Friday, October 29, 2010

What grade are you?

Yes, I've joined the Parent-Teacher-Student-Association. No, I'm not a parent, teacher or student.

Some parents look at me weird since I don't have any children, some give me unneccessary praise. I tell them that I am just a community member wanting to get involved. They still look at me like I have three eyes but I enjoy volunteering and as long as a crazy PTSA mom doesn't scare me out I plan on sticking around for a bit (especially because my best friend is on the PTSA too)!

I helped with the Fall Carnival this past weekend and it was a huge success! My immune system however completely FAILED and I woke up Sunday with a terrible head cold.

So, I'm keeping busy and meeting folks! It's fun.

Here is a picture of me and my best friend, A at the carnival.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Worse Shape Than Sheep! Part Deuce

I promised pictures from my Sheep Trailing adventure.
Here are a few for your enjoyment!



These are our three herders. Hardest workers you will ever meet.

They'll be coming down the mountain when they come!



home home home!

It's beautiful here.
Original post here.

Friday, October 8, 2010

Worse Shape Than Sheep!

A week after running with the sheep, er, I mean, sheep trailing the pain has subsided and my legs are working again. Thank goodness!

Last week I mentioned we were bringing the sheep off the mountain and back to the ranch. Let's just say I unintentionally ran/walked a half marathon on Sunday. No one told me the sheep would run for the first few miles and keep a fast paced walk the whole time. It wouldn't have been a big deal if I wasn't in worse shape than the sheep and if I didn't have to stay ahead of 2,000 of them! That's a lot of pressure!
J drove the truck and this trailer behind the sheep.

After mile 3ish, the sheep started to slow down. I took this time to catch my breath and take in my surroundings. It's really beautiful in this part of the country. While on my (power) walk I thought of lyrics to a song I heard recently, If God wasn't born in Colorado, I'm sure he spends most of his time here. 


While walking down the highway, flagging oncoming traffic to let them know there view is about to look like this:

Deer would stop to check me out. Once they realized I was just an out-of-shape female they continued to eat their greens.  Horses in nearby pastures ran up to the fence to see what was going on and what all the baa-ing was about. Cows began moo-ing as the sheep passed and dogs barked and barked. It was as if they were talking to each other it felt like I was in an episode of Babe.

Around mile 12 I saw the open fence at the ranch. It was open and ready for the sheep! It was so neat to see all of the sheep file onto the green grass and eat. It's as if they knew they were home. These animals live such a great life.

Flagging was fun and I've already (been) signed up for next year. I'll make sure I'm better prepared.

Saturday 1pm


Everybody is home! Sunday 1pm
Happy everyone made it home safely,
A Rancher's Wife

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Sheep On Road!

That's right!! Keep a look out folks - the sheep that make this ranch whole are coming home from the high country!

All 2,000 sheep (mama's and their little babies) will be home on Sunday afternoon. Why am I so excited?! The sheep, 4 dogs and one herder, Alberto have been away all summer. It will be nice to know they are all safe and sound here, at home. No bear to worry about and more guard dogs to scare off the coyotes at night.

To add some icing to the cake - I will help bring the sheep home! It's my 'job' to stay about 100 yards in front of the (very large) herd and make sure oncoming traffic slows down. It's a dangerous job, but somebody's gotta do it!

Wish us luck that everyone (furry and human) makes it home safely!

Believe-you-me - there WILL be pictures. Lots of 'em.

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Our family of three!

Some fun news to share!

Our newest Border Collie, Jigs was brought home a few months ago from the humane society in hopes she would herd sheep since a few of our Border Collies are getting old and soon won't be able to work. After weeks of working with Jigs and the opinion of a sheep dog trainer it's been accepted that Jigs won't be a herding dog. She just has no interest in the darn things!

If I were to play by the 'rules of the ranch' we'd find her a new home, but I have decided that instead of finding another family for her J and I will keep her as a companion pet. I'm thrilled to adopt her into our family! I think I'll only be allowed to keep and get attached to this one so I hope our next pups want to 'work'!

So, I introduce to you Jigs! Isn't she beautiful?