That hot south wind is a killing breeze. It cooks the tender little green blades of grass and chars the pigweeds in the fence rows.You can pray for clouds, but the heat sucks the moisture out of them too. I fret as I watch the water line go down in the tanks and ask Him for a relief of 80-degree nights. You can't see the wind, but I can see the heat as I look over the pasture. It rises in waves!
I have conjured the aforementioned memory from my deepest reminiscence bank. I need to at least let my brain be warm while I check the water in all the pastures. The offspring gave up the four wheelers for a closed-in cab early this morning and I am letting Dog ride close to me because he radiates!
I think we need to have a day set aside for thanksgiving after we celebrate Christmas! I realize and recognize my blessings, at least for awhile. I ain't saying I always stay aware of the wonders I am blessed with, but I do try. Do not remind me of this the day I have a dead high-dollar bull or lose a cow calving, please!
The fellers at the coffee emporium were pretty calm and recalling all the company that called on them last week. They were sorta smiling and telling tales about their families and the gifts of Christmas. Most of the old men I know have grandkids and the subject comes up often. We slurped our coffee and Bridwell saucered his just like he always does. I had to leave their company and their warm place and finish my chores before I wanted to.
My close relative has closed the kitchen and retired the cook stove. She froze some of the leftovers and the rest must be consumed before anything else is cooked. I sure suffer when I have to eat turkey, ham, dressing and sweet taters. The fudge is not gone either and the last pie is apricot, so I am once again blessed! I sure appreciate the fact that lettuce and that stuff called kale wilts and gets bad if salads are kept for a day or two!
The pink saddle and spotted pony did evolve into a pretty padded saddle and a fine 15-hand-high quarter horse with power steering. I guess the other grands are wanting better horses and saddles now, so birthdays will come along and wishes can be fulfilled ... if the cash will hold out and the banker doesn't frown too much!
It is my opinion, and everyone has one, we hear that the wonderful Christmas festivities have become too commercial. That could happen, but we have to remind ourselves what we truly want on that sacred holiday. Most of us country folks like the way we celebrate, less stuff and more family and church on Christmas Eve. I personally like to see the decorations in the stores before Halloween because the black and orange scary skeletons and boogermen make me nervous! Good stuff is plentiful and cash is not around here.
Pray about the new year that is facing us and keep your knickers dry!
Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette-area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 12/28/2016