Routine around here is to do chores with the gators (6 wheelers) and today I also checked fence with it...much to the pleasure of my wards.
Herman's job is to supervise. He also plays the silent navigator and at the same time is ever awaiting a reason to jump out and get in on the action (if he thinks there's reason for action).
Monty had a gator accident a couple months ago so he insists upon being under the driver's legs...he likes to watch all the big dogs and also amuses himself by watching the wheels. He wants to bite them but doesn't...it's a perpetual longing that even I can feel.
Hudson likes to lead because she is good at knowing where to go. Speaking to her ability - a story about her, when she was first found, she was lost one week after she was aquired (she was killing chickens so was slated to be shot). Losing her was really stressful, it was the day I got here about 3 years ago. We looked and looked for her. Couldn't find her and had to go home. Who was waiting? Yes, that would be Hudson. I'm not entirely sure of the distance she had to go, but it was around part of a lake. Anyway, she's good at knowing where to go so she likes to be ahead.
Spot is typically looking for a way to ride in the gator, but Herman doesn't let him if Herman gets in first. So, Spot stays close by. He doesn't like to run too. It's good for him, he's only a year old.
Moose is a meanderer. Sometimes I think I lose him but he always catches up. I think Moose would like to ride in the gator too, if it wasn't for a) Herman and b) the effort required to jump in.
Oh Lily. I'm very proud of her today. She went from very inconsolable...
To a gator ride! Lily's "place" is on the front seat. I was glad she was able to let loose a bit and not be so neurotic. This is after much dog whispering...ha ha, I'm kidding. Lot's of bacon and high pitched baby talk. She misses her mom terribly and is back to being sad right now. But I am still glad she was able to have some fun today. She hasn't until today come out with us. She heard us in the pasture and that's where she met up with us. I think she was hoping it was her mom.
I checked fences and horses. Everyone looks good! There are mostly mares and foals and a couple of ridable geldings and yearlings in this herd. There are some yearlings, a couple other mares with foals and a stallion that do not run with this herd back near the barn. I am happy to have caught them all in the heat of the day. Most were in the shade and easy to look at. 
I got some gator followers.
One very different gator follower. His name is Little Ass. Personally I think everyone should have a Little Ass. He's very friendly to people.
However very protective of the group. Little Ass hates dogs. I'm also assuming he hates coyotes, making him a valuable part of the "team." Other than annoying Little Ass, there is no real issue with they dogs, they know better.
I also looked at cows and everyone looks in good shape. I really love this cow. She looks cranky but she's really quite docile. I don't know if she has a name, but if I could name her it would be Bella. Bella because she is very very pretty on the inside. To me it feels that way.
This is one of two bottle calves. He made me worried for a second because he was REALLY far away from the group. But he's fine, he was just in the shade.
I tried to coax him back to the herd but he doesn't look very comfortable. I am a little concerned about these two. They were only weaned off the bottle recently. So I will be watching.
I checked more fences. The dogs had great fun and even "treed" something. I'm thinking I'll do more gator rides besides stock and fence checking. The dogs *love* it. Isn't the job of a babysitter to be super fun?
The bugs here are TERRIBLE. Okay, so I already knew that but I also know I am not a bug person. Okay, perhaps no one is a bug person but it seems like other people deal with them a lot better than I do. Down here, it's a good idea to breath through your nose. Just a tip.This area is known for chiggers, fleas and ticks. I think I escaped the chiggers because I did not get out of the gator (no need to) but there was a moment when I realized I was COVERED in fleas and some ticks whilst in the middle of the pasture. Quite honestly, I had to purposefully Calm. Myself. Down.
Between that and the weird butterflys, grasshoppers and beetles, all I can do is chant "that which does not kill me only makes me stronger."
NOT to mention the black widows, scorpians, and poisonous snakes. I have no experience with these animals. Minnesota winters and cowboys in other places kill them. Here I am on my own.
Today when I was checking water tanks, I had a spider drop down on me from a tree. Let's talk about how walking into a new web and having a spider DROP on you is not the same thing. For me, I never knew the difference until today (honestly, this is a first).
Right out in the open (but no one is around) I removed my shirt ever so deliberate-yet-slow and shook it like a mad woman. This was my only freak out opportunity. The dogs just stared...who knows what they thought. The puppy thought it was a game.
I am still alive and just fine...my guess is I probably had nothing to freak about. I am very thankful the pool guy came 20 minutes later and not right then. I can't imagine his reaction but I'd guess it would be embarrassing for me in any outcome. Although I'm sure the story would have been a good one.
Notes for tomorrow...sports bras are a good idea for off roading on the gator, keep mouth shut and wear a turtle neck.
