November 6th 2015, in the pastures, the grass is still growing, the dandelions are still flowering and a watery filtered sun still warms the earth. Passing through the farm gates in the big rumbling Chevi truck, my eye was caught by the frenzied activity of a bumble bee nectar diving, flitting from one purple snap dragon blossom to another, it's black and yellow abdomen peeping out from the depths of the lush pollen filled petals, belatedly storing up for the bleak Winter months. In the garden, the rosebuds are still appearing on bushes already seasonally pruned and crocus and hyacinth are making an unseasonably premature appearance. The Gentle Giant Meadows Ranch chicken flock have to date ignored any pre ordained instinct to molt and take their Winter vacation, nest boxes are fully occupied by red, white and black birds intent on producing multiple deep brown, white and beige eggs.
Age appears to have caught up with Bran our black and White Border Collie. Each morning, rain or shine, he consistently appears at the gate to the sheep barn, tail wagging and eager to chase the Barney and his woolly ladies out into the pasture. He waits anxiously to clamber up onto the hood of the four wheeler, still anticipates our movements and faithfully supervises any activity at the ranch gate but the old boys eyes are growing dim and when he isn't racing around, there is the distinct old man limp of an arthritic body. An old lady once told me...."these golden years 'aint what they are cracked up to be"...Bran, Greg and I can second that !!!
Mr. Cooper the senior bay gelding has found a new purpose in life. Previously just happy to have the company of his sheep and cow pasture mates, he has now adopted the role of pasture police. As the head collar is slipped off his big bay head, after his graying muzzle has checked out the availability of the last apple morsel and he has meandered off down Cow Lane, Mr. Cooper becomes the intolerant guardian of the hay feeder. Bella the beautiful Jersey cow and Sirloin the little red Dexter know only too well that they don't challenge Cooper as he blocks access to Cow Lane, the flock of sheep take one look at the big bay and scatter. Mr. Cooper reigns supreme as unofficial tyrant of the hay feeder, respected and feared by all. Who says size doesn't matter ?
Also need to wish Erin a big Happy Birthday. We won’t forget!!
The cuckoo clock has spoken..the dogs are ready to go out and water a tree or three and Greg is yawning. Must be bedtime. Take care, keep safe and take care of those you love. M
Age appears to have caught up with Bran our black and White Border Collie. Each morning, rain or shine, he consistently appears at the gate to the sheep barn, tail wagging and eager to chase the Barney and his woolly ladies out into the pasture. He waits anxiously to clamber up onto the hood of the four wheeler, still anticipates our movements and faithfully supervises any activity at the ranch gate but the old boys eyes are growing dim and when he isn't racing around, there is the distinct old man limp of an arthritic body. An old lady once told me...."these golden years 'aint what they are cracked up to be"...Bran, Greg and I can second that !!!
Mr. Cooper the senior bay gelding has found a new purpose in life. Previously just happy to have the company of his sheep and cow pasture mates, he has now adopted the role of pasture police. As the head collar is slipped off his big bay head, after his graying muzzle has checked out the availability of the last apple morsel and he has meandered off down Cow Lane, Mr. Cooper becomes the intolerant guardian of the hay feeder. Bella the beautiful Jersey cow and Sirloin the little red Dexter know only too well that they don't challenge Cooper as he blocks access to Cow Lane, the flock of sheep take one look at the big bay and scatter. Mr. Cooper reigns supreme as unofficial tyrant of the hay feeder, respected and feared by all. Who says size doesn't matter ?
Also need to wish Erin a big Happy Birthday. We won’t forget!!
The cuckoo clock has spoken..the dogs are ready to go out and water a tree or three and Greg is yawning. Must be bedtime. Take care, keep safe and take care of those you love. M
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