After we pulled bulls, we took our registered cows out to rejoin their commercial cousins at "the British." Earlier, we had taken the pairs out as part of the BB/BS Cattle Drive (click here for photos) and decided we'd do a smaller scale version with the reggies. We were into some warm weather, so we picked our day and instructed some "volunteer" friends to be saddled and ready to ride at 6:00 am. Well, they were ready, we were ready, the cows didn't care one way or the other but Mother Nature decided to launch an awe inspiring lightning display. So we waited. Then we had doughnuts and waited. There was a little napping (see photo). Then we went to get keys for a friends locked truck (don't ask) and waited some more. Mounted up and tried our luck. But alas, more lightning and thunder. We decided we didn't want to be a lesson in stupidity on the 6:00 news and turned back. About 1:30, we headed out. This time for real. They sky cleared up and the sun turned the wet ground to a steam generator. About 3/4 there, the cows decided a wooded patch along the creek was a good place to spend the day. Wow. I'm going to start carrying a HotShot. They did NOT want to move. We finally got them going and made it the rest of the way to the pasture. We only lost 2 head along the way but got them back later. Talk about a long day when all was said and done.
We started the summer off pretty dry with some very timely rains. Hay crops are shorter this year as is the pasture grass. Ponds look good however and the springs are running well. We had some decent rains in August to help catch us up. Ended up with close to 4".
Now we've started back to school and we're left wondering where the summer went. It goes faster every year. Our youngest, Laura Cate, started kindergarten this year. She only goes until 11:00 right now but will transition into full days October 1. That will be strange not having a kid at home. Time really does fly when your kids are young. Well, most days. Some days go on forever! ;-)