OPINION? EVERYBODY HAS ONE

I'm still counting my blessings

I tripped over all the mess on the floor this morning when I strolled into the living room to look out the window at the

thermometer on the front porch. I have lived in this house for many years and saw no need to flip on the light just to walk through the room, unsuspecting, of course.

My close relative has all, and I mean a bunch, of the Christmas decorations laid out on the floor for placement today. We have roughly 10 million dollars invested in that pile of wires and tin, glass and plastic. I am staying away from headquarters for the next few days so the long legs and opinionated man I am can stay out of trouble!

The cold was with me today. Old Dog was glad to get in the truck and didn’t even ask for help to load. We checked cows and put out a couple bales of hay, him riding shotgun and me trying to be aware of the unexpected cold every

time I opened the door.

I have to say it was about time for this to happen; we had warmth for a good long time. I would admit that it wasn’t too unpleasant, but I don’t want anyone to know I sorta enjoyed the bruising cold.

The deer had cleaned up the mineral licks, so I journeyed back to the barn for a couple of sacks and, on the way, saw twelve head of deer. There were some bucks in the bunches, but I didn’t see any Boone and Crocketts. I suppose they are already hanging on a wall somewhere. I would like for the hunters to help with the feed bills on this rock pile. I sure feed plenty of the wild ones. I like to watch the deer and I am a big fan of chili made with venison, but other than the Grands hunting I would rather just look.

The fall calves are a real pleasure in this weather.

They are all fuzzy critters and bouncing around as they challenge each other to races. A pleasure for a cattleman that money can’t buy, watching his calves play. I know I ramble on about how much I enjoy some of the sights and sounds but, fellers, there is nothing in this world any better. We better like what we do or life could be pretty miserable.

I see a tremendous number of odd breeds of cattle in pastures and, if they suit the owners, power to ‘em. I want my kind and let them have their kind! Same goes for the close relatives of the different outfits. I will never figure out how old what’s-his-name got that pretty Mary to say yes;

he is not wealthy or easy to look at. No reasoning about choice of cattle or anything else!

It is my opinion, and everyone has one, I am still being thankful and thinking today about those overseas who are fighting for our way of life. They are protecting my ability to choose my kind of cattle and my close relative’s choice of me! They may not be able to stumble around in their own home this Christmas, fall over lights and bulbs, but I am forever thankful for their service. Pray for them and for our country.

As Roy would say, “Happy trails….”

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

Opinion, Pages 5 on 12/05/2012