The Swallows Are Gone!!!!

Yes, the swallows finally headed south!  They slowly started leaving around the 20th and were gone by the 23rd.  Peg spent three hours reclaiming the back porch.  It is pleasant to be out there once again.

Thanksgiving and Brillante got their Bangs vaccine and Blaze and Early became steers yesterday.  We plan on keeping the two heifers as replacements.  Showers, who has been growing up and was 16 months old was let into the big pasture with all the cows.  She and Dawn found each other quickly and are the two lowest ranking members of the herd.  It's always good to find your equal so you can complain together. Tho the temps were in the 70s early, the humidity was at least 90 percent.  We were dripping in sweat, but the job is done.

Plan to ween Rojo, Red's baby, and March, Tara's baby, this weekend.  Red has been loosing weight and needs relief from nursing.  Peg's old boss from Italy is coming this weekend to have a "ranch experience."  Hope he is not disappointed. 

Saw a burr oak acorn on one of my trees yesterday.  It's too immature to pick but I'll keep an eye on it so maybe I can plant it.  The squirrels were nowhere in sight, so I have a chance! 

It's Hot!!!!

Big surprise, it's hot and it's summer!  We really have had a fairly "mild" summer by all accounts.  A couple 100 degree days in June and that's been it.  But our good fortune couldn't last...  The last week and forecasted into next week are to be 100 degrees plus.  It's tough on the cows and the humans.  We are back in the house by 10:00 AM after feeding, watering, etc.  The cows have no relief.  I am starting to really think about fall...

Since last posting, we had another little bull, Early.  That means Lance, our bull, has "created" six bulls and only one heifer this year.  I was noticing that the neighbors just had three calves born in the last couple months and they are all bulls too.  Maybe there's something in the water...  The Vet comes on the 23rd and will make our group of bulls all steers.  She will also give the Bangs vaccine to the two heifers we plan to keep, Thanksgiving and Brillante.  

I am pretty miffed that the swallows have not left yet!  The porch, furniture, etc. are covered in poop.  Our grill is right there too so grilling is not pleasant!  All I can say is we are getting closer to the time when the swallows leave and head south!

Tension is building for the Texas A&M versus Notre Dame football game August 31.  I could care less other than everyone around me is happier whenever A&M wins. In my opinion, college football has been  ruined with the compensation of the players.  There is no team loyalty, etc. anymore.  Very sad!