Calving Season

The weather has turned nice with a heat wave and we all are enjoying the sunshine.  I thought I would share some of the other pictures I took during the last two weeks.  DD #1 was home for a couple days this week-end and helped us catch up on things and some sleep too.  :)

In labor in the "favorite" corner of the calving lot.

The corner was bedded with hay, but the snow is rapidly covering it up.  We let Mom lick off the new baby (bonding) and then they go to the warm dry barn.

The "old" long horn cow had a plain baby this year.  Each year she alternates--one year speckled like her, the next year a plain black one.  She is one of our tamest cows.  She comes to DH's cow call.

Just another "pretty" face. 

I'm sure there will be no sewing for a couple more weeks.  The snow is all melted and farming will begin very very soon.  Double duty will be on DH's schedule.  It is amazing how dusty it is in the pasture already.  The ground sucked the moisture right down.  Today I can actually see the beginning sprouts of green.  The trees are very late this year too.  None of the small retail greenhouses are filled in town yet.  It's a very late start for the growing season for everyone.

The Winter That Stayed

You haven't seen much of me--nobody has.  I've been either in the pasture, the barn or sleeping.  Not always enough sleeping.  lol   This isn't the kind of weather I like to have baby calves in.  In fact we are calving a week later than last year, hoping to avoid cold weather.  It has been a very, very long two weeks of snow and wind and colder than average temperatures.  There has been a lot of hands on calving help needed to keep everyone dry and healthy.

Snow is not an ideal place to have a newborn.  When it does happen,  it's up to the rancher to swoop the baby up and take it to a warmer dryer place.  Sometimes Mom follows--sometimes she needs to be persuaded.

The calves that are a week old do better in the snow.  You can tell a healthy calf by his looks.   They have their ears up and usually enjoy morning play time--even in the snow.

It takes a lot of straw and shelter to keep all the older ones warm and dry too.  It's a busy job when the weather is crappy.  There are emergency trips to the vet with little ones that need extra help.  I tell DH: "we can't sleep with them too".  

More later...........................

Thank you, Mama!

I won a give away that really made me smile.  Carol has been making pincushions.  She reached 1000 followers so she gave some of her gems away.   Isn't this the cutest pincushion? 

It is stuffed with walnuts shells and the most wonderful pincushion I own.  My very favorite!!  Thank you so much, Carol.  Stop over and check out her blog if you haven't.  She is a fabric artist.  I wish I had  half of her creativity.  I love seeing what she has come up with--so different than I would be able to do.   She uses all the bright colors I love.

It was a very warm day today--94 degrees!!

Some of us spread flat out for a nap in the sun.

This little guy found some shade to lay in.

It was too hot for doing much outside this afternoon.  I got caught up on some cleaning and laundry. 

I'm Back

Why is it so hard to get back to blogging once you've gotten busy and haven't been doing it?  I've missed you guys!.  It has been a hectic calving season.   I think we are both getting too old for this stuff, but DH will never admit it.  Any spare time I had was spent sleeping.  lol

We didn't have any snow this year to work in, but cold, rainy days made for extra work.  I'm glad I got new mud boots!  I just kept thinking of you, Karin whenever I wanted to complain.  The April showers have really made the grass grow quickly and for that we are very thankful.

DD2 and friend were home for a few days to visit from the South.   We didn't do many fun things, but sure enjoyed having them and their help.  DH hadn't been feeling well for weeks.  He was complaining of being short of breath.  His doctor insisted on a stress test and we are thankful to find out his heart is fine.  He must have inhaled too much dust and mold from the straw that we bedded the calving barn with.  He needs to remember to wear a mask when we do that.  He is on nebulizer treatments and that is helping.

We have had a lot of ups and downs in the last 6 weeks.   There have been funerals, doctor's appointments, a wedding and lots of praying along with all the work.  As I look around today--the wheat and corn are planted, most of the cows have calved and I know my husband's heart is normal. 

 I would like to ask you to keep DD1 in your prayers.  Michelle had two lesions removed (one on her cheek and one on her back) that came back as melanoma.  After additional surgery, we are praying that nothing else will show up.  She starts a new job at a hospital next week.  After three years of caring for older people, she decided it was time for a change. 

I hope to be back visiting here regularly again.  I really have missed sewing and blogging!!

Duh!

I finally figured out what the problem was with my camera.  My memory card was FULL--how did that happen?  I think my other camera told me when that happened--this one just started acting weird.  I'll know next time it happens.  I'm back with pictures!

Here is a picture of the first baby of the season.  A little bull was born on Friday.  He has white on his back feet and a white tip on his tail.  He was too cold this morning to pose for me.  As you can see Mama wasn't letting me get any closer.

The winner of the last give away, the book  Stack the Deck Revisited was Winona.  I hope she enjoys it.

I received a package from Kallie, who hosted a give away in February.  She made me a beautiful hexagon needle case with thread holder.  Isn't it the coolest thing?!

She sent the needle book, thread (purple-my favorite color), pins, fabrics and hexie template in a pink cherry fabric envelope.   I like the pins she sent.  They are very sharp and have glass heads.  Thank you, Kallie!!  I love how generous quilt bloggers are--they give from their heart.  I've added your blog to my blog list--you'll always be a special friend.

I finished pinning June Bug, so I'll be able to start "big stitch" quilting.   

Greening Up

 The trees are finally starting to leaf out.  The grass is growing too.  It's been very windy all week.   The temperatures are still staying below normal in the 50's and low 60's.  The wind makes it feel even colder.  The next four days have rain in the forecast.  We still haven't gotten the corn planted due to wet fields.  It looks like it will be later than ever.

It has been such a long, cold winter that we are running out of feed.  We have been fixing fences this week and sorting cattle.  The heifers have had all their shots and been branded.   As soon as we get a nice day next week we'll work cattle and start taking them to summer pastures.  The cattle are ready.  They are working on the fences trying to reach the greener, longer grass on the other side. 

It always surprises me how soon the baby calves start eating silage and hay with their moms.  They will enjoy the sweet taste of greener pastures too. 

Some one asked if we name all our cows.  We don't name them all, but some of them get a name by their actions or because we've had special contact with them, like the bottle calves.  Of course, DH calls some of them some names I can't mention.  As much as you want to help a cow, she usually doesn't understand that you are only helping her or her calf. All the cattle have ear tags and we record information by tag number.  It helps to match up pairs and know the age of the cows.

Working with cattle can be dangerous for the rancher and sometimes for the animal.   This is "Crooked Jaw".  Her jaw was broken in a stampede.  She survived the injury, but needs extra care.  We usually keep her in a smaller pen of animals so she gets extra feed.  She eats slower so she needs to have the opportunity to have extra time eating before someone else eats all the food.   She does well eating grass too.   She raises a baby every year.

I'm looking forward to the end of morning feeding chores and all day calving activities.  I haven't even cleaned the garden off yet.  I did pick up some garden seeds when we were in Pierre last Saturday.  With the cooler weather it really hasn't felt like gardening weather yet.  I'm itching to get back to some time for sewing and blogging about quilting.  lol

Hannah

This is Hannah.  Hannah was a bottle baby for a while 2 years ago.  She is a new mom this year and such a good one.  I smile every time I see her in the pasture. 
 

I thought you might like to see the Mom in action.  I think it is a bath and a kiss all in one.

This little guy likes to get into his food.  lol  I just had to take his picture.

I had a great time last night with quilting friends.  We checked out the new location of the Quilter's Corner in Faulkton.  The larger shop is very nice and everything was displayed so nicely.  I bought a Happy Jelly Roll and a Dilly Dally charm pack for 20% off.  I just love the Me & My Sister designers.  We  had supper and a nice visit.  It's amazing what a little "girl" time can do for your soul.

Playing in the Rain

Feeding "Baby"

While Jen was home she took over my feeding duties.  This is "Baby".  Her momma died.  Grass tetany was the diagnosis and the veterinary treated her.  Unfortunately a few days later she died.   We feed Baby two quarts of milk replacer morning and evening.   The only way Baby could be adopted is another cow's baby would die.  We did have a cow with a dead calf last week, but she nearly killed DH and I getting her in the barn to try an adoption for Baby.  We decided it was easier to feed Baby until a more friendly applicant becomes available.

She is such a sweetie.  She comes running to the fence for her bottle.   We keep a couple old cows and their calves in the pen with her, so she has company.  

Good to the last drop!

Calving is starting to wind down.  We have about 20 left to calve.  We spent last week farming too.  The wheat and oats are planted.  Corn planting will start next week.  It will be time to work cattle soon too.  It has been cooler than usual.  I haven't even started to think of planting anything in the garden.   The grass has really grown just the last few days.

Every day I'm thinking about my Raggedy Annie & Friends quilt.  As soon as time permits this will be my next project to complete.  I have all the squares embroidered.  I have a feeling it may be June before I get to it.  My main problem is the mess I have in my sewing area again.  I need to regroup and clean up.  I need to be willing to give up my napping for cleaning and sewing. 

The Quilter's Corner in Faulkton has moved to a larger building.  They are having a special event on Thursday night.  I'm crossing my fingers that I can get away to attend.  This is an awesome LQS and I'm so excited for them to have a larger space and more opportunities for quilting fun. 

Hanging In There

Today was another cool, cloudy and rainy day.  The temperatures have warmed and the snow is all melted.  I'm not complaining about the rain or mud.  I know how precious moisture is and we have had years that were dry.  Dry is not good!  I know better than to complain about rain.   So far we have been doing well with keeping everyone healthy.  Tomorrow they promise sunshine and 70 degrees!!!  No one has been able to get in the fields to plant anything yet. 

I love these little guys with the white faces.  They are all needing some sunshine.

So far this one gets the "funny face" award for 2011.

I've gotten good use out of my mud boots.  Hopefully some drying will happen tomorrow.

More mud!

The llamas are such "easy keepers".  DH said he would buy some more if they were worth anything.  I have been keeping an eye on them.  We aren't sure if they are pregnant or not.  There were some "activities" back on May 30th, so there is a possibility of little llamas.  Wouldn't that be fun?  They don't really look any different, but how can you tell under all that fleece?

Here is Puss's favorite sleeping spot.  She can hardly wait for DH to lay down on the couch so she can snuggle down and snooze.  We are getting caught up on our sleep slowly. 

 Michelle is coming tomorrow to help for a day.  Her "big final" is Monday and then graduation Thursday evening--if she passes the final.  I've told her not to stress so, but she is.  I probably would too.  Don't tell anyone, but Jen is flying home for graduation and Mother's Day--can't wait.  She is surprising Michelle.  Dear BIL has agreed to cow sit, so we can all attend the graduation festivities.

Sorry,  I haven't been answering comments.  I've decided April is a no sew and no reply month.  I'm looking forward to the month of May!!

Yummy!

Michelle came home after work yesterday afternoon and brought ice cream cake.  Isn't it pretty? DH cooked steak and potatoes for supper.  What a lovely celebration.  I also got some wonderful warm vanilla body lotion and lovely cards from both daughters.  Thank you to everyone who commented on my last post.  I hope you all had a lovely day.  I know that this isn't a happy day for everyone and I remember those in my prayers.

I finished up my Snowbound block.  The new one is out, so I better get organized to prep the next one.  I hate getting behind.

It is raining again.  There is 100% chance today for rain and it has been-raining that is- all day so far.   Rain is predicted for the next 3 days.  It wouldn't be so bad if the temperature would be a tad warmer, but at least it isn't snow.  Wet and cold makes for sick babies.  We have done extra bedding and the smarter ones find shelter in the barns.

You can see some peeping out the door.  We try to keep everyone as dry and comfortable as possible.

These don't seem to be suffering too much yet. 

The wind is blowing and our furnace has kicked on and off today.  Jen in FL called for a recipe and of course, it is a gorgeous day there.  She has Monday's off and is doing errands.  I told her to enjoy the day for me too.

 Michelle headed back today.  She works 4-10 pm.   It is Nurses Appreciation Week.  They are having activies every day at the Living Center.  Today is "hat day".  I dug in the closet and found a skunk hat, one of my SIL gave to DH for a joke at Christmas a few years ago.  Michelle should have the most original hat--if she'll wear it.  The hat makes a noise and moves its tail when you push a button.

We will soon be heading back outside to see how everyone is coping.   Hugs.................

Snow in May

The huge "goose feather" flakes started this morning about 7:30 am.  Snow in May isn't really that unusual in SD, but it is a pain when it comes.  I know I'm whining again.  I just want sunshine for my baby calves.

It snowed for about an hour and then turned to rain.  It had warmed up to 35, but with the wind gusting to 44 miles an hour it felt much colder.  I checked the rain gauge at noon and we had gotten .60.   The grass and trees are really greening up.  The rain is great for that!  I just want 65 or 70 degree warmth with the rain.  I'm not fussy or anything!

DD1 came home Tuesday night after her last test.  She is done with this school year.   She has one more year of nursing school and will graduate next May.  DD1 has a degree in Health and Wellness.  She moved to FL and managed a fitness center for 5 years.  When the economy started affecting her job, she decided it was time to return to school.  It's nice to have her closer to home ( only 75 miles away). She will work at the Golden Living Center full time this summer.  Hopefully, she can come home more often for visits.   It has been challenging for her to have any time off working and going to school.  She will make a wonderful, caring nurse.  We love having her home.  She plans on coming back for Mother's Day. 

Only 3 more weeks and DD2 will be home for our nephew's wedding Memorial week-end.  We haven't seen her since Christmas, so we are all more than ready for another visit.  She bought her house in Pensacola 3 years ago.  It is a nice little 3 bedroom home.   We haven't been to P'cola for 2 years now.  It's hard to get someone to watch the ranch while we are gone.

I finished my "love" block for the Gifts of Grace BOM.  The pattern called for yellow hearts too, but I opted for different pinks.  I like it!

I missed our church's Ladies Night Salad Supper tonight.  It started out years ago as a Mother/Daughter night in our small church.  It has progressed to a larger all community involvement.  We invite all the women of the community and have a potluck salad supper in the town auditorium.  The theme this year is "God is Love".  BFF Peg called me this morning to see if I was coming in to town.  Part way through the conversation, DH beeped in---the north cows were coming out the gate he left open.  We were running a little later with chores, because we were waiting for the rain to let up.  These girls didn't appreciate having a later breakfast.  They returned easily to where they belonged with some "encouragement".  With the wet weather and extra work, I just couldn't get away tonight and leave DH to do it all alone.

Everyone is dried off and out of the wind.  Looks like we might have some sunshine tomorrow and then rain the next 3 days.   We will regroup tomorrow.   Hugs............. 

A Fast Week-end

It was a fast week-end, but beautiful weather to have a calf.   My SIL Sharon and her husband, Dennis came for the week-end.  Dennis put up some more lighting in the calving barn for our night emergencies.  It was nice to have extra help.  We enjoyed visiting and working together. 

Looks like the baby sitter is taking them on a field trip.

This is Harry waiting at the gate for breakfast.  He is the most vocal of "the boys"--growling because we were late due to an emergency.

I probably won't be sewing today.  There is lots of tagging and moving to do.   I hope to catch up on reading a few of the blogs.  I printed out the new pinwheel block last night--maybe there will be time to cut them out later.  Have a great day.  Hugs to you..........