Yes, we're getting ready....for calving and for field work. Yesterday was a busy day getting animals moved. We took my (our) heifer calves down to Richland to get them out of the way while we're calving. That took two trips with animals and one trip with feeders and buckets of feed. With the weather so nice the cows have begun roaming so we ran around to make sure all the appropriate gates were closed. While doing that we found some fence that needed to be fixed so worked on that some. Then we got sidetracked picking up net wrap from the bales where we had fed during the winter. From there we went to check the fence around the bull pasture and made a few minor repairs. Then we had to move the bulls but had to pour them with insecticide for lice and flies first. I was not happy that we had to work with the bulls, but I was told "there will be no whining". As we were getting ready to do that, M remembered that we needed to brand one of the bulls so we got that done.
We had a minor mishap when the last bull managed to open a sliding gate and walk out of the barn. So we had to get him back in the corral and back around into the barn again to run him through the chute. That went a lot more smoothly than I thought it would. They were all very calm and cooperative while in the barn and through the chute, but once we were done with them a couple of them decided to fight. We had a heck of a time getting them run out of the corral, and when they finally headed out it was in the wrong direction. Two headed through and around the hay yard and we had quite the rodeo getting them headed in the right direction. Good thing they got tired fast!
Today was another busy day tearing out a fence. Last fall we had the neighbor's fencer build a mile of fence so we could tear out about three miles. M took out a stretch last fall and we got started on another stretch today. My job was to take all the fence clips off and M rolled up the wire. M had the tougher job, but we're both exhausted. Tonight he informed me that we could have a lot more days like this. That fence has probably been there since the 1950's so it will be
strange to have it gone. We'll be able to farm across that fence line
now so that will be nice.
J has been busy getting his drill ready and working on a truck so he can get it out of the shop. He needs to get his tractor in to install monitors, etc. He's getting a bit antsy which is typical for this time of year. We're never quite as prepared for spring's work as we wish we were.
M is moving slowly tonight and tomorrow is race day so maybe I'll get a little time to rest and catch up at home.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
There and Back Again
We have been off on our annual NASCAR trip to Las Vegas and arrived home last night. The wind literally blew us in! Wow! We were pulling home a portable corral for a friend, and it was an adventure keeping it on the road at times. We sent him a text at one point and said we had tried out the corral and rounded up a small herd and could he send a truck. When we got to Malta we could smell smoke and the radio said it was coming from a fire between Havre and Chinook. I saw an article online this morning that said it burned 5000 acres. Scary with those winds--I heard there were gusts to 75 mph! Glad I got my walk in early this morning because the wind is up again.
J was on cow duty while we were gone. I made sure to tell him that my calves, numbers 111 and 125 like their heads petted. I got a "oh they do, do they?" He humored me, but I'm pretty sure he didn't pet them. He informed me that I had some pests because their heads are in the buckets before you can get through the gate. Before we left we put our heifers that are due to calve in the pen with the calves. The calves had such a routine and were so orderly and the heifers have messed that all up! The calves are going to get moved as soon as we do some windbreak repair. They weren't quite as friendly as usual this morning--getting used to me again, I suppose--although one that I don't normally pet walked up to me as she was headed to feed and let me pet her head.
Since we were flying out of Billings I made an appointment with my back doctor there. The steroid shot I had in my back only lasted for about a week and a half and now I am having more pain. We agreed that I'm going to have to have surgery again. Timing is the only problem. He's on his way to Spain until April 1, and after that is not good for me. M doesn't seem too worried about me being out of commission because I was so much better so fast last time, but I don't think he remembers how I couldn't bend over or lift anything for 6 weeks. I won't be much help for awhile. I guess I'll just have to decide how long I want to suffer. The long hours of sitting while traveling are not good for me, so I can feel it today.
We had a fun trip with lots of friends and family--R, our niece, M's siblings and their spouses, and friends from far and near--21 of us altogether, although the only time we were all together was on the buses to and from the racetrack. We had a lot of laughs, ate too much, drank too much (some more than others) and thoroughly enjoyed the warm weather. M was so excited that his favorite driver (Dale, Jr.) led the first 70 laps that he said his heart was racing, and I think he teared up a little. Sadly, though, he didn't win.
We were glad that the race fit into R's schedule so well--he has spring break this week. I'm sure most young men don't want to hang out with their moms while in Vegas, but he was a good sport about it, and I am always happy to have any time with him.
I always feel like the Vegas trip is our last hurrah before all hell breaks loose since we'll be calving soon and could be in the field soon and then we're spraying and then haying and then it's harvest. So, we'd better get rested up because we have lots of work to do!
J was on cow duty while we were gone. I made sure to tell him that my calves, numbers 111 and 125 like their heads petted. I got a "oh they do, do they?" He humored me, but I'm pretty sure he didn't pet them. He informed me that I had some pests because their heads are in the buckets before you can get through the gate. Before we left we put our heifers that are due to calve in the pen with the calves. The calves had such a routine and were so orderly and the heifers have messed that all up! The calves are going to get moved as soon as we do some windbreak repair. They weren't quite as friendly as usual this morning--getting used to me again, I suppose--although one that I don't normally pet walked up to me as she was headed to feed and let me pet her head.
Since we were flying out of Billings I made an appointment with my back doctor there. The steroid shot I had in my back only lasted for about a week and a half and now I am having more pain. We agreed that I'm going to have to have surgery again. Timing is the only problem. He's on his way to Spain until April 1, and after that is not good for me. M doesn't seem too worried about me being out of commission because I was so much better so fast last time, but I don't think he remembers how I couldn't bend over or lift anything for 6 weeks. I won't be much help for awhile. I guess I'll just have to decide how long I want to suffer. The long hours of sitting while traveling are not good for me, so I can feel it today.
We had a fun trip with lots of friends and family--R, our niece, M's siblings and their spouses, and friends from far and near--21 of us altogether, although the only time we were all together was on the buses to and from the racetrack. We had a lot of laughs, ate too much, drank too much (some more than others) and thoroughly enjoyed the warm weather. M was so excited that his favorite driver (Dale, Jr.) led the first 70 laps that he said his heart was racing, and I think he teared up a little. Sadly, though, he didn't win.
We were glad that the race fit into R's schedule so well--he has spring break this week. I'm sure most young men don't want to hang out with their moms while in Vegas, but he was a good sport about it, and I am always happy to have any time with him.
I always feel like the Vegas trip is our last hurrah before all hell breaks loose since we'll be calving soon and could be in the field soon and then we're spraying and then haying and then it's harvest. So, we'd better get rested up because we have lots of work to do!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Home Improvement Month
It's been a busy month on the home improvement front. About three weeks ago we put new flooring in our office--the flooring has been stacked in boxes in my entryway for almost two years. I'm pretty embarrassed to admit that. M always says that we can get stuff done during calving time since he has to stay close to home. That never happens. Anyway, while we on a roll at that time we put in a new light fixture in the kitchen, changed the filters in the RO system, fixed the storm door and got it put back up, and put up a some hooks in our bathroom. Oh yeah, we also got a new fridge before that.
We finally made the decision that we were going to take out our living room carpet and put in a wood laminate like we have in our kitchen. I always said that as soon as Cruiser was gone the carpet had to go. He's been gone a year so it was time. We decided to have someone else install it since it was a bigger project and we weren't sure we'd have time to do it. We were on the schedule for March 15th but the store called on Monday and said they had a cancellation and could get it done this week. So, Wednesday we moved all the furniture and ripped out the carpet and they started laying the new floor on Thursday. It went pretty slowly at first because he tied the new floor into the old floor. Then it got easier, but it didn't move along any faster. So, when the installer left at 5:00 on Friday with the floor unfinished I was not happy. We have a busy week ahead (and a trip to Vegas) and didn't feel like we had the time to wait for him to finish to get the house back in order and didn't want to live in the mess all weekend. So, we finished it ourselves. Of course, it was all the hard parts left with every piece having to be cut and then the doorways. Oh well, it's done now, our house is back in order, and we're very happy.
Now we have two more light fixtures to install and the drawer pulls for the kitchen cabinets will be here Monday, and holes to fill in the kitchen ceiling from the old light fixture. I may have to take care of those myself. M's not thrilled with working on things around the house, and I feel a bit guilty when I make him do it. I think he'll be very happy when spring comes and he's too busy to be bothered. I mentioned that to him and he reminded me that when he gets busy I will also be too busy to be thinking of those things. Oh yeah, I forgot.... It was good while it lasted!
We finally made the decision that we were going to take out our living room carpet and put in a wood laminate like we have in our kitchen. I always said that as soon as Cruiser was gone the carpet had to go. He's been gone a year so it was time. We decided to have someone else install it since it was a bigger project and we weren't sure we'd have time to do it. We were on the schedule for March 15th but the store called on Monday and said they had a cancellation and could get it done this week. So, Wednesday we moved all the furniture and ripped out the carpet and they started laying the new floor on Thursday. It went pretty slowly at first because he tied the new floor into the old floor. Then it got easier, but it didn't move along any faster. So, when the installer left at 5:00 on Friday with the floor unfinished I was not happy. We have a busy week ahead (and a trip to Vegas) and didn't feel like we had the time to wait for him to finish to get the house back in order and didn't want to live in the mess all weekend. So, we finished it ourselves. Of course, it was all the hard parts left with every piece having to be cut and then the doorways. Oh well, it's done now, our house is back in order, and we're very happy.
Now we have two more light fixtures to install and the drawer pulls for the kitchen cabinets will be here Monday, and holes to fill in the kitchen ceiling from the old light fixture. I may have to take care of those myself. M's not thrilled with working on things around the house, and I feel a bit guilty when I make him do it. I think he'll be very happy when spring comes and he's too busy to be bothered. I mentioned that to him and he reminded me that when he gets busy I will also be too busy to be thinking of those things. Oh yeah, I forgot.... It was good while it lasted!
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| Our new living room floor |
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Toys for Boys
Every time J has to feed for us he and has trouble rolling out the old bales he says we need a bale processor. A couple of weeks ago we had to stop at the John Deere dealer and they just happened to have some so we looked at them and M visited with the salesman about them. Next thing I know there's one sitting in our yard "to try out". We all know how that ends up, don't we?
For the uninitiated, the processor basically chops up the bale and shoots it out the side. This one also has a bin for grain which is part of why M thinks it is a good idea. We have 5000 bushels of pea, lentil and wheat screenings. We grind that and feed it to the calves with buckets but don't have a good way to get it to the rest of the herd. M's good friend and livestock guru says the cows can fill up with more pounds of food eating the chopped hay and gain better.
We've been using it for about a week. M is happy with how his cows and calves are cleaning up the hay, even the old stuff. I think it is a lot more hassle than rolling out bales, especially since he sends me to grab bales for him with the pickup. The other day M said we need to make up our minds if we're going to keep it or not. I voted no, but I'm pretty sure I don't really get a vote. He hasn't given me the official word, but I'm pretty sure we'll be keeping it. I think J may be sorry that he suggested we need one.
For the uninitiated, the processor basically chops up the bale and shoots it out the side. This one also has a bin for grain which is part of why M thinks it is a good idea. We have 5000 bushels of pea, lentil and wheat screenings. We grind that and feed it to the calves with buckets but don't have a good way to get it to the rest of the herd. M's good friend and livestock guru says the cows can fill up with more pounds of food eating the chopped hay and gain better.
We've been using it for about a week. M is happy with how his cows and calves are cleaning up the hay, even the old stuff. I think it is a lot more hassle than rolling out bales, especially since he sends me to grab bales for him with the pickup. The other day M said we need to make up our minds if we're going to keep it or not. I voted no, but I'm pretty sure I don't really get a vote. He hasn't given me the official word, but I'm pretty sure we'll be keeping it. I think J may be sorry that he suggested we need one.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Reflections on Turning 50
Everyone keeps telling me that this is my 50th birthday. I still believe there is a grievous math error somewhere. I don't feel 50 (well, parts of me feel about 80) and hopefully don't look 50 :) I have many reasons for doubting.
If I was 50,
Birthdays aren't all bad--I got some great gifts and heard from a lot of people. And, like my boss is always telling me, "birthdays aren't bad, just think of the alternative". Plus, I'm getting closer to the senior discount, Medicare and retirement! So, I guess I will just embrace who I am, what I've become and continue to try to be a better person.
If I was 50,
- I wouldn't still have acne issues.
- I would have figured out what to do with my hair.
- I would be more accomplished at something.
- I would have more friends.
- I would not be so timid about some things.
- I would have a "cause".
- I would have been more places and done more things.
- I would be stronger.
- I would be "wiser".
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| Gifts from my siblings--pillow, blanket and mini branding iron. I love them (the gifts and my siblings)! |
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Branding My Girls
After months of struggle (mostly on the part of my mom) I finally was successful in having my dad's brand transferred to me--gotta love bureaucracy (gotta love more that I spelled that right on the first try!) It's been a few years since his brand has been on an animal, but I have always like his brand and didn't want it to be lost. So begins my story of having my own few head of cows. I had picked out one of last year's heifers, but it got R's brand on it by mistake--yes, I always sacrifice for my children. So when we weaned this year's crop of heifer calves and I started feeding, I picked out two that I wanted. One based on the mothering ability of her mother and another just because she was friendly and I liked the look of her. Just before we were going to run the others through to brand I mentioned that there was another one that I liked because of her look and her size so M said I could have her, too. It will be interesting to see if I am a good judge of cow flesh.
We ordered an electric branding iron (since my sister has the originals and says she MIGHT give them to me if I come to Kentucky to get them) and it finally arrived last week so this morning M decided it was time to get my girls branded. I hated to do it and upset them as I've gotten kind of attached. My three are always the first ones to the gate waiting for their feed, and I didn't want them to associate me with a bad experience. They were pretty calm and didn't seem too fazed by the procedure so I think they'll be alright in a few days.
As I was hauling feed this morning I thought my dad was probably looking down on me and shaking his head in wonder that I've become the cow person that I am now just like he laughed and shook his head the first time I told him I'd been busy cleaning pig barns. I hope he's proud of me and the work I do and that I'm carrying on his legacy and proudly displaying his brand once again. I think it looks so good.
We ordered an electric branding iron (since my sister has the originals and says she MIGHT give them to me if I come to Kentucky to get them) and it finally arrived last week so this morning M decided it was time to get my girls branded. I hated to do it and upset them as I've gotten kind of attached. My three are always the first ones to the gate waiting for their feed, and I didn't want them to associate me with a bad experience. They were pretty calm and didn't seem too fazed by the procedure so I think they'll be alright in a few days.
As I was hauling feed this morning I thought my dad was probably looking down on me and shaking his head in wonder that I've become the cow person that I am now just like he laughed and shook his head the first time I told him I'd been busy cleaning pig barns. I hope he's proud of me and the work I do and that I'm carrying on his legacy and proudly displaying his brand once again. I think it looks so good.
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Catching up
My computer has been on the fritz so I've been out of touch. It's almost sad how much I depend on the dumb thing.
Yesterday I did something that I don't think I have ever done on February 1st--rode my bicycle. That tells you what an odd winter this has been. The temps lately have been back up into the 30s and 40s. I even saw someone in flip-flops a couple of days ago--weird! I heard that the groundhog says we'll have six more weeks of winter. Six more weeks of this winter we can handle.
A few weeks ago we had to make a quick trip to Billings to see my back doctor. I have been looking for a bicycle for a year or more--even my boss has been scouring Ebay to help me find the perfect one. Anyway, I had recently bid on one on Ebay but didn't get it and was kind of bummed about it. We happened to drive by a pawn shop on our way to Sears, and they had bikes hanging up outside. M insisted that we go look at them and they had one like I had been looking for--and the price was half off. It was meant to be mine.
Yesterday when we got back from chores it was so beautiful out with no wind, about 32 degrees but it hadn't started melting enough to get muddy so I decided to take the bike out for a little spin. I love it! I need to go a little farther every day so I can get in shape. I'm sure I won't be able to do that every day in February...in Montana.
Flat Stanley arrived at our house from Arizona a few days ago so we took him out to feed and see the cows. We're also thinking about taking him to the Rapid City Stock Show and PRCA rodeo this weekend since we happen to be going that direction.
Yesterday I did something that I don't think I have ever done on February 1st--rode my bicycle. That tells you what an odd winter this has been. The temps lately have been back up into the 30s and 40s. I even saw someone in flip-flops a couple of days ago--weird! I heard that the groundhog says we'll have six more weeks of winter. Six more weeks of this winter we can handle.
A few weeks ago we had to make a quick trip to Billings to see my back doctor. I have been looking for a bicycle for a year or more--even my boss has been scouring Ebay to help me find the perfect one. Anyway, I had recently bid on one on Ebay but didn't get it and was kind of bummed about it. We happened to drive by a pawn shop on our way to Sears, and they had bikes hanging up outside. M insisted that we go look at them and they had one like I had been looking for--and the price was half off. It was meant to be mine.
Yesterday when we got back from chores it was so beautiful out with no wind, about 32 degrees but it hadn't started melting enough to get muddy so I decided to take the bike out for a little spin. I love it! I need to go a little farther every day so I can get in shape. I'm sure I won't be able to do that every day in February...in Montana.
Flat Stanley arrived at our house from Arizona a few days ago so we took him out to feed and see the cows. We're also thinking about taking him to the Rapid City Stock Show and PRCA rodeo this weekend since we happen to be going that direction.
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| Flat Stanley and me out feeding |
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| Trying to get Pete to sit still and get in the picture--didn't work too well |
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| In the calf pen with my girls |
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