Our Christmas day was certainly a busy one. Hawk and I left early, knowing we needed to feed calves, cows and get around to feed some hay. We fed the calves in the lots while it was still dark:30. Our goal was to be ready to head out to feed hay shortly after the sun was up. Our 2nd goal was to be home by 9 so that we could get to church by 10. Goal #2 was intercepted just a bit. Three cows out cost about 10 extra minutes. We left to head N to feed hay to 53 heifers and a bull. The heifers came along, but when we returned home the bull had flat-foot jumped a new 5 wire fence and was tending to another bull’s business. But, Hawk and I had to go on because we were now going to be late for church. Seems these days that if we get there when the bell is ringing we are ‘on time’…a hair late.
I was having a dickens of a time with Hawk today. She’s a little sad. I think she is going to come into heat and when we are at home, I find she has trotted off and gone to lay down next to Bert’s grave. Bert is buried in the back yard, right in front of where we pull in and park the pickup. She definitely misses him and lays with her head right over where his head is. She rolls around in the buffalo grass, stretches out across his grave and just lays there. You can hardly get her to budge to go along. She comes if I call her twice and follows along. It sure is sad to see her so sad. I know it sounds odd, but I have no doubt that she misses her love…Daddy Bert.
So our Christmas day was kind of a sad day. We both miss dear Bert. The pastor’s church service was very good and sure am glad Hawk and I made it…even if we were a tad late. We got home and buzzed off to get the rogue bull in. Which meant we were late to start the cooking of the pot ‘o shrimp. Some of the family understood. Some of the family didn’t. But, isn’t that how it is in families!
I hope my friends who have come by the Blog had a good Sunday and a good Christmas. Guess we are going to be busy this coming week. Next thing you know it will be 2012. Our weather the past two days has been pretty fine…upper 40′s and maybe a 50 or two this coming week. Sure beats last year all to pieces. And, I don’t like to say that too loud because last year about this time we had to endure record cold, blizzard conditions and record snow levels, then it rained all spring clear up until May 20th – when I had shoulder surgery. We don’t want to repeat 2011!
Tammy,
I enjoy reading your blog. I have never responded, but your message today made me think you might need a little encouragement. On Christmas day we have the opportunity to remember the the good things of the past and to thank God for the good things of the present and look forward to the future. I would just like to remind you that when things don’t go as planned and we are discouraged or lonely, God is still in control and nothing takes him by suprise! God loves you and wants the very best for you, that is the reason he sent his Son and the reason we celebrate christmas. So take heart and know that He loves you and there are many friends who care and think of you often. May God bless you this christmas season and may you be blessed above your wildest dreams!!
Your Friend, Max Stephans
Hello Max! I’ve been thinking of you all a lot lately. Like me, I’ll bet you are glad the winter is so good so far. As I drove along feeding yesterday I thought of how cattle burn through a lot less calories when it is sunny, dry and warm. With the drought, no pasture, and no hay around it makes life a bit easier. Grateful is the word that really sums it up. I can imagine that you and your cowdog partner are busy. I’ll bet you all are making a really good team now. Towards the end of the week, Bert and Hawk’s 1st baby, Miss Ducchess, is going to have her 1st litter of pups. I am on pins and needles with her…excited. She is an awesome cowdog – loaded with 50:50 talent, fast, quick, savvy, patient, keen listener, no directions required…like her parents she is a natural. And her pups are just racing around in her! Doug in Thomas, Okla. has new pups too. He’s had quite the 1st litter experience. Thank you Max for the note of why we all get to live here. I appreciate your kindness.