Spring at Last

Here on the ranch we've been keeping busy with fence work, cattle work, floor work, and more.

Just this week we've had two different floor people come out to our house and measure our living room/kitchen.  We may have finally found the floor we want; however, we are still thinking and considering all the options.  There are so many choices to choose from!

On the 19th we started taking down our once beautiful rail fence at the entrance of our ranch.  Like I said, it was pretty, but over years of wear and tear it has become a sorry sight.  We are going to replace it with barbed wire and cedar post.  We will add a couple gates also, along with an overhead.  I think it will be a prettier sight when finished. 

Yesterday we all went out to sort last year's calves from their mamas.  All the cattle gathered themselves for us, so all we had to do was hold them, and gently push the moms, bulls, and two year olds through one gate, while the young calves went in a different gate.  (We sorted them to wean the calves from the moms.)  It was a little tricky at times because a few of the cows/calves wanted to go back to the river or down the fence.  So the three of us kids had to be patient with our horses, listen to what Dad and Mom both told us, and watch the cattle.  I have to say at times it was frustrating, but we stuck it out and got them sorted within a few hours.  And we ended the day with pizza once more.

Well, I don't know about you, but I am really glad spring is here!  Nicer weather has arrived, though it still has a mind of its own.  We have been in the 60's now, with wind of course, but no moisture yet.  The grass is desperately trying to green up and grow, but the cold ground and not much moisture is holding it back.  Sadly I've already seen a couple grasshoppers this year.  We have seen a live snake already and the ants are out working.  It's so appealing to the eyes!

My pigeons are sitting, but I have doubts of the eggs hatching because of the cooler weather and freezing nights.  Hopefully we will be able to go help at some brandings soon, our goats should be kidding before too long, and it will be green.  Hello, Spring!  : )   

Here on the ranch...

I've been thinking about a blog post for a while now, but no ideas have hit me.  It's hard to write when not inspired by something or someone, but I have heard and read that a person shouldn't wait for the perfect moment, instead just write.  I suppose that's what I need to do about my blog.

I have gotten into the mood for taxidermy once again and have now done two mice.  Victor (named after the mouse trap he's in) was my first mouse ever to do, and I learned a bit to improve my skills while working with him.  Lethargic (named after the word meaning tired or without energy) was my second one.  He is larger and was a tad bit easier to do.  When shopping at an antique mall near by, I found a tiny brass bed and since I already had the mouse, I bought the bed for it to sleep in.  I thought both Victor and Lethargic turned out pretty nice, considering they are mice, anyway.

Victor

Lethargic

We had some snow/sleet last week and very cold weather, but it's been in the 50's since then.  Now it's cold once again and damp.  It's nice to live in a place with all four seasons!  Personally, I am really ready for spring.  I miss the green grass, red buds on our two red bud trees, the planting of gardens, and wild flowers.  After a winter of cold weather and snow, it'll be nice to go outside without layers of clothes.  I am sure our ranch life will get more exciting to read about when we start doing more cattle work.

Here's a pretty picture to end with.  It was taken in September.  : )