The creek came out of the banks and covered the pasture. I had moved the heifers and prepared for the onslaught of water but I sure didn't expect what came. I guess I have been watching that creek for nigh on to 50 years and have never seen such a sight. But, then, I still can't complain about the rain. Yes, all the ponds are full of nice clean water and the grass is pocket high to a tall cowboy.
We checked the cattle daily during the last week of heavy rain and didn't have any upsets. I wish we had a place to feed a little in each pasture, but that just isn't sensible and my close relative would frown at the thought. We did have to clean out all the mineral feeders and replace the mix.
I hauled the Old Hattie cow to the sale and there weren't many cattle, but the men folk were so thick you couldn't stir them with a stick. The calf was sure a looker and I hated to sell her but I'd almost bet, if I were a betting man, that she would be just as nasty as her mammy. Anyhow, the auctioneer assured the crowd that the cow was just nervous being hauled in and worried about her calf and would sure settle down once she was back on pasture.
That cow was pretty and slick, she weighed 1,350 and a prettier feminine head and neck you couldn't find anywhere. She topped the sale and I felt like a liar. I did not hang around to visit, just took the check and went straight to the bank. I did not see for sure who bought her, but I hope she doesn't find a hole in the fence and come home!
Sure do enjoy the old reruns of Andy and Barney, but even that gets a little old. I decided to load up and go for ice cream one day, took the bunch to a movie one day and visited my close relative's cousin one day. That day was a long one and would have just as well been spent watching Barney ticket the jaywalkers.
We drove 200 miles to their place and thought we couldn't call and warn them we were coming. Shoot, they had iphones and all kinds of electronic games and could have called China if desired. Well, we unloaded all the groceries we hauled down there and they cleaned off a place for us to sit down.
My close relative's cousin, a frail little lady, was thankful for all we brought and so happy to see kin. Her hair had grayed since I saw her last and she was thinner, but her smile was still there and I was glad we had come.
It is my opinion, and everyone has one, a break in the routine is good once in awhile. I think we all need an ice cream day and a Jurassic Park trip, and we don't get them if it doesn't rain. The good Lord was right again, as usual. I feel more rested than I have in a year and ready to tackle whatever lies out there. Hope you are sharp and full of spunk, too!
Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette-area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 07/22/2015