My son works on a ranch in west Texas.  A couple of years ago I went out there while they were branding calves and took some pictures.  I love these pictures because it’s all done the way it was done 100 years ago.  Seeing those men working in concert was really beautiful.  They spoke very little.  Each guy knew what he needed to do and just did it.  Cowboys are so interesting.

My son is the one on the left, kneeling.  I know that it may appear cruel but having watched the whole process I can tell you that it isn’t.  This ranch raises rodeo bulls.  They are worth a LOT of money so they take very good care of the calves and the bulls.  They explained to me that cattle can’t feel the branding iron because it just burns the fur, not the hide.  The reason they get so mad is because they hold them down to do the branding.

I never lived in the country or had anything to do with any animal except small dogs. this is all so fascinating to me, and so surprising that my son lives this life.