May Day on the ranch
May 1, 2012
One of the many busiest times of the year
on a ranch
and with school age kids.
Bright and early
we moved our cow-calf pairs
to the branding pasture
also known as "The School Section".
We had them moved by 8:00 a.m.
The kids were only a little late to school.
On the highway coming back from school drop-off,
I veered to the shoulder,
checked my rear-view mirror and whipped around.
Erin, just turned five, says something like,
"Mom, why do you ALWAYS stop to take pictures of birds?"
I just smile and do it anyway.
I tell her that I will miss her when she goes to kindergarten in the fall.
She says, "Mom, I will be with you for sixty years."
I said, "Sixty years? I will be almost . . ." (I was adding in my head and about to say 100)
"Dead." she finished my sentence, and we both laughed.
Actually, I laughed a little too much. Because then she buried her head in her hands.
And then I thought about how little time we have together on earth . . .
and the hope of heaven.
But then,
my brakes bring us to a dusty halt again.
Chokecherry blossoms.
"Mom! Now what?"
"Chokecherry blossoms," I say and hop out with my camera.
"Can I get out?" she asks.
"Yes."
"Ok, Mom, you count, I'll hide."
So I am snapping shots of blossoms
and she says,
"Count! Come ON! COUNT!"
So I count, and seek.
Afternoon comes.
After laundry
and
folding clothes
and fixing (click below for recipe which got a thumbs up)
and dishes
and more laundry.
With afternoon,
a remembered promise,
"Mom, you said you'd come watch me ride my bike after lunch."
I did indeed say that I would.
So, camera over the shoulder,
I go to the yard to watch her ride bike.
But I can't sit still.
So I tell her I will fill the bird feeders while she rides.
She comes to help.
A normally quick job,
becomes lengthy.
She scoops and scoops and scoops.
Because I won't let her pour.
She has a "great idea".
She remembers another time we sat in the shade
of the cottonwood on the flowered quilt.
She goes to find it.
And we relax for a while together.
I read a bit.
She chatters and finds a lady bug
just like last time
we sat under this tree with this quilt
she
remembers.
I get her a drink and a popscicle.
But before she can drink her water,
Toby, the beagle, finds her glass.
I had hoped to make my announcement of my upcoming news
this week.
However, this is branding "week" at the Shaw Ranch.
Full of preparation for the big day on Friday.
Along with school field trip, moving cattle around,
grandparents day at school, kindergarten registration . . .
So I will make my announcement next week.
This post really is an indicator of my announcement.
It is all about beauty in everyday life.
But not my everyday beauty.
YOURS.
Linking with these ladies:
