Moving Cows

Papa helped Colter move cows and calves this morning, along with Carly, Madilyn, Colter Lee, Traven, and Justin.  They moved about 50 pairs from the pasture west of our house, to the pasture just to the east.  All this moving about is in anticipation of next week's ranch roundup and branding. 

Happy July 4!

Our porch view of sunset "fireworks."

Green Flying Machine

We get helicopters buzzing about our house on a regular basis, but nothing like this one. We heard a loud buzzing sound as it approached and then he circled our house quite low.  He was looking at us with binoculars.

Roping

I drove the ranger over to Warbonnet to pick up a package yesterday morning.  Colter, Carly, 

and the boys were at the corrals nearby, saddling up to practice roping.  Colter Lee and Traven 

were getting ready for a rodeo last night.  I had my camera and I went with them to the arena.  

Two hours later... I had taken over 900 photos and had a great time!  What fun to watch a 5 year old and 7 year old practice roping with their Dad!   Madilyn got in a little barrel practice too.

Desert Willow

The desert willow tree next to our garage is "abuzz" with butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, and lots more bugs.  Its blossoms are beautiful and obviously are an attraction for lots of creatures.

Pomegranate Bounty

Over the past year, we've had more rain than usual and it has been spread out over months, to give the ranch a "good drink" over and over.  My pomegranate bush in the yard has taken off!  It was frozen to the ground about four years ago and came back to produce a couple of fruits last year.  This year it has dozens!  I just hope the birds don't eat them before they ripen!

Ranch Camp Cleanup to Branding Preparation

Since Papa and I were married in 1981, we've had household help until we moved to the ranch.  Our ranch road is rough and we are so remote, that I have cleaned the house myself since 2003.  We have more to take care of at the ranch than we've had before.  Since our family left Ranch Camp on June 21, I've been cleaning up - washing 17 sets of sheets, windows, floors, bathrooms...  And yesterday, I turned the page to preparing for Branding Week, when our first guests arrive on July 13. 

We love having guests!  Preparation for their arrival has become the time when I plan activities, meals, and other details.  During the days of cleanup, I find myself smiling as I relive moments of the visit.  Over this past weekend, I put together a Ranch Camp slideshow set to music, and I've played it over and over as I've been busy preparing for Branding Week.  All good!

More Rain!

The ranch is growing greener and more lush every day.  We've been fortunate to have several June rains, with more yesterday.  Summer rains are the lifeblood of desert ranches.  Our cows are happy!

Summer Rain Clouds

Papa and I spent most of this week in Tucson.  We returned to the ranch late yesterday afternoon.  By early evening, we were surrounded by rain clouds, dumping .30" rain on the ranch.  The air cooled from the 80's to 70 degrees.  It's good to be back home on the ranch!

Last Morning of Ranch Camp

Toby and Greta were up early on Sunday morning, to clean rocks with soapy water.  Each chose rocks to take home in their backpacks.  Audrey's family packed up and drove away by 8.  We drove Whitney's family to the gate by 8:30.  Papa and I were sad to see them go.  We made many happy memories during Ranch Camp 2015!