I sat on Snip and watched the cattle graze. It is a job I certainly am an expert at doing. It was late in the evening, after a nice little shower. I am not tough enough to want to saddle up and sit in the hot sun on a 90 degree day. The cows were still, not any cycling and they ignore Snip. I watched a couple of them over by a small draw, standing pretty still and doing nothing. Then one of the old hides reached over and snipped off the top of a purple mint!
Grass is tall, we have had plenty of moisture and that old cow was so full she had stopped grazing. Why she would take a bite of that poison is beyond me. I moved them out into the rest of the bunch for my own peace of mind and she just buckled up and flopped down for a good evening's rest. I don't think I personally like her!
The brush hogging and fence fixing has kept me pretty busy. I have the job of driving that dang old tractor all day long, but I chose that over some of the jobs the offspring are required to take on. The Big Green Machine has a good radio and AC! I put a new cushion in the seat and carry on! It isn't all fun and games, I do have to pay attention to where I am and what is going on with the brush hog.
The wildlife around the place seems to be doing good. I have seen skunks, armadillos, coyotes and some wild barn cats. The field rats are plentiful in some places, not where the coyotes are. The nice evening showers have produced a major growth spurt in the weeds and it looks so good after they are mowed. The grass is good under the noxious bitter weeds and reminds me that I don't like fresh milk after the jersey eats bitter weeds!
I have a meeting to attend at the county seat this week. We are talking about things to do to protect the beef producers and drinking coffee. I attend so I can listen and be amazed at some of the ideas that are discussed. Many of our native producers have aged out, you know, gotten old and died. The newer ones are different thinkers! That's all, folks. You can probably guess the rest.
My close relative is canning tomatoes and anything else that crosses her path. She makes pickles by the quart, and we don't even eat pickles. She gives them away, for which I am grateful! The offspring like them and the Grands eat them just because she did the canning! I like the tomatoes and all the beans she puts up for the winter, so I try to help in any way I can. I eat sandwiches without complaint.
It is my opinion, and everyone has one, this summer is wonderful. I know it is too hot on many days and the ticks and chiggers bite, mosquitoes swarm and too much mayhem and murder are in the world. But on my close relative's rock pile, we are sure enough a blessed and happy crew. I hope you fellers keep your machinery greased and your larders full. We aren't going to get wealthy, but we sure have rich lives doing what we do!
Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette-area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 08/10/2016