New to Ranching?

As many of you know, we lease part of our land to the Tuten's. They are a ranching and farming family who have lived in Monticello for awhile, now. They raise beef cattle, and keep about 100 "Mamas" on our property. The bulls come in to do their "job", but do not "live" on the property. The Mamas have their babies in December, after about a 9 month pregnancy. This is truly an exciting time, as the babies are such fun to watch. They struggle to their feet, wobbly at first, and then playfully kick up there heels and do what all youngsters do...PLAY!!!

The Mamas are truly caring and protective of their calves. Aside from the nourishment, they protect their calves from predators. I have yet to see or hear of a calf lost to coyotes, as we experienced with the goats on our property. They appear to work as a unit in this protection, as they also share the "calf-sitting" duties. We have noticed on many occasions, one or two Mamas with many of the young ones, while the others are away grazing. Those six months are such fun to watch and observe, not only the antics of the young ones, but the "loving" nature of the Mamas.

This is the very saddest part of the year. The calves are now big enough to sell and take to market. Gary and his crew, ride their horses on the property, separate the calves and Mamas, and load the calves in a trucks to send to their next stage. I believe they take them to the midwest, where they are grain fed and grow to a " marketable" size.

Left behind, the now pregnant females, prepare to deliver their new babies in December. But, the sad part is, they loudly mourn and search for their "babies" over the next two or three days! Every time you drive near them, it is almost like they are asking you for help in locating their errant "kids". They literally bellow and "scream" for them for days...I know that steaks and hamburger are a large part of our diet...and that these cows are raised for that specific purpose...but still...the Mama in me suffers with them.

Welcome to America... Happy Birthday

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Friday, July 4th, Lori and Adam had a party with friends and family to celebrate America's and Ellie's birthday. What a wonderful day we had! The weather was perfect and the company was grand. Great Grandpa, "Sweet Willie", met Ellie for the first time. His impressions?? Remembering that he does not see too well (macular degeneration) " She certainly is a strong little girl!" He told all his prayer group in Monticello about the party, and what a great time he had. He also bragged about how well Adam and his friends took care of keeping him out of the sun!! He is so proud of Adam and Lori....he thinks they are doing everything right.

Grandpa and Grandma spent a ton of time in the water with the grands. Though prunes look a lot better than we did, we had a great time! We saw fish, found shells and sand dollars, dove, acted silly and played like kids. I heard a great saying the other day, that applies to us.... "Growing old is necessary, but growing up is optional."

It was wonderful celebrating with friends and family! A great time was had by all!!

Daddy's 90th Birthday in Biloxi

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We all had a great time with Daddy in Biloxi. Though no one "struck it rich", we were rich in love and family memories. It had been a long time since the cousins had all gotten together with their grandpa at the same time.

Daddy thought that he would never make it to fifty years, much less ninety. He has said, "If I had known that I would make it this long, I would have taken much better care of myself." Though he couldn't see well, his smile stayed on for days, as he visited with everyone.

Our Friend, Bill Hall......Happy Birthday to you