The redbuds are blooming today and the grass is greening by leaps and bounds. All God's little critters are also bounding around. The Pepe' Le Pew spring tonic has been divided to the male skunks and they have all partaken their share. The normally night fellers are even daylight hunters this spring. I am giving them a wide berth and hoping I don't get anyone riled up!
We have the first bunch of cattle worked and out to pasture. I suspect the next herd will be in the morning and we will once again be thankful for the working pens. The cattle are not too raunchy and have had a couple days of good weather. The hides all look good, not any the worse for wear, due to a wonderful winter. I am concerned about the legs on a couple of the old cows; they are old enough to retire but I hate to get rid of good ones.
My close relative has informed me that we are going to work in the yard next Saturday. She has managed to rustle up a crew of grands and offsprings and we are not about to tell her we would prefer to do something else. I saw her filing the hoe and even the spade, so I suppose we are in for some labor. The henbit weeds are growing so fast that someone will surely have to mow when all is said and done! Yes, there will be a huge lunch and fun will develop as weeds are pulled and prescribed holes are dug.
I am interested in a yard ornament for myself. I got a sale bill along with my paper and discovered a hammock chair that has its own frame to hang from. I believe I am going to buy that little thing for myself. I have not mentioned that particular thought to anyone. I think it would be best to just come home with it and set it under the shade tree. I am thinking hard about that.
The bull test is coming up quickly. We will participate in the lowered fee and that is a good incentive for all beef producers. It is not logical to turn a sterile bull out to produce a calf crop and, by golly, you just can't tell by looking!
It is my opinion, and everyone has one, this is the greatest time of the year for us farmers and ranchers. We have spring calves on the ground, fuel costs are down considerably, grass is growing and the sun is shining! Taters are in the ground in your gardens, if you planted on St. Patty Day, and the green onions are about 2 inches high. Hay season is creeping up and so many fellers are just chomping at the bit, happy as can be to get some grease under their fingernails. So, enjoy and thank God for your blessings!
Pay attention, you can smell the skunks before you can see them!
Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette-area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 03/23/2016