It feels like the middle of Winter…..
and it’s only the 1st day of December. But I came across a good quote to keep me looking forward to the Spring. “Faith is the bird that feels the light and sings when the dawn is still dark”. Keep the faith!
Summertime….and the livin’s easy now…..
At least it is in the song. It’s been a very busy time at the ranch this year with a lot of guests staying with us, mainly as bigger groups of family and friends. I like to joke that it’s my introduction to “Dumpster Stacking 101” as I work to get all the trash from the week into and piled up on our large dumpster….we could use two pickups a week during the months of the Summer. The recent cooler weather has been a pleasant reprieve from the extremely hot and humid previous 2 months, and in another month or so will start to be normal [whatever that is anymore]. So onward we go, working hard to try and remember that we only have the moment we’re in, and to enjoy it for what it is!
Drought?….where did that go?….
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!
The reed endures because it bends with the wind….
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”.
Wintertime….and the livin’s not to easy now…..
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!
Have Hope and think you can…..
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….
