December Doings

We have been busy this month.  Although we had spoken with our builder about a new shed for the cows back in June, he's been so busy that he just got to it.  It's half again as big as the one we built a couple years ago.  It should offer some protection from the sun and harsh weather for most, if not all of the cows at the same time.  So far it's just a "thing" to go look at but they'll figure out what's it's for eventually.

                                       

We've been feeding the girls in the wild pasture beginning with construction of the shed.  They have settled into a routine of napping and sunnying in the afternoons.  Here they are....

                                       

Valentino has been separated from the girls because we put the heifers back in with their moms after several months of weening.  It's a good opportunity for them to learn some life skills from their moms before they are sold in a few months.  Valentino, who usually does his own thing and separates from the girls as often as he can when he's with them in the same pasture, now follows them along the fence line to keep track of everyone.  These are his girls after all!

Digging A New Tank

We have put off any new water options for years because we really didn't know what we would need and what might be possible.  Finally found someone to dig out an old tank in the "wild pasture" that we hope will provide for some watering needs.  Tanks are easier than repeatedly filling up metal storage containers.  Now just waiting for a couple big storms to see if our efforts are successful.  

The Big Guys

 

The does and fawns usually come in to feed before the big boys arrive.  I have seen as many as nine of these bucks feeding at onetime.  It will be interesting to see how many survive "the harvest."

Deer Feeder

 

We have set up the automatic deer feeder for another year of viewing pleasure.  Besides the usual groups of doe with babies, we've got these two "big boys!"  More pictures coming as they become available.

Valentino's Very Bad, Not So Very Good Morning

Valentino didn't show up for morning cubes the other morning.  Went out in search of him and discovered he had gotten himself into a bit of a "pickle."  We ended up removing a few of the nuts that hold the hay ring together to "spring" him loose.  He got himself caught again a couple days later.  Not sure what his thinking is ...

Comings And Goings At The Trough

 During these hot summer days, there is always some activity at the troughs.  It's a cool place for a dip, to get a drink, or to meet up with herd members.

Amazingly, we had a few cool mornings where everyone was up with the sun to take advantage of the cool before the days heat set in.

The big news here is we took the steers to the sale barn.  It is always hard to say goodbye and to not think of what is ahead for them.  The focus now is on growing the heifers for future sales. 

"If A Tree Falls In..."

One of our dead Post Oaks fell over sometime during the night.  We are still loosing trees from the drought five years ago.  This oak is the latest victim.

Thankfully the cows were not around when it fell over!  They were all curious enough when they discovered the tree down and the fence was damaged.

Our neighbor has equipment to make cleanup fairly easy.  Everything was picked up and fixed in a matter of hours.

Peg has "retired."  Her drive to and from Dallas every weekend is done.  She has taken an accounting position in Salado.  She looks forward to shorter hours, less stress, and a country lifestyle.