Yesterday Melanie, Shannon and I embarked on a little road trip to visit Ree. Even though the four of us have emailed back and forth and forth and back for what seems like forever, we’ve never gotten to sit down and hang out and talk nonstop and eat bacon. So yesterday we hopped in the car, drove out to the middle of nowhere, turned right and left and left and right and then drove a bunch more miles. Then we waited for a horse to cross the road. And then we drove a little farther. And when we finally caught our first glance of this wide expanse of land, we gasped.
Seriously. I still have not found the words to describe how gorgeous it is. But when I find the words, I will share them.
Anyway.
Last night Ree told us that we were going to get up early today, “work cattle” and maybe even ride a horse if we wanted to. Melanie was all about some horseback riding, but since the last time I rode a horse my forehead had an unfortunate mishap with a tree limb, I decided that I’d pass on the horse-related activity. Shannon agreed. So we both woke up this morning after Melanie left to make her acquaintance with Peso The Wonder Horse, and we donned our ranch-y shirts and blue jeans. While we hummed “Oklahoma.”
Because cliches are important to us.
Oh, and I should also tell you that last night, when one of Ree’s daughters told Melanie that she was going to be riding Peso today, I misheard the horse’s name as “Queso” and spent the better part of twelve hours absolutely delighted that Melanie was going to get to ride a horse named Cheese.
If I ever write a book set in the Wild West, I think that will be my title: A Horse Named Cheese.
Anyway, Ree picked up Shannon and me around 6:30 this morning, and we rode out to a pasture where there were a lot of cowboys and lo, even more cows. As soon as I saw Melanie I knew that her horseback riding experience had left an indelible imprint on, well, the top half of her legs, but she perked up when she realized that I had her sunglasses with me (I’d impulsively picked them up on my way out the door because it was so stinkin’ bright outside). Apparently even cowgirls need their tortoiseshell Jackie O shades.
For the next couple of hours we watched the cowboys (and Missy!) brand and vaccinate calves. We tried to stay out of the way and in the blessed shade, but the whole process really was fascinating. Those men work HARD – I mean, they essentially wrestled livestock for the better part of the morning, and it was so evident within the first five minutes that they absolutely love what they do. It was hot and they were covered from head-to-toe in I-don’t-even-want-to-think-about-what, but they were a happy bunch. So were the kids. And everybody was so nice to us, especially considering that my obnoxiously large sunglasses coupled with my Adidas tennis shoes practically screamed, “HELLO! I AM A TOURIST FROM ANOTHER PLANET! I HAVE COME TO WATCH YOU WITH YOUR COWS AND YOUR HORSES IN YOUR PASTURES!”
I tried to take lots of pictures, but let me tell you: it is HARD to take pictures of cows. There’s virtually no shade in the middle of the pasture, so the sun beats down on everything and creates a glare and renders my little point and shoot camera pretty much useless. Plus, cows move. They move a lot. So I have a new level of appreciation for Ree’s photography, because suffice it to say that I didn’t really get the same results that she does.
For example.
Stunning, isn’t it?
Oh, I do have a gift.
There was so much memorable stuff about the morning – the sound of all that cattle, for one thing, because WHO KNEW THAT COWS WERE SO NOISY – but I think what I loved more than anything was just watching how everybody interacted, everybody helped out, and everybody managed to have fun doing some seriously dirty work in the midst of some seriously mind-numbing heat.
And the kids found a baby turtle.
And somebody was maybe a little on the sleepy side when he put on his boots this morning.
And finally: do you think I could fit this little one into my luggage?
Because if so, I’m totally taking him home.
It looks like y’all had such a good time. But if it was anything as hot as it was here in Alabama today, I just wanna say, “Bless your hearts!”
Mississippi is worse!! Sounds like you are having lots of fun.
How do I love this post? Let me count the ways!
Being from Texas, I was especially fond of this post. When my hubby & I moved down here (he’s from Michigan) we went to a friend’s farm and he had to help-ok more like watch-the branding of the cattle! I like how you left out the best part of the HORRIBLE smell of burnt hair from the branding! That always makes for a pleasant morning! My hubbs got Texafied REAL quick when he had to try some calf fries…right off the brading iron! Good times! Thanks for bringing back good memories! :)
I can only imagine how much fun you guys are having!! What an awesome memory!
That last pic and comment made me immediately replace your face in my mind with that of Billy Crystal at his City Slicker best…did you feel an urge to name him “Norman”??
Can’t even imagine how much fun y’all are having!
Awww.. I’d name him “Casper”, and I’d hug him and kiss him and love him all his days (or until he topped 500 lbs, in which case I’d simply call him “Taco” and have a party). Fun times.. I just don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone with a more generous heart than Ree! So glad you got to experience her life….
Aw, so wish I could have seen you this trip. Isn’t Oklahoma heat refreshing? I hope you have a great great time!
And that cow? His milk can make some peso, um I mean queso for you!
LOVE YOUR PICS!
Did I just say his? I meant if it’s a girl…can hardly type from laughing now. Bye.
Wow, I’m a little jealous. I follow your blogs and feel like I would just LOVE to be there with you guys! Have some fun for me too!
Oh you lucky duck! I hope you had a wonderful time with PW and in our beautiful state of Oklahoma.
Jealous!!!
I’ve now commented on your site, Ree’s site and Melanie’s site (did you see how I just used first names like I actually know them…) to say how fun it must be for all of you right now, and how cool it would be to be there with you guys.
Hope you have an awesome time, I’ll be looking forward to updates!
Is it just me, or is it just a little surreal when four bloggers who are listed in your little reader end up in the same place at once? There must be a name for that. Weird just doesn’t cover it.
If I had known that you would one day be so famous, I would have told you the name of my hometown when you asked me back in the day. We would surely be fast friends now and I would have gone with you. :)
Oh what a totally delightful visit!! and the trio of ya’ll hanging out with Ree…how stinkin cool is that!! But, does it mean you missed the Bachelorette????? Surely you did NOT miss Tanner P…naming a color of nail polish for her toes! You did not miss that, did you? And Wes going on and on about HIMSELF????
Suzanne
OK: looks like everyone on the ranch has blogged in! Love seeing how you all tell the same story in your different styles. I understand heat, being from 103-degrees-today-Austin. Stay in the shade, drink plenty of water chased by queso and have a great time.
Sounds like a blast! I would love to be a fly on the wall {not on a cow} for all that conversation! I know y’all are having a great time.
I’m just sick you didn’t ask me to come with y’all! ;)
Have so much fun and laugh til your sides totally split.
I’m jealous! BooMama and Pioneer Woman in the same place!? Two of my favorite blogs/ladies to read. I bet it was a great time.
You have entertained my socks off. One of your friends there told me I would like your blog, and I do, and I didn’t know you were an Alabama girl, so now I love you – officially.
Y’all have fun.
Tell Ree I said hey! :)
Girl, it looks like y’all are having a blast. Nothing like girlfriend time and toss in some horses, a bunch of cows, and the random turtle and that, my friend, has once-in-a-lifetime adventure written all over it.
And the food? I’m sure that the food is good and a whole bunch more.
Have fun. Stay hydrated!
Oh yeah – all that beautiful scenery and interesting work and animals – let’s hear about the FOOD! glad 4 of the best bloggers around are getting together
I am so jealous! Oh, how I would love the chance to hang out with such a great group! Sounds like you had a wonderful time!
I am jealous that you are with Bigmama & PW! What fun you must be having! I was hoping that you would get on a horse – Oh the stories you could tell us!! Thanks so much for your blog – you are one hysterically funny girl! :)
Katherine
You four sound like you’re having a hoot hollering rocking good time :) Enjoy the vacay!
Oh my gosh, somebody get me a baby turtle! How adorabale! You had me laughing so hard about the Horse Named Cheese.
in that first picture, i mean the first one that is in focus, is there a guy laying on the ground – like under the cows??
so if they had a french horse would they name it camembert? they could have a whole herd of cheese-y horses!
Oh dear, I love Monica’s comment! Queso, and his buddy Nacho. Camembert and Roquefort. “Jack”… and Gouda, who would be white and sort of squishy. Wait.. I think I might have to go write a children’s book now. See ya later….
I would totally read that book.
Ohmyword.
I got granite countertops installed today – after YEARS of waiting. SO I tried your under six dollar Rustoleum product and it worked – perfectly!
Thank you for the tip, Ann Elise
Monica – Yes. There was someone up under the cows. One of the calves got out of the chute (do you like how I’m throwing around some ranch terminology just like I understand it?), and the cowboys had to chase it and hold it down so they could give the calf shots. To my credit, I did not scream.
Are you kidding me? You’re with PW? Staying at the lodge, I presume? I’m insanely jealous, but so happy to get to live vicariously in blog-land! Can’t wait to bop over to BigMama and Pioneer Woman to hear their takes on things! What are y’all eating?
DETAILS! I’m sweltering in the Louisiana heat where farmers (who CAN, in fact, be friends with ranchers) are rolling out irrigation pipe to keep our crops from wilting!
Best quote ever:
I misheard the horse’s name as “Queso” and spent the better part of twelve hours absolutely delighted that Melanie was going to get to ride a horse named Cheese.
Oh glory, I’m going to be giggling for days over that one.
You so made me laugh but I had to keep interchanging the names boomama, bigmama, rocks in my dryer person, and boy did I get confused who was on what. You made me laugh at a very intense time for me! Smile! You bring us all such joy Sophie boo!
I have to come back later to check out the pics…you have exceeded your bandwidth, apparently & photobucket has wiped out all your lovely images. )-:
I got the bandwidth message, too:(. You really and truly should do standup, Sophie. You make me laugh like no other. Love your way with words. Enjoy the ranch and Ree’s sweet family.
I hope you are having a blast and just wanted to let you know that photo bucket says you have exceeded your bandwidth! :)
what?
I totally cannot believe that you are there you lucky dog. I had to click over to Shannon’s blog to find actual photo proof with your faces. And PW is so lucky to have y’all there to hang out with! Enjoy! I am green with envy.
Oh my goodness. Big Mama, Boomama, Shannon, and PW. OH MY GOODNESS!!
Yea, cows, nature, cows, grass… what about the food????
Oh, how muchfun are ya’ll having??! We ALL want to be there right now, don’t you know. Can’t wait to hear all about it when you get back. Let’s all have lunch and you can give us the scoop!
Ha!! Got me one of those (in red)… they are gorgeous, no?
You girls had so much fun, on your country road trip. Wondering if those cowboys feel the need for sunglasses to counter the paparazzi that Ree brings along with her!!!
:-)
BB
It looks like some brutally excruciating work they do there on the ranch and in this 100+ heat I don’t know how they make it through the summer. They must have to laugh or else they’d cry. Well, maybe not the guys, but the kids for sure! Looks like y’all had a great time!
Soph.
A couple of things.
First, you said some awfully nice things about me on the Access blog—-you’re too much and you’re too kind.
Second. I am falling over with jealousy about this ranch trip.
Third. I have just spent the first thirty minutes of my morning reading about how Ree met Marlboro Man—thanks to you I have been sucked into the life of yet another person that I do not actually know.
:)
aj
I’m SOO jealous. I’m obsessed with the Pioneer Woman. I want to BE her. Except within the city limits. And without the cows.
Good gravy, woman–
““HELLO! I AM A TOURIST FROM ANOTHER PLANET! I HAVE COME TO WATCH YOU WITH YOUR COWS AND YOUR HORSES IN YOUR PASTURES!” ”
One of multiple snortgasms I had while reading this. Like I told Shannon, I don’t envy y’all, but there might be a piece of coveting goin’ on. I’m **thrilled** for you, and would love to hang out just to listen to the laughter of those I’ve imaginarily known for almost four years.
Wow…..the time, she does fly!
:)
Sounds like sooo much fun :)
The thought of the four of you in one place kind of makes my head spin and my eyes crossed. But, you know, in a good way.
Sounds like a fun trip. Even though my father-in-law has raised cattle for years, I stay pretty removed from his (small in Oklahoma terms) farm. So I can only imagine how cool it would be to see an operation like Ree’s family has!
What fun!! I can’t believe you were at Pioneer Woman’s place…..What a treat! I can’t believe you live in driving distance and you all met online and are now such great friends!! You also got to eat something she cooked and always makes look so fabulous!!! What a dream!!!
Well, I’ll be. You were right up in my neck of the woods. Glad you had fun. You’re so a cowgirl now.
Yay! PICTURES!!!
So, I proposed to Big Mama that you, Ree and Shannon could all come to the mountains of WV. I don’t work cattle, but I love pedicures and massages. We could fill up on chips and salsa and find you some bacon somewhere. Would you come? Seriously. Consider yourself invited! =)
You guys crack me up! I am loving reading about this trip! Glad to hear you and Shannon got to sleep in…Iknow how much more refreshed and ready to tackle livestock I feel when I’m able to lounge in bed until the crack of 6:30. oy. And pleeeaaase tell me there will be a story to hang alongside the Patented Monkey Alarm tale from you and Shannon. I haven’t laughed that hard since!
This story just made my day.
I feel much about my photography as well. That Ree and her beautiful photos make me feel all inadequate.
But thanks to you, I feel much better about that.
What an awesome trip.
And now I wants some chips and queso.
One word: jealous.
Of what you ask? Oh. Not the up at the crack of dawn stuff or working cattle (no thanks), but to get to try Ree’s home cooking. I drool at her website every single day!
Have a fantastic trip!
I would read a book called A Horse Named Cheese!
OMG! I’m SO jealous…for a several reasons. First, HOW COOL IS IT THAT YOU GET TO HANG OUT WITH PIONEER WOMAN ON THE RANCH! Second, you totally get to meet Marlboro Man and the kids (are those girls as precious as they are in my head?). Third, I can’t believe that you get to hang out with REAL ranchin’ cowboys! I’ve always wanted one of my very own… Hope you have (had) a blast!!! I may tackle you next time I see you just to get ALL the details! *sigh* the cowboys…
A horse named Queso – you are killing me! That will keep me smiling all day.
I laughed out loud when I read this. I loved your translation of the week end! My one question is with all that butter how does Ree stay so thin? Do you really burn up alot of calories riding that Suburban?
OOPs sorry that was 2 questions. It’s late so I can’t count past one.