Branding season in full swing

It's round-up and branding season again. It's a good time to see what life is like here on the High Plains, and have some fun at it, too.

I enjoy the sights and sounds of these days. Neighbors and friends gather to help with the work, and then to share a "feed" and good conversation. It's hard, dangerous work but it's gone at with skill and enthusiasm. It's considered a good day if no one gets hurt and the work gets done with cool efficiency. Funny, but at these events there is hardly ever any direction given by the hosting rancher. He doesn't have to. Everybody just swings in and does what needs to be done. No questions asked.

These round-ups and brandings are indeed hard work for all, but they are also the social events of the year.