Rain in January is just absurd

I know that often we don’t agree on the weather.
Some like it hot, some cold; some think it’s dry and others think it’s too wet.
But I would think we all agree that rain in January is just ridiculous.
What a mess, and it was hard to even walk first thing Saturday morning. My poor old dog, “Karma,” had a heck of a time walking to check the cows.
Luckily, it improved throughout the day and our third trip to the bush that day was much easier going. It didn’t seem to faze the cattle much—they just found a nice cedar tree to stand under and chew their cud.
Weather doesn’t seem to bother cattle much unless we have a nasty wind (somewhat like Monday). This seems to be their downfall.
I moved my cows into the yard on Sunday so they have less shelter than they did under their cedar trees.
Once my cows all came home, I tried counting them but I seemed to be missing one. So I went to the house and printed off a list of all their names, then went back out and checked them off.
As it turned out, I wasn’t missing any (I just couldn’t count!)
I am about two weeks away from calving, but a few of my friends have had some early surprises, so I decided I best get mine home. It is likely a good thing as this snow in the yard will take some packing down now, as well.
Cows often have a tough time now, heavy in calf, and when they lie down, the snow melts under them and if they get over too far on their back, they die within 15-20 minutes.
So, of course I worry about this, but I seem to find something to worry about frequently.
• • •
My boyfriend/partner went for a nuclear scan on his hand (yes, still the one from the simple cut from a shopping cart). It has improved, but he still has swelling and discolouration when he uses it a lot and when outside for a long period of time.
Of course, he is busy trapping now, so his hand is getting a workout, as well.
The second part of the scan is this week. This is where they use the isotope that was in short supply a while back (as well, you then have to be careful crossing the border as you set off alarms).
I didn’t venture this weekend with them to check traps and it sounds like it was a good thing since the ice was pretty messy with this crazy weather. He did snare a wolf, though–a big, healthy one!
• • •
The Rainy River Cattlemen’s Association had a successful annual meeting last Wednesday and I pleased that Bud McQuaker, Murray McDonald, Steve Loshaw, and Susan Irvine have joined the board.
Steve also has been invited down to the annual meeting of the Ontario Cattlemen’s Association in Toronto in February to do a presentation on the hard work and planning for the construction of the Rainy River District Regional Abattoir.
It is a real honour to be asked to speak at this meeting, and our district should be proud that we have something they would like to hear about!
In mentioning this, just a reminder to join the Rainy River District Regional Abattoir Committee this Thursday (Jan. 28) at noon for their opening ceremony. It sounds like they will be ready for business by mid-February.
Congratulations to the committee as this has been a lot of blood, sweat, and tears.
• • •
The Rainy River District 4-H Leaders’ Association will host its annual meeting this Friday (Jan. 2) at 6 p.m. at the Stratton Seniors Centre. If you are interested in joining the 4-H program, feel free to attend.
The event will begin at 6 p.m., with supper at 7 p.m.
• • •
Monday was my mom and dad’s 41st wedding anniversary. We wish them all the best for a happy and healthy year–and hope summer comes soon so they can try out their new camper!
As well, “Happy Birthday” wishes are extended to my sister-in- law for Wednesday (Jan. 27)!