I am irritable because my fingers feel like they are frozen! I got up early and did chores in a warm climate and now the wind is blowing and cold.
Wait a minute, is that snow? No it isn't, but it could be! I tell you, this weather is playing havoc with my dress styles. I never know whether to wear the fleece-lined coat or my vest. I guess I will start piling them all in the truck as I start out in the mornings.
My close relative is going to visit her family out in Kansas this week. I have been watching her put lots of food in the icebox for me to survive on. She knows I can cook and do a darn good job of it, but she thinks I need her special touch. I am not complaining, but I thought if I was free I might go to town for meals. I guess she figured the same! Looks like I will eat at home -- but in the living room if I so desire!
The spring roundup is over. We worked without any big wrecks and had a good bunch of help this year. Our cattle are mostly mild mannered but, when you stir the pot, some will get real silly and act like they are first cousin to the devil. I am so thankful for good pens and a hydraulic chute. Remembering the days of a wooden corral and a pitiful chute makes me very proud of the better working conditions. My offspring didn't ever have to use the old ones because, instead of a new cook stove, we bought panels for the farm! Our birth percentage was higher than last year and we are very pleased with the calf crop. I do hope my fall calvers are as efficient.
I do wonder about the two ruptures we have dealt with -- haven't had one in several years and then two at the same time. One year we had sore feet and it was during dry weather. The woes of a beef producer are ever present. The repairs on the ruptures are good and both animals are in fine fetter. My Vet is a dandy!
I am fighting the weeds in the five-acre trap. I have already mowed the henbit and will start spreading the weed killer pretty quick. I know we kill out grass by having too many head in the trap for several days at a time and usually during the wet times of the year. The hooves churn the mud into an arena consistency and grass gives way to weeds.
I am looking for a new four wheeler for the offspring. They can wear out a piece of equipment faster than I can tell them to slow down! Both of them want the new one and yet neither one will claim the one that is worn out! What's the deal with that?
It is my opinion, and everyone has one, Spring is here and life gets a little easier and maybe even better. The misery of cold and the killing frosts surely have passed and we will bear the heat with more grace. I continue to pray for plenty of rain, plenty for us and for the rest of this good old country.
I am looking forward to a day or two by the creek with a thermos of coffee and a cane pole!
Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 04/16/2014