The birds have started building that mud nest on the eaves of the house -- the same spot again this year -- and the window below the spot gets pretty darn dirty. I could say it differently, but you know my close relative would have a fit. She thinks the barn swallows are just the things to have at the house and, therefore, I am not allowed to knock the mud hut down. Not only are they nasty, they swoop down and threaten to peck out my eyes.
The flies are also flying around here. The air seems to be filled with stuff that I don't need or want. I wanted to sit on the front porch and drink sweet tea after church on Sunday evening, but the fly squadron arrived and bombed the heck out of me. The spray effect is not desirable for the drinking of tea and relaxing, so I just went back inside.
It is time to start the spring work, and we sat down and made out a work list so all three of us would know when and where. The offspring sure have their own ideas, and I understand they need to have their ideas presented. The reason so many family enterprises fail is because, as the boys grow into men, they need to have a hand in decisions. Old men who have worked all their lives to put a place together are sure set in their ways, and to relinquish any control is difficult to do. I know from experience, but I am going to try to do this right. They are the purpose of the outfit and I need to always remember that.
Back to the plan, we need to have all the medicine on hand, and that is a huge financial blow. My banker would have a stroke if he knew how much money that stuff costs but, because we are about a century ahead of where my close relative and I started, we doctor and prevent doctoring in new and better ways. BVD and blackleg, lepto and respiratory diseases have cost the beef producers a ton of money and put some clear out of business. We just have to stay on top of all the problems and take care of the cattle.
I am designated to be the purchasing agent. I will not complain about a trip to town and a steak dinner at the Cattleman's Empire Cafe. My close relative will go, she has promised to accompany me if we can stop at the flower place and get some more expensive weeds to plant. I like the looks of her yard in the summer, but she sure plants a ton of stuff I am required to haul home.
The Grands are going to be help for the first week of roundup. They are sure handy to run and fetch for us, punch a stubborn one on up in the chute and keep the tally book. I have to say I am so happy to have a syringe filler, a drink hander and another set of eyes to see all the things we might miss. Besides all that, I enjoy having the kids around!
We stop for lunch, and the lady who helps my close relative during roundup always makes homemade rolls for us. What a dandy dinner we have and I am preparing for that with baited breath! We don't tarry long, about an hour is as long as I feel like we can leave the cattle just standing and, basically, too crowded. I am grateful for the covered facility every day and especially when using it!
I shot a coyote yesterday morning. He was hovering around the pairs pasture for the last week and I let him live for several days thinking he would move on. He didn't, so I finally proceeded to eliminate the possibility of him dining on a calf although all the spring-bred cows have delivered. The coyote was healthy and had a good coat. We must be feeding them pretty good, probably on yard dogs!
It is my opinion, and we all have one, if you are alive, it is that time of year to enjoy again. If you aren't alive, it doesn't matter! Spring has sprung and what a great plan God had for giving us relief from cold and misery. Green grass and trees that are starting to show a green cast are promises of no more frozen water lines and chapped hands for a few months. All is well, and I for one am thankful!
Keep your rubber boots handy, it will rain again someday!
Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette-area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 03/29/2017