The pond was frozen but the water pipes were still in good shape this morning. I was amazed that we did not have any frozen pipes this last week and all still seem to be working today.
I did stick my arm down in the tank as I pushed on the thin sheet of ice, and it gave before I thought it would. Did you know that you cannot remove your arm fast enough to beat the water?
I feel sorry for the poor old cows backed up against a wire fence for protection from a north wind. I also know that the Lord designed coats thick and warm for them, but their noses and udders are bare. I am always thinking about building sheds until spring comes and then I get busy with other things and forget. I am sure proud I don't milk cows for a living. You know that feller has one of the coldest jobs in the world of agriculture.
My close relative has left the farm for the city this week. She flew off in a big jet plane to meet her sister for a shopping trip in a warm climate. I was not invited to tag along and not one Grand was taken, either! I listened as she planned this with her sibling on the phone and they were going to have tea, do the face and hair things and spend lots of my money on frills -- all this while I suffer at home all alone and pitiful.
OK, so maybe I won't suffer too much. The female offspring has determined to feed me for the duration. I will be on my own for breakfast and lunch, but the supper will be delightful and contain protein and my favorite veggies, potatoes and onions!
The coffee emporium will be my office for the breakfast and lunch meals and they are just dynamite at fixing me up with juicy burgers and fries and large slabs of pie!
I do have to keep the hay wagon going and we have several old cows that look poor. I have taken samples to the vet to see if we need to deworm again or draw blood to see what is missing from their diets. I believe in keeping good minerals out at all times, but you can't make a cow go to the mineral feeder and take her portion. I personally think they get short on vitamin A during the winter.
I had to call the farrier out to trim Snip's hooves. He doesn't get out enough to wear them down. That old pony is a hand full when you want him to behave for the trimming. He acted like a silly yearling, just like a kid at church when you have a visiting preacher.
It is my opinion, and everyone has one, missing my close relative around the house is good for me because I may forget how important she is in my life. I try not to take her for granted, but I know I do at times.
It took about thirty minutes for me to become distressed after she left on that big plane. I am not a sissy, at least most of the time, but I think I am when it comes to this empty house. Pay attention, fellers, a little kindness and a better attitude today may save you from the absence tomorrow!
Bill is the pen name of the Gravette area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 01/21/2015