May, time for branding calves in SD

 

This will be a bit different story.  Hubby and I went to my niece's ranch for a third chance to experience a tiny bit of ranch life.  Hubby had never been and wary of being "invited" to ride a horse with the cow people.

I will write with my limited knowledge of the

round up process and branding.  

The pens were empty, there was no calling of mamas  or bawling calves.  All seemed to be in limbo.

My niece's husband paced, drank coffee and paced
some more.  He was on the phone all morning
with the ranchers who had planned to be there.

This was Sunday and it had been cold and rainy for days. All indications were it would rain again this day.
It tried to clear and clouded over and cleared again.  The weather report was not good.

So I took pictures. There is always something to see at this place.  I never tire of the views and life
around me.                                                          

Hubby found a new friend.  It was misty and cold, but boy (niece's grandson) and his dog were content to show this "new granpa" the sights

He even showed "grandpa" he could pump water!

Sittin' on the porch with both grandpas just waitin'.





don't forget to click on picture for larger



After a muddy morning working on fences, time for coffee and cinnamon rolls, huge ones!

Boots come off before going inside.  I always wonder if they do the same at home?

 Most of the time I can tell boys from girls,
til I see them walking out to the horses.

Didn't see who shucked these, but I can guess.

This is a real working boot puller, not just for show.

This is a big room. Lots of sitting places, beautiful wall of windows and large dining table.  I kind of think a lot of after the drive, good or not accomplished, is spent at this table with friends and family.

Tell tale kettle corn pan.  Sure was good.

Riders  enjoying each other.  Good coffee, kettle corn and friends.

Maybe just a little serious discussion?

Two ranch wives, niece and friend , maybe discussing kettle corn?

Cowboys and gals may be chatting but meal prep still goes on.  At this point, things were pretty certain not going to do round up or branding. 

As it turned out, there would be no feeding of the 25 or so riders.  That leaves niece with food for 30 and so, the people still talking and visiting get to have a feed anyway.  Too many left overs to try to cram into fridge. 
The next drive attempt would be a week later.

Waiting