Welcome to From the Ranch, a cozy corner of Sander Ranch Designs where Muffy share the stories, inspiration, and everyday moments that shape our work and daily life. Sometimes humorous, sometimes serious but always entertaining. 

Here you’ll find glimpses from the workshop, updates from the shop, and reflections on small‑town life. I’ll talk about the projects that make me smile, the lessons learned along the way, and the blessings that show up when we need them most.

My hope is that this space feels warm and welcoming. I want you to feel encouraged, inspired, and part of the journey as we create, grow, and celebrate life here at the ranch.

🌳 “The Great Pecan Tree Adventure: A Multi‑Dog Springtime Saga”

According to the pollen app, grass pollen is high and tree pollen is low today. Well, that’s cute. Because if you step into my yard, you will immediately realize that the pollen app is lying with the confidence of a politician in an election year.

Tree pollen is low? Tell that to the five pecan trees currently shedding pollen tassels like they’re trying to win a confetti‑dropping contest. My yard looks like a parade route after the floats have gone home.

And in the middle of this yellow‑dust apocalypse, the dogs have launched their daily adventure.

🐕

Every morning, without fail, Gracie and Stella take off toward the big pecan tree at breakneck speed. They don’t warm up. They don’t stretch. They don’t consider their life choices.

They just LAUNCH.

Because that tree is home to the Squirrel Mafia, and those squirrels taunt my dogs like they’re getting paid for it.

Gracie runs like she’s late for a meeting. Stella runs like she’s starring in an action movie. And the squirrels? They sit up there flicking their tails like, “Try me.”

And then… there’s Cooper.

My four‑month‑old mini goldendoodle, a round puffball of dark brown fur, who has no idea what’s going on but is absolutely committed to participating.

He sees his sisters sprinting and thinks, “Oh! We’re running! I can run! I am a runner!”

Except he is:

  • Not big enough
  • Not coordinated enough
  • Not aware of the mission
  • Not aware there is a mission

He just barrels forward at full speed, ears flapping, legs going in twelve different directions, trying desperately to keep up with the big dogs.

He is the Ferdinand of the dog world — gentle, curious, laid‑back, and deeply committed to appreciating every tree, bush, and plant… even if he does chew on them occasionally.

Now, remember those pecan tassels? They’re everywhere. They’re in the grass. They’re on the porch. They’re stuck to the dogs. They’re stuck to me.

And Cooper? He LOVES them.

He rolls in them like he’s at a spa. He wiggles in them like he’s making snow angels. He comes up looking like a breaded cutlet.

Meanwhile, Gracie and Stella are laser‑focused on the squirrels, completely ignoring the fact that Cooper is behind them living his best life in a pile of tree debris.

Stella, of course, is the Stealth Squirrel Hunter.

She has never caught a squirrel. Not once. Not even close.

But she BELIEVES.

When she goes into stealth mode, it is a full production:

  • Ears straight up
  • Body frozen
  • Eyes locked
  • Listening like a bat using sonar
  • One paw lifted dramatically

She moves in slow motion like she’s being filmed for a nature documentary narrated by Morgan Freeman.

The squirrels? Completely unbothered. They’re up there running their tiny criminal empire.

But Stella remains committed to justice.

While all this is happening, Greg is strolling around the yard breathing deeply and saying things like, “Smells like spring.”

Sir. It smells like pollen and chaos.

He claims the pollen “isn’t that bad,” which is exactly what someone would say if they were secretly immune or possibly made of stainless steel.

He wanders around unfazed while I’m over here sneezing like I’m trying to summon a spirit.

But he does look cute out there with the leaf blower, valiantly trying to stay ahead of the pollen storm. It’s like watching a man try to shovel snow during an avalanche, but bless him — he’s committed.

So yes — the pollen report says one thing, but my yard says another. The pecan trees are shedding. The squirrels are taunting. Gracie and Stella are sprinting. Cooper is rolling. Greg is unbothered. And I’m just trying to breathe through my nose.

But honestly? It’s all part of the charm. Spring in Ridge Spring is messy, sneezy, furry, funny, and full of life — and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Until next time,

Muffy