New Hooves

Busy and wonderful time of year introducing our new herd to our pastures, our routine, our dog Bear and his neighbor Beau.  This is a great looking group, two steers, a red and black angus cross along with a brood, good looking Charlaise with a 3 month calf at her side.

And it's still raining......And we're still waiting to work between the raindrops, to re-seed, seed and overseed the pastures, to plant a few more fruit trees, to lay the foundation for the new hay barn.  Of course, can't wait to repair the fence line, the pig pen, cut down some dead and dying trees - wow!
Come on warm weather.....

Hurry on the Spring

This time of year when we get the last "blast" of winter, always makes me whine for warm weather and lament the delay of spring.  Just when you think you can get out ahead of those spring time projects, preparing the garden, cutting the mistletoe, fixing the irrigation and pens that are always in need - "NO winter is not yet over"!  The rain, hail, snow and cold is clinging to life halfway up the Sierras and we must keep busy with indoor projects: painting, fixing trucks, repairing straps, oiling tractors, building planter boxes - all in anticipation of a fine warm day to begin the drying out and the jumpstart of the green pasture grass.

And on Feb 9 we welcomed our second little girl grand, Crosby Rae, into the Bryant clan, here she is pictured at a month and is adorable.  This exemplifies the circle of life since she comes quickly after the passing of our patriarch and GG - Ed Bourne.  Her name was chosen for her paternal GG Raymond and I sincerely hope that she gets a legacy blend of spirit and honor from them both.  Truly legends in their time.

It's early Feb - and the final organic dormant spray has been applied to the orchard, weather has been warm and the fruit trees are starting to bud.  Early winter, Early spring.

The first winter grown pigs proved bountiful albeit more messy.  The pen and the piggers were ankle deep in mud, the fence suffered from aggressive moves - maybe because there were four or maybe they were wanting to get out of the mud.  The house and shade shelter will need rebuilding and the feeder needs repair.  They were the largest yields, outperforming others by as much as 40 lbs each.  Incidentally, these were purchased from the Rough and Ready Simply Country Farm Store - best growers ever.

The steer harvested at the same time has the best look of any previous.  I think caused by the rains of last year, the longer keeping green pasture before going into summer irrigation.  Looking for replacement steers, would love to have a pair.

Looking forward to spring.....

Cowboy Service - Harris and Carstensen

Our Round Up held on Mother's Day weekend was a blast, the Harris-Carstensen Cowboy Service showed up to corral the steers.  My little cowboys were awesome! 

I believe we're raising all round animal whisperer and an up and coming bronc buster, both with different approaches to taming their target.  With the help of sweet corn we got 'em.  They are loaded and gone, soon to be some of the best steaks ever, I personally, can attest that the filet mignon really does have an incredible flavor, and a texture so bold and fresh, you want to savor every bite for as long as you can.

500 Miles Ran the Man with no Pony

Why are you running?  Says we, "I'm running to gain representation" says he.

Time is on our Side now!

Well it's been an exciting 2017.  I spent the first quarter getting over a broken ankle and a "chicken thumb" can't remember the medical term but it remains unhealed.  In February Cliff went back to the ship which was up on the hard in Ensenada, after a few turns around the harbor in Puerto Vallarta and beyond.
The winter's rain proved to be everything we have remember and didn't stop clear to June.  This was good because we re-located my Dad from his home into more independent senior living accomodations.  This way he is closer to the pool game and no longer has to climb stairs or drive 45 minutes each.
In April I was needed in Florida at Chelsea's, her Coastie husband Josh made Chief and had a slot at the Coast Guard Chief School in Petaluma.  At the same time, our li'l Maki had to go in for what was a serious surgery and needed to be quiet for 4 weeks afterwards.  No "yumping, no bending, no yelling" - pretty difficult for a 4 year old.  I returned just in time, to say a quick hello and good-bye to my sailor boy Cliff, and go see Josh graduate from Chief school.
That brings us to May and it's still raining, Cliff is back on the boat, I'm seeing Dad 3 or 4 times a week in Auburn and we've had to take away his wheels.  That was difficult but necessary.  He still plays pool but we are fortunate to be able to rely on a Senior's First ride program and Uber, when they are unable to schedule.  The pool players at the Elks' Lodge in Auburn are always happy to give him a ride back to his apartment.
While he was home Cliff got the pond pump primed and ready for irrigating, set the timers and hoses so I wouldn't have to move them around.  It was the best of times because I saw returning duck families with their new broods for the spring - It was the worst of times because nothing was working as it was meant.
The rain stops, the pond is full, the cow survived all the wet weather.  The Harris family, Starr's family want to rent Dad's place, Dad approves the idea and we make preparations.  Meantime, Ac and Ashton decide to move back in to the ranch.  He and Chris Harris replace the entire upper floor at my Dad's with some great looking laminate, I love you Mom but the "mauvely pink" carpeting had seen better days.
Finally the boat is back in the water, tested, a new team of Captain and Chief Engineer have been approved by Lloyd's and they are making headway for Alaska.  http://www.hys-yachts.com/sales/media/cklass/pdf/cklass_presentation_full.pdf.  And Cliff is homeward bound after many long months and a much anticipated homecoming- everything is broken but along with our boys, dogs, toys and great family dinners, once again, the ranch is a hummin' along with activity.  So glad Starr's family is here.