Branding

Also over the holiday weekend we got invited to help with branding the late calves. Uncle Tom and Aunt Bonnie showed us (I mean me) the ropes (Joe grew up knowing the ropes) and so I found myself holding down a calf (I mean trying to keep from being kicked in the face) and getting another farm-girl lesson (my first lesson involved hogs, a different trip, a messier story). Luca was nervous and didn't at all like the noise (Mama cows separated from their babies) until we grabbed her blanket out of the truck, then she was game. Joe and I both discovered that we've lost any riding skills we used to possess (it's been about 12 years since I've sat a saddle) and our mare knew it...interesting...but still fun and next time we'll be more confident. It was a grand way to spend the morning, the land is beautiful, the weather was perfect (Luca and I have the sunkissed shoulders to prove it) and we got to spend time with two wonderful people . Even with my lack of cow wraslin' talent I'd be sorely tempted to show up at branding time again. (Although....maybe some tricep work first...ouch!)

Luca & Daddy

Surveying the Scene


The Mark

A Family Event

(Brooke, Uncle Tom, Luca & Joe)

Yep

Posing for our PETA ad

Two Ornery Females

Luca, up close and personal...and not sure :)

Tired Baby: we missed the photo-op but she fell asleep on Daddy's lap while they took the truck around the pasture. It was so sweet!