My close relative went with me to check cattle today. I was fine with her wanting to go along but I had to wait while she changed clothes. I went on to the truck and cleaned out the passenger side. You know we carry buckets of nails, a myriad of fencing tools, tags and ID pliers with a box of numbers and ink, mostly in the seat. The floor of that side contains some other stuff that is necessary for raising cattle.
I got the truck ready and, since I was still waiting, I cleaned the windshield and then made an effort to gather up the trash in the bed and poked it into a feed sack. Still waiting, I cleared off the dash and dusted the speedometer glass. Now I was tired of waiting and tired of working. I sat in the truck and my close relative appeared about 20 minutes later with a picnic basket and asking me to carry the ice chest.
Now I knew and I should have known earlier since I have lived here 50 or 60 years! This fall weather is conducive to picnics and my close relative doesn't know about a sandwich and a jug of water. Lighthearted and smiling is easy to take and I sure didn't intend to pop any bubbles or rain on a parade.
Age increases knowledge about some things, and age is something we all want to add to! I assured her I knew of just the perfect spot, and so our trip began. We checked all the cows, steers and then the heifers. All was fine and the bulls in the trap were behaving nicely, so our work day was about done. The spot I admire for picnics is in the pasture we save for winter grazing and it is ringed by big oak trees. It makes a perfect spot to spread a quilt and lay out lunch.
It was a little past lunch time for me and my stomach was growling. I figured we would unfold the basket to find fried chicken, tater salad and sliced tomatoes and maybe green onions! A nice apple pie might be sitting in the top and I was sure ready for a big feast! I spread out the old blue tarp I carry in case I have to fix a flat, or worse, and then spread out the picnic quilt. I set the ice chest on the grass and then laid myself down on my side and waited to be served!
My close relative is a whiz at fixing good meals and she is known for her cooking, especially at the community and church dinners. I know I am a lucky feller to eat at her table all the time and I tell her occasionally. Too much praise might give her the big head!
The food started coming out, no pie, and all I could identify at first was the several different bottles of salad dressing! Oh, my goodness, all this trouble and I was having a terrible feeling it was all gonna be for a big old plate of salad! The next thing I was concerned about was being able to control the snarl that was trying to plaster itself all over my face!
I accepted the napkin and fork she handed me and bowed my head to ask the blessing. A coughing spell hit and she had to ask the Lord to bless this greenery.
It is my opinion, and everyone has one, a partner that wants to take good care of you is about the best you could ask for. I appreciate the vitamin laid by my coffee cup every morning, the effort to see I get fruit, greens and protein every day. I must say mine takes extra pains to see I am healthy.
And fellers, this dang salad business gives me extra pains too, but I never let it show! I ate it and thanked her profusely as I returned her to the house. The ice chest had contained tea and yogurt for dessert, so I set it back in the kitchen for her. Then, I went to the coffee emporium for a slab of chocolate pie! Keep on smiling!
Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette-area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 10/14/2015