From First Light Until Way Past Last Light—-Thursday, March 9, 2017

Posted on March 9, 2017 by Dayphoto

We start early this time of year…Just before First Light

and end way after the sunlight has washed from the sky

Terry has moved from disking into plowing. (Yes, we still plow. Terry and I are firm believers of the re-building the soil, with last year’s old stalks.

We don’t burn off the land, nor do we do no-till. No-till dosen’t work in our area, although it has been tried here. We have tried also—the only part of the farm that is not plowed is last year’s bean ground—and, of course the hay fields, unless they are to be replanted.)

Our books are now done and at the CPA, all my housework is finally caught up—

And I have begun the spring yard work. Sure is lots of ‘stuff’ to be raked and cleaned and readied for planting next month.

We were so tired last night we fell asleep in our chairs.

Around 4 in the morning I woke–ready to start the day…shish (I’ve moved to daylight saving time in my body) the moon was just about to set. My window was filled with stars, a sort of hazy luminous cloud mist was starting to wisp across the moon, the black-velvet of the night slowing fading into indigo,

Lifting my heart in gladness. We are all so lucky…you and I…to be able to live in this amazingly beautiful world.

Later on—after the work started outside—the sun brighten the clouds, in the east calling all to ‘wake-up’ a new day is beginning!

From my world to your heart,

Linda

In the Meantime—-Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Posted on March 8, 2017 by Dayphoto

Terry got a phone call….

Terry’s brother and Charlotte came for a short visit. They were traveling through on their way back home in Alabama.

While they were here Charlotte got to drive a tractor and the combine. Of course the equipment wasn’t doing any work, but she got an idea of what it was like to be in them.

After lunch they headed on and Terry said…”let’s go work some more on the wood pile. After we get a load I’ll farm some more.”

So we did. By the time we got back with a load the air was cooling way down and we had to put our coats back down.

The woodpile is growing. We still have a load and a half to go. It will be nice when it’s done.

Your friend on a Colorado farm,

Linda

That Did not Last Long—-Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Posted on March 7, 2017 by Dayphoto

We are back on the ground! The snow left and it didn’t even make mud!

Your friend on a Western Colorado Farm,

Linda

Everything’s on Hold—-Monday, March 6, 2017

Posted on March 6, 2017 by Dayphoto

Yesterday a huge wind blew in. A huge, blustery wind…a wind complete with 40 m.p.h. gusts.

The air was so wild and throbbing it left all of us breathless and feeling as if we could float away weightless in the trembling power of the wind. The wind so harsh and strong it felt like everything would blow away. Even the trees were groaning in despair.

This morning’s sunrise eased the throbbing of the night

Snow arrived whispering to all of us winter is still here. Rubbing the edges of the night— as it faded into day, making the air feel like sandpaper.

All outside work has come to a stop.

(This is an old photo, but I loved her look of wonder. We were taking a train ride to Glenwood Springs, Colorado when I took this.)

One of the pulsing beats of our collective hearts arrived last night to spend the day and night with us. We will take her to Grand Junction, Colorado this afternoon to her violin lessons; afterwhich her Mom will pick her up and take her back to Parachute, Colorado.

Sometimes things come along which are— just the answer to what “to do” when the weather stops work. 🙂

From our world to your heart!

Linda

The Last Cow Count—Sunday, March 5, 2017

Posted on March 5, 2017 by Dayphoto

There are over half now, of little babies on the ground. At least 50 (fifty) visible calves on Friday, more on Saturday—around 60 on last count.

So many it’s hard to keep tabs on who has been counted and who hasn’t!

Our fields, hills, dales, and farm roads are full of cavorting new little ones.

It is now time for the herd to gather up and move down the hill from us. Farming starts tomorrow! Mr. Davis and his daughters and his wife will all arrive on horses and a horse trailer. The trailer is for the brand new little ones who can’t walk far.

Momma cows are very smart and will know exactly where their baby is. Once everyone arrives at the next pasture the momma cows will immediately find their calf and trot off with it. (One way is the Mom keep mooing and hollering the whole time, so the little one knows her voice and where to find her. The calf also answers, so the Mom is well aware of where her child is.)

Although, they won’t go very far, not even half-a-mile— brand new little ones must have time to develop strength in their legs to walk for great distances.

Calf season is quickly drawing to a close. What joy they bring me to brighten the long days of late winter.

Your friend on a western Colorado farm,

Linda

After the Storm March Arrived—-Thursday, March 2, 2017

Posted on March 2, 2017 by Dayphoto

Yesterday March arrived. The sky cleared and filled with hollow clouds following quickly behind skudding black snow and rain clouds.

The morning sun (yesterday and today) shot the sky with colors worthy of a carnival…the air chilled but intoxicating.

We warmed up to great 45* (7.22222 celsius). The air still enough a candle’s flame would have burned high and steady.

We counted 35 visible calves, plus two cows in the process of having their calf. How many calves were hidden—we will not know until the Mom brings them out of hiding.

Last night the sickle moon glimmered in the star studded sky. The air holding the scent of past snow and ice, and the promise of green and growing things.

Spring (for me) has arrived!

From my world to your heart,

Linda

And Then the Snow and Wind Came—Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Posted on March 1, 2017 by Dayphoto

We woke to wind. Howling wind and then the snow started

And it was cold and miserable.

Sigh!

Lots of naps were taken

Lazing around on the sofa

Until some of us became extremely bored and had to do SOMETHING!
So Boomer, Mom and Mindy had to go for a walk. It was just too hard hanging inside all day long.

By the afternoon the sun came out and the snow flew away to regions just north of us.

Today is warmer, calmer and drier.

Which is a very good thing. We still have lots of wood to cut, haul and stack!

Your friend on a western Colorado farm,

Linda

While Cutting Wood—-Tuesday, February 28, 2017

Posted on February 28, 2017 by Dayphoto

We are still cutting and loading and hauling wood…several more loads to got.

But yesterday in the middle of a wind storm (rain and snow coming in) the SandHill Cranes started gathering over us. They were so loud we could hear them OVER the noise of the chain saw!

Please excuse the wind….I just HAD to take this short video for you.

They were gathering right over us into one HUGE group of birds! What an amazing site! And true gift from nature!

Your friend on a western Colorado farm,

Linda

Calf Update—-Monday, February 27, 2017

Posted on February 27, 2017 by Dayphoto

We took our daily run through the cows (a tad chilly, it is out there)

We saw 25 visible calves

Which means there are quarter of the calves born

And probably more

Because Mom’s hide out their little ones. And if the cow is having her baby she often time will hide herself.

So for right now…there are 25 visible calves on the ground!

Your friend on a western Colorado farm,

Linda

Soon Only a Vivid Memory—-Sunday, February 26, 2017

Posted on February 26, 2017 by Dayphoto

The Sand Hill Cranes are on the move. Flocks of them arrive on our farm (in the evening) then lift wings and fly away come morning.

They are a joy to me.

Although, I miss the Canada Geese these amazing birds have filled the gap of the Geese’s once home. I understand that the Canada Geese have moved further north and are thick around the Montrose, Colorado area. I wouldn’t know for I haven’t been to Montrose in a very long time.

I do know that Confluence Lake, at Confluence Park, and the Gunnison River running through Delta, Colorado is

(An old photo of winter past!)

home to a very many Canada Geese.

(A past photo, used for all our enjoyment)

Which is all good.

The cranes come, often times on a cold high desert wind thrumming across our mesa from the Uncompahgre Plateau, and settle down with much chatter and conversation.

During Boomer’s and my nightly walk I slow our walk, so we are careful, careful to not disturb the Cranes of the cows. Boomer walks right by my side…very cautious of Mother cows on the look for predators.