Today John's team won another week of football play. The game was a long ways away and with all the cows and kids here it was impossible to attend. While we cheered on John or more accurately covered all the bases so he can continue preparing the starting squad for the weekend games, I was struck by the teamwork aspect that is such a commanding and bonding force in our life.
Today was a hairy day- parts not sent, errands to run to ensure a successful primary program, and the usual lots and lots of cows. After all the errands I was not thrilled to see another semi-load of cows this one complete with 4 more bulls being dropped off. As I was sitting down to finally eat lunch there were murmurs of this is very bad, to be pulled up and out the door as over 200 cows dashed out of their pen. The first stopped on the lush green lawn while we pulled on shoes and got into spots trying to turn them back. To no avail there were too many cows and not enough directions or hands. Mark came to join us. That was the scariest part of the deal, I quickly realized we were severely outnumbered and had to have his cool very skilled head in the game. He was careful enough and helped avert the major problem of mixing herds- he can alone separate herds but the kind of driving it requires is most definitely not doctor approved right now.
There is nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of getting cows back where they belong and the utter panic and frustration of them blowing through the line and going where they should not go, a lot of them. 200 1200 lb animals moving in a bunch is not a fun phenomena to watch especially when they are going where they are not suppose to. Thankfully we got them turned surprisingly Afton and Bruce are very brave around the cows they hold their ground and have a sense for working them. Reed and Addie follow Mark's orders pretty well. Aliza and Mom do plenty of shushing cows and moving them but on foot is our best spot not racing around the field, we do run pretty well when we have to. We turned about 40 back into the pen ourselves.
After getting the cows contained I came back to my lunch and checking on the football team progress. They won the game! We won the battle of pens and locations. Many of this years starters are past 4-h members who corralled their own wild animals and helped their friends. You can see their animal catching style as the tackle and sack opposing teams. There is a lot to be learned working with animals. Patience, strength, enduring pain, how to read signs, quick reflexes, and confidence.
Later as I watered I got the first load emptied only to find that the pumping station did not suck water. Greg came and diagnosed, we figured we needed another pump and or hose. My mom willingly went for parts and I met her at her house. I'm thankful for her assistance to make the down time of watering much quicker.
As John gets another week of practicing of preparing the starters for their competition next week I ruminated on all the practice that is happening at home. All the extra effort and skills being picked up by our scout and pee-wee team. It's been very hard having my cow expert Anna gone. Harold could muscle through most any situation and was a huge part of our mechanic shop efficiency. It has been a tough adjustment having their abundant skills absent. However we are seeing great gains and new ways of approaching problems at least on the farm. Addie and Reed work very well together they are a get er' done pair. Mark takes care of Merle- I'm sure he would not be healing so well without that little man by his side. Livy and I water every day for a few hours.
She is learning to figure out solutions and not quit. Millie helps at home and Aliza fills in outside or inside depending on the day.
I'm thankful for the common goals we share and the time we spend watching the sun set, the peace of being outdoors, the shared misery of the cold and cows running amuck, and overall the bonds of family life working to provide for our needs. We are blessed!
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