TX Winter!

Christmas and New Year's have already come and gone wow where in the heck did all that the time go, better keep looken! Hip and gang have been feeding cattle and horses daily which means a lot of hungry mouths to feed manually and with equipment and our feed truck. We do have a good percent of cattle on winter pasture during the months which makes it much easier on Hip, and everyone and for sure less stress on the cattle too. Before the cattle left Crooked Creek Hip had loads of cattle work to take care of with sorting, pregnancy testing, feeding, hauling, etc. We're lucky, it's been a good winter although we have had a few real cold, cold snaps but they fortunately haven't lasted to long, if they did it would be very hard on all livestock and of course equipment too. We already have February and March around the corner so all and all we sure can't complain. In March however the cattle will be driven and/or trucked back to Crooked Creek and then the long days begin with feeding, calving, calf bottles, doctoring, etc. No never a dull moment, we learn something new everyday, can't get better then that!

Dez, is at the Center Ranch riding for Ken McNabb through the next couple of months. Ken, will be a contestant in "Road to the Horse" this year which is quite a thrill for all of us and of course for Mr. Ken and his family. Desiree, will most likely go and watch Ken during the whole ordeal which I believe is in Tenn. We sure wish Ken well he's a great friend and contributor to our ranch horses and horses through out the USA. Ken McNabb will be having his horse sale again this season in June and Desiree will be helping Ken with his sale too. She will also have a horse or two in Ken's sale. We miss Dez, especially her dad "Hip" Dez seems to be his right hand man these days.

Poncho is helping us though the winter with riding and feeding here on Crooked Creek and down by the river Poncho of course is a big help for Hip and all of as too. He enjoys riding colts which is a big plus especially keeping our ranch colts going he also has a couple young colts going of his own.

Tim & Sam are helping feed hay and beet pulp at Crooked Creek, our corrals, and also down by the river it all keeps everyone busy and the cattle happy. They too have been helping work the ranch cattle through the winter months along with their own which they run in common with us year round.

Me, I have been taking care of guest bookings with our daughter Sheena this year. Adverts, business, taxes, helping Hip when ever necessary and also taking care of our ranch horses has kept me busy. We have several pretty good mares that will be foaling this season. We'll soon have some nice little ranch prospects this spring, our first foals will arrive in late March. We also have a few from 2007 and 08. The 07 colts will be started with riding this summer. Can't wait to see how they progress. During the spring and summer after their born I usually work and gentle them as much as possible getting them us to pressure, leading, working with their legs and that's about it because there are a few of them to get though. Spring is busy with the foals and mares because we also need to recover the mares as well. After that I haul them to Dryhead and turn them loose so that they can learn the range country, getting around, placing their feet, grazing, etc. during the summer months through November.

Abbie, is doing well she loves to go with Hip in the truck to visit, keep going and keep well. She is good company for all of us we truly enjoy her and love her stories.

Payton and Harley are happy, well and of course spoiled rotten. Hip, Dez and I just can't seem to get enough of our new little ones they are so much fun. Payton and Harley are growing like weeds which is to quickly for me I like them to stay adorable, lovable babies! No doubt I'm sure we'll think their our babies forever, poor things!

Soon our 2010 guest season will be upon us. We can't wait, we're very much looking forward to our seeing our dear friends again and meeting new friends too!

Thanks for your time & happy 2010 trails!