Our weather has been a beautiful springy mix of clouds and sun, hovering at near perfect temperatures this past week. The only thing that could improve theses beautiful grass-greening days for us, agrarians, is a touch of moisture. An auspicious prelude to the season, despite the horror of Daylight Savings time. Whose idea was this springing forward nonsense anyhow?
Inspired by the changing seasons, a dear friend of mine started an exercise group for the local ladies. Several days a week, when my horse and I aren’t poking around the local feedlot, I meet the gals for a cardio kick-in-the-pants. Apparently, I have been kidding myself believing that opening and closing gates from horseback is a substantial workout.
Despite the aching muscles and weary lungs, the time I spend sweating with my friends is the highlight of my day. I don’t know if it is the laughter or the exercise, I feel more energetic and making good food choices is easier. On the other hand, it could be the money at stake. Quien sabe? Either way, I am grateful.
Another sign of spring, the crazy traffic on our local road. Take a look.
Traveling with children is always chaotic.
Like all tourists on rural roads, they got a little turned around. (Psst, Coop your lead rope is dragging!!).
It all works out in the end. It might have had something to do with Tank‘s expert help.
I hope this finds you all well. I’d love to know how you prepare for the changing of the season?
Spring is watching earth throwing off her winter toga of cadmium yellow,yellow ochre and payne’s gray from the cab of a locomotive in the Powder River Basin on the Orin Line. Up Logan Hill, down Logan across the trickle of Cheyenne River where greasewood is wither high. Not the withers on horses but thd ones.
Spring is fewer meals cooked on the engine housing and more cold fresh fruit.
Spring is Carharts shed, but not wool…yet., as you stumble over granite ballast untieing coal cars.
Spring is 40 bald eagles in the Glendo Reservoir cottonwoods. Spring is mountain lion barely missing getting runover on the tracks as they seek a mate.
Railroaded in other words.
Spring is deer carcasses thawing along the tracks that the eagles work on as they migrate north.
Spring has a dustie smell this year..no now t
the coal into ties.
Spring as antelope leaving their teaming herd to small family groups. Bucks are starting to grow antlers and distinguish themselves from the women and yr old children. No fawns, April 15 being earliest I have seen from my well windowed rolling office.
Spring is a fledgling group of new hire conductors stumbling out at 1:00 a.m. for a ride down the Orin Line to watch earth throw off her toga.
Thanks for the poetry, fitting tribute the the month and the season.
Sposed to have 4400 orange horses
r…phone stumbled.
Who left the gate open??!!