They're Gone!!!

Last week the swallows headed south and the chaos went with them!  Ben and a buddy came by Sunday and power washed the porch.  It is very pleasant out there now!  I am working on some strategies for next year to keep the pests away.  More to come...

Also we had three cows go to Vet Clinic for hoof issues.  I hate to say this but their days at the ranch may be limited.  Very sad...

After a lifetime of being lost and directionally challenged, Peg pulled the "trigger" and ordered a Tesla.  Apparently this car drives itself and knows where it is and where it is going all the time.  The test drive took her all over north Austin on freeways, side streets, etc. and she did nothing but sit in her seat.  It was so automatic and in charge that when the car returned her to the dealership, she had to ask how to open the door to get out.  I love driving and being in control of my car, so though I'm excited for her, I will hold on to my own steering wheel! 

Fancy will stay here awhile longer as Ben's fall schedule is very busy.  Is he making progress with her halter training?  Yes, I think he is but Fancy is making her training as difficult as possible.  We can say cows are dumb, but I disagree as they figure situations out pretty quickly, then work them to their advantage.  Ben is just more stubborn and determined, so my money is on him and his success!

It's NOT So Hot

 Knock-on-wood, but this summer has not been THAT bad.  We had rains into July with plenty of cloudy days.  Even these first couple of weeks of August haven't been awful.  But it could all go south pretty quickly...

Ben continues to work with Fancy.  I was told that Ben and Fancy are representing and promoting the ranch.  Hmmm...  I am not real sure what message we're trying to get out there, but Fancy certainly may not be the best ambassador for us!!!  Ben, on the other hand, is perfect.  What a combo!!!

Looked out in the pasture the other morning and I didn't see Lance, the bull.  I did see a shape that looked like a bull, but without the white face.  Well, that was Lance.  He had found some charcoal from an old brush pile burn and had rubbed the dark coal all over his face.  In the shade, he didn't look at all like himself.  A day or so later, several of the girls had also rubbed the coal all over their faces.  Must be the new facial regimen everyone is into...

The swallows are awful!  The back porch is as nightmare!!!!  They left August 25th last year, so I'm hoping they'll be gone by then this year.  I have someone lined up to power wash the porch when they do leave (Ben).  

I killed a rattlesnake who was hanging out around the back porch eating baby birds when they fell out of their nests.  It was small, but it had a couple "baby bird" size lumps in its belly!!!!  Honestly I think I prefer the snake getting the babies rather than the dogs bringing the babies into the house.  I wish the swallows were gone!!!!

The deer feeder is cranking out the corn so we're seeing deer under it in the mornings.  In the afternoons if the cows are nearby and they hear it go off, they'll run over to get a "corn treat."