Well, it is official...my sister is now a single mother to three girls. She has been legal guardian to all three girls (sisters) since early 2007 and the two oldest girls have lived with her since December 06. But now all three sisters are back under the same roof. The youngest of the three wasn't to move in with my sister until her oldest sister graduates from high school in the spring. But, my sister prayed hard about everything and the time had come that the sisters needed to be together. So, over the weekend we had an addition to the family. Oh, she's been apart since the day my sister took the oldest two into her home while the youngest lived with someone else in our church. But, it's nice having them all together. And, it's nice claiming I have three nieces!
I don't tell her (because she would tell me I'm being dramatic), but my sister is really a hero to me. I don't think I could never have done or be strong enough to take in three children (now ages 12, 15, & 17) and raise them by myself. She willfully put her life on hold for someone else who desperately needed help. She has definitely taken to these girls like a momma wolf does her young. I suggest no one cross her if they know what's good for them. ha ha ha No, seriously...she is very protective and won't let anyone harm these girls ever again.
Love my sister and commend her for the unselfish sacrifices she has been willing to make. Family Rocks!!!
Until next time . . .
Monday, September 28, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Mediterranean Journey - March 2011
Colosseum in Rome, Italy
Pantheon in Rome, Italy
This pictures is me at the Trevi Fountain in Rome, Italy. I threw three coins in; one being to ensure a return visit to Rome. That wish is going to come true......Italy and Spain here I come! I just found out today that the wonderful group my group was paired with for London, Paris and the Alps 2009 will be tag teaming it again for a Mediterranean Journey in March 2011. This is so awesome to me. So, with this awesome news the tour is definitely a go!!! Now I just need to get on the ball advertising the tour so people will sign up. Flat Brians, be thinking of your Mediterranean Journey attire!!!!!
Mediterranean Journey 2011 Highlights will include the following and much more:
Rome, Italy
Florence, Italy
Pisa, Italy
1 day cruise across the Mediterranean Sea from Italy to Spain
Barcelona, Spain
Wonderful news to end a long week.
Happy Friday and weekend to all.
Until next time . . .
Thursday, September 24, 2009
It's my 2nd Anniversary
I just realized that 2 years ago today I began my career with Evalulogix. Wow, 2 years already! I simply can't believe it. It is amazing how time flies, especially when you're having fun. It's funny, even though it's been 2 years people still have no clue what I do. I guess in a way I like that because I'm somewhat of a private person and don't always like people knowing my business. Not that what I do is a secret, it's just not my center of conversation.
For a quick rundown.....Evalulogix is the company and ScoreandReport is the product. We offer a reporting tool for members of the school psychology and special education industry for schools and individuals. It's a tool which helps them put their assessment information together in a professional manner for students' IEP reports. What I do is a wide range of things: data processing of the assessment info, training, customer service, bid proposals and invoicing, social media networking (yes this includes Twitter). I simply love it. I feel that I'm involved in something that helps people...helping people is a great feeling.
I can honestly say most days of my job are fun. This has been the first job ever in my life that I have never dreaded coming to work. Believe me I have been in some situations I dreaded too. But this is different. For the first time I am doing something that I love and enjoy; every aspect of it. Don't get me wrong, not every day is great because business will be business, but I never dread the tasks at hand.
So, here's to 2 great years...and many more to come!
Until next time . . .
That's me...duh!! It was so bright that day, I remember being squinty eyed. This was my first work trip a few weeks after I started. I went to San Francisco, CA and met up with one of my bosses for training. First time to fly somewhere all by myself, not knowing a sole, and not have someone I know meeting me at the airport. My dad had to take me to the departing airport...he was terrified for his baby girl! But, I admit I was a tad nervous and excited all in one.
For a quick rundown.....Evalulogix is the company and ScoreandReport is the product. We offer a reporting tool for members of the school psychology and special education industry for schools and individuals. It's a tool which helps them put their assessment information together in a professional manner for students' IEP reports. What I do is a wide range of things: data processing of the assessment info, training, customer service, bid proposals and invoicing, social media networking (yes this includes Twitter). I simply love it. I feel that I'm involved in something that helps people...helping people is a great feeling.
I can honestly say most days of my job are fun. This has been the first job ever in my life that I have never dreaded coming to work. Believe me I have been in some situations I dreaded too. But this is different. For the first time I am doing something that I love and enjoy; every aspect of it. Don't get me wrong, not every day is great because business will be business, but I never dread the tasks at hand.
So, here's to 2 great years...and many more to come!
Until next time . . .
That's me...duh!! It was so bright that day, I remember being squinty eyed. This was my first work trip a few weeks after I started. I went to San Francisco, CA and met up with one of my bosses for training. First time to fly somewhere all by myself, not knowing a sole, and not have someone I know meeting me at the airport. My dad had to take me to the departing airport...he was terrified for his baby girl! But, I admit I was a tad nervous and excited all in one.
Happy Fall
Hi All! I didn't get a chance to post on the first day of Fall; Tuesday-September 22, 2009.
I love Fall. I love the smell to the air, the crispness in the air, the sound of geese as they head south, and the changing colors. We have had such unusual and rainy weather this year things are sure to give us a beautiful show as the colors change. I can already see a pinch of color to the trees and weeds. Some of my favorites are the dogwoods and sassafras as they turn red! That mixed with the yellow hue of the hickory tree is simply beautiful.
I gave my teen class at church an object lesson and fall challenge for the changing season. You see, most people are visual so we have to see something to believe it. Teenagers are no different. So, to help the kids see that God exists I challenged them to take a fall journal of the changing season and note the differences of each day (or however often they write). The main challenge was to get them to spend at least 30 minutes with God in prayer and thought. Hopefully they are doing this. I am also doing the challenge. How else can I expect them to do it if I'm not willing to give at least 30 minutes of my time as well. Actually, if one thinks about it our entire day is God's, all 24 hours of it, because He gave us the day. It's what we do with it that matters. One can choose to either waste it away on worldly nonsense or give it to God. I choose to give it to God because this is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
I hope to start taking some pictures to document the changing season. I simply love watching this season change into winter. You can just see everything going to sleep for their winter break.
Spend time with God today!
Until next time . . .
I love Fall. I love the smell to the air, the crispness in the air, the sound of geese as they head south, and the changing colors. We have had such unusual and rainy weather this year things are sure to give us a beautiful show as the colors change. I can already see a pinch of color to the trees and weeds. Some of my favorites are the dogwoods and sassafras as they turn red! That mixed with the yellow hue of the hickory tree is simply beautiful.
I gave my teen class at church an object lesson and fall challenge for the changing season. You see, most people are visual so we have to see something to believe it. Teenagers are no different. So, to help the kids see that God exists I challenged them to take a fall journal of the changing season and note the differences of each day (or however often they write). The main challenge was to get them to spend at least 30 minutes with God in prayer and thought. Hopefully they are doing this. I am also doing the challenge. How else can I expect them to do it if I'm not willing to give at least 30 minutes of my time as well. Actually, if one thinks about it our entire day is God's, all 24 hours of it, because He gave us the day. It's what we do with it that matters. One can choose to either waste it away on worldly nonsense or give it to God. I choose to give it to God because this is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
I hope to start taking some pictures to document the changing season. I simply love watching this season change into winter. You can just see everything going to sleep for their winter break.
Spend time with God today!
Until next time . . .
Monday, September 21, 2009
Interesting Day-Saturday was
What is normally a quiet, peaceful creek became a mad rushing river in a matter of moments.
This field bottom looked like a lake. This is the area where the creek broke it's banks and came out over the highway for about 4 hours.
What you see here is normally a hay field.
The creek runs alongside the tree line to the right of this picture.
Watching and waiting as the water recedes off the highway.
What you see here (picture above) is where the creek broke over it's banks and is coming back out into the hayfield. Several round bales of hay were seen floating down the river, too.
You can see here where the water pooled and created a whole under the highway. It took about 30 minutes or so for the water to completely recede off the highway from this point. It went down fast.
Ah, the water is down and I'm on my way home. Just a few moments prior to this picture this area was a rushing river!
Well, this really wasn't the interesting part to my day; although very fun. Let me back up a bit. While at lunch this day it was raining buckets! By the time I was headed home the rain had stopped.
Ok, this brings me to the interesting part. I knew there were chances of rain for Saturday, but didn't expect what was received in some areas. The further north I drove the more I noticed washed out gravel on the highway and could see where ditches had been running full of water. As I was approaching the Lick Creek Fire Department, on J Hwy (201 in AR) I could see there was a first responder stopping traffic. All the traffic in front of me was turning around and coming back toward me. I didn't really know what was going on until . . . The first responder asked the car ahead of me if they were headed to Gainesville and they told him yes. He simply and kindly replied, "No one is getting through because there is water over the road." I was thinking "WHAT?!" Now it is my turn. I told him to not even bother telling me because I heard him tell the car in front of me. I told him I was going to Dora and if Gainesville bound folks couldn't go through I knew I couldn't. He said I could turn around and find a different way or wait for about an hour or so for the water to recede. Well, I had never seen or heard of the water being over the highway at the Lick Creek bridge so I opted to wait it out. What else did I have to do besides clean house?
I really didn't know what to expect to see, as I have never in my life heard or seen water over the road here. I came around the corner to what looked like a lake of water. What is normally a little creek that just has a trickle was now a rushing, roaring river! It was absolutely amazing to see; especially watching the water recede. In the matter of about an hour and 45 minutes the water went back down off the highway to allow cars to pass.
It was about 3:40 pm when I arrived at the bridge. The water had been up since about 1:pm ish. And, it had gone down quite a bit when I arrived. At one point it was a bit over the 3 foot water marker located on the highway.
Until next time . . .
Friday, September 18, 2009
This is becomming a habit
As I sit here and type I am about to fall over asleep. I feel like a zombie who is trying to hold on to their head. I've mentioned in several posts lately that we have cows calving on the farm. There are little 'dots' as I call them everywhere in the pasture by my house; dots are the baby calves. I call them dots because when they are snuggling tight to the ground they look just like a little 'dot' from a distance. I have this thing with my dad. One or both of us never fail to say, "Look at all those little dots!"
Back to the story...Dad keeps an extra close eye on the cows just in case they need help having their babies. Usually they don't, but sometimes we have to get involved with the birthing process. This extra close watch requires many visits to the field where the cows are; and at weird times in the day/night. Dad will check the cows first thing in the mornings-anytime between 6am-8am. He checks them again in the afternoons. Then again in the evenings. Then again anytime between 9pm-10pm. This is when I go. Then, if there is one he thinks might have a baby by morning he'll be back out there anytime between 2am-4am. Sometimes I go during these times too if I'm asleep in my recliner.
We've been watching this one particular cow, #91, for several weeks now. She has been showing signs that she is fixing to calve; bag filling with milk, dilation, etc. We just knew she would have this calf 2 weeks ago. So dad has been regularly checking her everyday at the above times. Needless to say he needs some sleep. He just knew yesterday would be the day because she was off by herself away from the other cows and not feeling good. You can normally tell a cow is going into labor or not feeling good because they won't be chewing their cud-cattle have 4 stomachs and regurgitate their food and chew on it ALL THE TIME! Anyway...after we left Hootin an Hollerin we came home to check #91-around 8pm. We could definitely tell she'd have a calf by morning. Again at 11:30 pm we checked her again; still no calf. So dad says to me, "I guess you know what I'm going to be doing in an hour or so?" I responded with, "Yep, checking on #91." About 1am this morning I woke up to hearing dad coming up the road on the four wheeler. Had no idea what time it was because I had fallen asleep; in my recliner of course. Out the door I go because I just knew she'd have a baby. Get in the field and go to where she'd been standing all evening. Guess what? NO CALF. This was a sure sign that momma needed help. We were both like, "CRAP!"
Here we go again, having to get the cow down the alley and into the corral. We really didn't have much trouble. Accept the occaisional chase of the dog, Tucker. We would loose the cow in the shadow of the four wheeler lights and she'd be coming right at us going after Tucker. But we finally got her headed in the right direction and she never looked back; right into the corral she went.
Dad thought about going to get mom, but he decided to check out how big the calf was first. As usual our flashlight was going dim on us. We got the cow in the runway of the corral and she was really patient. Wouldn't you be if you needed help? We didn't end up going and getting mom this time. I took my usual place of holding the tail back and helping to stretch the back end of the cow; I always make sure to wash the hands very well! Just as the calf was being pulled out the light went dead. Dad kept pulling and I kept tugging on the tail; hard to do when their slick with yucky stuff. Out the big lad came and hit the ground with a thud. We didn't really know if this one was dead or alive because dad felt no life when he was putting the chains around it's ankles. We think we he hit the ground the calf was jolted. I would be. I drug him under the runway fence so we could get him going; sticking hay up his nose to make him sneeze and get the gunk out of the nose and mouth so he can breathe. Sometimes you have to hit their side too.
All looked good, little lad-well a big lad-looked as though he'd be just fine. So, we let momma out of the runway so she could be introduced to her baby. She went to licking and mooing at her new baby. I just love watching that because even though a cow is not saying anything you can almost understand her moos to the baby. When the baby tries to get up her moo changes. It almost sounds like, "Set down young man until I'm finished." It's really a sensational sight all should get to experience once in their life. I just happen to be blessed with seeing it regularly since I live on a farm.
Once again I needed a blackberry so I could record to be able to post and tweet. One day I'll have one. There'll be many more calves born on the Collins Farm and I'm sure the occaisional calf that needs a tug to get into the world. So, don't be surprised to one day see my blog with a calf birthing video.
I hope you all enjoy my farm ramblings. I find that there are so many who don't understand it so I like to talk about it. Like I mentioned earlier; this is definitely something that everyone across the globe needs to experience.
So to wrap up today's long post, sorry about that-lot's going on and gotta make you feel like you're there. These late night calf pullings are becoming a habit. I walked in my house at 2:09 am today after another exciting farm moment. I sure wish these momma who need help would rearrange their birthing schedule! ha ha But, then that wouldn't be nature.
Until next time . . .
Back to the story...Dad keeps an extra close eye on the cows just in case they need help having their babies. Usually they don't, but sometimes we have to get involved with the birthing process. This extra close watch requires many visits to the field where the cows are; and at weird times in the day/night. Dad will check the cows first thing in the mornings-anytime between 6am-8am. He checks them again in the afternoons. Then again in the evenings. Then again anytime between 9pm-10pm. This is when I go. Then, if there is one he thinks might have a baby by morning he'll be back out there anytime between 2am-4am. Sometimes I go during these times too if I'm asleep in my recliner.
We've been watching this one particular cow, #91, for several weeks now. She has been showing signs that she is fixing to calve; bag filling with milk, dilation, etc. We just knew she would have this calf 2 weeks ago. So dad has been regularly checking her everyday at the above times. Needless to say he needs some sleep. He just knew yesterday would be the day because she was off by herself away from the other cows and not feeling good. You can normally tell a cow is going into labor or not feeling good because they won't be chewing their cud-cattle have 4 stomachs and regurgitate their food and chew on it ALL THE TIME! Anyway...after we left Hootin an Hollerin we came home to check #91-around 8pm. We could definitely tell she'd have a calf by morning. Again at 11:30 pm we checked her again; still no calf. So dad says to me, "I guess you know what I'm going to be doing in an hour or so?" I responded with, "Yep, checking on #91." About 1am this morning I woke up to hearing dad coming up the road on the four wheeler. Had no idea what time it was because I had fallen asleep; in my recliner of course. Out the door I go because I just knew she'd have a baby. Get in the field and go to where she'd been standing all evening. Guess what? NO CALF. This was a sure sign that momma needed help. We were both like, "CRAP!"
Here we go again, having to get the cow down the alley and into the corral. We really didn't have much trouble. Accept the occaisional chase of the dog, Tucker. We would loose the cow in the shadow of the four wheeler lights and she'd be coming right at us going after Tucker. But we finally got her headed in the right direction and she never looked back; right into the corral she went.
Dad thought about going to get mom, but he decided to check out how big the calf was first. As usual our flashlight was going dim on us. We got the cow in the runway of the corral and she was really patient. Wouldn't you be if you needed help? We didn't end up going and getting mom this time. I took my usual place of holding the tail back and helping to stretch the back end of the cow; I always make sure to wash the hands very well! Just as the calf was being pulled out the light went dead. Dad kept pulling and I kept tugging on the tail; hard to do when their slick with yucky stuff. Out the big lad came and hit the ground with a thud. We didn't really know if this one was dead or alive because dad felt no life when he was putting the chains around it's ankles. We think we he hit the ground the calf was jolted. I would be. I drug him under the runway fence so we could get him going; sticking hay up his nose to make him sneeze and get the gunk out of the nose and mouth so he can breathe. Sometimes you have to hit their side too.
All looked good, little lad-well a big lad-looked as though he'd be just fine. So, we let momma out of the runway so she could be introduced to her baby. She went to licking and mooing at her new baby. I just love watching that because even though a cow is not saying anything you can almost understand her moos to the baby. When the baby tries to get up her moo changes. It almost sounds like, "Set down young man until I'm finished." It's really a sensational sight all should get to experience once in their life. I just happen to be blessed with seeing it regularly since I live on a farm.
Once again I needed a blackberry so I could record to be able to post and tweet. One day I'll have one. There'll be many more calves born on the Collins Farm and I'm sure the occaisional calf that needs a tug to get into the world. So, don't be surprised to one day see my blog with a calf birthing video.
I hope you all enjoy my farm ramblings. I find that there are so many who don't understand it so I like to talk about it. Like I mentioned earlier; this is definitely something that everyone across the globe needs to experience.
So to wrap up today's long post, sorry about that-lot's going on and gotta make you feel like you're there. These late night calf pullings are becoming a habit. I walked in my house at 2:09 am today after another exciting farm moment. I sure wish these momma who need help would rearrange their birthing schedule! ha ha But, then that wouldn't be nature.
Until next time . . .
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Peacefulness...the Gulf
This is a brief video I took while in Gulf Shores, AL at the end of May. Turn your speakers up and pause my blog music to enjoy the sweet bliss of the ocean. Ah!!
What bliss. The ocean is so calming. I could set and listen/watch it for hours.
Enjoy!
It's Raining..It's Pouring
(I took this picture up in the Rockies in CO, but that's kinda what it looks like here, too)...the old man is snoring...bumbed his head on a water bed and won't wake up till the morning! I used to sing that song all the time with my dad when I was little. Every time I say, "It's raining." I can't help but mutter the entire song in my head! Great memory.
Anyhow...as you all well know...it is RAINING! We have received much rain in the last few days. A nice, slow, soothing, calming rain; perfect for relaxing. I've even been working out in the yard in this rain. I'm soaking wet when finished, but the rain feels so good! I'll have peenemonia! ha ha
I don't recall this much rain throughout a year in a long time. The fields never really got brown this year due to the rain. But I'm not complaining a bit. Unless it just turns off cold we should be in store for a lovely fall with wonderful color. With all the spring and summer rain, and now the fall, we should have a wonderful canvas. Can't wait!
Happy Fall.
Until next time . . .
Friday, September 11, 2009
9/11, 2001: A Day in Remembrance
I remember exactly where I was the day when the first tower was hit; living in Mountain Home, AR waiting on a co-worker to pick me up as my car was in the shop. I had a few minutes so spare so I decided to wash some dishes. The TV wasn't on so I didn't know yet what was happening. But, as I was going about my day, washing dishes, peoples lives were ending and being changed forever. Just after my co-worker picked me up she got a phone call about the first tower being hit so we flipped on the radio. As soon as we walked into the office we turned on the TV and already the tube was flooded. Just as we were watching the footage of the first tower I witnessed the second tower being hit. It was all so strange; like watching a shootem up blowem up movie.
I will never forget that day. That was a history changing day in my generation. I'm amazed at some of the young people who were babies or toddlers at that time. They don't understand what went on; therefore, don't understand the price that was paid that dreadful day and the fragility of our freedoms and securities. My niece just told me she saw it as an excuse to be out of class during the school remembrance assembly. I guess this is just like people of my generation don't understand the Depression or WWI and WWII.
Anyway, I'm thinking today of the lives and families changed forever during the events of 9/11. I'm remembering the lives lost as they plummeted to the ground from the high floors of the towers, the plane hitting the Pentagon, and the one going down in a field in Pennsylvania; headed for our Nation's Capitol. I'm remembering the rescuers who lost their lives while trying to save another. I'm remembering the heroes of that day. I'm remembering how our country seemed to come together and one heard more spiritual things on tv; although only briefly. I'm remembering! Side note: it seems as though our country has went downhill in the generosity, people helping others and their neighbors; man looking out for fellow man rather than self; and Christians stepping up to the plates of evil categories since that time. I remember thinking, "Ok, this is going to get people on the right track spiritually." Sadly, that time was only being led with adrenaline rather than persistence.
I pray that our country comes together once again. Afterall, as we well learned September 11th, 2001, America is not invincible. We need to knock down our barriers of being proud and cocky and be a country of service, humanity, and fellowship rather than being out for #1 and holding our hand out.
May God richly bless all those reading this today. I pray for all the families, friends, and loved ones who's lives were changed on 9/11; seems like yesterday.
Until next time . . .
I will never forget that day. That was a history changing day in my generation. I'm amazed at some of the young people who were babies or toddlers at that time. They don't understand what went on; therefore, don't understand the price that was paid that dreadful day and the fragility of our freedoms and securities. My niece just told me she saw it as an excuse to be out of class during the school remembrance assembly. I guess this is just like people of my generation don't understand the Depression or WWI and WWII.
Anyway, I'm thinking today of the lives and families changed forever during the events of 9/11. I'm remembering the lives lost as they plummeted to the ground from the high floors of the towers, the plane hitting the Pentagon, and the one going down in a field in Pennsylvania; headed for our Nation's Capitol. I'm remembering the rescuers who lost their lives while trying to save another. I'm remembering the heroes of that day. I'm remembering how our country seemed to come together and one heard more spiritual things on tv; although only briefly. I'm remembering! Side note: it seems as though our country has went downhill in the generosity, people helping others and their neighbors; man looking out for fellow man rather than self; and Christians stepping up to the plates of evil categories since that time. I remember thinking, "Ok, this is going to get people on the right track spiritually." Sadly, that time was only being led with adrenaline rather than persistence.
I pray that our country comes together once again. Afterall, as we well learned September 11th, 2001, America is not invincible. We need to knock down our barriers of being proud and cocky and be a country of service, humanity, and fellowship rather than being out for #1 and holding our hand out.
May God richly bless all those reading this today. I pray for all the families, friends, and loved ones who's lives were changed on 9/11; seems like yesterday.
Until next time . . .
Pictures I've Promised...Life on the Farm
Sunset on the Collins Farm
Sunset and Mommas on the Collins FarmWell, here they are....the baby calf pictures I've promised; with a bonus-the First Johnny Baby. Most people don't know that that is...but a Johnny Baby is a calf from our Hereford Bull, Johnny. We have been waiting for these babies to hit the ground and the first one arrived yesterday. You see, when you breed a Hereford bull with a black Angus you normally get a black calf that has a white face w/black spots...so cute and make beautiful cows; not to mention they bring top dollar at the sale barn. So here are the pictures....ENJOY!
Meet Tank (sorry for the blur)
Meet Star and her momma Molly...this is my cow and calf. I'll be keeping Star for a cow.
Meet Rhoney...she's unique-her momma is blue in color
Meet Haas...he's the big lad we pulled in the wee hours of Labor Day.
Introducing the 1st Johnny Baby on the Collins Farm...she's a heifer so she'll be a keeper!!The second Johnny baby arrived last night about 11:30 pm...no pictures as the calf had just made it's debut into the world and it was dark outside.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The Birth of Haas!!
...this post may contain details too graphic for the weak stomach....contains information regarding calves being born....
All I have to say is, "If I were completely up to date with the technology era I would have a blackberry and instant access to the internet via phone. Then you all would have had some fabulous pictures from the very wee hours of Monday morning." When I say wee, I mean very wee. This all started Sunday night about 11:30 pm and ended the next morning at 2:00 am.
Right now is calving season for our fall calving cattle; meaning they are bred so they will have babies in the fall...right now. My dad watches those fat ladies like a hawk. Usually if he's checking cattle and I'm around he'll stop and get me because I love seeing those baby calves. Plus, I love watching them be born. So every chance I get to see that happen is great!!!
Well, we've been keeping our eye on them pretty close lately; just in case they need a little extra help bringing that baby into the world. And we had some excitement during the wee hours of this such occasion. Sunday night (like I said, around 11:30 pm) dad stopped by on the 4-wheeler to pick me up and away we went. When we got to the pasture and saw the gray cow we've been watching for several days we could see she was sick and trying to calve. So, we sat there...and sat there...and sat there...finally the water bag was out and a foot...so we sat there....and sat there.....and sat there...she'd get up and down, up and down, but we continued to sit there. Nothing happened. After about an hour dad got to thinking she was having trouble and needed some help. So away we went getting gates closed and others opened so we could drive her to the barn. When I say 'drive' I don't mean drive in a trailer...I mean herd her to the barn as in walking. She was a little testy about getting in the other field that leads to the barn. But, wouldn't you be if you had a 100-pound calf that wanted out, but couldn't get there?! After a few attempts we got her in the other field and off to the barn we went. She was no trouble at all and went right in the corral; the corral by the way is about 1/2 mile from the gate where we brought her out of the original field she was in.
Ok, she's in the corral. She wants help!!! She didn't fuss at all. Went right in the corral pen and waited on us patiently to get that baby out! Dad went to get mom for assistance. You see in the dark you've got to have that extra person to hold the light; that would be mom in this instance. Dad got to do the dirty work, but I'm the tail holder! Wew wee. I also am the one to pull back the skin of the cow off the calf's nose and try and spread it out a bit more to get the calf while dad is pulling it. He has a small chain that is looped around each front foot and then he pulls.
As he was pulling we could see why she needed help...he was a haas. After a few minutes of pulling the haas just hung there while being suspended in air; part of him being held by dad and the chains the other still in his mama....that is the point where hip-lock can be a problem. But, luckily he didn't hip lock and he hit the ground with a thud! As soon as he hit the ground he was named, "Haas!" What a thooster he is. Big gray bull calf! Mama and baby are doing quite lovely.
I said as we was being pulled I wish I'd had a fancy phone because I would be tweeting the process on twitter. Finally something of interest and importance to tweet about and no technology to do it. But, the phone would have gotten nasty anyway because my hands, well lets just say they needed a good scrubbing!!!!
What a nice Labor Day morning that was.
Until next time . . .
All I have to say is, "If I were completely up to date with the technology era I would have a blackberry and instant access to the internet via phone. Then you all would have had some fabulous pictures from the very wee hours of Monday morning." When I say wee, I mean very wee. This all started Sunday night about 11:30 pm and ended the next morning at 2:00 am.
Right now is calving season for our fall calving cattle; meaning they are bred so they will have babies in the fall...right now. My dad watches those fat ladies like a hawk. Usually if he's checking cattle and I'm around he'll stop and get me because I love seeing those baby calves. Plus, I love watching them be born. So every chance I get to see that happen is great!!!
Well, we've been keeping our eye on them pretty close lately; just in case they need a little extra help bringing that baby into the world. And we had some excitement during the wee hours of this such occasion. Sunday night (like I said, around 11:30 pm) dad stopped by on the 4-wheeler to pick me up and away we went. When we got to the pasture and saw the gray cow we've been watching for several days we could see she was sick and trying to calve. So, we sat there...and sat there...and sat there...finally the water bag was out and a foot...so we sat there....and sat there.....and sat there...she'd get up and down, up and down, but we continued to sit there. Nothing happened. After about an hour dad got to thinking she was having trouble and needed some help. So away we went getting gates closed and others opened so we could drive her to the barn. When I say 'drive' I don't mean drive in a trailer...I mean herd her to the barn as in walking. She was a little testy about getting in the other field that leads to the barn. But, wouldn't you be if you had a 100-pound calf that wanted out, but couldn't get there?! After a few attempts we got her in the other field and off to the barn we went. She was no trouble at all and went right in the corral; the corral by the way is about 1/2 mile from the gate where we brought her out of the original field she was in.
Ok, she's in the corral. She wants help!!! She didn't fuss at all. Went right in the corral pen and waited on us patiently to get that baby out! Dad went to get mom for assistance. You see in the dark you've got to have that extra person to hold the light; that would be mom in this instance. Dad got to do the dirty work, but I'm the tail holder! Wew wee. I also am the one to pull back the skin of the cow off the calf's nose and try and spread it out a bit more to get the calf while dad is pulling it. He has a small chain that is looped around each front foot and then he pulls.
As he was pulling we could see why she needed help...he was a haas. After a few minutes of pulling the haas just hung there while being suspended in air; part of him being held by dad and the chains the other still in his mama....that is the point where hip-lock can be a problem. But, luckily he didn't hip lock and he hit the ground with a thud! As soon as he hit the ground he was named, "Haas!" What a thooster he is. Big gray bull calf! Mama and baby are doing quite lovely.
I said as we was being pulled I wish I'd had a fancy phone because I would be tweeting the process on twitter. Finally something of interest and importance to tweet about and no technology to do it. But, the phone would have gotten nasty anyway because my hands, well lets just say they needed a good scrubbing!!!!
What a nice Labor Day morning that was.
Until next time . . .
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Fogs in August: Tally comes to 12!
Well ladies and gentlemen; I don't think any men read my blog, but oh well. Today is the first day of September...yeah!!! Fall is just around the corner. If you ask me, fall is already here according to our current weather. I'm sure we'll have another hot snap before the official season change; maybe, maybe not.
So, for the entire month of August I have been counting and documenting the fogs. Just to recap it's meaning. According to folklore and the Farmer's Almanac the number of fogs for the month of August is a prediction of the number of snows we will receive in the winter season. According to my monitoring and calculations we had 12 fogs in August. I recall only a few of the fogs being heavy, dense ones. But I don't know if this has anything to do with the severity of snowfall for winter. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
Who knows if this is even accurate? At least it was fun counting the fogs. It will be fun as well to count the snowfalls to see how accurate the prediction is. Remember folks, we are in an area where Northern Arkansas can receive a certain amount of snow compared to Southern Missouri. There may have been more or less fogs in Mtn. Home than at my home in Dora. So to clarify, these 12 fogs were counted from Dora. Who knows if that makes a difference or not. I guess we'll have to wait and see.
Until next time . . .
Happy September!!! It's the beginning of soup season!!
So, for the entire month of August I have been counting and documenting the fogs. Just to recap it's meaning. According to folklore and the Farmer's Almanac the number of fogs for the month of August is a prediction of the number of snows we will receive in the winter season. According to my monitoring and calculations we had 12 fogs in August. I recall only a few of the fogs being heavy, dense ones. But I don't know if this has anything to do with the severity of snowfall for winter. I guess we'll just have to wait and see.
Who knows if this is even accurate? At least it was fun counting the fogs. It will be fun as well to count the snowfalls to see how accurate the prediction is. Remember folks, we are in an area where Northern Arkansas can receive a certain amount of snow compared to Southern Missouri. There may have been more or less fogs in Mtn. Home than at my home in Dora. So to clarify, these 12 fogs were counted from Dora. Who knows if that makes a difference or not. I guess we'll have to wait and see.
Until next time . . .
Happy September!!! It's the beginning of soup season!!
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