Summer work and play

We received a phone call seeking help for an elderly one-legged farmer north of town bringing in his hay. It was hot, we  wanted to serve, so why not? K11 is the guy in green shirt on top of hay. I was driving a 2nd truck with K10 and the girl crew.

Our large guard dog Dinah with her sheep (kids picked her name Dinah, as in Wonder Woman). Will breed her this Christmas and keep 3 of her pups to keep her company and guard flock. We will need more LGD's as we increase size of our flock. Coyotes have been a major problem the past year.

K11 and K10 are replacing the big boys as my main helpers.

Cleaning up after our big 4th of July fireworks show.

After dropping the giant oak tree, it took us a few weeks to cut, split and haul away. K2 and K4 loading truck while K4's hubbie Ryan and our youngest K12 split.

K2 cutting, K11 and Ryan splitting. Notice the barn swallow just to the left of K2. I was on the upper deck looking down when it flew past.

Some days it was the little crew loading.

This is just a start on the amount that K4's family will need to heat their house this coming winter. We will be cutting, splitting and hauling many more loads of wood the next few months. All offers of help will be accepted!

The pond brings joy to many of us in different ways. Danny is the main fisherman, but he teaches little people.

In the Spring we bought more black crappie to add to the pond.

They were little, but...

...they do grow. This is K6 and Danny with a large mouthed bass, which make good eating, but they are the main predator in pond, eating many of the other fish and all the baby ducks! I have declared war on the bass and want them caught and eaten.

Had 10 calves so far with a few more due in August and September. Have sold 2 and need to sell more.

Finally decided to get Fluffy a haircut and so glad we did. Her shedding was causing us to sweep floors twice a day.

K12 pretty and pretty happy about her haircut.

Hollie had a tiny little red girl.

K9 is learning to be a ranch hand.

K7 worked as an EFY counselor all summer on college campuses in Arizona and Utah. One of his students did this pencil drawing of him and his female co-counselor. Wow!

K1 visited with her 3 children. It was a great week. Everyone was busy having fun. No shortage off playmates. The canoe was popular.

K12 and Lydia rode on the tractor and were my helpers with opening gates. We always stop to visit Grandma and Grandpa White in the family cemetery.

Twin fawns standing above top red fence bar, just up and left of center. We see deer frequently around the property.

Lots of great sunsets.