My close relative is in deep trouble. I know that deliberate frown she gives me is pain producing and yet she hasn't received my frown very many times in our lives. She did this morning. She is old enough to know better and wise enough to check things out before hauling in killer objects to the rock pile. I was mad and I think I still am, a little. I will get over it soon, probably before supper.
We got the dang yard all cleaned up before the big Bunny day. We had the grass mowed, or should I call it what it is, weeds, and I had all the edges cut down slick. I had to sand and paint the thing she calls the arbor, a silly little arch over some bushes. And speaking of bushes, I do not understand why all the flowering shrubs my close relative can't live without are full of thorns. Not small little stickers, I mean thorns.
We raked up five or six wheelbarrows full of sticks and stones, and old Dog lost his bounty of gnawed on but still tasty bones. I shudder to remember the long skinny snake I killed that was clinging to the rocks around the well house foundation. We washed down the porches and shined up the door knobs. I was tuckered out when it was all said and done. That was when I was asked to dig two holes next to the trap fence for a couple of plants she intended to bring in tomorrow, tomorrow being the day before big Bunny day.
I dug the holes, the rocks were thick and hard to get through and it was about dark by the time I went in. I was greeted with a cold sandwich on the table and didn't smell any coffee making, either. I know a feller can change his attitude if he so desires, so I did. I cleaned up and came to the table with a smile and said thanks after the meal.
The next morning was fine, got the chores done and all the cattle checked on our place and met the offspring at the feed store. They were picking up mineral and ordering some fertilizer for the hay field. Yes, one hay field, we have just enough cash to cover one field, a small one at that!
The holes I had labored over remained empty until sometime this morning. I came in for lunch to see her out there puttering around, tamping in dirt and not even noticing me. There were some scrawny looking plants stuck into the holes, and I decided to go over closer and see what the lovely things were. She finally looked up and smiled as I approached, and introduced me to the dang things!
It is my opinion, and everyone has one, if a plant can kill a bovine with just a leaf or two, the best place for that plant is in the middle of Dallas or Boston or New York City! A yew can put a big healthy bull down in just a short time with only some munching around on the leaves. So we had two new yew plants tamped into the ground right close to the fence of the trap where we pen good cattle sometimes twice a month!
The yews are gone, I am ashamed of my growling tone, my close relative is not speaking to me, the kitchen is empty and I guess we have both learned a lesson or two. I suspect we will make up before dark thirty but this has sure been a miserable day!
As the electric company says, always ask questions before you dig!
Bill is the pen name used by a local writer and longtime resident of the Gravette area. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 04/30/2014