Fixing fence is the one of the hardest jobs on a ranch. I no longer live on a ranch, but I do know what hard work is. Fences are everyone's concern, but nowadays,the "hole" is always your neighbor's side not your own. It used to be that you would respect your neighbor and mend the fence together. If their cows got in your field, a simple phone call resolved the problem. You might even saddle up your own horse and help them gather them up. We need more people who are willing to roll their sleeves up and fix the fence regardless of who your neighbor is. There are people in this country who need to be reminded that a fence is like the way you should conduct your life. Your posts should be straight and neat. The wire needs to be stretched tight and your gate might be closed, but can still be easily opened. And most of all, we can all saddle up together and ride the range, it won't matter if you have an Appaloosa, Quarter Horse or Thoroughbred. The cows still have to be gathered, fences have to be fixed, and the range is a wide open space of opportunity for us all.

A Bird In Flight

Posted Monday, February 4, 2013, at 11:45 PM

November, the birds were flying in great numbers just outside my Mother's front door.

Birds are fascinating creatures and wonderfully created to travel thousands of miles during their lifetimes.

Each type of bird has a unique purpose in the animal kingdom. They keep the insect population down, brighten our days with their bright colorful plumage and beautiful songs.

Our dad hated starlings but loved the little quails. He wouldn't let anyone hunt the quails on his property.

Starlings, are not particularly attractive to the eye. They are shiny, but in an oily, smarmy way. They are the grave-diggers that people expect to do the dirty work, but would rather that they not meet them on the street.

A Magpie is almost as bad. They like to peck away at the living things like baby calves, sick animals and other birds. The only advantage that they have over a lowly Starling is that they are easy on the eye with shiny black and white markings.

Everyone will agree that the Eagle and the Hawk are the most majestic animals to watch. Everything about them is large and graceful. Because they can see their prey at a great distance, their eyesight is considered sharper than any humans.

The owl is a scary kind of bird. Legends call them wise, but cats and small rodents would call them terrifying. I can remember that we had a wonderfully tall owl that lived in our area growing up. He would stand by the side of the road and wait until a car was almost upon him before flying off. It was always my experience that for about 500 yards, you could have sworn that a small person was trying to hitch a ride.

Of course, you couldn't write a blog without mentioning the supreme role of a vulture. They are the telegraphers of the animal kingdom. They announce the impending death of wild-life by flying in circles.

I could mention the penguins, who really don't fly all that well. They swim quite well and are dedicated parents to their young.

And the wild geese who signal the approach of winter by flying in formation to the warmer climates of the South.

Alfred Hitchcock used the medium of the bird to create a terrifying movie. He certainly knew how to create an endless weekend of fear for Tippi Hendren.

Thousands of birds live side by side in the animal kingdom. They provide the rest of the world with both valuable service or endless irritation.

I am pretty sure that some of us has had the misfortune of the "white" surprise fall on our heads or in some cases, our mouths if we happen to be looking up.

Our world is filled with endless beauty and wonder. And yes, a few pleasant or unpleasant surprises too. But all in all, we are so blessed to continually discover the wonders of God's Creation.

Like ourselves, a bird is fearfully and wonderfully made. Their purpose in life comes by instinct and they are tireless in their flight. During migration, they depend on each other for aerodynamic purposes.

They care for their young and teach them to fly and be independent. Some birds mate for life. The loyalty that they share puts humanity to shame.

I hope that this week, I can emulate a few "birds" that I know. Graceful, Tireless, Loyal and Unselfish.

Comments

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I so agree with you bazookaman..

-- Posted by sistel on Tue, Feb 5, 2013, at 7:11 AM
Very Nice. We are so blessed, every single day. Nice to have a beautiful blog to remind us of that. Thanks. :)

-- Posted by ktlm on Tue, Feb 5, 2013, at 7:22 AM
Patrick A.

My writing style is pretty fluid. But I always leave things open to speculation.

However, this was just about birds.

If you recognized someone in the descriptions, that is just your overactive imagination and desire to pick a fight.

-- Posted by KH Gal on Tue, Feb 5, 2013, at 7:35 AM
Sometimes, we just need to enjoy the beauty and the wonder of nature.

Thank you everyone for your kind words.

I try not to make anything too personal, but sometimes I fail like other human beings.

Believe it or not, I talk the same way that I write. I do not call people stupid but I have been know to yell the word Idiots a few times at the television or crazy drivers.

My writing started in Junior High with poetry which I wrote for several years. I am better at prose though.

My kids will tell you that I make descriptive pronouncements all of the time. It is simply my way of communicating.

I try to be friendly to everyone, but sometimes there just isn't a way to please someone with a bone to pick.

The sole purpose of this blog is to make observations, share my philosphy and hopefully to uplift. It is also my own personal journey to some degree to improve.

My Dad loved to dispense nick-names. He named his cars, a few of my boyfriends and some of my brother's girlfriends and more than a dozen cows. He loved to tease and enjoyed a good story. He wasn't perfect by any means, but he made a huge impact on many peoples lives.

I always knew when I disappointed him. He would call me by my entire name. I would rather have taken a spanking any day over a lecture.

We butted heads more than once when I was growing up. But there was also many hours that we had great talks about what was going on in my life.

I will tell you that I was always the one who blurted out untimely comments growing up. It got me into trouble more than once. My siblings could tell you some stories about not learning how to shut up when the going was good.

Have a nice week everyone.

-- Posted by KH Gal on Tue, Feb 5, 2013, at 11:39 AM
KH:

Great blog as always. I love to read what you write---you have a great style. You are very gifted. Thank you for making my day once again. You are a special lady. Please continue to "speak" to us. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. Have a great week!

Hope, I know just what you mean but the Blue Footed Booby is what has been up in my tree along with a hairy badger or two down on the ground:). Better days ahead!

-- Posted by OpinionMissy on Tue, Feb 5, 2013, at 1:00 PM
Thanks for another excellent post.

-- Posted by TundraRat on Tue, Feb 5, 2013, at 1:30 PM
I'm not much of a bird person (pooping on my truck) but I do like a good story. The bigger birds can be intimidating.

Going off track here a little not birds but other species I see there's a few Javelina's and pickled Herrings among us. Not just this blog

Like your blog Thank You !

-- Posted by WinterStorm on Tue, Feb 5, 2013, at 2:07 PM
I like your style Bonnie, and the birds do represent just about everyone in the world today, from the Majestic Eagles, to the Buzzards waiting on the weak.

We are blessed every day!

Living where I live, we have many of them, from the starlings, to the crows,... some really cute Owls have recently been seen by my camera.... Quails have always lived here, eating the oats from my horses hay....

Thank you for your fluid way of writing and leaving the rest to our speculation.

Jessie

-- Posted by jessiemiller on Wed, Feb 6, 2013, at 6:30 PM

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