This has been another one of those really tough days. The temperature stayed in the low 70s and the wind was just enough to dry the sweat I managed to work up. The grass would grow some more if it would rain.
Isn't that the thing the folks that depend on the ground to make a living are always saying? The two most regular comments you hear where a group of agriculture-minded men are gathered are; "It sure needs to rain," or "flooding again." Yes, we are dry, but today was about as perfect a weather day as a beef producer could ask for.
I have been attending ball games pretty regularly lately. Some of my close relative's Grands are involved in running around and knocking the fool out of others, then getting plastered themselves. My close relative is a nail biter deluxe when her Grands are engaging in these trying sports. We are required to attend each game and whoop and holler as loud as the rest of the onlookers.
I think I have mentioned that I am the blanket and pillow and water jug carrier. I have stopped toting around the snack sacks. I know some of the Grands are still young and expect some sort of treat when they spy us. I also know that apples and bananas will put a stop to binging on the snacks. It will break the habit faster than a mouse trap in the bag!
I bought a heifer Saturday at the county sale barn. She looked good, was acting calm and the vet "preg checked" her at 5 months. Now I can stew and worry about the calf being a giant offspring of an unknown breed from deep in the jungle of Africa. It might be a dwarf breed from some exotic animal farm playing with genetics. Well, whatever it is, I can stand it because I am the boss and the smart-alec offspring will just have to keep quiet. I don't expect the close relative of mine to refrain from making comments, so I have placed the expecting heifer in a sheltered place, right in the middle of the ranch raised heifers! Wait and see. I will report later.
We got a phone call from the IRS this afternoon. The recording stated that they had been trying to reach us and we should call the following number immediately. Don't get trapped into some of these phone scams. My instinct is to answer the phone without looking at the caller ID so I get into some storms. The State Police put the guilt trip on a feller hot and heavy; they have no idea how my donations to benevolent societies upset my banker!
It is my opinion, and everyone has one, winter will come along about the end of next month. I have lived a long time and I know I remember that happening a few times! Keep your long johns handy and plenty of wood by the door.
Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette-area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 10/28/2015