The bust will come, so be ready

I am all alone in the work department this day. All the offspring and Grands have taken the day off and traveled to a cabin on the river for a three day holiday. I know it is a wonderful experience to have them all together and not one of the old folks to listen to about how we walked ten miles in the snow, uphill and hungry, to school.

Since I intend to do little on this day I have to admit that I started sorta late. It must have been seven before I left the kitchen table and headed out to feed the barn stuff. We have a cow that limps due to crossed toes on her hind feet in the sick pen. She had a good calf last spring and I will haul her to the vet tomorrow for a pedicure. Snip and the cats are always ready for feed and the paint pony nickers when he sees me.

My close relative mentioned eating out this evening since everyone else seems to be on a holiday. I agreed we should take ourselves to the new steak house in that closest big town. They say that is a dandy place for beef and there are never ending French fries. That does not mean I will get all I want because my close relative will close the gate on refills pretty fast. I figure we should leave the place about 10:30 so we could look at the new haying equipment at the dealers.

I forgot to turn the water off in the tank last night so Snip had a muddy lot to stand in and the water in his tank is clear and cold. We have that county water line hooked up in the barn so it will cost me pretty good to have forgotten that but at least the well did not run dry! I did not mention that to my close relative. I learned long years ago not to tell on myself if at all possible.

We hitched up and left at the crack of ten and had a wonderful day running around the city. We visited the auto supply store for some parts for the hay truck, the Big Green dealer and the new haying equipment and tractors. I rested in the car while she checked out the local dress shop as they were advertising a clearance sale. We had a hamburger for lunch and then headed out to the auction barn to observe some cattle selling.

I was awe struck again as the calves were put through the ring. Fresh from the cow, never have seen a feed bunk, the prices per pound were spectacular. Bred pairs were sky high and they were selling, too. How do these fellers afford to buy them is my question.

It is my opinion, and everyone has one, the bust will come and when it does the bottom will fall so fast that some will have broken legs when it hits. I am an optimist by nature but this market is unreal to me.

Now, you are right, I am old and you can't buy a loaf of bread for a quarter anymore. Could be that I am wrong but, fellers, protect yourselves. Keep some cows, don't buy cattle that are out of sight price wise, and bury money in fruit jars!

Bill is the pen name of the local author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.

Editorial on 09/10/2014