Gathering up the 2 year old heifers.
These heifers will be having their first calves in March. Yesterday we had a lovely, warm day to gather them up and bring them through the barn to vaccinate them. They were vaccinate with Guardian which is a vaccine to prevent scours ( E.coli diarrhea) and a few other viruses in their pre-born calves. The heifers will get a booster in two weeks. I think it's amazing that this vaccine enters the mother's immune system and will help to protect their baby calves against common viral and bacterial killers.
Taking the cows back out to their pasture.
Often heifers are a bit flighty and apt to break away from the herd when they see horses riding out to them, but the girls did a good job of remaining fairly calm amidst the three of us riding into their space. There was no rodeo nor any run-aways! What a relief because despite the bare ground showing, there is still quite a bit of snow and patches of ice here and there which makes for precarious riding conditions. The thought of our horses slipping out from under us is always a concern when riding this time of year.
Pete
After the vaccinating was done, the heifers had to go back to pasture. I rode up ahead since it was my job to guard an open gate and the car gate so the heifers wouldn't go through either of them. While the guys brought the heifers up my way, I took some time to love on my pony, Pete. I petted and patted and talked sweet to him and he loved me back by sniffing my boots. I don't know why, but he likes to do that. So "click" here's a picture of Pete sniffing my boots! It reminded me of a quote from my devotional time in My Utmost for His Highest.
"Sometimes we are fresh for a prayer meeting but not fresh for cleaning boots."
~Oswald Chambers
My Utmost for His Highest, January 20 entry
This morning I spent some time cleaning boots -- banging the dirt out of shoes, work boots and riding boots alike. When I realize that even boot cleaning is important to God, it's easier to be fresh for the work. If Jesus thought it was important to wash the disciples' feet, I can clean the boots.
I LOVE PETE..HE HAS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL MANE! MY HORSE WILL CRANE HIS NECK AROUND TO SMELL AND NIBBLE ON THE TOE OF MY BOOT TOO, LOVE THAT! LOVED THE QUOTE TOO..VERY TRUE! COME SAY HI :D
ReplyDeleteI LOVE seeing these pics of your winter scene with you in it. That's a great quote from Chambers--isn't boot cleaning the best example of a chore for him to use!
ReplyDeleteI really love when you give us glimpses of your working life on the ranch. So interesting! And Pete looks like a swell guy.
ReplyDeleteFresh for cleaning boots. I like that.
frances
I too always love seeing the ranch and your life, Jody. It's so full of wonder for this suburban gal.
ReplyDeleteJoyce
What a rich post! Yesterday I taught the kids about Picasso's painting Guernica. The people in England supported the Spanish Republican army by bring old boots (the cost for admission) when they came to see Picasso's huge piece of art. Yesterday was a boot day! I love how we are so often on the same wavelength, Jody.
ReplyDeleteYour pony is adorable.
What beautiful pictures - although it does look awfully cold out there. I loved reading about your pony -- what a wonderful relationship you two must have!
ReplyDeleteAh Jody I think Pete looks like the perfect gentleman....is he? ;)
ReplyDeleteI also love to catch a glimpse of your days on the ranch. Thanks for sharing your life with us.
Oswald Chamber's " Utmost for HIS Highest" is one of my favourite devotional readers.
Beautiful quote and so true...a necessary nudge for all us from time to time. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWarmly,
Tracey
P.S.Love your pony, Pete!!
Loved the pictures...burr. Ah calving time...DH got all 300 head of his shipped this week. They are going up to the mountains and not staying here for calving this year. Better conditions up in the hills. He isn't real sad to see them go. It is quite a job with that many.
ReplyDeletePete is a cutie. Love the quote. And the part about boot cleaning being important to the Lord. The Word says..in everything do it as unto God...that about sums it all up.
HAve a great day.
~M~
Just for the record, Pete really isn't a "pony" but I call him that lovingly, like a child loves her pony. He's really a quarter horse, pretty big and muscular. He's a very trustworthy animal and I always feel I've got a sure-footed mount beneath me....even if he's an old fella.
ReplyDeleteThanks, everybody, for your kind comments.
Jody