City Girl Fantasy

For those of you that read my blog, you may have remembered this. Well, I went back to visit some of those folks. Although we had a get together, it was nothing like that night. But there was a different reason I went back. And I will warn you right now....

CAUTION CAUTION CAUTION

Ever since I saw the Horse Whisper with Robert Redford, I have wanted to brand a calf.

In 2006 I had arranged to brand a calf with Tim. However, I had to go off to Belize to relax instead. I contacted Lisa and asked if she could set it back up with Tim for 2007. And so the plane ticket was purchased, rental vehicle reserved, and the beer bought. I arrived on Thursday, partied with the Tequila gang on Friday, and prepared for the branding on Saturday.

I would say the saddest part for me was in the morning when I watched the mommy cows run to the fence as their babies were loaded onto the trailer. The rest was just fine. A lot of people thought I was going to puke because of the smell, but really it didn't smell that bad. I actually didn't gag until Lisa pulled the oysters out of the can that had been sitting out all day and dumped them in her sink. Then I gagged. NOTE: oysters=cow balls

And so the day began...cows were roped, given antibiotics, brands, and balls clipped if they had them. According to a video I have, once the calf was roped it took approximately 1 minute to complete giving the calf two shots, a brand, and the ball clip.

And then it was my turn...it is important to get that brand just right. I only got to do one, but that was fine with me. I lived out my fantasy.

I also gave one shot. And then I got to hold the bucket that the oysters were placed in and spray antibacterial spray on the area afterwards. Now that is where you should have all expected me to gag and puke, but I did not.

The crew branded 87 head. On a trip back to drop off the calves to their moms, this vehicle was parked on the side of the road. They had seen the herd of moms come running over to the fence before we arrived. After Tim dropped off their babies, the vehicle pulled over and asked me how those moms knew their calves were coming. I said well, we took them this morning, and I am sure they could hear their ballings. As they drove off and Tim pulled up, I said City Folk. My sister reminded me I was no 'country bunkin' when I told her the story, but I admitted I was a city girl living out a fantasy.

When we finished all the duties, we headed back to the ranch house for beers, dinner, and dessert. And I listened to all the stories from the old times before I was even a glimmer in my dad's eyes.

Check out further photos here

Tagged

Matted Spam over yonder Tagged Me. I have to say it is the first time I have realized that I have been tagged. I don't keep up every day or week with my blog friends so I might have been tagged before and never realized it. And then again, I asked her if she actually meant me.

I'm supposed to list 6 weird things about me then tag 6 other people. I am pretty normal, but what the heck...And you six have been tagged...

Nanner
Ashley
Mary Whines
Rita
Tricia
Jenn

1. Like Matted, I am an organization freak. I would say I am borderline OCD (obessive complusive disorder). I actually wrote that in a job application recently. I once had an anxiety attack over the soap being on the wrong side of the sink.

2. I dip my grilled cheese sandwiches, made only on white bread with sliced Kraft cheese, in ketsup. Where I learned it I don't know because my sister, Amy, who had a strong hand in my upbringing doesn't do it.

3. I have been reincarnated. I truly believe that I was once Joan of Arc because I can't stand fire.

4. I have 10 toes, but only 9 toenails. Which I don't think that is quite that weird, but I am digging here.

5. I am the youngest of 7. And in some ways the blacksheep---5 tattoes, belly button piercing, and work 1/2 a year.

6. I am an overachiever. Which might not sound weird, but I am taking two online course this semester and was primarily finished with them before they even started. I asked my teacher if I was the only one who did that and he said yes.

And those are my stupid 6 weird things.

Hernia

I've been slacking on my blog readings lately. And I don't know why considering I don't have a job anymore. Of course lately, I have had to move a few people down to MIA section because they are either gone or quit writing. But this week, this day, I have plenty of time since the only time I am getting out of bed is to pee.

I've been having some problems lately in the lower right quadrant of my abdomen. So after seeing the female doctors, the 4 vaginal ultrasounds, the 2 normal ultrasounds, the numerous pelvic exams, I went and saw a surgeon. He determined it was a hernia.

So yesterday I went under the knife and had it repaired. And I hope to hell that it heals quickly because the pain fricking sucks. It isn't that bad if I am laying here or sitting up, but as soon as I have to move it is bad. I've been drinking a ton of water so I have to pee like every 10-20 minutes. Which, yea, means I am hydrated, but also means I about cry trying to get there. Anyway, I will be down and out for a while.

I was going to have it done a couple weeks ago, but I had plans to brand a cow and the doctor didn't think it would be a good idea to get nudged with a nose or hoof. So the branding story will follow. I am working with Se7en to see how to place a video on the blog.

Have a good weekend.