The sun does not rise, it overflows! *Bradbury
One of the greatest moments to experience is the sunrise on the ranch! To see the earth awaken, the dew shimmering like tiny diamonds on the grass, the song of the birds melodiously playing in your ears, all the animals greeting you as you start the morning feeding routine is awe-inspiring and peaceful beyond words. There is very little more majestic or satisfying, at least for this ranching family.
For us the routine is always the same. Very predictable (until it isn't)! The work never ends, my husband reminds me that we just have to find a stopping point for the day. We have a canvas on our wall that says, "Come in darlin'. That's enough for tonight." If you're not careful, you will find yourself going through the routines only to do it again the next day, never stopping to truly appreciate what we do or where we do it!
Intentionality is our goal. We are intentional about pointing out blessings. Thanking God for miracles (like finding our weaning records from this summer that has been misplaced for several weeks now in a random bucket!), for blessings (like our neighbor bringing us a sack full of garden raised okra) and for kindness (like the wonderful person who opened our gate and let our heifers out on the road--NOT--but the neighbor who saw they were out and called us immediately).
Seeing the arrival of a new day on the horizon with a hot cup of coffee in your hand and a pasture full of black cows grazing lazily in grass that is belly high...that is an overflowing feeling of contentment that our world needs right now! It's not elegant. It's not easy. But, it is so worth the sacrifices that comes with it!
The sun is high in the sky now. Morning has given way to July heat in Oklahoma, so it's off to Jackson Angus Beef, our retail store where we sell our ranch-raised, Certified Angus Beef. If you think mornings on the ranch are special, just wait until you sink your teeth into our beef...Y'all it's an unforgettable experience as well!
COMING SOON: Recipes from the Ranch