It's OK to be a little laid back at this time of the year

Wednesday, December 6, 2017

We did our best to deplete the turkey population in our nation and, by golly, I worked harder than anyone for an extra week! I am doing the turkey trot instead of walking. I ate sandwiches, salads, stews, soups and casseroles containing that wonderful bird and just before I tired of it, it was gone! I am a blessed man!

I am thankful for cattle to take care of this week. I needed to be outside and busy. I spent so much time at the table my legs are wobbly. I'd rather be with cattle in the fresh air than sitting around anymore for awhile. Snip and I are feeling good after a turn around the place. I found several places on fence lines that needed to be repaired and stopped up some holes I figure are dens for critters.

Coyotes are bad around here. I don't know if it is wild dogs or coyotes that are responsible for killing calves that have just hit the ground, but something is. They come right up to the barns at night to yodel and Old Dog just turns his back to the door and goes back to sleep. A pack of coyotes will kill a yard dog in a flash, but some dogs are smart enough to not swap threats with them.

We finally decided to turn the bulls in for fall calves instead of using all AI. I kept eight good cows up and we are gonna breed them AI because I am still the boss on this rock pile! Yes, we have some good sires, but you know my little story and so I am gonna watch and see who has the better calves. What do you figure the odds are of getting all eight cows settled the first time? That is the biggest reason the offspring prefer bulls.

This warm weather has been a delight but not only am I enjoying it, so are the wasps and flies. I have tried to locate the hives of the waspers that constantly dive bomb me as I go to the well house. And I think my close relative is raising fish bait in the bathroom and utility room. The little black crickets are there; from whence they came I do not know! I brought that to her attention and the raised brows and pursed lips let me know she didn't appreciate my humor!

I am thinking it is about time for a trip to the dealership to eyeball the new trucks. I wouldn't be required to purchase one and a test drive is sure a nice treat, and the weatherman said it looks like rain in the middle of the week. Can't expect a feller to work in the rain anyway. I saw a new one go through town as I picked up some feed yesterday; it sure enough made my mouth water!

It is my opinion, and everyone has one, it is OK to be a little laid back at this time of the year. The days are shorter and the mood is getting to be festive, so I believe we could take some time to grin and chin a little more. I suspect many watch ballgames and some just rear back and nap in that extra hour of dark we have. I do not intend to fret over what is not completed, not at this time of the year! Hope you don't either!

Do not put your boots on without dumping out the little black crickets! Messy!

Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette-area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.

Editorial on 12/06/2017