I got the old rubber boots out of the closet and they were hard to pull on over my boots. The condition of the rubber reminded me of my need to write a list of wants for Christmas. Yep, it is that time of year and we are easing into it faster than I think we need to.
My close relative is rearranging furniture for the tree - get it, the tree - to be placed in front of the window as if traffic could see it. Our house is almost a quarter of a mile from the county road. And the lights around the yard must be strung up now -- her word, not mine! I escaped the house as quickly as possible this morning and I felt a cold and steely stare on my back as I pulled on the old boots and prepared to tramp around in the mud and do chores.
The rain filled the low ponds and watered the grass, so we can slide into the hard winter in pretty good shape. I was concerned about the low water level in a couple of our ponds but now they have run over and cleaned themselves up again!
We are feeding hay and I am busy most days hauling out and counting. I like my business and feel confident that the offspring are taking care of their ends of the deal. I see them almost daily with their feet under my table for lunch. What a good feeling it is to have them in for dinner and hear the news of their doings on the place. We enjoy them, and my close relative is always prepared to feed them. I don't even know how to be thankful enough to our Lord for the blessings He allows for us!
We put two cows and calves in the sick pen this morning. Calves are coughing and have mattered eyes and runny noses. The neighbor had some pneumonia in his calves and I sure hope it didn't climb the fence. The cows are doing fine but I don't think either calf looks good. I might have blown a little too much about the 100 percent calf crop this fall.
I hauled Snip and the paint pony to the farrier on Saturday. They needed trimmed and I did not want to do the job. I had to wait in line for a couple of hours and it was sure nice to visit with the fellers there. We were all full of turkey and dressing except for that one feller who moved in from a place called New Jersey. He was filled up with turkey and stuffing. He also mentioned oyster bisque and a few other things that I wondered about. But he is a friendly man, although he talks funny and doesn't wear regular pants or shirts. We all like him well enough and hope he will eventually see the error of his ways!
It is my opinion, and everyone has one, and aren't we thankful for that? Your opinion is as important as anyone else's and, stated properly, will often change the course of things. You must naturally be aware of when to state said opinion so you won't be blindsided by an upset close relative or a big unruly truck driver. I have learned to sound out most of my opinions on old Dog before I go to the house!
Stay dry and warm and keep on praying!
Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette-area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 12/09/2015