The big fluffy clouds fill the sky, white and airy, casting shadows on the ground as a high winds slowly, ever so slowly herds them along from one spot to another.

The long and soft shadows move slowly over the grasses, and the irrigated fields

The dirt slowly absorbing the flowing water, turning dry soil into wet

The days start early, always by first light, the sun gradually lighting the farms, mesas, plateaus, hills, dales, knobs, and subdivisions…the cold air damp on the weeds and grasses this time of day, this time of year.

It’s very dry here.  Dry enough farmers and ranchers are extremely worried.  The Forest Service as issued statements saying no cows are allowed on the Forests this year (and if there are some long-time permits being honored…its only for a limited number of cattle.)

When one or more farmer gathers the talk is always about water.  Those farmers in the Cedaredge/Eckert area are stating there is very little water for them this year.  Very little.

Tiny amounts of water.

Terry talked to our Ditch Rider (Uncompahgre Valley Water Users)  and he says we will have water. It will be short, but there will be water. (Our water comes from Taylor Park Reservoir around the Crested Butte area, then into the Blue Mesa Reservoir, through the Black Canyon then on to us….winding it’s way from here all the way through the Colorado River to California.)

Our day ends as the daylight finally thins way after the sun sets around 8:15 or so.  Long shadows filling the lessening day until only night remains.

Long days.  But a good way of living.  Neither Terry or I could ever ask for more.

Your friend on a western Colorado farm,

Linda