We now have three of those smart clocks that know how to set themselves and tell us the condition of the moon. Why don't we have smart calendars too, so, as the months whiz by, they can change themselves? I have to spend about an hour changing all the ones hanging around the house. We have lots of them because we forget pretty often and it helps to see it on paper! This last month has had me running to catch up, afraid I might miss a whole day or two as fast as it went!
We are back in the hay field and blessed beyond measure with another good cutting. I hate putting up hay; I love having it to feed the cattle because I like cattle. So it is sorta like, to me, having surgery to rip out your appendix. I hate the ordeal but like to live! The offspring are once again enjoying themselves and making bales faster than I can haul them in. I am waiting for the day the oldest grand can start doing my job and I can sit on the porch and sip tea!
The eclipse happened in my fall calving herd and those old hides are well attuned to the moon cycles. The sight must have been something to see, eyes rolling and bawling around, maybe going in circles. I know because the babies are hitting the ground fast now! I know the cows could not have all been bred the same day but they are calving three or four a day now! Science is just wonderful but, brother, pay attention to the way nature works as designed by the Higher Power!
We cleaned up flower beds this past weekend. My close relative thinks a man should push the wheelbarrow and, therefore, I was attached to one. I was not hauling hay as of Saturday, so we don't want to allow the time to be lost if another hand is idle. Yes, I found the only Sneaky Snake and, yes, I hollered and ran backward. The nasty, slimy critter was wrapped around a post my close relative was using as a prop for a tall flower. That snake slithered and uncoiled and I was sure he was gonna jump up and bite my nose! Anyhow, I am not afraid of spiders!
It is my opinion, and everyone has one, when you are missed, the fellers should make the effort to find you. If you are just sick in bed, they at least could offer to feed the dog. As for now, being busy with calving -- and so far, so good -- and hauling in hay, I have not attended a round-table meeting in several days. The fellers will think I have died or gone to Australia. I told them I was thinking about it. Not one of the City Fathers has called to inquire! I am gonna stop in today and surprise them, buy coffee for all at the table and thank them for their thoughtfulness! That should raise some dust!
Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette-area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 09/06/2017