That is the question: put out hay or change pastures? If I put out the hay and they just stand around and mess it up, I have wasted another $20. If they are hungry and the grass hasn't started up real good, I have wasted more in lost time to gain or to ensure body score. What to do and be sure to do it right? The dilemmas of a poor old beef producer are broad and difficult to untangle.
I know the time of new life is upon us because I had a run in this morning with a feller that was about 6 foot long and wound around himself, making him look bigger and meaner. I simply walked by and he began to squirm all around and made me scream like a girl! I do not know where he spent the winter, but he won't spend the summer making me jumpy as he is now a good one -- dead!
We have barn cats and they do not squirm and threaten me with little forked tongues, look at me with slit-like eyes and scare the puddin' out of me. The cats are natural mousers and are producers of fuzzy little kitty cats that are pleasant to look at. If mice start taking over, I will put out some traps. I just hate snakes!
Of course, my close relative was in the yard raking around and heard the scream. Here she came, ready to pounce upon whatever had gotten me and then laughing for at least thirty minutes. She did not help with the killing or the hauling off of the carcass. Have you ever tried to get a 6 foot snake on the shovel and keep it there long enough to carry it into the dump? Let me explain what kind of job that is!
The snake continues to squirm after death and the loss of his life, so transporting the critter is like picking up Jell-O with chop sticks! I was carefully trying to keep the body centered so it would balance itself, but it never would stay. I am a brave man and will step in to care for my family if an elephant is rampaging, but I won't pick up a snake and sling it! It took about 20 minutes and me soaked with perspiration to get rid of the evidence.
It is my opinion, and everyone has one, the rigors of living in the country are many and yet we choose to stay and deal with whatever shows up.
I'd appreciate it if this frightening experience does not show up as the topic of discussion around the feed store or the coffee emporium. The adrenalin dose continues coursing through my veins and therefore I am still on edge and shaky. Show some compassion and keep all this under your hat.
But, yes, they are out; watch where you step!
Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 03/25/2015