by Bill Byrne | Feb 25, 2018 | Uncategorized
After spending much $ and time to fix the creek back up, and finally getting all the fences put back, I get to go out this morning and see what the latest flood did last night….since the record “500” year flood last year [which followed two 100 year floods every 10 years], we have had nothing but drought….until last week with 7 plus inches of rain!….not near as devastating as last years rise, so I am interested to see what repairs are needed now. Fortunately I moved all the cows to higher ground the day before….however, 160 cows makes quite a muddy mess in fields….and then comes the tractor part to feed them every day….what a life!
by Bill Byrne | Feb 3, 2018 | Uncategorized
And we’ve had lots of cold wind this winter. When I watch the animals and how they deal with it I get a lesson in being in the moment. They turn with their backs to the wind, don’t resist, and wait patiently, knowing “this too shall pass”.
by Bill Byrne | Jan 30, 2018 | Uncategorized
Having animals to take care of necessitates being out in the elements every day….even when I would really like to just stay in the house and stay warm! With 160 cows and calves to feed every day [plus assorted chickens, cats, horses, and goats] I have no choice but to keep them fed…and the colder the weather the more they need to keep healthy. At this time were feeding three big round bales every day, plus having out protein tubs and mineral on a free choice basis. In addition, the continuous sub freezing temperatures have forced us to move all our water needs to our main creek, as all our smaller springs, creeks, and ponds freeze over solid. But I am thankful to have some running water and not have to chop ice. I will have to confess that I’m looking forward to Spring!
by Bill Byrne | Jan 2, 2018 | Uncategorized
Based on a poem first published in 1905 and anonymously adapted over the years. Its bottom line: Never, ever give up fighting for what you believe in.
If you think you are beaten, you are; If you think that you dare not, you don’t; If you’d like to win, but you think you can’t, It’s almost a cinch that you won’t. If you think you’ll lose, you’ve lost; For out in the world you’ll find Success begins with a fellow’s will, It’s all in the state of mind. Full many a race is lost Ere even a step is run, And many a coward falls Ere even his work’s begun. Think high and your deeds will grow, Think low and you’ll fall behind. Think that you can and you will, It’s all in the state of mind. If you think you’re outclassed, you are; You have to think high to rise, You have to be sure of yourself Before you can win a prize. Life’s battles don’t always go To the stronger or faster man, But sooner or later the man who wins, is The fellow who thinks he can. **
And trust in the God who gave us this ability to be the change we want to see….
by Bill Byrne | Jul 10, 2017 | Uncategorized
With a resilience we humans possess in great amounts, our area has bounced back from the “500 year” floods in the Spring. Anita, at Two Rivers Canoe Rental, is a great example. She lost everything in the flood, including the store building 30 plus feet above the rivers. She’s operating [and living a lot of the time] out of a small trailer at the junction, offering all her normal rentals [and even watersocks out on a railing]. I do miss being able to stop in and get an ice cream bar, but have no doubt that by next year that will be available also. The rivers themselves have their ability to quickly return to their natural beauty, with a certain amount of human help retrieving all the debris left from the destruction of property that was very widespread. As a well known singing group so aptly put “life goes on within you and without you”!
