More Wyoming Signs of Spring

Eric celebrated his birthday. Tess was, of course, in charge. Prior to cake, we had snacks OUTSIDE on the deck, enjoying the 76 degree weather.BUT, how dare we forget that it is spring in Wyoming! After it being 70 on Sunday, beginning Sunday night it began to rain, and rain, and rain-turning- to-snow early Monday morning with 70 mph winds.

Which continued to blow, and blow and blow until about 2 in the afternoon on Tuesday. Creating giant drifts, can't see your hand in front of your face visibility, road closures, power outages and general wickedness for all living things.

Snow up to the fences, which of course the cows took advantage of and climbed right on over to go where they aren't suppose to.

But finally, we were able to emerge from the house where Tess climbed and slid down ever drift in a five mile radius.

Signs of Spring

Labradors in the stock tank!

Riding lessons.

Riding solo, or at least getting some good practice.

How to move a move an old shed

I have been threatening for a while now to get chickens. Way back when I read an article about how wonderful the world would be if we each owned 3 chickens. Since then I have been a lot of talk and not a lot of action.

But, Eric and Dad finally convinced me that I could move this old shed from the Britton house to our house and remodel it up to be a chicken house. This is how "operation chicken" began.

First you find some old pieces of a Gifford Hill center pivot, and stuff them underneath.Careful! Tess thought this was pretty scary.

Onto the trailer
Cruisin' down the road.

Off again, and carefully turned around.

Dont plan on bacon and eggs anytime soon. We still have a lot of work to do.

Godspeed, our friend

We lost a fine friend this week. Spike was born on April 24, 1997, in Torrington. He was adopted by Wendy on the Fourth of July weekend and brought home to Glendo. Soon he moved to Laramie with Wendy to start law school where he introduced Wendy and Eric while on a walk.Spike had a good time in law school and ate lots of girl scout cookies. In 2000, he officially became Spike Palen and moved to Cheyenne. His heart was always in Glendo where his nose was always on the ground and he was thrilled when we moved back to the ranch. He was a hunter of prairie dogs, rabbits and cats. He loved to follow Eric on the horse, and would travel for miles without tiring. His nickname was "the fearless beagle". He was known for his distinctive "Ba-wooo!" his selective hearing and independent attitude shown below.Despite his independence, he loved his family and his family and many others loved him. While we are sad, we have many memories to celebrate. Good times, Spike Palen, good times!