I was looking through the photos I’ve taken over the years at the ranch.
So many, while not the subject of the photos, feature Capulin Volcano, the most perfectly shaped cinder cone volcano in the world and the backdrop of my life.
Technically, this sign does not mean the cattle are guarding the road.
But, I think the intention was lost in translation early this morning.
This is actually open range where the cattle have the right of way on this highway. I could’ve honked them out of the way but I wasn’t in a hurry, just out for a Sunday drive.
Patience is not one of my strong points. While I like the buzz of city traffic, I don’t want to wait in stand-still traffic or wait for a parking space, for that matter.
Small town living caters to my impatience. I drive up to the gas pump and the people inside immediately flip the pump on because they know me. I always get a front-row-Joe parking spot at the grocery store. It’s 30 miles from my house to town; it takes 25 minutes because there is never a traffic jam.
Cattle and young horses need time to warm up to a person no matter how well they know you. They sense your impatience, agitation, worry and any other emotion you may have.
I fed the little herd that hangs out near the in-laws’ house yesterday.
They were on the opposite side of the fence so I could dump their cake over the fence and not be run over by them as they hurried to get their share.
Since it was a beautiful day–no wind, warm air and quiet calm–I sat on my side of the fence and just watched and listened to the little buggers for a while.
It took a while but eventually each one of them came over to me, sniffed my shoe and let me give them a little scratch on the ear. This herd is generally used to people but they don’t stay close long enough for conversation.
I had the same experience with two young horses. Neither has yet been handled much.
It was fun to slowly reach out and give them a little nuzzle on their noses without spooking them. My daughter joined me and it was even more fun to watch her.
Patience is a virtue. Patience is a gift.
