Achy Braky Bones

My skin hurts. Ha! I am feeling some better, thanks Vic. At least that was until I went with Drew up to the new farm where the cows live. We had to give the calves, like eight of them, two separate shots, an antibiotic and a stomach aid. Cows are not like horses, you cannot just put a halter on them, hold tight, and medicate. These guys, well girls mostly, six heifers, and two bull calves, are pure crazy. Drew has a chute with a gate that slides up and down on one end and a hinged saloon door looking thing on the other. We have to drive them through the sliding gate into the chute. Someone else drops the slider gate from behind, and then the calf has to be coaxed through he saloon door just far enough so that the double doors can be closed on their neck. Now it is not so tight that it hurts them, just holds them so you can do to them whatever they need. Sometimes, like today, they were sick and needed shots. Other times they might just need a vet check, or some other attention.

Today we had help, it is at least a three person job, two can do it, but not if one of the two is me. Ha. Our friend Hannah was the third today. She ran the drop gate. My job is to herd the calves behind a hinged gate that forces them into the chute. I have a big stick in one hand and the gate in the other. As soon as the calves look like they are approaching the gate, I have to swing the gate over and block them in so they can not escape, leaning on the gate with all my weight and strength. I have the weight...but the strength is not so great..Now I am so sore from chasing, pushing, climbing over the gates, just plain working to darn hard.

OK, just got done reading to Jer. I have a chill now burrr. My hair is still damp from the shower I could hardly take. Hah, this whole episode would be funny if I had the energy to laugh. At one point a calf in front pooped all over the head of the one just behind it. Hannah called her a poophead. I could go on and on I suppose, but I am too darn tired. So, its off to bed for me. I am enjoying girls day on the blog. Keep up the good work ladies. Once again I must end by declaring my undying love for the Lord and avowing His goodness. I got to watch two of my dearest friends ride two of my favorite equine pals; got to farm around with my man and Hannah, wrastled the calves, made a decent dinner. Now if only I could walk or stand upright...