The sounds of rain on the roof

My close relative had informed me that this front had extended way south and dumped some needed moisture on some of the southern places most arid. There are twoyear-old steers down there that have never seen rain. Maybe they were also getting this wonderful precipitation.

Finally through at the barn, I headed out to the shop where I could see the light on and hear the offspring moving around. Both of them were under the baler and grease guns were firing. I could tell they were in a good humor by the snorts and giggles I could hear as I approached the building. Great day, internal sunshine and time to work on the equipment that makes our living better than in the “Good Old Days”!

It is my opinion, and everyone has one, when a truck won’t start, even a new one, and then you discover it also has a flat, and the rain does not let up, a feller should not go bonkers and have a fit. You might be watched by several and they will make fun of you for years to come. Just pull down your hat, go get the close relative’s car and go to town for a meeting of the round table.

Before you leave, give good instructions about fixing things to enable you to drive the downer truck when you return. Look gritty and then set your jaw, glare a little and pretend you can’t hear the laughter as you walk away!

Bill is a pen name used by the Gravette author of this weekly column.

I stayed in bed an extra twenty minutes this morning. My close relative was cooking and I could smell the coffee, but I just rolled over and listened to the rain and grinned.

What a blessing to wake up to the sound of rain hitting the window! Is this the end of the drought?

I sat around and watched the daylight happen, sipping coffee and listening to the news on TV. The reporters didn’t quite understand the situation again; they were all upset over the rain causing a day of nongolf. Bless their hearts! I just ate another biscuit and grinned some more!

Now you understand that a man’s work is never done when there are livestock to be taken care of. A bit later is fine on a rainy day but it still has to be done and I am one that will get out and do it. Yes, a bit later and a tad creakier, but I will get it taken care of. So I pulled on the rubber boots and the oldest hat and headed out to the barn to start.

The heifer, no longer aheifer, with her baby in the sick pen was doing good. The calf was spunky and the new momma was hungry. They were the last of the expected and all of the girls had done a bang-up job and were feeding their babies. I had to assist a couple of births but we had a 100 percent crop - first time for me in all these years of trying to make it happen!

I was still listening to the rain and enjoying the knowledge it was raining hard enough to run off and help the ponds fill. Snip was snaking his head around and acting snorty, feeling too good for his age, and ready for his breakfast. Fed Dog in the barn and he was bouncing around as well as an old dog can. We were just happy and all of us full.