Waiting

Renewal season has arrived at the ranch. Spring’s new, green grasses are desperately reaching for the sun’s warm rays. Their bright color is a stark contrast to the dead, tired, muted tones of last year’s grass stubble. A spark of hope that warmer days are ahead. The tree branches are lined with swollen bud knobs, awaiting the optimal temperature to explode with new, tender leaves. The wildflowers still lay dormant, too shy to emerge just yet. Mother Nature is ready, patiently waiting for God’s cue, when it’s finally time to begin the spring splendor.

The mother cows spend their days searching for the new tender grasses. Piles of dry, meadow hay remain forgotten on the feed ground. The previous year’s hay holds no comparison to the concentrated fresh flavor of spring grass. The cattle dutifully come trailing to the alluring sound of the feed pickup, pausing briefly to inspect the feed offering of the day. The same feed that they excitedly gobbled up only a few weeks ago, falls short of peaking their interest. Large groupings of newborn calves bask in the sun’s warmth. They have been left under the watchful eye of the designated baby sitter cow. Their mothers graze contently in the distance, returning occasionally to suckle their calf. Everyone is thankful for these warmer days.

The young lambs are becoming more independent every day. They spend the majority of their time inside the hay feeder, browsing on the meadow grass hay. It’s almost a game to them, munching on the prime dried grasses which their mothers cannot yet reach. The oldest lambs have discovered the “secret” pan of lamb grower supplement, located in the hay feeder. At first inspection, they only playfully nibble at the offering. After a few days, a gang of lambs eagerly await my arrival each morning. They dive into the refilled supplement pan, their noses covered with reminders of their snack. Each one looks as though they have painted their faces with flour. The lambs have began the nightly agility performance, as well. They move together as a flowing river, running as a herd. Lambs weaving among the ewes, climbing the dirt hump as one, individually jumping as they pass the designated obstacles. Their mothers contently watch the entire lamb circus, unimpressed with their antics.

Horse hair appears floating on the spring breezes. The horses’ heavy winter coats are no longer needed. Each horse takes on a new, sleeker, richer appearance as the faded, dull winter hair is slowly replaced. We spend extra time with each ranch horse now. The older horses are caught each day, given a special grain blend to increase their protein & energy. The work horses are nearing summer vacation, the hay feeding season coming to an end soon. Our reliable, riding horses are being prepped for the upcoming pasture movements. Their feet trimmed & topped with new horseshoes, their knotted manes & tails detangled until smooth, their coats brushed free of the loose winter hair. Somedays, the pile of hair resembles an entire horse laying in a heap on the ground. The strong, spring breezes soon scatter the discarded horse hair into the atmosphere. The wild birds will be delighted to add this hair to their nest making materials. The weanling colts are in a season of school. They are becoming accustomed to a halter, no longer fearing their feet being lifted and truly enjoying the human attention and scratches. All important lessons that will serve them well, later in life.

The little cowboys are ready for spring changes too. Anxiously awaiting the drying of the mud, so they can again ride their bicycles. Craving the smell of fresh dirt and digging in the damp soil. Excitedly watching as the varieties of migrating birds move through our area, destined for their summer ranges. Nate & I are ready for the changing seasons, as well. With all the challenges of winter and livestock, I am always thankful to live where we have four seasons. The freezing, cold, wet weather makes the coming of spring seem all the more sweeter.