I am here to tell you that rubber boots never get dry enough to wear when they have been left in the bed of the pickup and upright. They are forever ruined and nasty! The stench is a form of cooked cabbage and burned rubber. The thought of putting my socked feet down into the unseen foot of the reeking mess just makes me sick.
I was saving my change for a special need, a milkshake or candy or something like that, when I realized that another four inches of rain would require the wearing of rubber boots. That was the simple reason I beat it to town and purchased a brand new pair that also stink. The new rubber stench is about as bad as the old ones. But, a feller has to do what is necessary to take care of business.
Yes, the ponds have turned over and all the water is now new. The grass is tall as a 4-month-old calf and the tractor is stuck at the gate to the hay field! I told the offspring to go on and move to the field but that it was way too wet to start cutting. They moved and now the tow truck is on the way to the farm. I will never understand the faunching at the bit to cut hay. I suppose it has to do with being born in this part of the country -- you know, trees and grass and all!
The last storm dropped a little over four inches of rain and the lightning never did stop until the clouds exited the state. We were blessed with very little damage, a tree down here and there and a piece of tin blown off the well house at the pasture well. We had opportunity to all be blown sky high with winds of 70 miles an hour. But, all in all, we are so grateful for the water in our area. We are not a flood plain like some others, just rocks and springs that need replenished.
My close relative is home and cooking again. I miss the company pretty bad while she is missing and was sure glad for her to return. She reported having a good time and was worn out, so she slept until noon on her first night home. The offspring and I went to the coffee emporium for lunch, and that will be the last time for awhile. We did enjoy the greasy french fries and burgers while we could!
We lost a cow this week. She was raising a good big heifer and did not appear puny when checked but was found dead the next morning. I am selling the calf this week. If you have cattle, you will lose some occasionally. I think they have heart attacks and strokes like humans and just die. They aren't immune to frail innards anymore than we are. Unless -- and that is on my mind -- the second round of vaccine and deworming was too much. Did not mention that to the offspring because they think I am old and old fashioned anyway! Just a thought.
It is my opinion, and everyone has one, this is gonna be a good year. We are growing grass, have water in the tanks, our taxes are paid and it looks like the hay will be just dang good! The preacher is happy, my banker smiled at me and the cattle market made a little jump. Old Dog is well and goes with me, my family is healthy and pink cheeked. I am blessed beyond measure and I know it. We have an abundance and I figure we share to those who are in need. I hope you all do the same! Yes, I recognize the fact that some of us are still trying to get a toehold in life, but keeping on is the secret and you will make it. Just hang in there!
Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 05/31/2017