3 AM, 22 March 2015 - Temp: 23*, wind: strong and cold
Well it has been an exciting night here. On my usual 3 AM check I found a cow in labor. I go back to the house and wait for about an hour as I know it will take her a while yet. I went out later and she had made no progress. I call Brett (son) to come help me get her into the big, red barn. In the meantime I try to get her to stand up. She couldn't stand - at least not for long. Her back end is weak. So, Brett brings the equipment down to the pole barn so we can pull the calf there. I call Christopher (other son, owner of cow) to come out to the farm - and warn him that we might need the pickup and stock trailer. Brett does an internal check of the cow. Bad news, the calf is backwards (coming tail first, legs down). Call Mark (hubby) to come and help. (I have a love/hate relationship with my cell phone currently it is love.) Good news, just as Christopher shows up, Brett got the cow up and she walked! The 'boys' got her up to the red barn and I carried the puller, etc. back up there. All four humans gather in the barn. The cow is in a small pen with a head gate to hold her in one spot. Brett puts on fresh OB gloves (shoulder length) and goes in for another check and explains to us what he feels. Oh no, the cow sits down (like a dog). Christopher releases her from the head gate and she rolls onto her side. This is not ideal for assisting with delivery. After both Brett and Mark try to get the calf turned enough to get the legs back, they give up. (Note, they are attempting to work inside of the cow while she is have contractions.) Christopher takes his cow to the veterinarian in Minot (about 45 miles away). We don't know if the vet will be able to pull the calf out or if she will have to do a c-section.
It is now 5:30 AM. Brett takes the 4-wheeler up to check cows again. It has only been a little over an hour since I was up there to check them. He comes back home to get me and our calf sled. There is one new calf and another should be born when we get back up there.
Sure enough. We now have two fresh calves and cows to get back to the red barn. We leave the newest calf for last so mom has time to clean and get to know it. Brett gets the calf into the sled (large version of the sleds kids have). We bring the pair back to the barn. Brett puts the calf into the calf warmer. This is a special space with a heater in it. We want to warm the calf up so it doesn't get sick or freeze it's ears off.
We go back up to get the other pair and bring them back to the barn.
It is now 6:40 AM. We are chilled and wide awake. It is common that we have to sit up for a while after being out at night. So, now we watch a bit of TV, play on the computer or just curl up in a blanket - and wait for Christopher to get home with a report on his cow and calf.
7:40 AM - Christopher just returned home from the vet. Sadly, the calf did not survive.
The rest of the day will consist of continuing to check cattle and trying to get a few minutes for a nap!
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Showing posts with label family. Show all posts
Sunday, March 22, 2015
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Week 3: 52 weeks of Genealogy
Week 3: All about your parents:
Wayne C. HANSEN was born in 1927 on the family farm south of Ryder, North Dakota. Carol J. ANDERSON was born in 1938 in Minot, North Dakota. They married in 1961 in Ryder, ND.
Mom & Dad farmed and ranched together all of their married life. Well, until they retired a few years ago. Dad still likes to help my brothers whenever possible but they are not letting him do as much as he'd like (safety reasons).
Mom & Dad were on a bowling team when the kids were young. They also enjoyed playing whist (card game) every Sunday night with the neighbors at the old school house down the road. All six of us belonged to a local Square Dance Club and did some of that on weekends too.
Mom used to sew clothes for us kids - especially for the girls. She sewed matching square dance clothes for our family of six. We were the talk of the dance in those outfits! She has done a lot of quilting in her retired years. Dad will help with quilting projects sometimes too!
Mom & Dad have enjoyed spending many winters in Apache Junction, AZ. There they enjoy making new friends, visiting and playing games. Mom has done a lot of quilting with the quilting group down there. Dad plays Shuffle board many weekday mornings.
Though age is showing, Mom & Dad are doing pretty well.
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| Dad & Mom (taken Oct, 2013) |
Mom & Dad farmed and ranched together all of their married life. Well, until they retired a few years ago. Dad still likes to help my brothers whenever possible but they are not letting him do as much as he'd like (safety reasons).
Mom & Dad were on a bowling team when the kids were young. They also enjoyed playing whist (card game) every Sunday night with the neighbors at the old school house down the road. All six of us belonged to a local Square Dance Club and did some of that on weekends too.
Mom used to sew clothes for us kids - especially for the girls. She sewed matching square dance clothes for our family of six. We were the talk of the dance in those outfits! She has done a lot of quilting in her retired years. Dad will help with quilting projects sometimes too!
Mom & Dad have enjoyed spending many winters in Apache Junction, AZ. There they enjoy making new friends, visiting and playing games. Mom has done a lot of quilting with the quilting group down there. Dad plays Shuffle board many weekday mornings.
Though age is showing, Mom & Dad are doing pretty well.
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Week 1/52 and Week 2/52: 52 Weeks of Genealogy
I just learned of this genealogy (family history) game. Since I enjoy working our genealogy, I thought it would be fun to participate.
Week 1 - How Did You Get Your Name? I am named after my maternal grandmother (my mom's mom). Her name was Annette Marie and so is mine. Grandma was born in Norway in 1904. I believe that this is part of the old naming tradition in Norway (not that my family had been following that tradition).
Week 2 - What Toys Did You Play With? I don't remember really having any favorite toy. I did NOT like dolls!
Week 1 - How Did You Get Your Name? I am named after my maternal grandmother (my mom's mom). Her name was Annette Marie and so is mine. Grandma was born in Norway in 1904. I believe that this is part of the old naming tradition in Norway (not that my family had been following that tradition).
This is my high school graduation day with my grandparents
including the grandmother I'm named after.
Week 2 - What Toys Did You Play With? I don't remember really having any favorite toy. I did NOT like dolls!
Monday, October 21, 2013
Andy: 42/52
Andy spent a bit of time with his maker.
Here he is with my parents. Mom made Andy for our eldest son about 23 years ago.
My parents have been married for 52 years. Dad is 85 and Mom is 75.
They are in basically good health. I am thrilled to call them Dad & Mom.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Week 13/52: Easter
For Easter, Andy was hangin' with his Peeps!!
Our family enjoyed church this morning and a meal with the Rockeman family. Oh, and much laughter! Of course, since it is calving season, there was a slight delay in eating. We had a new calf who could not figure out how to eat. So, the guys made sure the calf ate before them. This evening they are out tagging calves. Though it is a holiday, the routine must continue.
Our family enjoyed church this morning and a meal with the Rockeman family. Oh, and much laughter! Of course, since it is calving season, there was a slight delay in eating. We had a new calf who could not figure out how to eat. So, the guys made sure the calf ate before them. This evening they are out tagging calves. Though it is a holiday, the routine must continue.
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Week 12/52: Raggedy Family Reunion?
This week's entry in Andy's life...
Andy is pictured here with a couple of friends/family. The big Andy belonged to Mark (or his brother?). Mark just had a birthday (50+) and received Raggedy Ann from his Mom. I think she thought Andy needed a little buddy and this was a good excuse to give it!! The sizes are about right for Father, Mother & Andy. The ages - well, maybe Grandpa and grand kids?
Anyway, I just had to get a "family" photo!
Andy is pictured here with a couple of friends/family. The big Andy belonged to Mark (or his brother?). Mark just had a birthday (50+) and received Raggedy Ann from his Mom. I think she thought Andy needed a little buddy and this was a good excuse to give it!! The sizes are about right for Father, Mother & Andy. The ages - well, maybe Grandpa and grand kids?
Anyway, I just had to get a "family" photo!
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Week 10/52: Andy watching a future architect at work
Today I had the pleasure of spending a little time with my sister and her daughter. My niece is attending college planning to become an architect. She is home on spring break but still has so much homework to get done. She was working on an assignment while I was there. Andy sat nearby so he could watch this architect at work. Some of us are still trying to understand what drawing a beautiful bouquet of flowers has to do with designing buildings!
Thanks for letting us invade your space and for your time Miss Ashley.
EDIT: I wanted to add a photo of the artwork after Ashley finished it.
(Yes, I am proud of my niece.)
EDIT: I wanted to add a photo of the artwork after Ashley finished it.
(Yes, I am proud of my niece.)
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
COLD
We are having quite a cold snap here in northern Dakota. Last night the overnight low was something near minus 35 degrees. Today's high was about minus 5 degrees. Tonight it could be about minus 20. Now these are air temps, any bit of wind makes the wind chill (feels like temp) worse. Last night they said the wind chill was about minus 55-60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Since we are calving now we need to be walking through the cattle herd occasionally. When it is this cold we are checking every two hours. What are we checking for? Well, we are looking for newborn calves or females showing signs of labor. If there is a fresh calf we need to get the cow/calf pair into the barn and put the calf in a specially built box with a heater so we can warm the little "guy" up. If they are too cold they could freeze off part or all of their ears or tail or even have damage to their hooves/feet OR they could die. If a female is showing signs of labor then we try to get her into the barn so she has her calf inside (saving moving a calf and it is warmer). If anything is calving (in labor), then we check on them more frequently until they have their calf.
During the average temps, we will check every 3-4 hours and I take the middle of the night check (about 3 AM). With this weather, we are taking turns checking. Tonight (rather tomorrow AM) I will be checking at 3 & 5. I usually take the night shift because it is easier for me to get back to sleep AND because the men are busy with other chores during the day while I can (hopefully) catch a nap.
I have written about my night checks before in case you are interested in my experience/thoughts from a previous year.
The Fotos by Friends group that I am in has a photo topic of 'Cold' this week. I thought I would share a couple of the photos that I took that fit the topic.
Since we are calving now we need to be walking through the cattle herd occasionally. When it is this cold we are checking every two hours. What are we checking for? Well, we are looking for newborn calves or females showing signs of labor. If there is a fresh calf we need to get the cow/calf pair into the barn and put the calf in a specially built box with a heater so we can warm the little "guy" up. If they are too cold they could freeze off part or all of their ears or tail or even have damage to their hooves/feet OR they could die. If a female is showing signs of labor then we try to get her into the barn so she has her calf inside (saving moving a calf and it is warmer). If anything is calving (in labor), then we check on them more frequently until they have their calf.
During the average temps, we will check every 3-4 hours and I take the middle of the night check (about 3 AM). With this weather, we are taking turns checking. Tonight (rather tomorrow AM) I will be checking at 3 & 5. I usually take the night shift because it is easier for me to get back to sleep AND because the men are busy with other chores during the day while I can (hopefully) catch a nap.
I have written about my night checks before in case you are interested in my experience/thoughts from a previous year.
The Fotos by Friends group that I am in has a photo topic of 'Cold' this week. I thought I would share a couple of the photos that I took that fit the topic.
Here are a bunch of horses. Some of them have moved here from southern USA so they are not yet accustomed to the cold. Paige will put a coat on them to help keep them warm. The ones without coats have lived in the north country forever so they are already toughened up!!
I like the turtle shell coat on this one! It makes me smile every time I see it. You can see we have been getting snow during this cold snap too as it has settled onto the backs of the horses.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Merry Christmas 2012
Merry Christmas!
our Christmas update:
We have had a fairly uneventful 2012 and that is a good
thing!
Christopher & Brett are a part of our farming/ranching
business. Christopher has also added a
feedlot to his business. Brett would
like to get into the farming enterprise, but has yet to find any land to
rent. It is nice to have them with
us.
Christopher & Paige live in Donnybrook. Paige works in Minot as Ward County Extension
Agent focusing on the agriculture areas.
Brett lives with us, though he can’t wait to get rid of us.
Annette’s parents are doing pretty well. Dad turned 85 on the 18th. Mark & Annette along with a few other family members made some surprise visits to Arizona.
Mark’s mom was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 2011. It was extremely hard on her knees. She now has two new knees and we hope this will help her considerably.
That is about all for our year. We look forward to hearing from you.
The
Rockeman Family
Here is one of the treats that I made for Christmas goodies this year:
SWEDISH ALMOND-CHOCOLATE MACAROONS
Makes 2 to 3 dozen cookies.
For cookies:• 2 (7-oz.) tubes almond paste, cut into small pieces
• 2 egg whites
• 1/2 c. granulated sugar
For filling:
• 1 c. (2 sticks) butter, at room temperature
• 1 c. powdered sugar
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 pasteurized egg yolks (see Note)
• 4 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
For chocolate coating:
• 10 to 12 oz. dark or bittersweet chocolate
• 2 to 4 tsp. vegetable oil or melted butter
Directions
To prepare cookies: In a bowl of an electric mixer on medium speed, beat almond paste and egg whites until thoroughly combined, about 2 minutes, scraping down sides of bowl as necessary. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
When ready to bake, preheat oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheets with parchment paper.
Using a small scoop, form dough into balls (or drop by heaping teaspoons) and place 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets. Moisten the flat bottom of a glass with water, dip into granulated sugar and carefully press prepared glass bottom into dough balls, flattening dough; repeat with remaining dough. Bake until lightly brown, 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from oven and cool 5 minutes before transferring cookies to a wire rack to cool completely.
To prepare filling: Line baking sheets with wax paper.
In a bowl of an electric mixer on medium speed, beat butter until creamy, about 1 minute. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, egg yolks and cocoa powder, and mix until smooth (scraping down sides of bowl as necessary), about 2 minutes. Using a small knife, spread about 1 tablespoon filling on top of each cookie, making a rounded top. Transfer cookies to prepared baking sheets and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
To prepare chocolate coating: Break chocolate into small pieces. In a double boiler over gently simmering water (or in a microwave oven), melt chocolate. Whisk in 2 teaspoons vegetable oil (or melted butter), adding more to reach desired consistency. Let mixture cool for a few minutes, then dip tops of cookies into chocolate mixture, holding onto almond base. Return cookies to prepared baking sheets and refrigerate until chocolate hardens, at least 30 minutes. Store in refrigerator and serve chilled.
SOURCE: Star Tribune 28 Nov 2012
Saturday, December 22, 2012
A week of surprises in Arizona
My Dad just turned 85 years old. It was time to give him a few surprises!!
My eldest brother and some of his family flew to Apache Junction, AZ on Thursday, Dec. 13. They had lined up a ride from the airport to Mom & Dad's winter home. My niece knocked on the door and Grandpa could hardly believe his eyes!! They took Mom & Dad on a couple of little tourist outings and returned to Minot on Sunday, the 16th.
Mark & I, along with my sister and her daughter, boarded that same plane and headed to AZ. Again, the granddaughter knocked on the door and surprised her grandparents! Oh, it is so fun to pull off surprises like this!! We were in Apache Junction for Dad's birthday on the 18th. It was fun to celebrate with him and Mom and some of their friends. We returned home on Thursday the 20th.
This niece is attending North Dakota State University (NDSU) majoring in Architecture. We took time one morning to tour the Arizona home (Taliesin West) of Frank Lloyd Wright, a well known architect. It was amazing to see the futuristic work of this man.
My eldest brother and some of his family flew to Apache Junction, AZ on Thursday, Dec. 13. They had lined up a ride from the airport to Mom & Dad's winter home. My niece knocked on the door and Grandpa could hardly believe his eyes!! They took Mom & Dad on a couple of little tourist outings and returned to Minot on Sunday, the 16th.
Mark & I, along with my sister and her daughter, boarded that same plane and headed to AZ. Again, the granddaughter knocked on the door and surprised her grandparents! Oh, it is so fun to pull off surprises like this!! We were in Apache Junction for Dad's birthday on the 18th. It was fun to celebrate with him and Mom and some of their friends. We returned home on Thursday the 20th.
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| Dad & Mom |
This niece is attending North Dakota State University (NDSU) majoring in Architecture. We took time one morning to tour the Arizona home (Taliesin West) of Frank Lloyd Wright, a well known architect. It was amazing to see the futuristic work of this man.
(click on the photos to see them better)
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| Entrance to Taliesin West |
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| entrance into the house (from the south) |
 |
| looking northwest at the house |
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| Metal Sculptures by Heloise Crista |
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Oreo Generation
We've heard the phrase "the Sandwich Generation", well Jeff Foxworthy calls it the "Oreo Generation" and I think that sounds better! Mark & I had the pleasure of attending one of Foxworthy's shows at the Norsk Høstfest in Minot. We laughed the entire time. It was great therapy for two tired farmer/ranchers!
So, the "Oreo Generation"... that's us. We are the creme filling - occasionally it is Double Stuffed! Our kids are one cookie and our parents are the other.
Our boys are in their 20's so we don't have to do much for them. My parents live 60 miles away so I don't help them too often. We live on the same farm as my mother-in-law. She rarely requests our help; however, since being hit with Rheumatoid Arthritis she has needed some. Plus, her knees are shot. She just had a complete knee replacement so Mark & I spent a few days staying with her to help out. She was not allowed to drive for a while so I was her chaufer to doctor appointments, therapy, etc. If you have never met my mil, she is a WONDERUL woman. It has been fun spending extra time with her.
I did have the pleasure of helping my parents a couple of times this week. I picked them up and we went to Bismarck. It was a nice drive on a rainy day (much needed rain). They know I am just a phone call (and 1 hour) away. I have driven to Minot to meet them for dinner or go to the doctor with them. I think my parents are awesome and do enjoy spending time with them too. My Dad will be 85 in December and is in fairly good health.
Our two mom's have known each other since college. They were supposed to be college roommates. No, they did not introduce us. But they were pleasantly surprised to end up renewing that friendship after so many years - thanks to their kids!
I guess this ended up being a little more like a "get to know us" type story, but at least I got to write about Oreos!!
Jeff Foxworthy
So, the "Oreo Generation"... that's us. We are the creme filling - occasionally it is Double Stuffed! Our kids are one cookie and our parents are the other.
Our boys are in their 20's so we don't have to do much for them. My parents live 60 miles away so I don't help them too often. We live on the same farm as my mother-in-law. She rarely requests our help; however, since being hit with Rheumatoid Arthritis she has needed some. Plus, her knees are shot. She just had a complete knee replacement so Mark & I spent a few days staying with her to help out. She was not allowed to drive for a while so I was her chaufer to doctor appointments, therapy, etc. If you have never met my mil, she is a WONDERUL woman. It has been fun spending extra time with her.
I did have the pleasure of helping my parents a couple of times this week. I picked them up and we went to Bismarck. It was a nice drive on a rainy day (much needed rain). They know I am just a phone call (and 1 hour) away. I have driven to Minot to meet them for dinner or go to the doctor with them. I think my parents are awesome and do enjoy spending time with them too. My Dad will be 85 in December and is in fairly good health.
Our two mom's have known each other since college. They were supposed to be college roommates. No, they did not introduce us. But they were pleasantly surprised to end up renewing that friendship after so many years - thanks to their kids!
I guess this ended up being a little more like a "get to know us" type story, but at least I got to write about Oreos!!
Thursday, July 12, 2012
lots of different toys for my boys!
Christopher acquired parts of an old fertilizer plant in a nearby town. Today was the day to do much of the dismantling of this set up.
The intention here is to get the cat walk and trough augers removed so another crew can come in to haul our four hopper bins to the feedlot. Also, a mixer will come to our place then perhaps a custom feed mixing enterprise could begin.
C. contracted the crane, its operator and a rigger guy to work with my guys. We rented a boom lift. It was a "toy" for my guys to run! However, most of my men are not real keen on height so it was a bit unnerving for them.
Christopher is terribly afraid of heights. He told someone today, "Anything higher than a five gallon bucket is too high for me.". So he watched from below.
The intention here is to get the cat walk and trough augers removed so another crew can come in to haul our four hopper bins to the feedlot. Also, a mixer will come to our place then perhaps a custom feed mixing enterprise could begin.
C. contracted the crane, its operator and a rigger guy to work with my guys. We rented a boom lift. It was a "toy" for my guys to run! However, most of my men are not real keen on height so it was a bit unnerving for them.
Christopher is terribly afraid of heights. He told someone today, "Anything higher than a five gallon bucket is too high for me.". So he watched from below.
He did have to take the boom lift up. As the day progressed so did his courage (at least a little bit!).
Brett was up on the top most of the day. Mark was too.
I left before they got done. All we need now is the crew to haul the bins. Well, them and all of the work to set everything back up on the feedlot! And a mixer from Plaza, parts for the roller mill from Canada, the building to be built, and...
Linking to: Rural Thursday and Farm Photo Friday
Thursday, July 5, 2012
July farm update
It has been a while since I have posted anything here. We have been busy. The men are making hay, spraying crops and the never-ending checking cows & fixing fence. I have been the go-fer and kept busy with book work.
Mark & I took my parents and ran away to Fargo/Moorhead for one weekend. We went to a most awesome wedding, reception & dance on the Saturday (Congrats Sonja & Brad) and to my great-niece's first birthday party on Sunday.
I also got the chance to be 4-H aunt too! Our boys were in 4-H for all of the 18 years they could be so it was fun, after a couple year break, to be a part of that again. It was our county's Achievement Days so I helped Travis get his baking, and fresh flower & rhubarb picking taken care of. Then off to the contest where I was a helper.
We also hosted a memorial service for our cousin, Capt. Anne M. Rockeman Montgomery. She was killed in a night practice session in a US Army helicopter last December in Washington state. It was fantastic to see so many members of the Rockeman clan.
Through in a trip to Bismarck for dear mother-in-law and it has been a very busy couple of weeks. No photos to share at this time as I haven't even downloaded them!
Mark & I took my parents and ran away to Fargo/Moorhead for one weekend. We went to a most awesome wedding, reception & dance on the Saturday (Congrats Sonja & Brad) and to my great-niece's first birthday party on Sunday.
I also got the chance to be 4-H aunt too! Our boys were in 4-H for all of the 18 years they could be so it was fun, after a couple year break, to be a part of that again. It was our county's Achievement Days so I helped Travis get his baking, and fresh flower & rhubarb picking taken care of. Then off to the contest where I was a helper.
We also hosted a memorial service for our cousin, Capt. Anne M. Rockeman Montgomery. She was killed in a night practice session in a US Army helicopter last December in Washington state. It was fantastic to see so many members of the Rockeman clan.
Through in a trip to Bismarck for dear mother-in-law and it has been a very busy couple of weeks. No photos to share at this time as I haven't even downloaded them!
Monday, March 12, 2012
Beautiful days, but no time for camera
We have had unusally warm temps here in north central NoDak the last few days and predicted for the rest of the week. Our average temp this time of year is around 34 degrees F. The temps are in the 60's!! Needless to say, we are enjoying it. I have taken the camera out for the last couple of days but have only taken one photo. I get outside and end up helping with the cattle! It is really hard to run with the big DSLR and long lens wrapped around the neck!!
On Saturday another bunch of calves came to join the feedlot. So, Mark & the owner of the steers worked those calves. Brett & I visited with a couple of prospective bull buyers and then did chores. The cows found a new spot to get out of their field and thought they would enjoy some of the goodies we give to the animals in the feedlot. So, B. & I had to straighten that mess out. We didn't get fence fixed as it got dark before all of the extra chores were finished. So, Sunday morning the cows were back at the feedlot. We ended up missing church because of it. Guys fixed fence and got the cows locked into the pasture now. (It was time as they will start calving any day.) I spent time visiting my mother-in-law. She lives on the same farm with a grove of sky high evergreens between us. She been feeling tough thanks to Rheumatoid Arthritis. (Hopefully the doctor and drugs will get her better soon.)
Anyway, I had hoped to post a photo with each entry so here is the only photo I have gotten in the past few days. This just happens to be of some of the afore mentioned evergreens.
On Saturday another bunch of calves came to join the feedlot. So, Mark & the owner of the steers worked those calves. Brett & I visited with a couple of prospective bull buyers and then did chores. The cows found a new spot to get out of their field and thought they would enjoy some of the goodies we give to the animals in the feedlot. So, B. & I had to straighten that mess out. We didn't get fence fixed as it got dark before all of the extra chores were finished. So, Sunday morning the cows were back at the feedlot. We ended up missing church because of it. Guys fixed fence and got the cows locked into the pasture now. (It was time as they will start calving any day.) I spent time visiting my mother-in-law. She lives on the same farm with a grove of sky high evergreens between us. She been feeling tough thanks to Rheumatoid Arthritis. (Hopefully the doctor and drugs will get her better soon.)
Anyway, I had hoped to post a photo with each entry so here is the only photo I have gotten in the past few days. This just happens to be of some of the afore mentioned evergreens.
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