As I sit at my desk contemplating the deep mysteries of the universe, and enjoying a very fine dish of ice cream (I love ice cream!), a post seemed in order. Time is short, I have to go to dance, and must pick up Katie Bug on they way there. This leaves time only for photos. Yes, I know you are all disappointed that this is not a three-thousand word post on the advantages of reading classic literature, or some similarly fascinating topic; but, you will have to suffer nonetheless.

Care to take a guess as to what this post will be about? Here is a hint:

Last week we had the opportunity to help our friends from church, the Olsons, at their 2000 acre ranch (Yes that is a two followed by three zeros!). This is branding season, and extra hands are always appreciated.  Here is Nic, making himself useful:

The first thing that must be done is getting the cows off those 2000 acres, and into the pens. I was expecting everybody to jump on horses, and round them little doggies up. Sadly, this is the 21^st century, and they have more efficient methods of transport (Away flew my romantic ideals!):

At times the old fashioned ways work best, and you just have to get down amongst the herd. This is Cody, one of the ranch hands, doing just that:

Cows often take it in their minds to go the opposite direction than what you desire, and then life gets interesting. You show that cow who is boss Mr. Olson!:

My job was to work the “squeeze”. This is what holds the cows while they are being branded. It took more concentration than I was first expecting. There are three levers that need to be worked almost at the exact same time! If you are too slow pushing down any one of the levers, then the cow gets out of the squeeze before they are branded.  Never lost one the entire day!

Laura held the Olson baby for most of the day. She was very happy about that arrangement (Bex kept her company!):

Here is Mr. Olson taking the iron in hand. You got used to the smell after a while, though my shirt still bears a strange, malodorous, burnt hair essence. Yes I washed it, thank you very much!!!!!:

The finished product, rustlers beware!

Here are the Misses Sara and Finley looking cute, as usual (We call them "Salt and Pepper".):

Once all the cows were branded, they were herded back into the pasture. Yes, that is our van that you see the cows walking around!

It was a very productive day. Sixty calves branded, and worming medicine given to about seventy adults. Came home with sore arms, and a fire engine red sunburn. Yikes! Nic has decided he wants to be a rancher, so this branding may become a regular occurrence!

For a final picture, here is an artistic shot of a true rancher. I call it, “The Hat” Very Clint Eastwood, don't you think?

Later Pardner!