A Morning Stroll with the Dexters
by Lucas Henry

There’s nothing quite like the warm, humid mornings of summer. Spring, winter, and autumn all have their good points, of course, but it’s the warmth of a sun shortly after daybreak hitting the back of my neck as I’m walking in the pasture that really bolsters my spirits.

I love rising just as the stars are fading from sight and the morning sky is awakening with the brilliant colors of another day’s sunup. Tramping through the tall dewy grass, I am captivated every morning by the surrounding beauty. Although I walk the same route almost every day, I have never tired of watching the robins adamantly hunting for worms, the line of Osage orange trees gently swaying in the wind, or our Dexter cattle munching on the clumps of grass in the pasture.

As these gentle beasts of nature slowly meander across the field, I carefully survey the herd, checking to ensure that none have strayed from home during the night. Satisfied that all are present and accounted for, I quietly approach a nearby young calf and her mother.

Surprised by my unanticipated appearance, the young calf takes a step back as I kneel down on the wet grass. But sensing no immediate danger, as her mother doesn’t even look up from her breakfast, the calf juts her head forward, quizzically looking at this new fellow in her playground. I sit motionless as the calf cautiously approaches me. She stops from time to time to ponder what I’m doing, I suppose, but nevertheless, the gap between us slowly shrinks.

Having happily rested my bones for several minutes, the calf and I finally come face to face. A warm little nose stretches out and sniffs at my knee; I keep still. The little calf’s investigation goes on for a few more seconds as she gently nibbles my pants leg. Suddenly, she springs away, retreating back to the safety of her parent.

I rise from my seat, taking a last look at the spry little Dexter, and continue my stroll around the pasture. Yes, there’s nothing like a summer morning out with the Dexters…