Quite the summer

Greetings all!  

So what to say?  Momma says if you don't have something nice to say, then don't say anything at all.  

Okay, fine.

Then I won't complain about the amazingly wet weather that just won't go away.  Or not for more than three days at a time anyhow.  I won't mention our ground that is so saturated any new moisture just sits on top.  Or the acres and acres of hay that is laying over and now composting.  Or the reality that we are not going to be able to put up enough hay to feed our herd and will have to sell down and/or send some out for custom feeding.  It's been quite a year.  

There is nothing nice to say there, so let's move on.  We are all healthy and finding things to laugh about, so really, it's all relative.  We will get through this.  

Some winrows of hay, ready to be baled.  Quickly now, before the next storm hits.   Trust me, there have not been many days like this one, with not a cloud in the sky.  Or not many in a row anyhow.

After getting back from the last trail ride at the end of the month, I spend a whole lot of time in the kitchen, preparing food for the hunts.  I quite enjoy the cooking actually, but usually try and spread it out a bit more.  The first group (caribou hunters and moose hunters) headed out and are all doing well, which is great news.    

Smoking roasts for the hunting camp lunches.  Yum!!  

We are not really 'rounding up' yet as we have limited pasture since our hay is not yet off the meadows.  And we still have our fingers crossed for some sort of miracle that we can get it.  (HA....they are predicting snow showers this weekend!!)  Anyhow, we are just moving the cattle to closer ranges (and have been pulling bulls) and there is one great thing to say about this terrible weather.  There is more feed than ever and the animals all look outstanding.  It's nice to see how much those calves have grown.  

Thankfully, this is not this years photo (no snow on the ground yet), but it's fun to see these big babies by their mommas!

Saturna Lake from the top of the Moose Haven lookout.  Only brave and hearty adventurers can swim those waters!    

The trail riding season for 2017 is already looking like another full year.  I've just started contacting people about the possible ride dates and it sure looks like we are going to fill up quickly.  Seems funny to be working on it already when it feels like we just got finished the last one.  :)  But all good.  

Cheers for now,

Punky  

From Dealer Dog

Well, my human keeps saying she would like to do some writing, but never seems to get around to it.  I think maybe if I help her get caught up, she'll be able to take off with it again.  Besides, all she is doing is cooking and cooking for the upcoming hunting season, so no consistent work for me.  The food smells pretty amazing, especially the smoked ham!  It's probably a good thing that we finally have running water in the kitchen anyhow, since there always seems to be a mountain of dishes to do with all the cooking lately.   

Grocery shopping for the hunting season.  Just one more store to go to......

We've had a really busy summer with the trail riding, but it's a good thing I don't mind being wet.  I think we've only had 2 or 3 short stretches without rain since that nasty snow in June.  It's been a source of serious stress around here as we simply cannot get the hay up as we should.  My human says we are going to be simply 'landowners' instead of ranchers soon.  I'm not sure what that means exactly, but I have a nasty suspicion there may be a lot of cows for sale.  Not good for me.....I'm a COW DOG!  The humans keep working at it, but I don't think anyone is having much fun. 

Curious Yearlings

We did have a great trail ride season.  I got to fly in an airplane for the first time.  Of course I didn't care, since my human was there, and I was happy to be out on the trail with her again.  Lunch time naps are the best for snuggling!  We had lots of fun, met some great new people and spent time with familiar faces as well.  A good summer.  Despite the miles I put on, I am a bit chubby yet, from all the tasty dishes that are served up there.  I'm still wondering why I never actually get to taste bacon.....just the drippings.  

The majestic Pipe Organ Mountain.  

In between the rides, Bree and I were busy helping my human move cattle around between the ranges.  With our new ranch came a huge new range and we've put on many miles learning it and teaching the cattle where to go.  I have to say, I'm pretty awesome.  I do need to be reminded by my human to slow down a bit, but I've sure learned lots.    

We lost old Picket dog this year.  We all still miss her, especially now that we have to put up with a new puppy.  Rousy is a pain as she is always pulling on my ears and distracting me.  Sometimes I just sit on her.  There also seems to be a new grey ball of fluff running around squeaking.  I think it's a kitten but I don't think it's very smart as it is always running in to doors and walls.  My human calls it "Helmet".  

Well, my human is making noise about taking a load of food to the freezer and catching the mail, so I'd better get a move on.  

Hope this gets my human started writing again, it's hard to type with paws.  

Sincerely,
Dealer Dog