Bluebirds of a Feather

When my parents named me Robin, I'm sure they couldn't foresee the avian-related nicknames that I'd earn from other kids. Even my best friend's dad, a most likable fellow whose sense of humor was influenced by his choice of beverages, regularly called me Bluebird.  

Despite my name and monikers, I had eyes only for horses back then. It took birds quite a while to catch my notice. Now, although I know little about my winged relatives, I'm quite a fan--especially of mountain bluebirds. 

Yesterday's unusual (for this area and time of year) sighting of mountain bluebirds set my heart soaring. My phone camera does little justice to these little beauties, but this was the first time I've ever been able to capture one--well, three-fourths of one--in flight. 

"Suddenly, as rare things will, it vanished." ~Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Nonconformity

When it comes to cattle, Wyoming is a black state. Known for their hardiness and palatability, Black Angus populate the vast majority of farms, fields, and feedlots.

Roughly 55% of our small herd are black baldies (meaning they're black with white facial markings). Since we used Hereford bulls last year, that percentage will increase dramatically by the time calving season is over. (We should even see a few red baldies thrown into the mix.)

Hubby is something of a Black Angus snob, but even he admits that our Hereford-cross cows (and especially Hereford bulls) are far more good-humored than most Angus. 

I'm all for docility myself, but the artist in me adores the remarkable variation of pattern and contrast in baldy cattle. Brand me a nonconformist. 

                        

                     

            

"In such a diversity it was impossible I should be disposed to melancholy." ~Daniel Boone

Padding

As another "arctic blast" bears down upon us, Minnie, Meels, and Moey kindly demonstrate the concept of insulation, a strategy employed by most of our critters. Winter can't get in!

"It's snowing still," said Eeyore gloomily.

"So it is."

"And freezing."

"It is?"

"Yes," said Eeyore. "However," he said, brightening up a little, "we haven't had an earthquake lately."

                         ~A.A. Milne 

Home!

The dog and I found Mercy high in a tree, too frightened to come down. 

Smokey, our senior cat, and I finally coaxed Mercy earthwards. She's been making up for lost time, eating, eating some more, and napping in my lap--all the essentials of respoiling. 

She is, of course, under house arrest!

Many thanks to all those who helped pray Mercy home! :)

Mercy. Come.

She's just a cat, I keep telling myself. Cats run off every day, disappearing by the thousands, maybe millions. 

I had joked that Mercy heard about her upcoming spay appointment and ran off to join the circus. But it's not funny. 

It's no big deal, I tell myself when the tears come. Much greater losses befall and far greater tragedies threaten than my empty lap. 

So I pray for mercy for lost people and dreams and those who've lost them, for the broken and bereft and terrified, for homecomings. And I pray for Mercy. 

"Hope....the sometimes unexplainable, but always undeniable, feeling that today would be a bad day to give up." ~Joyce Meyer

Resuscitatation

Sugar takes her mid-morning naps very seriously. She's nearly oblivious to goings-on, and her legs stick out so stiff and corpse-like that folks naturally fear the worst. 

Even Pansy must have begun to wonder yesterday because she marched right up and began sniffing the horse's rigid limbs (just as I've seen cows do to a comrade who has recently departed this world). Her breath and whiskers soon tickled Sugar back to life, however!

"I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance." ~John 10:10 (AMP)

Expectancy

You may be wondering when to expect baby calf stories. Calving season is usually well underway by now, but since February temperatures can be brutal, we delayed the process. 

We don't anticipate any calves for a few more weeks; however, I'm including one of my favorite pictures from calving seasons of yore, just to tide you over for a while. 

"My times are in Your hand." ~Psalm 31:15 (NKJV)