I have been talking a good deal about the pleasures of working cattle in our new covered pens. I must admit that it is all true and I hope I didn't sound like a prideful feller full of hot air. I know it was a costly thing to build and my banker knows that too. I have my reasons for continuing to update the old rock pile.
I am not fond of the ad on TV where the lady goes jauntily along claiming to be only 60 and having many more years to live. I hope she does, but none of us know when our number will be called and for that I am right proud!
I do want to leave a legacy when I go. We moved to this rock pile many years ago and lived in a house that almost wasn't. It was basically heart- breaking for my close relative's kin when they saw where we lived. We didn't mind because we wanted the land, rocks and all.
We worked and prayed, worked some more and, if you want to sleep good, that is the ways and means for doing so!
My sainted Mother and Pappy worked hard, raised us kids and left us rich with moral fiber and work ethics. We didn't have much but we knew how to get more! The folks had a gas cook stove and an indoor facility before they died, and that was a huge leap in their time. And I have said all this to lead into this. I figure we are blessed beyond measure, and I sure want to leave some of those blessings for the offspring!
Many of our friends and acquaintances have worked hard or harder than necessary to make a place worth having and they have no one coming along who wants to continue in the business of farming or ranching. It is hard, dirty work with no quitting time and the pay is minimal. Days start early and holidays are just another day to feed, doctor livestock and fix whatever is broken. How many young men want that? Young ladies are few and far between that will live that life and love it!
So that is one of the reasons I wanted the fine facilities, not just for me but for the future. Our offspring have chosen their occupations and, although they were educated and allowed opportunities of golden rewards, they are here and looks like they are staying! Praise the Lord for a blessing beyond belief!
It is my opinion, and everyone has one, blowing and going hard is part of the fun of doing this business, and some of us are really good at it! Have some tale to tell and make it as colorful as possible and embellish it to high heavens and laugh hard and often! Laugh at the way the wire curled around the post when it broke, the silly looking barn door swinging on one hinge or whatever you see that is laughable. Make your life worth the effort!
Ticks are out, spray your britches legs!
Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette-area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 03/30/2016