Ranch Wives Know...

If your children join you in the day to day work on the ranch, such as fixing fence, haying, feeding, etc., snacks are mandatory. Not necessarily for your child's nutrition, but for your sanity.

Time is irrelevant to husbands and cattle.

No matter how many times you gently remind him that you are not a mind reader, he will not remember. You will be expected to know what he is thinking before he thinks it... but you should make sure you let it be his idea.

Meal times are fluid. Eating as a family during the busy seasons is an Olympic trial, and a goal that is rarely attainable.

Splurge on the commercial grade washer and dryer, and always check all the pockets on all the clothes just in case your kid tries to stuff a boulder in their jeans or your husband forgets to take the calving record book out of his shirt pocket.

Paint sticks will wear off a calf's hide in less than 24 hours, but will remain on your favorite jeans and boots for a lifetime.

Ball caps and rocks are collectables. Husbands and kids go crazy for them, and will become strangely attached. Use caution when trying to decrease the size of either accumulation.

Tow straps, duct tape, and fencing pliers will get you out of just about any south-bound situation. Never leave home without them.

If something can go wrong, it likely will.

When all else fails, prayer and laughter can heal the heart.

♥️ Richelle

Originally published in the August 4, 2021 Cattle Business Weekly