Dang, I thought those plants were the same kind of thistles that grew back home in my California mountains. I did not touch them, because... As a kid, I rode my horse bareback and in shorts one year, and learned the hard way, that thistle thorns are so fine, they are impossible to get out of skin. That summer, I had very ugly blisters as those thorns worked their way out of my leg.

Now I want to know if the ones here in Kentucky are Burdock. Its early, still dark outside, but when the sun comes up, I will take some tools out there and get a sample. We run cattle, not sheep. But I don't think Burdock and long haired dogs and cats make good companions.

Mr. Gaertner, as always, thank you so, so much for your stories.