Baby, It’s Cold Outside…

More than a few people have asked me lately, “Do you put your cows inside when it gets really cold out?” Oh, goodness…we don’t have the biggest herd in the world, but it would still take quite a structure to keep them all in!

There is no doubt, this winter has been an interesting one. We have had long stretches of temps below zero at night and only in the single digits during the day. And then, and NOT disappointing to my cold-intolerant body, we have had some grill outdoors, play-in-the-yard, wear-short-sleeves kind of days! As much as I love those warm days for me, they are actually too warm for the cows who have their “winter coats” on.

Mama and Baby

As you can tell from the picture, the cows don’t get to be indoors when it is cold out. We will bring in one who is ready to calve, let the baby get good and dry and nurse, and then turn them out.  God made animals, cattle in particular, very hardy! We certainly do our best to keep them comfortable by having shelter from wind, putting down bedding (straw), and always making sure they have hay to eat and fresh water.  They have a layer of fat, thik skin, and plenty of hair to keep them comfortable.  While I am layering on the amazingly sexy layers of long johns, sweatshirts, coveralls, and coats, those mama’s are doing just fine in their God-given body armor.

So, as we go through these last weeks (I so dearly hope…last…) of winter, enjoy some delicious stew or meatloaf, or whatever you consider comfort food. Before you know it, the grass will begin turning green and it will be time to grill for every meal!

Even when it’s cold, we get to enjoy views like this…

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A Healthy Heart…

So, Valentine’s Day is coming soon…are you excited or dreading it? There are so many of us who secretly wish for flowers and a surprise romantic night out that our husband or boyfriend has been planning for weeks.  ~Sigh~  Those things don’t happen in real life. At least not for anyone I know. In real life, a cow needs help as she tries to calve or a pickup gets stuck, or cows are out, or the tractor won’t start. These things don’t happen every day; just on days that us girls of the world want to have a special date.  So, a kiss after the calf is born, a high-five after pulling out a stuck vehicle, a hug between chores – they keep the everyday romance alive 🙂 On the bright side, my charming husband and I do go out on Valentine’s Day to our local Cattlemen’s Banquet and spend the evening with wonderful friends, tons of laughter, and enjoy a delicious beef meal.  The night helps my heart be healthy both figuratively and literally. Good times, laughter in particular, is good for the soul and for the heart!  Beef is also good for the heart! Win, win!!!!

My Valentine

Several years ago, a study was conducted to explore the effects of including beef in your diet on a daily basis.  The results were astounding!  You can read more about the BOLD study.  I guess I am just thankful to know that what I typically eat is NOT causing my heart to be less healthy! Happy Valentine’s Day to me!!!!  Seriously, if you are having any cholesterol challenges, please go to the link and consider what delicious options you have to help yourself be healthier!

Here is a fun recipe to make that is absolutely part of a healthy diet…

BEEF & VEGETABLE SKILLET

• Total Recipe Time: 30 minutes
• Makes 4 servings

INGREDIENTS

1. 1-1/4 pounds Top Sirloin Steak boneless, cut 3/4 inch thick
2. 2 teaspoons dark sesame oil
3. 2 garlic cloves, minced
4. 1 medium red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
5. 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce, divided
6. 2 tablespoons water
7. 3 cups coarsely chopped fresh spinach
8. 1/2 cup sliced green onions
9. 3 tablespoons ketchup
10. 2 cups hot cooked rice, prepared without butter or salt

INSTRUCTIONS FOR BEEF & VEGETABLE SKILLET

1. Cut beef steak lengthwise in half and then crosswise into 1/4 inch strips. Toss with sesame oil and garlic.
2. Heat large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add beef (1/2 at a time); stir-fry 1 to 2 minutes or until outside surface is no longer pink. Remove from skillet.
3. In same skillet, add bell pepper, 2 tablespoons soy sauce and water; cook 2 to 3 minutes or until pepper is crisp-tender. Add spinach and green onions; cook until spinach is just wilted. Stir in ketchup, remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce and beef; heat through. Serve over rice.

I hope you have someone to enjoy this deliciousness with & you have a heart that is healthy in every way.  And now, just because Emmet is sitting with me as a write & he said so…Bacon; bacon; bacon; bacon; bacon…..and some more bacon!

(Maybe I should give him a pack of bacon as a Valentine’s present! )

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