End of an Era

I posted a while back about tea. And specifically mentioned The Republic of Tea's Big Bold. It was a collaboration between that company and Whole Foods and small plantations in Africa to promote fair trade. A fair price, a fair profit, and a fair wage for workers. How can one not support this?

Anyway, it was a limited edition tea. I only got one tin. And now I have only enough tea in that tin to make one more pot. I brew it double strength for iced tea, and this is about the best I've ever had.

Will post a soliloquy when it's gone.

Jay

And then you just...

lean forward, you go. Lean back, you stop. But not much in either direction. Lean the lever left or right and that's the direction you're going to go.

Congratulations - you've just been given the basic instructions on how to operate a Segway. Which TLMK and I did for about 2-1/2 hours in Boston this past weekend.

I found a coupon online which was basically a two for one deal - a 2 hour tour of Boston's Harbor District on a Segway. Have to admit - finding a balance point was a lot different than being horseback. Horseback, the balance is heels, hips and shoulders. On a Segway it's knees and shoulders - just like skiing. Or so I'm told - never have strapped a pair of those suicide sticks on my feet and don't plan to anytime in the future.

Found my balance point within 10 minutes (yes, I can stop on your yellow painted X and not move!)

Bottom line: it was a blast! Highly recommended for lots of cities - just do a Google search! Whole lot more fun that walking!

Yeah, It's A Western Thing

Nearly 4 weeks and I haven't said much about the branding.

I think Grace described it pretty well in her blog. Up at 5:30, work work work work work until (well for her anyway) 10 PM. Chuck, Kadie & me around 11:30 pm.

Branded 26 calves. After gathering the herd, sorting the mommas and calves, and then just sorting calves. Had a good crew, and also had a good time. Yeah, it's work, but that doesn't mean it can't be fun!

Grace earned top hand status that day. Chuck & Kadie & Grace & I ran a rather efficient operation. Me - lost one head catch (that still bugs me) but overall I've still got a good record (3 misses out of 46 calves that came through the chute in the past 2 years).

Chuck has posted some pictures on Facebook - including one where Grace is applying a brand to #74 - "Jersey Boy" while Chuck and I look on. Check it out - look up Cwm Ceffyl Ranch" on FB to see the pics.

There is more cowboy in my blood that perhaps I even know.