Cows

Yesterday, I loaded up most of my parents herd of cows to haul to the auction. Dean and I have been helping my mom and dad for awhile now, and bought half of the herd from them awhile back. To make a long story short - we cannot keep up with the herd, fences, feeding, etc. My parents ranched all their life together - ranched only - no other job on the side, and I just don't know how they did it. Well, I do, but it is not the life that I could live. I want more things, and I have a hard time admitting that. They lived a simple, quiet, resourceful life that sounds wonderful to me now, but we "wanted" too much. It may sound weird, but those cows are going to teach me something - I know it. They already did, but I need to learn more. It really was hard to close the door to my parents livelihood - not all the way, but downsize and I hope that they are OK with it. They are now getting social security, and it is the first time in their lives that they have a guaranteed check every month! They love it. I have noticed that there are so few anymore that are truly living off the land, and ranching/farming is a trade that is slowly becoming endangered. I mean the true ones that work only off the land and depend on it. Thank a rancher or farmer next time - they are amazing people. Why did it take me so long to respect, and appreciate my parents more in how they made a living?


Cows can be mean - only because they feel threatened usually - MOVE when they are come to close.
Only experienced persons should work cattle or help work cattle - otherwise stay in the truck.
Watch a cow - they eat, take naps often, have no modesty, and protect their young - what a life!
Share with your parents if you can that you appreciate what did to raise you - it was hard work to them, and so often we feel unappreciated.

Bike

I bought a bike this week. Boy, has it been a long time since bike days. I gave my Wal mart bike to Morgan, and she thinks that she is big stuff. I don't have the heart to tell her that my bike is even better, and who knew??? I never realized on what a difference tires can make, and all that jazz. Wow! Needless, to say - I love my new bike, and I feel free like a kid again when I ride it - especially with the girls. Go for it if you have a bike and get back on, because the ride is fun!


Better late than never to get on a bike and ride.
I never knew going down hill could be that much fun again.
Knowledge about bikes is helpful, but the sales people do know their stuff!
Every child should have the chance to own a bike - look around, and make sure the kids in your neighborhood/church/or friends of friends around you have one.