The Adventures of Fuzzy and Boomer on Friday—Tell Me a Story

Posted on May 30, 2014 by Dayphoto

Hey, Fuzzy!

Hummm, snort, uff….Wha….What Boomer?

Would you tell me a story?

A story?

Yes, tell me about what it’s like to be a Cow Dog?

A Cow Dog?

Yes, like when you were young and you helped Mom and Dad with the cows.

Ah, yes…those were some good time, Boomer, some good times.

Well, let’s see…

First, before I came to live with Mom and Dad I was raised by a Cowboy. From a little tiny pup I was taken everywhere and then some with my cowboy. He is the one who taught me just what to do and how to do it.

Some stuff he didn’t have to tell me, I just knew…it’s in my blood, so to speak.

Like hunkering down and walking toward a cow that is determined to do something she isn’t supposed to do?

Yeah, like that and some other stuff that would take too long to explain to you.

I know, Fuzzy. It’s just like how I can smell all sorts of stuff and can bay!

Er, yeah, (clearing the throat), Like that, Boomer.

(Mr. Davis’ cows)

Anyway, there was this time, after I came to live with Mom and Dad, that Mom was out looking for a cow she knew was about to have her little one. We looked everywhere…out on the alfalfa fields, in the old corn stalks, up at the Upper End, over on the Back Forty, and in the Wildness Area.

It was on the Cactus Hill Mom and I came across the new little bovine. Just lay’n in the darnest spot. He was sort of tucked in under the point of the hill on a scanty patch of grass right out there in full view of any sort of coyote that might come wandering by.

(Our cow from several years ago)

And he was all alone…no Mom anywhere, not across the hill in the sagebrush and rabbit brush, not over at the end of the place where the farm ends and Sinner’s farm begins, not behind us where we just came from.

Mom told me to find the Momma so I sat off sniffing here and there but the leads were cold.

Now…just so you know…Momma cows will do this…tell their little ones to stay right here, don’t move, and don’t move for anything!!! ‘I don’t care what…you don’t move’. Then go off to fill their tummies with good things that make lots of milk for the calf.

Now Mom, was getting a little nervous about this whole thing…the calf was parked right in the known area where the coyotes denned up. Also, a smart cow wouldn’t go very far from her unprotected baby, she would eat and then come back, check on the little one, maybe take a rest, then feed her baby, then start the process all over again.

This calf didn’t have anyone around …. Since the day was starting to draw to a close, Mom decided to load the little one up and bring it into the corral.

Her thinking was to get the calf into the corral (and out of coyote country) then when the Mom’s bag got really full she would head into the corral where they would pair up again.

Would she do that Fuzzy? Really? Or just hang out there Mooing?

(one of our cows and calves from the past)

Mom and Dad have had cows come in before, but this time Mom was going to get Dad and flush her out of wherever she was and between all of us-Mom, Dad, and myself…bring her into the corral.

Mom and I, with the calf tied on the back of Mom’s four-wheeler, right where you and I ride Boomer, we headed out.

“Keep a sharp look-out for the Mom, Fuzzy! If we can get her to see the calf she will follow us right into the barn and the corrals.”

Slowly we drove in. I zigged and zagged here and there, I ran up hills and into the swamp, then I dove through dried out grass taller than my head…looking and looking for that silly mother cow.

No Mother here or there or anywhere.

(our former bull and cows)

Gradually we got back to the barn and the corrals. Mom and I could see all the other Moms snacking down on the hay in the manger…suddenly the calf hollered…

MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

There trotting toward us at a very fast clip came MOMMA COW!!! She must have gone in the nightly feeding as we were going out to find her. She was screaming and yelling, frantic eyeballs rolling this way and that, hooves flinging clips of mud and dirt in a cloud behind her.

Of course this started the little one to yelling louder and louder, squirming hard to get off the four-wheeler and to his mother.

Mom, stopped the four-wheeler and just waited.

The cow lumbered up and did a quick sniff all over her baby. Then mooed a soft sound asking the little one to get down and come with her.

Mom didn’t want this cow to take the calf back up and hide it again so she started the machine back up and slowly, ever so slowly drove the wiggling calf back to the corrals and the barn…Momma cow walking behind very careful to keep her nose as close as she could to the little one.

Back home Mom drove into the birth’n pen, followed by the cow and myself. She untied the calf and helped it jump off into the loving sounds of the Momma cow.

Since the Momma cow and the calf were pretty busy with each other, it was a snap for Mom to get the four-wheeler out of the pen and the gate shut. After all that she forked over hay into the feed bunk and sprinkled some nice cracked corn on the hay flakes for the Mom.

Being the cow that she was, that old girl left her kid and immediately rushed over for the special treat of cracked corn on hay flakes. It didn’t bother her little calf at all…he just trotted right over and started having supper while his mom chowed down on her food.

(the calf of the story)

“All is well that ends well, Fuzzy!” Mom said as she bent down and gave me lots of rubs and pats. “Thanks for your help! Let’s go in now and get our supper.”

So we did.

Gosh, Fuzzy. That was really cool. You knew just what to do and what Mom needed. You’re my Hero, Fuzzy.

Humph, snort! Er, well, Thanks, Boomer. It really wasn’t much.

It was to me Fuzzy. And it was to Mom.

Well, I guess it was, Boom, I was just doing my job, that’s all.

Thanks, Fuzzy, that was a great story.

You are welcome, Boom. You are welcome.

(Told to Boomer one long boring hot afternoon as Mom worked in the garden.)

A New Dog in the Group — May 28, 2014

Posted on May 28, 2014 by Dayphoto

Close to the cab of the pickup is Balou, Shannon’s dog…next to Balou is Molly, Shannon’s boy friend’s dog, the there is Boomer and Fuzzy (you know those two 🙂 ). Behind Boomer and Fuzzy is Shannon’s ex-husband’s dog Rocky, then Hank Puff the grandchildren’s dog, the last dog is Buddy’s dog. Buddy passed away two years ago.

It’s a pack of dogs, that is for sure!

Rocky and Balou are Rottweilers, Hank is a Marshmallow, Fuzzy is 1/2 Border Collie and 1/2 Sheltie, Boomer is a Beagle, Houston a Mountain Cur, and Molly is a Blue Tick Hound.

We were aware that Houston (better known as Princess) could climb trees. On every walk she went, if there was a tree close by, up she would go.

But we didn’t know this…

Can you spot the Blue Tick Hound in the tree?

Boomer just sat on the ground and watch with all of us

We are all very surprised. She scaled the tree sniffing and exploring the whole way. Then headed out on this very dead branch…we yelled for her to come down

Which she took her sweet time of hearing and understanding and coming down, minding is NOT something she has been used to doing.

This dog has live her whole life on a chain. She was extremely timid, frightened and half starved. I’m not sure, but I think she is between one and two years old. Gradually she is learning it’s okay to be free, but you need to come when called, you need to respond when asked to do something…life is more than a chain.

Boomer just watches Houston or Molly climb trees. He looks at them as if to say “Trees are for Birds Silly. The best smells are on the ground”.

As for Fuzzy and I…we are learning what life is like in a pack…rather over-whelming, I must say. Although, we don’t see them often when they do come over it’s a huge group to go with for a walk on the farm!

Fuzzy and I really rather like the solitude of just us for a walk. Bedlam is rather daunting.

It takes about 10 full minutes for everyone to settle down and get into the swing of how the walk is supposed to be. Then just like geese we are off…Shannon and I in the lead, the two old dogs, Fuzzy and Balou bringing up the rear.

Have a good day everyone…just think You Could Be Walking in a Pack!

Tee Hee,

Your Farm Friend,

Linda

As it Were — May 27, 201

Posted on May 27, 2014 by Dayphoto

Life has been full lately!

First Terry and I went to our youngest granddaughter’s class play…she was the narrator of the ‘Three Little Pigs’

Then Shannon and I were the drivers of the ‘food’ for Tally’s field trip

After that it was our eldest daughter’s birthday

Which the grandchildren loved…They thought her cake had as much ‘fire’ as Grandpa’s!!! It didn’t but it sure lite up the room!

(Happy Birthday, Shannon!)

We had three days of rain, and rain, and more rain.

The little birds still came out and fed, mist, rain, or not.

Today the sun is shining, the sky is clear and blue and I must say my yard looks wonderful

It’s still to wet in the fields to get the pinto beans in the ground, but the corn is rowing up.

Life is good! I really can’t ask for more!

Hope this finds all of you in a good place in life!

Your friend on a Western Colorado Farm,

Linda

Memorial Day — May 26, 2014

Posted on May 26, 2014 by Dayphoto

I most humbly thank each and every one of you, who have given service to our country! And to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice; that I and those I love might be free!

You Friend

Linda

Flying Low — May 25, 2014

Posted on May 25, 2014 by Dayphoto

The other day Terry and I went for a small ride, just to break up the monotony. We headed up to Blue Mesa Reservoir and then on into Gunnison. While traveling into the town of Gunnison we happened to see this low flying flying machine heading right toward us

How cool is this!

And we were stopped at the stop light AND…

I had my camera out sitting right by me!

They flew along the side of the car close enough we could read the words on the side of the jet!

We rolled the windows down and enjoyed the whole sensation…power, speed and excitement all rolled into just the few minutes it took for the red light to change into a green for go!

The whole thing was pretty darn exciting.

After a quick lunch we drove home. The water in the Blue Mesa Reservoir is slowly rising it has a long ways to go until it reaches the normal spot on the sides but it so much better than last year.

Your Farm Friend,

Linda

The Adventures of Fuzzy and Boomer on Friday—Going for a Ride

Posted on May 23, 2014 by Dayphoto

Sometimes our Sister comes over with all her dog children and her boy friend’s dog, and our other sister’s dog! We have a great time when she does that.

Sometimes we go for a walk and sometimes a ride.

To be really honest with you I’m not real sure about this ride stuff…Boomer likes it,

Me…

Not so much!

(Can you see me…right by Hank Puff the big red dog? I’m the little dog begging Mom to get me out there…right next to Boomer who is having a great time!)

See what you think….Five giant dogs

Boomer

And then me!

WHEW!!!

I have to make sure I stake out my spot early, but…if they want it they can have it.

I always just move.

Of course once we are back…I lick Mom all over and tell her I had a ‘great time’! I’m not about to let Boomer go off without me!!!!

Fuzzy

Good Fences and Gates—Thursday May 22, 2014

Posted on May 22, 2014 by Dayphoto

The gate to the cow pasture. This is a typical cedar post and metal gate. We attack the chain to a nail on the post…nothing fancy here. 🙂

For lots more fun, creative, and just functional gates and fences…head on over to here!

Your friend,

Linda

Belly-Up to the Bar —May 21, 2014

Posted on May 21, 2014 by Dayphoto

Last year we had so much fun feeding the hummingbirds that I added in two more feeding stations, which make four more feeders.

Gradually, I’m about to get all the feeders hung up. I have four more to fill and hang. I only hang as many as I have hummingbirds.

At last count I have 8 pair of hummingbirds

Two different species

They are most active just as the first light comes into the sky and as heavy dusk starts to descend. Sleeping takes lots of food, so it seems.

Although, they are very active through out the day.

After the last set of irrigation Terry and I like to sit outside and just watch them. Their little wings make a huge buzzing sound and they even chirp and chatter among themselves.
I do try to scatter the poles apart so the bully birds can’t defend ALL of them. They only get to defend One! 🙂

We even have four sets of these amazingly SHY little birds. I love their brilliant colors! They are VERY good at hiding from me. If I point the camera in their direction they immediately fly off. Silly birds.

I’m finding this Sugar Water Buffet is really fun for everyone. The grandchildren like to stand and see if a bird will land on them, so far it hasn’t happened. But miracles do happen so maybe by the end of summer. We will see!

Your farm friend,

Linda

Going Through ‘The Change’–May 20, 2014

Posted on May 20, 2014 by Dayphoto

When I was, hummmmmm, maybe around five or six both of my grandmothers started to be, well, a little different. The cause of their change in character was, of course, I realize now…the un-talked about ‘change of life’, or menopause.

My grandmother’s lived very different lives from my mother…surprisingly both my grandmothers worked most of their married lives. My mother didn’t really go to work ‘full-time’ for someone else (other than doing the books for Daddy’s business) until I was in high school.

My grandmothers had always worked…

Grandmother Thomas (mother’s mother) worked as a school teacher until she retired.

Grandmother Holder (my Dad’s mother) was still working at the Eckert Post Office as the Post Mistress until she retired several years later.

My mother had the dream world of 1950 June Clever, of the made for television Leave It to Beaver fame.

Back when I was growing up just going to the grocery store required a woman to ‘dress-up’, high heels, hose, nice dresses (no such thing as pants, Levis or slacks to go ‘shopping’) nice hair, lipstick and mascara and white gloves, hat, with sparkly earrings and necklaces, maybe even a broach on your jacket or coat.

Which also meant, as a child, we had to wear our ‘good clothes’ to town…complete with hat and white gloves.

At home women wore ‘house dresses’ and aprons in the kitchen. ALWAYS! When I ‘helped’ in the kitchen I also wore an apron.

The women I grew up with were outstanding housewives, they washed windows weekly, ironed everything on Tuesday (sheets, underwear, tea towels, you name it) after they washed all the clothes on Monday. Starched the dried clothes and then sat them all stiff as a board on the wash room counter ready for the iron on Tuesday.

Wednesday was thoroughly clean the house day; i.e. Wash windows, walls, cupboards, etc., Thursday was a little time of relaxation…cards with women friends, visiting or having others over for light refreshment, and shopping on Friday.

Back then my mother could and did smoke. It was very much the thing to do. Neither of my grandmothers smoked. It just wasn’t done in their times. Only those ‘fast women’ of the ‘30s smoked. But my mother and all her friends did smoke. Even expectant mother’s smoked, drank, and some were given pills so they wouldn’t gain weight in nine months.

Most mother’s never nursed their babies (it ruins the breasts) so they cheerfully gave their children formula, then rice cereal, everything purchased at the grocery.

My grandmothers helped with the new babies,

(in my family there was only myself and my brother) extending the family to include grandparents as a strong and given set of kinfolk.

Just as fashions, mothering is different now from myself and my children the approach to ‘the change’ is different as well. My grandmother’s never talked about menopause. Ever. We all just witnessed sudden and cataclysmic shifts in how our grandmothers approached every day and life in general.

Suddenly my grandmother Thomas would just sit staring into the gathering dusk like she really wasn’t present…or when helping my Grandmother Holder sit the table, before a meal, she would grab the silverware out of my hand, scream at me that I slow as a snail then slam the silverware in place by each plate.

WHEW!

Gradually, I grew older and so did my Mother. Menopause came for my mother. While visiting my parents (they had moved to Hayden, Colorado, by this time)…Momma (always a lady until the day she died) said she had to have a break…took her cigarettes (yes she smoked until the day she died) and me and we sat out on the back step while she puffed vigorously as the sweat poured off her face. “If anyone tells you menopause is easy”, she says very quietly…”smack them in the mouth”.

The Change is miserable and hard and uncomfortable and downright ugly. I’m sure there a many of you who have the exact moment in time when you knew ‘The Change’ was occurring in someone you love—or even yourself.

It isn’t something easily missed.

All those things those wonderful things Mother, grandmother, heck, even yourself used to enjoy doing suddenly become a chore, and endlessly round of caring and baking and cleaning….with miserable, wildly imbalanced hormones all part and particle of the process.

Today I am way past that time…today I can say…to each of you as you struggle to get control of yourself…it does get better. Even the hot flashes have a tendency to slow down, they don’t happen as much (you will still get them, but not as often) and joy for every day will occur…again. You will still be able to go on running your business, setting interest rates, performing surgery, or traveling here and abroad.

It just takes time, maybe a little hormone replacement therapy from your doctor, or over-the-counter aids such as black cohosh tea and St. John’s Wort. Just think of it as an odious bit of time in your life. Once through it you’ll look back and say.

“Whew! I’m glad THAT is over” Now you will do what you want…eat dessert for any meal if you want, where whatever clothes that make you feel good…grow you hair long or shave it off. It won’t matter anymore, because finally you have come into your own.

Well, this was a bit of a ramble. I got to thinking of all this because Celi of at The Kitchen Garden Project is writing (with the help of many women) a book called “Letter to My Sister” a book telling other women what it is like to go through ‘the change’ what to expect and what has happened to many others.

Many voices have now been collected and will soon be bound and printed. Then the collective knowledge of all women of all ages on Menopause will be available for purchase. Please check back often as I’m sure you or someone you love will enjoy this book of knowledge!

Your Friend,

Linda

Delta’s First House — May 19, 2014

Posted on May 19, 2014 by Dayphoto

Guest Article by Jim Wetzel, Curator of the Delta Museum

There is no question that Delta’s first house was a log cabin. If you have ever visited the Delta County Museum, you are familiar with the mural which is painted on an exterior wall near the entrance to the museum. The mural depicts this log cabin, and is a reasonably accurate view of what the cabin looked like. The cabin was built by George W. Moody, and was captured on film in 1900 by photographer Francis M. Laycook.

That photograph, shown above, is part of our photo collection in our museum, and was the documentary evidence for the mural. Not too long ago, I was given a copy of a hand-written letter by Ben Laycock, and he had titled it: Retrospect’s by Laycock – The First House in Delta. The letter is not dated, so it is not possible to determine when it was written, but it details his effort to determine the earliest house from testimony from some of our earliest settlers, one of which was Moody, himself.

The cabin was located “just west and north of what is now the West end of the original Second Street.” We always tell the story here in the museum that it stood near the sugar factory silos. Laycock noted that the cabin “was torn down shortly after the sugar factory was built.” The factory was built in 1921, but the silos did not appear until the 1960s, and the factory complex almost surrounded the silos on three sides. Suffice it to say that the cabin stood “near” the factory.

George Moody came in before the area was legally open for settlement. He was single, and “not menacled by any wife or children” according to Laycock. He further states that Moody completed his cabin in late 1881 but abandoned it for the first winter and “sought refuge with the soldiers on the brow of California mesa” by working in their kitchen.

Our museum version reads a little different, for we heard that the soldiers from Fort Crawford had arrested him and put him in their brig until the area was open for settlement (September 3, 1881), after which he returned to his cabin to complete it. I have read other sources which describe a U.S. cavalry encampment on California Mesa, so that part is accurate, but whether Moody was on the mesa or in the fort, or both, is not verified.

There will always be confusion over the spelling of the Laycook / Laycock name. The genealogically derived name is Laycook. At some point in Ben Laycook’s early adult years, he changed his name to Laycock. We have no evidence that this was done legally – through the courts – but he changed it prior to his first marriage. He was married five times. If that isn’t confusing enough, his father, Francis M. Laycook, was married three times, with Benjamin Levi Laycook the offspring of his third wife. Ben was one of twelve siblings of the three marriages (8-1-3). Once Ben changed the spelling of his last name, the change has continued through his lineage.