RIDING FOR THE BRAND

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 I live in the mountains of Northeastern Arizona at 6,500 feet.  This morning when I got up, the wind was blowing in mighty gusts; snow was whirling around; and the temperature was in the 20’s.

 Unfortunately, I had to take our American Border Collie dog Jake for his morning constitution.

 As I walked in the blistery weather I thought about what it would have been like to be an 1800’s cowboy working a winter line shack.  The cabin would have been heated by a small stove that was also used for cooking.  The wind would be howling through all the cracks in the walls and roof.  The temperature inside would be just a bit warmer than outside.

 The ice in the water bucket would have to be thawed out before coffee could be made.  And then you would have to go out and check on the cattle.

 Can you imagine the character it would take to leave that cabin when no one would know if you didn’t?  That’s called “Riding for the Brand.”