2022 calves

2022 Calf Predictions

As we wrap up 2021 and prepare for 2022, I return to my spreadsheets to log the anticipated 2022 calves. Since it's a mix of science and Fritz's fancy, it's not perfect. But it's a fun game - for me. :-)

Here's what I've got going in to January - we'll have a slow start to the year, for sure.

April: Bling, Hollywood, Mrs. Gump

June: Pet, Frosty

July: Mrs. Howell

August: Maybelline

September: Muley

October: Opie

November: Bossy

Wildcard: Horned Hollywood, aka Double H

Of course, there's a few things that may change the schedule. Several of the girls are on our list to move on to bigger ranches. After multiple years of summer drought, we're working on getting down to a smaller size (maybe 7 or 8 Sister Wives) while the land recovers. Of course, we never want to separate a mom from her calf, so timing is crucial. That, and my emotional attachment to them all makes it difficult for my Cowboy to tell me it's time to say good-bye.

The Wildcard, Horned Hollywood, should have had a calf in the middle of 2021. Prior to this, she's been the most predictable momma. But after Caliente, she seems to have lost her mojo. I really am hoping she redeems herself soon. Like it or not, when you have cattle, the goal is that they have offspring.

Rodeo, b 01-2022

Rodeo

January 17, 2022

Yesterday and today were days of REST. Intentional slowing down, time spent in reflection and quiet, to re-center and re-set. No big reason why, other than taking advantage of a long weekend and craving time among the trees. (Ironic, I know, since I told Keith how much silence scared me when we first moved here!)

The beauty of such days is time to really observe the details. Yesterday morning as I sipped my coffee and looked out the kitchen window, I noticed this year's wildcard, Horned Hollywood (aka Double H), walking alone near the barn and hay ring. She's not one known to be a loner - except when she's got a new calf. I made a mental note to check on her after church.

Bundled up from the wind, I walked the pastures in the early afternoon, but it wasn't until I came full circle back near the gate that she was walking the little one out from the safe covering of trees to do some small family introductions. The babe wobbled, jumped, ran and hid among the udders - then finally peeked around to acknowledge me, like a rodeo clown peeking up from the open end of a barrel. To my surprise, the markings matched the antics! I giggled, tried to get some pictures (not much luck), and decided to try again the next day. Today brought perfect pictures as big sis Joi took enough interest that this little Rodeo separated from Momma for a few minutes and posed among the corrals.

Rodeo. Our own little clown!

Rodeo and big sis Joi

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