Guest Blog

A couple of weeks ago, we celebrated Earth Day. Yes, I know it was a couple of weeks ago, and I am finally getting around to writing about it. No one ever accused me of being quick or timely.

We train rodeo horses. Therefore, we breed for speed. For ranch work, however, speed is optional, and generally hazardous to your health. We have a lot of rocks, massive badger holes, coulees, washouts and bogs, slick green grass and bottomless mud pots called soap holes – all of which are best encountered at a moderate pace.

Calving season is fully underway. I know it is dry and the temperatures are abnormally warm, and I really should be concerned about the pattern we seem to be slipping into, but it is really tough. I could really get used to checking and tagging calves without the need to wear coveralls and mud boots.

Seems like every time I turn on the TV, some seed company or pickup manufacturer is paying tribute to the men and women of American agriculture with an advertisement that extols their virtues.

It is hard to believe that once again I am here with another whole year in the rearview mirror. I would really like to pull over into the right lane or even the shoulder for a while and get out of the passing lane. Time seems like it keeps building up speed and passing faster and faster all the time. Needless to say, 2015 was a blur.

It’s been almost two years since I became a ranch hand. Taking nonstop orders from my husband has been – how shall we say? – a bit of an adjustment. After all, I grew up on this ranch. I knew my way around. I just hadn’t been home a lot lately thanks to the town job, so perhaps I was a little out of date. And it’s not like I questioned his authority. Much.