So that is how puppies are born?!

The week before Christmas I was making my rounds at the ranch, drove out to Jeannies Mill and noticed it wasn't working. Called my dad and he called the well man. Then went over to Cecils mill. Noticed two stray dogs running around a cow carcass that has been there since about July of this year. One ran off and the other Leary hung around. Dogs are a bad thing, they will kill just for fun. So when I got home I asked Tom to teach me how to shoot.

We went to the desert Christmas evening, along with the family. I learned to shoot a gun and we roasted hot dogs on the fire. The babies ran around and had a good time with the flash lights that were in their stockings and Grandpa and Grandma's house.

Next day hear from Cody that he is at the ranch and he went over to check out the cow carcass. He found two black puppies in it. I was so happy for them. But I was mad at my self, I had a strong feeling to go there but I wrote it off. Did some back peddling though. Set as one of my new years goals to act on more of those feelings.

Today I get a call from Tom that some guys are waiting out by the ranch turn off, they want to see the guard rail that we posted on craigslist. I met them there and then decide I might as well take a look at the cattle, gates and water. Drive out to Jeanies. All is fine. Let my dogs out to work a few head, load up and head for Cecils. I heard that the dogs were still out there and wanted to see now that the pups were gone if they had taken off. I see the cow, I have a feeling and as I drive up I see a shadow move. Oh joy another pup.

This cow sure can produce.
'

Shipping, The Way I Seen It

Just like the gospels according to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, they all were together with Christ, yet they all tell it differently.

On Saturday at 5:15 a.m., I walked down to get the instructions on how the day was to go. I told dad I would like to drive down to the ranch a little early and drop my trailer with the new squeeze on it. Thinking that way I could load my quad and come back the back way in and start gathering in section 36. He was all for it. I really didn't mean right now, got nothing but time to kill because we weren't even getting started until 9 a.m. So we jumped in my truck and got to the ranch before anyone was out and about. Dropped the trailer reloaded my quad and was headed back to Vernon before anyone noticed we were gone. Got a call from Steve, said it would of been nice to have been invited. Anyone who knows me knows that I live by, you snooze you lose. It is the impatient, noncommunicator, loner in me. Yes I know all 3 are nothing to be proud of, I am told all the time. It just hasn't sunk in. In all defense, I think no ones wants to do the crazy things that I do so I just do them alone.


After I eat breakfast and make sure my dogs have a special high protein meal to hold them over on a hard work day, I set off for the ranch. Unlike as earlier planned to come in the back way, it will be better if me and Ryan leave from the ranch house. As me and Ryan leave the others are going to see about dealing with the squeeze. We were to be about an hour a head of them to be able to check the section and then be caught up with the riders coming out on horseback. We drop down to the far side of Cecilville, noticing that there are about eight head of cattle and two bulls lying down. As we pass the cattle, they had gather and start heading in. We drive down to the lane that leads to the section. Upon entering we come upon 6 head of cattle. I tell Ryan to leave them and we will pick them up after we ride the square out. Ryan goes south and I go north. I cut back and ride the high knolls and see nothing. I head back to the cows to wait for Ryan. To note here, I had left Gideon with my dad to bring out to me and have Vaquera on the quad with me. Ryan shows up with nothing and we push the cows out, I have Vaquera off the quad working them. They drop down and meet up with others I mentioned previously. I left my small herd to walk the road while I go to the south on a rise to see if there is anything on the fence. Don't see anything and go back to the road. Ryan goes a little north and picks up a few head on a rise. We meet at the road and I take them down toward the mill. I tell Ryan to go to the corner there and ride east to the Knolls fence then head north. Just as he takes off I ask, have you seen the bulls and he said some were up ahead. I thought those were the ones that were lying down when I came in.

As I push up a hill and have the mill in sight my dad catches up with me and I now have both dogs working the cattle. It is always tough at first because they get competitive, but it doesn’t take long for them to back off. I get to the mill and only one rider is there pushing two bulls in from the west, she turns and heads back out to find more. Now Ryan is bringing a bunch. He comes up to me and Dad and said a hunter left the gate down and he found six head on the knolls side. We decide that there is enough horses to cover what is left so we will ride up and see if there is any more on the knolls pasture. I put my dogs in the truck because we will be moving fast and far. We get through the gate and divide up. Ryan flushes 5 so I go to help him. Then he goes up the hill some more. I push what I got and the fight is on. They want to return to the gate they came in through and I want to push them down to the next gate because that is where we are going to push everything through anyway. Just got to drive them down the fence. Ha, not so easy. Come upon a rocky ridge. After pushing hard the mamma cows decide to descend it. But not the two steers. One ends up going through the fence and toward the Mill. I can see the riders and they are not by the mill anymore. I tried to push the other through the fence because it easier to push two cows than one. I call Steve on his phone and tell him one is through the fence. The other steer takes me a long away around the ridge but finally we are pushing the mammas again down the fence. By now Steve has caught up and is helping me. We notice that Ryan has found more and three more riders have gone to help him. They sent Matt to see if he can get the steer that got away from me and 3 other riders are holding the herd at the gate. We open the gate and all the riders and cattle are together. Me and Ryan take off for the ranch because it is murder riding quads up the lane to the ranch.

The cattle come down the lane to the ranch and we sort the bulls off. We are short two. Dang they are the ones that were lying down. Shoot, double shoot. Oh well at the least that is exactly where we were taking them back too after we check them for soundness. We drive the bulls back out to Cecils mill, pick up that lone steer and put the cows and calves in the center hold and hay them until Monday. They had the squeeze unloaded but we still had to assemble it, and get it in right place. Since most of us are not mechanical it took a lot of thinking, with lunch in there too. So after we ate, our heads were clearer and we got it done.

Monday we ran the herd into the round pen and started sorting cows off calves. As we sorted one of our neighboring ranchers came up. I was on a gate so I didn't hear what he wanted. But I was summoned over to talk to him. I was told I might know more on this subject than them. He wanted to know if we had seen any of his while we gathered. Now he does something different to his cattle than any of the rest of us. He takes a slice in what they call the dewlap. That is cutting a slice in the skin of the neck. I told him I saw one in the summer but none today. He said he came and got her off earlier. Wow, if we counted right our numbers are off. They come at you in tight small bunches and it is hard to get a good number. But still we have a good idea of the calves because of branding. And we are low. We know we will have a good count by the end of the day because we will see each cow individually and have to sort the calves by branded and unbranded. So now we are going to check the cows that consist of running them up the lane into the new squeeze. What you check for while she is there is her tag number, how her teeth are, if she looks like she has had a calf, her brands, overall health and I have learned to do body conditioning so I had fun doing that. Culling is cutting a cow out of the herd to sell. It may be her teeth might be too worn down to survive another year, she may have cancer eye, just an all-around health check. I got to admit. This year was a thrill to me because I had learned to preg test cows. And there was a cow that for the last two years had come through with no bag (sign of no calf) and I wanted her out. I was notorious. Every tag number that came I checked against out list from last year. I saw her coming down the lane. Not even in the squeeze, didn't have her number yet but it is her I know it is. Yep the number checks out. I don the glove. Add a little olive oil and preg test her. Drop off to the right. Nothing, back up follow the cervix and she is called open (not pregnant). I loved calling out "Cull her". Yep I don't know why but she had bugged me for two years and I got her.

Now of course it isn't that easy. We have some cows that just refuse to come down the lane. We have been putting tags in their ears for about 3 years now. And low and behold. We tagged two cows that had previously escaped over a fence on us. Mellowed out in their old age I guess. Don't look now we have a high jumper. Cleared one fence and was starting on her next. I shouted get me a tag number. They got close enough before she jumped the next. I look at my sheet. Get this, next to her number is a note that she jumped last year. She has got it down.

Now call me crazy but during branding of a previous year I had a feeling that one got her ear marks but not a brand. That is weird. As we released her as a calf I asked "did she get branded?" Yes was the answer. Oh my goodness, up comes this young heifer (cow that hasn't had a calf). She has the ear mark but not one brand on her. There is my proof. Yep by her tag number on the tally sheet it is printed UNBRANDED-NEED TO DO IT THIS YEAR.

One cow came through that was our neighbors so she was cut off for him to pick up. We have gone through all our cows and we are short on numbers. We know of 5 that died this year but it is looking like about 10 are missing. Moving on to the calves now we sort them and have low numbers on branded calves. Only 3 unbranded for this year. That was the most happiest number in the world for me. We have been trying to get the cows to birth early in the summer. By only having three, that means the rest were born before the fourth of July. That is happiness. Note here last year we had 12. We take the three young ones and put them with the cows and drive them out to Jeanies Mill.

On Tuesday morning we are to sort the calves, heifer and steer for shipping. Thanks so much to those who took me off the gate so I could use my dogs in the lane. First I brought out Gideon. He has done this last year and boy did he remember fast. From the holding pen they send about eight or so into the lane. I cut them back to the sorting pen. So I and Gideon are a live gate of sorts. Then when they start sorting we have to move out of the way and stand along the fence so the calf will run past us and we can push it toward the proper gate. Two times and Gideon knows right where to stand without me telling him. He knows when he is a gate and when he is a fence. He just is in no hurry to push to the gate. Then I trade out for ol speedy. She listens to me when we are a gate or a fence but she has never done this before so she never really catches on to that part. But wow, those calves can’t be pushed fast enough to their gates. She has lots of grit. Can’t wait until she has a brain to go with it. But she is still a youngun. The trucker shows up and it is just me and Cody for a bit. Steve had to go repair some fence. How do I spell relief, S T E V E. That is hard work loading on the truck. One more year done.

P.S. Then next week me and dad went on quads and found the 10 cows and 8 calves missing. They were on a neighbors section. Now we get to take the calves to the auction this week. All accounted for.

My School Days

The second week of October I went to School. It was in Kansas. And I was nervous. Just getting there was big for me. All alone and driving? Then there is understanding what I would learn, having enough brains to ask questions, then can I really pull on a sleeve and put it where the sun don't shine? I asked Tom for a Priesthood Blessing and it made all the difference. I felt all my anxiety melt away.

I had no problems at the airport. That is clearly going good. Every time I fly I am the one pulled to the side and patted down. So you can see my spirits are up. I get my rental car and have a two and half hour drive. I had three different ways to get there. I pick one, got lost and stopped at a Circle K to get back on track. A customer there helped me. She is a Ray from Gilbert and is married to a Whiting from Vernon. So I felt at home. She got me on the interstate. I was avoiding that because I wanted to see more of the old roads but realized I better just get there.

Monday morning we started our first day of class. There were fifteen in the class. Most of them were from east of the Missouri River. And four from Midwest, only three of of us were from the southwest, if you count California as part of that group. That is a very diverse group of ranchers. And one of us was a Dairyman from Pennsylvania. How will they understand and teach us all the right information for our areas?

Our first day was classroom only. We studied the reproductive system of the cow and the bull and when the cow needs different levels of nutrition for different times of the reproduction cycle. It was amazing to hear that. They would break it down for each of our areas. They would call me Arizona. They would say "Arizona how do you do this or that"? I would answer and the class was shocked, but the teachers would say, "Yes that is correct".

On Tuesday we did morning class, went to lunch, when we returned we found finger nail clippers and files on our desk. What? Yep you have to have nice short fingernails to don the glove and head into the rear end. This day all the cows will be open (not pregnant). Morning class had beat into our brains what we will find. Think of plumbing your house in totally pitch dark room. First thing is find the cervix (turkey neck, really feels like one). Follow it down to the Uterus. If the horns of the cornua are tightly curled she is open. There is no way to explain how amazing it was to find what they had described.

On Wednesday morning class was on nutrients, cow conditioning and assisting in calf birthing. Afternoon class was preg testing on dairy cattle. They told us they would feel different. The day before we had beef cattle. They are different! But we were well prepared.

Thursday, yea. Pregnant cows! As we were preparing to go the teacher looked at me and I must of had a bigger smile on my face than usual. He said "Arizona you look like a boy scout excited to go on this outing." I told him I felt like a cub scout going on my first outing. Everyone was assigned a cow. Now knowing that they are pregnant, we just had to drop off to the right side and feel for the womb. They told us depending on how far along they are it may feel like a water balloon with a small bar of soap floating in it. Just give it a small bounce and you will feel the fetus. I reached in, dropped off to the right and felt a large head. If you know me you will know exactly how I responded. I cried. Tony, one of the assistants who was assigned to stand by her because she is so far along saw my tears and smiled. He knew I had found what I went in for. I think they saved that cow for me. I was the last one picked and usually I was one of the first assigned. The rest felt like the balloons, but the first one I will never forget.

Friday was class time then in the afternoon we could either preg test or pass the rod (artificial inseminate). I just did the preg testing.

Then drove back to Kansas City Mo. to catch my flight home on Saturday morning. Home to some really happy dogs. Tom was camping and I didn't see him until the next afternoon. All in all that was a real great school. With them if you need a refresher class you can always come back for free. They say just call and tell them you are coming back. So if I ever want to AI all I have to do is go back.

Can You Tell Me Why?

I believe some of you can answer me this one question: Why do people pick on me? I don't know why. Here are a few examples of what I mean.

In May I drove to the BLM office for a week. It was by the old Metro Center Mall, nice long drive. The class was amazing. Learned about invasive plants, how to read soil, and wind or water erosion. I was the only civilian, meaning all the others were state or federal employees there to gain further education toward their employments.
Before the week was up they were calling me Mom. Most of the instructors were my age or older. But they came up with that name for me. And then was the picking on me. Just little jabs here and there. But then again, the instructors or the highly knowledgeable students would make sure they teamed up with me to help my inexperience. The instructors and students came from about five different states, yet they had time to pick on me and help me, a civilian out. I have high regards for them. Even though they PICKED.

Now I am in Kansas taking a class. The students here come from 6 differnt states. Most are from east of the Mississippi. Here comes the picking. The instructors ask a question and if know one answers, they call on me. The first day I got all the questions right. The second day wow, a bit more challenging. I am not kidding about picking on me. I sat in the front row so I wouldn't miss anything. Unlike the first class that was free, this one is very costly and I wanted my moneys worth. Well here comes a question and I look around to see if anyone is going to answer and dang then I look forward and I get a pointing finger or the nod. They ask me to make a guess. And some of my answers make for a good ribbing. They love that I am from AZ. They give an example and then they turn to me and say what ya think, I say, can't work here and they say your right. Then they explain why AZ is so different from were they are.
I walked out my door and the oldest student was walking to go get dinner so I invited myself to go with him. He is 78 and Vietnam vet. I wanted to visit with him and learn more about him. He is amazing person. He is from the south, and yes he is black. He used to in his younger day, raise race horses. And so many other things. He is like an interesting book and I just wanted to check it out. He is so happy and positive it sucks you in. So anyway during our dinner I told him, "they pick on me" he just smiled and said "I think they just like you".

So answer me, why am I picked on? I could see if I started it but I will testify the first class I didn't not start it. I was so out of my league that I wished I was a mute. Way over my head on that one. Now this class, I picked. But they started it.

WHY DO THEY PICK ME TO PICK ON?

Water Lesson Part 2

Drove to Cecil's mill around 7 am. On my way there I passed the proof that our plan is working. The plan is to get the cattle to graze south of the mill and leave the north alone. We moved the salt away from the drinker where it had been for years to a new place south of the mill. Remember yesterday I put out this yellow bucket? They have found it. Some may go out for coffee and other prefer salt.


Gained 2 inches over night. Decided that was good. With no cattle on it and all. Then drove out to the Big Mill. With hunting season open I wanted to check the gates and the grass with all the moisture we have gotten. Saw about 12 head of Antelopes. In the distance so no pictures. Then came upon the proof that Cody really did get a chain saw for his wedding.
These trees were known to add Arizona Pin striping to the sides of your trucks.

Gates and grass look all in order. Still early morning so maybe I aught to muck out the drinker at this mill. It was more dry than wet so the work went fairly fast. When I first started my dogs jumped in with me and rolled around on it. I didn't think much of it until I hit a wet spot. It did stink. No wonder they want it on them. Dogs love to stink.

Before


During


After


Job done so I drove past Cecil's mill and noticed I had already lost my gain and it is still not near afternoon when they all would of drank. I decided to go ahead and run the generator. I have to leave and my dad will return so no need to put extra work on him.

Just Checkin

Went today to check the water level at the mill. Down 8 inches but there is a breeze enough to pump water. Decided to leave it and check it later in the day. That way I can get a feel for how much the wind can put out and how much the cattle take in. I always have the generator to pump water.

Didn't see any salt. So when I went back out to check the level of the water it was down 2 more inches. That is okay cuz the cattle have all drank for the day. I brought out a block of salt. Did find the old salt and it was down about 2/3rds. Put it in a yellow bucket to keep it out of the dirt. Not an exciting day. Just a learning day.

Bringing Us Up To The 21st Century

Dad, Greg and I went out to Jennies Mill to muck out the drinker. It didn't take long so we went ahead and remounted the electrical box for the pump.
Stopped by the ranch to grab a couple of blocks of salt to take to Cecil's Mill. As we were approaching the mill, out of the west we had some cows on a fast run toward the mill. We were commenting that we had never seen a sight like that. Then I noticed that there was a second bunch on the rise doing the same thing. We were joking that the cattle thought they were antelope. Antelope always run the same way you are headed and they will beat you at an intersection in the road and keep going. It baffles me why they don't turn and go far from you. Why they race to cross you. Anyway here is two group of cows racing toward us. We get to mill before them and put out the salt. I have noticed that just before reaching the mill they have turned and now are walking north. Out of no where comes along a man on a mountain bike. Ends up he is what my dad calls a (Nester). Some one that buys a few acres and lives out in the desolate range we call the ranch. He talks to us and loves to check out everyone that crosses our section. He wants to help out how ever he can. As we drive off it comes to me that cattle were on the run from the man on the bike. We decided that is what we need to do. Round up on bikes and we will have them gathered in less time. Straight into the 21st Century.

Two Much Trouble

For the first time I worked both of my dogs together. They are a year apart and both under 2 years of age. Believe me when I say they compete. I knew it was going to be an easy ride. We were riding early in the afternoon, going to just throw them on water so we could film them for a video auction. I was dropped off on the south on my quad. My dad would go get his quad from the ranch house and come in from the north and my cousin would come from the east on horse.
I have the option if it gets to hairy with both I can tie them to a tree and come back after them. First thing I notice is one of our calves is over the fence. I decide that my younger dog Vaquera, who loves to ride on the quad, will ride with me then I don't have two scary monsters chasing one scared calf from here to there. We go through the neighbors gate, swing wide, low and behold it goes down the fence line. Now momma has noticed and she comes the fence line. Just got to get the calf to the gate before his mom, and it will be fine. Yes, the calf saw the hole and ran through. Now as I close the gate the cow takes off on a trot the wrong way. I go to turn her and the game is on. The two take off at top speed to see who can get there first. The cow and calf have tails high in the air and are gone. First choice is to get the dogs back under control. My trainer has showed me how well dogs listen to a quirk (a whip). I catch up with them, jump off my quad, give two snaps with the quirk and tell them to get back. I get on my quad, once again tell them stay behind me and slowly come up on the cow. My older dog, Gideon, he's a heeler. Doesn't like to go out front. He loves to trail behind. He keeps his distance. Not much fight in him. He will take a nip if he feels that is needed. The other, she is a control freak. She tries to take charge of every situation. Head is her place but she will come behind. Always on the move she is. Swing up one side and then the other, always trying to get to the front.
We now have the cow and calf almost bunched up with about 12 other head. My young one has now stepped up to work the cattle. Every time she gets close the last cow stops and takes a look at her. I call her back. Soon she takes notice that if a cow looks back she is too close and she either stops to get distance or she slows down. Lesson learned. It was a beautiful thing to behold.

Worth the fifteen minute wait

Two weekends ago Tom and I were with my dad checking Cecil's Mill, when dad got telling us stories.
He said when he was young they also raised colts for sale beyond just the cattle they ran. They wintered them in Cecilville and summered them on a forest permit and also the Taylor place.
They would sale the colts to the Apaches. They were pretty good horses. Had a stud and quite a few brood mares.
It was first of December. Him and Judd were to move them off the forest. They had found them earlier in November and left them in Los Burros. As they left the ranch they stopped by the Midway. Which at the time was also the post office and told Donald Goodman to watch for them. They would be a few hours and they would need someone to stop traffic on the 60 as they crossed back.
They got to Los Burros. To get them to all follow them, Judd saddled up the stud. They did a few laps around the clearing until all the mares were in tow. Dad brought up the rear. They strung out for quite a ways. Mare,foal,mare,foal.
Back at the midway, a highway patrol man had stopped by the store and Donald asked if he wouldn't mind hanging around just a little longer to help the boys and horses to cross the road. It had been about two hours and it shouldn't be much longer.
Close to that time Donald could here them coming down the road. So Donald and the officer went out to stop traffic on the 60 while the horses crossed. The officer told Donald after they had gone bye that is was worth the fifteen minute wait.
We asked how old he was at this time and he remembered it was the last winter before he went into the service.

Now that explains all the pictures of colts in at the ranch corals.

EL PASO

Recently I found out that the song "El Paso" by Marty Robbins was the number one song about a gun fight. When I heard this I went online to research the song to get to know more about it because it was one of my Dad's favorite songs.
Did you know that the Grateful Dead covered this song and that it was their most requested song on the road? Also, Marty Robbins wrote another song, "El Paso City," while flying over El Paso. He said it was the second time he had ever written a song in the same amount of time it takes to sing it. The first one was "El Paso"!!! Both songs hit number one!
Most of you might know my Dad was born in El Paso, Texas. As far as I am concerned he was the only good thing that came out of Texas.
My Dad was not really into music enough to go out and buy it or buy a stereo, but he did like to listen to it on the radio if he had one. I do remember having the Marty Robins album in the house that had "El Paso" on it. All we had was a record player and I think the only reason we had that was for Sister's 45's.
Anyway, as I listen to this song, it reminds of Dad for different reasons.
1. He was born there.
2. Dad was born 100 years too late. He loved anything to do with the old west.
3. He loved his childhood home Mexico and the culture. When we would go to Matta's he would always have the mariachis sing the Mexico national anthem.
So please listen to the song and I think you can envision Dad trying to sing it!

Missing Dad

It has been a long time since I have posted anything and I have really wanted to say something about my Dad but It has been really hard for me to say anything. I guess I have been in denial. I still don't believe that he is gone. I keep thinking I should call him because he has not called me and then I remember. No more phone calls.-------- I am having a hard time right now.------- Sorry.

I am also reminded all the time with "How is your Dad?" And then I have to give them the news. Then they give me their condolences and I say "It was a good thing, It was a good thing." I really don't think I say that for them but for me! I am telling myself "It was good" because it has not been good for me. I miss my Dad! Dad and I spent a lot of time together working, dreaming, fighting, forgiving, farming, raising my kids, playing, going to church, parades and helping each other on hobbies.

For fifty years He has was always been there for me and now he is gone!

I hurt.

April 21, 2010

Dear Journal,

Up at 5:30 to take the dogs on a run. Nice, nice morning. Think I will take them all the way around the alfalfa field. As we approach home I have two dogs with classic signs of fox tail in the ears. One side of the field doesn't have fox tail but too late for me to notice, the other side does.

Tom had told me of two places I have to go this morning and now I know I can add the Vet to that list too.

Come home and fix breakfast for me and Tom, get dressed to go to work. Start my morning computer routine. My computer had a little burp but I finished what I needed. The Vet will see me at 8 am. Great, then I can go to Bill and Elaine's to say my good-byes to Bill. I tried to on Sunday but there was tons of family around. I had in my heart what needed to be said from me and I wanted and needed to tell him.
Had a good hour visit with him. Good man.

Then off to Beehive Clothing to satisfy some of Tom's list. Done there and now to finish of the list so I can get back to work to send in payroll. Went to get a couple of bed rolls (that is what we give as wedding gifts to our children, because that is what we got ourselves for a wedding gift). Pick up some more lead rope for my dogs because I like the price there. Now the list is done and can head to work again.

Sit down to work and my computer keeps turning off and then restarting. What?!!! I have a virus. I don't need this. Run down to use Tom's and his is doing the same. Find a computer that has some sanity and post payroll. Call Lance on the computer problems. See if Blaine can do anything. Lance can't do anything by remote service. Blaine tried some stuff but it is not working. Get depressed and do what I always do if I can't work through it. Went to bed. I can work as hard as the next, but if my hands are tied, I cope by getting depressed and falling asleep.

Woke up late, only to recieve a call that I can now pick up my dogs who are now awake from their minor surgery. Too depressed and too late to fix dinner. Tom wants to take me to dinner to help me settle down. He has a class him and the boys are going to, but if we drive separate and hurry it can all be worked in. Chinese buffet. Feed the stress, that is as good as sleep.

Come home and decide to just read. No TV, just read. About 7:50 get a call from Tom. You want to meet me at Mom and Dad's? Sure why? Dad has died. Heart stops. Mind reasons. If the Lord doesn't send us more than we can handle, why do I feel that I am having a heart attack? Get dressed and head there to watch, learn, grieve.

I am grateful to be a member of the true church that teaches us more than just to believe, but to KNOW there is life after death. That the Lord loves us and will only give as many trials as we need to grow and learn.

April 22, 2010

I am still breathing. I lived through it. My computer has been resurrected by Lance telling Blaine what to do. I was able to talk to Bill before he went home. My dogs are normal and happy. My heart is full. The Lord loves me, the little rough neck that I am.

Isn't It Ironic

When we young we would dig holes and think they were so deep that just a bit more and we would be in China. Now I wish I had that tunnel, so when Alicia goes to China I could visit her.

I want to blow everything off and play with the grandchildren. Earlier years I wanted to farm out my children and get everything else done.

I thought horses were my world, now give me a quad cuz I prefer cattle.

It is not fun cooking for two after you have cooked for a family.

I have traded in all our bunk beds for queen beds.

I clean the best when I am pissed off, It used to piss me off to clean.

When the ranch started generations ago it was over seen by a woman for the most part, it is close to that time again.

The Big Picture

Carsyn decided after a day in the desert that she would go home with the grandparents and spend the night. We knew she wouldn't because just the short drive from the day camp to Globe for a park and swap, she cried out for her mom. But we said yes anyway. We would love her to spend the night.

She helped us put away the camping things, and relaxed with us while we watch a movie. Then early evening came along and I asked "Are you going to sleep over?" Right away she said "No". So she gathered her things and gave kisses. This is a step for her. She loves her moms so much. Baby steps with her. The bigger picture is one day she might spend a whole week with us and when it is over she might cry not to have to go home.

While my pup and I are training on cattle or chickens there is a lot of loud commands. My family listens to me daily and wonder by what they hear if I am going to kill a dog or dogs or just keel over with a heart attack.

What I am building for is a command that they can hear on the other side of a large loud herd of cattle. You really don't want them to watch for hand signals because they take their eyes of the cattle to watch you.

Today I got my two herding dogs to play fetch side by side, kinda. I had to have them each watch a different hand and throw in opposite directions but they ignored each other. That is a large step. They are very competitive so that brings them side by side for most of the day.

What I want and need is for them to work independently of each other most of the time and only unite on a stubborn cow.

Tonight not in the Moornan

Avree spent most of Thursday at my house while her mom sewed. Me and Tom were going to go and drop some of our camping gear at the camping spot, to reserve it. The sewing took longer that thought (first time with this pattern, so a little rough). We discussed just leaving a 5 am Friday and be back in time for school. Okay settled then.

Louise call about an hour later and Aves wanted to talk to her. Now the amazing part is, Aves is 2 and a half. On the phone she is pushing six. She answered the usual questions an aunt would ask and then all of a sudden she said "I am going to the water tonight not in the moornan", then turned and looked at us like did you hear me. We died laughing. The turkey listen to the whole conversation and had decided she was out of there one way or another. Thank heaven it is fourteen more years until she drives. She would of been gone.

My babies love to go camping. All I could ask for. Oh maybe some might like to ranch with me. Who knows maybe when they all have been born one or so may report in to the saddle.

Random Bits of Learning

I am taking Vaquera to Petsmart classes. There is a shy little poodle in our class. In the second class we went over the manners expected from the dog while on a leash. Vaquera and I did fine, but our little poodle friend (Sophie), um lets say didn't want to participate. She sat down, held her ground. The teacher said drag her she will get up, no one likes to be dragged. She mopped the floor the whole night. The next week she walks normal. The tile floor is one thing on your bottom but a sidewalk and asphalt can teach a lesson.

Lesson: Walk up to what is expected of you, if you don't you might not expect what you get.

I went to Chino Valley to a livestock auction. Yes I put in time looking the animals over. But at one time I watch the people, especially the kids. They ran and played, showed off, and of course got rough. I noticed one young boy kept saying "I need to take this to my dad". The other said okay but you have to come back. He persisted that he come back. He had been treating him a little hard. So the boy ran up to his dad and handed him a little book and a pen. The dad looked at it and put it in his pocket. Said nothing. Just kept on talking to the other man. What I perceived is the young boy used it as a way to get away from the others. The dad was patient and none judging as his son stood next to him.

Lesson: Are we a safe haven at times without judging, or lecturing? Can we accept the way others may get out of a bad situation?

At the above mention auction they had ranch horses for sale. They would describe it as such: rides all day and is still ready to go, can be roped off, will drag um to the fire (branding fire), etc. The horse were shown by one of the owners, mostly men. Did see one woman. What took the cake was they sent out a boy that looked no older than ten. Fine looking horse, was a tad older than the rest but no where ready for retirement. The boy worked his horse like the rest. Fast start, stop on a dime, cuts both ways and then they always send out a calf for you to rope. The boy gets his lasso ready his horse if following in true form and.....what the heck the calf jumped a plywood fence. All you see is the belly clear, the back legs up in the air and thunk. The front body weight pulled the calf over. The announcer said we will release another calf to show you this horse has what it takes. The young man went down to get his next calf, faster that lightning it was an exact reenactment. The announcers apologises to the boy for sending him two bad calves and sends out another. Oh you have got to be kidding. Yep the third follows suit. It is nothing the boy is doing. The first calf found a weak spot and the other two learned it. They brought in a calf farther down the line so as hope it didn't learn the new way to make a gate. Low and behold it was roped and dragged before you could blink.

Lesson: For the boy, don't give up. For the adults, let them keep trying. For those in charge, take the blame don't hand it down.


Just things I see.

Once upon a Week

On tuesday me and Tom crossed wires and I ended up having to walk from the Mesa Library to Jesse and Amandas house to wait for Tom.
I get there as Carsyn is going out the door to play. Paisley had a fresh container of popcorn and she offered me a bite. I went over to work on the quilt. Paisley followed me all the time asking "pop or". It was a joy being shared too instead of being the sharer.
Paisley is a tender heart.

On Wednesday morning the Red Tailed Hawk that had circled us the two previous mornings was at it again. I don't know if we are the only thing happening at 6 a.m. or if is sizing Mobie up for a meal. She circles and then lands on the same telephone pole and waits for us to go by. It takes a minute or two to get in the spot, but this morning I decided to coo at her. That brought Gideon to a halt and he turned to look at me with those big brown eyes that say "what mom?". It must of sounded like my cattle call in a way cuz not thinking I raised my arm to point at the bird, and off he ran toward Power Rd. I immediately called him back. He was on a high speed chase to find those cattle. I am thinking since my arm was so high he thought that meant way out there.
Gideon is an obedient heart.

Me, the dogs, and others went to work at the big mill. The cattle that for the last three feedings were not accounted for have been found. They were not at the big mill previous, but they are now and so we need to make sure there is sufficient water. Batteries were dead on the generator. As we study it out more we found that the bolt holding the alternator in potion had vibrated out and was gone. We found bolts on the windmill frame that would work. Got it set, jumped the batteries and pumped water. As we were leaving Grandpa Nicoll said " I do hope this is the last winter that we have to keep your mom up here. It is to cold for us anymore. I want to keep coming and helping. We just can't winter anymore."
Grandpa is a good heart.

Proud Mama

I haven't been fair to Vaquera. She has had no puppy time compared to Gideon. With Gideon I was religious about 5 minutes 3 times a day on training. I don't know where my life has gone or my commitment to her is, but tonight I decided to change that. Yes I taught her to sit and to come when called. That is nothing compared to what I did with Mobie and Gideon. I spent time helping her learn about chickens but that was also with Gideon training along side of her.

I sent the other dogs in the house and decided to teach fetch. I grabbed a tennis ball. Called Vaquera to me. She came happily. I bounce the ball twice to get her attention. Tossed it, at the same time I said go. That way she would acquaint the word "go" to working cattle. She went for and returned with it. Wow, first time and so far every time. Mobie can't fetch, he takes the ball and runs. Gideon went for the ball but when I called him he dropped it, and came running with out it. It took some time but not long.

The other day it was time to put away the chickens. Found all but one. After 45 minutes of looking. We (me and the two dogs) went into the back yard to see if she had come out to start roosting now that it was getting later in the evening. There I found her, outside of the yard. I said, see it. Gideon knows that phrase and went on alert, looking in the direction that I was pointing. Vaquera took to the excitement and tried to follow Gideon. I opened the gate, they ran in the direction of the chicken. The chicken started running the wrong way then turned and dove under the small hole in the fence. Both dogs turned toward the fence, Vaquera turned once again and ran toward the back yard to finish the job. Gideon stopped at the fence looked at me and then took off to the back yard. The chicken was put away. Yea.

Gideon amazed me on how smart he is. Vaquera scares me on how smart she is. Can I stay a step ahead of her?

LOVE, TRUE LOVE

For anyone that doesn't know, I cry every time something involves a new born baby. Seeing one, holding one, talking about one, movies showing them, etc. Always human ones but even animals. So that is my weak link.

Every time one of my grand babies are born I have fallen apart. Everyone stares at me until I am done. One day in October or November Billy said I could come watch my first missionary be born if I wanted. He didn't even finish the sentence and I was crying. Not to mention this was in the down stairs office and once again I got stared at. I have gone back and forth. I really didn't think I would keep my composure. Just in private times thinking about it I watered my cheeks.

Wow, got up at 5 am and noticed I had a 2 am text. Oh my Hannah's water broke and they were at the hospital. Got to fly. Just wanted to hold my little boy. Didn't even cross my mind of staying in for the birth. Truly thought I had missed it. And hadn't convinced myself to stay anyhow. Get to the hospital and I am not late. Get a text from Alicia that I had better stay in there and watch. She has stated that her and Louise don't want me in their delivery rooms so I better take the chance while I had it.

I walked in the room. Started crying. Stated that I don't think I should stay for the birth. Hannah said not if you are going to make me cry. Well I had some time. Hannah wasn't half way there yet. Tom showed up. Tell ya I had to fly. Left him home, didn't take care of my animals. I was starving. Good thing Tom cleans up after me. He fed my animals, fed me and didn't cry.

Now it is time, Tom left the room and I was going to hide in the corner and be good. Just had to wait for the doctor so Hannah could push. What is that, the doctor wants me and her mother to hold her feet. Is the woman crazy. I will be down there with nothing to look at but, butt. Naw just had to put that in. Too tempting. So I decided to look into Hannah and Billys face. Hannah gave me the evil eye so I looked down. Low and behold it was the most beautiful thing I have witnessed. Birth. I've seen so many animals born. But this takes it all. No tears, believe it or not. Just pure love filled the room. I don't recall feeling those feelings before. I have felt love, but this was a new love.

While helping dress my sister for her funeral. I felt a new love, different for all other loves and different still from the one I experienced watching birth. The Lord has blessed us with so many loves. I guess I am going to have to live to find them all.

So now is the question, shall I become a doctor so I can revile in that joy more often or just work at a funeral home so I can feel that joy? Ah who am I kidding. I got no cooth and will just have to keep cowboying and feel that joy.

Love to all my family, especially if they can take my humor and my love.

THE CHICKEN GOD HAS SPOKEN

As some may know I am trying to train two pups to work cattle. I have never worked a trained dog myself, heck I have never seen with my own eyes a dog work cattle. But I raised 5 children to work cattle, even though don't work cattle. Hey it looks fun.

To reach my goal is to work them on chickens daily. I don't have access to cattle everyday. So with the breed of dog that I have picked has one small trait that is common but would be better if I could shove it back into the closet. They are known for grabbing the chicken around the neck and dragging it over to you. Now what chicken farmer wouldn't love that. He brings you dinner. And all this with no death, no blood. They can do it without hurting the chicken at all. I will admit it is looks funny. So with my older pup (Gideon, named after a warrior of God). I have been working on getting it across to him that I don't want it. He is coming along.

I now have a younger pup (Vaquera, cow girl in Spanish) who came with a whole lot of grit. I spoke to the breeder and told her I need a very strong willed pup. I got a really really strong willed pup. She is in the middle of learning that the chickens can run around the back yard until I say, not her. She has tried to let this trait out and she has shown me that she won't be a gentle as the other. So I am working on that harder with her. I love the grit because our cattle don't like dogs and they show it all the time. I need one that looks like she will do all she can to get it done.

Now with the both of them I have chained them up if I found them putting them away. With Gideon I only had to do this twice. Vaquera had been up to four times now and didn't get the hint. I have read three really good books on training your own stock dog and everything I can google. In one of my books the trainer says if there is something going down and you can't control it with voice, can't reach the dog to discipline then throw a dirt clot at them and let them believe that the "god of you should do that" has spoken. So as I yelled in a very low growly voice NOT YET and threw a stick at her. It hit her in the side of the head. Oh my goodness the cry she put out. I went to her and checked her over, reminded her not yet and sent her to the back porch.
Where I loved her up for being obedient.

Done, the chicken god has spoken. She now lays in the yard and lets the chicken have all the room they need. Soon as I put the leads on the dogs and say walk up, they are doing their things. Gathering and pinning them in the coop.

Thank heaven she doesn't know it was me that threw it. That is one thing he pointed out. We don't want them afraid of us, just the command. So now when or if I have to say not yet, she will look around for the not yet god.