It's all about the Lifestyle, Right?

We saddled up one dreary morning this past fall, and trailered down to Three Circle to round up a pasture full of young cows to move them out to another range.  As we got there, it started to darken and get colder.  By the time we headed out, the rain/sleet was blowing sideways and we were all quiet and dreading the long cold day ahead.

As we rode out of the yard, Amy splashed up the driveway, snug in her warm truck.

With our horses trying to spin to get their hind ends towards the wind, and our own collars up and hats pulled down, we stopped to say a quick "hi".  Amy rolled down the window and cheerily sang out.  "Oh hey, I see you guys are headed out lifestyling today!"

Shocked silence and then the first real laughter of the day.

We use that phrase a lot now.

Cause that's funny.  

Best laugh as cry.

:)  Punky

2017

How time flies.  

11 years ago on January 1st, the world become just a bit brighter with the early arrival of one of the sweetest and most kindhearted souls you can imagine.  

As many other years, we celebrated Jackson birthday out on Anahim Lake, surrounded by good friends, good food and amazing scenery.  

One again, Amy outdid herself with the cake.  Trees, a campfire and a fishing hole (all edible)....what more could a guy ask for?  

 We headed for the heated shop as the sun went down and the temperature did too!  

In other news, life is still wandering along at the ranch.  Vince, our handy young French friend, has become an important part of the outfit and we are happy to say he is going to stay with us for a full year.  Hurrah!  Eli is busy still trying to 'move' into the barns and shop, building shelves and organizing tools and all the bits and pieces.  When he isn't under the house in a nightmare of plumbing, working on the blackest generator known to man or trying to figure out the amazing electrical systems around here.  But we are getting there......  

The boys and I took a bit of time off of the homeschooling over the holidays, but not much.  In the beginning, I really saw the improvement in their attitudes, and now I can say I can really tell the difference in their actual work.  It's nice to see.  I still rely heavily on the internet (I suspect that won't change) but also the knowledgeable people around me.  It is coming together.  

Quick cast near Grandpa Eric's house as we wait for the Kelly Kettle to boil for the hot chocolate.

General Meeting at Five Mile.  

Cheers all, and the best for 2017!!  

Punky