Good Monday morning to all you critter and land loving folks. We were recently presented with a business venture that would give us the opportunity to buy cows, run those cows on shares, and then pay back funds when our partner is ready to launch their herd. After some pencil to paper, several lengthy discussions, and a few prayers later, we couldn’t get to the bank fast enough and man did we go on a shopping spree this week!

I felt like I was ten years old again waiting for the Saturday morning when my uncle was coming to help me pick up my very own bucket calf. I waited all week and hit the floor early Saturday morning, threw on my boots, grabbed my camera, and we were off to choose our heifers from some recently purchased by my father-in-law. Picking your own stock, and spending lent money is a huge step, but we had a good time. I don’t think we could have gone wrong as all the heifers were calm, quiet, and so nice to work through the corral. I may change my tune after they calve, but they sure are easy going now.

To top all that excitement off we closed our shopping this afternoon with a bred Jersey heifer to be a nurse cow here on the funny farm. Since she is living here close to the house, she, of course, needed a name. The kids let me have my way and the name “Mocha” was passed. You don’t own a coffee shop for ten years and have nothing to show for it. She is a bit on the wild side, I have a feeling my nine-year-old working with his 4-H show heifer, and me attempting to gentle this nurse cow could lend itself to a story or two.

We are excited to be on this new venture, and even though we are still small potatoes compared to most operations, we are at peace knowing we aren’t in over our heads. Again, my tune may change if I ever try to milk that Jersey. This I know to be true, cows have always been a part of who we are, and I don’t suppose we will ever be without them in some fashion from here on out. Corb Lund says what I am feeling best in his song “Cows Around,” a must listen for your Monday! Blessing to you, yours, and your operation.

At the end of our cold snap

“Handpicking” the herd.

Cake. CAKE. CAAAAKKKEEE!

There they are in all their glory.