There's nice, cool weather in the house! I am not so sure the house is always cool. I like the pickup air conditioner because it is a small space and I can turn it down as low and cold as I want to. My lips turn blue before I will turn it up to normal, and I enjoy every shiver. The heat is hard to take, but the humidity is the villain and we all suffer during the duration of this misery.
I try to check the steers early, shortly after 6, so I can catch any that aren't acting just right. They are getting big, I guess them to be crowding 800 now and they are a pleasure for me to watch. I suppose anyone who raises cattle knows the feeling of pride when we see our product doing so well. These will go to the feed lot pretty soon.
The offspring are finally back into the haying business. I have had to haul hay for several days and the old hay truck has not even a sign of an air conditioner. The cab tractors are cool and no insects, but I am destined to forever drive the old truck and pull the hay wagon. I guess it is OK because I remember doing things in much worse ways and sweating doesn't cause aches and pains.
George Barns came by yesterday evening looking for one of his hounds. Seems he turned out on our creek -- not our creek, the one on a leased place -- and the dogs trailed for miles that he could hear. They never did tree and George is afraid they might end up in Nebraska. He had time to tell some tales and drink a tall glass of tea before moving on.
Keeping running dogs is almost a thing of the past around here. The country is full of homes and a good deal of the population are disapproving of the sport and many of them have yard dogs that are apt to follow the hounds on a trail. The sighting of bear in and around towns in the area is not unusual and I believe bobcats are getting thick. I know the coyotes are becoming a problem in some places, eating little house dogs for dessert is common. We have moved in on their lands and, like the American Indians, something has to give.
My close relative killed a copperhead in her flower bed this last week. She chopped him up with her hoe and is watching for its mate. Have you ever smelled a copperhead? I was surprised to find that even I could smell it, sorta a dirty sour odor. The tale is that the copperheads run in pairs and I don't know if that is true or not. You can bet the farm that I am stepping rather gingerly around here, waiting on her to kill the next one!
It is my opinion, and everyone has one, cattle are still selling good, grass is belly deep, skies are blue and frogs are singing each evening. How can it get better than this? We are a blessed a bunch and I hope we all enjoy it. I believe this happens about once every 20 years and we can't stay on the top of the mountain forever. Count your blessings as you count your cattle and praise your Maker for His gifts!
You know horses sweat, men perspire and women glisten. Use your deodorant liberally!
Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette-area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 08/05/2015