WESTSIDE — Dog and I got up early this morning to see the sunrise and enjoy a little of the cool air before the heat hit. I sat on the porch and drank coffee, and Dog grinned his silly dog grin. He likes for us to do that, get up and sit around, talk and figure the day’s activities. It must make him feel important. It makes me feel happy and lighthearted.
My close relative has some flowers and stuff around the yard that help to soothe the wear and tear of a feller’s brain too. I like to see the morning glories climb the fence. My Pappy never wanted any planted, said they would come up and take over his pastures. I think he didn’t want any on his fences, might look too sissy!
The last few days were windy and hot. The flies were so dang thick in the barn that I have already had to spray and will again this evening. My neighbor to the east has calves all year long and heis wishing he had checked on the calves earlier in the day. He had one that had maggots and required bathing in order to get him cleaned up enough to live. Flies and thistles are doing real good this year.
Yes, haying is upon us too. Haven’t broken down yet so I am still holding my breath. That mowed hay across the road sure added to the ambiance this morning. Nothing smells better, and knowing it is there is a big relief too. You can remember years that not much grew, even for the first cutting.
Truth is known about me, I hate the job of haying and always have. My close relative has produced two offspring who think they are class A hay makers and love every minute of it! How much more could I want, except that they think I should do the hauling in. I really hate to ride around the field in a cab, truck or tractor, and have the air conditioning tuned in just right, while workingso very hard! Snicker-Snicker!
A right smart bunch of snapping turtles are crossing roads and pastures. They are big and ugly, hissers and fighters. Dog treed a big one and called for help just about dark last evening. I went out to see what was going on and that reptile hissed at me, and on my own land! Made me have goose bumps all over my body, not a snake but not a terrapin, more like an ancient dinosaur thingy! I don’t know if anyone can tell me if there are differences between the two, soft shell and snapper, but I think there are folks that eat turtle soup.
It is my opinion, and everyone has one, this is the rich time of the year. Enjoy the long days, grass growing, ponds full and sleek fat cattle. Hay is being stockpiled and Grands are healthy, pink-cheeked and ready for anything.
No amount of money can buy a sunrise over a cup of coffee or the nuzzle of your dog as he adores you, so enjoy what God has given to all of us! Trouble will come on its own.
Bill is a pen name used by the Gravette author of this weekly column.
Opinion, Pages 6 on 06/08/2011