#2021calves, heifer

Since the moo cows go about their business each day no matter what the political atmosphere in the country, we can all agree that as far as the ranch has been concerned, 2021 started very, very quiet (or "vewy, vewy qwiet" if you're an Elmer Fudd fan.)

February quickly said "Hold my hay!" with our third, yes, third snowfall and first true hard freeze. If you don't know what happened here in Texas this last week - and is still happening for many of us - Google it. #TexasBroke But we're strong. We will return, better than ever. We'll learn from this. We'll help each other out. We'll do what we need to. Partly because that's who we are, but also because there are so many outside of Texas that depend on us. Sure, you've heard of water and electricity issues. But the reports on the impact to agriculture are still widely unknown. If you're outside of Texas, chances are that some of your goods come from Texas, so you'll be impacted soon, too. So we have to keep going.

And none took that to heart as much as Mrs. Gump.

#2021calves, heifer

My 2021 Calf Prediction Chart is wrong, y’all. I had Mrs. Gump as a wildcard, so her little Slushy in February was ok. But then I had Opie down for March and Bling for April, but of course Bling is all about March calves (Clover, Moonshine), so I should have known. Not that I’ll ever complain about a new calf!

Yesterday evening we came upon Bling in the woods, with this little one barely dry. While her previous bull calf was born right on St. Patrick’s Day (Clover of the #HolidayDuo), this little nugget came on our weekly El Tapatio night. She’s little, she’s cute, she’s got a mask around one eye... she’s Nacho. We debated about Queso and Taco and settled on Nacho.

Bling is notorious for being an absentminded momma, yet I’m starting to wonder if it’s because she always has bull calves and she’s been wanting a heifer. She finally got her wish, and she’s staying pretty close to Nacho. Except at dinner time when she let Shooter (born in November) babysit. I didn’t say she had the best judgment....

It was a rough morning at the ranch, but we finished the day with a successful separation of #PuddinPopsPosse. Darryl proved just what a sweetheart she is by just strolling in. Shooter, Dominga and Genie - with a helpful defensive block from Sister Wife Hollywood (aka Connie Stevens) finally made their way into the corrals. The “leader” himself was an absolute a$$ and the last one in. #MorningsWithTheMoos has returned.

This batch is all heifers save for the lone bull calf and leader, Puddin' Pop.

La joie de l'été

The joy of summer.

Sure, it’s hot, dusty and ridiculously dry. But on Monday, the first day of summer, Pet left the herd for a solo stretch. As Momma Numero Uno on my June watch list, I got a little excited. We found her that evening in early labor, then true to her protective nature, she entered the witness protection program (aka the cedar and mesquite trees ). Today, she nonchalantly walked back to the feeding trough area with this dark brown nugget following her.

I’ve named him Été, although we’re Texans, so we’re pronouncing it Eddie. Like Carmen Sandiego and Nacho, he’s got one large circle over his eye. These are clearly Fritz’s offspring... thank goodness, right?!?! Because that could get awkward...

We have *5* Sister Wives on baby watch for July, and 2 came through this week. Mrs. Howell had a little bull calf on Tuesday. Keith did amazing getting the Birth Announcement photos, but we couldn’t figure out a name. Until tonight. This little guy is as dark as big sis Carmen Sandiego, spotted-eye included, but with a matching eyebrow more like big brother Mistetoe. Please welcome our own bovine version of Christmas in July - Hallmark!

The main momma I’ve been watching is Frosty. The gal’s been waddlin’ like a penguin for weeks. When she didn’t show up to the troughs, we went looking - and came upon her with her brand new addition. While the little one got their first bath, Nacho, Pet and Maybelline all gathered around to count hooves and ears. Until I see some personality traits, we’re holding off on a name.

UPDATED for a name - SPANKY. Since we came across him when he was brand. spankin'. new.

Way back on July 28th, we came upon Maybelline with a very very fresh calf. She did an amazing job blocking for a good view, and what she didn’t block, her Sister Wives did! And then she entered the standard 7-day Calf Protection Program (#CPP). For me, work got busy and I didn’t get to snap any good pics for a while.

By the time I had a chance to check in again, Keith had already named the cute heifer Max Factor for her dolled-up eyes (and to go with her momma). She still prefers quiet time with Mom and gets overly excited when a brother or sister get too close - kicking up those white boots to find seclusion in a hurry!

It’s weaning time!!! LR Carmen Sandiego, Mistletoe, Slushy and Nacho. We had initially only planned on weaning the bull calves (Mistletoe and Slushy), so I was all ready with my #ColdSnapCalves hashtag, but then realized the bookend heifers were ready, too. Now it’s back to brainstorming hashtags! And early morning feedings. I love this time!!

Update: Alas, this group never got a name. They were a hodgepodge bunch and while easy to wean, just kind of did their thing without making a name for themselves.

This last week, we’ve been keeping an eye on Muley as she had some full udders last week, then went into the Calf Protection Program #CPP. Even morning breakfast goodies didn’t call her out of hiding. But this weekend- after the designated number of days had passed - she showed off her little bull calf, bouncing and jumping around her in his excitement to meet his half-siblings. Welcome, Skippy!

The surprise while keeping an eye out for Muley's calf was Opie nonchalantly walking up with a little heifer clinging to her skirts, just like the cafeteria lunch lady with toddlers in tow, but showing up to work anyway, never pausing in her commitment to do her job. This one - nearly identical to Skippy - also leapt in excitement and… Joy. So please welcome Joi (intentional spelling; IYKYK) to the ranch. #WayMaker

Back on December 9, #Happy15YearsToUs, Keith gave me the post-Zumba class feeding update, which included Bossy going MIA. Well, she’s on my December schedule, so I was on the lookout for a new calf that Friday night. I got a late-evening, too-dark-to-photograph peek, then she entered the Calf Protection Program #CPP while we ramped up caretaker responsibilities. Fortunately Kody has been around to feed each evening, but no one confirmed bull calf of heifer - or got pics - so I could do a proper announcement.

Until tonight. We finally resumed our evening routine (if only for a day!) and there at the hay ring with the pre-teens was little Pearl. She’s not posing; she’s checking over her shoulder to make sure I keep my distance! She’ll probably be the last calf of 2021, unless Double H (Horned Hollywood) pulls off a miracle. Here’s to all the 2021 cuties!