A Cowdogs Advice

Grip up, America!

Heeler Heart and Soul

Still just 24 hours, yet the longest of days

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God must have a sense of humor, and smile at our small hopes and expectations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last year, just 2 days before the official start of summer, it piled up a couple of inches of snow overnight, quickly dispatched with dawn by a driving rain. Some of the high mountain passes had a lot I heard.

This year, we had a week of storms  – rain, wind, a tornado or two – and hail that piled up like snow for some.

And for some, a winter storm warning on the weekend!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A few days ago we celebrated the summer solstice. Still just 24 hours, yet the longest of days. It is the most daylight we get in any one day this year.

It is light long before sun-up, by 4:30 in the morning, and even the rooster knows to start crowing early! And I can’t stay awake long enough for darkness, going to bed by 9:30 when it is still light.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We revel in this generous luxury, a true gift from God.

 

 

 

It is especially precious to those of us who know that, not only is darkness going to increase, but that darkness comes with the promise of winter. I’m torn between the joy of summer and the dread of shortening days!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blessed with good rain so far, my world is lush and green, drawing in all that sunshine, everything growing like  – well, weeds!

Every day, I pick a good shady spot to supervise the frequent mowing and weed-wacking, encouraging the boss in her work with a smile and bark now and then.

 

I want to wallow in this extra light, with an urgency to use up every rich gold second, quick, before it gradually, almost imperceptibly, wanes into dusk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With all this daylight, we need to get out and not waste a second of it. I try to spend part of every long summer day in water. We all need it, and most everyone loves it in some form.

 

We wade in it,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

drink it,

 

 

 

 

 

 

play on it and in it,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

shake it off and dry in the sun,

 

 

 

or wait for it to freeze so we can fish through it, slide on it,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

or make snow dog angels in it!

 

 

 

 

 

But now it is summer. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Most of the cows have come up to the mountains and will graze the high country ’til fall.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The horses go to the high fir forests and escape the heat and flies, grazing the lush green meadows.

 

 

 

Gardens are planted, and it’s not quite time for haying or harvest. This year, the garden is reluctant, only now  escaping frost for a hot sun, still enduring chilly nights, even if they are short.

 

 

 

 

 

This dog knows the days are as long as we’ll ever get, so I think about bigger water.

 

How does a beautiful old boat fit in with cowdog wisdom?

 

 

 

For most of us cowdogs, the biggest puddle of water we see is a creek or horse trough [still good options to cool off at the end of a day moving cows!].  Well, my dad was an old cowboy, but he loved airplanes and boats too, maybe almost as much as sitting a good horse and working with me on the ranch.

He told stories of a Navy destroyer he once was on called the USS Henderson, DD786.

 

 

I can’t say I’m crazy about  boats and big water. I like my creek, but don’t care for big lakes and waves washing up under me. Boats are windy and noisy, but I’ve  gone because I stick to my people, no matter what weird fun they find.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The term “Steady as she goes” is an ancient mariners phrase. The captain of a sailing vessel would give the instruction to his helmsman [kind of like the cowdog on a ship I think]. “Steady as she goes” meant stay the course you are on.  Regardless of wind gusts or cross currents, stick with the compass heading. I believe this old nautical phrase still has meaning today, even though there is way more technology to guide a ship now. Think if we followed the advice to keep on with steady progress, not blown off course by storms and trouble.  Keep calm at the helm.

Get on the true course, hold steady and do not waver.

 

 

 

 

Some of the Apostles knew boats and water. They didn’t always get it right, but knew to hold strong. One said, “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed.”

 

 

There are a lot of storms right now in this world. Hold steady. Maybe an old cowdog could become a sailor after all.

 

 

No matter what vessel you’re steering –  steady as she goes, my friend. And make these longest 24 hours count!

 

 

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens –
 Ecclesiastes 3:1

 

 

 

Powerless

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Last week when I told you it snowed on Mayday and, if God sends snow, I choose snow? Well, He must have a sense of humor and wanted to test this cowdog’s bold statement. Because yesterday it snowed again. A LOT! 

 

Over a week into May and we had about 2 feet of heavy wet snow.  Then it started raining.

 

 

 

 

 

I was outside very little because it was impossible to walk. You could wring out the snow!

 

But then the snow packed down and I could run like the wind!

 

 

And the power went out. The cement-heavy snow smashed bushes and trees down flat, and dozens of  power poles broke right off!

 

                                                                                                                                                                    Fergus Electric photo

 

Only the giant firs stood tall, but not unscathed, as many big branches snapped under the the burden.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Every so often, snow slid off the roof with great rumbling, usually sending the cats scrambling for the basement. This went on all night and the next day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Of course the house started cooling down, and NOW mom starts thinking hard about preparation and that generator she has procrastinated on getting. At least it is May and not January.

Now there is nothing interesting about this power outage. Too much heavy snow, plain and simple. We have had some better ones though.

One time the power went out when  beaver felled a tree on a powerline!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And once a great flock of turkeys took wing to cross the valley, colliding with a line on the way and knocking out power all the way downstream [no turkeys were harmed in this event].

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last night we prepared for another cold dark quiet night. We got out extra blankets for us all.  I noticed mom kept putting on more clothes throughout the afternoon. Long johns, wool socks, wool shirts. Then Dad’s sherpa-lined bathrobe, and finally her N3B parka. Several layers of polarfleece, and a very nice merino wool blanket. We were going to be fine.

 

 

 

We spent a lot of time praying for everyone, helpless before unrelenting, unreasonable weather.

 

 

Then, miraculously the lights came on.

 

 

Thank God for tough young men who find adventure in fighting nightlong blizzards, getting stuck a dozen times, getting out and doing some more. Climbing poles in the dark, wind, snow, risking electrocution so we can have light and heat.

 

 

 

They are still at it, because we were the lucky first ones to have power restored – there are many more, and it may be a few days. At least it is May, not January, and I hear it will be in the sixties by tomorrow. And yes, we have started flooding now.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Snow, rain, floods. Cold, dark, isolated, for us. Maybe tornadoes, fires, drought – or a scary diagnosis for you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And we find we all are powerless.

Powerless before a thousand storms, problems and sorrows. Our only hope is the only one who can calm the storm.

“In the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, until the storms of destruction pass by.”

Snow, rain, floods…pray on.

 

 

Grip and Gump welcome fall

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As Grip reflects on the end of summer, Gump finds new ways to blend in:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And Gump says the fall demands their new shirt! It’s Heeler Heart and Soul, available in long-sleeve and hoodie, too. 

 

Get it here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1071829150/unisex-hoodie?ref=shop_home_active_3&frs=1

or right here: https://cowdogsadvice.com/shop/?orderby=date

We all know us cowdogs are your heart and soul, and You are ours, too, so tell the world!

Giving Thanks

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Get ahead of the crazy Black Friday frenzy and get a great gift for cowdog fans. Give thanks for Heeler Heart and Soul apparel and proclaim your greatest blessing – a Heeler! Grab it here :

https://www.etsy.com/shop/AnythingForJess?ref=shop_sugg

 

 

Now this is the season when everyone thinks about all we have to be grateful for. This year, more than ever, perhaps we need to to look back with gratitude and recognition of what is important.

We had a severe drought this year, the pastures dried up, the creek was a trickle.

 

 

 

 

But we did not have a wildfire here, and we found enough hay for the winter. 

 

We’ve had truck troubles, health troubles, fencing troubles and the neighbors cows. But we can fix things, get things fixed, even share a little hay with the errant cows.

We are still here and we can work, laugh, go outside and look with wonder on the beauty of the mountains. It is still dry, but we had a little snow this week.

 

 

We can still pray.

 

I hear about the crazy way this country is tipping, thanks to misguided leadership, and I wonder what kind of America little Sprout and his baby brother will have.

 

But I know God is still in control.

 

 

 

 

Thanksgiving is coming next week, a chance to get together and reaffirm all that is good and right. It is a great day for everyone, except maybe turkeys. But here, the wild turkeys still come around, unaware that a cousin of theirs will be guest at dinner next Thursday – and not in a good way.

 

Regular visitors here, but not on the Thanksgiving table!

 

 

Even a humble cowdog such as myself has a lot to be grateful for. I had rough times early; nobody knows but me, and I still remember the fear, poor treatment, lost and alone,  months in the shelter. But that has faded in memory, as time has replaced it with years of happiness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I had a job I have done well, and contributed to the ranch.

I joined a long line of honored Heelers in this place of kindness.

 

The great Ruger

 

Oh, I did bring trouble with me from those tough early times. I ate couches, doors, and broke out a window. One time I bit a guy; he jumped in the truck and shoved me over. I was not going to let him hurt my dad, although it turned out he was only getting in for a ride!

 

That was long ago, and I am happy to say that, in spite of that, I’m still here and have  been in my forever home for many years.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is a good time to reflect on my many blessings, so I will share some on my Gratitude List:

 

I am grateful I am a strong Heeler, who could survive.

I am grateful one kind lady at the shelter saw something worthwhile in me, when no one else did, and saved me from execution, in order for me to reach my home here.

I give thanks that, even though their hearts were broken from losing another cowdog named Ruger, Dad and Mom still knew another dog needed them – ME! And they needed me.

I am grateful that all these years, my family has helped me overcome my worries and quirks, been patient and forgiving, and never given up on me. They give kindness, so I do too.

I give thanks I live in the country, on a nice foothills ranch with a creek to explore, a four-wheeler to ride, and cows and horses that sometimes need a good cowdog behind them.

 

 

 

 

I am grateful I get good food with fresh meat and other things mom says keeps me healthy.  I always have fresh water. I have many soft and warm places to sleep, I have nice wide porches to lay on and watch my world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love the truck  I ride in with dad.

 

 

 

 

 

I try to count the cats among my blessings, but at times they try my patience, and are impossible to herd!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am grateful I have someone to play with me, compliment me, encourage me, reassure me, and reminisce about our years together, and tell me the stories of how I rescued them.

I am a simple cowdog, but it is my hope everybody has a long Gratitude List. Blessings come from God, and the old, the young, the downtrodden – everyone – desperately needs them.

Finally, I am blessed to have you follow my story.

Happy Thanksgiving to all, and be sure to share some turkey and sweet spuds with your favorite cowdog!

 

 

 

A Ladysmith List – Cowdog Traits You Need Today

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Well, fall is winding down.  It has me thinking about a Ladysmith List of  good cowdog character traits to gather and develop this time of year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was another week of good weather, and by now every beautiful day is ever more a gift. The hills are ablaze with the Aspen, those show-offs that came late and took over the color show.

 

The willows by the creek compete with their own mass gilding, too. Here in the northern Rockies, we don’t have the autumn colors of the hardwood forests further east, I’m told, but we do have a lot of our own color in a good year, if early blizzards or deep cold don’t blacken and blow it away. This is a good year.

 

A little cold at night, one brief snow, still warm sunny days – and the chokecherries along the creek turned orange, then the service berries, roses and others up the hills. Even buckbrush and other nuisance shrubs have redeemed themselves in a blaze of glory! And they’ve all stayed, though yesterday’s big wind probably stripped the color a bit.

 

As my reader’s know, we’ve been planning and prepping for winter, like everyone must do. Of course there is always more to do, and it is never done. That’s life.

 

 

But it has me thinking that part of gettin’ ready is some cowdog character traits to get us through the tough times – in this case, the dark, cold, spare, bitter times of winter. The older I get, the rougher winter is, like it is for us all. There is some fun in the snow, too, but it gets harder to find when the old bones stiffen up.

 

 

So here are the cowdog traits that I’ll be working on, encouragement through rugged and wintry times:

 

 

Hope – The thing that keeps us believing in the possible, the future, and knowing there will be good coming. 

 

 

 

 

 

Faith – The absolute certainty that God has a plan and it includes us. Relax and let Him take care of things. Live by faith, not by fear.

 

 

 

 

 

Peace – If you keep the first two, this one sure comes easier. This old cowdog likes to sleep in peace at night. 

 

 

 

 

 

Strength – I try to exercise all of this old dog – spirit, soul and body. Keep going, keep trying, never give up or give in. 

 

 

 

 

 

Wonder – As you keep trying and sometimes struggle on, don’t  be robbed of the wonder that makes every day a precious gift and prevents bitterness and discouragement.

 

 

 

 

 

Grit – That tough inner resolve, hard to name but present in all us cowdogs, that works all these traits together for good.  The one that keeps everything else going.  It is the power in the gut and running through the veins of every Heeler.

 

 

 

 

 

And, being a Heeler, of course, always Joy. 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you’ll use my list. It’s some pretty good traits we can all use, all the time.  It’ll help keep me  ready for winter or  tough times.

 

And my favorite reminder is this shirt.

 

 

See my picture there? It really says it all about where us cowdogs fit into the heart of our people. Heart and Soul! Grab it right here in my shop:https://cowdogsadvice.com/shop/?orderby=date

or here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/AnythingForJess?ref=shop_sugg

 

Makes a terrific Christmas gift for Heeler lovers! Jess loves hers,  says it fits perfectly and is great to wear at the new feedstore. Try one on for size and practice Cowdog character my friend!