Everything Has Changed

It’s only been a little over a month since I last posted, but the world has certainly changed since then.  We went from being free to travel, meet, shop, dine and recreate with no restrictions, to spending most of our time in “self-quarantine” to avoid catching or spreading the COVID-19 virus.  The precautions are necessary for the health and safety of us all, but life is different.  We are just grateful that we can spend our time of isolation here at the farm.  Our days are full of chores, long walks, watching cows and porch-sitting as we do our part to stay safe and prevent the spread of the virus.

A few days ago, after State and Federal officials outlined the drastic measures everyone is being told to take, John said, “It feels like everything has changed.  I wonder if we will ever be the same?”  I wonder, too.  Will we forever stop shaking hands and hugging?  Will “social distancing” become the new normal?  Will people blame God or the president because they have to point their accusing fingers at someone?  Will hatred and bitterness or the need to blame so consume some of my friends that I will be unable to recognize them as the positive, loving, caring individuals I once knew?  I hope not.  

In the meantime, and on a more positive note, here’s what we have been doing for the last month or so here at the farm. 

The native plum trees have been in bloom, providing a feast for the eyes as well as sweet fragrance in the valleys.  We have flagged them with tape so we won’t destroy them by accident as we rid the pastures of the invasive gum bumilia and other unwanted species that are fodder for our skid steer and chain saws. 

The plum tree in the front yard was in bloom as well.  It was doing its part by providing nectar for not only bees, but wasps and other insects.

Each day the dogs remind us…actually pester us, until we head out for our daily walk.  The roads and pastures look like bright green velvet.

And, light filters through budding trees on the trail up Warbler Canyon.

And speaking of warblers, by this time we have usually seen, or at least heard, the golden-cheeked warblers that nest each year in this canyon and on the sides of the "mountain" that runs along the side of our property.  This year, even though I've walked through the area several times, I haven't heard them.  I did, however call up a black-and-white warbler.  He was  not at all shy, but didn't give me an opportunity for a good photo.  

The dogs get their exercise, running multiples of the 3 or so miles we walk each day.  Rue and Kota investigate every new smell, while Cody runs, and runs, and runs, covering every part of our small farm at a high lope.  He ranges wide, then comes back to check in and hopefully claim a treat for doing so.

Rue has invented a new game.  She runs ahead, then drops to the ground “pointing” to a hole, a clump of grass or hollow log, looking back and forth to show me she has found something.  Sometimes she runs and barks up a tree.

My job, I have discovered, is to walk over and ask, “Do you have a mouse, Rue?”  She then noses in the grass, digs in the hole or tries to turn over the log.  I praise her for being such a smart dog, then we go on to her next “find.”  Occasionally there is a mouse, or a squirrel, but usually she just wants to be noticed and her skill as a hunter acknowledged.  All border collies need a job, and she has chosen this as one of hers, along with watching our cows.  (It could have been a lot worse.)

Up until the last few days. Cody and I have been working on our sheep herding skills.  Jack Christensen, shown here with his Tillie, has been more than generous with his time and advice, not to mention his sheep.  

Jack and Vivian live only 30 minutes away from the farm in nearby Meridian, and we have so enjoyed our time at their place.  I am certainly in their debt.

On Saturday of last week (it seems like a year ago instead of a week), we were all few miles away in Crawford for the Lynch/Raley Sheepdog Trials.  Several friends were competing, and we enjoyed the day.  Here are a few of the dogs who showed off for my camera.

Blair Traxler's Jam 

Dal Lamphere's Lucy

Paul Holland's Dixie

Reed Lamphere's Preacher, a half-brother to Cody.
They share a sire, and a blue eye.

Not only did I enjoy watching these beautiful dogs at work, There was even a crop duster at work on an adjoining field.  

You can see how low he was flying to get his chemicals out in a stiff wind.  His engine was so loud that we broke early for lunch because it would have been difficult for the dogs to hear the handlers’ commands over the racket.  

Cody and I had a day of mixed results.  In the first trial, his outrun, lift and fetch were among the best, but our drive-away was awful and the sheep escaped at the pen.  In the second trial, our outrun, lift and fetch would have put us in first place, and we had no points off at the pen.  Again, though, our drive-away was dismal, and we only placed third.  Here are a few pics I pulled off the video my friend Mary Carter made of our runs.

In spite of the drive-away challenges, we had a great day, and I was looking forward to a several additional upcoming trials…until everything changed.  The remaining spring trials have been canceled or are in limbo until we know what the full impact of the virus will be on everyone.  We’re continuing to enjoy our time here at the farm as we pray for family and friends, our country and everyone that has been so severely impacted by the pandemic. I’m encouraged by the positive, proactive response by most people we know, and hope that we will soon be past this crisis.  In the meantime, stay safe and well and stay tuned.