When I first investigated English Shepherds, one of the “side benefits” was the tendency of these dogs to “dispatch vermin” according to the breed standard. When you’ve had dogs give rabbits, deer, raccoons, skunks, mice, moles, and voles free rein in your yard and garden… dispatching vermin is an excellent idea! I have to say,…
Happiness Ensued
Victoria and I went to her bridal shower Wednesday night… wow! what a turnout! I remember mine, in fact the same lady hosted mine (~29 years ago) and Victoria’s!… I reviewed my wedding book, many people were there for me that attended Victoria’s. I remember not knowing a soul but one or two friends and…
Questions and Answers – June Edition
WOW! I had great response for this Q&A! Let’s get to it! Kris wrote: When you were sorting the cattle a few days ago — was that all your cattle, and you were just taking out the ones you wanted to brand? Or was it your cattle mixed up with other ranches, and if so, do…
Wordless Wednesday – “Lucas Portrait”
This is perhaps the best portrait I’ve ever taken of Lucas. Plus, remember to submit your questions for the month… I’ll answer them tomorrow.
Brush Up
Ahhh… A day not spent on horseback. Victoria and I made some lists and plans for the wedding… and gathered up some of the ribbons and decorations we’ve purchased along the way… We still need to make some arrangements and go up to the site and make some more lists. We talked cake, how much,…
Getting Wet
After gathering, sorting, branding, re-sorting, and trailing to new pastures… it was time to move our *first* bunch we’d branded into a new pasture. We set out under mostly cloudy skies… but both Accu-Weather and NOAA had both declared the day was going to be sunny. Yeah. My slicker still hadn’t migrated to my saddle…
Branding 2010
Branding this year… in photos… Branding smoke takes a little getting used to… if this is your first one… We welcomed back the smiling face of A., who’s been away on his mission for 2 years… it is nice to have him home! Daniel provided some entertainment… In fact, the branding was full of laughter……
Sorting Pairs
The past few days we seemed to have been sorting pairs constantly! Gathering in the badlands… we sorted. Moving them in time for branding… we sorted. Today, we dispersed the herd into four different pastures with appropriate bulls and… we sorted. It’s what we do. The other day… when I was supposed to be cooking…
Re-COW-citrant
Whew! Branding went well today, which in general terms, means there were no wrecks, no one got hurt of any consequence, calves are all branded, and the help was all fed! The day was gorgeous, even a tad on the hot side, and clouds were welcomed in the morning, and it was even overcast after…
So Many Photos, So Little Time
Oh, my. I can tell I’m going to get FAAAARRRR behind on my photos! The worst of it is, I don’t have lots of desire to post tonight… Our crew started out the day by gathering the cows we’ve brought in from the badlands and taking them two miles down the road where we will…
Wordless Wednesday – “Cowgirls at Rest”
I forgot my Wordless Wednesday last week and almost did again today! Forgive me, but I need posting time for other things! The WW for this week is our two cowgirls taking a break from the action.
Tiring Days
Our big day of gathering turned into even a bigger one than expected. We had 13 hours of riding, gathering, sorting, trailing, and some waiting in there too! I am *this* close to taking my Advil and hitting the hay, but figured I’d disappoint *somebody* out there if I didn’t post! On a day like…