Howdy from the frozen tundra

Howdy from the frozen tundra! I wonder if the deer I watched this morning were whitetail or reindeer? They didn't have bells on or pull a sleigh, but they were pretty hairy.

I am awfully worried about global warming, Congress must have decided not to allow any of the dissenting states any heat. The speaker must have said, "We will show them a thing or two!"

The cattle are making it fairly well. We have kept the feed pouring and the hay rings full. Minerals and liquid feed are important this time of year for extra nutrition, and a feller has to remember the water. One of us takes hay and checks the water, another takes feed and minerals and I, the number-one flunky, take on the liquid feed route, checking for need and watching the cattle for droopy ears, snotty noses or apparent pain. A bovine can succumb pretty quick in weather that is so ugly.

My close relative has been busy keeping the kitchen open. We have had plenty of chili and stews, homemade light bread and desserts. She is a dandy at keeping us working and productive and able during this siege of disgusting weather. The Grands have been out to headquarters almost daily since schools are closed, and she is teaching the finer art of baking and making to all of them. I suspect the most some have learned is how to peel a tater!

Snip and the paint won't stay in the shelter of the barn, and they both look like bears. I would hate to have to ride in this weather at my age and their condition, because I might have a hard time staying on board! The little pink saddle is covered and ready for spring; and mine is covered in dust and webs, waiting for me and Snip to get the urge. Ain't gonna happen soon!

Did you ever try to work in new leather gloves? My close relative got me a pair that are lined with something like sheepskin. The warmth is wonderful and I sure like that, but I have a difficult time bending my fingers. I gave up and took off the right hand one to close a gate with a chain and it was not pleasant. Warm fingers stick to frozen metal. Maybe you didn't even know metal would freeze; believe me it does!

I was enticed to stop at the coffee emporium by the line of trucks parked there. I felt it my duty to check on the neighbors in case they might need assistance with some aspect of the farming life. The coffee was hot and the pie was good. The roar of voices was welcoming and a good visit was sure nice. Everyone around the round table was sure their water froze the deepest, their temp was the coldest and their cattle were losing more than anyone else's.

Time flies when you are having fun, and I have to hurry to check all the places before dark. I knew the ground should be frozen at the mud hole where we have a gate to the east place. I usually don't go in by the highway, but it was handy after I left town, so away I went. I almost got stuck in the place a week or so ago during a warm spell, but I figured the ground to be frozen about a foot deep now.

Wrong again! I got about half in and half out when I felt the truck sink. I also got that sinking feeling inside. Of course, the cattle were heading to me in hopes I would have some more cubes for them and I had to make the decision to get out in the muck or let the cows out on the road. Enough said, and thank the good Lord my cell phone worked. I had to wait less than two hours for the offspring to get around to making it. They are sure worth their salt, and I will remember the numbing cold for a long time if they, either one, need fetching!

It is my opinion, and everyone has one, spring will be so pretty this year, the new leaves and the weeds will make us happy. We will be ecstatic when the sun is shining even on days the wind is whipping from the south. Dandy-lions will bloom in the yard and be just the purtiest little flowers we have ever seen! Yep, the whole thing has to do with attitude, again!

The offspring want to go to Colorado on a ski trip in early spring. No accounting for some things! Have a safe one and stay warm!

Bill is a pen name used by the Gravette author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.