First trip to Lake

After spending 2 hours cleaning, 1 hour loading, and another 2 hours preparing, we finally headed to Lake Rathburn for our first boating trip. The lake is very full (when it rains everyday, the rain must go somewhere,) therefore, only 3 boat ramps were open. We drove around another hour finding a ramp and a place to park. Is anyone adding the time up? Oh yes, when we got the boat to in the water, it smoked like a S.O.B. After 30 minutes and white smoke everywhere, BL got the boat running... Hip Hip HOORAY! So finally after almost 7 hours we were on the lake, soaking in the vitamin D. Halfpint loves tubing, Brett enjoyed the company of Grandma Suzy ON the boat.

This is the water level... I wondered if we could make it under the bridge... we did, I wished I had some spray paint.

Bottle Calves

The girls started working with their bottle calves this week. If you remember, Buffalo Bill is the one in the top picture, he is as tame as a dog. However, he does not lead very well. I can't lead him and twist his tail, and Brett is still a little timid. So I had the great idea to tie him to the lawnmower to lead up to the other barn so the girls could wash him. He got a little upset and I was determined to get him to the other barn... he was pulling so hard on the lawn mover that it was stuck in the wet grass. Finally, after I was pushing on him, him pushing me, and a blessing from God we made it to the barn without the lawn mover. I hope Bill learned his lesson... or maybe I learned one. As for Rosie, she is the super-sub for Tiny Tim, she is a nice little heifer that even Halfpint can lead. (picture #2) Make sure to check out the gloves the girls are wearing in all three pictures. Tuesday night the girls have their bottle calf interviews, they could tell some interesting stories!

Overload

As most of you know, last weekend we had the FIRST Ft. Bloomfield Family Rodeo. It was a learning experience for everyone involved. I learned that it is very difficult to be mom, a contestant, and help with the events... will I give one up to make the others better? I am very thankful that WE all worked together to make this deal fly... the people who helped were awesome! I would also like to apologize for my "shortness" or grouchiness... I will do better next time! Overall, the girls had a ball (minus one small setback), and we had a great turnout, (despite the weather.) We are looking forward to the next one. Hopefully next time, I will get the camera out of the truck! Sorry no pictures from Saturday.

Garden Goods

Tonight for supper we enjoyed our first crop of garden goods, wilted lettuce and broccoli... home grown! I might have picked the broccoli a little early, but I couldn't wait any longer. The wilted lettuce was great even though we didn't have any radishes. I am not sure what happened to the radishes this year. I know who can't grow radishes... me! We picked a few early, then rain, rain, rain, now they are going to seed, oh well. My peas are blooming, peas and potatoes are next, yum, yum! BL also picked up soft serve ice to eat with fresh strawberries tonight, AWESOME! Thanks Mom for sharing. The thought of fresh strawberries and ice cream got me through my tough day of cleaning out the basement.