The Native Iowan

It is a clear, crisp Saturday here in the little valley. Nights are cold and breezy. We leave the house open so the nights require nice, big, heavy blankets. Makes sleeping easy under all that weight.

Chords, How cold is it in SA? Always hotter or colder in SA. I did a 1000k run into NSW a week ago, and it inspires me to cross more boarders. Might look at a run down your way. Only problem is getting caught on the wrong side of a lock-down. I think SYD just got nailed again. WA is never safe.

Damn this travel restriction BS sux, eh?

Woke this morn, as each morn here on the farm, and dress for going outside. The big dogs, the puppies, the herd, all need attention. I get out of bed and go outside to be a farmer.

Joe has been gone a couple weeks. A few hours a day keeps things on an even keel. I have a lot of projects to undertake but am happy to move slow.

I gave Joe’s house to Gracie. She’s going to turn into in her church… The House Of Grace…

Guess I wont be spending much time there.

Had a calf born early yesterday. It’s the 16th calf born out o f16 cows in 10 months. So the new calving season will start soon. I just sold 7x 10-8month old calves last week. A grand a piece. Better than a poke in the eye.

This new born means I have 8 calves here ranging in age form 6th month old to new born. Will sell these 8 in December or January, depending on market.

Not getting rich but having a good time.

This morn I opened a new, fresh paddock up to the herd. They were keen to get to the fresh green grass. The mamma of the new born went with the herd. Left her baby hidden in the grass somewhere. The mammas will hide their new borns for most of the day as they feed. Then come evetime, with full udders, the calves get a big feed.

So I go look for it. Find it easy enough. I think its dead. Not uncommon how sound these new borns sleep. 30kgs and all legs. Moving many direction. I lay on top of it and get control the the legs. Manage to get a good two armed carry grip and lift the bugger up, kicking and blleeetting. A few steps to the buggy… second step I turn my left ankle.

Fall straight on top of the calf, keep control of it. If I let go now, it’ll be gone quick as a deer. And probably get lost and things will be busy and not bueno at all.

I get it to the buggy, get to mamma. Mamma is at the gate, head down, not hapi. I talk her into being calm, push the ne born toward her, keep it from bolting away.

All is good but my bloody ankle.

Not swollen, not really injured too bad, but sore. If I turn it again, too soon, it’ll take ages to come back. So I sit, watch dumb old swashbuckling movies and drink lunch.

Life is guud. Gracie appears hapi here on the farm. Of course the amount of walking and movement we do is easily double what a normal suburban life offers, so we are very much healthier here. The animals are fun and mentally stimulating. The cattle are intelligent beings with interesting personalities. Ive learned if you say “please” they cooperate well.

The puppies are a hoot. Eating massive amounts. I am told I need to cook for them so its rice and beans and veggies and loads of meat. I’ll weight them soon but reckon they’ve gained a couple kilos since I brought them home.

The Maremma are cool. Not pets at all. Often quite timid and skittish. But bloody great guards.

And the beat goes on.

Smiles