The arrival of Princess

We did it!! Today we just took on the responsiblity and blessing of a milk cow. Princess has arrived with her little week old heifer calf. Along with providing milk for our family she will also be giving milk to her calf as well as Caleb's calf Heartbelle. In case I failed to mention it, Heartbelle is Caleb's calf that he has been praying for since Christmas. She was a twin with a bull calf, and as the heifer is infertile 95% of the time, we took the heifer so the mama would raise the bull (John says cows can't count so they won't raise twins - they forget where they left the other one. :)). So God provided a calf for Caleb without taking a cow from us (which is how we typically end up with a doggie calf). Now, he can show a heifer in the fair while sisters and brother show their yearling heifers. Boy did I digress........I believe I was stating that Princess would be caring for her calf, Caleb's calf, and our family. We are all excited. Rebecca says she is very slow, and she worried that Princess was not going to appreciate that. Dad and Joshua will be milking tomorrow (and the next several days) as everyone else practices for a bit toward the end until we can pick up speed. We didn't anticipate her arrival at our home, so we still need to buy some jars for the milk as well as some milk filters and a stainless steel bucket. Phew. Joshua was hardly able to contain himself tonight as he really, really wanted a glass of "real" milk before going to bed. Dad is making everyone wait until it's chilled so everyone has voted to just have cereal in the morning. Mom will be dreaming of cream and butter and yogurt and ice cream and cheese and WHAT AM I THINKING??? We'll be doing good to get the milk strained and possibly some yogurt or butter every now and then. Whatever we do end up with, we will thoroughly enjoy it. Lisa, I'll save some and let you enjoy when you come in September. In fact, we'll have to plan a milking chart so all the children can have a whack at it. :):)

Never mind

That's kind of creepy. There it is again. I have no idea what I pushed or banged or pulled. I'm glad it's working though. That reminds me of spaghetti sauce......I made the best, out of this world spaghetti sauce back in 1989. It was from scratch, simmered all day, and my dear hubbie thought it was spectacular. Well, I never did write down what I put in it (which is how I often cook), and I haven't been able to duplicate it since. :):) Oh, well, we're coming up on 20 years of marriage, so he must have forgiven me.

Technologically challenged

People are talented and gifted in different ways - I just don't happen to be one of those talented and gifted in the computer world. Somehow, and I just don't know how, I have deleted the "comments" part of the blog. If any of you know how to correct that, please feel free to help me. I must say, though, that I have at least moved beyond my fear of "breaking" the computer if I were to push buttons or click on this or that. I have clicked, pushed, pulled, (and even banged) everything I can think of. This is a job for someone mightier and more talented. Since there is no comment section, just email me at home. Thank you!!!

Wonderful trip

We made a fast and furious trip to Stillwater, Oklahoma, for our final bull sale. We were blessed to sell all of the bulls! Thank you, Lord. God has been very good to us yet another year. We have just a few more here at the house, so if you hear of anyone in need of a bull (not some bull), let us know. :)

While we were in Stillwater, we experienced that part of the US that often just gets made fun of in movies and tv. These folks were just down to earth, very hospitable, and as welcoming as they could be to bunch of rednecks from NM. Before the bullsale, there was even a prayer given! I guess the ACLU hasn't heard about that, yet, or I'm sure they'd be sueing. I just couldn't help but think about the lives some of these people lead. Many of the men had weathered skin and hands that were starting to show the beginnings of arthritis. Most of the women had laugh lines and wrinkles along with wonderful displays of grey hair. High fashion just didn't seem to fit in here - besides, who had time to dye their hair or do their nails with chores and calving? There were overalls, worn jeans, coats that were durable and very unfashionable, and lots of boots and shoes with scuff marks galore. So many of them walked proudly even though you could guess at the hardships they had suffered through droughts, tornadoes, low cattle prices, or other circumstances out of their control. However, there was always a gentleman to open a door or gate while he tipped his hat as well as a wife that gladly joined you in a bit of conversation. I know that there are a lot of jokes made at the expense of these "common" folks, but what a sad place this country would be without those hardworking people. Having experienced this lifestyle now for a few years, my hat goes off to those people who have done it all their lives and many generations before. They truly are the backbone of this nation, and I am becoming more and more proud of that redneck I'm developing. :):)