One of the best things about traveling around, is visiting friends in different parts of the country. Recently we got to visit a few different friends in Texas.

While staying on Lake Conroe just north of Houston, we had the opportunity to catch up with two couples. First we had the chance to hang out with Scott & Amanda and their two boys at their home in Conroe. We had become friends when we all lived in the Pittsburgh area. Scott & Amanda moved to Houston this past summer so we were very much looking forward to seeing them and finding out about their new lives in Houston. They also recently had their second child so it was nice to get to meet the newest member of their family. They were kind enough to host us for dinner one evening and the Super Bowl on another.

We also had lunch at Local Food in Rice Village in Houston with Emma & Ben. Emma is the daughter of Penn State tailgate good friends. Her and Ben have been in Houston for a few years and we always love getting to see them when we pass through town. We also got to celebrate a new milestone in their lives as they are recently engaged!

After Houston, we headed to Brownwood, TX. There we had the opportunity to spend the day with friends, John & Laura, on their cattle ranch in Brookesmith. I don’t know much about cows, but I love animals. It was an amazing day as they showed us around their 3,000 acre ranch. We got to see how they provide hay for the cattle, how it is moved from storage and into the field. The cattle know when they hear the kubota and trailer that food is on the way. They immediately started moving toward us, and one group even knocked the gate down to get to the food.

This provides John & Laura the opportunity to count heads. (As the cattle are spread into different areas over a large space, they try to count heads everyday and check for new calves). The cattle are also given some supplemental food pellets. The pellets are tossed from buckets on the ground or even sometimes given by hand (to the friendlier ones). Steve helped with the carrying and spreading of the pellets. We both hand fed a cow (steve a few more than me). I had to laugh when it took my entire hand into its mouth to get the pellet. It didn’t hurt but it sure was slimy.

While hay was only placed in the first field, we took pellets to several different pastures. We drove around to several field to check on the herd. Laura carries a clipboard with her to check off each cow, bull, or calf. There were many calves including a new four day old. This one we had a chance to pet when John corralled it for tagging. The calf was very soft, but wasn’t too happy about being separated from momma. The ear tag provides lots of info including number assignment, mother, father, and birth year. John uses a handheld tool that holds the tag and punches it onto the ear kind of like when we get our ears pierced. This is important to provide better breeding and avoid inbreeding.

Of course we also got to meet Snuffy, who is an amazing herding working dog. We ended the day with a few cocktails at their wonderful home and then had a great dinner at a Mexican restaurant in Brownwood.