Caretaking 

                 This is the Side by Side Ranch

                                       Janet & Puppy

                                      Sheep & the valley

                  What is a Caretaker?

  CARETAKING REQUIRES SOME SACRIFICES  Watchman, groundskeeper, animal tender, maintenance person, gardener, et cetera are all occupations which keep a caretaker busy. When one literally lives with the work, the demand is almost continuous.  Being tied to the land also allows the opportunity and flexibility to use any of the twenty-four hours in a day to do what is necessary.  A caretaker's pursuits usually have to be accomplished at a steady, measured rate just to keep up with the effects of nature's growing and breaking-down process and to allow time and energy to make improvements.  It's easier and usually essential to work with or around the weather.  It will sometimes dictate the schedule for out-door projects. Extreme weather conditions can cause extra maintenance and sometimes emergency tasks.  A caretaker's presence is most valuable during these situations.    The occupation is completely earthy; often the work is dirty, occasionally filthy.  There are days when the mud and creatures seem to play out a rehearsed plan to reduce a person to their level.  But even when you complain in imaginative ways, Mother Nature doesn't seem to take notice; only Lady Luck does--half the time.
       

ON SHOVELING MANURE - What could be more fun then "mucking out" the barn? Most people would say anything is more pleasant, especially on a muggy summer morning when the flies act like they're auditioning for the next JAWS movie.  But if you compare shoveling manure with the typical office job, similarities rise out of the mire to the surface. 
                             

The Caretakers Gazette - the Summer of 1984

Basic essential caretaking parameters: 

#1. Prevention of vandelism and theft on the property.

#2. Feeding & watering of animals.

#3. If any become ill or injured, treatment & proper personnel will be brought into play.

#4. Continued care medical or otherwise continued until owners return.

Additional contact thru www.sidebysideranch.com is available.