Despite what the calendar says, winter is still very much here in North Park.

We woke up to more fresh powder, 6 inches to be exact and a sharp North wind this morning…10 degrees outside. Seems every Spring we are fooled by the arrival of the geese, Robins and meadowlarks..their sounds and shouts “we are back” throw our thoughts into greener days ahead. Nevertheless, with a little extra hay and a good straw bed, the livestock will thrive.


Our lambs are well on their way now, growing by the minute. They are less than a month old, but are independent and curious about everything. Our first calf was born this morning. Soon the others will follow. A lone wolf circling the property, sure makes a weary eye around here….we are more than indebted to our hard working Livestock Guardian dogs. We have 3 Great Pyrenees/Akbash dogs here. Vacillie is 12, Nugget is 2 and Rozy is a year old.  They patrol the nights so we can rest.

The willows on the creek bottom provide much needed shelter for the cows and their calves, but also harbor the predators we fear. Our neighbors have LGD’s as well and we attribute our lack of predation to the team work these dogs provide.


Last night I heard foxes calling back and forth to one another.

They are a joy to have around and haven't ever caused a problem. We actually enjoy their little antics of hide and seek. As we grow weary of this white landscape, we know Spring truly is just around the corner. We remember sunny days are just ahead.

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“What Does a Rancher do all Winter?” you say…

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He begins his day before most arise, trying to plan the financial side. Office work must be done early you know…you never know where the day might go. Then he gets a bite to eat as the sun and wind meet his coat and feet. On the way to the shop, he works a path through the snow and hopes the tractor will start. So many hungry mouths relying on that plan, lets pray there won’t be a delay and the wind claims the land. If all goes well, there’s only 2 hours to plow and blow…and what a sight to see those lovely eyes glow. He carefully gets that wire gate, and spreads out summer's heavenly hay. Grateful mouths devour the nourishment, his heart full of God's grace…another winter's night is behind them all. A lonely howl is not far, another desperate plea for a meal, you see. The once crystal clear mountain stream, so inviting and dear…is now a ridged ice field, needing his attention. The stock must quench the staggering thirst…created by winter's arid condition. A shovel and pick are all he requires, good thing he has last night's trail to follow. Crags and jags of ice chip away, blue and gray hues drift the neighbors way. Somewhere in that frozen white ocean, are tubs of vitamins and minerals for the kine. Maybe in time we can find.