My girls left the ranch today…
I woke up this morning at five-thirty expecting the cattle truck to be here by eight. The breeze felt chilly as I went out to turn on the water hose connected to the plastic trash can we move around for temporary watering. As I made my way to the corral to spend time with my cows for the last time, across the barn I heard the roosters crow as I closed the metal gate. They were waiting for me. My husband had gathered them up last night and bedded them down with hay and cattle cubes in the corral adjacent to the house. We could hear and see them if they stressed. We don’t want to sell them, but we have no choice. They are losing weight in spite of the large feed bill we have incurred to keep them healthy during this drought. I sat for a long time on the...
August Drought Sunrise
We had a few minutes of a fast-moving rain storm before sunrise. When the sun came up, everything was wet and we saw real clouds for the first time in weeks. The air was muggy and still, filled with the odors of cattle and dust. It still felt good to me, as I walked around barefoot enjoying every drop of rain water I could touch. I imagined I heard the sighs of thousands of trees as they stood motionless. The cedars and junipers give a facade of green to hide the stressed hardwoods. Maybe when the drought breaks we’ll get enough rain to assure our treasured crop of bluebonnets in the spring. I hope so … it could happen! ShareEmailFacebook
Influence vs Free Will …
I would recommend that one be comfortable in his/her decision of what they believe they need. I respect their choice of how they claim their freedom. It’s obvious to most adults that all choices have consequences. This is not a negative thing. It’s a simple understanding of the processes of life that, by default, we cannot have everything during one lifetime – so that fact leaves us with freedom of choice. I believe we are here to live and learn. Others might not believe that. Past that, the details are up to us, and their implications will prove to each of us how difficult, painful, or simple, our life will or could be. It would not be beneficial for us to be given instructions at birth of how we should think and live. What would we learn? How could we...
#20 Best Update!
She has a perfect small stocky baby boy calf! (Camera problems – photos soon!) I’m so excited – just had to share! It was 110 degrees here today – spent time with a water hose shower to cool down the little ones and some of the cows that wanted to. I don’t force the water on them – they have to come close enough to decide for themselves. Of course, Mr. Bull was second in line – such a gentleman. Thank you, God, for another healthy calf. ShareEmailFacebook
Jake the Golden Dog
Jake appeared at our door eighteen years ago I think, with a small cut on his neck probably from going through the barbed wire fence. He did not complain as my sister-in-law and I sat him down to treat the wound. I think she would have taken him home with her if she didn’t live so far away! Our veterinarian said he appeared to be eight months old, and a cross between Golden Retriever and Chow. Jake decided to make us his forever family and we’ve never regretted his decision. About 2:45 this morning, he came into my room to awaken me. He was panting as if he was having an anxiety attack. As I reached for my shoes, he started heading for the door. Right behind him I opened it, flipped on the light, he went out on the porch but just stood there. I...
The Old New Chicken House
In July, a friend called and invited us over to “talk about something important.” They had decided to move to the big city. Turns out, the problem was they couldn’t take their brood with them! I have wanted laying hens for years, but always put it off because I thought I had enough to take care of. Well, evidently not – it was too appealing! So, at 100+ degrees, my husband and a friend put up eight foot fencing for the new yard and used the old pasture donkey shed as the starting structure for their house. This is the status of it now. Okay, the fencing is very old and recycled – but it is very strong and they like it! Today, at 113 degrees we had to run misters to cool them. Only one hen is laying during this heat wave, but they seem...
