A Good Day on the Ranch

 by Abigail Ku

Just before daybreak, I jumped out of bed because I wanted to check on Snowflake. Snowflake is the new lamb that was born two days ago. Her mother died giving birth so we have to take care of her. It was so cold that I could barely feel my fingers as I buttoned my dress. I finished dressing hastily and ran downstairs to the warm kitchen.

             Ma gave me a kiss and said, “Pa moved Snowflake into the kitchen early this morning. It was too cold for her in the barn.” Ma handed me a bottle of warm milk and I placed Snowflake on my lap. I gently stroked her soft fur while I gave her the bottle. She dribbled some milk but did a good job for the first time.

             I carefully put Snowflake in her basket behind the stove and went to the table to eat breakfast. The rest of my family was already there waiting for me. Pa prayed for the food and we all ate heartily of the bacon, bread, and cheese. We also enjoyed milk from the goats.

             After breakfast, I helped Ma clear the dishes while the boys and Pa began the outside chores. After the dishes were done, I gave my youngest sister, Betsy, her bottle. I love feeling Betsy’s small hands grasp my hair while I feed her. It’s always a special time of the day for me.

             I gently put Betsy down in her cradle. Then I grabbed my jacket and boots and quickly put them on. Ma handed me my schoolbooks and lunch pail and told me to help my little sisters, Mabel and Anne. I helped them button their jackets and put on their boots and hats. As soon as the boys came back from their chores, we all left for school together.

 The school was one mile away and it took us a long time to get there because of the mud. It recently rained for many days. When Mabel and Anne got tired, we gave them piggyback rides. The bell was ringing right as we came to the schoolhouse door.

 During school, I whispered to my friend, Jane, about Snowflake. The teacher gave us a look that said, “Stop talking.” Her look said 100 words. We focused on school after that and I told Jane all about Snowflake at recess. Jane said that she would come over soon. She loves visiting our ranch and playing with our animals.

 After school, I raced home with my brothers and sisters. Our home on the ranch is our favorite place in all the world. We saw Ma and Betsy smiling in the window and raced even faster. I fed Snowflake her bottle and then fed Betsy too. Then I helped Ma prepare supper. Pa found a bee hive so we ate honeycomb, soup, and bread for supper. It was a very good day.