Saturday, September 24, 9:45 PM. Brewer.

Claire seems to be doing better today. Her cough is a little worse but otherwise she’s improving. Her fever is down to 99°. She was able to get up and move around a little. I think she’s going to be okay now.

The weather has been pleasant the last few days. Clear skies. Lows in the 60s, highs in the 70s.

I recently realized while reading the Almanac that it was time to wean the calves. They sure look big enough and their dams look like they’re in the right condition. We’re using the “fence-line” method and hoping they don’t break the fence or bawl all the time. The field southeast of the house—the one that rises gently up to the water tower—is fenced all around and also has a smaller fenced-off area on the river side. We put the four calves in there along with the steer, and the two dogs for protection. We kept the bull and three cows in the main pasture. The cows and calves were none too thrilled about being separated. Blizzard and Ilsa were confused. We’ll have to check on them several times a day. Hopefully the bull won’t cause any trouble.

The boys have been climbing up the walls. They can’t wait to go hunting. Amy and I agreed it was a bad idea to go while Claire was sick, but I’ll take them out on Monday. Tomorrow’s a day of rest.