Friday, September 14, 2012

Cow Control


So if you have a sick cow what do you do to control it for treatment? In the old days you rope it, throw it down and treat it in the field. Farmers use a head gate or whole body squeeze chute. Being new to cow ranching we learned the hard way to move a 1,000 lb sick cow with ropes. Number 96 was led into the stall with grain and then the fun began. She was non compliant to the thermometer in her rear, so restrains were applied, the lariats.

The vet is in the stall and the lariats were pulled to keep her head and legs immobile during the exam. A free cow is a danger to the vet and the stall. Stress being away from the heard for a sick cow can also harm them. She was eventually was pulled straight, medicines were given along with some grain. She was released into the herd after all this drama.

"Look Ma, no upper teeth". This cow is about 6-7 years old as the vet shows us her teeth. The end result from this is the cow survived. She was on a dry lot then moved to a rich green lot and she got fog fever. The high fever can kill a cow quickly if not detected. Her owner caught it in time. 
A used head chute was also purchased to make cow control much easier on the farm from now on. Life on the farm with livestock is always an adventure.

Peace and quiet


Lately, I have heard several people grumbling about politics and the garbage on TV. So many people are fed up with what is being spewed at them via the TV. We do not have TV and I no longer miss it. I read what I can and pay attention to the facts when available. I love that my local newspaper does not waste space printing political propaganda. People can read the important stuff that matters living off the land out here in the Ozarks. I think TV is a black hole for time and what is important in life. People use TV as a way to fill  a void in their lives, background noise. I know this because I used to, even had 3 TV's in my old house. Just like a drug it takes a while to be weaned off of it. But once you are over it you are clear headed and have time. You can think your own thoughts and become aware of what is really going on in the world. So I am going outside to watch deer TV. They can tell me all about their day while eating my apples from my tree. And I am all the better for it.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

The Rare Muntz Jet

I got the chance to take photos of a rare Muntz Jet in the parking lot.


The interior is plush and so neat looking, just very tiny inside. You can't see it but there was a pirate character in the center of the steering wheel.


The pea green color is still trendy even today.

I had no idea how rare this car is. I was just attracted to its lines, chrome, color and design. Modern car makers just "miss the boat" on good looking cars these days. 

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Maple's First Ride

Our trainer tacks up Maple for a ride. 

We are shown how he gets her used to plastic bags.

Maple shows off some of her natural gaits.

Shown side passing from a stand still.

In the corral the trainer and husband talk about cues and safety on a green horse.

Alan gets to ride our first born horse, now a two year old.

Maple is calm and steady. She is relaxed and waits for her cues from Alan.

Taking a break and relaxing. She has the potential to be as good as her mother was for us.
We could not ask for more and are very happy with her progress.

Car Show in Summersville


Here is an antique 1937 truck on display in Summersville this weekend.

A 1950's Chevy in my favorite accessory, chrome.

Showing off the Shelby Cobra at the Summersville Mill. Owner and fan pose at the Mill on a brilliant day to be out touring in the Ozarks.

My husband got to go for a ride in this fast little Cobra. Our neighbor built this Shelby and now maintains it in spite of the country mice in the engine and gravel roads. This little car has a good life.