Stormy Light

This week is windy, rainy, and snowy. A typical week of springtime in Wyoming. Before this weather rolled in however, the sky turned deep blue. When the sun broke through from the west, it created an impressive landscape as a golden eagle passed through in this brief moment of perfect light.

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Tilda Tuesday: Relaxation Envy

Who among us hasn’t envied a cat’s ability to ignore the cares of daily life and to relax completely? – Karen Brademeyer

Even though her momma has been super busy these last few weeks, Matilda patiently (or rather impatiently) waits for her favorite lap to be still. This is a daily occurrence. I wish I could be as relaxed as she is on this sunny window sill.
Happy Tilda Tuesday. She apologizes for her two week absence. xoxo

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They’re Back! and so am I…

The Sandhill Cranes made it back a couple months ago and cause quite a raucous daily. They are loud and flutter all over the meadow chasing off other cranes.

But what’s funny is when I look out over the meadow I’ll sometimes a group of calves scatter.

I think they get spooked when the cranes takes off and I’ll see the cows all chasing their calves trying to find the right one. It’s a funny sight.

They are impressive birds and are quite large.

And are VERY loud with beady yellow eyes.

Most of the time they all get along but it get’s a little National Geographic-ish sometimes out here!

I’ve got one cow to have her calf and then we’ll be done. Now we just have to keep them alive and healthy over the next few months. But the overly stressful part is coming to an end. My calendar is starting to book up with shoots and I am excited about the weather warming up. Even though we have more snow in the forecast, we have made through the worst of it. I hope to get back to being regular here as cowboy season is upon us.

Have a great weekend folks!

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Lamb Love

I have had a very busy week with calving. Very busy. So I thought I’d share a quickie with you. I’m working on a top secret project with a friend/client and she took me to see her neighbors that are lambing. Isn’t she precious!
Have a great weekend my friends and Happy Easter to you and yours.

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Dear Wyoming Summer

Dear Wyoming Summer,
I promise to never complain of your warmth. I will not whine about your blinding bright sun that makes me squint when I step out every morning.  I, along with many others, look forward to your arrival. I cannot wait to shed these four layers of clothes and let your light shine onto my goose-bumped skin. I look forward to your crisp evening air and colorful sunsets. I can almost smell the grill and cold martini’s on the deck. I’m just not sure how much longer I can take these winter storms in Spring. So c’mon, I know you can do it. Break on through this wintery madness and warm us.
Please excuse the belly-aching. But I’ve never been one for patience.
Sincerely,
Leah

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Tilda Tuesday: Waiting for Momma

We are starting a new tradition. I let Matilda out at daybreak when I head down to check the cattle. She impatiently waits for me on the deck and then we head in for breakfast together. It’s still a little chilly so she held a paw up this morning. Sweetness. ♥

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Tender Moments at Calving Time

Not unlike most days lately, I spent most of my Saturday down with the cows. Normally it would be a quick trip down, count them, check the health of the calves, and head back to the house. But as I made my way down, I saw #25 across the river giving birth to her calf right along the riverbank. So, I found a comfy spot by a Cottonwood tree and snapped some shots of them.

I had to stay with them to make sure the calf didn’t tumble into the river. These little guys could drown in a mud puddle. I wasn’t going to go to them right away because they needed time to bond. The calf needed to get on his feet and suckle.

It did and I kept my distance. I always enjoy the opportunity to watch these tender moments.

The spot that I found had a good view of a second cow who I knew was calving.

#13 stimulated her calf to his feet and they bonded as well.

Slimy calf with milk on his lips. That’s what we like to see!

After a couple of hours or so of monitoring these 2 sets, Patrick and I brought #25 and her calf across the river safely to join the rest of the herd.

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Happy and Proud Cow Mommas

Momma loves baby.

These guys are keeping me busy! And I love it. 🙂

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Tilda Tuesday: Not Always the Center of Attention

Matilda was appalled that this photo shoot was about a precious 6 month old baby and not of her. Silly Tilly.

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