Sunday, February 28, 2010

Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch

In the last month, Buddy has changed jobs... hallelujah! He is no longer working an hour and half from the house (weather permitting) but now working on a 500+ acre Longhorn ranch that's only 20 minutes from home. It's certainly a change from running heavy equipment all day but I'm loving having him so close to home. Yesterday morning I went with him to go feed so I grabbed my camera...






Meet Hank... a wild turkey hen that came up to the ranch last summer and decided to stay. She is Buddy's compadre. She rides around in the Mule with him, sitting right next to him on the seat. She's not stupid..she knows to stay in the Mule or she'd be attacked by the donkeys. Each pasture has their own set of donkeys. Their job is to keep predators away...and they do their job well.





You will notice that when it came time for me to leave..there was Hank..in the back of my truck.









Now this precious little girl is Latte Frosty's Star..otherwise known as Button, which is the name Buddy has also given our newest granddaughter. She has a calf named after her. She is one of twins which the mother abandoned. The other twin is a bull calf who is much larger. The little heifer calf is a free martin, meaning she is sterile because in utero, all the hormones or testosterone go to the bull calf. She will still grow big and get the traditional Longhorns but she will be sterile. Once she's weaned from the bottle, RiverBend Farm will be her new home.




Here's the bull calf...he's much bigger.










These next few pictures are taken as we went through and fed. Once I get off into the back pastures, I'll take pictures of the others.











































Check this guy out..he's only 18 months old!...the horse, not the bull. The bull in the above picture is two years old.








Here's the colt's guard donkey...isn't he cute?



There are about 250+ head of cattle, horses and donkeys and it's in Buddy's job description to learn all their names. Yep, that's right...they ALL have names.


Happy Trails...

20 comments:

  1. how exciting for your hubby...cool turkey....love the photos of your animals

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  2. Love all the pictures! Glad your Hubby is closer to home!

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  3. What a great new job! Are they still hiring? lol. Now that would be some commute.

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  4. Berte! I'm glad that you're glad. Your last post was kind of sad, so I'm glad things are looking up. I really like that horse; and who would not love a longhorn. Some REALLY good horns there. You're so lucky to get to take one home!
    Looking forward to meeting you!
    Debbie

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  5. Sounds like a great job! The turkey is awesome.

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  6. I love all the pictures and the calves are just adorable--Their arrival must be the signal that spring is coming, right??

    I'm glad that Buddy is no longer commuting and can spend more time with you and Hank!! :-)

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  7. I loved this post and the photos, a lot of cuteness there. :) I didn't know donkeys were good for that, how interesting! And Hank is pretty neat!

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  8. That Hank! Always trying to run the show! That is funny. That's a beautiful ranch and I know you're glad your have your husband closer. And YOU can go with him sometimes to feed. I think that is a very fine job. Getting to be outside and work with the ranch animals. I hope to have a couple of longhorns on our place someday. Your little Button is a cutie and she does look like latte!

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  9. Good morning Berte,
    Thank you for stopping by my blog.
    I've really enjoyed looking at your pictures of all these beautiful animals. Congratulations on your husband's new job.
    I'll be back...
    Dolores

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  10. I always had calf with a name when I was growing up. A Charlais named Blanche was my favorite!

    Hello. Fellow Texas Blogging Gal member here to let you know about a giveaway of my Snail Mail Notes. Notecards include Texas themes and scriptures. You can see giveaway details at http://lonestarlifer.wordpress.com/2010/02/28/snail-mail-notes-giveaway/ and see my notes at www.snailmailnotes.com.

    LoneStarLifer
    Paula

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  11. How wonderful for your husband! Wish I could get the turkey that roam through here to stay! I have always love longhorn cattle! Love the donkey as well. blessings,Kathleen

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  12. Thanks for a peek into some of the animals your hubby will care for..those Donkeys are awesome! It is great he is closer to home! :)

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  13. Ok, Berte - I'm about ready for another post from you, girl. I know you've probably been busy, but enquiring minds want to know,

    "WHATCHA BEEN UP TO, GIRL???"

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  14. Hey Berte,
    I feel like I already know you through Vickie, and the two Debbies. I can't wait to meet you this summer.
    Hugs,
    Tara

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  15. Haven't heard much from you in a while. Hope all is okay!
    ~Randy

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  16. Hey Berte! For some reason, I had the wrong http address for you. I'm so looking forward to our meeting in June! So glad you will be able to leave the ranch for a moment. (loved Hank's picture) I promise you a good time in Jefferson.
    Rick and I lived in CS 35 years ago while going to A&M. We went back in 95 and didn't recognize the place. My niece goes there now, and my son goes to A&M in Texarkana.
    I loved the post about Texas women. I put a picture of some of their cousins on my blog post a few days ago. Things are gettin' mighty strange...
    Happy Trails (it's on right now), and we'll meet soon! Have a great week!

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  17. Awe, I just love sweet baby faces. I am glad to hear your husband's workplace is now closer. I fully understand because my husband travels 1 1/2 hours each way to work. I especially hate when he is forced to work overtime.

    Sigh!

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  18. Hey, Berte - just checkin' in - we have less than a month now! I'm so excited!

    Hope things are going well with the ranch your hubby is working on. Guess you're real busy like the rest of us - take care - we'll talk to you soon!

    Vickie

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  19. I love the pet turkey. I didn't know they could be that tame.

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