It is a busy time of year and it feels like there is a lot to do, especially when I have been gone for a week. Today, though, I found the whole herd out on range, and standing among them saying hello to each one, I could feel how being here on the land comes first. When I am here and am part of the land, all of the “things-that-need-to-get-done” get done as a result. The tasks don’t lead; being present with the animals and the land leads, and as a result of being here with intention and love, the tasks get done at their own time and pace. 

Yesterday and today I managed to get the whole herd across the fence at the Fenceline Drinker. Mycha, Melody, Harmony, and Papa Cobre showed up at the drinker first thing yesterday morning and were easy to move across the fence with some alfalfa.  All was quiet the rest of the day, so I went back this morning around 7:00 and the rest of the herd showed up in two groups over the next hour, and transferred over the fenceline easily. Now the whole herd is in Hot Springs Pasture where they will stay for probably about 4 weeks.

Everyone looked healthy. Papa Cobre is still small, though he might look a little more filled out. Melody’s daughter Harmony has some new little itty-bitty horns which look very sweet on her.  I’m still not sure who might be pregnant. I wonder about Mycha because she is often thin on range and she looks very filled out and healthy.  Also, Konchita looks quite large and her udder may be a little more swollen than usual.

Thanks for all the ways that everyone has been helping out recently. A list of just a few includes: Alex and Charlie checking cows while I was gone; Sue bringing salt blocks from Tucson; Alex and Andrew helping get irrigation ready; Lisa starting in on starthistle destruction;  Roby repairing the swisher mower; Anna providing encouragement and the occasional lasagna dinner; and Dave Parsons, who is always available with tools and advice at any time of the day that I roll up with a project to do. I feel lucky to be a part of this community.