Get along little dogies

Actually, the term “get along little dogies” originally meant sick or orphaned calves.  Ours are neither.  And, anyway, the term has morphed to include calves regardless of their health or parental status.  (Amazing the things you can learn by watching way too much television and having a minor Google search addiction, eh?)

Now, where was I…

It’s time for the calves to be vaccinated, tagged and branded and that means all hands on deck to move the little dogies to a corner of the pasture to be worked.  Our ranching neighbors pitch in and family–cowboys and cowgirls alike–from all around show up to help get the work done.  It’s an incredible sight–a well-oiled machine–to take in.  Here are a few photos from our last branding of the year:

 

Snow kidding!

It’s been a while since we’ve had any moisture. For months we’ve been hoping for a good rain, any sign of moisture.  But, nada, zip, zilch.  Just dust, dust and more dust.

The old timers are saying they’ve seen it this dry in places over the years but never quite so dry over the entire region.  For the last 48 hours everyone has been talking about the snow forecast.  It’s here.

It’s not very wet snow and it only fell for a few hours leaving just a couple inches. But, we’ll take it.  And, the horses are enjoying it, too!

Snow kidding, the forecast was finally correct!

Cowboy Regalia

In keeping with Queen Elizabeth’s Jubilee media blitz, I thought I’d share the American Cowboy version of regalia.

A cowboy’s rope, chinks, saddle, saddle blanket, boots, spurs, hat, conchos and so on are his version of regalia.

Spring greening

At 6800 feet above sea level, spring comes a little later here than other parts of the state–as a rule, we don’t plant our gardens before May 15 and we keep our winter coats handy until then, too.  But, it’s hard not to get a little feverish when we start to see a hint of spring greening.

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Nursery school

The mommas are giving their babies a little room to move and explore on their own.  It’s so much fun to watch these little ones buck and kick as they play and learn together!

Shedding their coats

The horses are shedding their winter coats now that the weather is a bit warmer most days.They shed a lot on their own but we help, too.

Ugh, after a while we need a shedding.

The pony, Barney, is the only one who insists on a treat after a good shedding.

Ahhh, shedding the coat must feel good!

Weathering the storm

Last Monday we were expecting a spring storm.  But, we didn’t expect the devastation it left behind. The storm itself was not long lasting and didn’t include an accumulation of snow but the high winds, wet snow and cold temps did a number on Northeast New Mexico.

Photo courtesy: Marty Mayfield Photography

By 9:30 Monday night the electricity and cell towers were out.  Before it was all said and done we lost our land line and roads were closed for two days. Most of us have what we need to survive for a couple of days. But, it’s rare that every single mode of communication is completely cut off.

I have to tell you, this was a pretty interesting experience!  When was the last time you had absolutely no way to communicate with the outside world and absolutely no way to leave your house?

The storm snapped hundreds of electric poles knocking out power in several counties.  The cold temps and heavy snow combined with the 60 mph+ winds created quite a mess for the small electric companies. Local photographer, Marty Mayfield shared this photo and many others on local radio station, KRTN’s Facebook page:

Photo courtesy: Marty Mayfield Photography

Local crews started working on the damage immediately, even before the storm had passed.  In addition, two other electric companies and two contractors were called to help.  Most of us had power by Thursday or Friday, at the latest.  Thank goodness for these crews who worked long days in pretty tough conditions!  One of the crews called out was from Roosevelt County Electric Company, our friend Clayton Barber was on the crew.  He took these photos:

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My own work (and my personal need to be “connected”) depends on the internet and a cell phone.   Who knew I could survive for a few days without?

Wind breaker

The wind is blowing a gale.

These horses have a big red barn to keep warm but they love to take a break from the wind in front of this old chicken house.

 

Baby watch

These ladies are in the “nursery”–a little closer to home so somebody can keep a close eye.  They are first calf heifers meaning each will have their first baby in the coming days and weeks.

I love this time of year!  I am officially on baby watch.

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Sneaky horses

The horses love the cake feed for the cattle.  You have to keep an eye on the horses because while a nibble is a tasty treat, too much will make a horse very sick.

The other day, Cody filled his feed tubs before I asked him for some help.

The horses spied the feed tubs unattended. They thought they were so sneaky.