I must get back to checking cows

If I had wings, I’d fly over the pasture where the cows are having calves just to see the little black spots in the grass. The birthing began all at once and we had four going at once the first day, yes, during the day. What a joy it is to have a calf enter the world as they are designed to do, but the odds are you will have a few rebels!

We waited a long time on one old cow to lay down. She is a mature cow with experience and a good disposition. She finally walked up to the barn and I let her in. She laid down in the stall and proceeded to deliver a rear-end calf. The offspring was ready with gloves and OB jelly to manually reach the legs and straighten them out, then give a little tug as the calf eased out into the world.

I have always liked that old cow, now I believe her to be extra smart and she gets the grain with rolled oats added! I never would have believed the animal would come in and ask for assistance if I heard the tale at the round table. So, you see, no matter the years of experience, a feller still doesn’t know it all. I might not even deliver the tale knowing how hard it is to believe, and I also know the fellers snicker around about the teller of such tales.

The last field of hay has been harvested and I still am hauling in between calving duties. It is a real pleasure to have plenty and maybe more than plenty in the barns and stacks. I remember starting to feed in August a couple of years ago and how hard it was to find any hay to buy.

Fall is upon us and the spooks are practicing their boos, and witches are greasing up the brooms! I heard the ladies discussing a fall party at church and how much candy we have to donate. This is one time of the year I can fill my pocket with goodies and never be questioned.

I have been instructed to bring the box marked fall in from the well house shelf any time it is handy. The decorations begin now, Thanksgiving follows closely and Christmas is right on its tail! Then, not even a breather and we will have hearts and little naked boys flying around shooting arrows into the hearts!

It is my opinion, and everyone has one, I must put away pen and ink and get back to checking cows. It is my turn to make the rounds at 10 tonight, I sure hope all is well and maybe a new one on the ground. I also wish for all my neighbors and friends who calve out in the fall a wonderful crop of healthy cows and calves. We try to take care of the animals much better than some believe, but they are our bread and butter! Of course, we love what we do so it isn’t much of a job.

Pray for pretty weather and a hold off on the frost. I am so tender and hate the cold!