fall chores Archives - A Cowdogs Advice

Now it is starting to seem a little like fall. Here and there, trees are exploding in color, mostly brilliant gold up here where the aspens take the stage!

It is still pretty warm, making it easier to accomplish all the outdoor fall chores. We got some real good rain this week. Dad is taking a few hunters into the mountains.

Mom hurries to complete the many outdoor tasks, a little painting, rolling up extra hoses, putting things away in the barn. I, of course, keep a close eye on all this, helping out whenever I can and when the direction of a cowdog is required. Mostly nowadays I walk the creek bottoms and yard, keeping track of the the many scents that fill the grass.

Even during the day, I watch out for the chickens, because this time of year, there are plenty of critters out there looking for dinner. Do you know that one time, I tangled with a big golden eagle who flew in down under the chokecherries to grab a hen! I won that round and the surprised bird took off. He did not expect cowdog justice!

As it cools off, the deer and turkeys come in closer, curious as to what the chickens or horses may have left for them to eat.

I like the preparation; it feels like we are ready for what comes next.

I love the anticipation of making things for future use. Mom will soon dry apples and make the best jam.

Sprout will help pick, and this year little Smiley will help, too. I sample many different kinds all by myself though.

Mom has measured me for a new winter coat. I never dress, I have a terrific fur coat, but she says now that I’m older I may appreciate the extra warmth. It’s a Carhartt, just like Dad’s.

This is a season of getting ready. The winding down, ending, finishing, but planning, making, creating. No snow yet, but we dread the cold, the snow, fighting drifts and darkness.

But there are good things to work on and create.

Like the song says, “We have this moment today!”

Cowdogs, Like Boy Scouts, are always prepared. Boy, is this the time to shine!

Well, this is an interesting time of year. It has been hot and dry, but went from near 100 degrees to close to freezing, in about 48 hours! Now it’s back to nice September weather, although sometimes hazy from many fires raging in the west. Sure wreaks havoc on my arthritic old bones, never mind the extra sore I’m recovering from.

Our summer is given an optimistic reprieve; the world is more agreeable. But every critter is hitting the gardens, as if we planted it all for them. Sharing is one thing but the bounty is stolen nightly by deer, and squirrels, chickens and rabbits are determined to fight their way in if they can, too. No matter how well fenced, or how generous and reasonable we are, something is always trying to steal our way of life. No matter if there is still plenty of other things to eat, some creatures just want what is not theirs to take.

And I’m not on full time guard duty anymore. This old Heeler sleeps inside at night. And yes, sometimes I sleep in the shower!

A Cowdog’s Job

Even with summer back , still turning easy day by day, it is cooler now, dark longer in the morning and earlier in the evening. A cowdogs skills to herd and organize are in high demand, as we are doing, finishing, looking ahead without the luxury of warm days stretching out ahead like the sunlight of mid-June. Frost nipped a few squash and melon leaves, and even the newly planted fall garden will only endure for a short time; winter will come again.

Most of the cows have left summer pasture now, headed back to the homeplace

and winter haystacks.

So for now, we keep working and prepare. I helped mom plant fall crops of lettuce, kale, carrots and beets, hoping against hope that the fickle weather of Montana won’t be cruel too soon. We planted iris, daffodils and tulips, too. Sprout has been helping pick tomatoes, cukes, and zuchini by the basketful, though he eats a lot while he harvests, too.

And we consider an indoor garden, although the crazy young cats would probably destroy that too. I like the idea of fresh greens while it is snowing, maybe little tomatoes for Christmas? What a welcome treat that would be! Maybe I will get this for mom for an early Christmas gift: https://amzn.to/3eRmGTk

Little Sprout notices the apples when they come by the orchard, and reported today that it is near time to pick them.

Bushels of them will join piles of peaches,

tomatoes and beets in the kitchen.

Soon I will help Sprout pick chokecherries,

and we scouted out Rosehips for later.

In the kitchen, I will help turn the bounty into everything from dry chips, jam, and jelly, to salsa, pickles and pocket pies [my favorite are beef or venison, but I guess I have to wait for those until later].

Old – time Tools of the Trade

Mom still uses an old pressure cooker that belonged to her grandmother. The neat thing about those old pots is that they are simple and still make all the parts to keep them working. Useful and made to last. Of course there are fancy new ones, but also ones that are the same, old-school technology that just plain works. We use it to can certain things like meat, and mom tells me she used to can hundreds of little brookies after they were smoked – talk about a real treat at Christmas! Here is one that looks just like moms: https://amzn.to/3qXKMyF

She also has an assortment of specialized tools that come out at canning time; they look a lot like chew toys to me. She has a good old recipe book to follow, but if you’re new to canning, here is an updated one that comes in many versions, including Kindle: https://amzn.to/3eUutzu

Keep Herding

This is my kind of season to be sure. There is a lot to be done, planning and preparing, working toward a goal shortened daily by early dusk and cooler weather. It requires a good cowdog to herd everything together. There is not panic or pressure, just the common sense to plan.

I may not be out there running behind the herd as much, but I still exercise my organizational skills from the porch.

Like the Boy Scout Motto which is taken, I think, from the Cowdog’s Code:

Be prepared.

Prep continues, Fall chores