I have cleaned out and refilled all the mineral feeders this morning. The bugs and dirty stuff accumulated quickly in the corners and about twice a year they need cleaning. Now I am going to clean out the water tanks; we still haven't switched over to automatics. I do have a suction pump, called a swamp pump I think, that will empty the tanks pretty fast. I will have to net the goldfish that the offspring put in several years ago.
I like taking care of the things that need seeing after. I will check the cows on my way to clean out the tanks, and the offspring have already done the others. No cattle problems that we know of, but the flies are getting bad. I think we ought to hang a rub bag up between trees again and at least try to give some relief.
I had to stop for lunch at headquarters, and my close relative was not feeling very pert. She was adding some leftover roast to a salad and setting my plate close to a sleeve of saltine crackers. I was informed that heat does that to a cook and the air conditioner could make a big difference in the supper menu. I didn't say anything, just ate and drank my tea which was the best thing about the meal. Not one speck of dessert was served, and I asked about some ice cream but just got the raised eyebrows and a snarl.
Best thing for me to do was retrieve my hat and head for the water tanks. I know when a storm is brewing and have enough sense to head for a hole to jump in! That close relative knows how to turn the switch to on if she desires cool air and she also knows she does not need my permission to do so. It just happens to be her day for stirring up a cloud, and I refuse to be involved.
The pump took about two hours to get to working and then I was sure enough tired and thirsty. Hunger had also crept up and, knowing the coffee emporium was on the way to the last tank and I could do it first, I made the decision to partake of a slab of coconut pie and a tall glass of iced tea. Just needed a little nourishment and they already had the air conditioner going in there!
It is my opinion, and everyone has one, foul moods are lurking around the corner of every turn. Running on to one is gonna happen to all of us once in awhile, but we are also well armed with the ability to make a decision to not pick it up. Sure, we don't need to kick up our heels like a new calf every day, but we do need to be pleasant and do what we can to improve the day for everyone! Kick the dirt and slam the pliers into the dirt but don't carry the hateful thing around all day! Smile, it looks better!
Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette-area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 05/18/2016