Co-workers

Living remotely definitely has its challenges, but more often are the advantages of this life. We are required to be more self sufficient, than those closer to modern conveniences. If a vehicle needs repair, we attempt it first ourselves. The washing machine malfunctions, we research the possible causes. One of our livestock’s health declines, we call on our personal medical supplies. Sometimes the issue is beyond our expertise, which at that time we enlist a professional’s help. For the most part though, we wear many hats, accomplishing most jobs ourselves. The internet has helped us further the amount of our knowledge, in various fields. We use it’s endless library of forums & self help columns to trouble shoot our unanswered questions. Many of our vehicle repairs were successful, with thanks to a stranger’s helpful video on YouTube. Alas, we are not the only ones with that particular situation. Someone else also has a “vintage” feed pickup with a weak heater. Our search engine history would be an interesting study in itself. Toyota pickup air intake, sheep parasites, metal bandsaw speeds per minute, how to freeze zucchini noodles, toddler eats toothpaste. The list goes on with many surprising plot twists and turns.

Although sometimes inconvenient, I am always proud of this invaluable knowledge we collect. Nate and I can now boast on having completely rewired a 1996 Kobelco Backhoe ourselves. A feat that not many have done, let alone on the bank of an irrigation ditch, shortly after the previous wiring caught fire. I lovingly tell Nate these tasks are a “form of couples therapy”. Attempting such an overwhelming project, with your spouse and two young children as help. In a normal work environment, you and your coworkers don’t spend every minute together. There are no hard feelings here, because those same people you will be eating supper with and sharing your toothpaste later. This has created a special bond between us, as a family. The little cowboys eagerly hand us tools, before becoming distracted with a frog nearby. Our fencing projects might take a little longer, but the little cowboys express their best team work skills. It takes both of them to carry a steel fence post, but they do so with smiles. We will pound more steel posts in the ground, as long as they want to carry them. Every task is viewed as an adventure.

The little cowboys are with us, no matter what we’re doing. Even a trip to spread mineral to the cattle, is greeted with enthusiasm. Big W packs the snack bag, while Mr. C grabs his toy animals. It makes us happy that we get the opportunity, to spend so much time together. Not many parents are able to take their children to work with them every day. The little cowboys also get to experience more things, than other children their age. Big W was very proud this year to witness both lambs and calves being born. An amazing experience of nature’s power. Both little cowboys can now spot wildlife before Nate & I do. They excitedly shout and point to the running pronghorns nearby. Mr. C is always the first to identify a large bird flying, overhead. He can distinguish between eagles, buzzard, osprey and more. We carefully analyze the weeds and vegetation as well, while out working. Big W can now identify yarrow plants, along with the knowledge of it’s blood stopping abilities. The delicate Sego lillies, whose bulbs can provide much needed nourishment, if one is lost.

It’s these invaluable life lessons and precious time that we get to spend with each other, that are priceless. We feel so blessed to be able to share this lifestyle with our children. No modern conveniences or fast paced technology, can replace our time together here. Though we may not accomplish everything we thought we should’ve done today. The reward of working together is greater than the finished task. We couldn’t ask for any better coworkers.