hay

Back down south...

Today, I helped Ruben roll a big giant round bale of hay off the trailer. Those suckers are big and heavy. Then, I got to drive over to this guy's place and pick up two bales of alfalfa hay. Much smaller and more manageable. It sort of looked like a bale of marijuana and sort of smelled that way too... but not really... more like cut lawn than pot. Not that I really know what a bale of marijuana looks or smells like... Anyway... I stepped in a cow patty (but it was sort of more dry than wet... thank God! I had on sandals! I really should invest in some boots.) and sweated because it was 102 in the shade today, and this was all going on at about 1:00 pm. And I got to admire the 13 calves that are going to the sale soon. They are very unhappy to be separated from their mamas, though. By Tuesday, I understand they will really be hollering. They are hollering now some. I didn't understand why we  had to buy these two tiny little bales of alfalfa. It was explained to me that you take the alfalfa and mix it in the big bale to entice the calves to eat the hay. Sort of like bovine chocolate, or like when you mix baby food peaches in something you want your baby/toddler to eat that they may not have had before, I guess... What do I know about cows and their eating habits?? Not much, but I guess I'll have to learn. :)

I fixed mashed potatoes and some fried steak and fried chicken strips. Mama made the gravy. It turned out well and Auntie ate pretty good. She really has a hard time eating much. I guess between her naturally peculiar and picky eating habits and the cancer, she has very little appetite. And she is so thin. I made a pig of myself and am continuing with a big bowl of a mixture of vanilla and chocolate blue bell ice cream. I'll hate myself tomorrow, but not today.

I read "The Help" recently. Wanted to get that read before the movie comes out. It's good, I think. I recommend it, if you are looking for something to read. Not sure what I'll be reading next.

Well, that's about it for today. Trying to adjust to the slower pace and missing my old way of life and my friends. Reno on my little casasita is going slow, so I am still sleeping on the twin bed on the back "porch" and living out of a suitcase. Am looking forward to my visit back home to "civilization" on Tuesday!!  :) later... rp