever catch sight of the house.

They sit like sentinels at the edge of the road, scattered along the gravel shoulders and grassy ditches. Some lean, some stand tall, all of them waiting in quiet dignity. Weathered and worn, their paint chipped by sun and wind, they carry more than just letters and bills—they carry stories.

Each one is a small monument to the farmhouse tucked out of sight down a dirt lane or behind a screen of pines. You can almost tell who lives there just by looking:
The hand-welded box with horseshoes for legs? A welder, or a cowboy at heart.
The pastel one shaped like a barn? Someone nostalgic, someone who paints on rainy days.
One is wrapped in vines and lichen, half-returned to the earth, as if even the mailbox has grown roots.

No two are the same. Some proudly display names in peeling vinyl letters; others are anonymous—silent and private. They’ve been reshaped by time and weather, but never erased. You see the arc of the sun and decades of storms in the rust and tilt.

We pass them like roadside sculptures on our morning walk—unmoving, unnoticed by most, but never quite the same from one day to the next.

RizzieFarms Farm Equipment

John Deere Tractor

The John Deere 5203 is the workhorse of RizzieFarms—reliable, powerful, and ready for anything. With 56 horsepower and a rugged 2WD chassis, this utility tractor handles everything from bush hogging to plowing food plots. Simple to operate and easy to maintain, the 5203 delivers classic Deere durability without unnecessary frills. It’s been with us through countless projects, proving that old-school muscle still has a place on a modern farm.

Our John Deere 5203 tractor is equipped with a variety of 3-point hitch attachments that make it a versatile powerhouse for year-round work on the farm. With its Category 1 & 2 compatible hitch and 50+ horsepower engine, it handles a wide range of implements with ease.
  • Bush Hogs (Rotary Cutters): Ideal for mowing tall grass, weeds, and brush in fields and pastures. The heavy-duty blades can handle thick vegetation and help maintain clear, navigable land.
  • Hay Forks (3-Point Bale Spear): Essential for moving and stacking round bales. The fork securely spears the center of the bale, making feeding and field cleanup more efficient.
  • 72” Rotary Tiller: Used for breaking up and preparing garden plots or planting beds. The wide tilling path and rotating blades make short work of compacted soil, turning it into rich, workable ground.
  • 3-Point Log Splitter: This hydraulic-powered splitter connects to the tractor’s rear and uses the PTO or hydraulic system to split logs quickly and efficiently—perfect for firewood preparation.
  • Fertilizer Spreader: A PTO-driven spreader evenly distributes granular fertilizer or seed across pastures or garden plots, promoting uniform growth and reducing manual labor.
  • Post Hole Auger: Makes digging fence post or tree planting holes fast and precise. With a variety of bit sizes, it’s a must-have for fencing or orchard projects.
  • Landscape Rake: Great for smoothing gravel, clearing debris, and grooming driveways or garden beds. The tines collect rocks and roots, leaving behind a clean, level surface.

Polaris Ranger

The Polaris Ranger XP 800 EPS is a powerful and reliable side-by-side built for both rugged work and outdoor adventure. Equipped with a fuel-injected 760cc twin-cylinder engine and on-demand all-wheel drive, it delivers strong performance across tough terrain. The Electronic Power Steering (EPS) provides smooth, responsive handling, especially on trails or when hauling loads.

With seating for three, 12 inches of ground clearance, and a 1,000 lb cargo bed capacity, this UTV is perfect for farm tasks, hunting, or recreational use. Its dual A-arm independent rear suspension ensures a comfortable ride, even on rough ground.

Whether you’re towing, hauling, or exploring, the Ranger XP 800 EPS is built to handle it all with confidence.
Case Uni-Loader

The Case 1845 Uni-Loader is a classic, heavy-duty skid steer built for reliability and performance across farms, construction sites, and landscaping projects. Powered by either a Case G159 gas engine or a Case 188D diesel, it delivers approximately 49 horsepower and an operating capacity of 1,400 pounds.

Known for its tough steel frame, hydrostatic drive, and simple radial lift system, the 1845 is easy to maintain and durable enough for demanding tasks. Its compact size and excellent maneuverability make it ideal for tight spaces, while the ROPS/FOPS canopy ensures operator safety. Whether you’re grading, loading, or hauling, the 1845 is a proven workhorse that gets the job done.
Ford 8N

The Ford 8N is an iconic American tractor, widely known for its dependability, simplicity, and timeless design. Produced from 1947 to 1952, the 8N was a groundbreaking model, introducing a 4-speed transmission and improved hydraulics over its predecessors. Powered by a 4-cylinder gasoline engine, it delivers around 23 horsepower to the drawbar—perfect for plowing, mowing, and general farm use.

With its rugged steel construction, easy-to-use controls, and classic red-and-gray paint, the Ford 8N remains a favorite among collectors and small-scale farmers alike. This vintage workhorse continues to run strong on farms across the country, proving that good design never goes out of style.
John Deere ”B”

Tucked under a canopy of pine trees and once swallowed by underbrush, our John Deere Model B spent decades resting after a lifetime of service in the fields. This beloved tractor—rugged, reliable, and full of stories—was once the heartbeat of farm life, plowing rows and pulling its weight with a steady “pop-pop” rhythm.

Now cleaned up and proudly stationed near the red barn at RizzieFarms, it stands not just as an ornament, but as a tribute to simpler times and hard work well done. Visitors often stop for a photo and a moment of reflection beside this green icon, which now welcomes all who come to the farm.

A symbol of rural heritage and enduring spirit, our Model B continues to earn its keep—in memories and smiles.


Emply Grease Gun

Need a quick and easy guide? Watch our step-by-step YouTube video on how to replace the cartridge in a grease gun. We’ll show you exactly how to remove the old cartridge, insert a new one, and get your grease gun primed and ready to go. Perfect for first-timers or anyone needing a refresher.
DIY - Simple Garage Door Cable FIx

Has your LiftMaster garage door cable slipped off the pulley? Don’t panic—we’ve got you covered. Watch our YouTube video for a step-by-step DIY guide on how to safely put the cable back on the drum. We’ll walk you through disconnecting the opener, repositioning the cable, and restoring smooth door operation.
Frost Proof Hydrant - Repair or Replace

Is your frost-proof yard hydrant leaking, stuck, or not shutting off properly? In our latest YouTube video, we walk you through how to diagnose common problems and decide whether to repair your hydrant or replace it entirely. Learn how these hydrants work, what signs point to internal failure, and how to fix or swap out parts without digging up your entire water line.

Wild Turkey

Throughout the year, we’ve observed wild turkeys roaming freely across our property in Madison, Georgia. Whether strutting through the open fields or foraging quietly in the woods, these impressive birds are a common sight. From small groups to larger flocks, they add a dynamic presence to the changing seasons and remind us of the rich wildlife that calls our land home.
Hummingbirds

Every spring and summer in Madison, Georgia, we welcome back the hummingbirds with multiple feeders placed around the porch and garden. Before long, dozens of these tiny, energetic birds fill the air with their buzzing wings and rapid-fire chirps. It’s a joy to watch them flit between the feeders, flowers, and tree branches with astonishing speed and grace.

This year, one of the highlights was having a hummingbird eat straight from a handheld feeder—hovering just inches away, fearless and focused. It was a magical moment of connection with nature. Out in the farm woods, we’ve also spotted their tiny, camouflaged nests tucked among the trees, a testament to how at home they’ve become here on the farm.
Hawk

On quiet afternoons at the farm in Madison, Georgia, we often look up to see a red-tailed hawk riding the warm air currents overhead. With wings outstretched, it glides in slow, lazy circles above the fields and pastures, ever watchful. Its sharp eyes scan the ground for the slightest movement—mice, rats, and other small prey that make the mistake of venturing into the open.

The hawk is both a predator and a partner in the rhythm of farm life, helping to keep the rodent population in check. Its distinctive cry and soaring silhouette are now a familiar—and welcome—part of our landscape.
Coyotes

One crisp morning in Madison, Georgia, we caught sight of a group of juvenile coyotes romping through an open area of the field. Still lean and lanky, they chased each other in playful bursts, pouncing and tumbling like pups testing their speed and strength. The early light shimmered off their tawny coats as they darted through the grass, unaware—or unconcerned—that they had an audience.

It was a rare and mesmerizing moment, a glimpse into the wild lives that unfold quietly on the edges of our farm.
Deer

At the edge of the field, a doe and her young fawn walked slowly and attentively, their movements cautious yet graceful. The mother led the way, ears perked and eyes scanning the surroundings, while the baby stayed close behind, mimicking her every step. Their tawny coats blended with the tall grass as they made their way along the border of the field, pausing now and then to listen or nibble.

It was a quiet, tender moment—a reminder of the peaceful wildness that still thrives at the edge of our daily routines on the farm.
Black Snakes

In the heat of summer on our Madison, Georgia farm, black snakes are a common sight. Harmless but bold, they can be found sunning themselves on the ground, weaving through tall grass, or slithering silently along low tree branches. We’ve spotted them near the barn, coiled under equipment, stretched out across the porch, and even winding their way up into rafters.

Though they can startle us at times, we welcome their presence—they help keep the rodent population in check and play an important role in the farm’s natural balance.

Rizzie’s Story

Hi! I’m Rizzie, and this is the story of how I found my people—and how they found me.

It all started over the Christmas holiday when two kind humans, Debbie and Tony, took me in as a foster pup. Their place was amazing! Dogs, cats, horses, and so many smells to explore—I didn’t know where to start. They even took silly photos of me and tapped on their glowing screens while laughing. I didn’t know it yet, but those pictures were the start of something big.

If it weren’t for Debbie and Tony, I would’ve spent Christmas alone in the Morgan County Humane Society building. It’s not a bad place, but it’s too quiet, too cold, and way too full of cats for my taste. Instead, I got to sleep warm, eat tasty bites, and dream of belly rubs and soft blankets.

Then came Christmas Day. That’s when I met Tux, my new best dog friend (bdf). He introduced me to two guests who came for dinner—Chris and James. I ran to greet them as they pulled up in their Ranger, tail wagging as fast as it could go. They seemed nice… not quite as playful as Tux, but they had kind eyes and warm hands.

After dinner, everyone got down on the floor to play with me and the other dogs. They scratched my ears, rubbed my belly, and laughed when I flopped over for more. I liked them immediately.

That night, I curled up in my cozy little room with fresh water, yummy food, and a few toys to nibble on. I fell asleep dreaming of those new humans. Something told me they were important.

And I was right.

The very next Saturday, everything changed. Chris and James came back—for me. While the nice lady Courtney gave me a bath, they stood at the counter and made it official: I was theirs, and they were mine. I was a little cold after the bath, but my new daddy wrapped me in a towel and held me close. I gave him all the kisses I could.

We drove to my forever home—a real farm, just like in the stories. Fields, cows, a big yard, woods, and a barn full of smells I still haven’t sorted out. Heaven.

But that’s not all. Turns out I have a city home, too! Every so often, I hop in the back seat, fall asleep, and wake up somewhere with a smaller yard, new smells, and more friends. I love both places. But no matter where we go, I know I belong. I’m home.

Oh—and my name? It’s Rizzie. James picked it. It’s a mix of Rita (Chris’s mom) and Lizzie (James’s mom). I think that’s really special. They even named the whole farm after me—Rizzie Farms.

I’m one lucky pup.


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