The Frontier of Ice

It is only recently in the farm's history that the cattle have not lived clustered around our house. Even before our house was moved to it's location the land around it was always the barnyard. The cattle had a glorious view of the lake and at times could make their way down to the lakeshore. In the winter of 1991 we were still living about a km. from the barns and thus were very surprised when we looked out one day to see the cattle walking on the frozen lake. Perhaps they had tired of the confines of their field and decided to explore the area. It took some effort to herd them back on the ice to their home.
The winter temperatures brought many extra challenges to farming in the winter. For many years our calving season started in January which meant keeping a close eye on the calves. We would often have to bring them into our maternity barn and nestle them under heat lamps. One of our house guests still vividly recalls having to step over a calf that was beside the wood stove on her way to have a shower. The cold temperatures brought many health complications and it was a huge relief to all when we changed to a spring calving season.
All of this is gone from us now and we are facing a different life than we thought all together. Life has a way of tossing you about and presenting challenges that you would of never imagined.

Barns burnt down
now
I can see the moon

Mizutal Masahilde

The above photo was taken in the 1970s. The barn has long since gone and the white house in the bay is no more. It is true that much has changed on the Ranch but the essence of the place remains.