Fall brings forth the rewards from our summer’s toils. Calves are weaned, weighed & marketed. Shipped to the next phase, a new home where they will grow for another year before reaching full size. Lambs are fattened and ready for butcher. They have quickly grown on the summer’s grasses, now larger than their mothers. The haystack that has stood so stoically, has now began to slowly decrease in size. With each bale of hay fed to livestock, it’s shape changes.
All our animals now have extra supplements added to their diets. The cattle and sheep receive special protein blocks, along with their usual salt & minerals. The horses are separated into groups, to discourage any bullying behavior near the feed bunk. The older horses from the regular riding string, the draft horses closer to the barn. Their daily wagon work soon to start. Our faithful cow dogs calorie intake is increased, an attempt to help ward off the cooler weather. The barnyard fowl, chickens & turkeys, scuttle about after the new whole corn kernels. The added fat is a welcome addition. Even the elusive feral cats move closer to the barn, partaking in the easy access to commercial cat food. A big change from their usual free ranging, rodent based, summer diet.
Then there is the daily weather watching. Our activities carefully planned around Mother Nature’s highs and lows. Chance of snow today, means no traveling to town. Wind and frigid temperatures, additional hay & bedding for the cattle and sheep. Then chopping thick ice from the surface of livestock water. Fog means postponed chore times, hoping for a break of sunshine. Leaving the animals more time to snuggle deeply in their bedding, before being aroused for feeding time. Sunny bright days require all day adventures. Taking advantage of every daylight minute outside.
Our daylight hours are shorter, as the world begins to hibernate for the colder months. The daily chore time has increased significantly, from the carefree summer days. We complete our outside tasks with a hurried pace, knowing the sun will be setting soon. Still the longer evenings, somehow have a slower pace. We are able to work on household projects and winter hobbies. Nate is again busily working at his silversmith bench. The large stock pots bubble on the kitchen stove, carefully transforming the summer’s fruit bounty into jams & jellies. The fruits having been hastily stored in the freezer in the chaos of harvest. The little cowboys begin playing with their toys again. These having been long forgotten during the warmer months of swimming, bike riding and dirt piles.
Fall offers a sense of accomplishment. The satisfaction of marketing the livestock we have worked to grow and protect. The comfort of having a winter supply of livestock feed, stacked neatly in place. The opportunity to try new ideas & needed improvements, in the coming year. The chance to catch up on postponed tasks. And the warmth of the glowing fire, spending more time together, as a family.