We turned the bulls out with the cows, the ones we wanted to drop calves in September. Now there is less dust and bellering in the bull pasture. The boys that are left will be restless in a day or two and get back into sharpening their knives and talking trash to the others.

I can't complain about the weather and the weather man has me concerned about the coming cold snap. He says it will freeze pipes and toes, so I am on it and fixing things today, again! I know I wrap more pipes than any average farmer every year and the mice eat it off right regular!

The mice are a bane in my life, and they are a problem for the close relative of mine. We have long and intricate discussions about the practices of removal of said mice. I want to put out some bar bait and be done with the vermin, and who cares where they meet their demise. My close relative does not allow any sort of poison because she is sure a bloated and stinking mouse would fall between the walls and we would be privy to the stench.

Maybe the mouse would eat the bait and fall between the wall. Would that be worse than finding tracks where they have been helping themselves to my chips or peanuts? In order to prevent a major problem for me, I have deployed sixteen new and improved traps baited with only the best cheddar cheese. There are traps in all the places I could imagine a mouse wanting to be.

We will be fortunate if the snapping of traps and squealing of captured rodents doesn't keep us awake for nights on end. I am hoping the emptying of traps and resetting will soon be so tedious that bar bait will be just the thing for all concerned!

The trips to the coffee emporium are picking up lately. I can make a round of the pasture and plan it so I hit the world center about the time the meeting takes up! The round table never lacks for interesting discussions; and, with the near chaos in D.C., we are always sure the volume will never fall below a dull roar! Some fellers will defend to the death and others will ride a good horse to death. Makes for interesting entertainment during a pie and coffee break.

It is my opinion, and everyone has one, life would sure be boring if we all agreed on how to run the country or kill mice. I look forward to each day with anticipation because I know my close relative or someone will break the day wide open with a serious comment. I have faith that the day will not be void of laughter or work and probably Murphy's Law. Don't fix anything that ain't broke and don't take any wooden nickels, but do keep on grinning!

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