Californian Cowboy: 8/29/11

Today was semi-uneventful, but very productive.

The day started with Rafa and I going out to the area by Allen's house where we are putting on an art show this weekend. A lot of preparation has to be done to set up, and out first job was to pick up all the sticks and branches that had blown off the trees in the last huge storm we had. There were a ton, so we spent a good hour and a half doing that. Allen took a while showing up with the flail mower we used to cut the grass with, so Rafa and I just chilled out there for a while and talked. It was nice to get to know him better. He is an interesting guy. When Allen showed up, Rafa took over the mowing, and I took Allen back to headquarters.

On a side note, I think its awesome that we have an art show here. All the art in the show consists of pieces in which Chico Basin and Zapata ranch are the subjects and the inspiration. Its a great way to raise money for local artists and the ranch, as well as an opportunity to see some awesome art. Its too bad I havent produced anything to put into the show.

I then got assigned to take the chainsaw to a tree which had fallen over onto the fence of the sheep run during the storm. I love using that chainsaw. I learned how to sharpen the blades for it, mix 2 stage oil with gasoline, and lubricate the chain today. Its a very powerful tool when used correctly and maintained properly. Like most things around here. So I went and chopped up the tree into firewood, and hauled off the rest of the scraps. By the time I got finished, it was 3pm.

I then went out to, you guessed it, trench for a while. The trencher was acting very testy today, overheating, stalling, and just overall giving me problems. I only got a few hundred feet done as a result. I did however get to watch some magnificent thunderstorms roll in over head while I was waiting for it to cool down.

After Cooper relieved me at 5, I went and laid pipe with stuart (yes, I’ve been spelling his name wrong this whole time). We Laid pipe until 6:15 and called it a day. The lighting was getting a bit close.

So, it was a normal day. Looking at the schedule, it seems like these will constitute the next week or so. Not too much riding on the schedule. However, looking into the future, were going to the state fair tomorrow for $1 ticket and $1 rodeo night, which should be fun. In the next few weeks my aunt Ingrid, cousins Brooke Kelly and her husband Jim are coming to the ranch to visit which Im completely stoked about. And, Im starting Banjo lessons this weekend. So, all good things to look forward to.

I received a great email yesterday from my uncle Reedy, I hope he doesnt mind that I share with you some of what he wrote. It struck a chord with me, and really captures a large part of the reason why I am here. I can feel it inside me, but have never really talked about it. He put it very eloquently...

You look like your taking to the country life. Now you’re starting to get a sniff of why I love the open spaces… I love the city but you can’t take me out of the country… It truly is the open spaces that I love, fresh air, the breeze… I love to sit where nobody is and just close my eyes and listen… You hear the birds, insects, the breeze, grass blowing in the wind, it’s perfect as far as I am concerned… Don’t you love the “Thunderhead Clouds”, they are sooo impressive how they form on a hot day, usually late in the afternoon… The best part of country life is the people though… The people are the best part, they care, they work hard, they have common sense a city boy will never establish, they have loyalty, they have commitment… Look around you El, some of these people will be the most impressive people you’ll ever spend time around. They’re simple in all aspects but that is what makes them so awesome… Enjoy your next 5 ½ months my friend… You’re going to learn more about life then a professor could ever teach you… Your ranch hand friends will also teach you more about life, more about yourself then any university, believe me I know… Hope you learn to love what I have loved for the last 50 years, country livin… Good luck, stay in touch and remember to stop your world, sit down, close your eyes and just listen…. Breath through your nostrils and just listen…. It’s “Zen” baby, just Zen…

I love that. I told him that ill try and work on exactly what he said. Closing my eyes breathing deep and just listening. Taking it all in. Reflecting on myself and my time here as often as possible. Its all very important.

I also told him that my mom taught me how to do this very well at a young age on the beaches of california. Just close your eyes, smell the smells, listen to the waves, and relax. I thank her for that.

Although its very hard work here on the ranch, I feel at peace, and relaxed at all times. Its just in the atmosphere here. I love it.

Now I must go to bed, but I would like to write more on this topic soon.

Here are some pictures for your viewing pleasure.

Enjoy.

A cute picture of two of four of Michael and Dawn’s kids. These are their sons John on the left, and Cole on the right. Their Kids are very polite, and very interesting. I’m envious of their childhoods on a ranch.