GRAVETTE — Funny thing happened on the way to the emporium this morning. I started counting cars that travel in pairs. That may sound silly, but let me inform you that many cars travel in pairs. I do not know why they do, but I have some theories. They are not scientific, so we won’t be writing any “papers” or such.

I tootled along and there they came, a pair at a time. One car traveling almost on the bumper of the car in front, appearing to be in a huge hurry.But that couldn’t be the reason, because the road was straight and no yellow lines to keep the hind car from passing the lead. If the second feller was in a big hurry, wouldn’t you think he would have already passed and sped along his way? Of course, he would have.

A little farther down the road and here came another pair, this time a pickup in the lead. A newlooking vehicle, black and shiny, so I’d say he was driving the speed limit and that little old car behind him was about to kisshis tailgate! Still no reason not to pass and be on the way. Just tail gating for the heck of it I guess, and another dilemma for me to fret about!

My close relative was fretful this morning, too. She is worried about the lack of rain and is watering the yard with three faucets and about a mile of hose. She hooked a hose to the faucet at the barn where I water Snip, and last night she set her alarm to get up to move the sprinklers!

She isn’t the only one beginning to be a little edgy about the weather.The board members were pretty quiet and sorta disgruntled this morning. The banker was there for a cup of coffee and he didn’t look too bad, but he agreed his place could use some moisture. Several of the older - older than me - fellers are already lamenting about the spring coming on too quick and the winter being too mild. I can’t say much when that talk starts because I enjoyed the warm winter and the wonderful long spring. I will suffer right along with the rest if we don’t getsome rain, but discussing and worrying won’t make me enjoy those any less! Sam was telling stories about the thirties again, and bringing up the worse years spooks some just like lightning does a herd.

My corn and tomatoes are doing good, and the cattle are fat. I like being by myself so I can enjoy the good things without having to hear about the might-happen bad things. Actually, the garden belongs to my close relative. I help when I am forced.

The hay business is rolling right along, and I am forced there. I’ve been helping in each hay patch, no complaining this year.The offspring are buffaloed by my good humor. Does my old heart good!

It is my opinion, and everyone has one, starting to grieve before a grievous episode occurs is too hard on a feller. Your heart could just give out, you could have a stroke or your face could get stuck in that turned-down-mouth mode. What a tragedy that would be and costly, too! Burial expenses are sky high.

I say, ”Just relax and enjoy things until you are required to suffer. Plenty of time for that when it happens!”

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

Opinion, Pages 6 on 05/30/2012